Abstract:
A log and/or tree chipper has an individual feed chain tension system for multiple chains. A mechanism is provided for quick and easy independent adjustment for differences in chain length. Therefore, if a tail pulley is damaged, one section can be repaired while not requiring all of the drag chains to be split and the whole tail pulley removed. To keep the adjustment from moving out of adjustment after the adjusting step, a push bolt lock slips over adjusting bolts and the push bolt lock can be held in place with lynch pins.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to feed control for a log and/or tree chipper. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an individual feed chain tension system for a log/tree chipper. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Typical whole tree chipper conveyors use multiple strands of drag chains. The drag chain is running in chips, mud and dirt continually while the machine is running. This combination causes the chain, sprocket and floor to wear. The chain also suffers abuse from the logs being dropped and from loaders. Eventually the chain will fail and will need to be replaced. Machines in the prior art use a head pulley that has multiple sprockets attached on a common shaft that drive all of the drag chains together. The tail pulley is a common shaft with multiple sprockets that return all of the drag chains together. The common way to set the tension on the feed conveyor is by sliding the tail pulley away from the head pulley. This works satisfactorily when the chains are new and relatively the same length, but if one chain fails a new chain replacement chain will usually be substantially shorter than the old chain(s) still on the machine. Consequently, in such prior art system, if the tension on one of the chains is adjusted to an optimum amount, the other chain will not be tensioned at an optimum amount. Setting the tension correctly for the new chain will let the old chains slip and setting the tension correctly for the old chain will cause extra wear and damage to the new chain. Compromising by setting the tension between the best setting of tension between what is best for the old and new chain means that both chains will not work in an optimum fashion. 
         [0006]    There is, therefore, a need for a method and apparatus to allow for individual chain tension adjustment to match the different drag chain physical conditions. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention allows for quick and easy independent adjustment for differences in chain length. Therefore, if a tail pulley is damaged, one section can be repaired while not requiring all of the drag chains to be split and the whole tail pulley to be removed. To keep the adjustment from moving out of adjustment after the adjusting step, a push bolt lock slips over adjusting bolts and the push bolt lock can be held in place with lynch pins. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a whole tree chipper constructed in accordance to the present invention with a feed table having two drag chains for moving logs/trees to a feed roller; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the chipper of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the feed table removed to show an feed chain trained around a powered drive sprocket and an idler sprocket and showing parts of an independent idler sprocket adjusting mechanism; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the feed table of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of the two feed chains trained around respective powered drive sprockets in the front and idler sprockets in the back and showing the independent adjustment mechanism for the idler sprockets; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of the rear idler sprockets and the independent adjusting mechanisms associated therewith; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a partial top view of the rear of the feed table with the feed chain removed to show the rear idler sprockets when the axes of rotation of both rear sprockets are in alignment, for example when the machine is originally manufactured; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a partial top view of the rear of the feed table, like  FIG. 6 , but with the feed chain removed to show the rear idler sprockets when the axes of rotation of both rear sprockets are not aligned, for example when the left one of the feed chains has been replaced with a new feed chain and the other (right) feed chain has been in operation for a considerable time and (for example) because of wear is longer than a new feed chain; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the idler sprockets with the adjusting mechanism of the present invention shown. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a view taken along line  9 / 10 - 9 / 10  of  FIG. 8  showing a pair of adjusting threaded members that, when rotated in one direction, move the idler sprockets back and when rotated in an opposite direction move the idler sprockets forwardly towards the feed roller, a wrench engaging end of each of the adjusting threaded members having a locking bar with slots that prevents the pair of adjusting members from rotating when the locking bar is in the position shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a view taken along line  9 / 10 - 9 / 10  of  FIG. 8  showing the pair of adjusting threaded members with the locking wrench removed from the locking slots of the adjusting threaded members and a wrench opening in the locking wrench engaging the front end of the right adjusting threaded member, thereby showing that the locking wrench can be used to rotate and thereby adjust the forward/rear position of each individual idler sprocket by rotating the adjusting members; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view looking under the feed table through an access opening to show parts of the independent idler sprocket adjusting mechanism, including the two threaded members with the locking wrench in place to prevent rotation of both threaded adjusting members and with lynch pins preventing the locking bar from slipping off of the threaded members; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view, similar to  FIG. 11 , looking under the feed table through an access opening to show parts of the independent idler sprocket adjusting mechanism, including the two threaded members with the locking wrench removed to allow rotation and thereby adjustment of either one or both of the locking members; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13 , an alternate embodiment, is an enlarged partial top view of only the idler sprockets on rear of a feed table but with the feed chain removed to show the rear idler sprockets when the axes of rotation of both rear sprockets are not aligned, for example when the left one of the feed chains has been replaced with a new feed chain and the other (right) feed chain has been in operation for a considerable time and (for example) because of wear is longer than a new feed chain; 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  to show elongated holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket which can thereby be selectively moved and then tightened down to adjust the forward/rearward position of each idler sprocket independently; 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13  to show slotted holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket rotatably mounted therein, thereby allowing the idler sprockets to be selectively adjusted independently in a forward/rearward position by first loosening the then tightening the bolts  129 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 13  to show slotted holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket are rotatably mounted in, thereby allowing the idler sprockets to be selectively adjusted independently in a forward/rearward position by first loosening, moving and then tightening threaded fasteners  128 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    With reference now to the various figures in which identical elements are numbered identically throughout, a description of various exemplary aspects of the present invention will now be provided. The preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and described with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows log or whole tree chipper  10 , with a feed table  11  having two feed chains  12  for moving trees or logs towards a feed roller  13 . As in chippers in general, the feed roller  13  forces the logs or trees towards a chipping drum  14 , as best shown in  FIG. 3 . The material reducing or chipping drum  14  cuts the wood into small chips and forces the small chips out a chute  15  as is typical of chippers of any size. 
