Shredder

Abstract

To provide a rigid design which secures easy accessibility for some necessary maintenance activities of a shredder component and enables prolongation of equipment life.SOLUTION: A shredder includes a shredder box having first and second opposite end walls, and first and second opposite side walls that extend between the first and second end walls. The shredder further includes a shredder rotor positioned within an interior of the shredder box, an access door that is pivotally moveable, and a control system for monitoring various parameters to operate the shredder. A side access region is defined between the first and second end walls when the access door is in the open position. The side access region provides an access to the shredder rotor and includes an open region defined between the first and second end walls on the second side of the shredder. The open region has an open top which is free of obstructions extending between the first and second end walls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 675,540, filed May 23, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a crusher. Such a crusher may be used to break bulk material into small pieces. [Background technology]

[0003] Low speed crushers may be used to reduce the particle size of certain waste materials, such as large landfill waste. U.S. Patent No. 9,573,137 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0217299 are examples of such crushers. These crushers are robust machines built with heavy parts due to the high loads and forces on the equipment during the crushing process. Waste is often fed from the top of the crusher, typically by dropping the material into a hopper with a front-end loader. The hopper receives the material while a rotor / drum, usually located below the hopper, rotates at speeds that vary from zero RPM to 40 RPM. The crusher rotor has multiple rigid teeth that engage the waste material and eventually force the material through a toothed comb, causing shearing and tearing of the material. The shredded waste then falls onto a conveyor for discharge. Screens may be used between the rotor and the conveyor to control the size of the material discharged from the crusher. The screen allows small particles to pass through while preventing larger particles from passing through and being discharged via the conveyor. Large particles that do not pass through the screen are recycled by the rotor to the hopper for further reduction in size.

[0004] Due to the harsh equipment operating conditions, the shredder components require regular maintenance and cleaning. Accessibility to the crusher rotor, screens, and combs is crucial for efficient maintenance and optimizing equipment life. It is often difficult to design a crusher that allows for efficient inspection and also has structural integrity. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the crusher components have easy access for any necessary maintenance activities and to ensure that the crusher has a robust design that can improve equipment life. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 675,540 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,573,137 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0217299 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,666,312 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a crusher having a crusher box containing a crusher rotor and a crusher comb that cooperate to crush material fed into the crusher box. In certain embodiments, the crusher box can include an upper hopper for feeding material to be debulked into a crushing interface defined by the crusher rotor and the crusher comb. The crusher box can further include a lower outlet for discharging crushed material from the crusher box. In certain embodiments, the crusher box has a configuration adapted to provide enhanced access to the crusher rotor and the crusher comb for maintenance and repair. In certain embodiments, the crusher box can include sides that can be fully opened to provide enhanced access to the crusher rotor and the crusher comb. In certain embodiments, the sides can be opened in a manner that allows a screen to be installed through the top open area and / or the side open area of ​​the crusher box to facilitate installation of the screen under the crusher rotor. In certain embodiments, the screen can be easily removed from under the crusher rotor by sliding it out from under the crusher rotor and lifting it vertically through the top open area or moving it horizontally through the side open area. In certain embodiments, the screen could be moved horizontally into or removed from the crusher box by a fork truck / forklift or similar machine, or vertically into or removed from the crusher box using equipment suitable for lifting the screen via chains, such as a front end loader, crane, backhaul, etc. In certain embodiments, the sides of the crusher box can be defined by access doors that pivot about horizontal axes. In certain embodiments, the crusher comb can be carried with the access doors such that when the access doors are opened, the crusher comb is displaced from a crushing location adjacent to the crusher rotor to an inspection position located outside the crusher box. In certain embodiments, when the access door is opened, an open access area is provided between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor.In certain embodiments, the open access area can be defined above a platform formed by the crusher box, generally between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. In certain embodiments, the area above the platform is free of overhead obstructions. In certain embodiments, the access door can define a portion of the hopper extending from the top of the hopper to the crusher comb.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a crusher having a crusher rotor and a crusher comb movable between a crushing position and a release position, The crusher comb may be operable in a first, high release pressure mode of operation and a second, low release pressure mode of operation. When the crusher comb is in a first, high release pressure operating mode, when a first predetermined pressure is generated by the crusher comb and material being crushed, the crusher comb can move from the crushing position to the release position in response to the first predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, and when the crusher comb is in a second, low release pressure operating mode, when a second predetermined pressure is generated by the crusher comb and material being crushed, the crusher comb can move from the crushing position to the release position in response to a second predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, where the second predetermined pressure is lower than the first predetermined pressure. The crusher further includes a control system for monitoring a parameter indicative of a screen being installed at the screen location, and for (a) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in a first, higher release pressure mode of operation when the parameter indicates that the screen is installed at the screen location, and (b) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in a second, lower release pressure mode of operation when the parameter indicates that the screen is not installed at the screen location. In certain embodiments, the control system may include a sensor for detecting the presence of a screen at the screen location. In other embodiments, the parameter indicative of the screen being installed at the screen location may be an indirect indication that a screen is present at the screen location. For example, a sensor may be used to sense the position of a lift arm used to lift the screen to the installation position. In certain embodiments, the control system may further include an automatic reverse function for automatically reversing the direction of rotation of the crusher rotor when an overload condition is detected. The control system may include a computer having at least a processing unit having processing capabilities, a system memory, and a system bus coupling the system memory to the processing unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a crusher having features that facilitate loading and unloading a screen under the crusher rotor of the crusher. In one embodiment, the crusher can include a lifting device, such as an arm, that can move the screen from a staged position under the crusher rotor to a set position under the crusher rotor. In certain embodiments, the ability to maneuver the screen under the crusher rotor is facilitated by having a side opening configuration on the side of the crusher box in which the crusher rotor is housed. In certain embodiments, the side opening configuration can be provided by an access door. In certain embodiments, the access door extends the entire height of the crusher box such that the sides and top of the crusher box are open when the access door is opened. In certain embodiments, a positive stop may be attached to or integrated with the access door to hold the screen in a set position, such that the positive stop engages an edge of the screen when the access door is closed. In certain embodiments, the positive stop may be a pivot link pivotally connected to the access door. In certain embodiments, the pivot link may have a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end supported by an inspection platform defined by the crusher box.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a crusher having a comb release system including a hydraulic pressure relief arrangement in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder for allowing the hydraulic cylinder to move from a first position to a second position when hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder exceeds a predetermined level. The pressure relief arrangement may include a hydraulic accumulator in communication with a control system.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a drive train for a crusher including an engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine, a hydraulic coupler connected by a drive shaft to an output of the reversible gear transmission, a flywheel coupled with the hydraulic coupler, and a gear reduction unit having an input connected to both the hydraulic coupler and the flywheel, the output of the gear reduction unit being drivingly connected to a rotor for rotating the rotor in either a first direction or a second direction.

