• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    log loader. modalities described in this document propose methods, apparatus and systems for moving, loading and/or sorting logs. a log grapple may include sets of opposing arms and independently positionable drive wheels disposed between the arms. the log grapple may be operable in a grapple mode where the arms are in a closed position and the drive wheels are in an open position, and a feed mode where the arms and drive wheels are in closed. in feeding mode, the first and second drive wheels can be rotated to drive the log through the arms. the log grapple can also be configured to remove branches, measure and/or cut logs in feed mode. a log grab may also include a gauge wheel assembly. optionally, the gauge wheel assembly may include a hydraulic actuator configured to retract the gauge wheel and a gas spring configured to extend the gauge wheel.
    公开号:BR112014016812B1
    申请号:R112014016812-1
    申请日:2013-01-04
    公开日:2021-09-08
    发明作者:Brad A. Sintek；Joseph B. Crover；Brandon K. Gray；Greg M. Hildebrandt
    申请人:Pierce Pacific Manufacturing, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Cross Reference to Related Order
    [001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/344,366, filed January 5, 2012, entitled "LOG LOADER," the description of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Technical Field
    [002] The embodiments of the present invention refer to methods, systems and apparatus for moving, sorting and loading logs onto a transport at an extraction site. Fundamentals
    [003] In logging operations, processors are used to cut the branches, measure and cut the logs. On the other hand, loaders are used to move, sort and load the logs onto a log transport trailer. Some loaders include a log grapple with hydraulically actuated hinged jaws. The log grapple is usually mounted on a boom which is in turn mounted on a base such as an excavator. The loader is used to move the logs to a desired position such as for a log transport trailer or the loader itself. The logs are moved by extending the jib, closing the hinge jaws around the log, and moving the jib inward to slide the log into the desired position. The log is then released and the boom is again extended to the grapple position closest to the log's center of gravity. This allows the log to be gripped close to its center of gravity and moved closer to its desired position.
    [004] Trailers and yarders are often used to drag and transport individual logs to a loading platform. Alternatively, when transporting logs by shovel, an excavator with a log grapple mounted on a boom is used to move felled trees or logs to the platform. As the excavator hits an area with felled trees or logs, the boom is extended and the grapple is used to grip one end of a log. The excavator raises the boom to lift the log, rotates 180 degrees, and then releases the log to move the log closer to the deck. The remaining trees or logs within reach of the boom and grapple are moved in the same way. If the distance to the platform exceeds the reach of the boom and grapple, the excavator is then repositioned and the process is repeated as needed to move trees or logs the remaining distance to the platform.
    [005] EP2106691 discloses a grip for wood handling, which includes a frame and a grip equipped with operating devices. The claw is formed by opposing jaws hinged on the frame arms, extending between the arms. The wood handling grapple possibly also includes one or more of the following components, i.e. a cutting device, collecting jaws, a feeding device and/or pickling blades. Several alternative attachment points are arranged on the frame to attach alternative components to the frame.
    [006] US6622761 discloses a delimbing apparatus for processing elongated parts, particularly tree trunks, which apparatus comprises a frame structure to be suspended at the end of a jib assembly in a working machine, at least one half, articulated in relation to said frame structure, to process the trunk and actuators to control the position and force effect of said means. In the invention, said actuators comprise at least one joint actuated by a pressurized means and comprising a joint structure, a joint arm pivoted on said joint structure and a blade structure fitted in said joint, by means of which blade structure the pressure effect of the pressurized medium produces said rotation.
    [007] WO2010002339 discloses a method and an arrangement for a suspension system which is constituted by a harvesting unit of a forest harvester and which suspension system has an arm on which a wheel is supported and provided with an angle sensor in order of forming a measuring wheel for measuring length, and whose arm is fixed in a way that allows it to rotate in a frame in such a way that the wheel can be adjusted from positions in contact with and out of contact with a surface of the object, whose length is to be measured while the object is fed in its longitudinal direction after the measuring wheel running against the circumference of the measuring wheel, said object is a tree trunk collected in a harvesting unit. Brief Description of the Drawings
    [008] The modalities will be easily understood by the detailed description that follows together with the attached drawings. The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the attached drawings.
    [009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a grapple for logs according to various modalities;
    [010] Figures 2A-C and 2D are views in side elevation and end, respectively, of the grapple for logs of Figure 1;
    [011] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the log grapple of Figures 1 - 2D;
    [012] Figures 4A-4B are perspective views of the sets of arms shown in Figure 1 - 3;
    [013] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a measuring wheel assembly of the log grapple of Figures 1 - 3; and
    [014] Figure 6 is a side elevation sectional view of an actuator that can be used with the gauge wheel assembly of Figure 5. Detailed Description of Disclosed Modalities
    [015] In the detailed description that follows, reference is made to the attached drawings that form part of it and in which modalities that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the detailed description that follows is not to be considered as limiting in meaning and the scope of the modalities is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
    [016] Several operations can be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a way that can be useful for understanding the modalities; however, the order of description should not be interpreted as implying that these operations are order-dependent.
    [017] The description can use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front and top/bottom. Such descriptions are used simply to facilitate discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of the described modalities.
    [018] The terms "coupled" and "connected" together with their derivatives may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonymous with each other. On the contrary, in certain embodiments, “connected” can be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” can mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However “coupled” can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperating or interacting with each other.
    [019] For the purposes of the description, an expression in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, an expression of the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B). (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C). For the purpose of description, the expression in the form “(A)B” means (B) or (AB), that is, A is an optional element.
    [020] The description can use the terms "modality" or "modalities", each of which may refer to one or more of the same modality or different modalities. In addition, the terms “comprise”, “include”, “have” and the like as used with reference to modalities are synonymous.
    [021] The modalities described in this document propose methods, apparatus and systems for the displacement, loading and/or sorting of logs. A log grapple may include a frame, first and second pair of arms rotatably coupled to the frame, and one or more drive wheels. The arms of each pair can be displaceable towards each other in a closed position (around one or more trees or logs, for example) and moving away from each other (to release one or more trees or logs). The log grapple may also include a gauge wheel assembly having a gauge wheel and one or more actuators. Optionally, the log grapple may further include one or more of a central drive system, a saw, a blade and/or a rotatable mounting base coupled to the frame.
    [022] In one embodiment, the log grapple can be configured to load, sort and/or move logs of various diameters. The one or more drive wheels may include a first and a second drive wheel positioned between the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms. The opposite first and second sprockets can be displaceable towards and away from each other regardless of the position of the arms.
    [023] The log grapple may have a “start mode”, a “grab mode” and a “feed mode”. In “start mode”, the arms are in an open position. In “grab mode” the arms are in a closed position and the first and second sprockets are in an open position. While the log grapple is in “grab mode” and gripping a log, the log can be supported on the arms with minimal or no contact between the log and the first and second sprockets. Thus, in grapple mode, the log grapple can be used to grab a tree from a pile of trees and/or to manipulate the logs without damaging the log. In addition, keeping the first and second sprockets separate while the arms are being moved towards each other and away from each other allows the arms to be used to penetrate a log match or screen the match. of logs.
    [024] In “feed mode”, the arms are in a closed position and the first and second sprockets are also in a closed position. While the log grapple is in “feed mode” and grabbing a log, the log can be supported on the first and second sprockets. The first and second sprockets may be swivelable in a first rotating direction and an opposite second rotating direction to drive the log through the arms in a first linear direction and a second linear direction, respectively. In some examples, the log grapple can be configured to cut branches, measure and/or cut logs while in “feed mode”.
    [025] In other embodiments, the measuring wheel assembly may be selectively actuated by one or more actuators to contact a log and to cause it to retract away from the log. In some examples, the measuring wheel assembly can be made to extend and/or retract regardless of the position of the arms. The measuring wheel assembly or a portion thereof may be coupled to the frame between the first and second pair of arms. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators may include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator can be configured to cause the measurement wheel to extend, and the second actuator can be configured to cause the measurement wheel to retract. Optionally, the first and second actuator can be integrated into a single unit. In one example, the second actuator is a hydraulic cylinder assembly and the first actuator is a force loading element, such as a gas spring, disposed within the hydraulic cylinder assembly.
    [026] Other modalities propose a system for the displacement, loading and sorting of logs. The system may include a base, a crane arm attached to the base, and a log grapple rotatably attached to the crane arm. In operation, the first end of the crane arm can be extended towards a log and the log grapple arms can be moved into a closed position around the log. The drive wheels can be moved from an open position to a closed position to grip the log. With the arms still in a closed position, the drive wheels can be turned in a first rotational direction to drive the log through the arms in a first linear direction. The drive wheels can be subsequently rotated in a second opposite rotating direction to drive the log through the arms in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. In some examples, the sprockets can be detached from the log (ie, moved to an open position) while the arms remain in a closed position. The crane arm and/or base can be repositioned while the log remains attached to the arms and/or drive wheels.
