Patent Publication Number: US-2004050987-A1

Title: Mobile jaw crusher assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] The present application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,482 filed on Sep. 17, 2002, entitled “Mobile Jaw Crusher Assembly” whose inventor is Robert R. Rossi, Jr. application Ser. No. 10/245,482 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002] N/A  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003] Jaw crushers are machines that typically are stationed at construction sites such as where buildings are being demolished or roads are being built or repaired. The jaw crushers are used to reduce rubble or other materials from a larger to a smaller size. Material from these constructions sites may be placed into the jaw crusher, crushed into a suitable size by the jaw crusher and a further processing machine, and then reused at this particular construction site. This allows for a quick, inexpensive supply of needed materials along with the reduction of waste to the environment.  
       [0004] Another important use of jaw crushers is in assisting in the cleaning up and the reduction of waste in our society. Jaw crushers may reduce objects from a larger to a smaller size in order to recycle and/or store waste material. Jaw crushers assist in recycling used concrete, asphalt, brick, cinder block, demolition debris, glass, and any other substances that are hard and brittle. Jaw crushers are also used for crushing rock and other natural substances. The recycling of these materials is an increasingly important aspect in the cleaning and preservation of our environment.  
       [0005] A typical jaw crusher uses a diesel/hydraulic system in order to operate. It is often the case that other pieces of machinery that work in conjunction with the jaw crusher to reduce material from a base size to the desired size also have their own diesel/hydraulic systems. For instance, a front end loader may load material into the jaw crusher, and a screening device may be present to reduce the size of the material that is ejected from the jaw crusher. Further, a conveyor system is commonly employed to transport material to and from the jaw crusher. In addition to the increased cost of running these separate systems, operation of such numerous diesel/hydraulic systems also negatively impacts the environment.  
       [0006] A jaw crusher includes a generally V-shaped crushing space that is formed between two crushing plates. Typically one of these plates is a fixed plate while the other plate is movable. It is common for an eccentric shaft to be provided on the jaw crusher. The movable plate is in communication with this eccentric shaft, and rotation of the eccentric shaft causes a corresponding movement of the movable plate. Material is placed into the upper portion of the crushing space. This material, for instance a stone, is then crushed between the two crushing plates by relative movement of the crushing plates. The broken material then falls due to gravity into a subsequently narrower portion of the crushing space and is likewise reduced in size. Upon exiting the crushing space from the jaw crusher, the material is reduced to a size smaller than that when previously inserted.  
       [0007] In a typical jaw crusher, the movable plate transfers a great quantity of energy in a short amount of time into the material that is crushed between the two crushing plates. This energy is transmitted into the stone or other material and concentrates locally in a weak portion or interior area of the stone. This local concentration of energy allows for the stone to be crushed between the two crushing plates.  
       [0008] Some jaw crushers are provided with a wedge adjusting mechanism that may be used to toggle the distance between the two crushing plates. Such an adjustment of the distance between the crushing plates is effected when the jaw crusher is turned off. Such an adjustment of the distance between the two crushing plates will allow for varying output sizes of material to be realized.  
       [0009] Problems have occurred in jaw crushers when they are utilized in crushing softer materials, for example asphalt. It is sometimes the case that these softer materials are not pulverized into smaller pieces, but are instead pressed into a smaller, harder piece. Such pressing of soft materials presents a problem because they may become adhesively connected to one of the crushing plates. In such a situation, the sticking of material onto one of the crushing plates may prevent operation of the jaw crusher. This situation requires stopping the jaw crusher and removal of the jammed object. Crushing material that contains clay or other softer materials may necessitate the stopping of the jaw crusher at occasional intervals in order to scrape out the compacted clay from corrugations that may be present on the crushing plate. The pivotal crushing plate of some jaw crushers may be rotated in an opposite direction in order to remove this adhesively connected material from the crushing plate. Upon removal of this material, the crushing plate may be again rotated in the forward direction to once again pulverize material.  
       [0010] A jaw crusher is also designed in order to crush harder materials. In fact, jaw crushers may crush materials that contain steel. It is sometimes the case that material that contains steel when crushed by a jaw crusher separates from the steel upon being crushed. An example of some material that may be crushed by a jaw crusher include: rock, rubble, stone, boulders, concrete, asphalt, brick, block, glass, demolition debris, and the like.  
       [0011] In some jaw crushers, the most efficient mode of operation of the jaw crusher is to keep the crushing chamber full of material. Material may be fed into the crushing chamber of the jaw crusher by, for instance, a front end loader.  
       [0012] Jaw crushers are typically positioned at single locations in a construction site. Other pieces of machinery must be used in order to provide material to the jaw crusher to be crushed. Additional equipment must be employed in order to remove the material that is ejected from the jaw crusher, and must be used to further process the material into a desired size. Additionally, further equipment may be required in order to transport the ejected material from the jaw crusher into a desired location. All of the equipment and/or systems used to transport material to and from the jaw crusher, in addition to further process the material, require a source of power. Also, these systems must be maintained and often operated by a user. Elimination of these systems would prove beneficial in that less energy, man power, and/or power sources would be needed to complete the process.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0013] The present invention improves upon previous jaw crushers by providing for a mobile jaw crusher assembly that can be attached to a piece of construction equipment such as a front end loader. Additionally, the present invention also improves upon previous jaw crushers by providing for a single pass jaw crusher and a jaw crusher that is powered by the vehicle onto which it is attached. Such a configuration reduces the number of diesel/hydraulic systems that must be employed in the crushing of materials, along with a reduction in the amount of equipment that must be employed in reducing material to a desired size. Additionally, other benefits may be realized as described herein.  