[0011] Various advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practicing various aspects of the disclosure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concept on which the embodiments are based. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of a crusher according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear, top, and right side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the crusher of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the crusher of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the crusher of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the crusher access door in the open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a rear, top, right side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door in the open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door in an open position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door in an open position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door in an open position. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line BB in FIG. 5, showing the crusher comb of the cutter in the crushing position. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA of FIG. 4, showing the crusher comb of the cutter in the crushing position. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA of FIG. 4, showing the shredder comb of the cutter in an overload release position. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line BB of FIG. 5, showing the shredder comb of the cutter in an overload release position. [Figure 16] 2 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door open and a screen in the process of being installed into the crusher box; [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the crusher door open and a screen in the process of being installed in the crusher box. [Figure 18] 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door open and the screen shown in the process of being installed in the crusher box. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line EE of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line FF in FIG. 17. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door open and the screen in a staging position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door open and the screen in a staging position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line HH in FIG. 22. [Diagram 25]23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22 showing the screen being lifted by the lift arm assemblies into an installed position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 26] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line HH of FIG. 22 showing the screen being lifted by the arm assembly into an installed position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 27] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22 with the access door closed and the screen in an installed position beneath the crusher rotor. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line HH of FIG. 22 with the access door closed and the screen in an installed position beneath the crusher rotor. [Figure 29] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22 showing the open space in the side access area of ​​the crusher, the open space being shown shaded. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22, showing the open upper area of ​​the crusher (shown shaded) defined when the access door is open. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1, showing the open access area (shown shaded) projected vertically upward from the crusher's inspection platform. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the open access area (shown shaded) of FIG. 31 projected vertically upward from the inspection platform. [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor, with the inspection platform depicted below the horizontal reference plane. [Diagram 34] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example drive and control system for the crusher. [Diagram 35] 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example of control system logic for crusher comb release. [Diagram 36]13 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of control system logic for the crusher rotor automatic reversing function. [Figure 37] FIG. 42 is a left side view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the crusher door open, depicting the cross-section of the crusher as seen in FIGS. 38-41. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the screen after installation, secured by two positive stops at opposite ends of the screen. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is an enlarged detail view taken along section line II of FIG. 37 of the screen depicted in FIG. 38, held in place by two positive stops. [Diagram 40] FIG. 38 is another cross-sectional view taken along section line II of FIG. 37 showing the access door opened and the edge of the screen closest to the access door unlocked from the second positive stop. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is an enlarged detail of the screen depicted in FIG. 40 with the edge of the screen closest to the access door unlocked from the second positive stop. [Diagram 42] FIG. 1 is a side view of a crusher rotor with a cylindrical reference boundary (eg, a cylindrical reference envelope) indicated around the rotor. [Diagram 43] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the screen unit. [Diagram 44] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the screen unit. [Figure 45A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the power train of the crusher of FIG. 1. [Figure 45B] FIG. 45B is a schematic diagram of the powertrain shown in FIG. 45A. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an alternative access door latching arrangement; [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a partial end view showing the access door in a closed and latched position using the latching device of FIG. 46; [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is a partial end view showing the access door in an open position with the latching device in a retracted position. [Figure 49]FIG. 13 is a partial end view showing the access door in an open position with the latching mechanism in an extended position. [Figure 50] 1 is a first exemplary hydraulic circuit for controlling crusher comb release. [Figure 51] 1 is a second exemplary hydraulic circuit for controlling crusher comb release. [Figure 52] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a crusher having a recess formed in the front end of the upper hopper. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a partial rear end view of the crusher of FIG. 52. [Figure 54] A cross-sectional view taken through line 54-54 in Figure 53. [Figure 55] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction between a crusher comb and an adjustable comb stopper that sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor; [Figure 56] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction between a crusher comb and an adjustable comb stopper that sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor; [Figure 57] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction between a crusher comb and an adjustable comb stopper that sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor; [Figure 58] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the front of the crusher from within the cavity housing the rotor, illustrating the comb / rotor clearance adjustment arrangement. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 58. [Figure 60] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the adjustable block assembly viewed from within the engine compartment looking towards the cavity housing the rotor. [Figure 61] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the adjustable block assembly viewed from within the cavity housing the rotor looking toward the engine compartment. [Figure 62] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eccentric stop block of the adjustable block assembly. [Figure 63] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eccentric stop block of the adjustable block assembly. [Figure 64] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eccentric stop block of the adjustable block assembly. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eccentric stop block of the adjustable block assembly. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is an end view of the eccentric stopper block shown in FIGS. 62-65. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a partial side view illustrating the outer conveyor in an operative position. [Figure 68] FIG. 13 is a partial side view illustrating the outer conveyor in a transport position. [Figure 69] FIG. 13 is a partial side view illustrating the outer conveyor in a transport position and the lower conveyor in a lowered position for removal. [Figure 70] FIG. 2 is a side view of the crusher depicting the lower conveyor in an operative position. [Figure 71] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial side view of one of the brackets that hold the lower conveyor on the crusher frame. [Figure 72] FIG. 1 is a side view of the crusher depicting the lower conveyor bracket removed and the lower conveyor partially removed in the lowered position. [Figure 73] FIG. 72 is an enlarged partial side view similar to FIG. 71, shown with the bracket removed. [Figure 74] FIG. 1 is a side view of the crusher depicting the lower conveyor being removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Additionally, any examples described in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely to illustrate some of the many possible embodiments for practicing aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure are adapted to (a) provide enhanced access (e.g., open side / top access) to components of a volume reduction machine, such as the rotary volume reduction elements and / or combs, and / or (b) provide simplified entry of volume reduction machine components, such as screens, which are often relatively heavy and cumbersome to handle, and / or (c) provide component protection by implementing control functionality, such as an automatically adjustable volume reduction comb pressure release (i.e., functionality that adjusts the pressure release setting at which the volume reduction comb moves from a crushing position to a release position) that is activated when a parameter indicates that a screen has been installed on the machine, and / or (d) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the volume reduction rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (e) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (f) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (g) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (h) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (i) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (i) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (j) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reversing function for the screen rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (k ... (f) adapted to provide an active stop system (e.g., one, two or more pivoting links) at least partially integrated with the access door of the volume reduction machine to hold the screen in a placement position; and / or (g) adapted to provide an inspection platform that is positioned between the volume reduction rotor and another volume reduction component, such as a comb, when the access door of the volume reduction machine is opened; and / or (h) adapted to provide a drive train designed for use with the volume reduction machine. In the depicted embodiment disclosed herein, the volume reduction machine is a low speed crusher. However, it will be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein are applicable to other types of volume reduction machines, regardless of the speed at which the rotor is intended to be driven during use.

[0015] The present invention relates to a crusher 20. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the crusher 20 may comprise a crusher box 22 including first and second opposing end walls 24, 26 and first and second opposing side walls 28, 30 extending between the first and second end walls 24, 26. The crusher box 22 further includes an upper hopper 32 for receiving material to be crushed. As seen in FIG. 13, the crusher box 22 may further include a lower discharge opening 33 that may cooperate with a chute 34 for discharging the crushed material from the crusher box 22. Referring again to FIG. 1, the first and second opposing side walls 28, 30 are located on first and second sides 200, 202, respectively, of the crusher box 22.

[0016] 1 and 13 show that the crusher 20 may further include a conveyor system 159 including a lower conveyor 160 disposed below the lower discharge chute 34 and an outer conveyor 162 disposed adjacent one end of the lower conveyor 160. The outer conveyor 162 may be pivotally movable relative to the crusher box 22 between a storage or transport position and an operating position. FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 show that the crusher box 22 may further include a base 50 supported on wheels 52. The discharge chute 34 may be part of the crusher box 22, part of the base 50, or part of both the crusher box 22 and the base 50. The crusher 20 includes a crusher housing 54 enclosing a power train 56 for rotating the crusher rotor 38. Embodiments may include a trailer tongue / hitch 59 at the front of the crusher 20 along with a support jack 51.

[0017] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the crusher box 22 may further include an inspection platform 36 extending between the first and second end walls 24, 26, and a crusher rotor 38 disposed within the interior of the crusher box 22 adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper 32. The inspection platform 36 may be substantially flat (horizontal) and allow access to some components of the crusher 20. For example, if an operator stands on the inspection platform 36, the operator could look directly in a first direction toward the rotor 38, or the operator could look directly in a second direction toward the crusher comb 58, which is described in more detail below. The operator can access the full length of the crusher comb 58 by walking along the inspection platform 36. The operator can also access the full length of the rotor 38 by walking along the inspection platform 36.

[0018] The crusher rotor 38 may include a rotor body and a number of rotor tines 42 attached to the rotor body. The crusher rotor 38 may be rotatable about a rotor axis 40 oriented to extend from the first end wall 24 to the second end wall 26. The first and second side walls 28, 30 are depicted as oriented to extend in the direction of (i.e., along or parallel to) the rotor axis 40. The crusher rotor 38 may be rotatable either in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor axis 40 or in a reverse direction about the rotor axis 40, or may be rotatable in either direction.

[0019] The crusher 20 may further include a screen unit 100 mountable at a screen mounting location for screening the crushed material that has passed the crusher comb 58. The crusher 20 may be operable with the screen unit 100 mounted at the screen mounting location and with the screen unit 100 removed from the screen mounting location. The screen mounting location may be located above the lower discharge opening 33 and the chute 34 and below the rotor 38.

[0020] As shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the screen unit 100 can be loaded into the screen mounting location below the crusher rotor 38 through a side access area 62 on the second side of the crusher 20. The screen unit 100 can also be removable from below the crusher rotor 38 through the side access area 62 on the second side of the crusher 20. During loading, the screen unit 100 can be positioned in a staged position (see Figures 21-24) where the screen unit 100 is partially loaded into the screen mounting location.

[0021] 12-14, the crusher 20 may further include at least one lift arm, preferably two lift arms 120, disposed adjacent to the first side of the crusher 20. The lift arms 120 may be moved from a first position (see FIGS. 23 and 24) to a second position (see FIGS. 25 and 26) to move or pull the screen unit 100 from the scaffolding position (see FIGS. 23 and 24) toward the first side 28 of the crusher in a screen loading direction for lifting the screen unit 100 from the scaffolding position toward the first side 28 of the crusher to the installation position (see FIGS. 25 and 26) of the screen installation site. As depicted in FIGS. 16 and 19-20, the screen unit 100 may be installed using a lift device 220 that lowers the screen unit 100 into the crusher box 20 through the top of the crusher 20. The lift device 220 may include equipment such as a backhoe, front end loader, or crane that vertically lowers the screen unit 100 via a chain or other connecting structure. The screen unit 100 can also be loaded horizontally through the open side of the crusher box using a forklift or similar equipment.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 7, and 11, the crusher 20 has an access door 46 that is pivotally movable between an open position (see Figure 7) and a closed position (see Figure 1) relative to the first end wall 24, the second end wall 26, and the inspection platform 36. As the access door 46 pivots between the open and closed positions, the access door 46 pivots about a door axis 48. The door axis 48 extends between the first and second end walls 24, 26 in the direction of (i.e., along or parallel to) the rotor axis 40. The door axis 48 is horizontal in the depicted embodiment. When in the closed position, the access door 46 defines the second side wall 30 of the crusher box 22. The access door 46 may further include first and second latches 400 (see Figure 7) for securing the access door 46 to the first and second end walls 24, 26, respectively, when the access door 46 is in the closed position. The latch 400 can interlock with an opening 401 in the end walls 24, 26 to secure the door 46 in a closed position. In one exemplary embodiment, the access door 46 is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position, and in the embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the latch 400 operates horizontally to extend and retract into the opening 401 in each end wall 24, 26.

[0023] In another embodiment shown in Figures 46-49, when the access door 46 is in the closed position (see Figure 47), a latch 400' cooperates with an opening 401' (see Figure 46, only one opening 401' is shown) in the end walls 24, 26 to operate vertically. Figures 48 and 49 explain how the latch 400' includes a rod 414 and a cylinder 416, respectively, and further includes a pin 418 at the end of the rod 414 which extends with the rod (Figure 49) to secure the door 46 via engagement or disengagement of the pin 418 with the respective opening 401' in the end walls 24, 26, and retracts with the rod (Figure 48) to release the door 46.

[0024] 7 and 13, the crusher 20 further includes a crusher comb 58 which may be disposed on the interior side 404 of the access door 46. The crusher comb 58 may be adapted to be carried with the access door 46 as the access door 46 is pivoted between the open and closed positions. The crusher comb 58 includes crusher tines 60. When the access door 46 is in the closed position, the crusher comb 58 is positioned in a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper 32 between the first and second end walls 24, 26.

[0025] In some embodiments, the crusher comb 58 is configured to cooperate with the crusher rotor 38 to crush material from the upper hopper 32. The crusher comb 58 may be positionable in a crushing position (see FIGS. 12 and 13) in which the comb teeth 60 intermesh with the rotor teeth 42 and the comb teeth 60 are located within the cylindrical reference boundary 44 defined below. The crusher comb 58 may also be positioned in a release position (see FIGS. 14 and 15) in which the comb teeth 60 are outside the cylindrical reference boundary 44. As depicted in FIGS. 27 and 42, the rotor teeth 42 of the crusher rotor 38 may define the cylindrical reference boundary 44 when the crusher rotor 38 is rotated about the rotor axis 40. In some embodiments, when the access door 46 is closed, the crusher comb teeth 60 are positioned to intermesh with the rotor teeth 42 when the crusher rotor 38 is rotated about the rotor axis 40. In some embodiments, the rotor shaft 40 may be elevated above the inspection platform 36 .

[0026] 13, when the crusher comb 58 is in the crushing position, the crusher comb teeth 60 can cooperate with the rotor teeth 42 to crush the material to be crushed when the crusher rotor 38 is rotated about the rotor axis 40. In contrast, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the crusher comb 58 is displaced laterally from between the first and second end walls 24, 26 to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box 22. The crusher comb 58 may be mounted on the access door 46 that can be opened to provide access to the crusher rotor 38. The access door 46 can form at least a portion of a side wall of the crusher box 22 when the access door 46 is closed.

[0027] When the access door 46 is in the open position, a side access area 62 is defined to allow side access to the crusher rotor 38. As seen in FIG. 29, the side access area 62 can include an open space 64 located between the first and second end walls 24, 26 above the open access door 46. The side access area 62 can be defined between the first and second end walls 24, 26 when the access door 46 is in the open position. The side access area 62 can be configured to provide access to the crusher rotor 38 through the second side wall of the crusher 20. The open space 64 defined between the first and second end walls 24, 26 can be located on the second side 202 of the crusher 20 and have an unobstructed open top 306 extending substantially between the first and second end walls 24, 26. For example, when the access door 46 is in the open position shown in FIG. 29, the side access area 62 or open space 64 has no structure or frame members extending from the first end wall 24 to the second end wall 26.

[0028] 29, in some embodiments, the open space 64 extends from a first vertical reference plane VP1 tangent to the cylindrical reference boundary 44 at a location above the inspection platform 36 to a second vertical reference plane VP2 extending parallel to or along the rotor axis 40 and located at the crusher comb 58 (illustrated as to the tips of the comb teeth 60). The open space 64 may further be located between a lower horizontal reference plane HP1 (illustrated as to the tips of the comb teeth 60) at a height corresponding to the crusher comb 58 and an upper horizontal reference plane HP2 at a height corresponding to the top of the upper hopper 32. The open space 64 is further substantially free of obstructions extending from the first end wall 24 to the second end wall 26.

[0029] In another embodiment, the inspection platform 36 may be below a horizontal reference plane HP3 (see FIG. 33) that is tangent to the lowest point of the cylindrical reference boundary 44. In yet another embodiment, the inspection platform 36 may be horizontal. The inspection platform 36 may also be located adjacent the upper ends of the lower discharge outlet 33 and the lower discharge chute 34.

[0030] 31 and 32, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the crusher 20 can define an open access area 70 projected vertically from the inspection platform 36 to the upper horizontal reference plane HP2, the open access area 70 being free of obstructions extending from the first end wall 24 to the second end wall 26. When the access door 46 is in the open position, a substantially flat surface in the form of the inspection platform 36 and / or the access door 46 itself is further defined for standing on to provide inspection or other maintenance activities.

[0031] Figure 30 illustrates that when the access door 46 is in the open position, the crusher 20 can define an open upper area 72 extending from a horizontal reference plane HP4 tangent to the uppermost point of the cylindrical reference boundary 44 to an upper horizontal reference plane HP2. The open space 64 illustrated in Figure 29 can extend from a vertical reference plane VP3 of the first side wall 28, across the crusher rotor 38 to a second vertical reference plane VP2 of the comb 58 (illustrated as to the tips of the comb teeth 60).

[0032] As shown in Figures 7 and 12, in one embodiment, when the crusher access door 46 is closed, the crusher access door 46 carries a hopper defining surface 76 that extends from the crusher comb 58 to the top of the upper hopper.

[0033] 7, 14 and 15 depict an embodiment in which the crusher comb 58 is part of a crusher comb unit 78 carried by the access door 46. The crusher comb unit 78 includes a crusher comb unit frame 80 on which the crusher comb teeth 60 are mounted. The crusher comb unit 78 may be pivotally movable about an axis 81 between a crushing position (see FIGS. 12 and 13) and a release position (see FIGS. 14 and 15) relative to a support frame of the access door 46. The axis 81 may be parallel to the rotor axis 40. To allow the pivotal movement of the crusher comb unit 78, the frame 80 may include a pivot shaft supported in a bearing sealed in a bearing housing 410 (see FIG. 7) attached to the frame of the door 46. When the door 46 is closed, the bearing housing 410 fits into a corresponding notch 412 defined by the end walls 24, 26 of the crusher box. The crusher comb unit 78 may further include a first plate structure 82 supported above the crusher comb 58 by a crusher comb unit frame 80. The first plate structure defines a lower portion of the hopper-defining surface 76. The access door 46 may further include a second plate structure 84 fixed relative to the support frame of the access door 46. The second plate structure 84 defines an upper portion of the hopper-defining surface 76. When the access door 46 is closed and the crusher comb 58 is in the crushing position, the crusher comb tines 60 are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38 when the crusher comb unit 78 is in the crushing position. When the crusher comb unit 78 is in the release position, the crusher comb tines 60 are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38.

