Horizontal shredding machine with engine fuel consumption control

Abstract

Horizontal comminution machine (10) designed to process material, the comminution machine (10) comprising: (a) a frame (18), (b) a feed hopper (14) designed to receive the material to be processed, (c) a feed conveyor (12) associated with the feed hopper (14) and designed to move the material in a processing direction, (d) a comminution cylinder (24) designed to rotate about a generally horizontal comminution axis (25), (e) a feed roller assembly (16) mounted on the frame (18) at the rear end of the feed hopper (14) and in front of the comminution cylinder (24), the feed roller assembly (16) comprising a feed roller (22) designed to rotate about a generally horizontal axis (23) in a first direction that feeds the material towards the comminution cylinder (24). urges, and a second direction,which pushes the material away from the crushing cylinder (24), (f) a control (36) which is: (i) operatively attached to the feed roller (22) and designed to control the rotational speed of the feed roller (22), (ii) operatively attached to the feed conveyor (12) and designed to control the speed of the feed conveyor (12), (iii) designed to control the rotational speed of the feed roller (22) and the speed of the feed conveyor (12) in order to obtain a predetermined ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed, (g) a drive unit (32) with a motor (34), (h) a motor control module (38) which is operatively connected to the control (36) and designed to communicate a signal to the control (36) indicating the fuel consumption rate of the motor (34), (i) wherein the control (36) is designed,to adjust the speed of the feed conveyor (12) proportionally to the fuel consumption rate of the engine (34).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO KNOWN REGISTRATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional patent application No. 62 / 265,104, which was filed on December 9, 2015. AREA OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a shredding machine for converting tree stumps, trunks and brush into chips and to a system and method for controlling the operation of the shredding machine, in particular when it is used for shredding relatively uniformly dimensioned feed materials. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A shredder is a self-propelled or portable machine used to reduce trees, brush, and other materials to a relatively uniform particle size by tearing, shredding, beating, or shearing them. A horizontal shredder typically has a hopper for feed material at the front of the machine and a feeding mechanism to advance material from the front hopper to a shredding mechanism in a generally horizontal direction. The feeding mechanism may include a feed conveyor at the bottom of the hopper and one or more feed roller assemblies located above and in front of the shredding mechanism. The shredding mechanism usually comprises a drum or series of discs with cutting elements arranged around its circumference.A screen is typically located behind the shredding drum or discs to provide control over the particle size of the material being reduced. A discharge chute or conveyor is located adjacent to and behind the shredding mechanism to direct or convey material reduced by the shredding mechanism away from the machine. A power source, which may include an internal combustion engine and a hydraulic system containing one or more hydraulic motors, is provided to drive and operate the shredding mechanism, feeding mechanism, and (if provided) the discharge conveyor.

[0004] The production rate of a horizontal shredder is maximized when the feeding mechanism is operated to maximize material processing by the machine without contributing to or causing downtime due to overfeeding. The production efficiency of a horizontal shredder is maximized when the feeding mechanism is operated to limit the material flow to a continuous, predetermined rate, resulting in the greatest production volume per unit of fuel consumed. Engine overload is avoided when the feeding mechanism is operated to limit the material flow, ensuring that the power required to reduce the material is less than or equal to the engine's permissible continuous power output.When processing feed materials of varying sizes using conventional machinery and methods, it is impossible to maximize production efficiency or regulate power consumption by controlling the feed rate. However, feed rate control methods can be employed to maximize production rates and efficiencies without overloading the motor when processing feed materials with uniformly small particle sizes.

[0005] Reducing previously reduced material to an even smaller particle size is called secondary shredding. Because secondary shredding processes previously reduced material, the production rate and efficiency of a shredder involved in secondary shredding can be maximized by controlling the feed rate without overloading the motor. Secondary shredding produces the most desirable product when material is fed to the shredding mechanism at a constant rate, keeping the shredding chamber filled with material but not overfilled. This feed rate is referred to as "throttle feeding" and is particularly important when secondary shredding is used with wood materials to create mulch, especially mulch to which a dye or other additive will be applied.A throttled feed during mulch production will generally ensure that the dye or additive is distributed uniformly throughout the mulch product.

[0006] The feed rate of a shredder involved in secondary shredding can be controlled for maximum efficiency or to limit engine power consumption. This feed rate control is called "regulated feeding." Regulated feeding allows the engine to operate at a controlled rate, thereby optimizing fuel consumption and maximizing engine runtime.

