Portable grinding/shredding/chipping system having manipulable track drive and other improvements

A portable grinding/shredding/chipping system with a drive track assembly which is manipulatable to facilitate altering the orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system. This arrangement results in improved loading and processing, of both long and short materials, as well as facilitates connection of a transport dolly and a transport truck/tractor without requiring any additional lifting mechanism. A pivotable housing provides greater access to the rotor and has an over-center arrangement which prevents the pivotable housing from inadvertently moving or pivoting back into engagement with the rotor. The portable grinding/shredding/chipping system is provided with a belt drive assembly which facilitates modification of the rotational speed of the rotor by merely replacing a sheave of the belt drive assembly. Lastly, both head and tail pulleys are driven by a respective motor so that a catinary of the discharge conveyor is radiussed which shortens an axial length of the system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable grinding/shredding/chipping system with a drive track assembly which is manipulatable to facilitate altering the orientation, eg., horizontal, incline or decline, of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system as well as facilitate loading and unloading of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system for transportation thereof. In addition, the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system is provided with an improved pivotable housing which provides greater access to the rotor, during maintenance and servicing thereof, while also positioning the pivotable housing at a location in which its center of gravity constantly maintains the pivotable housing in a servicing orientation thereby preventing the pivotable housing from inadvertently moving or pivoting back toward the rotor. Lastly, the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system is designed to have a drive assembly that can be readily modified so that the rotor can rotate in either a clockwise (downswing) rotational direction (by adding an intermediate shaft with a gear, connected to a gear on the rotor shaft to achieve an additional approximately 3:1 reduction of the rotor speed) or a counter clockwise (upswing) rotational direction (without any intermediate shaft) and provide modification of the rotational speed of the rotor by merely changing a drive belt and a sheave of the drive assembly, for example, thereby providing greater versatility for the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices reduce large diameter wood products and stumps, for example, to a desired particle size and typically comprise a reduction chamber which has an impact rotor located concentrically therein, in combination with a surrounding housing, a drive motor driving the rotor and an infeed chute for supplying material to be reduced. The rotor has a plurality of impact strikers secured to its exterior surface. The rotor is positioned so that the log, tree, debris, wood product, stump, etc., to be comminuted, is fed into the reduction chamber and directed against the strikers, and repelled in the rotor's rotational direction against an anvil which is located along either the top or the bottom of the reduction chamber, depending upon the rotational direction of the rotor.

The drive arrangements of prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices that have a rotor which rotates in a clockwise (downswing) rotational direction typically have a different design and configuration then those which have a rotor which rotates in a counter clockwise (upswing) rotational direction, thereby increasing the overall manufacturing cost of such prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices.

In addition, when servicing of the prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices is required, e.g., servicing the rotor, the feed roller typically does not move sufficiently out of the way of the service personnel and thus interferes with maintenance or servicing of prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices.

Further, such prior art comminuting apparatuses and devices, rotating clockwise or in a downswing direction, are not typically able to rotate at sufficiently slow enough rotational speed, e.g., 200 RPM, in order to generate larger chips, e.g., 4 inches in size, which is desired for some applications; operate, as a shrewder for contaminated waste, with a slow enough rotational speed so that the anvil can swing out of the way without damaging the rotor or the anvil in the event of tramp metal is comminuted; rotate at a sufficiently fast enough rotational speed, e.g., 600-800 RPM, in order to generate smaller chips, e.g., 1 inch in size, which is desired for some other applications; or rotate in a counter clockwise (upswing) rotational direction with the rotor having a rotational speed of between 1,000 to 1,500 RPM,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the disclosure to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art portable grinding/shredding/chipping systems.

Another object of the disclosure is to improve both loading and processing, of long and short length materials, as well as facilitate connection of a transport dolly and a transport truck/tractor to the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, without requiring any an additional lifting mechanism or equipment.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a portable grinding/shredding/chipping system with a drive track assembly with one end thereof which is readily movable, relative to a remainder of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, in order to assist with changing the orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, relative to the ground or some other support surface, to assist with feeding the debris into the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, as well as to facilitate loading/unloading of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, when transporting the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system from jobsite to jobsite, by using either a common machine (lowboy) trailer or a dolly and a truck/tractor arrangement.

A further object of the disclosure is to provide a portable grinding/shredding/chipping system which can be manufactured so as to be slightly taller, e.g., by a few inches or so, due to the manipulatable/movable drive track assembly, relative to a remainder of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, and thereby permit the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system to have a shorter overall axial length and be somewhat lighter in weight.

Still another object of the disclosure is to provide an improved pivotable housing which provides greater access to the rotor, during maintenance and servicing thereof, while also facilitates positioning the pivotable housing into a generally vertical orientation such that the center of gravity of the pivotable housing maintains the pivotable housing in an over center vertical orientation which prevents the pivotable housing from inadvertently moving or pivoting back into engagement with the rotor, e.g., in the event that there is a hydraulic failure or failure of a mechanical lock device of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system.