    [027] Optionally, the drive wheels can be used to drive the log back and forth to clear the log branches by means of one or more limb clearing knives mounted on the frame/arms, to measure the log, to advance the log grapple towards the center of gravity of the log, and/or to advance or stabilize the log in a desired position to be sawn by a frame mounted saw assembly. In some embodiments, the log grapple and the first end of the crane arm can be coupled by a rotatable mounting base. The relative simplicity of such log grapples may allow them to be used in place of traditional grapples.
    [028] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a grapple for logs. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate end views of a grapple for logs in "start mode", "grab mode" and "feed mode", respectively. Figures 2D and 3 illustrate a partial cutaway side view and a partially exploded perspective view, respectively, of the log grapple of Figure 1. Portions of the arm assemblies are shown in more detail in Figure 4.
    [029] Figure 2A shows an end view of a log grapple in “start mode”, with the arms in an open position. The first and second sprockets can be actuated to independently open and close the arms. Therefore, the arms can be moved to a closed position – to grip a log, for example – while the first and second sprockets remain in an open position (“grab mode”, Figure 2B). When the sprockets are also moved to a closed position, the log grapple is in “feed mode” (Figure 2C). With the arms continuing in a closed position, the log grapple can be moved from "feed mode" to "grab mode" by opening the drive wheels, and moving from "grasp mode" to "feed mode" by closing the drive wheels.
    [030] As best seen in Figure 3, a log grapple may include a frame 104 coupled to one or more of a mounting base 102, a controller 108, a hydraulic valve assembly 109, and a central drive assembly 110. Mounting base 102 may be a conventional mounting base with an electrical and/or hydraulic turntable 103 and a pin coupling 101 (Figures 2A, 2B) as is known in the art. The rotating part 103 can be, for example, a hydraulic and electrical rotating part configured to selectively rotate the frame 104 from 0 to 360 degrees. Rotatable piece 103 can be configured to continue to rotate frame 104 beyond 260 degrees, through any number of full or partial 360 degree revolutions, to a desired rotational position. In some embodiments, mounting base 102 can be coupled to one end of a crane arm. Using a mounting base with a vertical height that is relatively short (ie, compared to a longer suspension bracket mounting base) can reduce the vertical distance between the end of the crane arm and the frame 104, increasing thus the vertical distance from which the log grapple can be lifted by the crane arm. This can allow the log grapple to be used for a wide variety of tasks (log sorting, log processing, and loading logs onto trucks, for example) that would typically be done by two or more different machines.
    [031] The central drive assembly 110 can be disposed inside the frame 104 or underneath it. As shown in Figure 3, frame 104 typically includes one or more holes 112 configured to retain center drive assembly 110. Controller 108 and hydraulic valve assembly 109 may be positioned within an internal compartment of frame 104. Similarly, saw assembly 190 may be retained at least partially within frame 104 and may be capable of extending downwardly to cut a log. Optionally, one or more delimbing knives 105/106 can be attached to the frame 104. The delimbing knives can be either the fixed mounting base type or the floating mounting base type. In some embodiments 105/106 de-branching knives can be mounted on frame 104 with pegs or other fasteners (see, for example, Figures 2D and 3).
    [032] The illustrated log grapple includes a first set of arms 130, a second set of arms 150, and a metering wheel set 170. The first set of arms 130 may include arms 131 and 132, axle 133, and plates 134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142 (Figures 3 and 4). Similarly, the second set of arms 150 may include arms 151 and 152, shaft 153, and plates 154, 155, 158, 159, 161 and 162. Shafts 113 and 115 of frame 104 may extend through channels 114 and 116 , respectively, the arms 131 and 132 being rotatably mounted on a first side of the frame 104. Corresponding shafts of a second opposite side of the frame 104 (not shown) may extend through corresponding channels (not shown), respectively, being the arms 151 and 152 are rotatably mounted on the second side of the frame 104. The plates of each set of arms are mounted on the corresponding axle. In some examples, the plates can be fixedly mounted on the shaft (by soldering or bolts, for example). Shaft 133/153 can act as a torsional element to maintain rigid alignment of the plates and arms.