[0007] Controlled feeding in a shredding machine can be achieved by fixing the feed roller assembly at a fixed height relative to the shredding mechanism or by using a leveling bar above the feed roller assembly to limit the height of the feed flow into the shredding mechanism. However, fixing the feed roller assembly in a raised position can compromise the safety features of the feed roller assembly, and a leveling bar is an added component of the machine. Furthermore, none of these known methods for achieving controlled feeding allows for controlling the maximum continuous power output of the engine to increase engine life and maximize fuel efficiency.Consequently, it would be desirable if other systems and mechanisms could be provided to maintain a throttled or regulated feed during the operation of a crushing machine. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One of the advantages of a preferred embodiment of the invention is that it provides a system for maintaining a throttled or regulated feed to a shredding machine, which is safe to operate and does not require a leveling bar or other structural components to be added to the machine, apart from components associated with a control system. Further advantages and features of this invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the following description. NOTES ON INTERPRETATION

[0009] The use of the terms "a," "the," and similar terms in the context of the description of the invention shall be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The terms "comprise," "have," "exhibit," and "contain" shall be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "exhibiting but not limited to"), unless otherwise noted. The terms "essentially," "generally," and other such terms are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variations of the feature so modified. The use of these terms when describing a physical or functional feature of the invention is not intended to limit that feature to the absolute value modified by the term, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of that physical or functional feature.All procedures described herein may be carried out in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly indicated by the context.

[0010] Terms relating to attachments, couplings, and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship in which structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures as well as movable and fixed attachments or relationships, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly indicated by the context. The term "functionally connected" is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the corresponding structures to operate as intended due to this relationship.

[0011] The use of one or more examples or exemplary expressions (e.g., "such as" and "preferably") herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and its preferred embodiments and does not constitute a limitation of the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification is to be interpreted to indicate any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless expressly stated. Several terms are expressly defined herein. These terms shall be given their broadest interpretation, consistent with these definitions, as follows:

[0012] The term “over” and similar terms, when used with reference to a relative direction at or in relation to a horizontal crushing machine or a component or section of such a machine, relate to a relative direction that is farther away from the surface on which the machine is placed to process material.

[0013] The term "processing direction" refers to the direction of movement of a log or other material that is to be reduced during processing in a horizontal shredding machine.

[0014] The term “front end” and similar terms refer to the end of a horizontal crushing machine or of a component or section of such a machine that is closest to the point where the feed material to be processed is introduced into the machine.

[0015] The term “in front” and similar terms, as used herein to describe a relative position or direction on or in connection with a horizontal crushing machine or a component of such machine, relate to a relative position or direction toward the front end of the machine.

[0016] The term “rear end” and similar terms refer to the end of a horizontal crushing machine or of a component or section of such a machine that is furthest from the front end of the machine, component or section thereof.

[0017] The term "behind" and similar terms as used herein to describe a relative position or direction on or in connection with a horizontal crushing machine or component of such machine relate to a relative position or direction towards the rear end of the machine.

[0018] The term "actuator" refers to an electrical, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical device suitable for applying a force to a component of a horizontal crushing machine in relation to the housing, frame or any other component of the machine.

[0019] The term "linear actuator" refers to an actuator that generates a force directed in a straight line. Common examples of linear actuators include double-acting hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, which have a cylinder, a piston inside the cylinder, and a rod attached to the piston. By increasing the pressure inside the cylinder on one side of the piston (above that on the opposite side of the piston), the rod will extend from or retract into the cylinder.

[0020] The term "engine control module" refers to any device or component suitable for communicating information to a control unit for the horizontal crushing machine equipped with an engine, which the control unit can use to determine the engine's fuel consumption rate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention comprises a horizontal shredding machine designed for processing material. The shredding machine has a frame and a feed hopper designed to receive the material to be processed. A feed conveyor is associated with the feed hopper and is designed to move the material in a processing direction. A shredding cylinder is designed to rotate about a generally horizontal shredding axis, and a feed roller assembly is mounted on the frame at the rear end of the feed hopper and in front of the shredding cylinder. The feed roller assembly has a feed roller designed to rotate about a generally horizontal axis in a first direction that pushes the material toward the shredding cylinder and a second direction that pushes the material away from the shredding cylinder.A control unit is mounted on the feed roller and designed to control its rotational speed. The control unit is also mounted on the feed conveyor and designed to control its speed. Furthermore, the control unit is designed to regulate both the rotational speed of the feed roller and the speed of the feed conveyor to achieve a predetermined desired ratio between feed roller rotational speed and feed conveyor speed.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a drive unit with a motor and a motor control module, which is operatively connected to the controller and designed to communicate a signal to the controller indicating the motor's fuel consumption rate. The controller is also operatively mounted on the motor and designed to control at least some aspects of the motor's operation. In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to adjust the speed of the feed conveyor proportionally to the motor's fuel consumption rate.

[0023] For a better understanding of the invention, the preferred embodiment of the invention, as well as the best way known to the inventors for carrying out the invention, is illustrated in the drawings and is followed by a detailed description. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiment described or to use in conjunction with the device presented herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention as considered by the inventors includes all equivalents of the subject matter according to the claims, as well as various modifications and alternative embodiments that would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in the field to which the invention relates. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will use such modifications as they deem appropriate, including carrying out the invention in a manner other than that expressly described herein.Furthermore, any combination of the elements and components of the invention described herein, in any possible variation, is encompassed by the invention, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly excluded by the context. List of characters

[0024] The currently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows, in which the same reference numerals represent the same parts: Fig. Figure 1 is a side view, partly in cross-section, of a horizontal crushing machine equipped with the control system of the invention, showing the following: (a) the direction of rotation of its feed roller during normal operation, (b) the vertical range of movement of the feed roller carrier and thus of the feed roller, and (c) the direction of rotation of the crushing cylinder. Fig. 2 is a top view of the machine, which is in Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a section of the machine located in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the placement and direction of rotation of its feed roller relative to a feed stream of uniformly dimensioned feed material. Fig. Figure 4 is a graphical representation of selected operating parameters for a preferred embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORM OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The description of preferred embodiments of the invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the complete written description of this invention. The figures shown are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be exaggerated to scale or somewhat schematically for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0026] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. The machine shown in 2 is 10 A horizontal shredder designed to process logs, stumps, brushwood, or other woody materials. The material to be processed is fed onto a conveyor. 12 placed at the bottom of the feed hopper 14 is located and is assigned to this sponsor. 12 is operated by a conventional drive system to advance the material in processing direction D (to the right, as shown in the diagram). Fig. 1 shown) to feed roller arrangement 16 to carry. This drive system is designed to carry conveyors. 12 both in a forward and a backward direction (i.e., to the right and left, as in Fig. (1 shown) and to drive at variable speeds. Feed roller arrangement 16 It is swivel-mounted on the frame 18 the machine at the rear end of the feed hopper 12and about and before the shredding mechanism 20 Assembled. Feed roller 22 of feed roller arrangement 16 is operated by a conventional drive system to drive the feed roller 22 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction (as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown) about a generally horizontal axis of rotation 23 , which is perpendicular to the side, as in Fig. shown in section 3, and to be driven at variable speeds. Feed roller 22 is designed to rotate in one direction counter-clockwise (as in Fig. (shown in 1) rotates when the machine is operating in its normal mode to force material in the feed hopper into contact with the shredding mechanism. Shredding mechanism 20 includes a horizontally mounted shredding cylinder 24 with cutting elements 26, which are arranged on its ring-shaped surface, as in Fig. 3 shown. Crushing cylinder 24 is designed to rotate in a clockwise direction (as in Fig. (1 shown) around a generally horizontal comminution axis 25 to turn (in Fig. 3 shown perpendicular to the side).

[0027] Material processed by the shredding mechanism passes through a grid. 28 and on expenditure promoters 30 for removal from the machine.

[0028] drive unit 32 , preferably internal combustion engine 34 and a conventional hydraulic circuit, which includes one or more hydraulic motors (not shown), is provided to drive shredding cylinders 24 , the drive system for feed conveyors 12 , the drive system for the feed roller 22 and the drive system for the output conveyor 30to power and operate.

[0029] The control system assigns control 36 on, which is connected to the engine control module 38 It is functionally connected to the control unit and designed to communicate a signal to the control unit indicating the fuel consumption rate of engine 34. Control unit 36 is also connected to the engine 34 , the drive systems for feed conveyors 12 and feed roller 22 and attached to a lifting mechanism which preferably includes one or more linear actuators 40 for adjusting the vertical position of the feed roller 22 includes control 36 is located in the station 42 the operator of the machine 10 (in Fig. (1 shown) and is designed to address at least some aspects of the operation of the engine 34 , the operation of the drive systems for feed conveyors 12 and feed roller 22and the lifting mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the feed roller 22 to control. The control can be done from station 42 the operator or remotely via remote control 44 (in Fig. (1 shown) are operated. Preferably, the control system operates the drive system for rotating the feed roller. 22 and the drive system for feed conveyors 12 during normal operating conditions, so that the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed is approximately 1.5 when the rotational speed of the feed roller is converted into a linear speed (RPM × 2πr) and both speeds are expressed in terms of a linear distance per unit of time.

[0030] Preferably, the control 36 the speed of the feed conveyor 12 Adjust proportionally to the engine fuel consumption rate when the machine is running. Fig. 4 represents a preferred operating mode of the invention for which good results have been achieved by selecting a predetermined starting load fuel consumption rate R START , which is approximately 20% of the engine's maximum rated fuel consumption rate, a predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate R MIN , which is approximately 80% of the engine's maximum rated fuel consumption rate, and a predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate R MAX , which is approximately 93% of the engine's maximum rated fuel consumption rate. Of course, other rates can be selected, as long as R MAX is greater than R MIN and R MIN is greater than R START .

[0031] When the engine is started and the engine consumes fuel at a rate less than or equal to R START is, i.e., at a fuel consumption rate within range “A”, which is in Fig. As shown in section 4, the control system will control the drive system for the feed conveyor. 12 operate to remove material from feed hopper 14 towards the feed roller arrangement 16 to move. Then, when the engine fuel consumption rate is R START increases to a rate no greater than R MIN , i.e., at a fuel consumption rate with range "B", which is in Fig. As shown in 4, the control 36 initiate the lifting mechanism, feed roller arrangement 16 to lift to a predetermined raised position, such as, for example, the bottom of a feed roller 22 by 25 inches across the area of ​​the feed conveyor 12 to lift and hold it in the raised position. When the feed roller assembly is lifted, the direction of rotation of the feed roller is reversed, as can be seen by comparing Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the controller adjusts the feed roller rotational speed and / or the feed conveyor speed to reduce the feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed to a predetermined lower ratio. Preferably, the feed roller speed to feed conveyor speed ratio is reduced to approximately 0.7 in this post-shredding mode. These settings cause the feed roller to push the upper portion of the feed stream away from, rather than toward, the shredding mechanism inlet. When the controller determines that the engine fuel consumption rate is set to R STARTIf the feed rate decreases, the control system will lower the feed roller assembly to its original position and reverse its direction of rotation so that it directs material toward the crushing mechanism. The control system will also adjust the feed roller rotation speed and / or the feed conveyor speed to restore the feed roller rotation speed to the feed conveyor speed ratio to its normal operating value, i.e., approximately 1.5. If a dye or other additive is applied in the post-crushing mode, the control system is also connected to and configured to apply the additive through a conventional additive delivery system (not shown) via an additive nozzle. 46 (in Fig. 3 shown) to control in such a way that it is only introduced into the feed stream proportional to the material feed rate and only if feed material is present on the feed conveyor.

[0032] If the control system determines that the motor 34 Fuel consumed at a rate greater than R MIN , but is not larger than R MAX , i.e., at a fuel consumption rate within range “C”, which is in Fig. As shown in 4, the control 36 the speed of the feed conveyor 12 proportional to the fuel consumption rate of the engine 34 Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, when the engine fuel consumption rate is between the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate R, the following applies: MIN and the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate R MAX increases, control 36 the speed of feed conveyor 12 decrease proportionally. Similarly, if the engine fuel consumption rate falls within the rates defined by range "C" of Fig. 4 are displayed, decreases, control 36 the speed of the feed conveyor12 Increase proportionally. If the control system determines that engine 34 is consuming fuel at a rate greater than R MAX , i.e., at a fuel consumption rate within range "D", which is in Fig. As shown in 4, the control 36 Stop the feed conveyor until the engine fuel consumption rate is below R MAX falls, at which point the control system will restart the feed conveyor in the forward direction.

[0033] The preferred embodiment of the invention therefore comprises a system for controlling and maintaining a throttled or regulated feed condition of a horizontal shredding machine. This control system includes a controller, means for determining real-time engine fuel consumption rates, a lifting mechanism for raising the feed roller, and a rotary drive for rotating the feed roller in both directions to selectively direct material toward or away from the shredding mechanism. The control system also includes a drive mechanism for the feed conveyor, designed to drive the feed conveyor at a variable speed and in both forward and reverse directions. During normal operation, when the engine fuel consumption rate is not greater than R STARTThe control system will cause the feed conveyor drive mechanism and the feed roller rotary drive to operate at speeds that produce a predetermined desired ratio of feed roller rotation speed to feed conveyor speed. The control system will also cause the feed roller to rotate in the direction that directs material toward the shredding mechanism. If the control system determines that the engine fuel consumption rate exceeds R STARTOnce the load has increased, the control system will cause the lifting mechanism to raise the feed roller assembly to a predetermined raised position and hold it there. When the feed roller assembly is raised, the feed roller's direction of rotation will be reversed to direct material away from the shredding mechanism, and the feed conveyor speed and / or feed roller rotation speed will be adjusted to reduce the ratio of feed roller rotation speed to feed conveyor speed to a predetermined lower level. Additionally, the control system will operate the feed conveyor drive mechanism to drive the feed conveyor at a speed proportional to the engine's fuel consumption rate.These settings cause the feed roller to push the upper portion of the feed stream away from the shredding mechanism inlet instead of towards it, and they can prevent the motor from operating at a duty cycle outside the recommended range. If the motor fuel consumption rate is set to a rate between R. MIN and R MAX As the fuel consumption increases, the control system will cause the feed conveyor to slow down proportionally in response. If the engine fuel consumption rate is in the range between R MIN and R MAX If the fuel consumption decreases, the control system will cause the feed conveyor to accelerate proportionally in response. If the engine fuel consumption rate increases to a level greater than R MAX To be, the control system will stop the feed conveyor until the engine fuel consumption rate falls below R MAXfalls, at which point the control system will restart the feed conveyor in the forward direction.

[0034] The inventors discovered that this control system allows the engine of a horizontal shredder to operate at a controlled fuel consumption rate, and the shredding mechanism of the machine to operate under a continuously regulated or throttled feed condition. When additives are added to the product during the post-shredding stage, the additives are uniformly distributed. The regulated feed condition allows the machine operator to achieve maximum fuel savings and engine life. The throttled feed condition allows the machine operator to obtain a preferred product quality by producing a more uniform product particle size. In many cases, the advantages of both the regulated and throttled feed conditions can be achieved.

[0035] Although this description contains many details, these are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as providing a description of the currently preferred embodiment and the best way of carrying out the invention as considered by the inventors. Various modifications and adaptations can be made to the invention as described herein, as will be understandable to those skilled in the art in the field to which the invention relates. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 62 / 265104

[0001]

Claims

[1] Horizontal crushing machine designed to process material, the crushing machine comprising: (a) a frame, (b) a feed hopper designed to receive the material to be processed, (c) a feed conveyor associated with the feed hopper and designed to move the material in a processing direction, (d) a crushing cylinder designed to rotate about a generally horizontal crushing axis, (e) a feed roller assembly mounted on the frame at the rear end of the feed hopper and in front of the crushing cylinder, the feed roller assembly comprising a feed roller designed to rotate about a generally horizontal axis in a first direction which pushes the material towards the crushing cylinder and a second direction which pushes the material away from the crushing cylinder, (f) a control which is: (i) attached to the feed roller and designed to control the rotational speed of the feed roller, (ii) attached to and designed on the feed conveyor to control the speed of the feed conveyor, (iii) designed to control the rotational speed of the feed roller and the speed of the feed conveyor in order to obtain a predetermined ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed. [2] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 1: (a) which has a drive unit with a motor, (b) which includes an engine control module which is interconnected with the control unit and designed to communicate a signal to the control unit indicating the engine's fuel consumption rate, (c) wherein the control is designed to adjust the speed of the feed conveyor proportionally to the fuel consumption rate of the engine. [3] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control is designed to increase the speed of the feed conveyor proportionally when the fuel consumption rate of the engine decreases. [4] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control is designed to proportionally reduce the speed of the feed conveyor as the fuel consumption rate of the engine increases. [5] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 2: (a) which has a lifting mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the feed roller, (b) wherein the control is operatively linked to the lifting mechanism and is designed to adjust the vertical position of the feed roller, (c) wherein the control is designed to control the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the feed roller, (d) wherein the control system is designed to receive a predetermined starting load fuel consumption rate for the engine, (e) wherein the control system is designed to receive a predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine, (f) wherein the control is designed to lift the feed roller and to reverse the direction of rotation of the feed roller when the control determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than the predetermined starting-load fuel rate and not greater than the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate. [6] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 5, wherein the control is designed to adjust the feed conveyor speed and / or the feed roller rotational speed when the feed roller is raised in order to reduce the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed to a predetermined lower level. [7] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 5: (a) wherein the control system is designed to receive a predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine, (b) wherein the control is designed to increase the speed of the feeder proportionally when the engine's fuel consumption rate decreases when the engine's fuel consumption rate is between the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate and the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate, (c) wherein the control is designed to proportionally reduce the speed of the feeder when the engine fuel consumption rate increases, when the engine fuel consumption rate is between the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate and the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate. [8] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 7, wherein the control is designed to stop the feed conveyor when the control determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate. [9] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 8, wherein, after the control has stopped the feed conveyor because the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate, when the control determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate less than the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine, the control is designed to restart the feed conveyor. [10] Method for operating a horizontal comminution machine comprising a feed hopper with a feed conveyor located therein, a drive system for the feed conveyor designed to drive the feed conveyor in both a forward and a reverse direction and at variable speeds, a feed roller assembly mounted at the rear end of the feed hopper and in front of a comminution cylinder, a drive system for the feed roller designed to rotate the feed roller in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction and at variable speeds, a lifting mechanism designed to adjust the vertical position of the feed roller, and a drive unit designed to operate the comminution cylinder, the drive system for the feed conveyor, and the drive system for the feed roller, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor,the procedure includes the following: , (a) Providing a control which is: (i) connected to and designed with the drive system for the feed roller to control the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the feed roller, (ii) operatively connected to the drive system for the feed conveyor and designed to control the operation of the feed conveyor, (iii) designed to receive a predetermined ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed, (b) Operating the drive system for the feed roller and the drive system for the feed conveyor such that the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed is at the predetermined ratio. [11] Method according to claim 10, comprising operating the drive system for the feed roller and the drive system for the feed conveyor such that the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed is approximately 1.

5. [12] Method according to claim 10, comprising operating the drive system for the feed roller and the drive system for the feed conveyor such that the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed is approximately 0.

7. [13] The method of claim 10, comprising the following: (a) Functional connection of the control system with an additive supply system, (b) Controlling the application of the additive to the material such that the additive is introduced into the material at a rate proportional to the feed conveyor speed. [14] The method of claim 10, comprising: (a) Providing an engine control module that is interconnected with the control unit and designed to communicate a signal to the control unit indicating the engine's fuel consumption rate, (b) Adjusting the speed of the feed conveyor proportionally to the fuel consumption rate of the engine. [15] The method of claim 14, comprising: (a) Providing the control unit with the capability to receive a predetermined starting load fuel consumption rate for the engine, (b) Providing the control system with the capability to receive a predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine, (c) Providing a lifting mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the feed roller, (d) Connecting the control mechanism to the lifting mechanism in such a way that the control mechanism is suitable for adjusting the vertical position of the feed roller, (e) Lifting the feed roller and reversing the direction of rotation of the feed roller when the control determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than the predetermined starting-load fuel rate and not greater than the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate. [16] Method according to claim 15, comprising adjusting the feed conveyor speed and / or the feed roller rotational speed when the feed roller is lifted in order to reduce the ratio of feed roller rotational speed to feed conveyor speed to a predetermined lower level. [17] Horizontal crushing machine according to claim 15: (a) Providing the control unit with the capability to receive a predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine, (b) Increase the speed of the feeder proportionally when the engine fuel consumption rate decreases, when the engine fuel consumption rate is between the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate and the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate, (c) Reduce the speed of the feeder proportionally as the engine fuel consumption rate increases, provided the engine fuel consumption rate is between the predetermined minimum operating fuel consumption rate and the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate. [18] Method according to claim 17, comprising stopping the feed conveyor when the control determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate. [19] Method according to claim 18, comprising restarting the feeder after the controller has stopped the feeder because the engine is consuming fuel at a rate greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate, when the controller determines that the engine is consuming fuel at a rate less than the predetermined maximum operating fuel consumption rate for the engine.

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