Yet another object of the disclosure, is to provide a drive arrangement, for the downswing version of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, which is readily and easily modifiable so as to allow an operator/manufacture to alter the rotational speed of the rotor by merely replacing a sheave and an associated mating drive belt of the drive arrangement, for example, with another either larger or smaller diameter sheave and corresponding longer or shorter drive belt so that the rotor rotates at a desired rotational speed, e.g., typically anywhere between 200 and 800 RPM (or possibly slower or faster), depending upon the particular application and the diameter of the installed sheave(s).

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatical and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of this disclosure or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that the following detailed description of various embodiments is by way of example only and is not meant to limit, in any way, the scope of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, the term “leading (feed) end”28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is to be understood as being toward the right hand side of the respective drawing where the feed material4(only diagrammatically shown) is feed into the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, while the term “trailing (discharge) end”54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is to be understood as being toward the left hand side of the respective drawing where the comminuted material is discharge from the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2via the discharge conveyer44.

Turning first toFIG. 1, a brief description concerning the various components of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2will now be briefly discussed. As can be seen in this first embodiment, the present invention relates to a self propelled portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2which can be easily and readily transported to a desired location or site in order to facilitate comminution of desired feed material4, e.g., all types of material such forestry debris, vegetative debris, trees, bark, etc. The portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2comprises a base frame6upon which the various components of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2are assembled.

An engine12, e.g., a diesel powered engine, is supported on the base frame6, in a conventional manner, typically adjacent a middle section of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. An output shaft of the engine12drives an engine sheave14which, in turn, is coupled, in a conventional manner, to a conventional grinding/shredding/chipping rotor16(only diagrammatically shown). An output shaft of the engine12also drives a hydraulic pump (not shown in detail) which pumps hydraulic fluid and thus generates a source of hydraulic pressure18for controlling various other operations of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, as will be discussed below in further detail.

As shown, a drive track assembly20is connected to a bottom surface of the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. The drive track assembly comprises first and second spaced apart separate frameworks58which each support an independently drivable track22or24. Each one of the first and second tracks22,24is supported on the respective framework58by a set of conventional sprockets, or some other conventional rotatable components (not shown in detail), which facilitate rotation and drive of the respective track22or24relative to the respective framework58and a remainder of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. At least one of the sprockets, of each of the first and second tracks22,24, is coupled to the source of hydraulic pressure18to facilitate supplying hydraulic pressure thereto and rotationally driving that sprocket as well as the associated track22or24.

As a result of this arrangement, each of the first and second tracks22,24can be independently driven in either a forward or a reverse driving direction as well as at a variety of different rotational speeds to facilitate movement and repositioning of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As such independently drivable tracks22,24are conventional and well known in the art, a further discussion concerning such independently drivable tracks22,24is not provided.

As generally shown, the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2comprises a feed conveyor26(only partially shown), located adjacent the leading (feed) end28which assists with feeding the desired feed material4toward the rotor16of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2for comminutation of the feed material4. As such feed conveyor26is conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same is not provided.

In addition, a feed roller30is provided adjacent a trailing end of the feed conveyor26to assist with feeding the desired feed material4into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32. As conventional in the art, the driven feed roller30is normally hydraulically biased toward a trailing end of the feed conveyor26so as to convey, along with the feed conveyor26, the desired feed material4into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32for comminution. As such feed roller30is conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same is not provided.

As diagrammatically shown, a conventional rotor drive arrangement34, such as a drive belt (e.g., either a V-belt or a cog belt), a sheave, sprocket, etc., couples the engine12to the rotor16to facilitate rotation of the rotor16. It is to be appreciated that the engine12may drive the rotor16in either a clockwise (downswing) or a counter clockwise (upswing) rotational direction, depending upon the particular application and configuration of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As diagrammatically shown thisFIG. 1, both the engine12and the rotor16are driven in a counter clockwise (upswing) rotational direction and an anvil36is positioned above the rotational axis of the rotor16, adjacent an inlet of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32.

As is conventional in the art, the rotor16is accommodated within grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32(only diagrammatically shown) which comprises both a fixed or stationary housing40as well as a pivotable housing42. The area located between the exterior surface of the rotor16and the inwardly facing surface of the fixed housing40and the pivotable housing42defines the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32. The material, comminuted by the rotor16within the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32, will eventually pass through the openings (not shown in detail) provided in the fixed housing40, and are then deposited on a discharge conveyor44(only diagrammatically shown) for discharge from portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. The pivotable housing42, on the other hand, is not provided with any openings through which any communitated material can pass. As will be described below in further detail, the pivotable housing42is pivotable away from the rotor16in order to provide access to the rotor16and facilitate servicing thereof, replacement of the strikers, replacement of the mounting projections, etc., as is necessary or required.

As diagrammatically shown, the discharge conveyor44generally collects the comminuted material from the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32and conveys such comminuted material along the length of the discharge conveyor44where such comminuted material is discharged. The comminuted material typically falls and collects on the ground for subsequent handling or may deposited into a dump body of a dump truck, for example.

Alternatively, as diagrammatically shown inFIG. 1A, the discharge conveyor44may be a folding type discharge conveyor44, e.g., a middle section of the discharge conveyor44is provided with a hinge (not shown in detail). During transportation, the hinge permits the trailing section of the discharge conveyor44to fold over toward the leading section of the discharge conveyor44and a remainder of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, as shown, and thereby reduces the overall height of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As such folding discharge conveyors are conventional and well known in the art, a further detail description concerning the same is not provided.

The driven feed roller30is supported by the pivotable housing42and is pivotable relative thereto about a roller pivot46. A feed roller hydraulic cylinder48couples the driven feed roller30to the pivotable housing42. When hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a first side of the piston (not shown) accommodated within the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48so that the length of the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48is increased, such an increase in the length of the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48causes the driven feed roller30to pivot about the roller pivot46into its operative position, as generally shown inFIG. 1, to assist with sandwiching the feed material4, between the driven feed roller30and the feed conveyor26, and conveying of the feed material4into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32for comminution.

However, if hydraulic. fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to an opposite second side of the piston (not shown), accommodated within the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48, so that the length of the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48is decreased, such decrease in the length of the feed roller hydraulic cylinder48causes the driven feed roller30to pivot, about the roller pivot46, into a service position, as generally shown inFIG. 2, where the driven feed roller30is spaced away from the feed conveyor26thereby to assist with servicing or maintenance of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, as discussed below in further detail. It is to be appreciated that during operation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the driven feed roller30is controlled so that the driven feed roller30moves toward and away from the trailing end of the feed conveyor26to assist with feeding feed material into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32.

The pivotable housing42is supported by the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2and is pivotable relative thereto about a housing pivot50. A pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52couples the pivotable housing42to the base frame6. When hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a first side of the piston (not shown) accommodated within the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52so that the length of the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52is decreased, such decrease in the length of the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52causes the pivotable housing42to pivot about the housing pivot50into an in-use operative position, as shown inFIG. 1, where the pivotable housing42closes and seals a top portion of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32and assists with comminution of the feed material4by the rotor16.

However, if hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to an opposite second side of the piston (not shown), accommodated within the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52so that the length of the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52is increased, such increase in the length of the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52causes the pivotable housing42to pivot, about the housing pivot50, into the service position, as shown inFIG. 2, where the pivotable housing42is spaced away from the rotor16thereby to provide access to the rotor16to assist with servicing and/or maintenance thereof.

It is to be appreciated that when both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30are located in their service positions (as shown inFIG. 2), the pivotable housing42is in a substantially vertical orientation while the driven feed roller30is located on a side of the pivotable housing42facing away from the rotor16and toward the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As a result of such position of the driven feed roller30, the combined center of gravity C, of both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30, is toward the left of the housing pivot50, e.g., “over center” toward the left hand side of this drawing, and thus at least the weight of the driven feed roller30continuously biases the pivotable housing42in a counter clockwise pivoting direction so as to maintain the servicing position.

When the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52is fully extended so that both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30are an over center position, the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder52forms a stop which prevents further counter clockwise rotation of the pivotable housing42. Accordingly, the substantially vertical orientation of the pivotable housing42along with the combined center of gravity C being located on the left hand side of the housing pivot50thereby prevent the pivotable housing42and/or the driven feed roller30from pivoting or rotating back toward their operative positions. Accordingly, this over center arrangement provides a safety feature, during servicing and/or maintenance of the rotor16, which prevents any inadvertent clockwise pivoting movement of the pivotable housing42and/or the driven feed roller30, e.g., in the event that either of the feed roller and/or the pivotable housing cylinders48,52malfunctions for some reason or there is a mechanical safety pin failure.

InFIG. 1B, an alternative arrangement of the pivotably housing42is shown.

According to this embodiment, the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder is replaced by a hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ which is coincident with the housing pivot50°. When hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a first side of the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′, the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ causes the pivotable housing42to pivot about the housing pivot50into an in-use operative position, as generally shown inFIG. 1B, where the pivotable housing42closes and seals a top portion of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32and assists with comminution of the feed material4by the rotor16.

