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Auger finger with resilient elastomeric retainer retractor at breaking point

  • US 7,426,819 B2
  • Filed: 10/06/2006
  • Issued: 09/23/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An auger finger, comprising:

  • a mounting end portion having a first sectional extent;

    an elongate free end portion opposite the mounting end portion;

    a failure region disposed between and connecting the elongate free end portion with the mounting end portion, the failure region having a second sectional extent smaller and weaker than the first sectional extent so as to break and release the free end portion from the mounting end portion when the finger is subjected to a predetermined side loading condition; and

    at least one resilient elastomeric retainer retractor, wherein the retainer retractor is a unitary tubular member, further wherein the tubular member is molded around at least portions of the free and mounting end portions of the finger adjacent to opposite ends of the failure region thereby portion and spanning the failure region, the retainer retractor being configured so as to be operable when the failure region is broken for retaining the free end portion on the mounting end portion, while being resiliently bendable for allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween.

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