Brad Alan Sintek

US Patent:

20130177373, Jul 11, 2013

Filed:

Jan 5, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/344366

Inventors:

Brad A. Sintek - Sandy OR, US
Joseph B. Crover - Gresham OR, US
Brandon K. Gray - Damascus OR, US
Greg M. Hildebrandt - West Linn OR, US

Assignee:

Pierce Pacific Manufacturing, Inc. - Portland OR

International Classification:

B66C 1/42
F15B 15/02

US Classification:

414560, 294106, 60484

Abstract:

Embodiments described herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for moving, loading, and/or sorting logs. A log grapple may include opposing arm assemblies and independently positionable drive wheels disposed between the arms. The log grapple may be operable in a grapple mode, in which the arms are in a closed position and the drive wheels are in an open position, and a feed mode, in which the arms and the drive wheels are in closed positions. In feed mode, the first and second drive wheels may be rotated to drive the log through the arms. The log grapple may be further configured to delimb, measure, and/or cut logs in the feed mode. A log grapple may also include a measuring wheel assembly. Optionally, the measuring wheel assembly may include a hydraulic actuator configured to retract the measuring wheel and a gas spring configured to extend the measuring wheel.

US Patent:

55688292, Oct 29, 1996

Filed:

Dec 16, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/357110

Inventors:

Richard H. Crawford - Rapid City SD
Brad A. Sintek - Rapid City SD
Gary M. Hamilton - Rapid City SD

Assignee:

Lake Shove, Inc. - Iron Mountain MI

International Classification:

B27C 100
A01G 2300

US Classification:

144 2413

Abstract:

An improved boom (24) for a sliding boom delimber (10) is disclosed formed from a prestressed, conventional I beam (28). A first segment of a cable bundle (70) extends from the grapple head (36) and is secured adjacent the lower flange (32) of the I beam (28). The second segment of the cable bundle (70) is inside and carried by an energy chain (74) and includes first and second, inversely related, linear portions interconnected by a third, C-shaped portion. A sag plate (60) is coextensive with the first segment and located on the opposite side of the first segment than the lower flange (32) for preventing the first portion from sagging and engaging the first segment. Sides (50, 52) extend from the outer edges of the I beam flanges (30, 32) for partially enclosing the energy chain (74). Supports (42, 54, 62) are provided for reinforcing the I beam flanges (30, 32), the sag plate (60), and a side plate (40) extending between the other edges of the flanges (30, 32) on the opposite side of the I beam (28) from the energy chain (74).