However, if hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to an opposite second side of the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′, this the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ causes the pivotable housing42to pivot, about the housing pivot50, into a service position, as generally shown inFIG. 2, where the pivotable housing42is spaced away from the rotor16and provides access to the rotor16to assist with servicing and/or maintenance thereof. As noted above, the combined center of gravity C, of both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30, is toward the left of the housing pivot50, e.g., “over center” toward the left hand side of this drawing, and thus at least the weight of the driven feed roller30continuously biases the pivotable housing42in a counter clockwise pivoting direction so as to maintain the servicing position. As previously noted, this over center arrangement provides a safety feature, during servicing and/or maintenance of the rotor16, which prevents any inadvertent clockwise pivoting movement of the pivotable housing42and/or the driven feed roller30.

Turning now toFIGS. 3-5, another aspect of the present invention will now be described and identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

As generally shown, the drive track assembly20comprises the drive track framework58to which the first and second drive tracks22,24are rotatably supported. The novel aspect of the drive track assembly20, according to the disclosure, relates to how the two frameworks58of the drive track assembly20are coupled or otherwise connected to the bottom surface of the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. According to the disclosure, each one of frameworks58of the drive track assembly20is connected to the base frame6generally at two separate and distinct connection points. The first connection point is a longitudinal pivotable connection60located between the respective framework58, of the drive track assembly20, and the base frame6which permits the respective framework58of the drive track assembly20to pivot relative to the base frame6. This pivotable connection60is typically at or adjacent the midpoint M of the respective framework58of the drive track assembly20, e.g., at the midpoint M or spaced a short distance such as 1-36 inches or so, forward of the midpoint M of the frameworks58of the drive track assembly20(i.e., toward the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2), Such pivotable connection60extends transversely across the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2and may comprise one or more aligned connections points which together form the first pivotable connection60for each respective framework58of the drive track assembly20to the base frame6. The purpose of this pivotable connection60, between the frameworks58of the drive track assembly20and the base frame6, will become apparent from the following discussion,

In addition, the first one of the frameworks58of the drive track assembly20is connected to the base frame6via a first hydraulic cylinder, which is located on the opposite side of the midpoint M of the framework58relative to the pivotable connection60while the second one of the frameworks58of the drive track assembly20is connected to the base frame6via a second hydraulic cylinder, which is located on the opposite side of the midpoint M of the framework58relative to the pivotable connection60. The first hydraulic cylinder62is located on a right first side of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, and forms the second connection point for the first framework58, and the second hydraulic cylinder (not shown) is located on a left second side of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, and forms the second connection point for the second framework58. Each one of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62interconnects the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2with a trailing (discharge) end of the respective framework58of the drive track assembly20. Typically both of the second connection points of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62with the trailing (discharge) end of the respective framework58of the drive track assembly20are at locations spaced from the midpoint M of the drive track assembly20and toward the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, typically adjacent a rear end of the respective track frameworks58, to provide sufficient leverage for pivoting the drive track assembly20relative to the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, as discussed below in further detail.

The above described two connections of the respective frameworks58of the drive track assembly20to the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2permit the drive track assembly20to alter the orientation of the drive track assembly20relative to a remainder of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. That is, as generally shown inFIG. 3, when both the first and second hydraulic cylinders62are in their intermediate (neutral) positions, a longitudinal axis A1, defined by the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, generally extends parallel to a longitudinal axis A2, defined by the drive track assembly20, e.g., the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is located in its standard operating position.

If hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a first side of both of the pistons (not shown), accommodated within the first and second hydraulic cylinders62, such that the length of both the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62are simultaneously decreased, such decrease in the length of both of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62causes the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot toward the ground or other supporting surface G, about the pivotable connection60between the frameworks58and the base frame6, and correspondingly causes the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot away from the ground or other supporting surface G, as generally shown inFIG. 4, Such operating feed declining orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is generally desirable when feeding shorter length forest products and other debris onto the feed conveyor26of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. That is, due to declining orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, the grappler merely places the forest products or other debris on the feed conveyor26and, thereafter, the declining orientation, along with that assistance of gravity, assist with further feeding of the relatively short forestry products and other relatively short debris into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32for communition.

However, if hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to an opposite second side of both of the pistons (not shown), accommodated within the first and second hydraulic cylinders62, so that the length of both the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62are simultaneously increased, such increase in the length of both of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62causes the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot away from the ground or other supporting surface G, about the pivotable connection60between the frameworks58and the base frame6, and correspondingly causes the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot toward the ground or other supporting surface G, as generally shown inFIG. 5. Such an operating feed inclining orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is generally desirable when feeding long or elongate logs, trees and other elongate debris onto the feed conveyor26of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, That is, due to the inclining orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, a grappler generally only has to place a leading end of the long or elongate logs, trees and other debris onto the inlet end of the feed conveyor26and, thereafter, the inclined orientation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2assists with feeding of the long or elongate logs, trees and other debris into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32for communition. Such inclining orientation typically avoids the need for the grappler to grab the long or elongate logs, trees and other debris one or more additional times, following initial placement of the long or elongate logs, trees and other debris on the feed conveyor26, in order to adequately feed the same into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32.