       [0014] The present invention provides for a mobile jaw crusher assembly that is used for crushing objects. The mobile jaw crusher assembly includes a frame housing a first crushing member that is configured to be moved and at least partially rotated by a vehicle along with the frame. The frame defines an inlet and an outlet. The vehicle may be, for instance, a front-end loader, a crane, or an excavator. A second crushing member is also present and faces the first crushing member. The first and the second crushing members define a crushing chamber that is used for crushing objects. Objects are crushed by relative movement between the first and second crushing members. The second crushing member is also configured to be moved and at least partially rotated by the vehicle. Further, a guard is provided and is selectively positioned to block the inlet opening of the frame and prevent at least some of the objects from exiting the frame through the inlet opening. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in addition to or instead of the guard as previously mentioned, a spray jet is present and is attached to the frame. The spray jet may be used for suppressing dust brought about by the crushing of objects.  
       [0015] The present invention also provides for exemplary embodiments of the mobile jaw crusher assembly as discussed above where the guard includes a hinge that is configured to allow the guard to pivot with respect to the vehicle. Additionally, the mobile jaw crusher assembly may be provided with a guard that has a support frame that supports an elastomeric dampener, which can be configured with a plurality of curtains arranged in a crisscross pattern.  
       [0016] The present invention also provides for a mobile jaw crusher assembly as discussed above where the guard has a pair of clevises, each clevis having a pivot pin configured to allow the guard to pivot with respect to the vehicle. Further, the jaw crusher assembly may be configured as discussed above where the guard also has at least one cable that is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The cable is used for supporting the guard at a desired position.  
       [0017] Also provided for in accordance with the present invention is an exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly as discussed above which further has a hydraulic cylinder that engages the guard and is used for positioning the guard.  
       [0018] The mobile jaw crusher assembly of the present invention may also be provided with a dust suppression system. This system may include a water tank that is configured for attachment to the vehicle, and a spray jet or jets that are attached to the frame. A water line may place these two components into fluid communication with one another, and a water pump may be used to force water through the water line and out of the spray jet in order to reduce dust brought about by the crushing of objects.  
       [0019] Various features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned from practice of the invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0020]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0021]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the mobile jaw crusher assembly shown in FIG. 1. The drawing shows the mobile jaw crusher assembly being partially rotated, and objects being passed therethrough and crushed by the mobile jaw crusher assembly.  
     [0022]FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a driving mechanism in accordance with the present invention. The driving mechanism is shown as including a first and second rubber tire that engage one another.  
     [0023]FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a driving mechanism in accordance with the present invention. The driving mechanism is shown as including a drive pulley that engages a driven pulley to rotate an eccentric shaft.  
     [0024]FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a driving mechanism in accordance with the present invention. The driving mechanism is shown as being a hydraulic motor that is directly coupled to an eccentric shaft.  
     [0025]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. The drawing shows the presence of hydraulic cylinders along with two angled guards being present on the mobile jaw crusher assembly.  
     [0026]FIG. 4A is a cross section view taken along line  4 A of FIG. 4.  
     [0027]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. The mobile jaw crusher assembly is shown being attached to a front end loader and being positioned in order to have objects placed into the mobile jaw crusher assembly.  
     [0028]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the mobile jaw crusher assembly shown in FIG. 5. The drawing shows the front end loader lifting the mobile jaw crusher assembly and rotating the mobile jaw crusher assembly such that objects are crushed and deposited from the mobile jaw crusher assembly into a stock pile of crushed objects.  
     [0029]FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of an eccentric shaft assembled into a frame and a shaft housing in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 8 is a cross section view taken along line  8 - 8  of FIG. 7.  
     [0031]FIG. 9 is a cross section view taken along line  9 - 9  of FIG. 7.  
     [0032]FIG. 10A is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4A of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. A guard is positioned so as to isolate a crushing chamber from a holding chamber.  
     [0033]FIG. 10B is another cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4A of the exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly shown in FIG. 10A. Here the angled guard is positioned so that the crushing chamber is in communication with the hold chamber.  
     [0034]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. The mobile jaw crusher assembly has a guard pivotally attached to an arm of a vehicle, in this case an excavator, and held in position away from a frame of the mobile jaw crusher assembly by a cable.  
     [0035]FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the mobile jaw crusher assembly shown in FIG. 11. This view shows the guard positioned so as to prevent objects from exiting the inlet opening of the mobile jaw crusher assembly.  
     [0036]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the guard of the mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. The guard includes a support frame that carries an elastomeric dampener.  
     [0037]FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a hinge of the mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0038]FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of FIG. 11.  
     [0039]FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. Here the guard is positioned by a hydraulic cylinder that is attached to an arm of the vehicle, in this case an excavator.  
     [0040]FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention. A dust suppression system is present and includes a spray jet or jets attached to the mobile jaw crusher assembly, and a water tank and water pump configured on an excavator to which the mobile jaw crusher assembly is attached. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.  
     [0042]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  in accordance with the present invention. The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is configured with a connection member  40  that allows for the attachment of the assembly  10  to a vehicle  12 . The connection member  40  may be for instance a bolted connection, or may be a welded or interlocking connection. The vehicle  12  shown in FIG. 1 is a front end loader. However, it is to be understood that the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be configured to be attachable to various types of vehicles  12 , which may be self-propelled. For instance, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be configured to be attached to a hydraulic excavator, a shovel, and/or a crane. As such, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  of the present invention is not limited to attachment, or configuration to be attached, to a particular type of vehicle  12 .  