[0034] As shown in Figures 9 and 12, the crusher 20 may further include a hydraulic cylinder device 87 for holding the crusher comb unit 78 in the crushing position. The hydraulic cylinder device 87 may be configured to retract to allow the crusher comb unit 78 to move from the crushing position to the release position. The hydraulic cylinder device 87 has a first end 88 pivotally connected to the crusher comb unit 78 and a second end 90 pivotally connected to a base of the crusher box 22. The second end 90 pivots about the door axis 48. Figure 9 illustrates that the hydraulic cylinder device 87 may extend through a notch 92 defined in the inspection platform 36.

[0035] The crusher 20 may further include a screen unit 100 mounted below the crusher rotor 38. The screen unit 100 includes a screen portion 102 supported by a screen frame 104. For ease of illustration, the screen portion 102 is shown as solid, but in reality would define a plurality of sieve holes for passing material through. As shown in Figures 19, 20, and 29, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the screen unit 100 can be lowered vertically (via a crane or other lifting equipment in combination with a chain or other structure for screen attachment) through the open top of the crusher box 22 into the open space 64 between the first and second end walls 24, 26. Although Figure 16 illustrates a vertical installation of the screen unit 100 using a lifting device 220, the screen unit 100 may also be installed horizontally by a forklift, truck, or other similar machine. As shown in Fig. 23, from the open space 64, the screen unit 100 can be moved or slid under the crusher rotor 38 in a screen entry direction 106 extending from the open space 64 toward the first side wall 28. Fig. 21 illustrates that the screen unit 100 can be positioned substantially below the crusher chamber 29, corresponding to a portion of the swept volume (i.e., cylindrical cutting boundary 44) of the teeth attached to the rotor 38. The screen unit 100 can substantially cover the lower discharge opening 33 and the top of the lower discharge chute 34, each of which is approximately as wide as the diameter of the crusher chamber 29 to have an adequate material flow capacity.

[0036] 23 and 24, the crusher 20 may further include guide rails 108 for guiding the screen unit 100 in a screen entry direction 106 into a scaffolding position beneath the crusher rotor 38. The guide rails 108 may have a length extending between the first and second side walls 28, 30. The guide rails 108 may include first and second guide rails 108a, 108b supported by the first and second end walls 24, 26, respectively.

[0037] As shown in Figures 23-26, the screen unit 100 may further include one or more first pin structures 110 that ride on the first and second guide rails 108a and 108b as the screen unit 100 is slid under the crusher rotor 38. As seen in Figures 23, 43, and 44, in one embodiment, the screen unit 100 includes a first end 112 and an opposite second end 114, and when the screen unit 100 is in an installed position under the crusher rotor 38, the first and second ends of the screen unit are positioned adjacent the first and second side walls 28, 30, respectively, of the crusher box 22, and the one or more first pin structures 110 are disposed adjacent the first end 112 of the screen unit 100.

[0038] 43 and 44, the screen portion 102 of the screen unit 100 has an upper surface 116 that curves along a concave curvature extending between a first end 112 and a second end 114 of the screen unit 100, the concave curvature being configured to curve around the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38 when the screen unit 100 is in the installed position. The screen portion 102 preferably has perforations or a pattern of holes that allow for separation of the shredded waste material and serve to limit the size of the shredded material passing through the screen unit 100 towards the lower discharge opening 33.

[0039] 2, 4, and 13 show that the crusher 20 may include at least two lift arms 120 connected by a shaft 122 that is rotated about an axis 119 by an activator, such as a hydraulic cylinder 124, to simultaneously move the lift arms 120 between a first position and a second position. The lift arms 120 may be disposed adjacent a first side of the crusher box 22 for engaging the first pin structure or structures 110 of the screen unit 100 and for moving or lifting the screen unit 100 to an installation position. The lift arms 120 bring the first end 112 of the screen unit 100 into engagement with a positive stop 130 of the crusher box 22 when the screen unit 100 is lifted to the installation position. As shown in Figures 23 and 27, the active stop 130 may be defined by an active stop structure on the crusher box 22, where the first end 112 of the screen unit 100 includes a notch 132 that receives the active stop structure when the screen unit 100 is moved or lifted to the installed position. Figure 25 shows that the second end 114 of the screen unit 100 is supported on the inspection platform 36 when the screen unit 100 is in the installed position.

[0040] As shown in Figures 37-41, the crusher box 22 may include a first active stop 130a on a first side of the crusher box 28 that engages one end of the screen 100 to stop movement of the screen 100 in the screen-in direction 106 once the screen unit 100 is moved to the installation position by the lift arm 120. The access door 46 on the second side of the crusher box 22 may carry a second active stop 130b that engages an opposite end of the screen when the access door 46 is closed to stop movement of the screen unit 100 in an output direction 142 opposite the input direction 106. The second active stop 130b may include a link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door 46 and a second end that engages the screen 100 when the access door 46 is closed. In the depicted embodiment, when the lift arm 120 is moved from the second position to the first position, the lift arm 120 lowers the screen 100 and pushes the screen 100 in an unloading direction 142 to facilitate removal of the screen 100.

[0041] 12, 27, and 28 depict a pair of second position stops 130b formed by two retaining links 140. Each screen retaining link 140 has a first end pivotally connected to the access door 46 and a second end supported on the inspection platform 36. After the screen unit 100 is installed under the crusher rotor 38, when the access door 46 is closed, the second end of each screen retaining link 140 slides across the inspection platform 36 and engages the second end 114 of the screen unit 100 to hold the screen unit 100 in the installed position. To facilitate removal of the screen unit 100 from the crusher box 22, the access door 46 is opened to displace each screen retaining link 140 from the screen unit 100 and provide an open space 64 in the side access area 62. The lift arm 120 is then lowered to lower the screen unit 100 from the installed position to a scaffolding position below the crusher rotor 38. The screen unit 100 is then slid out from under the crusher rotor 38 in a screen exit direction 142 extending away from the first side wall 28. The screen unit 100 may then be lifted vertically out of the crusher box 22 through the open space 64 of the side access area 62. The screen unit 100 may further include one or more second pin structures 144 at the second end 114 of the screen unit 100 as seen in Figures 16 and 27. When the access door 46 is closed, the second end of each of the screen retaining links 140 engages with one or more second pin structures 144 (see Figure 43).

[0042] The crusher 20 may further include a flow control comb 150 pivotally connected to the first side wall 28. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the flow control comb 150 intermeshes with the crusher rotor 38 to prevent material to be crushed from moving downwardly from the upper hopper 32 into the area between the crusher rotor 38 and the first side wall 28. The flow control comb 150 further includes comb elements that can be pivoted upwardly relative to the first side wall 28 to allow the material to be recirculated by the crusher rotor 38 upwardly, past the flow control comb 150, and back into the upper hopper.

[0043] FIG. 34 illustrates a control system 300 for monitoring various parameters of the crusher 20 and controlling various systems of the crusher 20. The control system 300 may include a controller 301 including a computer with at least one central processing unit ("CPU") having processing capabilities, a system memory, and a system bus coupling the system memory to the CPU. The system memory includes random access memory ("RAM") and read only memory ("ROM"). The ROM stores a basic input / output system that contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements in the control computer, such as during start-up. The control computer may further include a mass storage device. The mass storage device may store software instructions and data. The system memory may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the electronic computing device to execute various programs from the control system 300. In other embodiments, the controller may include one or more microprocessors and may include digital or analog controls.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the control system 300 may interface with the power train 56 (i.e., drive system) to control the rotation of the crusher rotor 38. The control system 300 may further interface with various sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, proximity sensors, torque sensors, rotational speed sensors) to monitor the operation of the crusher 20 and to implement different functionalities to enhance the operation of the crusher 20 (e.g., automatic reversal of the rotor when an overload condition is detected; high release pressure operation mode of the comb when a screen presence parameter is detected; etc.). The high release pressure operation mode of the crusher comb may be manually initiated by an operator when a screen is not installed, or the high release pressure operation mode of the crusher comb may be automatically activated when the installation of the screen 100 is indicated. In certain embodiments, the control system 300 may include a controller 301 that controls the operation mode of the crusher comb 58. The crusher comb 58 may be operable in a first high pressure release operation mode or a second low pressure release operation mode.