Alternatively, if hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to only one of the pistons (not shown), of either the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62, so that the length of that first or the second hydraulic cylinder62is either increased or decreased in length, than one lateral side of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2will be tilted toward or away from the ground or other supporting surface G, about the pivotable connection60.

Turning now toFIGS. 6-9, another benefit of the improved drive track assembly20of the present disclosure will now be described and identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

As shown inFIG. 6, the improved drive track assembly20of the present disclosure can be utilized to facilitate attachment of the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to one end of a conventional dolly66to facilitate transportation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2along a desired roadway or highway. As generally shown, the dolly66comprises a support platform67which is supported by three pairs of spaced apart rotational wheels68that facilitate travel of the dolly66along the desired roadway or highway. While the dolly66is shown with three pairs of wheels68, is to be appreciated that the number of wheels/axles can be increased or decreased, depending upon the particular application and the size of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

InFIG. 6, the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is shown in a partially inclining orientation. That is, the trailing (discharge) end54is slightly higher in elevation than the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. With the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2in this orientation, the one or more lower most coupling feature(s)70of the dolly66can then be aligned with the one or more mating lower most coupling feature(s)72of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, It is to be appreciated that the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2can be moved relative to the dolly66, both toward and away from one another as well as adjust the vertically height of the one or more lower most coupling feature(s)72of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2relative to the one or more lower most coupling feature(s)70of the dolly66, in order to align properly the through bores of each one of the one or more lower most coupling features70,72, of the dolly66and the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, with one another.

Once such alignment occurs, one or more rods, threaded fasteners, threaded bolts or other some conventional first coupling member73(only diagrammatically shown inFIG. 7) can then couple only the aligned and mating lower most coupling features70,72with one another to attach partially the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to the dolly66, as generally shown inFIG. 7, while still permitting the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to pivot relative to the dolly66about an axis defined by the conventional first coupling member73, i.e., the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is only pivotably connected to the dolly66at this stage by a single connection.

Once the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is partially attached to the dolly66by only the lower most coupling features70,72and the associated first coupling member73, then the drive track assembly20can be operated again to supply hydraulic fluid, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to the opposite second side of both of the pistons (not shown), accommodated within the first and second hydraulic cylinders62, so that the lengths of both the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62are simultaneously decreased. Since the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is now securely attached to the dolly66by the lower most coupling features70,72and the associated first coupling member73, such a decrease in the length of both of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62causes, in turn, the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to pivot, about the axis defined by the conventional first coupling member73, and move vertically away from the ground or some other supporting surface G, as generally shown inFIG. 7. Such movement also simultaneously raises a kingpin78, permanently attached to an undersurface of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2.

After the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is sufficiently raised, then a rear portion74of a tractor76can then be positioned under the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2and engage with the kingpin78in a conventional manner. Such engagement, between the rear portion74and the kingpin78facilitates coupling of the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to the tractor76, as shown inFIG. 8, for transportation.

After the kingpin78engages with the rear portion74of the tractor76, then the through bores of the two upper most coupling features70′,72′ are typically generally aligned with one another. If necessary, the improved drive track assembly20can be utilized to assist with any further alignment of the two upper most coupling features70′,72′ with one another. Thereafter, the two upper most coupling features70′,72′ are connect with one another, by another coupling member73′, to complete attachment of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to the dolly66.

Lastly, the improved drive track assembly20is manipulated to reposition the improved drive track assembly20in its standard (neutral) orientation so that the entire drive track assembly20extends parallel to and is generally spaced at least 8 inches or so above the ground G (seeFIG. 8) to facilitate transportation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2along a public road or highway.

Alternatively, in the event that the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is to be transported on a conventional lowboy trailer80(seeFIG. 9), then the improved drive track assembly20can be operated to supply hydraulic fluid, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, so as to reduce the overall height of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2on the lowboy trailer80. That is, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the second side of both of the pistons (not shown), accommodated within the first and second hydraulic cylinders62, so that the length of both the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62are simultaneously decreased to a certain extent. Such a decrease in the length of both of the first and the second hydraulic cylinders62causes the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot toward the top surface of the lowboy trailer80, about the pivotable connection60between the frameworks58of the drive track assembly20and the base frame6, and correspondingly causes the leading (feed) end28of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to move or pivot away from the top surface of the lowboy trailer80a corresponding distance, as generally shown inFIG. 9. As a result of sufficient manipulation of the track drive assembly20, the overall height of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, when loaded on the lowboy trailer80, can be readily modified so as to be no greater than 13 feet 6 inches and thereby facilitate safe transportation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2along public roads and highways.

