Pelletizer knife hub transport mechanism
First Claim
1. A hub transport mechanism, the hub having a shaft, the hub transport mechanism comprising:
- an elongated bar having a first end and a second end;
a clamp configured to engage the shaft of the hub, the clamp disposed at the first end of the elongated bar;
a hoisting connector residing on the elongated bar intermediate the first end and the second end, the hoisting connector being configured to receive a connector from a hoisting system, and being configured to swivel about the radial axis of the elongated bar;
a counter-weight; and
a counter-weight connector for connecting the counter-weight to the elongated bar, the counter-weight connector permitting slidable movement of the counter-weight along the elongated bar proximate to the second end, the counter-weight connector also being configured to swivel about the radial axis of the elongated bar.
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Abstract
A mechanism for transporting a hub is provided. Particularly, a transport mechanism for a pelletizer knife hub is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a clamp for selectively engaging and releasing the shaft of the pelletizer knife hub. The clamp is connected to a support bar. The support bar, in turn, has a hoisting connector for being raised, lowered, and maneuvered by a hoisting system. According to the mechanisms of the present invention, the clamp is rotatable relative to the hoisting system. In one embodiment, a counter-balance to the hub is provided. In another arrangement, the hoisting system supports the hub above the hub for balancing the system.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A hub transport mechanism, the hub having a shaft, the hub transport mechanism comprising:
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an elongated bar having a first end and a second end;
a clamp configured to engage the shaft of the hub, the clamp disposed at the first end of the elongated bar;
a hoisting connector residing on the elongated bar intermediate the first end and the second end, the hoisting connector being configured to receive a connector from a hoisting system, and being configured to swivel about the radial axis of the elongated bar;
a counter-weight; and
a counter-weight connector for connecting the counter-weight to the elongated bar, the counter-weight connector permitting slidable movement of the counter-weight along the elongated bar proximate to the second end, the counter-weight connector also being configured to swivel about the radial axis of the elongated bar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
a bushing; and
an eyelet connected to the bushing for receiving the connector from the hoisting system.
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5. The hub transport mechanism of claim 4, wherein the connector from the hoisting system defines a hook.
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6. The hub transport mechanism of claim 3, wherein the counter-weight connector defines a bushing that swivels around the elongated bar.
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7. The hub transport mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a counter-weight handle for guiding the counter-weight longitudinally as it is moved along the elongated bar.
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8. The hub transport mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a handle at the second end of the elongated bar for rotating the elongated bar and attached clamp.
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9. The hub transport mechanism of claim 3, further comprising at least two counter-weight connector stop members disposed along the elongated bar between the hoisting connector and the second end of the elongated bar, for fixedly positioning the counter-weight.
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10. The hub transport mechanism of claim 9, wherein the counter-weight connector stop members define grooves in the elongated bar.
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11. The hub transport mechanism of claim 10, wherein the grooves define through-openings in the elongated bar.
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12. The hub transport mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a locking pin, the locking pin having an end received in any of the at least two counter-weight connector stop members for selectively fixing the longitudinal position of the counter-weight.
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13. The hub transport mechanism of claim 12, wherein a first of the at least two counter-weight connector stop members is disposed proximate to the hoisting connector, and a second of the at least two counter-weight stop members is disposed proximate to the second end of the elongated bar, the first and second through-openings being offset around the elongated bar approximately 90 degrees.
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14. The hub transport mechanism of claim 13, wherein the locking pin is disposed on the counter-weight.
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15. The hub transport mechanism of claim 4, wherein the elongated bar further comprises retaining rings for retaining the longitudinal position of the hoisting connector along the elongated bar.
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16. A pelletizer knife hub transport mechanism, the pelletizer knife hub having a shaft, and having a plurality of knives radially disposed around the hub, the transport mechanism comprising:
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an elongated bar having a first end and a second end;
a transport clamp configured to engage the shaft of the pelletizer knife hub, and disposed at the first end of the elongated bar;
a hoisting connector residing on the elongated bar intermediate the first end and the second end, the hoisting connector defining a tubular bushing disposed around a portion of the elongated bar, for receiving a hook from a hoisting system;
a counter-weight; and
a counter-weight connector for connecting the counter-weight to the elongated bar, the counter-weight connector defining a tubular bushing disposed around a portion of the elongated bar, and permitting rotational movement of the elongated bar therein. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
a locking pin disposed on the counter-weight, the locking pin having an end receivable within either of the first or second through-openings so as to selectively fix the position of the counter-weight longitudinally along the elongated bar.
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21. A pelletizer knife hub transport mechanism, the pelletizer knife hub having a shaft, and having a plurality of knives radially disposed around a body of the hub, the transport mechanism comprising:
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a support bar having a radial axis about which the bar may rotate or swivel;
a hoisting connector attached to the support bar for receiving a hook from a hoisting system; and
a clamp for engaging the shaft of the pelletizer knife hub, the clamp being connected to the support bar, and being rotatable relative to the hoisting system. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification