Patent ID: 8186764
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: E21C,E21F

Abstract:
1. A machine defining a longitudinal axis, the machine comprising: a conveyor extending along the axis, the conveyor defining two sides that are each parallel to the axis; two side frames, one extending along each side of the conveyor, each side frame including an opening, and each side frame defining an inside surface facing the conveyor and an outside surface opposite to the inside surface; a tail slide plate extending through at least a part of the openings; two slide plate guides, one on a respective outside surface of each side frame, each slide plate guide receiving the tail slide plate and slidably movable relative to its respective side frame, wherein each slide plate guide includes a pliable elastomer sandwiched between the slide plate guide and its respective side frame, and each slide plate guide is urged toward its respective side frame; and two take-up cylinders, one on a respective outside surface of each side frame, each take-up cylinder connected to and extending between a respective side frame and slide plate guide.