         [0026]    The brush chipper  10  is mounted on wheels  16  ( FIG. 1 ), however, tracks and skids may also be used, and the brush chipper  10  may be stationary as well. The present invention is not limited to any particular conveyance apparatus, nor does it require the brush chipper  10  be portable. 
         [0027]    Generally, the brush chipper  10  has a rear, feed end,  11   a  and a front, outfeed end,  15   a.  A feed direction is defined, for the purposes of this document, including the claims, as the direction the brush is forced while it is being chipped; that is, the feed direction is the direction going from the feed end  11   a  to the outfeed end  15   a  of the chipper  10 . 
         [0028]    The brush chipper machine  10  for processing logs and whole trees has a frame  20 . The material reducing drum  14 , shown best in  FIG. 3 , is operatively rotatably attached to the frame  20 . The feed table  11  is bolted to the frame  20  for receiving and supporting trees and logs thereon, the feed table  11  having a top, a bottom, a front end and a rear end. 
         [0029]    Looking to  FIG. 3 , the feed roller  13  is disposed between the feed table  11  and the material reducing drum  14  and is rotatably attached to a sub-frame  13   sf  about rotational axis  13   a.  The sub-frame  13   sf  is pivotally attached about pivotal axis  13   pa  so that the feed roller  13  can move up or down as logs/trees move there under towards the material reducing drum  14 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a pair of mostly vertical walls  21  on each side of the feed roller  13 , the walls  21  having a front and a rear and being farther apart at the rear thereof than at the front thereof for funneling logs and trees from the feed table  11  to the feed roller  13  and eventually to the material reducing drum  14 . 
         [0031]    Looking to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first powered drive member, sprocket  24 , (which could also be a pulley) is operatively rotatably attached to the frame along a first substantially a horizontal axis  23  located below the top, front end of the feed table  11 . A second powered drive member, sprocket  25 , (which could also be a pulley) is operatively rotatably attached to the frame along a second substantially horizontal axis located below the top, front end of the feed table  11 , which second substantially horizontal axis can be coincident with the first substantially horizontal axis  23 . 
         [0032]    Looking now to  FIGS. 1-6 , a first idler member, sprocket  26  (which could also be a pulley type idler) is operatively rotatably attached to the frame along a third substantially horizontal axis  28  ( FIG. 6 ) located below the top, rear end of the feed table  11 . A second idler member  27  (sprocket or pulley) operatively rotatably attached to the the frame along a fourth substantially horizontal axis  29  ( FIG. 6 ) located below the top, rear end of the feed table  11 . 
         [0033]    Looking now to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is a first feed conveyor chain  12 , less than half the width of the feed roller  13 , the first feed conveyor chain  12  being trained around the first powered drive member  24  and the first idler member  26  for selectively moving the logs and trees along the feed table  11  to the feed roller  13 . A second feed conveyor chain  12  is also less than half the width of the feed roller  13 , the second feed conveyor chain  12  being trained around the second powered drive member  25  and the second idler member  27  for selectively moving the logs and trees along the feed table  11  to feed table  13 , the distance between the first substantially horizontal axis  23  and the third substantially horizontal axis  28  being a variable distance and the distance between the second substantially horizontal axis (which is also axis  23  in the embodiment shown) and the fourth substantially horizontal axis  29  being a variable distance as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , for example. 
         [0034]    Looking to  FIGS. 5-10  it is noted that carriage brackets  30  slide in slots  30   s  as shown in  FIG. 6A . Idler sprockets  26  and  27  are rotatably mounted along axes  28  and  29  respectively and as carriage brackets  30  are adjusted forwardly or rearwardly in slots formed between frame members  12   a  and  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 6A , the respective position of axes  28  and  29  changes. 
