Rotary tub grinder

Claim 2

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening.

Claim 3

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being positioned on opposite sides of a plane extending substantially perpendicular to said second axis and on opposite sides of said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements.

Claim 4

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being positioned on opposite sides of a plane extending substantially perpendicular to said second axis and on opposite sides of said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements.

Claim 5

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having a upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side.

Claim 6

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having a upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side.

Claim 7

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said second side of said opening being substantially linear and said first direction being substantially perpendicular to said second side.

Claim 8

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said second side of said opening being substantially linear and said first direction being substantially perpendicular to said second side.

Claim 9

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said first direction being substantially coplanar with said second axis.

Claim 10

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said first direction being substantially coplanar with said second axis.

Claim 11

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvements including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location.

Claim 12

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvements including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location.

Claim 13

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially parallel and each of said respective first directions of said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being substantially perpendicular to said first and second sides.

Claim 14

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially parallel and each of said respective first directions of said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being substantially perpendicular to said first and second sides.

Claim 15

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially parallel and each of said respective first directions of said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being substantially perpendicular to said first and second sides, each of said respective first directions being substantially coplanar with said second axis.

Claim 16

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially parallel and each of said respective first directions of said ramp member and said at least one stabilizer member being substantially perpendicular to said first and second sides, each of said respective first directions being substantially coplanar with said second axis.

Claim 17

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first path portion of said plurality of grinding elements entending farther above said upper surface of said floor member than said at least one stabilizer member at the respective second location.

Claim 18

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first path portion of said plurality of grinding elements entending farther above said upper surface of said floor member than said at least one stabilizer member at the respective second location.

Claim 19

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said stabilizer means including a second stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface of said second stabilizer member extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said respective first directions of said at least one stabilizer member and said second stabilizer member being substantially parallel.

Claim 20

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said stabilizer means including a second stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface of said second stabilizer member extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said respective first directions of said at least one stabilizer member and said second stabilizer member being substantially parallel.

Claim 21

The tub grinder of claim 10 wherein said stabilizer means includes a third stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined top surface of said third stabilizer member extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said respective first directions of at least one stabilizer member, said second stabilizer member, and said third stabilizer member being substantially parallel to each other.

Claim 22

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface being curved and extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location to said first location, said inclined, curved upper surface further extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.

Claim 23

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface being curved and extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location to said first location, said inclined, curved upper surface further extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.

Claim 24

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface being curved and extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location to said first location, said inclined, curved upper surface further extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said inclined upper surface being substantially hood-shaped.

Claim 25

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface being curved and extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location to said first location, said inclined, curved upper surface further extending downwardly toward said upper surface of said floor member from said second location in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said inclined upper surface being substantially hood-shaped.

Claim 26

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said at least one stabilizer member being curved and said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially immediately above said first side, said inclined upper surface of said ramp member being substantially flat.

Claim 27

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said at least one stabilizer member being curved and said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially immediately above said first side, said inclined upper surface of said ramp member being substantially flat.

Claim 28

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said at least one stabilizer member being substantially flat and said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially immediately above said first side, inclined upper surface of said ramp member being substantially flat.

Claim 29

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, said at least one stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said at least one stabilizer member being substantially flat and said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially immediately above said first side, inclined upper surface of said ramp member being substantially flat.

Claim 30

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, and, said grinding means includes a support means extending outwardly of said second axis and means for mounting said plurality of grinding elements to said support means, said grinding means further including a casing member substantially enclosing said support means and said grinding elements, said casing member having a wall member spaced radially outward of a second portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member further including means for shearing material, said shearing means including a plurality of shear plates and means for mounting said shear plates for movement relative to said wall member, each of said shear plates being substantially flat and movable in a respective plane toward and away from said second path portion of said closed path whereby any material moved into the first portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements is moved by said plurality of grinding elements past said shear plates where said material is sheared between said plurality of grinding elements and said shear plates.