     [0043] The connection member  40  may be a quick disconnect member such that the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  can be easily and quickly connected to and from the vehicle  12 . Alternatively, the connection member  40  may also be a permanent type connection wherein the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is permanently affixed to the vehicle  12 . As such, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is not limited to a particular type of connection member  40 .  
     [0044] The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be used in a variety of applications. For instance it may be used in the construction, demolition, recycling, aggregate, and or excavation industries. The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be provided as a retrofit unit to replace the bucket that typically is present on the front of a front-end loader. Alternatively, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be sold as an integrated unit with the vehicle  12 .  
     [0045] The configuration of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  includes a first crushing member  20  that faces a second crushing member  22 , a crushing chamber  26  being defined therebetween. It is known in the art to configure jaw crushers such that a “V” shaped arrangement is defined by a side view of a pair of crushing members. For instance please see U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,530 by Nakayama and U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,289 by Georget for examples of different ways of configuring a jaw crusher, these two patents being incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety for all purposes.  
     [0046] As shown in FIG. 1, where the end of a frame  14  has been cut away to reveal its internally disposed components, the first crushing member  20  and the second crushing member  22  are arranged such that one may be moved relative to the other. Here the second crushing member  22  is attached and fixed relative to the frame  14 . The first crushing member  20  is movable with respect to the frame  14  and the second crushing member  22 . An eccentric shaft  16  is present and is rotatably mounted to the frame and may be rotated with respect to the frame  14 .  
     [0047] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric shaft  16  as shown in FIG. 7 is comprised of two outer cylinders  102  that are concentric with respect to one another about a central axis of rotation. Shaft  16  also includes a middle cylinder  104  that has a rotational axis that is offset from the central rotational axis of the two outer cylinders  102 . Rotation of the shaft  16  about the central rotational axis of outer cylinders  102  therefore provides for an eccentric motion of middle cylinder  104  of the eccentric shaft  16 . The two outer cylinders  102  are each engaged by and rotate within a bearing  72 . The middle cylinder  104  is housed within and is rotatable in a pair of shaft housing bearings  106 . The middle cylinder  104  of the eccentric shaft  16  engages a shaft housing  42  through the shaft housing bearings  106 . As such, the eccentric shaft  16  is in communication with the shaft housing  42 . FIG. 8 is a view taken along line  8 - 8  of FIG. 7, and schematically shows the shaft housing  42  engaging the eccentric shaft  16  on the middle cylinder  104  through the shaft housing bearings  106 . Additionally, FIG. 9 is taken along line  9 - 9  of FIG. 7, and schematically shows the relative positions of the middle cylinder  104  and the outer cylinder  102  of the eccentric shaft  16 . Referring now back to FIG. 1, the shaft housing  42  rigidly engages the first crushing member  20 . Rotation of the eccentric shaft  16  therefore causes a corresponding movement in shaft housing  42  and the first crushing member  20 . Due to the eccentric engagement, rotation of the eccentric shaft  16  causes the first crushing member  20  to be moved closer to and then away from the second crushing member  22  upon rotation of the eccentric shaft  16 . The shaft housing  42  engages the first crushing member  20  and is pivotally mounted on the eccentric shaft  16 . The upper portion of the first crushing member  20  is therefore supported by the eccentric shaft  16 .  
     [0048] As shown in FIG. 1 for example, the lower portion of the first crushing member  20  is supported by a first rod  32  that is pivotally connected to the first crushing member  20 . The first rod  32  passes slideably linearly through the frame  14  and has a nut  36  threadingly engaged on the end that is disposed outside frame  14 . A spring  34  is present and is located between the nut  36  and the exterior of the frame  14 . The spring  34  provides a tension in the first rod  32  such that the first rod  32  tends to lift the lower end of the first crushing member  20  toward nut  36  as shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0049] A second rod  74  may also be present in the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The second rod  74  is pivotally attached to the first crushing member  20  at a point between the first rod  32  and where the first crushing member  20  engages shaft housing  42 . A second spring  76  is present and is placed between the interior of the frame  14  and a second nut  78  that threadingly engages the second rod  74 . This arrangement causes the spring  76  to press against the nut  78  such that a downward force away from frame  14  as shown in FIG. 1 is imparted onto the second rod  74  and causes a correspondingly downward force onto the first crushing member  20  as shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0050] The arrangement of the first rod  32  and the second rod  74  helps to maintain the proper positioning of the first crushing member  20  when the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is rotated between a horizontal scooping position (FIG. 1) and a vertical crushing position as can be seen schematically in FIG. 2. The arrangement also helps to provide for a desirable positioning of the first crushing member  20  during operational procedures of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Additionally, the tension, imparted through the first rod  32  and the second rod  74 , may help to increase the performance of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  during crushing procedures.  
     [0051] Referring back to FIG. 1, the rotation of the eccentric shaft  16  may be obtained through an electrical or hydraulic motor as will be later discussed. If a hydraulic motor is present, the hydraulic motor may be powered by a hydraulic source  100  of a diesel system  46  as shown in FIG. 5, and connected via a pressure line  38  containing hydraulic fluid. It is therefore the case that the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  that is powered by the hydraulic source  100  of the vehicle  12 . However, it is to be understood that in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be powered by an independent hydraulic source that is separate from the vehicle  12 .  
     [0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle  12  may move forward such that objects  28  are urged through an inlet opening  11  of the frame  14  into a holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Teeth  30  may be present on the frame  14  near the inlet opening  11  in order to assist in digging objects  28  or placing objects  28  into the holding chamber  24 . As such, the vehicle  12  may manipulate the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  so that the objects  28  are both torn from a pile and/or loaded into the holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The vehicle  12 , in this case a front end loader, is equipped with a vehicle pivoting arm  48 . The connection member  40  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  engages the vehicle pivoting arm  48 . A hydraulic cylinder  51  is present on the vehicle  12  and may be actuated in order to at least partially rotate the vehicle pivoting arm  48 . Rotating the vehicle arm  48  results in a corresponding rotating movement of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Vehicle  12  also is provided with a lifting arm  49 , which can be raised and lowered in a vertical direction from the lowered position shown in FIG. 1 to the raised position shown in FIG. 2 for example.  
     [0053]FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  of FIG. 1 during crushing procedures. Here, the hydraulic cylinder  50  as been actuated such that the vehicle connection arm  48  is rotated causing the mobile jaw crushing assembly  10  to be tilted in a substantially vertical direction. Lifting arm  49  has also been moved to a relatively elevated position that lifts assembly  10  above the ground. Objects  28  are present within the holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The holding chamber  24  may or may not be full of the crushed objects  41  upon being rotated and lifted. The eccentric shaft  16  is rotated, and this rotation results in a corresponding movement of the first crushing member  20  relative to the second crushing member  22 . As can be seen in FIG. 2, the presence of the second rod  74  along with the spring  76  and nut  78  helps to ensure that the first crushing member  20  does not rotate out of a desired operating position during tilting and rotation of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 .  
     [0054] The crushing surface of the first crushing member  20  has a side  21  that is provided with a first manganese liner  44 . The crushing surface of the second crushing member  22  has a side  23  that is provided with a second manganese liner  45 . Relative movement of the first crushing member  20  with respect to the second crushing member  22  causes the objects  28  to be crushed between the first and second manganese liners  44  and  45 . As the objects  28  are crushed, they fall downward into a narrower portion of the crushing chamber  26  where they are again crushed by the first and second manganese liners  44  and  45  into an even smaller size. This continues until the objects  28  fall from the crushing chamber  26  through an outlet opening  13  of the frame  14  and into a pile of crushed objects  41 . The size of the crushed objects  41  may be regulated by adjusting the relative distance between the first and second crushing members  20  and  22 . In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crushed objects  41  are approximately 1 and ½ inches in size, which is the largest dimension from any one exterior point to any other exterior point. However, the invention is not limited to producing crushed objects  41  of 1 and ½ inches in size, but may produce crushed objects  41  of various sizes in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0055] Base material specifications may vary among different states and/or job specifications. Adjustment of the size of the crushing chamber  26  may be important due to the fact that variously sized crushed objects  41  are needed in various situations. The adjustment of the distance between the first and second crushing members  20  and  22  and hence the size of the crushing chamber  26  may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the nuts  78  and  36 . Such an adjustment would cause a corresponding change in the amount of tension imparted through the rods  32  and  74 . This in turn would cause a change in the displacement of the lower end of the first crushing member  20  and hence act to modify the distance between the first and second crushing members  20  and  22 .  
     [0056] By modifying the size of the crushing chamber  26 , varying sizes of crushed objects  41  may be realized. Additionally, through normal use and wear of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 , the first and second manganese liners  44  and  46  may be worn through continued operation. It may therefore be desirable to adjust the size of the crushing chamber  26  in order to compensate for this normal wear of the first and second manganese liners  44  and  45 .  
     [0057] A saleable product is one that does not need to be transported by separate machinery to or from the jaw crusher, or a product that is further processed by separate machinery. Previous mobile jaw crusher assemblies  10  were typically fed objects  28  by a conveyor system that had a screening system attached thereto wherein the objects  28  were screened and then conveyed into the jaw crusher. These screened objects were then crushed by the jaw crusher and were further conveyed from the jaw crusher. The present invention is not limited to producing only saleable products. In other exemplary embodiments, saleable and/or nonsaleable products may be produced.  
     [0058] As shown in FIG. 2, objects  28  may be placed into the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The objects  28  are then reduced into the crushed objects  41  which may represent a saleable product. As such, the step of feeding and/or screening the objects  28  before entry into the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  has been eliminated. The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  therefore allows for multiple piles of crushed objects  41  to be stock-piled without the use of conveyors. Additionally, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may allow for crushed objects  41  to be placed into screeners for further processing without the use of conveyors.  
     [0059]FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a driving mechanism  18  that is used to rotate the eccentric shaft  16  in accordance with the present invention. Here, a hydraulic motor  50  is present and is attached to the frame  14 . The hydraulic motor  50  is powered by the hydraulic source  100  of the vehicle  12  through the hydraulic line  38 . The hydraulic line  38  is run through the connection member  40  and into the frame  14 , finally connecting with the hydraulic motor  50 . The eccentric shaft  16  is in communication with a first frictionally engaging member  58 . In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first frictionally engaging member  58  is a first rubber tire  58 . A second frictionally engaging member  60  is in communication with the hydraulic motor  50  such that rotation of the hydraulic motor  50  causes a corresponding rotation of the second frictionally engaging member  60 . In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second frictionally engaging member  60  is a second rubber tire  60 . The rotation of the second rubber tire  60  is shown in the direction of arrow A in FIG.  3 A. The first and second rubber tires  58  and  60  may be inflated such that they will press against one another. Rotation of the second rubber tire  60  in the direction of arrow A causes a corresponding rotation of the first rubber tire  50  in the direction of arrow B due to this engagement. Since the first rubber tire  58  is in communication with the eccentric shaft  16 , rotation of the first rubber tire  58  causes a corresponding rotation of the eccentric shaft  16 .  
     [0060] By changing the diameter of the first rubber tire  58  and/or the second rubber tire  60 , the speed of the eccentric shaft  16  may be varied which can ultimately cause a varying size of the crushed objects  41 . Additional output sizes of the crushed objects  41  may be obtained by varying the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic motor  50  or by varying the speed of the electric motor if an electric motor is used in other exemplary embodiments.  