    [033] One or more actuators may be coupled to one or more of the arms and configured to selectively actuate the arm(s). A first end of an actuator is typically connected to the frame, one of the arms, or one of the sets of arms. Another end of the actuator is typically connected to another of the arms or the other set of arms. Although the illustrated example includes a single actuator that connects and actuates the two sets of arms, the number and configuration of the actuator(s) varies from modality to modality. A log grapple can include, for example, two, three, four or more than four actuators connected to the frame at one end and an arm or set of arms at the other end.
    [034] As best shown in Figure 3, shaft 133 connects arm 131 to arm 132, and shaft 153 connects arm 151 to arm 152. An actuator 128 may extend through a portion of the frame 104 or below it. A first end of actuator 128 can be rotatably coupled to plates 134, 135 and an opposite second end of actuator 128 can be rotatably coupled to plates 154 and 155. Actuator 128 can be selectively extendable and retractable. In some examples, actuator 128 may include a hydraulic cylinder assembly. In other examples, actuator 128 can include a pneumatic cylinder, a spring, and/or a motor.
    [035] A connection set 126 can be rotatably connected to the first set of arms 130 and to the second set of arms 150. A first end of the connection set 126 can be coupled to plates 141 and 142, and an opposite second end can be coupled to plates 161 and 162 by one or more pins, shafts, or rotating elements. The connection assembly 126 can act as a timing element to ensure that opposing arms operate in unison (closing to an equal degree and/or simultaneously, for example). In other embodiments, two actuators can be arranged to operate each arm independently, and a hydraulic pressure balance can be provided between the actuators to keep the arms operating in unison. However, a connection can be provided in this and other embodiments to mechanically enhance the operation of the arms in unison.
    [036] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two sets, the first set of arms 130 and the second set of arms 150 includes a corresponding drive mounting base, drive mounting base actuator, drive assembly and drive wheel. As described above, the first set of arms 130 can be rotatably coupled to the frame 104 by axes 113 and 115. Axes 113/115 can define a first geometric axis of rotation around which the first set of arms 130 ( including arms 131 and 132, plates 134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142, axle 133, drive mounting base 136, drive assembly 146, and sprocket 147) can be selectively rotated as a unit. In addition, the drive mounting base 136 can be rotatably coupled to the first set of arms 130, such that the drive mounting base 136, the drive assembly 146, and the drive wheel 147 are selectively swivelable to each other. around a second geometric axis of rotation. The second geometric axis of rotation may extend parallel to the first geometric axis of rotation. The second set of arms 150 may be coupled to another portion of the frame and be configured in the same or similar way as the first set of arms 130.
    [037] As best shown in Figures 2A and 3 with respect to the first set of arms 130, the drive mount base actuator 137 can be rotatably coupled at a first end to plates 138 and 139. The second end of the drive mounting base actuator 137 can be rotatably coupled to the drive mounting base 136. The drive mounting base 136 in turn can be rotatably coupled to the plates 134 and 142 by one or more pins 197 (Figure 3) or by other rotary coupler(s). The rotating pin(s) or coupler(s) may define the second axis of rotation.
    [038] Extending or retracting the actuator 128 causes the first set of arms 130 to rotate around the first geometric axis (axes 113 and 115). On the other hand, the extension and retraction of the actuator 137 causes the rotation of the mounting base of the drive 136, the drive assembly 146, and the sprocket 147 around the second geometric axis. Actuators 128 and 137 can be actuated/controlled separately.
    [039] Actuator 137 can be actuated to make the drive mounting base 136 rotate around the second axis with the arms in a closed position, in an open position, or in any intermediate position between open and closed, while the arms are being repositioned by extending/retracting actuator 128, and/or while arms are being held in any position. Similarly, extension/retraction of actuator 128 without actuation of actuator 137 provides for rotation of the arms around the corresponding axis while drive assembly 146 and sprocket 147 remain at a constant displacement with respect to arms 131 and 132 Therefore, actuators 137 and 128 can be actuated individually or in combination to position sprocket 147 at a desired distance from the opposite sprocket and at a desired offset relative to arms 131 and 132.