Claim 31

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, and, said grinding means includes a support means extending outwardly of said second axis and means for mounting said plurality of grinding elements to said support means, said grinding means further including a casing member substantially enclosing said support means and said grinding elements, said casing member having a wall member spaced radially outward of a second portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member further including means for shearing material, said shearing means including a plurality of shear plates and means for mounting said shear plates for movement relative to said wall member, each of said shear plates being substantially flat and movable in a respective plane toward and away from said second path portion of said closed path whereby any material moved into the first portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements is moved by said plurality of grinding elements past said shear plates where said material is sheared between said plurality of grinding elements and said shear plates.

Claim 32

The tub grinder of claim 16 wherein each respective plane of said plurality of shear plates is directed toward said second axis.

Claim 33

The tub grinder of claim 16 wherein said wall member extends radially about said second path portion from a first location near said floor member adjacent a third side of said opening, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the amount of material passing from above said upper surface of said floor member down between said second path portion and said wall member at said first location.

Claim 34

The tub grinder of claim 18 wherein said controlling means is one of said shear plates, said controlling shear plate being mounted to said wall member adjacent said first location and said plane of movement of said controlling shear plate being substantially parallel to said third side of said opening.

Claim 35

The tub grinder of claim 19 wherein said controlling shear plate has an edge portion nearest said second path portion, said edge portion forming a blade for enhancing the controlling and shearing properties of said controlling shear blade.

Claim 36

The tub grinder of claim 16 wherein said means for movably mounting said shear plates includes a support member spaced outwardly of said wall member from said second path portion, said wall member having a plurality of slots therethrough for slidably receiving each respective shear plate, said means for movably mounting said shear plates further including means for mounting said support member for movement as a unit relative to said second axis.

Claim 37

The tub grinder of claim 21 further including means for pivotally mounting at least one of said shear plates to said support member.

Claim 38

The tub grinder of claim 21 wherein said support member for said shear plates has a first and second end and said mounting means for said support member includes means for moving each respective end of said support member relative to the other end.

Claim 39

The tub grinder of claim 23 wherein each of said moving means includes a threaded screw member.

Claim 40

The tub grinder of claim 23 wherein at least one end of said support member is notched, said tub grinder further including a guide member and means to support said guide member in a stationary position relative to said second axis, a portion of said guide member being slidably receivable within said notch to guide said support member during movement relative to said second axis.

Claim 41

The tub grinder of claim 16 wherein said means for mounting said grinding elements to said support means includes means for pivotally mounting each of said grinding elements to said support means.

Claim 42

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, and, a casing member substantially enclosing said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member having an outlet spaced about said closed path of said grinding elements from said opening through said floor member in the direction of rotation of said grinding means, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the size of said outlet opening, said control means including a flat valve and means for pivotally mounting said flap valve to said casing member, said control means further including means for selectively locking said flap valve in a preferred position relative to said casing member, said locking means including a bar member mounted to said casing member exteriorly of said grinding elements, said control means having an arm operably connected to said flap valve extending exteriorly of said casing member adjacent said bar member, said locking means including means for selectively attaching said arm member to said bar member at any one of a plurality of locations along said bar member whereby the size of the outlet can be enlarged or decreased.

Claim 43

In a tub grinder having a stationary floor member and a tub member mounted for rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said floor member having an upper surface with an opening therethrough and said tub member being mounted with at least a portion thereof extending above said upper surface of the floor member and with said first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said upper surface, said tub grinder further having a ramp member mounted on and extending above said upper surface of said floor member adjacent one side of the opening therethrough and a grinding means mounted for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being located below said upper surface of the floor member, said grinding means having a plurality of grinding elements, said grinding elements moving along a closed path as said grinding means is rotated about said second axis, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening in said floor member and above said upper surface whereby material on said floor member within said rotating tub member is moved over the upper surface of said floor member and part of the material is moved up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, the improvement including: means for stabilizing the moving material near said opening, said stabilizing means including at least one stabilizer member and means for mounting said at least one stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening with said at least one stabilizer member extending above the upper surface of said floor member, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, and, a casing member substantially enclosing said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member having an outlet spaced about said closed path of said grinding elements from said opening through said floor member in the direction of rotation of said grinding means, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the size of said outlet opening, said control means including a flat valve and means for pivotally mounting said flap valve to said casing member, said control means further including means for selectively locking said flap valve in a preferred position relative to said casing member, said locking means including a bar member mounted to said casing member exteriorly of said grinding elements, said control means having an arm operably connected to said flap valve extending exteriorly of said casing member adjacent said bar member, said locking means including means for selectively attaching said arm member to said bar member at any one of a plurality of locations along said bar member whereby the size of the outlet can be enlarged or decreased.

Claim 44

The tub grinder of claim 27 wherein said flap valve extends downwardly from said pivotal axis and is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively control the amount of air passing out of the casing member through said outlet with the material.

Claim 45

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member.

Claim 46

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member.

Claim 47

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being position therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding element extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member and said ramp member being positioned on opposite sides of a plane extending substantially perpendicular to said second axis and on opposite sides of said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements.

Claim 48

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being position therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding element extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member and said ramp member being positioned on opposite sides of a plane extending substantially perpendicular to said second axis and on opposite sides of said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements.

Claim 49

A rotary tub grinder comprising; a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough. a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent and second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side.

Claim 50

A rotary tub grinder comprising; a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough. a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent and second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side.

Claim 51

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location.

Claim 52

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location.

Claim 53

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and towards said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclinded upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface to said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first path portion of said plurality of grinding elements extending farther above said upper surface of said floor member than said stabilizer member at the respective second location.

Claim 54

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and towards said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclinded upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said ramp member having an inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface to said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the first side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said first side, said stabilizer member being spaced farther from said upper surface of said floor member at the respective second location than said ramp member at the respective second location, said first path portion of said plurality of grinding elements extending farther above said upper surface of said floor member than said stabilizer member at the respective second location.

Claim 55

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said stabilizer member being curved and said inclined upper surface of said ramp member being flat.

Claim 56

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, said inclined upper surface of said stabilizer member being curved and said inclined upper surface of said ramp member being flat.

Claim 57

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shorter distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer means on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grindig elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, the inclined upper surface of said stabilizer member being curved.

Claim 58

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shorter distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer means on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grindig elements and toward said stabilizer member, said stabilizer member having an inclined upper surface, said inclined upper surface extending upwardly from said upper surface of said floor member in a first direction from a first location spaced from the second side of said opening to a second location substantially vertically above said second side, the inclined upper surface of said stabilizer member being curved.

Claim 59

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, said grinding means includes a support means extending outwardly of said second axis and means for mounting said plurality of grinding elements to said support means, said grinding means further including a casing member substantially enclosing said support means and said grinding elements, said casing member having a wall member spaced radially outward of a second portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member further including means for shearing material, said shearing means including a plurality of shear plates and means for mounting said shear plates for movement relative to said wall member, each of said shear plates being substantially flat and movable in a respective plane toward and away from said second path portion of said closed path whereby any material moved into the first portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements is moved by said plurality of grinding elements past said shear plates where said material is sheared between said plurality of grinding elements and said shear plates, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said openings, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member.

Claim 60

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, said grinding means includes a support means extending outwardly of said second axis and means for mounting said plurality of grinding elements to said support means, said grinding means further including a casing member substantially enclosing said support means and said grinding elements, said casing member having a wall member spaced radially outward of a second portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member further including means for shearing material, said shearing means including a plurality of shear plates and means for mounting said shear plates for movement relative to said wall member, each of said shear plates being substantially flat and movable in a respective plane toward and away from said second path portion of said closed path whereby any material moved into the first portion of said closed path of said plurality of grinding elements is moved by said plurality of grinding elements past said shear plates where said material is sheared between said plurality of grinding elements and said shear plates, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said openings, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member.

Claim 61

The tub grinder of claim 36 wherein each respective plane of said plurality of said shear plates is directed toward said second axis.

Claim 62

The tub grinder of claim 36 wherein said wall member extends radially about said second path portion from a first location near said floor member adjacent a third side of said opening, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the amount of material passing from above said upper surface of said floor member down between said second path portion and said wall member at said first location.

Claim 63

The tub grinder of claim 38 wherein said controlling means is one of said shear plates, said controlling shear plate being mounted to said wall member adjacent said first location and said plane of movement of said controlling shear plate being substantially parallel to said third gate of said opening.

Claim 64

The tub grinder of claim 39 wherein said controlling shear plate has an edge portion nearest said second path portion, said edge portion forming a blade for enhancing the controlling and shearing properties of said controlling shear plate.

Claim 65

The tub grinder of claim 36 wherein said means for movably mounting said shear plates include a support member spaced outwardly of said wall member from said second path portion, said wall member having a plurality of slots therethrough for slidably receiving each respective shear plate, said means for movably mounting said shear plates further including means for mounting said support member for movement as a unit relative to said second axis.

Claim 66

The tub grinder of claim 41 further including means for pivotally mounting at least one of said shear plates to said support member.

Claim 67

The tub grinder of claim 41 wherein said support member for said shear plates has a first and second end, and said mounting means for said support member includes means for moving each respective end of said support member relative to the other end.

Claim 68

The tub grinder of claim 43 wherein each of said moving means includes a threaded screw member.

Claim 69

The tub grinder of claim 43 wherein at least one end of said support member is notched, said tub grinder further including a guide member and means to support said guide member in a stationary position relative to said second axis, a portion of said guide member being slidably receivable with said notch to guide said support member during movement relative to said second axis.

Claim 70

The tub grinder of claim 36 wherein said means for mounting said grinding elements to said support means includes means for pivotally mounting each of said grinding elements to said support means.

Claim 71

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, and, a casing member substantially enclosing said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member having an outlet spaced about said closed path of said grinding elements from said opening through said floor member in the direction of rotation of said grinding means, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the size of said outlet opening, said control means including a flap valve and means for pivotally mounting said flap valve to said casing member, said control means further including means for selectively locking said flap valve in a preferred position relative to said casing member, said locking means including a bar member mounted to said casing member exteriorly of said grinding elements, said control means having an arm operably connected to said flap valve and extending exteriorly of said casing member adjacent said bar member, said locking means including means for selectively attaching said arm member to said bar member at any one of a plurality of locations along said bar member whereby the size of the outlet can be enlarged or decreased.

Claim 72

A rotary tub grinder comprising: a floor member having a substantially planar upper surface with an opening passing therethrough, a tub member, means for mounting said tub member adjacent said floor member for a rotation relative thereto about a first axis, said first axis being substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said floor member, grinding means, said grinding means including a plurality of grinding elements and means for mounting said grinding elements for rotation about a second axis, said second axis being substantially parallel to said upper surface of said floor member and being positioned therebelow adjacent the opening through said upper surface, said grinding elements extending outwardly of said second axis for a distance greater than the shortest distance between said second axis and said upper surface when said grinding means is rotating whereby said grinding elements are moved along a closed path, a first portion of said closed path extending through said opening and above said upper surface, a ramp member and means for mounting said ramp member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a first side of said opening, a stabilizer member and means for mounting said stabilizer member on said upper surface of said floor member adjacent a second side of said opening, said first and second sides of said opening being substantially opposite each other across said opening, whereby rotation of said tub member moves material over said upper surface of said floor member and up said ramp member into said first path portion of the closed path of said plurality of grinding elements and toward said stabilizer member, and, a casing member substantially enclosing said plurality of grinding elements, said casing member having an outlet spaced about said closed path of said grinding elements from said opening through said floor member in the direction of rotation of said grinding means, said tub grinder further including means for selectively controlling the size of said outlet opening, said control means including a flap valve and means for pivotally mounting said flap valve to said casing member, said control means further including means for selectively locking said flap valve in a preferred position relative to said casing member, said locking means including a bar member mounted to said casing member exteriorly of said grinding elements, said control means having an arm operably connected to said flap valve and extending exteriorly of said casing member adjacent said bar member, said locking means including means for selectively attaching said arm member to said bar member at any one of a plurality of locations along said bar member whereby the size of the outlet can be enlarged or decreased.

Claim 73

The tub grinder of claim 47 wherein said flap valve extends downwardly from said pivotal axis and is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively control the amount of air passing out of the casing member through said outlet with the material.