[0045] When the crusher comb 58 is in a first, high release pressure mode of operation, and a first predetermined pressure is observed on the crusher comb 58 and generated by the material being crushed, the crusher comb 58 is movable from the crushing position to the release position to allow an obstacle (e.g., an uncrushable piece of material) to pass between the crusher comb 58 and the crusher rotor 38. When the crusher comb 58 is in a second, low release pressure mode of operation, and a second predetermined pressure is observed on the crusher comb 58 and generated by the material being crushed, the crusher comb 58 is movable from the crushing position to the release position to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb 58 and the crusher rotor 38. The second predetermined pressure is lower than the first predetermined pressure. For example, the first predetermined pressure can be in the range of 2,500 psi to 2,700 psi, and the second predetermined pressure can be in the range of 1,100 psi to 1,600 psi.

[0046] In some instances, the first high pressure release mode may include the crusher comb 58 being in a hydraulically locked mode of operation where the crusher comb 58 is prevented from moving from the crushing position to the release position in response to an overload condition. In certain embodiments, the controller 301 may be adapted to initiate automatic reversal of the crusher rotor 38 in either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation or both.

[0047] As previously described and depicted in FIGS. 8-9 and 22, the crusher 20 includes one or more hydraulic cylinder devices 87 (multiple hydraulic cylinder devices 87 are depicted) for holding the crusher comb 58 in a crushing position. Each hydraulic cylinder device 87 includes a hydraulic cylinder and a piston rod reciprocable within the hydraulic cylinder. Referring to FIG. 34, one or more fluid lines 320 fluidly connect the hydraulic cylinder devices 87 to an accumulator 340. The pressure within the accumulator 340 is set by a pressure controller 341 controlled by the controller 301. A valve 307 is disposed along the fluid line 320 between the accumulator 340 and the hydraulic cylinder device 87. When in either the first or second operating mode, the valve 307 is opened to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinder device 87 and the accumulator 340.

[0048] In either mode, when the force exerted on the comb 56 by the rotor 38 creates hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder that exceeds a set system pressure or a set accumulator pressure, the hydraulic cylinder device 87 is caused to retract to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinder 87 towards the accumulator 340. Retraction of the hydraulic cylinder device 87 moves the comb 56 from the crushing position to the release position. Once the load on the comb 56 subsides, hydraulic pressure from the accumulator 340 extends the hydraulic cylinder device 87, thereby returning the comb 56 to the crushing position. The accumulator 340 forms part of the hydraulic release arrangement 350 of the system.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the control system 300 is adapted to monitor a parameter to indicate the presence or absence of a screen at the screen mounting location under the rotor 38. In certain embodiments, the parameter may be a reading from a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) that detects the actual presence of a screen (e.g., indicated by a positive sensor reading) or the absence of a screen (e.g., indicated by a negative sensor reading). In other embodiments, the parameter may be a reading from a sensor that senses a condition that indicates that a screen is mounted at the screen mounting location. For example, in the system of FIG. 34, the sensor 302 (e.g., a proximity sensor, a rotational position sensor, etc.) monitors the position of the lift arm 120. In this case, the condition that indicates that the screen is in place under the rotor 38 is that the arm 120 is positioned in the upper position (see FIG. 25). The controller 301 interfaces with the sensor 302 and thus constantly monitors whether the screen is installed based on the position of the lift arm 120. Based on the sensed status of the parameter related to the presence of a screen under the rotor 38, the controller can selectively enable a first or second operating mode for the system.

[0050] For example, if the sensed parameters indicate the presence of a screen, the system will be operated with the comb 58 in a first or high pressure relief mode. In contrast, if the sensed parameters indicate the absence of a screen, the system will be operated with the comb 58 in a second or low pressure relief mode. Thus, the control system 300 enables the crusher 20 to automatically operate with the crusher comb 58 in a first operating mode when the parameters indicate that the screen unit 100 is installed at the screen installation location. In addition, the control system 300 enables the crusher 20 to automatically operate with the crusher comb 58 in a second operating mode when the parameters indicate that the screen unit 100 is not installed at the screen installation location. The control system 300 can automatically program the functionality of the power train 56 to operate in an automatic reverse mode when an overload condition is detected on the rotor 38.

[0051] 50, a first embodiment of a hydraulic circuit operable in the comb release mode of operation described above is provided. A controller 301 receives input from one or more proximity sensors 302 monitoring the position of the lift arm 120. In the illustrated circuit, the arm 120 located adjacent to the proximity sensor 302 indicates the presence of the shield unit 100, and therefore the circuit will control operation in a first high pressure release mode of operation. The controller 301 also receives input from a system pressure sensor 420 that determines when the system reaches a first predefined pressure above which the comb 58 should overcome the system pressure and move to the release position. The controller 301 outputs a signal to control a three-position valve 424 (e.g., an implement valve). By opening and closing the valve 424, the system pressure can be controlled to reach a desired predefined pressure by forcing more fluid into the accumulator 340 (i.e., from the tank 428 by the pump 432) or by removing fluid from the system. A pressure relief valve or safety block 436 is provided in the circuit and can be set to a pressure higher than either the first or second predetermined pressure (eg, 2,755 psi).

[0052] FIG. 51 illustrates a second embodiment of a hydraulic circuit operable in the comb release mode of operation described above. Like parts are given like reference numerals. For the circuit of FIG. 51, the proximity sensor 302 input to the controller 301 is the same, and the pressure sensor 420 reads the pressure in the accumulator 340. The controller 301 outputs a signal to control the pressure release setting of the pressure control valve 440. Depending on the mode of operation, the controller 301 can set the pressure release setting of the valve 440 to either a first pre-set pressure or a second pre-set pressure in response to the input from the proximity sensor 302. The pressure in the accumulator 340 can be maintained at a low pressure (e.g., 750 psi) suitable for returning the comb 58 to the crushing position after the overload condition has subsided. Although not shown, the circuit is provided with a pressure release valve or safety block, which can be set to a pressure higher than either the first or second pre-set pressure (e.g., 2,755 psi).

[0053] As shown in Figures 34, 45A, and 45B, the power train 56 (i.e., drive system or drive train) for the low speed crusher includes an engine 309 (which may include an engine flywheel 310) and a reversible gear transmission 312 connected to the output shaft of the engine 309. The reversible gear transmission 312 houses a hydraulic clutch. One embodiment of a reversible transmission is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,666,312, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The input shaft of the reversible gear transmission 312 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 309, and the output shaft of the reversible transmission 312 is connected to an optional hydraulic coupler 314. The hydraulic coupler 314 is connected to a flywheel 315, both of which are connected to the input shaft of a gear reduction unit 316. The flywheel 315 is provided and sized to smooth out load spikes commonly observed during operation of the crusher. The output shaft of the gear reduction unit 316 is drivingly received in the crusher rotor 38 for driving rotation of the rotor 38. Details and aspects of the drive train 56 are discussed below.

[0054] In one embodiment, the fluid coupler 314 can transmit torque from the transmission 312 to the gear reduction unit 316 via hydraulic fluid pressure and can also function as a torque overload protection device since a fluid coupling is used rather than a direct mechanical connection (e.g., the fluid coupler 314 will spin if the torque exceeds a predefined maximum). In other embodiments without the fluid coupler 314, a clutch in the reversible gear transmission 312 would perform the clutching function of the fluid coupler 314.

[0055] The gear reduction unit 316 may include a planetary gear set. The gear action unit 316 reduces the rotational speed of the crusher rotor 38 to a desired operating speed when the engine 309 is operating at a rated speed. The output shaft of the gear reduction unit 316 is coupled to the rotor drive shaft or, in the depicted embodiment, is drivably received in a female receiving bore of the rotor 38 aligned along the rotational axis 40 of the crusher rotor 38. The controller 301 may interface with the transmission 312 to control the direction in which torque is applied to the fluid coupler 314. Thus, by interfacing with the transmission 312 and controlling the mode of operation of the transmission 312 (e.g., forward or reverse), the controller 301 may selectively drive the rotor 38 in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotational direction about the rotational axis 40.

