Abstract: An apparatus for processing yard waste material such as branches, leaves, twigs or the like includes a hopper, a grinding mechanism disposed within a grinding chamber in communication with the hopper, and a fan mechanism disposed within a fan chamber in communication with the grinding chamber. The fan mechanism includes a plurality of fan blades which generate negative air pressure upon rotation of the fan mechanism, and the negative air pressure is communicated through the grinder housing to the hopper. Material is drawn from the hopper into the grinding chamber by the negative air pressure, where the material is ground and then drawn into the fan chamber. A discharge passage is formed in the fan chamber, to convey the ground material to a discharge outlet associate with the fan chamber. A hose assembly can be employed as an alternative to the hopper for supplying the material to the grinding chamber.

Abstract: A bearing guard is adapted for use in connection with a machine such as a chipping/shredding/grinding machine for lawn and garden use. The bearing guard is used in connection with self-aligning bearings which support the ends of a rotatable shaft provided on the machine and which is exposed to a work cavity in which the chipping, shredding or grinding operations take place. The bearing guard protects the bearings from material which is retained on the rotatable shaft during operation of the machine. The bearing guard comprises a shield surface disposed between the work cavity of the machine and the side of the bearing facing the work cavity. The shield surface has an opening through which the rotatable shaft of the machine passes. The opening is in relatively close dimensional tolerance with respect to the outer surface of the shaft, so as to resist contact of material retained on the shaft with the side of bearing during operation of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for shredding branches, limbs, twigs, leaves or like material includes a housing having a lower cavity. A rotatable shredding mechanism is provided in the lower cavity. The shredding mechanism includes a plurality of substantially triangular shaped hammers for shredding material within the cavity. The triangular shape of the hammers increases the energy available for shredding material contained within the cavity. The shredding mechanism includes a drive shaft to which a drive sheave is connected, and is driven by a motor having a rotatable motor shaft to which a motor sheave is connected. A belt is provided about the motor and drive sheaves. A clutch mechanism for selectively imparting rotation to said drive shaft from said motor shaft includes an axially movable clutch bar to which a clutch sheave is rotatably connected.

Abstract: A bearing guard is adapted for use in connection with a machine such as a chipping/shredding/grinding machine for lawn and garden use. The bearing guard is used in connection with self-aligning bearings which support the ends of a rotatable shaft provided on the machine and which is exposed to a work cavity in which the chipping, shredding or grinding operations take place. The bearing guard protects the bearings from material which is retained on the rotatable shaft during operation of the machine. The bearing guard comprises a shield surface disposed between the work cavity of the machine and the side of the bearing facing the work cavity. The shield surface has an opening through which the rotatable shaft of the machine passes. The opening is in relatively close dimensional tolerance with respect to the outer surface of the shaft, so as to resist contact of material retained on the shaft with the side of bearing during operation of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for shredding branches, limbs, twigs, leaves or like material includes a housing having a lower cavity. A rotatable shredding mechanism is provided in the lower cavity. The shredding mechanism includes a plurality of substantially triangular shaped hammers for shredding material within the cavity. The triangular shape of the hammers increases the energy available for shredding material contained within the cavity. The shredding mechanism includes a drive shaft to which a drive sheave is connected, and is driven by a motor having a rotatable motor shaft to which a motor sheave is connected. A belt is provided about the motor and drive sheaves. A clutch mechanism for selectively imparting rotation to said drive shaft from said motor shaft includes an axially movable clutch bar to which a clutch sheave is rotatably connected.