US3635266A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and apparatus for debranching felled trees
Assignee: Mo och Domsjo AB
•
Filing: 1969-11-20
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Granted: 1972-01-18
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Expires: 1989-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises moving the tree in a longitudinal direction towards a debranching device, while simultaneously moving the debranching device in an opposite longitudinal direction, and debranching the tree in the course of such movement. Apparatus is provided for debranching felled trees, which comprises, in combination, a pair of beam members movable towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member, and arranged, respectively, to grasp the tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means movably attached to the other beam member, and arranged to move along the beam member; tree-gripping means attached to the tree feed means, and arranged to grasp the tree trunk; and means for moving the tree feed means simultaneously with and in a direction opposite to the direction of the debranching means.
Inventors
- 👤 Erik Helmer Eriksson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:54
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G23/00; A01G23/02; A01G23/095; A01G23/097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, A pair of beam members movable towards and away from each other along corresponding longitudinal axes; means of effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged, respectively, to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member, the other beam member having a track extending along a corresponding longitudinal axis, and the tree feed means being arranged to move along the track on the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk; and means for moving the tree feed means along the track in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, A pair of beam members movable towards and away from each other along corresponding longitudinal axes; means of effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged, respectively, to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member, the other beam member having a track extending along a corresponding longitudinal axis, and the tree feed means being arranged to move along the track on the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk; and means for moving the tree feed means along the track in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which at least one of the beams is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and a horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the means for effecting relative movement is a hydraulic cylinder and piston operating cables attached to the two beams.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the means for effecting relative movement is an electric motor operating the two beams by a gear, a sprocket wheel and chain assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the gripping means includes at least one pivotally movable clamping member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the debranching means is a chain cutter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, mounted on a wheeled frame movable along the ground on the wheels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the tree-gripping means on one beam is arranged to move away from the feed means and debranching means on the other beam, and thus draw the tree trunk in a direction opposite to the simultaneous movement of the debranching means on the other beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the beam members are arranged to move telescopically with respect to each other.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 in which one of the beam members is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, and the other is movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the tree feed means is arranged to move on rails attached to the pivotable and rotatable beam member, and the other beam member telescopes within the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk; and means for moving the tree feed means in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means, at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means and over substantially the same distance.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk; and means for moving the tree feed means in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means, at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means and over substantially the same distance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which at least one of the beams is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the means for effecting relative movement is a hydraulic cylinder and piston operating cables attached to the two beams.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the gripping means includes at least one pivotably movable clamping member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in whiCh the debranching means is a chain cutter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the tree feed means is arranged to move along a track on the beam member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 17 in which one of the beam members is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, and the other is movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the tree feed means is arranged to move on rails attached to the pivotable and rotatable beam member, and the other beam member telescopes within the pivotable rotatable beam member.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of beam members movable towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk comprising a clamping member pivotable about an arc extending along the longitudinal axis of a tree to be clamped thereby; and an arm pivotable about an arc extending across the longitudinal axis of a tree into a position to retain a tree against the clamping action of the clamping member; and means for moving the tree feed means in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of beam members movable towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk and to remove branches from the trunk; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk comprising a clamping member pivotable about an arc extending along the longitudinal axis of a tree to be clamped thereby; and an arm pivotable about an arc extending across the longitudinal axis of a tree into a position to retain a tree against the clamping action of the clamping member; and means for moving the tree feed means in a direction opposite to the direction of and simultaneously with movement of the debranching means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which at least one of the beams is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the means for effecting movement of the clamping member into and away from gripping engagement with a tree trunk is a hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the debranching means is a chain cutter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 20, in which the tree-gripping means on one beam is arranged to move away from the feed means and debranching means on the other beam, and thus draw the tree trunk in a direction opposite to the simultaneous movement of the debranching means on the other beam.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the beam members are arranged to move telescopically with respect to each other.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 25 in which one of the beam members is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, and the other is movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 26 in which the tree feed means is arranged to move on rails attached to the pivotable and rotatable beam member, and the other beam member telescopes within the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees from the root end thereof at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk at its root end and to remove branches from the trunk, root end first; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk at its root end; and means for rapidly and simultaneously moving the tree feed means and debranching means in opposite directions and at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means over substantially the same distance.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees from the root end thereof at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other; means for effecting such relative movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to one beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk at its root end and to remove branches from the trunk, root end first; tree feed means attached to the other beam member and arranged to move along the beam member; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk at its root end; and means for rapidly and simultaneously moving the tree feed means and debranching means in opposite directions and at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means over substantially the same distance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 28 in which at leaSt one of the beams is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus according to claim 28 in which the gripping means includes a pivotable arm and a pivotably movable clamping member arranged to clamp the tree against the arm, the arm being pivotable horizontally between tree-clamping and tree-releasing positions, and the clamping member being pivotable vertically between tree-clamping and tree-releasing positions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 28 in which the tree feed means on one beam is arranged to move along a track on the beam in a direction opposite to the debranching means on the other beam, while the latter beam moves telescopically in relation to the first beam.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 31 in which one of the beam members is arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, and the other is movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 32 in which the tree feed means is arranged to move on rails attached to the pivotable and rotatable beam member, and the other beam member telescopes within the pivotable and rotatable beam member.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
212 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees from the root end thereof at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other, at least one of the beams being arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching and the other being movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member; means for effecting such movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to the telescopic beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk, pivotable and rotatable at its root end and to remove branches from the trunk, root end first; a track on the beam member, and tree feed means attached to the beam member and arranged to move along the track; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk at its root end; and means for rapidly and simultaneously moving the tree feed means and debranching means in opposite directions and at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means over substantially the same distance.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
212 words
An apparatus for debranching felled trees from the root end thereof at a high rate of speed, which comprises, in combination, a pair of telescopic beam members of substantially equal length movable at high speed towards and away from each other, at least one of the beams being arranged for pivoting and rotational movement in both a vertical and horizontal plane, to orient a tree trunk in either or both planes for and during debranching and the other being movable telescopically with respect to the pivotable and rotatable beam member; means for effecting such movement; tree-gripping means and debranching means attached to the telescopic beam member and arranged respectively to grasp a tree trunk, pivotable and rotatable at its root end and to remove branches from the trunk, root end first; a track on the beam member, and tree feed means attached to the beam member and arranged to move along the track; gripping means attached to the tree feed means and arranged to grasp a tree trunk at its root end; and means for rapidly and simultaneously moving the tree feed means and debranching means in opposite directions and at a speed ranging from the same speed to about one-tenth the speed of the debranching means over substantially the same distance.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-17 | 1975-07-19 | 1976-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-17 | 1979-07-19 | 1980-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-17 | 1983-07-19 | 1984-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |