Thomas Michael Francis

US Patent:

20110083414, Apr 14, 2011

Filed:

Dec 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/653777

Inventors:

Thomas J. Francis - Clinton Township MI, US

International Classification:

A01D 34/00

US Classification:

56 169

Abstract:

The lawn-care maintenance apparatus is compatible with a conventional power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rotary blade that can be readily attachable to and detachable from a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Also, the lawn-care maintenance apparatus comprises fastener elements for securing the rotary blade onto a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The edger blade when attached to the drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower is driven by the power system of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The rotary blade is offset from the center of the axis of the drive wheel of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Another embodiment of the lawn-care maintenance apparatus is a permanent edger attachment that is capped when the edging is not needed, this extending the life of the edger blade. Still another embodiment is a clutch assembly that replaces one of the drive wheels of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower, the cutting surfaces of the clutch assembly having an engaged and a retracted position, the cutting surfaces when engaged locking in place and performing the edging.

US Patent:

20130219845, Aug 29, 2013

Filed:

Feb 8, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/763071

Inventors:

Thomas J. Francis - Clinton Township MI, US

International Classification:

A01D 43/16

US Classification:

56 137

Abstract:

A mower drive wheel incorporating an edging plate including a number of different blade edge profiles for assisting in edging various types and thicknesses of grass or turf. The drive wheel can be reconfigured so that a one piece edging plate is replaced by a plurality of individually attachable blades. A modified walk behind powered mower is also disclosed and which integrates an adjustment mechanism for modifying a rotary turning speed of the edging drive wheel. A secondary drive wheel disconnect linkage is included and the main blade housing of the mower can also exhibit a widened profile to facilitate vacuum intake of the edging debris.

US Patent:

48483800, Jul 18, 1989

Filed:

Apr 15, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/182178

Inventors:

Thomas Francis - Fraser MI
K. Rand Dykman - Armada MI

Assignee:

Franman, Inc. - Fraser MI

International Classification:

B08B 302

US Classification:

134 2212

Abstract:

This is a new apparatus and method for cleaning debris from the inside of a foundation drain tile, the drain tile being in the immediate proximity of the perimeter of a building structure. A rocket nozzle which is in fluid communication with flexible tubing and a high pressure water supply, and a foot pedal control valve is used for starting and stopping the fluid flow. An opening in the tip of the nozzle enables pressurized water to be discharged through the tip in a forward direction. At least two apertures are disposed along a nozzle recess. The tubing is secured to the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. An on-off foot pedal control valve is used to start and stop the water flow into the tubing and into the nozzle. As pressurized water is supplied to the nozzle and projected through the apertures, the nozzle is propelled in a forward direction through the drain tile. The flow of the pressurized water through the nozzle causes the pressurized water to be projected through the opening in the nozzle tip.

US Patent:

49811509, Jan 1, 1991

Filed:

Apr 10, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/335878

Inventors:

Thomas Francis - Fraser MI
K. Rand Dykman - Armada MI

Assignee:

Franman, Inc. - Fraser MI

International Classification:

B08B 302
B08B 904
B08B 906

US Classification:

134 22120

Abstract:

This is a new apparatus and method for cleaning debris from the inside of a foundation drain tile, the drain tile being in the immediate proximity of the perimeter of a building structure. A rocket nozzle which is in fluid communication with flexible tubing and a high pressure water supply, and a foot pedal control valve is used for starting and stopping the fluid flow. An opening in the tip of the nozzle enables pressurized water to be discharged through the tip in a forward direction. At least two apertures are disposed along a nozzle recess. The tubing is secured to the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. An on-off foot pedal control valve is used to start and stop the water flow into the tubing and into the nozzle. As pressurized water is supplied to the nozzle and projected through the apertures, the nozzle is propelled in a forward direction through the drain tile. The flow of the pressurized water through the nozzle causes the pressurized water to be projected through the opening in the nozzle tip.

US Patent:

50800043, Jan 14, 1992

Filed:

Mar 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/487280

Inventors:

Thomas Francis - Fraser MI
K. Rand Dykman - Armada MI

Assignee:

Superior Environmental Service, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

F24F 706
F24F 1100

US Classification:

454341

Abstract:

The system for removing the soil gas from the ground surrounding the building structure, includes a clean-out receptacle, an air duct system, and a fan. The clean-out pipes are installed inside the building structure, accessible from the ground level and near junctions between the interconnecting pipes and the drain tile. The air duct system is securable to a clean-out receptacle, and the fan is installed inside the air duct. The air duct system is disconnected from the clean-out receptacle during the cleaning of the drain tile system. The pressurized fluid projecting through the tip of the rocket nozzle, removes any obstructions in the drain tile, and the pressurized fluid projecting rearward from the nozzle, propels the rocket nozzle through the drain trail system. The air duct system is then connected to the clean-out pipe. The operation of a fan in the air duct system create a negative pressure and vents soil gas from the ground surrounding the building structure which draws the soil gas into and through the porous drain tile.

US Patent:

50835009, Jan 28, 1992

Filed:

Jun 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/361392

Inventors:

Thomas Francis - Fraser MI
K. Rand Dykman - Armada MI

Assignee:

Superior Environmental Services, Inc. - Armada MI

International Classification:

F24F 1100

US Classification:

454341

Abstract:

The system for removing the soil gas from the ground surrounding the building structure, includes a clean-out pipe, an air duct system, and a fan. The clean-out pipes are installed inside the building structure, accessible from the ground level and near junctions between the interconnecting pipes and the drain tile. The air duct system is securable to a clean-out pipe, and the fan is installed inside the air duct system. The air duct system is disconnected from the clean-out pipe during the cleaning of the drain tile system. The pressurized fluid projecting through the tip of the rocket nozzle, removes any obstructions in the drain tile, and the pressurized fluid projecting rearward from the nozzle, propels the rocket nozzle through the drain tile system. The air duct system is then connected to the clean-out pipe. The venting of air away from the drain tile system creates a negative pressure, which draws the soil gas into the porous drain tile.

Address:

16761 Forestview Dr, Clinton Twp, MI 48036

VIN:

5XYZK4AG4BG072773

Make:

HYUNDAI

Model:

SANTA FE

Year:

2011