Patents by Inventor Michael L. Hockstra

Michael L. Hockstra has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Wood processing systems and methods of constructing and using them
    Patent number: 6641065
    Abstract: A generally horizontal wood comminuter has a crosswise rotor with comminuting knives moving in a path of rotation and a crosswise coacting anvil. A feed works provides a material support surface and a power-driven feed member above it for feeding material toward the rotor. The rotor is driven in an uphill path of rotation relative to the feed works. Lift arms pivotally carry the feed member for swinging vertical movement toward and away from the material support surface. A crosswise deflector plate is carried independently of the lift arms and extends toward the anvil and a crosswise lift arm plate coacts with the deflector plate to contain fragmented material. The anvil and a grate retainer preferably are pivotal to move together from an operative to an inoperative position. A torque limiting device controls the drive of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Morbark
    Inventors: Gary M. Bardos, Michael L. Hockstra
  • Wood processing systems and methods of constructing and using them
    Patent number: 6474579
    Abstract: A generally horizontal wood comminuter has a crosswise rotor with comminuting knives moving in a path of rotation and a crosswise coacting anvil. A feed works provides a material support surface and a power-driven feed member above it for feeding material toward the rotor. The rotor is driven in an uphill path of rotation relative to the feed works. Lift arms pivoted rearwardly of the feed works pivotally carry the feed member for swinging vertical movement toward and away from the material support surface. A crosswise deflector plate is carried independently of the lift arms and extends toward the anvil and a crosswise lift arm plate coacts with the deflector plate to contain fragmented material. The anvil and a grate retainer preferably are pivotal to move together from an operative to an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Morbark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Bardos, Michael L. Hockstra
  • Wood processing systems and methods of constructing and using them
    Publication number: 20020125356
    Abstract: A generally horizontal wood comminuter has a crosswise rotor with comminuting knives moving in a path of rotation and a crosswise coacting anvil. A feed works provides a material support surface and a power-driven feed member above it for feeding material toward the rotor. The rotor is driven in an uphill path of rotation relative to the feed works. Lift arms pivoted rearwardly of the feed works pivotally carry the feed member for swinging vertical movement toward and away from the material support surface. A crosswise deflector plate is carried independently of the lift arms and extends toward the anvil and a crosswise lift arm plate coacts with the deflector plate to contain fragmented material. The anvil and a grate retainer preferably are pivotal to move together from an operative to an inoperative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Gary M. Bardos, Michael L. Hockstra