FIG. 7Ais a diagrammatic right side elevational view of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system, shown a modification of the kingpin. According to this embodiment, the kingpin comprises a removable kingpin assembly79which is removably attached, by a conventional quick disconnect mechanism, e.g., a plurality of bolts, fasteners, etc., to an undersurface of a leading end of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2to facilitate coupling of the leading end thereof to a tractor for transportation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. It is to be appreciated that the removable kingpin assembly79is generally only attached to the undersurface of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2either during transportation or when the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2is being prepared for transportation. At all other times, the removable kingpin assembly79is typically disconnected from the undersurface of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2and typically temporarily stored on the dolly, as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 7A, so that the removable kingpin assembly79does not interfere with the inclining feature/operation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2.

Turning now toFIGS. 10, 10A, 10B and 11, further modifications of the present disclosure will now be described. As these embodiments are very similar to the previously discussed embodiments, only the differences between these modifications and the previous embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals,

The primary difference between the modification and the previous embodiments relates to the drive arrangement. According to this embodiment, the engine sheave14drives an intermediate shaft82which, in turn, drives the rotor16. As a result of use of the intermediate shaft82, the counter clockwise rotation of the engine sheave14results in a counter clockwise rotation of the intermediate shaft82and, correspondingly, a clockwise (downswing) rotation of the rotor16. Due to the clockwise (downswing) rotation of the rotor16, the location of the anvil36is positioned, according to this modification, so as to be located below the rotational axis of the rotor16(instead of above the rotational axis) and thereby initiates comminution of the feed material4as the feed material enters into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32.

As is conventional in the art, the anvil36is spaced a small distance from the rotor16and is biased, e.g., either by hydraulic pressure or a spring (not shown in detail), toward the rotor16so that the anvil36is retained closely adjacent, but spaced from the rotor16. Such biasing of the anvil36, toward the rotor16, permits the anvil36to be forced away from the rotor16in the event that tramp metal, or some other hard material, passes between the rotor16and the anvil36, thereby typically avoiding any damage from occurring, during operation, to the components of portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2.

As generally shown in these Figures, a drive belt84couples the engine sheave14to an intermediate shaft sheave86which, in turn, causes the intermediate shaft82to rotate in a counter clockwise direction. As shown inFIG. 10, the diameter of the intermediate shaft sheave86is typically three times a diameter of the engine sheave14which thereby results in a rotational speed reduction of 3 to 1, e.g., a speed reduction by one third. Accordingly, if the engine sheave14is rotating in a counter clockwise rotational direction at a rotational speed of about 1,800 RPM, for example, then the intermediate shaft82will rotate in a counter clockwise rotational direction at a rotational speed of about 600 RPM.

An intermediate gear88of the intermediate shaft82engages with a mating gear90, provided on the rotor16, and this gear arrangement, in turn, causes the rotor16to rotate in a clockwise (downswing) rotational direction. A diameter of the mating gear90of the rotor16is typically three times a diameter of the intermediate gear88of the intermediate shaft82which again thereby results in a rotational speed reduction of 3 to 1, e,g., a reduction of one third. Accordingly, if the intermediate shaft82is rotating in a counter clockwise rotational direction at a rotational speed of about 600 RPM, for example, then the rotor16will be rotated in a clockwise (downswing) rotational direction at a rotational speed of about 200 RPM.

It is to be appreciated that by merely replacing/changing the drive belt84and either the engine sheave14and/or the intermediate shaft sheave86, for example, the supplied rotational drive to the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2can be readily altered or modified. For example, if the intermediate shaft sheave86was replaced so as to have the same diameter the engine sheave14or vice versa (seeFIG. 10A), then no rotational speed reduction will occur therebetween. Alternatively, if the intermediate shaft sheave86was replaced with an intermediate shaft sheave86which is twice the size of the engine sheave14, then only a 2 to 1 rotational speed reduction from the engine12occurs, e.g., the rotational speed of the engine12is reduced from 1,800 RPM to 900 RPM, for example.

It is to be appreciated that the rotational speed of the rotor16can be easily modified or changed, on-site for example, in order to comminute different types of feed material4or achieve varying degrees of comminutation of the feed material4by merely replacing at least one sheave86and the drive belt84. For example, if the production of larger sized chips is desired, the rotor16will typically rotate at a slower rotational speed, e.g., 200 RPM, while if production of more uniform sized chips is desired, the rotor16will typically rotate at a faster rotational speed, e.g., 600 or 700 RPM.

InFIG. 10B, an alternative arrangement of the pivotably housing42is shown.