[0056] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 45A, the centerline of the engine crankshaft is below (e.g., about 9.75 inches (about 24.8 centimeters) below) the centerline of the output shaft of the transmission 312. The centerline of the output shaft of the transmission 312 is also vertically disposed below or lower than the centerline of the input shaft of the fluid coupler 314 and the centerlines of the input and output shafts of the gear reduction unit 316, each of which are coaxial with the rotational axis 40 of the rotor 38. A drive shaft 444 having a U-joint 448 interconnects the output shaft of the transmission 312 to the input shaft of the fluid coupler 314 (or to the input shaft of the gear reduction unit 316 in an embodiment without the fluid coupler 314) to accommodate the vertical offset. These vertical offsets for an in-line drive arrangement without any belt drive mechanism help reduce the overall shipping height of the crusher 20 while maximizing the height of the lower discharge chute 34 to allow optimal material outflow from below the crusher 20. Notice how the engine 309 has an output shaft centerline that is above the hitch 452 of the fifth wheel hitch attachment, yet below the axis of rotation 40 of the rotor 38.

[0057] The system may further include sensing functionality for determining when the crusher is experiencing an overload condition. For example, the controller 301 may interface with a pressure sensor 368 that senses a pressure corresponding to the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder device 87. An overload condition is detected when the sensed pressure exceeds a predefined pressure threshold. The controller 301 may further interface with a rotational speed sensor 370 that senses the rotational speed of the crusher rotor 38. An overload condition is detected when the sensed rotational speed of the rotor 38 falls below a predefined threshold. The rotational speed sensor 370 may sense the actual rotational speed of the crusher rotor 38 (e.g., by sensing the rotational speed or output of the rotor drive shaft of the planetary gear set 316) or may sense other parameters indicative of the speed of the crusher rotor 38 (e.g., the rotational speed of the input shaft of the planetary gear set 316 or the rotational speed of the output side of the fluid coupler 314). In one embodiment, the rotational speed sensor 370 may be disposed between the output side of the fluid coupler 314 and the input shaft of the planetary gear set of the gear reduction 316 .

[0058] As alluded to above, the control system 300 includes a controller 301 for controlling the drive system components. Inputs for the control system 300 may include the rotational speed of the crusher rotor 38, the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder device 87, the rotational speed of the input side of the fluid coupler (e.g., monitored via CAN and based on the output RPM of the transmission), and the presence or absence of the screen unit 100. Outputs of the control system 300 may include controls for controlling the direction of rotation for the crusher rotor 38, and controls for controlling whether the system is in a first, high pressure release mode of operation or a second, low pressure release mode of operation. The control system 300 may be used with or without the screen unit 100 in place. As explained in detail above, when the screen unit 100 is in place, the hydraulic cylinder device 87 will attempt to keep the crusher comb 58 in place until a first predetermined pressure is reached, thus minimizing the ability to release the crusher comb 58 to protect the screen unit 100 from damage. When the screen unit 100 is not in place, the hydraulic cylinder device 87 will release the crusher comb 58 when it reaches a second, lower, predetermined pressure.

[0059] One embodiment of control logic suitable for use with the crusher 20 is shown in FIG. 35. At step 500, the system determines whether a screen installed under the rotor 38 is indicated. If the screen is not indicated, the system proceeds to step 502 where the second low pressure relief mode is enabled and the rotor 38 is driven in a forward direction to perform a crushing operation (see step 508). If the screen is indicated, the system proceeds to step 506 where the first high pressure relief operating mode is enabled. The system then proceeds to step 508 where the rotor is driven in a forward direction to perform a crushing operation. In each operating mode, an auto reverse function is enabled. At step 510, the system senses whether an overload condition is detected in the rotor 38. If an overload condition is not detected, the system returns to step 508. In contrast, if the system detects an overload condition, an auto reverse cycle is initiated to clear any blockages that may have occurred between the comb 58 and the rotor 38.

[0060] The control system 300 may further include control of an automatic reverse function that automatically reverses the direction of rotation of the crusher rotor 38 from the forward volume reduction direction to the reverse direction when an overload condition is detected. The control system 300 will attempt to automatically reverse the crusher rotor 38 if a stall or excessive torque is detected. A mechanical drive system will attempt to automatically reverse the crusher rotor 38 by utilizing a reversing gearbox with a hydraulic shift clutch. Controls for the crusher 20 may further include a manual reverse button to push the feedstock aside at the operator's discretion. The automatic reverse function can occur independent of whether or not a screen unit 100 is installed.

[0061] When the automatic reverse function is activated and the RPM of the crusher rotor 38 speed falls below a threshold speed setting, an automatic reverse sequence is initiated and the crusher rotor 38 will reverse. The engine 309 will attempt to reduce the rotor speed through automatic control by the controller until the rotor speed reaches an RPM level or ENGAGE SPEED at which the fluid coupling 314 or clutch can be disengaged. Once the rotor speed reaches ENGAGE SPEED, the transmission 312 shifts to the REVERSE setting. The fluid coupling 314 or clutch is then engaged and the engine speed is then increased to maximum RPM (the rotor rotates in reverse) for a time REVERSE TIME(X) set by the control function. Once REVERSE TIME(X) has expired, the engine speed is reduced to ENGAGE SPEED and the fluid coupling 314 or clutch is disengaged. While the engine 309 is in ENGAGE SPEED, the transmission 312 shifts forward, the fluid coupling 314 or clutch is engaged, and the engine speed increases to full speed to attempt to crush the material. The threshold speed setting is based on a torque level that prevents damage to the crusher rotor 38, crusher comb 58 components, and power train 56 components, which may include the engine 309, transmission 312, fluid coupler 314, flywheel 315, and gear reduction unit 316.

[0062] The number of rotor reversal attempts is operator configurable. For example, if the number of rotor reversal attempts is set to 3, the control system 300 will attempt up to 3 reverse sequences before the rotor is automatically shut down for any required maintenance or operator attention. The operator may also manually initiate rotor reversal as needed by pressing a reverse button. The control system 300 may also use additional inputs to control the release mechanism of the crusher comb 58. Such input variables may include time elapsed at low rotor RPM speed as well as measured fluid coupling temperature. As shown in FIG. 36, after the rotor has reversed for the set time, it rotates forward again to attempt crushing and the reverse sequence count is reset to zero.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control system 300 provides a reverse sequence that reverses the rotor and then returns it to forward operation. To complete the reverse sequence, the rotor must be running at a low speed setting. After a preset delay, which may be approximately 250 milliseconds, the control system 300 disengages the fluid coupling 314 or clutch and waits for the engine to slow down to a speed at which the engine can engage the fluid coupling 314 or clutch, i.e., ENGAGE SPEED. The control system 300 then shifts the transmission to REVERSE and engages the fluid coupling 314 or clutch. The engine speed is then increased to maximum RPM. The rotor 38 runs in reverse for a time set by the parameter REVERSE TIME(x), i.e., the time that the rotor 38 reverses for each given reversal attempt. Each reverse time is individually adjustable, with each reverse time being longer than the previous one (i.e., REVERSE TIME(2) is longer than REVERSE TIME(1)). The control system 300 releases the high engine speed. After another delay, which may be approximately 250 milliseconds, the control system 300 then disengages the fluid coupling 314 or clutch. When the engine slows down to the ENGAGE SPEED, the control system 300 shifts the transmission to the FORWARD setting and then the fluid coupling 314 or clutch is engaged, causing the engine speed to increase to the maximum RPM setting. At this point, the rotor 38 is now rotating in a forward motion.

[0064] One embodiment of logic for an automatic reverse program is illustrated in FIG. 36 and may proceed as follows: First, an adjustable rotor speed threshold in RPM is set, specifically the rotor speed at which the rotor reverse sequence will be triggered. Let us call this speed setting a variable named DROOP. The number of reverse attempts for the progressive reverse cycle sequence is set based on input from the operator. At step 600, the rotor is operated in forward drive mode. At step 602, the system determines whether the sensed forward rotor speed is above DROOP. If the rotor speed is below DROOP, the crusher will initiate a reverse cycle sequence (see step 604) to brush off debris captured by the crusher comb 58 and / or screen unit 100, and will increment the reverse count to a reverse count log in memory. Once the operator programmed length of time for the initiated reverse cycle sequence has expired, the system checks whether the reverse count stored in the reverse count log exceeds a predefined maximum number of attempts (see step 606). If the maximum number of reverse attempts reaches DROOP without the occurrence of a condition where the forward rotor speed exceeds DROOP, the system moves to step 608, the rotor clutch is disengaged, and a message is displayed to inform the operator that the machine will be shut down due to unprocessed debris or feed material. If the maximum number of reverse attempts has not been reached, the system returns to step 600 and the rotor is rotated in the forward direction. If the forward rotor speed fails to exceed DROOP, the system returns to step 602 and the above protocol is repeated. If the forward rotor speed exceeds DROOP, the system proceeds to step 610. At step 610, the system continues to operate in forward drive mode and resets the reverse count log to zero. The system then returns to step 600.