    [040] In operation, the arms 131, 132, 151 and 152 can be closed around a log while the drive wheels are kept in the open position. This “grasping position” can prevent log damage from the sprockets and allow arms 131, 132, 151, and 152 to penetrate a match or log pile. The sprockets can be closed around the log to assume a “feed position” and the sprockets can be guided by corresponding drive assemblies to drive the log through the log grapple between the closed arms. This can be done, for example, to bring the log's center of gravity closer to the arms or to feed the log in a desired direction without releasing the log from the arms. The drive wheels can be opened again to release the log onto the closed arms in a desired position, and the arms can be opened to release the log in a desired location. Optionally, one or more branch knives 148 and/or 168 can be attached to arms 131, 132, 151 and/or 152 and pushing the log (or a tree) through the log grapple would typically remove the branches from the log or tree.
    [041] Although the above description refers in principle to the first set of arms 130, it is to be understood that the second set of arms 150 includes corresponding elements and functions in substantially the same way unless otherwise indicated. The log grapple can be fitted with arms, drive wheels and other components in various dimensions to selectively grip, retain and release logs of various diameters. In some examples, the log grapple can be configured to hold, with the first and second pair of arms in the closed position, a log (or a group of logs) having a diameter in the range of 40" to 52" (from 1.016 at 1.3208 m). In other examples, the log grapple can be configured to hold, with the first and second pair of arms in the closed position, a log (or group of logs) having a diameter in the range of 35" to 52" (from 0.889 at 1.3208 m). Alternatively, the log grapple can be configured to hold a log (or a group of logs) having a diameter in the range of 20" to 40" (from 0.508 m to 1.016 m), from 30" to 50" (from 0.762 m to 1 .27 m), from 40" to 60" (from 1.016 to 1.524 m), from 50" to 70" (from 1.27 to 1.778 m) or from 40" to 80" (from 1.016 to 2.032 m). The log grapple can be configured, for example, to hold a log (or a group of logs) with a diameter of up to 52” (1.3208 m).
    [042] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a metering wheel assembly and an actuator for use with the metering wheel assembly of Figure 5, respectively. Although this example is discussed with reference to a log grapple, the measuring wheel assembly and actuator can be used with log grapples, processor heads, combine heads and other similar apparatus that include a log measuring device and the present description is intended to cover all of these uses and combinations.
    [043] As shown in Figure 5, a metering wheel assembly may include an actuator 172 with a rotary coupler 173 on a first end and a rotary coupler 174 on a second end. Coupler 173 can be coupled to a frame of a log grapple by pin 171 and coupler 174 can be coupled to a rigid member 176 by pin 175. The measuring wheel assembly, or a portion thereof, can be coupled to the frame of a log grapple with independently driveable sprockets as described above. The rotary coupler 173, for example, may be connected to a lower portion of the log grapple frame between the first and second pair of arms. In some examples, the measuring wheel assembly can be made to extend and/or retract regardless of the position of the arms.
    [044] The rigid element 176 can be rigidly connected to the bracket 187 and the bearing coupler 177. The rigid element 176, the bracket 187 and the coupler 177 can be secured to the log grapple frame by a pin (not shown). Bearing coupler 177 may be coupled to hub 178. Coupler 177 and/or hub 178 may retain a bearing assembly 179, an encoder 180, and a retainer 181. Encoder 180 may be coupled to hub coupling 182, to the central coupling 183, and coupling 185. Gauge wheel 184 can be fitted over hub 178 and cap 186 can be coupled to gauge wheel 184 and hub 178. In some examples, the gauge wheel assembly may be fitted positioned below the log grapple frame with the rigid member 176 extending substantially perpendicular to the first geometric axis of rotation (axes 113 and 115, for example). Measuring wheel set configuration may vary from modality to modality. Cap 186 may retain hub 178, for example, and gauge wheel 184. Alternatively, cap 186 may retain only hub 178 and gauge wheel 184 may be coupled to hub 178.
    [045] In one embodiment, the gauge wheel assembly includes a hydraulic pressure system operable to cause the gauge wheel 184 to extend and retract approaching a log that is retained within the arms of the log grapple, or from another device, and moving away from it. The hydraulic pressure system typically includes a first hydraulic circuit for measuring wheel extension and a second hydraulic circuit for measuring wheel retraction. Furthermore, an accumulator with the first hydraulic circuit can be provided to keep the hydraulic pressure within desired limits while the measuring wheel assembly is in use.