According to this embodiment, the pivotable housing hydraulic cylinder is replaced with a hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ which is coincident with the housing pivot50′. When hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a first side of the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′, the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ causes the pivotable housing42to pivot about the housing pivot50into an in-use operative position as shown, where the pivotable housing42closes and seals a top portion of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32and assists with comminution of the feed material4by the rotor16. When hydraulic fluid is supplied, via the source of hydraulic pressure18, to a second side of the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′, the hydraulic rotating (rotational) cylinder52′ causes the pivotable housing42to pivot about the housing pivot50into a service position (similar toFIG. 11), where the pivotable housing42is rotated away from the top portion of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32and to assist with servicing of the rotor16.

FIG. 11shows both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30located in their service positions in which the pivotable housing42is in a substantially vertical orientation while the driven feed roller30is located on a side of the pivotable housing42facing away from the rotor16and toward the trailing (discharge) end54of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As a result of such position of the driven feed roller30, the combined center of gravity C, of both the pivotable housing42and the driven feed roller30, is toward the left of the housing pivot50e.g., “over center” toward the left hand side of this drawing, and thus at least the weight of the driven feed roller30continuously biases the pivotable housing42in a counter clockwise pivoting direction so as to maintain the servicing position. This over center arrangement provides a safety feature, during servicing and/or maintenance of the rotor16, which prevents any inadvertent clockwise pivoting movement of the pivotable housing42and/or the driven feed roller30, e.g., in the event that either of the feed roller and/or the pivotable housing cylinders48,52malfunctions for some reason or there is a mechanical safety pin failure.

Turning now toFIGS. 12thorough15, a further modification of the present disclosure will now be described. As this embodiment is very similar to the previously discussed embodiments, only the differences between this modification and the previous embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

FIGS. 12 and 13show the anvil-screen combination92of the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32in an engaged in-use position located closely adjacent the exterior surface of the rotor16so as to facilitate comminution of the feed material4being feed into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32, whileFIGS. 14 and 15show the anvil-screen combination92of the rotor housing in a retracted position, spaced sufficiently away from the teeth of the rotor16, so as to prevent any damage from occurring to components of the rotor16, e.g., the teeth or mounting platforms, during comminution as well as facilitate servicing, maintenance and/or replacement of the anvil-screen combination92. As generally shown, the lower end94of the anvil-screen combination92is fixedly, but pivotably attached to the base frame6while the upper end96of the anvil-screen combination92is releasably attached to the base frame6by a pair of opposed anvil-screen hydraulic (or possibly pneumatic) cylinders98(seeFIGS. 13 and 15). The pair of opposed anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are provided for facilitating releasable engagement between the leading end of the pair of opposed anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98and the upper end96of the anvil-screen combination92. As generally shown these figures, the anvil-screen combination92is normally engaged by the pair of opposed anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98so as to be retained closely adjacent the exterior surface of the rotor16, e.g., within a few inches or so.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 15, the pair of opposed anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are axially aligned with one another and respective pistons (not shown), accommodated within each of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98, are biased toward one another by the hydraulic fluid supplied via the source of hydraulic pressure18. The leading end each one of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98supports an indentation or recess99which supports a spherical member or ball100, e.g., an approximately 4 inch metallic ball, etc., while a mating side surface of each opposed side of the anvil-screen combination92has a corresponding or mating indentation or recess102which is sized to matingly receive and engage with the adjacent spherical ball or member100of the leading end of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinder98. As a result of such arrangement, both of pistons (not shown) of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are biased toward one another and thereby sandwich the anvil-screen combination92therebetween so as to maintain the anvil-screen combination92in its engaged in-use position (seeFIG. 12), located closely adjacent the exterior surface of the rotor16, which facilitate comminution of the feed material4being feed into the grinding/shredding/chipping chamber32.

Normally, both of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are supply with the same hydraulic pressure so as to maintain a constant retaining force against both sides of the anvil-screen combination92and maintain the anvil-screen combination92in its engaged in-use position located closely adjacent the exterior surface of the rotor16, as generally shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. Both of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are hydraulically connected to one another by a hydraulic line101so both of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98are maintained at the same hydraulic pressure. A pressure relief valve103, having an adjustable pressure release value, is located along the hydraulic line101. In the event that the hydraulic pressure in either one of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98exceeds the pressure limit of the pressure relief valve103, then hydraulic fluid is automatically released by the pressure relief valve103and supplied to a supply tank195thereby relieving the pressure in each one of the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98which allows the anvil-screen combination92to pivot away from the rotor16avoid any damage from occurring, during operation, to the components of portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2.