         [0035]    Looking now to  FIGS. 6-12 , the first adjusting member  31  is shown operatively attached to the frame  20  and to the first bracket  30  for selectively adjustably moving the first bracket  30   a  between first and second extreme positions thereof by rotating the first adjusting member  31  in one rotary direction through treaded bar  33 . This will pull or push the first idler sprocket  26  forwardly or backwardly, by pulling or pushing on carriage brackets  30   a / 30   b  to cause them to slide in the slots formed between frame members  12   a  and  12   b  ( FIG. 6A ) in the frame  20 . A second adjusting member  32  operatively attached to the frame  20  and to the second bracket  30   b  works just like first adjusting member  31  for selectively adjustably moving the second bracket  30   b  between the one position and another position thereof, for example as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , whereby the first and second idler members  26  and  27  can be adjusted independently to accommodate first and second feed conveyor chains  12  of different lengths. 
         [0036]    As indicated above, the first adjusting member  31  is a threaded member whereby turning the first threaded member  31  in a first rotary direction moves the first bracket forwardly towards the feed roller and turning the first threaded member in a second rotary direction moves the first bracket  30   a  away from the feed roller. The second adjusting member  32  is a second threaded member whereby turning the second threaded member  32  in a first rotary direction moves the second bracket forwardly towards the feed roller  13  and turning the second threaded member  32  in a second rotary direction moves the second bracket  30   b  away from the feed roller  13 . 
         [0037]    Looking to  FIGS. 6-10 , locking member  36  has a pair of slots  36   a  and  36   b  that are of a size and shape so that they fit over the hex ends  31   h  and  32   h  respectively of the forward ends of threaded members  31  and  32  respectively in the first locking position ( FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  9 ) engaging both the first and second threaded members  31  and  32  for preventing the first and second threaded members from rotating with respect to each other, the locking member having a second non-locking position shown in  FIG. 10 . As mentioned above, the first and second threaded members each have at least one non-circular area (hex ends  31   h  and  32   h ) on the front end thereof and the locking member  36  is a bar with openings  36   a  and  36   b  therein, the non circular area of each of the first and second threaded members  31  and  32  extending through the openings  36   a  and  36   b  in the bar in the first position of the bar for preventing the first and second threaded members from rotating with respect to each other and when the bar is removed from the first locking position as shown in  FIG. 10 , to the second non-locking position thereof, either or both of the idler sprockets  26  and  27  can be adjusted. 
         [0038]    The locking member  36  has an opening  36   w  therein sized to selectively fit over and engage the non circular area  31   h  and  32   h  of each of the first and second threaded members  31  and  32  whereby the locking member  36  can function as a wrench to independently selectively turn the first or second locking members  31  and  32 , thereby ultimately independently adjusting the distance between the respective powered drive and idler members to as to accommodate first and second conveyor chains  12  of different lengths, for example as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0039]    As can best be seen in  FIG. 8 , each of the first and second threaded members  31  and  32  have a hole in the hex ends  31   h  and  32   h  which holes are in front of the locking member when the locking member is in the first locking position thereof and a lynch pin  38  is disposed in each of the holes in the first and second threaded members for preventing the locking member  36  from moving from the first locking position,  FIG. 6 ,  7  or  9  for example, thereof. Each lynch pin  38  is connected by a small chain  39  to a cotter key  40  extending through a hole in member  33  so as to keep from losing the lynch pins  38 . (See  FIG. 6 .) 
         [0040]      FIGS. 13-16  show an alternate embodiment and  FIG. 13  is an enlarged partial top view of only the idler sprockets on rear of a feed table but with the feed chain removed to show the rear idler sprockets  126  and  127  when the axes of rotation  128  and  128  respectively of both rear sprockets  126  and  127  are not aligned, for example when the left one  126  of the feed chains (not shown) has been replaced with a new feed chain and the other (right) feed chain (not shown) has been in operation for a considerable time and, for example because of wear, is longer than the new feed chain.  FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  to show slotted holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket  126  and  127  so that fasteners shown on the axes  128  and  129  can be loosened, the central shaft of respective sprocket  126  or  127  moved in the respective slotted holes and then tightened now again to thereby make the sprockets  126 / 127  selectively moveable to adjust the forward/rearward position of each idler sprocket  126  and  127  independently with respect to the front sprockets (not shown). 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13  to show the slotted holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket  126  and  127 , thereby allowing the idler sprockets  126  and  127  to be selectively adjusted independently in a forward/rearward position.  FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 13  to show slotted holes in the support members that the support shafts of each idler sprocket  126  and  127  are rotatably mounted in, thereby allowing the idler sprockets  126  and  127  to be selectively adjusted independently in a forward/rearward position. Frame parts  130 ,  131  and  132  have a series of holes/slots  130   h ,  131   ha ,  131   hb ,  132   h  therein for reception of respective shafts  126   a  and  127   a  so that the sprockets  126  and  127  can be moved forwardly or rearwardly by adjusting the position of the shafts  126   a  and  127   a  in respective ones of the slotted holes  130   h ,  131   ha ,  131   hb ,  132   h.    
         [0042]    The above described embodiments are the preferred embodiments, but this invention is not limited thereto. It is, therefore, apparent that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.