    [046] In another embodiment, the measuring wheel assembly includes a first actuator for extending the measuring wheel 184 and a second actuator for retracting the measuring wheel. The first and second actuator can be integrated into a single unit. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second actuator is a hydraulic cylinder assembly and the first actuator is a gas spring disposed within the hydraulic cylinder assembly. The gas spring is operable to make measuring wheel 184 extend and to keep it in contact with a log while the log is being measured. Hydraulic pressure is used to cause gauge wheel 184 to retract. Compared to hydraulic-hydraulic actuator configurations, this gas spring hydraulic configuration can only suffice one hydraulic circuit, not requiring an accumulator.
    [047] A system for moving, sorting and/or loading logs may include a base, a crane arm attached to the base, and a log grapple as described above. The log grapple can be rotatably coupled to the crane arm. The base can be a stationary device such as a tower or trailer. Alternatively, the base may be a mobile apparatus such as a motor vehicle (an excavator, for example, or a tractor) driven on wheels or tracks. The crane arm can be any type of crane arm, including but not limited to articulated, rotating and/or extendable arms. Optionally, the crane arm can include a fixed bead or an adjustable bead. The crane arm can include an adjustable bead, for example, and a hydraulic system coupled to the crane arm and the adjustable bead. One end of the adjustable bead can be attached to the log grapple and the other end can be selectively positionable to contact a log gripped by the log grapple. The hydraulic system can be coupled to the crane arm adjacent to the second end or to another portion of the crane arm. The hydraulic system can be coupled to one or more controls on the base. However, a bead is not required and in some embodiments the crane arm does not have a bead. The log grapple can be attached to any type of crane arm. Crane arms and bases suitable for use with crane arms are well known in the art and will not be described in detail in this document.
    [048] The system can be operated to move logs to a loading location to sort logs, and/or to load logs onto a transport. The arms can be used to lift and transport one or more logs without causing the sprockets to grip the log(s). The arms can be used, for example, to lift a multiplicity of logs at the same time or to lift a single log from a pile of logs. Alternatively, the drive wheels can grip the log to drive or feed the log to a desired location while the crane arm and/or log grapple is being moved and/or turned. This can increase the distance the log can be moved towards the location without having to reposition the base. In addition, the sprockets can be used to reposition the log within the log grapple arms without releasing the log from within the arms.
    [049] Although certain modalities have been illustrated and described in this document, those skilled in the art will note that a wide variety of alternative and/or equivalent modalities or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes can replace the modalities presented and described without deviation within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily note that modalities can be implemented in a very wide range of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptation or variation of the modalities discussed in this document. Therefore, it is expressly intended that the modalities be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [0001]
    1. Log grapple (100), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a frame (104); a first set of arms (130) having a first axis (133) and at least a first pair of arms (131, 132) mounted along the first axis (133), the first axis (133) being coupled to the frame (104) and defining a first geometric axis (113, 115), the first set of arms (131, 132) being rotatable about the first geometric axis (113, 115); a second set of arms (150) having a second axis (153) and at least one second pair of arms (151, 152) mounted along the second axis (153), the second axis being ( 153) coupled to the frame (104) and defining a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, the second arm assembly (150) being rotatable about the second axis; and a first and second sprocket assembly, the first sprocket assembly comprising a first sprocket (147) and a first plurality of plates (134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142), the second sprocket assembly comprising a second sprocket (167) and a second plurality of plates (154, 155, 158, 159, 161 and 162), the first sprocket assembly pivotally coupled to the first axle (133) between the first pair of arms (131 , 132) and being rotatable about the first geometric axis (113, 115), and the second drive wheel assembly pivotally coupled to the second axis (153) between the first pair of arms (131, 132) and rotatable about of the second axis, wherein the first (131, 132) and second pair (151, 152) of arms are selectively displaceable from an open to a closed position, and wherein the first and second sprocket assemblies (147, 167) are selectively pivotable between an open position and a closed position ind depending on the first (131, 132) and the second pair (151, 152) of arms.
    [0002]
    2. Log grapple (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first drive wheel assembly (147) further comprises a first drive mounting base (136), the first plurality of plates being ( 134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142) is mounted on the first axle (133) and the first mounting base is hingedly coupled to at least one of the first plurality of plates (134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142 ).
    [0003]
    3. Log grapple (100), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first plurality of plates (134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142) is pivotable around the first geometric axis (113,115), and the drive mounting base (136) is pivotable around a third axis parallel to the first axis (113, 115).
    [0004]
    4. Log grapple (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises a first drive mounting base actuator (137) coupled to the first shaft (133) and to the drive mounting base ( 136), the drive mount base actuator (137) being selectively actuable to pivot the drive mount base (136) around the third axis.
