US 12,203,227 B2
Method and arrangement for dislodging a floating ground guard of a rotary mixer
Daniel J. Heim, Blaine, MN (US); Todd R. Dunsmoor, Andover, MN (US); and Paul J. Koenen, Andover, MN (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN (US)
Filed on Sep. 20, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/948,445.
Prior Publication US 2024/0093441 A1, Mar. 21, 2024
Int. Cl. E01C 23/088 (2006.01)
CPC E01C 23/088 (2013.01) 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A rotary mixer comprising:
a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion and a suspension;
a rotor supported by the frame and configured for working the ground;
a rotor housing assembly including a floating ground guard, the floating ground guard being slidably mounted for vertical movement relative to the frame and relative to the rotor;
an actuator, the actuator being configured to provide movement in at least a vertical plane relative to the frame; and
a ground guard dislodging tool coupled to the floating ground guard;
wherein the ground guard dislodging tool and the actuator are disposed such that the actuator engages and exerts a force on the ground guard dislodging tool to move the floating ground guard in a downward direction relative to the frame.
 
10. A method of dislodging a floating ground guard of a rotary mixer, the rotary mixer including a frame supported above a surface of a ground by a ground-engaging portion, a rotor supported by the frame and configured for working the ground, and a rotor housing assembly including the floating ground guard, the floating ground guard being slidably mounted for vertical movement relative to the frame and relative to the rotor, the method comprising:
coupling a ground guard dislodging tool to the floating ground guard, the ground guard dislodging tool including an arcuate upper surface;
causing an actuator to move into engagement with the arcuate upper surface of the ground guard dislodging tool; and
continuing to advance the actuator in at least a vertical plane to exert a dislodging force on the ground guard dislodging tool to move the floating ground guard in a downward direction relative to the frame.