     [0061]FIG. 3B shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the driving mechanism that may be used in the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Here, the hydraulic source  100  of the vehicle  12  is again run into the frame  14  via the hydraulic lines  38  and powers a hydraulic motor  50 . The hydraulic motor  50  is coupled to a drive pulley  52 . A driven pulley  54  is present and is in communication with the eccentric shaft  16 . A belt  56  is provided and engages both the drive pulley  52  and the driven pulley  54 . Rotation of the hydraulic motor  50  causes a corresponding rotation of the drive pulley  52  and movement of the belt  56 . Movement of the belt  56  around the driven pulley  54  causes the driven pulley to rotate and hence results in a corresponding rotation of the eccentric shaft  16  due to the coupling of the driven pulley  54  to the eccentric shaft  16 . The belt  56  may be a V-belt in certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, however other belts as known in the art may be employed. Additionally, the drive pulley  52  and/or the driven pulley  54  may have variously grooved surfaces in order to assist in the retention of the belt  56  thereon and provide for an adequate amount of rotational transfer between the drive pulley  52  and the driven pulley  54 . In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sprocket wheel and chain drive arrangement may be used in place of the drive pulley  52 , driven pulley  54 , and belt  56  arrangement.  
     [0062] Another exemplary alternative embodiment of the driving mechanism  18  is shown in FIG. 3C. Here, the hydraulic motor  50  is directly mounted onto the eccentric shaft  16 . The hydraulic source of the vehicle  12  is fed into the hydraulic motor  50  and causes rotation of the hydraulic motor  50 . Rotation of the hydraulic motor  50  imparts a corresponding rotation of the eccentric shaft  16 . A cylindrical section of the eccentric shaft  16  may be bored out to allow the shaft of the hydraulic motor  50  to fit therein. Additionally, a coupling may be present between the hydraulic motor  50  and the eccentric shaft  16  in order to provide for the communication of rotation between these two members. A hydraulic control valve (not shown) may be provided in order to regulate the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor  50  and hence control the rotation of the eccentric shaft  16 .  
     [0063] Although each of the driving mechanisms  18  shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and  3 C employs a hydraulic motor  50 , it is to be understood that an electrical motor may be substituted therefor to provide for the aforementioned rotation of the eccentric shaft  16 . Additionally, the power source for either the electric motor or the hydraulic motor  50  does not need to be provided by the vehicle  12  in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For instance, as schematically shown in FIG. 5, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a separate diesel/hydraulic power source  110  may be provided on the frame  14  in order to run the hydraulic motor  50 . Such an independent diesel/hydraulic source (e.g.  110  in FIG. 5) is separate from a diesel and hydraulic system  46  of the vehicle  12  that supplies hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic line  38  from the hydraulic source  100  as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, a separate source of power may be provided on the frame  14  and may be used to power an electric motor that is used in place of the hydraulic motor  50 . Referring back to FIG. 1, additional ways of driving the eccentric shaft  16  are possible, as is known in the art, and the present invention is not limited to a particular mode of driving the eccentric shaft  16 .  
     [0064]FIG. 4 shows a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  in accordance with the present invention. Here, the shaft housing  42  is shown as being located in approximately the center of the frame  14 . A pair of bearings  72  support the eccentric shaft  16  on either end. The shaft housing bearings ( 106  in FIG. 7) are positioned within the shaft housing  42  and help ensure a relatively smooth rotation of the eccentric shaft  16  within the shaft housing  42 . FIG. 7 and the related discussion provide a more detailed description of how the shaft housing  42  is in communication with the eccentric shaft  16 . The driving mechanism  18  is the pulley system displayed in FIG. 3B. Here, the driven pulley  54  is moved by the belt  56  to transfer its motion onto the eccentric shaft  16 . A counter weight  62  is placed on an opposite end of the eccentric shaft  16  from the driving mechanism  18  in order to counter the weight of the driven pulley  54  on the eccentric shaft  16 .  
     [0065] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A for example, a dividing member  66  shown as an angled guard  66  is shown as being located within the holding chamber  24  of the frame  14 . As shown in FIG. 4A, the angled guard  66  extends down to and is proximate to the crushing chamber  26 . The angled guard  66  is angled such that the upper portion of the angled guard  66  is near the outside of the frame  14  while the lower portion of the angled guard  66  is proximate to the crushing chamber  26 . The angled guard  66  helps maintain the objects  28  within the holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 , and also helps to channel the objects  28  into the crushing chamber  26 . A second angle guard  68  is also present in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. The second angled guard  68  is configured to help hold the objects  28  within the holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The second angled guard  68  is sloped downwardly in FIGS. 4 and 4A such that the lower portion of the second angle guard  68  is proximate to the crushing chamber  26 . The second angled guard  68  also helps to ensure that the objects  28  are properly channeled into the crushing chamber  26  in order to be crushed by the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 .  
     [0066] The frame  14  is equipped with steel guards  64  on either end to help protect the counter weight  62 , the driving mechanism  18 , and the bearings  72 . It is often the case that the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  will be slammed into the objects  28  and hence be subjected to a high degree of force thereon. The steel guards  64  act to protect various elements of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  and also help to provide for a stronger structural integrity of the frame  14 .  
