Automatic feed system for a trimmer
AssigneeFireFly Automatix, Inc.
InventorsWilliam M. Decker, Eric E. Aston, Mark C. LeBlanc, Daniel A. Aposhian, Steven R. Aposhian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automatic feed system for a trimmer is provided. Such trimmers include a line that can be spun at high speeds to cut vegetation along roadsides or other areas. The automatic feed system is configured to dynamically detect the current length of the line and automatically feed the line to maintain a maximum or desired length for cutting. This length may typically correspond with the radius of a trimmer deck in which the line spins.
Claims20
A trimmer having an automatic feed system comprising:
- a line that is configured to be spun to cut vegetation, the line also being configured to be fed to extend a length of the line;
- one or more line securing members through which the line is fed;
- and
- a control system that is configured to monitor a force on the one or more line securing members while the line is spun and to determine from the force when the line is less than a maximum or desired length, wherein the control system is also configured to automatically feed the line based on the force to reach the maximum or desired length.
A method for automatically feeding a line of a trimmer comprising:
- monitoring a force caused by the line while the line is spun and has an unknown length;
- obtaining a known force caused by the line while the line is spun and has a known length;
- calculating, from the current force and the known force, a current length of the line;
- and
- automatically feeding the line to cause the line to have a maximum or desired length.
An automatic feed system for a trimmer comprising:
- a line feed unit that is secured to a deck, the line feed unit containing a line and being configured to rotate relative to the deck to cause the line to spin within the deck;
- a drive motor that is configured to cause the line feed unit to rotate;
- one or more line securing members through which the line passes;
- a feed motor that is configured to control the one or more line securing members;
- a control system that is configured to monitor the drive motor and the feed motor to determine a current length of the line, wherein the control system is also configured to automatically feed the line when the current length of the line is determined to be less than a maximum or desired length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.