[0065] An example of an automatic shutdown from the control system 300 can be implemented as follows: The operator presses the AUTO button for 500 milliseconds, whereupon the operator display will show a message reading "Disengaging Auto Crushing". The engine 309 will attempt to slow the rotor speed to a low enough RPM level to disengage the clutch. Once the clutch is disengaged, the operator display will show a different prompt reading "Disengage Conveyor? Y / N" and then the control system will be shut down.

[0066] The operator may also manually perform a separate function that can place the crusher 20 into a comminute state. This requires the operator to place the crusher into a specified automatic crush setting. To place the crusher 20 into this setting, the operator presses the Rotor Forward button for approximately 500 milliseconds and the operator display shows a message indicating that the conveyor is not running. This will initiate a countdown sequence to disengage the rotor 38, which will be indicated on the screen by a message and an accompanying simultaneous alarm sequence. The display will read "ROTOR ENGAGED" for 2 seconds and then switch to the main menu. The operator must then perform the maximum engine RPM setting by pressing the engine high button. Once the rotor speed is above the system specified RPM level, the crusher automatic crush setting will be performed.

[0067] 52-54 depict an example of a crusher 20 in which a front or end wall 800 of the upper hopper 32 adjacent the first end wall 24 is formed with a recess 804 to facilitate feeding material to be crushed into the upper hopper 32 and to the rotor 38. The recess 804 is defined in a rearwardly facing, sloped wall 808 located above the first end wall 24. First and second wall portions 812, 816 are each symmetrically angled forward and inward from the sloped wall 808 toward the longitudinal centerline of the crusher 20. The first and second walls 812, 816 may be provided with optional water nozzles 818 (FIGS. 53 and 54) for spraying water into the upper hopper 32 for dust suppression. The third and fourth wall portions 820, 824 extend forward from the first and second wall portions 812, 816, respectively, in a generally parallel manner until they meet the fifth wall portion 828. The fifth wall portion 828 slopes downwardly from the top wall 832 of the shredder 20 toward the rotor 38 until it meets the vertically extending portion of the first end wall 24. As best seen in FIG. 54, the slope of the fifth wall portion 828 is designed to direct material toward the forward end of the rotor 38, and in the depicted embodiment, is sloped such that waste material sliding along the fifth wall portion 828 will be engaged by the first and / or second rows of rotor tines 42 on the rotor 38. A reference line 836 (FIG. 54) illustrates how a plane containing the fifth wall 828 intersects with the second row of rotor tines 42 on the rotor 38. The depicted reference line 836 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the vertical.

[0068] The recesses 804 serve to more evenly distribute waste material along the length of the rotor 38, particularly along the forward end of the rotor 38, thereby maximizing the efficiency of crushing by utilizing the forward end of the rotor 38 and its teeth 42. In other prior art crushers, the forward end of the rotor is largely inaccessible to waste material inserted into the upper hopper due to the presence of an overhanging structure. The recesses 804 serve to eliminate a structural impediment to the waste material from directly encountering the end portion of the rotor 38 as it falls downwardly toward the rotor.

[0069] The crusher 20 may further include a mechanism for adjusting the clearance between the crusher comb 58 and the rotor 38 when the access door 46 is in the closed and latched position. This clearance ultimately adjusts the clearance between the comb teeth 60 and the rotor teeth 42, and can be adjusted to compensate for different types of materials being crushed by the crusher 20. FIGS. 55-57 are schematics illustrating how the adjustment mechanism interacts with the crusher comb 58 to set the clearance. The illustrated adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric adjustable block assembly 900 mounted on each of the first and second end walls 24, 26. FIGS. 55-57 illustrate the block assembly 900 mounted on the first end wall 24, and although not shown, another block assembly 900 is mounted on the second end wall 26 (see FIG. 47). FIG. 55 illustrates the access door 46 in a partially open position. FIG. 56 illustrates the access door 46 in the closed and latched position, except that the comb 58 has not yet been fully extended to the crushing position by the hydraulic cylinder device 87 (or in the comb release position).

[0070] 57 depicts the door 46 in a closed and latched position, with the crusher comb 58 extended by the hydraulic cylinder device 87 to the crushing position. When in this position, portions of the crusher comb 58 abut against respective block assemblies 900, thereby limiting the extent to which the hydraulic cylinder device 87 can pivot the comb 58 towards the rotor 38 in setting the desired crushing position of the comb 58. In other words, the block assemblies 900 act as adjustable stops that abut against the comb 58 to limit the extent to which the crusher comb 58 can move into engagement with the rotor 38. Adjusting the orientation / position of the block assemblies 900 adjusts where the comb 58 abuts against the block assemblies 900 to limit the extent to which the comb 58 can be pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder device 87 towards the rotor 38. As will be explained in more detail below, adjusting the orientation / position of the block assemblies 900 adjusts where the comb 58 abuts against the block assemblies 900 to limit the extent to which the comb 58 can be pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder device 87 towards the rotor 38. This allows the operator to adjust the desired clearance between the comb 58 and the rotor 38 for different grinding applications.

[0071] 58 and 59 are partial cross-sectional views looking toward the front of the crusher 20 from within the cavity housing the rotor 38, illustrating the interaction between the front block assembly 900 and the crusher comb 58. The comb 58 includes a comb stop plate 904 at each end of the comb 58 for positionability adjacent each end wall 24, 26. The stop plate 904 includes an engagement surface 908 configured to selectively abut the block assembly 900. It should be noted that the hydraulic cylinder device 87 shown in FIGS. 58 and 59 is mounted to a mounting plate (not shown) which has been removed for clarity to view the stop plate 904 and the block assembly 900.

[0072] 60-66 depict the block assembly 900 of the first end wall 24 in detail. The following description applies equally to the block assembly 900 of the second end wall 26 shown in FIG. 47. Referring initially to FIGS. 60 and 61, the mounting plate 912 is secured (e.g., welded) to the end wall 24 such that the aperture 914 of the mounting plate 912 aligns with a similarly configured aperture 915 of the end wall 24. An eccentric block 916 includes a first end 918 configured to be inserted through the aperture 915 of the end wall 24 and through the aperture 914 of the mounting plate 912. A second end 920 of the block 916 abuts the end wall 24 and is larger in size such that it cannot pass through the aperture 915 in the end wall 24. A flange 922 ( FIG. 60 ) is secured (e.g., welded) to the mounting plate 912 and receives a first end 918 of a block 916, more specifically, a projection 924 on the first end 918 of the block 916 is received in an aperture 926 in the flange 922. The block 916 includes a threaded bore 928 at the first end 918 that extends through the projection 924 and receives a fastener 930 (e.g., a threaded bolt). The washer 932 and / or head 934 of the fastener 930 are configured to have a larger dimension than the aperture 926 in the flange 922 such that when the fastener 930 is inserted into the threaded bore 928 and secured, the block 916 is secured to the end wall 24 via engagement between the fastener 930 and the flange 922.

[0073] As best seen in FIGS. 62-66, the illustrated block 916 is four-sided and eccentric at the second end 920 about its longitudinal axis, which is coaxial with the threaded bore 928. The first end 918 of the block 916 is symmetrical about the threaded bore 928 and longitudinal axis, such that it can be inserted through the aperture 915 in the end wall 24 and the aperture 914 in the mounting plate 912 in one of four different rotational positions or orientations. Similarly, the projection 924 is symmetrical about the threaded bore 928 and fits through the aperture 926 in the flange 922 in one of four different rotational positions or orientations. Meanwhile, the second end 920 of the block 916 is eccentric with respect to the bore 928 to provide four different stop surfaces 936, 938, 940, 942 for engaging the engagement surface 908 of the stop plate 904 on the comb 58 side. The stop surface 936 is substantially flush with the adjacent surface of the first end 918. The stop surface 938 is offset from the adjacent surface of the first end 918 by a first predetermined distance. The stop surface 940 is offset from the adjacent surface of the first end 918 by a second predetermined distance that is greater than the first predetermined distance. The stop surface 942 is offset from the adjacent surface of the first end 918 by a third predetermined distance that is greater than both the first and second predetermined distances. The predetermined distances can be selected as desired and set in appropriate increments to provide the desired clearance options for the stop of the comb 58 against the rotor 38. The block 916 is made of metal so that the stop surfaces 936, 938, 940, 942 can withstand repeated engagement by the engagement surface 908 and pressure applied by the hydraulic cylinder device 87. In alternative embodiments, the block may have a different number of faces and stop surfaces to provide the desired number of comb adjustment options.