     [0067] The exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  shown in FIG. 4 is shown having two first rods  32  being present, each having a spring  34  and a nut  36  thereon in order to help properly position the first crushing member  20  (not shown in FIG. 4). However, unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a second rod  74  is not shown in FIG. 4. One of the purposes of the second rod  74  in FIG. 1 was to help properly position the first crushing member  20  during rotation of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a hydraulic cylinder  70  has been substituted for the second rod  74 . This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 4A. The hydraulic cylinder  70  may be actuated such that the proper positioning of the first crushing member  20  (not shown in FIG. 4) is maintained. Additionally, each hydraulic cylinder  70  may be configured such that it acts as a dampening member when force due to the weight of the first crushing member  20  acts thereon. This can be accomplished by incorporating an internal valve into the hydraulic cylinder  70  circuit to provide a varying or constant resistive pressure. In essence, the hydraulic cylinder  70  can be configured to perform essentially the same functions as the second rod  74  in FIG. 1. While two hydraulic cylinders  70  are shown in FIG. 4, it is to be understood that any number of hydraulic cylinders  70  and/or the first rods  32  may be employed in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, the presence of the rods  32  and  74  along with the hydraulic cylinders  70  may not be necessary in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0068] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Here, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is provided with a hydraulic cylinder  200  that is pivotally attached to the angled guard  66  at a pivot connection  206 . The hydraulic cylinder  200  extends through the frame  14  and is housed on one end by a cover  202 . The hydraulic cylinder  200  is pivotally connected to the cover  202  at a pivot connection  204 . The angled guard  66  is pivoted on one end by a hinge  208 , which is connected to the frame  14 . A deflector  210  is present in this exemplary embodiment and is connected to the second angled guard  68 . In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the deflector  210  may be a solid steel deflector  210  having generally triangular cross sections and extending width wise along the full width of the second angled guard  68 .  
     [0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the hydraulic cylinder  200  may be actuated such that the angled guard  66  is rotated about the hinge  208  and contacts the deflector  210 . Once this occurs, the holding chamber  24  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is isolated from the crushing chamber  26 . The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be manipulated by the vehicle  12  such that the holding chamber  24  acts a conventional bucket and objects  28  (not shown in FIG. 10A) may be placed within the holding chamber  24  as would be the case with a conventional bucket.  
     [0070] Before allowing the material in the holding chamber  24  to enter the crushing chamber  26 , the eccentric shaft  16  may then be rotated such that the first crushing member  20  is moving back and forth relative to the second crushing member  22 . At this point, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be rotated into the position shown in FIG. 10B. The hydraulic cylinder  200  may then be actuated in order to move the angled guard  66  away from the deflector  210 . Doing so will cause the objects  28  (not shown in FIG. 10B) to fall at a controlled rate from the holding chamber  24  into the crushing chamber  26 . The objects  28  will be crushed by relative movement between the first and second crushing members  20  and  22  as described above in regards to previous embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0071] The incorporation of the angled guard  66  along with the hydraulic cylinder  200  allows for a controlled feeding of the objects  28  into the crushing chamber  26 . Additionally, the relative motion between the first and second crushing members  20  and  22  may begin before the objects  28  are placed therebetween. As such, relative motion may begin before tilting or after tilting the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  as shown in FIG. 10B. This type of crushing arrangement may be more beneficial in some respects as compared to those in which the relative motion between the crushing members  20  and  22  begins while objects  28  are therebetween. Additionally, the provision of the angled guard  66  in conjunction with the hydraulic cylinder  200  also allows for the benefit for placing objects  28  within the holding chamber  24  without unwanted falling of the objects  28  through the outlet opening  13  in the frame  14 . This is due to the fact that the angled guard  66  is positioned such that the holding chamber  24  is isolated from the outlet opening  13 . Further, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be in motion while digging. In other exemplary embodiments, more than one hydraulic cylinder  200  may be used. For instance, two hydraulic cylinders  200  may be employed in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0072]FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  attached to the vehicle  12  that is a front end loader. The vehicle  12  is provided with an independent diesel system  46  which helps power the hydraulic source  100  of the vehicle  12 . As stated, this hydraulic source  100  may be used to run the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Here, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is positioned by the vehicle  12  such that it is prepared to scoop objects  28  into the interior of the frame of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  through the inlet opening  11 . Since the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is replacing the standard bucket of the vehicle  12 , the operator of the vehicle  12  may use the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  to scoop the objects  28  to be crushed in much the same way as the operator would use the normal bucket when using the vehicle. Additionally, a separate diesel/hydraulic source  110  may be carried by the frame  14 . Such a diesel/hydraulic source  110  may be used to power the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  independent from the hydraulic source  100  of the vehicle  12 .  
     [0073]FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  of FIG. 5 once the objects  28  have been placed within the frame  14  and the hydraulic cylinder  51  of the vehicle  12  has been actuated in order to lift and rotate the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . At this point the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  begins crushing the objects  28  such that crushed objects  41  are deposited out of the outlet opening  13  of the frame  14  into a stock pile. Aside from depositing the crushed objects  41  into a stock pile, the crushed objects  41  may be deposited into another vehicle such as a dump truck, or may be deposited onto a conveyor system to be transported away from the site. Additionally, the crushed objects  41  may be deposited into a second jaw crusher or another type of crusher for further processing of the crushed objects  41 . However, in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the crushed objects  41  which exit the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  are of a desired size such that they are a saleable product and further processing of the crushed objects  41  is not necessary.  
     [0074] Although shown as being attached to a front end loader, the vehicle  12  onto which the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be attached may be any type of vehicle that is capable of rotating the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . For instance, an articulated vehicle  12  that is capable of lifting and rotating the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be used. Additionally, the power source of this vehicle  12  can be used to run the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  such that an independent power source is not needed on the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The vehicle  12  may therefore allow for the objects  28  to be lifted, crushed, and deposited while the vehicle  12  is either stationary or moving, walking, or creeping in nearly any direction.  
