Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
A log feed mechanism adapted to be installed in line with a one pass chipping and sawing system, comprising: an elongated vertically movable framework; lift means for selectively vertically moving the movable framework; first conveying means on the movable framework for horizontally orienting successive logs of varying diameter such that their axes all lie within a vertical plane and for moving the centered logs in a forward direction; log rolling means associated with the first conveying means for lifting a log from the first conveying means and selectively rotating the log about its longitudinal axis to a selected position and subsequently placing the log back on a second conveying means in the selected position; rosser means on the movable framework in the path of successive logs on the first conveying means for forming a smooth surface along the length of successive logs as they pass by; press roll means upwardly adjacent the rosser means for pressing downwardly against successive logs moving along the first conveyor means; second conveyor means on the movable framework downstream of the rosser and having an elongated working flight for engaging successive logs along the smooth surfaces formed by the rosser; and side roll means adjacent to and on opposite sides of the second conveyor means for pressing against opposite sides of the successive logs to hold the logs with axes along said vertical plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
229 words
A log feed mechanism adapted to be installed in line with a one pass chipping and sawing system, comprising: an elongated vertically movable framework; lift means for selectively vertically moving the movable framework; first conveying means on the movable framework for horizontally orienting successive logs of varying diameter such that their axes all lie within a vertical plane and for moving the centered logs in a forward direction; log rolling means associated with the first conveying means for lifting a log from the first conveying means and selectively rotating the log about its longitudinal axis to a selected position and subsequently placing the log back on a second conveying means in the selected position; rosser means on the movable framework in the path of successive logs on the first conveying means for forming a smooth surface along the length of successive logs as they pass by; press roll means upwardly adjacent the rosser means for pressing downwardly against successive logs moving along the first conveyor means; second conveyor means on the movable framework downstream of the rosser and having an elongated working flight for engaging successive logs along the smooth surfaces formed by the rosser; and side roll means adjacent to and on opposite sides of the second conveyor means for pressing against opposite sides of the successive logs to hold the logs with axes along said vertical plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the first conveying means is comprised of a series of generally hyperboloid shaped rollers mounted to the movable framework for rotation about axes normal to the intended path of logs on the feed mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 further comprising press roll mounting means on the movable framework for vertically adjusting the press roll means in relation to the rosser means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 further comprising side roll mounting means for laterally adjusting the side roll means in relation to the diameters of successive logs moving along the second conveyor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the lift means is comprised of horizontal wedge blocks slidably engaging complementary blocks on the movable frame and means for moving the wedge blocks horizontally relative to the complementary blocks and thereby lifting the complementary blocks and movable framework vertically.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the second conveying means is comprised of an elongated endless chain having outwardly projecting spikes that grip successive logs along the smooth surface formed by the rosser.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the side roll means is vertically stationary relative to the movable framework.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the side roll means is comprised of at least two upright rollers mounted on opposite sides of the second conveyor means and further includes biasing means for urging the rollers toward each other against successive logs moving on the second conveyor means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 wherein the press roll means includes a number of longitudinally spaced rollers located on opposite longitudinal sides of the rosser means with spring means associated therewith for pressing the rolls downwardly against successive logs moving along the first and second conveying means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 9 wherein the rollers are annularly fluted and axially grooved.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The feed mechanism as set out by claim 1 further comprising guide means for allowing only vertical movement of the movable framework adjustably connecting the movable framework with the floor support surface.