Patent ID: 7404284
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: A01F

Abstract:
1. In a conveyor assembly including a guide member having an upwardly facing guide surface containing a plurality of spaced parallel slots oriented in a direction of operation, a plurality of knives mounted for selectively moving into said plurality of slots and penetrating said guide surface, and a positioning arrangement being coupled to at least said guide surface, the improvement comprising: said guide member being mounted for pivoting vertically about an axis located forward of said cutting arrangement; said cutting arrangement including a frame separate from said guide member; a mounting arrangement coupling said frame of said cutting arrangement to an underside of said guide member for vertical pivotal movement, about a second axis at a forward end location of said frame, between a raised, operating position, wherein said plurality of knives are located for moving into said plurality of slots, and a lowered position, wherein said plurality of knives are located completely below said guide surface so that they can be accessed from above; a locking arrangement being coupled between a rearward location of said frame and said guide member for selectively retaining said frame in said raised position; and said positioning arrangement being operable for pivoting said guide member, together with said cutting arrangement.