     [0075] Previous jaw crushers required objects to be fed to the jaw crusher for processing. As such, a machine was required to obtain the objects and/or transport the objects. Further, a separate machine was needed in order to transport the objects from the jaw crusher. By having a mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 , the vehicle  12  may perform all of these tasks. For instance, objects  28  may be placed within the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  by the vehicle  12 , the vehicle  12  may move to a suitable depositing site, and the objects  28  may be crushed by the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  either during transport, or once the vehicle  12  has been moved to the desired depositing site. Also by crushing the objects  28  during movement of the vehicle  12 , the crusher assembly permits the crushed objects to be spread over any desired area and transforms the vehicle into a spreader. As such, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  eliminates various stages commonly used in known crushing and distribution procedures.  
     [0076] The mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be produced as a separate unit that is configured for attachment to the vehicle  12 , or the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  may be provided as an integrated unit with the vehicle  12 .  
     [0077] Referring now to FIG. 11, another exemplary embodiment of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is shown attached to an arm  15  of a vehicle  12  that is an excavator. A pivot  90  is provided on a portion of the arm  15  near one end thereof. A linkage member  61  is pivotally connected to pivot  90  and connected to crusher assembly  10 . A hydraulic cylinder  92  is also provided on the arm  15 . One end of the hydraulic cylinder  92  is pivotally attached to the arm  15 . An opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder  92  is pivotally attached to linkage member  61 . Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder  92  results in a corresponding rotation of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  about the pivot  90 . Such a pivoting arrangement is commonly known in the art. A hydraulic cylinder line  94  feeds hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder  92 . Although the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 makes use of hydraulics in order to move and rotate the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 , it is to be understood that other mechanisms are possible in accordance with the present invention. For instance, a gear train arrangement could be used in order to provide the required movement and/or rotation of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 .  
     [0078]FIG. 11 also shows the excavator  12  as including a second excavator arm  96  that is attached to the arm  15 . The second excavator arm  96  also has a second hydraulic cylinder  98  being attached thereto and being powered by the diesel/hydraulic system  350  of the excavator  12 . Actuation of the second hydraulic cylinder  98  causes a corresponding rotation of the arm  15  about the second excavator arm  96 . As can be seen from this arrangement, it is possible for the excavator  12  to manipulate the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  such that objects  28  are able to be scooped into the frame  14  of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . Hydraulic fluid may be supplied to one or more of the aforementioned components through hydraulic lines  99  which are in hydraulic communication with the diesel/hydraulic system  350 .  
     [0079] A guard  302  is provided and is attached to the arm  15  of the excavator  12  (FIG. 17). The guard  302  is positioned away from the inlet opening  11  of the frame  14  such that objects  28  may be scooped into the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  through the inlet opening  11 . In this regard, the guard  302  is pivotally attached to the arm  15  by a hinge  306 . The guard  302  is further held in the position shown in FIG. 11 by a cable  310 . As can be seen in FIG. 11, when the excavator  12  is not crushing the objects  28 , the guard  302  may be held away from the frame  14  by the hinge  306  and the cable  310 .  
     [0080] Referring now to FIG. 12, the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  of FIG. 11 is shown in the crushing position. Here, the frame  14  is rotated into the crushing position such that the guard  302  blocks the inlet opening  11  (FIG. 11) of the frame  14 . The guard  302  prevents the objects  28  from exiting the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  through the inlet opening  11  (FIG. 11). Absent the positioning of guard  302  as shown in FIG. 12, objects  28  may be inadvertently thrown out of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  through the inlet opening  11  (FIG. 11) due to the crushing procedure brought about by relative movement between the first and second crushing members  20 ,  22  causing objects  28  to be moved throughout the interior of the frame  14 . The guard  302  may also assist in the dampening of noise associated with the crushing of objects  28  by the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10 . The guard  302  may therefore deflect objects  28  that are thrown upward while the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  is operating. Consequently, the guard  302  may protect the excavator  12  from being damaged. The guard  302  may be configured in order to block the entire inlet opening  11 , or may be configured in order to block only a portion of the inlet opening  11  in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. A portion of the side face of the guard  302  is cut away in FIG. 12 in order to show the objects  28  being blocked by the guard  302 .  
     [0081] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the frame  14  engages the guard  302  such that the guard  302  is slightly lifted off of a support member  304 . The support member  304  may be a welded structure attached to the arm  15  of the excavator  12 . The support member  304  may be used to support the guard  302  when the guard  302  is not engaged by the frame  14 . Further, the support member  304  may be used as a stop in order to prevent the guard  302  from rotating or moving past a desired location.  
     [0082] The hinge  306  used to provide pivotal attachment of the guard  302  to the arm  15  may be seen in more detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. Here, the hinge  306  is made from a pair of clevises  316  that are each rigidly attached to the arm  15 . In one exemplary embodiment, they may be welded onto the arm  15 . Alternatively the clevises  316  can be attached to the arm  15  with mechanical fasteners such as bolts and nuts. The guard  302  includes a frame support  320  that extends into each of the clevises  316  and is pivotally retained thereon by a pair of pivot pins  308 . Although shown as employing a pair of clevises  316 , it is to be understood that in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention that more or fewer of the clevises  316  may be used in order to effect pivotal attachment of the guard  302 .  
