Joseph M Check

US Patent:

54506786, Sep 19, 1995

Filed:

Jan 27, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/188398

Inventors:

Joseph M. Check - Shoreview MN

Assignee:

Check Signature, Inc. - Shoreview MN

International Classification:

G01C 1506

US Classification:

33833

Abstract:

The Grass Length Measuring Device is a hand tool for use by groundskeepers to more precisely measure the height of grass growing above the soil. The tool is configured as a tool body having two or more soil penetrating points and a plurality of soil surface reference teeth projecting outwardly from the tool body. The soil penetrating points are sharp and readily penetrate the soil under moderate hand pressure. The soil surface reference teeth have blunt tips that, under moderate hand pressure, will readily push aside the thatch but will not readily penetrate the soil. The soil reference teeth rests upon the soil surface and establishes a soil surface reference. One or more gauge surfaces on the tool body are aligned with the soil surface reference to permit measurement of grass height above soil. The arrangement of the soil reference teeth with respect to the soil penetrating points provides an accurate soil surface reference and permits the height of the growing grass to be measured with a greater degree of precision than attained in a single measurement with other devices.

US Patent:

41910079, Mar 4, 1980

Filed:

Jun 23, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/918588

Inventors:

Joseph M. Check - Minneapolis MN
E. Smith Reed - Deephaven MN

Assignee:

The Toro Company - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A01D 3522
A01D 5306

US Classification:

56199

Abstract:

An improved shield member for directing the grass clippings cut by a reel-type mower into a grass catcher. The shield member encompasses a portion of the circumference of the reel from the side of the reel opposite the grass catcher and has an inner surface spaced apart from the reel to define a cut clipping discharge passageway. A cut-off bar is mounted to the shield member and extends inwardly from its inner surface toward the reel and functions to direct grass clippings or mats of grass that tend to adhere to the inner surface of the shield member into the path of the cutting reel blades whereby the grass clippings or grass clumps are struck by the cutting blades and sufficient velocity is imparted to the grass to project the grass in a desired trajectory into the grass catcher position forwardly of the cutting reel.

US Patent:

62472437, Jun 19, 2001

Filed:

Jun 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/336907

Inventors:

Joseph M. Check - Shoreview MN

International Classification:

G01B 500
G01B 506

US Classification:

33783

Abstract:

A turf inspection instrument offering an expandable depth of field and enhanced vertical scale for observing and assessing turf conditions is provided wherein the instrument includes an end wall having a gauge surface carrying graduated measuring indicia thereon, opposing longitudinal ends, and arms extending therefrom to form a substantially U-shaped frame having an open end opposite the end wall. The end wall further has a beveled bottom edge for satisfactory turf penetration. A selectively adjustable viewing assembly is carried by the frame (i. e. , between the arms) substantially parallel to the end wall for movement with respect thereto. The viewing assembly includes a prism and arm engaging members adapted to support the prism moveably upon the arms, with the prism being tiltably received by the arm engaging members. A turnbuckle assembly connects the arms near the open end of the frame. Rotation of the link of the turnbuckle assembly permits binding of the selectively adjustable viewing assembly in a fixed position between the arms.

US Patent:

49708520, Nov 20, 1990

Filed:

Feb 9, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/308902

Inventors:

Joseph M. Check - Shoreview MN
Donald B. Schnotala - Burnsville MN
Michael G. Roy - Mound MN

Assignee:

The Toro Company - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A01D 3448

US Classification:

56199

Abstract:

A grass catcher (40) for a reel mower (10). Catcher (40) includes a vent (94) which is offset relative to the longitudinal axis (55) of the catcher (40). Catcher (40) also preferably includes a panel (78a) which prevents air and grass from escaping catcher (40) on the side of catcher (40) favored by spiral blades (27) of rotating cutting reel (26). Vent (94) is preferably formed by a pair of partitions (96 and 100) which intercept the flow of air and grass and serve to dissipate the kinetic energy of the air to the point where the grass is separated out and falls to the bottom of catcher (40). A pair of slots (108 and 110) permit the egress of air from within catcher (40).