Patent ID: 6904742

Claim:
An apparatus for collecting and reducing twig-containing yard debris comprising: a. a frame adapted to be advanced over a surface; b. a duct mounted on said frame having a duct entrance and a duct exit; c. twig-arrestor means mounted on said frame; d. a collector-rotor assembly comprising: i. a rotating collector-rotor body rotatably mounted on said frame adjacent said surface, said twig-arrestor means, and said duct entrance; ii. a plurality of impeller elements mounted upon said collector-rotor body extending radially from said collector-rotor body by at least about one half inch and defining crenels and merlons having at least one circumferential alignment of crenels, said impeller elements being adapted to: (a) engage yard debris disposed on said surface, (b) impel said yard debris toward said duct entrance, and (c) transport twigs encountered on said surface against said twig-arrestor means; said twig-arrestor means protruding into said circumferential alignment of crenels and, in combination with said impeller elements mounted upon said rotating collector-rotor body, constituting means for fracturing twigs transported against said twig-arrestor means by said impeller elements by impact therewith; e. a blower unit operatively connected to said duct and adapted to induce a flow of air through said duct and provide suction at said duct entrance; f. means for providing power to said blower unit; and g. means for providing power to said collector-rotor assembly.