     [0083] The support frame  320  incorporated into the guard  302  may include a steel structure, for instance tubular steel, that includes a series of crisscrossing members  331  forming a shallow cage that is open at the bottom and at the front end, which is nearest the hinge  306 . Guard  302  also desirably includes an elastomeric dampener  318  that lines the interior of the cage  320 . A plurality of side frame pieces  333  (FIG. 11) may be employed in order to form a structure which provides strength to the support frame  320 , forms an enclosure preventing objects  28  from escaping the inlet opening  11 , and allows for attachment of the elastomeric dampener  318 . The objects  28  (FIG. 12) may be retained by a combination of the support frame  320  and the elastomeric dampener  318 . However, other configurations of the guard  302  are possible in accordance with the present invention. For instance, the guard  302  may be a single piece which is in the shape of a plate or a plate having side walls, and may be made of either a single rigid material or a single flexible material. As such, various constructions of the guard  302  are possible in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0084] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support frame  320  may be made from tubular steel that is welded together to form a framework that outlines the elastomeric dampener  318 . The elastomeric dampener  318  may be rubber that is both pliable and durable, and may be either glued or bolted onto the support frame  320 . The elastomeric dampener  318  and possibly the support frame  320  may be somewhat flexible such that they momentarily take the shape of objects  28  (FIG. 12) that contact the guard  302 . The elastomeric dampener  318  may be made of natural gum rubber and may have, for instance, a durometer value of forty.  
     [0085]FIG. 15 is taken along line  15 - 15  of FIG. 11 and shows the guard  302 . Here, the elastomeric dampener  318  may be composed of multiple hanging curtains  319  that run lengthwise within cage  320 . Dampener  318  also can include a plurality of hanging cross-curtains  321  that are designed widthwise within cage  320  and intersect curtains  319  so that curtains  319  and cross-curtains  321  crisscross one another within the guard  302 . An advantage of this configuration is that the cross-curtains  321  can absorb a higher amount of force from propelled objects  28  due to lengthwise impacting on the cross-curtains  321 , and due to strength added from their crisscross configuration. As shown in FIG. 12 for example, dampener  318  includes a base  322  that rests against and closes off the top of cage  320 , and curtains  319  and cross-curtains  321  depend from base  322 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a front flap  317  of the dampener  318  hangs down in front of the front end of the guard  302 . As such, the guard  302  defines an open side nearest to the arm  15 . This open side is advantageous in that objects  28  are more easily retained by the guard  302  since the frame  14  may be more snuggly fit into the guard  302  since the open face allows for such insertion. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific configuration of the elastomeric dampener  318 , and various shapes may be employed in other exemplary embodiments.  
     [0086] As can be seen in FIG. 15, the guard  302  employs a cable  310 . Alternatively, a pair of cables  310  may be used in place of the single cable  310  that is run through an opening in a vehicle cable connection member  312 . Each of the cables  310  (or cable  310  if one is used) is pivotally attached to the arm  15  by the vehicle cable connection member  312 , which in one exemplary embodiment may be welded onto the arm  15 . As shown in FIG. 13, the cables  310  are pivotally attached to the guard  302  by a pair of guard cable connection members  314 . The guard cable connection members  314  may be spaced from one another in order to provide desired stability of the guard  302 . However, it is to be understood that in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, that more or fewer (or none at all) than two guard cable connection members  314  may be used, along with variations of the positioning of the guard cable connection members  314 . As shown in FIG. 11, the cable  310  is in tension, and supports one end of the guard  302  when the guard  302  is disposed away from the inlet  11  of the frame  14 . Once the arm  15  is rotated into the position shown in FIG. 12, tension is released on the cable  310  and it becomes slack, in which case the guard  302  may be allowed to be pivoted about the hinge  306 . As such, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the guard  302  may be properly positioned without the use of any power source. However, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention exist in which the guard  302  is positioned by an electrical or hydraulic source. FIG. 16 shows one such exemplary embodiment where a hydraulic cylinder  324  is pivotally attached to the arm  15  and the guard  302 . The hydraulic cylinder  324  may be powered by a diesel/hydraulic system  350  of the excavator  12 , and placed into communication with the diesel/hydraulic system  350  through a hydraulic line  322 . Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder  324  will cause the guard  302  to be pivoted about the hinge  306  and positioned at a desired location.  
     [0087] Although shown as being attached to the arm  15 , it is to be understood that other configurations of the guard  302  are possible in accordance with the present invention. For instance, the guard  302  may be attached to the frame  14 . In this case, the guard  302  may be moved in order to block the inlet opening  11  of the frame  14  by gravity through the configuration of the guard  302 , or may be moved by an electric or hydraulic system such as the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16.  
     [0088] The guard  302  may be detached from the excavator  12  by removing the guard  302  at the hinge  306  and at the vehicle cable connection member  312  in order to allow for transportation of the excavator  12 , or to mount another attachment onto the arm  15 . It is to be understood that the guard  302  and related structure may be used with vehicles  12  other than an excavator, for instance a front-end loader, a shovel, or a crane may be used in other exemplary embodiments.  
     [0089] The present invention also provides for a mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  that includes a dust suppression system as shown in FIG. 17. Here, the dust suppression system includes a water tank  352  that may be mounted on the excavator  12 . A water pump  356  may be included that may run off of a power system included with the excavator  12 , or may be provided with a small engine that operates the water pump  356 . Water may be pumped through a water line  354  located on the arm  15  into a spray jet or jets  350  attached to the frame  14  near the outlet opening  13 . During crushing of the objects  28 , the dust suppression system may be activated such that water is sprayed out of the spray jet or jets  350  proximate to the outlet opening  54  of the frame  14  in order to cut down on the amount of dust produced by the crushing operation. The dust suppression system may be used apart from the guard  302  discussed above, or may be used in combination with the guard  302  as previously discussed.  
     [0090] It should be understood that the present invention includes various modifications that can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the mobile jaw crusher assembly  10  described herein as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.