US4067369A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Whole tree extraction device
Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Co
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Filing: 1976-01-05
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Granted: 1978-01-10
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Expires: 1996-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A whole tree extraction device is mounted on a prime mover. The extraction device is comprised of a load frame which is carried and supported by the prime mover. Slidably mounted on one side of the load frame is the power frame to which is attached at least one power cylinder for moving the power frame with respect to the load frame. Mounted on the power frame forwardly thereof is a vibrator frame to which is attached a pair of cooperating shearing blades together with a pair of cooperating gripping extractor arms. A pair of upper gripper arms are mounted on the load frame and open and close in response to a command signal independently of the shearing blades and gripping extractor arms. Means to vibrate the shearing blades and the gripping extractor arms relative to the power frame in a substantially vertical plane during the shearing and extracting modes are operable on a command signal. The vibration imparted to the shearing blades enhances shearing of the lateral roots while the vibration imparted to the gripping extractor arms both enhances lifting and aids in soil removal from the root system.
Inventors
- 👤 Grady R. Harmon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:52
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G23/00; A01G23/02; A01G23/06; A01G23/062; A01G23/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for harvesting rooted trees where at least the lower portion of a tree together with a substantial portion of the root system is harvested, comprising: a load frame, a power frame mounted on said load frame arranged and adapted to move relative to said load frame, a vibrator frame mounted on said power frame extending forwardly thereof arranged and adapted to be substantially rigidly supported horizontally and flexibly supported vertically with respect to said power frame, shearing means mounted on said vibrator frame towards the bottom thereof, means to vibrate said shearing means in a plane substantially parallel to said load frame, and means mounted on said shearing means to selectively grip the lower portion of a tree holding it with respect to said power frame.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for harvesting rooted trees where at least the lower portion of a tree together with a substantial portion of the root system is harvested, comprising: a load frame, a power frame mounted on said load frame arranged and adapted to move relative to said load frame, a vibrator frame mounted on said power frame extending forwardly thereof arranged and adapted to be substantially rigidly supported horizontally and flexibly supported vertically with respect to said power frame, shearing means mounted on said vibrator frame towards the bottom thereof, means to vibrate said shearing means in a plane substantially parallel to said load frame, and means mounted on said shearing means to selectively grip the lower portion of a tree holding it with respect to said power frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said power frame is slidably mounted in laterally spaced keyways on said load frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said load frame has a pair of laterally spaced base arms extending outwardly in the forward direction from the bottom of said load frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device as in claim 1 further including a pair of gripper arms mounted towards the top of said load frame and extending forwardly thereof, arranged and adapted to open and close about a tree to be harvested.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said power frame is caused to move relative to said load frame by at least one power actuating cylinder operatively connected between said frames.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as in claim 1 further including vibration damping means positioned between said power frame and said load frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said vibrator frame is comprised of two laterally spaced sections each of which is pivotally connected to said power frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said arrangement for providing the flexible support for said vibrator frame includes a pair of vibrator shafts which are spring mounted and in a slidable relationship substantially normal to the rigid horizontal support arrangement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device as in claim 8 in which said shear vibrating means is mounted on said pair of vibrator shafts and includes a pair of eccentrically mounted rotatable masses with one being on each vibrator shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device as in claim 1 in which said shearing means including a pair of hinged shearing blades mounted in substantially parallel orientation with respect to said vibrator frame and extending downwardly therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device as in claim 10 in which said gripping means are pivotally mounted on the upper edge of said shearing blades toward the rear thereof and include a pair of cooperating curvilinear gripping extractor arms extending substantially normal to said shearing blades.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as in claim 11 further including a plurality of extractor teeth mounted along the inside faces of said extractor arms.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device as in claim 11 further including an actuating cylinder extending between the most rearward ends of said extractor arms and controllable to open and close said arms.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3738401A
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US3914883A
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US3933188A
Cited
US3936960A
Cited
US3958613A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-09 | 1981-07-11 | 1982-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-09 | 1985-07-11 | 1986-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-09 | 1989-07-11 | 1990-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |