Abstract: An improved self-aligning tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader having an inner frame member pivotally mounted and concentrically received within an outer frame member, which is rigidly attached to a base member. Pivotally mounted within the inner frame member is a tree delimbing cutter head assembly having opposing pairs of tree guide arms and tree delimbing arms pivotally mounted thereon, thereby allowing for simultaneous multi-dimensional pivotal motion of the cutter head assembly within the frame members. Such motion allows the cutter head assembly to easily align with the longitudinal axis of the trees being delimbed, thereby increasing the efficiency of the apparatus while reducing the binding stresses and necessary force applied by the knuckle boom loader.

Abstract: A side saw assembly for a tree processing apparatus. The side saw assembly is rotatably and pivotally attached to a mounting platform on a trailer such that the side saw assembly is selectively movable between a transport position, resting on top of the trailer, and ground positions, resting on the ground adjacent either side of the trailer. A connecting arm is pivotally attached at one end to a swivel mount, which is affixed to a side saw assembly. At its other end, the connecting arm is pivotally attached to a swivel mount affixed to the mounting platform. A lift handle is attached to the side saw assembly such that it may be grasped by the grapple of a knuckle boom loader to move the side saw assembly from the transport position to the ground position on one side of the trailer or the other.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations. A valve is provided for actuation to permit the guiding arms to be held in an open position, while the stripping arms are closed about a tree to accommodate a bent trunk.

Abstract: A continuous chain saw lubricating system employed in a tree delimbing and topping machine having a plurality of lubricant conduits connected to a piston cylinder which is divided into co-functioning and alternating receiving and discharge chambers by a piston. The designation of the chambers is dependent upon the direction of axial movement of the piston. The discharge chamber is defined by a pressure increase and the receiving chamber is defined by a pressure decrease. The pressure variations are such as to allow lubricant to be either drawn into the receiving chamber or discharged from the discharge chamber through a series of check valves connected to the piston cylinder. The piston is reciprocated by the tree delimbing and topping machine causing lubricant to be continuously supplied to the reciprocating chain saw during its cutting and retraction strokes.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. A pair of flow divider combiner valves allow equal amounts of pressurized fluid to communicate with and actuate said cylinders. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The flow divider combiner valves provide equal rates of said fluid to flow to said cylinders to insure said piston rods and mechanically affixed stripping arms and guide arms are moved at equal rates of speed. Thus the stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations.

Abstract: A method of potentiating immunotoxin action in an immunotoxin/target-cell stem in which Brefeldin A is utilized as an immunopotentiator. The Brefeldin A enhances the immunotoxin pathway while blocking or inhibiting the nonspecific pathway, thus being particularly useful in conjunction with immunotoxins made from holotoxins. The Brefeldin A is effective in small, nontoxic concentrations and therefore may be utilized with either in vivo or in vitro systems.