Abstract: A self cleaning cutting assembly is provided, having an array of counter rotating cutters in which a plurality of cutters rotating in a first direction are mounted on a first shaft and a plurality of second cutters are mounted on a second shaft for rotating in an opposite direction. The array of cutters is provided with a plurality of clearing or cleaning rings located alternately with the cutters on each shaft. The cutting array is kept clear of debris or partially cut material by movement of the clearing or cutting rings against adjacent cutters. Movement of the clearing or cleaning rings is a combination of rotary motion and linear motion, in which the linear motion is imparted by the cutter located opposite the cleaning ring striking the cleaning rings so as to push the cleaning ring beyond the position of the widest part of the cutter to completely dislodge material from the cutter.

Abstract: A shredder (2) for shredding a variety of different materials includes a fixed framework provided with a cutting assembly (20) having at least two counter-rotating cutting arrays (22, 24) each comprising a plurality of cutters (46) and a movable framework provided with a tensioning arrangement (100) for applying the same tension to each of the cutting arrays (22, 24) to shred material fed to the cutting arrays (22, 24) by a telescopically sided chute (10) having a tapering mouth (14) and a throat (16). The movable framework is movable with respect to the fixed framework in accordance with operation of an adjustment means (102) to alter the tension applied to the cutting arrays (22, 24) in order to apply constant tension to the cutting elements (46) to compensate for wear of the cutting elements (46) during use of the shredder.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge (20) is provided suitable for use with a rotary handpiece that is particularly adapted for shearing sheep. The cartridge (20) is provided with a plurality of radially directed projections (24) with which are associated a plurality of aligned recesses (26) for releasably receiving cutting elements in the form of elongate chips (22) preferably having a V-shape with a centrally located longitudinal groove. The replaceable cartridge allows for the quick and easy replacement of blunt or damaged cutting chips by either allowing individual chips to be replaced within the cartridge or by replacing the cartridge with a fresh cartridge having new chips.

Abstract: A tensioning means for a rotary handpiece is described in which the handpiece (2) is characterized in having a planar rotating blade (12) provided with a plurality of teeth and a plurality of cutting elements (22) capable of moving reciprocally in a linear direction in response to contact by the teeth of the rotary blade (12) when it rotates. There is a clearance gap between the rotary blade and the cutting chips, the size of which is varied by movement of the tensioning means so that the cutting characteristics of the handpiece are changed in accordance with movement of the tensioning means which applies tension to the rotary blade. In one form, the tensioning means comprises a rotating spindle, a flanged member, a bearing member and a resilient means such as an O-ring located between the flanged member and bearing member.