Devices, systems, and methods related to extracting infill from artificial turf

Abstract

A machine for extracting infill from artificial turf includes a first conveyor forming an inclined surface having movable tracks to engage and move a length of artificial turf from a first end to a second end of the machine. A rake disposed on the first end of the machine may include teeth configured to engage an underside of the turf for feeding onto the first conveyer. The machine may also include a first roller disposed above the first conveyor, where the first roller is movable to apply a downward force to a top surface of the first conveyor. The machine may further include a second roller on the second end of the machine, where the second roller includes protrusions that agitate the turf for assisting in removing infill. The machine may also include a second conveyor to receive infill removed from the turf for discharge from the machine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A machine for collecting lengths of artificial turf, comprising:
 a frame comprising a rear shaft;   a first arm and a second arm engaged with the rear shaft, the second arm disposed opposite the first arm, where the first arm and the second arm are movable between a first position in which the first arm and the second arm are disposed a first distance apart from one another along a length of the rear shaft and a second position in which the first arm and the second arm are disposed a second distance apart from one another along the length of the rear shaft, the second distance being greater than the first distance;   a first collector disposed on the first arm and a second collector disposed on the second arm, the first collector and the second collector independently rotatable on the frame; and   a first motor controllable to drive rotation of one or more of the first collector and the second collector.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , where the first collector and the second collector each comprise a turf roller and a stabilizing finger, the turf roller structurally configured for artificial turf to be wrapped about the turf roller when one or more of the first collector and the second collector are rotated and artificial turf is engaged with one or more of the first collector and the second collector, and the stabilizing finger structurally configured for artificial turf to be folded about the stabilizing finger for engagement of the artificial turf with the turf roller. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 2 , where the turf roller comprises a substantially cylindrical tube having a diameter that is greater than about 3 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 2 , where the stabilizing finger is positioned on the first collector and the second collector for lifting up artificial turf for collection. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 4 , where the stabilizing finger comprises a tip having a tapered shape. 
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 2 , where the stabilizing finger is aligned substantially parallel to the turf roller. 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 6 , where the stabilizing finger is attached to an exterior of the turf roller. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 1 , where the first collector and the second collector each comprise a plurality of fingers. 
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 1 , where each of the first arm and the second arm is movable substantially linearly along the length of the rear shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9 , where linear movement of each of the first arm and the second arm is provided by one or more linear actuators. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 9 , where each of the first arm and the second arm is engaged with the rear shaft by insertion into a cavity of the rear shaft, and where linear movement of each of the first arm and the second arm is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the rear shaft. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a second motor controllable to drive movement of one or more of the first arm and the second arm between the first position and the second position. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 12 , where the first motor and the second motor are the same motor. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 12 , where the first motor and the second motor are separate motors. 
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 1 , where each of the first arm and the second arm is engaged with the rear shaft via a hinged connection, and where each of the first arm and the second arm is movable from the first position to the second position by a swinging movement using the hinged connection. 
     
     
         16 . The machine of  claim 1 , where the first distance is less than or equal to about 102 inches, and where the second distance is greater than or equal to about 120 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket for engagement of each of the first arm and the second arm with the rear shaft, the bracket structurally configured to provide structural stability for the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The machine of  claim 1 , where each of the first arm and the second arm comprise an extension that is adjustable along an axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of the rear shaft for moving the first collector and the second collector relative to the rear shaft. 
     
     
         19 . The machine of  claim 1 , where the frame comprises a coupling structurally configured for engagement with a vehicle for towing or propelling the machine. 
     
     
         20 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a reel for winding cabling attached to one or more motors or linear actuators.