Abstract: A blade guide for a dual-frame wood chip sorter comprising a plurality of fingers having a slot therethrough to receive therein a blade, first and second mounting plates on each frame mounting thereon the bottom of a respective number of the fingers. At least one blade on the first frame is disposed intermediate adjacent fingers attached to a first mounting plate with each finger holding an intermediate blade being on another first mounting plate that is longitudinally separated from the other first plate on the frame. The pattern repeats for the second mounting plates with blades from the second frame.

Abstract: A tensioning member for a blade screen that permits simultaneous tensioning of a plurality of blades in a blade screen, such as for wood chip sorting. The blades may be provided with a sawtooth detail on a bottom edge to reduce the build-up of wood ribbons or fines that would otherwise occur. An elastomeric joint is also provided which allows a dual-frame blade screen to be assembled, while compensating for any phase angle error between eccentric shafts provided to agitate the wood chips by moving the screens.

Abstract: A tensioning member for a blade screen that permits simultaneous tensioning of a plurality of blades in a blade screen, such as for wood chip sorting, is shown. The blade screen tensioning member includes a hinged bracket that may be supported on a portion of a frame, a spring steel blade holder for engaging a press-snap inserted into a hole in each of the engaged blades, and an elastic stop nut and stud for tightening and tensioning the blades. The blades are held in place at the opposite end of the frame by a similar holder, which, however, is fixed rather than hinged. The spring steel blade holder is reinforced for additional strength, and is bent at an approximately 45 degree angle where the press-snap is engaged. The blades themselves may also be provided with a sawtooth detail on a bottom edge to reduce the build-up of wood ribbons or fines that would otherwise occur. A sliding bearing with a dovetail configuration is also provided.

Abstract: A discharger mechanism is provided for discharging solids from the bottom of a pile. The discharger comprises a reciprocating stoker rod of a substantially rectangular cross section and plastimeric bearing member engaging the bottom and sides of the rod for vertically supporting and horizontally guiding the rod. A reciprocating device reciprocates the rectangular stoker rod longitudinally beneath the pile. A plurality of stoker cross bars are equispaced apart and rigidly attached at their centers to the rectangular stoker rod. A further bearing member bears against the top of rod to prevent the rod from lifting.

Abstract: A discharger mechanism is provided for discharging solids from the bottom of a pile. The discharger comprises a reciprocating stoker rod having a series of stoker cross bars, affixed thereto, which is supported by bearings within a trough. An arrangement for holding down the rod and for sealing the trough comprises a pair of longitudinally extending metal strips attached to either side of the rod and a pair of seal strips or plates secured to the edges of the trough and extending therefrom into the trough to positions above and adjacent to the upper surfaces of the metal strips.

Abstract: A load supporting grid structure is disclosed for a bin or hopper having a discharger or reclaimer at the bottom. The grip structure is used when storing solid materials such as wood chips, hogged fuel and the like and reduces the weight of the solid materials on the discharger, particularly when the materials are stored at a depth of at least 20 feet. The grid structure is positioned above the discharger and supports the weight of at least a portion of the solid materials in the bin or hopper.

Abstract: A primary seal for a normally operatively moveable shaft which may extend into fluid under pressure is adapted to be worked on without axially shifting the shaft, by secondarily sealing the shaft intermediate the primary seal and the fluid, thereby permitting working access to, removal and replacement of, the primary seal.Temporary support of the shaft while it remains in its operating position but separated from a primary supporting structure at one end is effected by activating selectively operable supporting means into supporting relation to an intermediate portion of the shaft, and from which the supporting means is inactivated when said one end is supported by the primary supporting structure.