Patent ID: 6131635
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B27J,B27L,B27N,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for longitudinally splitting pieces of straw into separated strands for use in making a panel, board or beam, comprising:a gripping shear roller rotatable around its longitudinal axis in a predetermined direction of rotation and at a predetermined circumferential speed for gripping and transporting pieces of straw, the gripping shear roller having parallel grooves oriented at a predetermined angle from the roller axis;a cutting shear roller rotatable around its longitudinal axis in opposite direction and at a predetermined circumferential speed substantially higher than the circumferential speed of the gripping shear roller for longitudinally splitting the pieces of straw, the cutting shear roller having parallel grooves with cutting edges oriented at a predetermined angle from the roller axis such that the parallel grooves of the cutting shear roller cross the grooves of the gripping shear roller to provide a scissoring action wherein the grooves of the cutting shear roller are oriented at a greater angle from the roller axis than the grooves of the gripping shear roller;supporting bench for rotatably holding the cutting shear roller;a support for rotatably holding the gripping shear roller and for ensuring that the gripping shear roller and the cutting shear roller are maintained at least a minimum distance apart to provide sufficient clearance for transporting the split straw strands between the gripping shear roller and the cutting shear roller, wherein the sufficient clearance is provided by an adjustment mechanism which comprises a tension spring and a screw drive affixed to the supporting bench and the support; and,an electric motor for driving the cutting shear roller and the gripping shear roller using V-belts and drive chains.