    [0005]
    5. Log grapple (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises an actuator (128) that extends from the first set of arms (130) to the second set of arms (150), being the actuator (128) selectively actuable to pivot the first set of arms (130) around the first axis (113, 115).
    [0006]
    6. Log grapple (100), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises a first drive coupled to the first drive wheel (147) and to the drive assembly base (136), the first drive being configured to drive the rotation of the first drive wheel (147) in a first direction of rotation and in an opposite second direction of rotation.
    [0007]
    7. Log grapple (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises a mounting base coupled to the frame (104), the mounting base being configured to pivotally couple to the frame (104) to a crane arm.
    [0008]
    8. Log grapple (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises one or more of a blade (105, 106) for eliminating branches or a saw assembly (190) mounted on the frame (104 ).
    [0009]
    9. Log grapple (100) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a measuring wheel assembly (170) coupled to the frame (104), wherein the measuring wheel assembly (170) comprises a first actuator (172) and a measuring wheel (184).
    [0010]
    10. Log grapple (100) according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first actuator (172) comprises a hydraulic cylinder operable to cause the measuring wheel (184) to retract.
    [0011]
    11. Log grapple (100), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the first actuator (172) is configured to extend the measuring wheel (184) in a first direction and retract the measuring wheel ( 184) in a second opposite direction, and wherein the first actuator (172) comprises no more than one hydraulic circuit.
    [0012]
    12. Log grapple (100), according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
    [0013]
    13. Log grapple (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the log grapple (100) is configured to selectively retain, with the first (131, 132) and second (151, 152) pair of arms in the closed position, a log or group of logs having a diameter of up to 52” (1.3208 m).
    [0014]
    14. System for loading logs onto a conveyor, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the system comprises: a base; a crane arm having a first end and a second end, the second end being coupled to the base; and a log grapple (100) pivotally coupled to the crane arm, the log grapple (100) having: a frame (104), a first set of arms (130) having a first axis (133) and at least one first pair of arms (131, 132) mounted along the first axis (133), the first axis (133) coupled to the frame (104) and defining a first geometric axis (113, 115), the first set of arms (131 132) being rotatable about the first geometric axis (113, 115); a second set of arms (150) having a second axis (153) and at least one second pair of arms (151, 152) mounted along the second axis (153), the second axis (153) being coupled to the frame (104) and defining a second axis that is parallel to the first axis (113, 115), the second arm assembly (150) being rotatable about the second axis geometric; and a first and second sprocket assembly, the first sprocket assembly comprising a first sprocket (147) and a first plurality of plates (134, 135, 138, 139, 141 and 142), the second sprocket assembly comprising a second sprocket (167) and a second plurality of plates (154, 155, 158, 159, 161 and 162), the first sprocket assembly pivotally coupled to the first axle (133) between the first pair of arms (131 , 132) and being rotatable about the first geometric axis (113, 115), and the second drive wheel assembly pivotally coupled to the second axis (153) between the first pair of arms (131, 132) and rotatable about of the second axis, wherein the first (131, 132) and second pair (151, 152) of arms are selectively displaceable from an open to a closed position, and wherein the first and second sprocket assemblies (147, 167) are selectively pivotable towards and towards away from one to the the other independently of the first (131, 132) and the second (151, 152) pair of arms.
    [0015]
    15. System according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the log grapple (100) further includes a drive mounting base (136), the first pair of arms (131, 132) and the base of drive assembly (136) pivotally mounted on the first axis (133).
    [0016]
    16. System, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also includes a bead coupled to the crane arm.
    [0017]
    17. System according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also includes an actuator coupled to the bead and to the log grapple (100).
    [0018]
    18. System, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the base is a motor vehicle with tracks or wheels.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013200059A1|2013-07-18|
    US8992159B2|2015-03-31|
    AU2013200059B2|2015-08-13|
    CA2800454C|2015-12-29|
    WO2013103763A1|2013-07-11|
    CA2800454A1|2013-07-05|
    BR112014016812A2|2017-06-27|
    NZ605379A|2014-08-29|
    US20130177373A1|2013-07-11|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-02-04| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-23| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-03| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-09-08| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 04/01/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/344,366|2012-01-05|
    US13/344,366|US8992159B2|2012-01-05|2012-01-05|Log loader|
    PCT/US2013/020215|WO2013103763A1|2012-01-05|2013-01-04|Log loader|
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