If a large hydraulic pressure is applied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98, then the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98apply a large retaining force to the anvil-screen combination92while, conversely, if a small hydraulic pressure is applied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98, then the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98apply a small retaining force to the anvil-screen combination92. Accordingly, in the event that tramp metal, or some other hard material (not shown), becomes located or sandwiched between the exterior surface of the rotor16and inwardly facing surface of the anvil-screen combination92, the anvil-screen combination92can overcome the retaining force, applied by the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98, and thereby activate the adjustable pressure relief valve103to release the hydraulic pressure so that the anvil-screen combination92can be rapidly move into its retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, and thereby avoid damage from occurring to the rotor16and other components of portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. As a result, the two mating indentations or recesses102become dislodged or disengaged from the respective spherical member or ball109, supported adjacent the leading end of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinder98, and thereby permit movement of the anvil-screen combination92from its engaged in-use position (FIGS. 12 and 13) into its retracted position (FIGS. 14 and 15). Such moment of the anvil-screen combination92generally avoids any damage from occurring to the anvil-screen combination92.

After the anvil-screen combination92becomes disengaged from the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98, then the hydraulic pressure supplied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98is reduced or discontinued. Thereafter, the two mating indentations or recesses102are moved, by service personnel, back into align with the respective spherical member or ball100of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98. Lastly, hydraulic pressure is again supplied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98to maintain the anvil-screen combination92in its engaged in-use position (FIGS. 12 and 13) and again maintain the anvil-screen combination92in the in-use engaged position.

In the event that servicing, other maintenance or replacement of the anvil-screen combination92is required or desired, then the hydraulic pressure supplied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98is discontinued or the pressure relieve valve103is actuated. Thereafter, the two mating indentations or recesses102generally disengage from respective spherical member or ball100of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinder98which permits either gravity, or possibly operator involvement, to move or pivot the anvil-screen combination92from its in-use engaged position into its retracted position. Such moment of the anvil-screen combination92thereby assists with servicing, maintenance or replacement of the anvil-screen combination92.

Once such servicing, maintenance or replacement is completed, then the two mating indentations or recesses102are again moved into align with the respective spherical member or ball100of the respective anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98. Lastly, hydraulic pressure is again supplied to the anvil-screen hydraulic cylinders98to maintain the anvil-screen combination92in its engaged in-use position.

It is to be appreciated that a variety of conventional retaining arrangement may be utilized for retaining the anvil-screen combination92in the in-use engaged position and, in the event that tramp metal or some other hard material is located or sandwiched between the exterior surface of the rotor16and inwardly facing surface of the anvil-screen combination92, releases the anvil-screen combination92to avoid any damage from occurring.

Turning now toFIG. 16, a further modification of the present disclosure will now be described. As this embodiment is very similar to the previously discussed embodiments, only the differences between this modification and the previous embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

As shown in this Figure, the discharge conveyor44is supported by and wraps around at least a head pulley104, an intermediate roller106and a tail pulley108. The head pulley104and the tail pulley108are both driven by a respective hydraulic motor (not shown in detail) so that both of those pulleys104,108rotate in the same rotational direction and at the same rotational speed to convey the discharge conveyor44in an upward rotational direction for discharging the comminuted material from the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2into a discharge pile, collection container, collection device, etc. This arrangement permits the head pulley104to pull the comminuted material, supported by the upper feed section110of the discharge conveyor44, while the tail pulley108, in turn, pushes the comminuted material, supported by the upper feed section110of the discharge conveyor44, so that a catenary of the upper feed section110of the discharge conveyor44can be “tighter” than without the tail pulley108being separately driven. The tighter catenary of the upper feed section110of the discharge conveyor44thereby facilitates a shorter overall axial length for the discharge conveyor44which, in turn, generally leads to a shorter overall axial length of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. Preferably, the tail pulley108is typically a self-cleaning pulley which assists with self cleaning of that pulley during operation.

The upper feed section110of the discharge conveyor44, during operation, typically has a relatively large radius of curvature for supporting and conveying the comminuted material. An upper first section114of the lower return section112of the discharge conveyor44, extending between the head pulley104and the intermediate roller106, forms an angle of between 135 to 175 degrees, for example, with a second section116of the lower return section112, extending between the intermediate roller106and the tail pulley108. Although not shown in this drawing, a bottom surface of at least one, and preferably both, of the first and second sections114,116of the lower return section112of the discharge conveyor44may be supported by one or more additional return rollers.

For each of the above embodiments, it is to be appreciated that the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2may be equipped with a remote radio controller112(only diagrammatically shown inFIG. 16) which wirelessly communicates with a control panel114affixed to the base frame6of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2. The control panel114controls operation of the engine12, the pump and the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first and the second endless tracks22,24in order to control forward and reverse travel, turning and/or repositioning of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2, as required or desired by the operator during operation.

Since operation of tracked vehicles is conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same is not provided. It is to be appreciated that the radio controller112is generally small enough to be held in the hand of the operator so that the communicated inputted commands, from the operator, are transmitted wirelessly by the radio controller112to the control panel114which, in turn, controls operation of the portable grinding/shredding/chipping system2and implements the inputted commands.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.