[0074] Changing the desired comb / rotor clearance is simple. The operator simply loosens and removes two fasteners 930 (one for each block assembly 900), removes the block 916, reinstalls the block 916 so that the desired stop faces are in opposing relationship with the engagement faces 908 of the stop plate 904, and then reinserts and retightens the fasteners 930. As best seen in FIG. 59, to assist the operator, the end face 946 of the second end 920 of the block 916 can include indicia 950 indicating the amount of clearance provided by each stop face of the block 916. As depicted in FIG. 59, the indicia 950 can include numbers (e.g., etched) provided on the end face 946 adjacent each stop face 936, 938, 940, 942 (with "0" representing a maximum clearance setting and "3" representing a minimum clearance setting).

[0075] 67-74 illustrate features of the conveyor system 159, and in particular how the lower conveyor 160 is configured to be removed from its operative position below the rotor 38 and discharge chute 34 of the crusher 20 without requiring removal of the outer conveyor 162 from the crusher for inspection or replacement of the conveyor belt and other conveyor components. FIG. 67 illustrates the outer conveyor 612 in its operative position, pivoted about the base / frame 50 of the crusher 20. The outer conveyor 162 includes an idler roller 950 about which the conveyor belt rotates. FIG. 68 illustrates the outer conveyor 162 in its inoperative, stored, or transport position. In this position, the idler roller 950 of the outer conveyor 162 is positioned vertically above or nearly vertically above the top surface 952 of the lower conveyor 160. To allow removal of the lower conveyor 160 from the crusher 20 without requiring removal of the outer conveyor 162, the crusher 20 is designed such that the lower conveyor 160 is positioned or can be positioned vertically below the stored outer conveyor 162, more specifically below the idler rollers 950 of the outer conveyor 162. This allows the lower conveyor 160 to be removed from the crusher 20 in a rearward horizontal direction parallel to the rotor axis 40 by a fork truck or other suitable machine (see Figures 72 and 74).

[0076] Fig. 69 shows the lower conveyor 160 in a lowered position in which its uppermost surface 952 is well below the idler rollers 950 and any other structure of the outer conveyor 162 that would impede or impede rearward horizontal removal of the lower conveyor 160. As seen in Fig. 69, the lower conveyor 160 can be lowered from its operating position relative to the frame 50 so that a portion of the frame structure of the lower conveyor 160 rests on and is slidably supported by the frame 50. Figs. 70 and 71 depict conveyor support brackets 954 (two shown in Fig. 70) which support the lower conveyor 160 relative to the frame 50 of the crusher 20 and permit movement of the lower conveyor 160 relative to the frame 50. 71, each support bracket 954 includes a threaded rod 956 that supports one or more retaining nuts 958. An operator can loosen the nuts 958 to lower the lower conveyor 160 from the operating position to the lowered position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms may alternatively be used to support and permit movement of the lower conveyor 160. The illustrated support bracket 954 is just one embodiment.

[0077] After the operator loosens all of the retaining nuts 958 (on all brackets 954 on both sides of the crusher 20), the lower conveyor 160 is lowered to its lowered position where it is supported by the face of the frame 50. The support brackets 954 can then be removed from the frame 50. In the depicted embodiment, the stub shafts on the brackets 954 that secure the brackets 954 to the frame 50 can be removed through apertures 960 in the frame 50. Figure 73 depicts the brackets removed, with a portion of the lower conveyor 160 in the lowered position visible through an oval aperture 962 in the frame 50.

[0078] With the lower conveyor 160 in the lowered position and slidably supported on the frame 50, an operator can use available machinery (e.g., a fork truck, etc.) to slide the lower conveyor 160 horizontally rearward to the position shown in FIG. 74 where at least the support frame, rollers, and conveyor belt of the lower conveyor 160 are accessible for repair and / or replacement. The outer conveyor 162 is in its inoperative or transport position and does not impede removal of the lower conveyor 160. Unlike some prior art crushers, the lower conveyor 160 can be removed from beneath the rotor 38 as a module without requiring removal or disconnection of the outer conveyor 162 from the crusher frame 50.

[0079] An embodiment of the present invention is as follows. [Embodiment Example 1] a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box also including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall and the second end wall, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open position and the closed position, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, when the access door is in the closed position, the crusher comb being positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first end wall and the second end wall, when the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth can cooperate with rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed when the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis, when the access door is in the open position, the crusher comb being displaced laterally outward from between the first end wall and the second end wall to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box; In a crusher comprising: a side access area defined between the first end wall and the second end wall when the access door is in the open position, the side access area configured to provide access to the crusher rotor, the side access area including an open area defined on the second side of the crusher between the first end wall and the second end wall, the open area having an unobstructed open upper surface extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. Crusher.

[0080] [Embodiment Example 2] 2. The crusher of embodiment 1, wherein the door axis is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 3] 2. The crusher of Example 1, wherein the access door carries a hopper defining surface that extends from the crusher comb to a top surface of the upper hopper when the access door is closed. [Embodiment Example 4] the crusher comb is part of a crusher comb unit carried by the access door, the crusher comb unit including a crusher comb unit frame to which the crusher comb teeth are mounted, the crusher comb unit pivotally movable relative to a support frame of the access door between a crushing position and an open position, the crusher comb unit including a first plate structure supported above the crusher comb by the crusher comb unit frame, the first plate structure defining a lower portion of the hopper defining surface and a front plate structure supporting the crusher comb unit frame and a rear ... The crusher of embodiment 3, wherein the access door further includes a second plate structure fixed to the support frame of the access door, the second plate structure defining an upper portion of the hopper defining surface, and when the access door is closed and the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth are positioned within a cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the crusher comb unit enters the crushing position and are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary when the crusher comb unit enters the release position. [Embodiment Example 5] The crusher as described in Example 4, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder for holding the crusher comb unit in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder configured to retract to allow the crusher comb unit to move from the crushing position to the release position, the hydraulic cylinder having a first end pivotally connected to the crusher comb unit and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the crusher box, the second end pivoting about the door axis.

[0081] [Example 6] 2. The crusher of embodiment 1, wherein the crusher box further includes a discharge port for discharging the crushed material from a lower portion of the crusher box. [Embodiment Example 7] 7. The crusher of Example 6, further comprising a conveyor system including a lower conveyor disposed below the discharge opening and an outer conveyor disposed adjacent one end of the lower conveyor. [Embodiment Example 8] 8. The crusher of Example 7, wherein the outer conveyor is pivotally movable relative to the crusher box between a stowed position and a deployed position. [Embodiment Example 9] The crusher of Example 1, wherein the crusher box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first end wall and the second end wall adjacent a lower portion of the access door, the inspection platform being accessible for an operator to stand on when the access door is in the open position. [Embodiment Example 10] The crusher of Example 9, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the inspection platform defines a lower extent of the side access area, and no portion of the crusher box lies in a vertical plane above the inspection platform and does not extend from the first end wall to the second end wall. [Embodiment Example 11] 10. The crusher of embodiment 9, wherein the inspection platform is horizontal.

[0082] [Embodiment Example 12] The crusher of embodiment 1, further comprising a screen unit mounted below the crusher rotor, the screen unit including a screen portion supported by a screen frame. [Embodiment Example 13] The crusher described in Example 12, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through the open top surface of the crusher box into the open area of ​​the side access area between the first end wall and the second end wall, and from the side access area, the screen can be slid under the crusher rotor in a screen loading direction extending from the side access area toward the first side wall. [Embodiment Example 14] The crusher of Example 13, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen under the crusher rotor in the screen loading direction, the guide rail having a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. [Embodiment Example 15] 15. The crusher of embodiment 14, wherein the guide rails include first and second guide rails supported by the first end wall and the second end wall, respectively.

[0083] [Embodiment Example 16] The crusher of Example 15, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails as the screen unit is slid under the crusher rotor. [Embodiment Example 17] The crusher of Example 16, wherein the screen unit includes a first end and an opposite second end, and when the screen unit is in an installation position under the crusher rotor, the first end and the second end of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first side wall and the second side wall of the crusher box, respectively, and the single or more first pin structures are positioned adjacent to the first end of the screen unit. [Embodiment Example 18] A crusher as described in Example 17, wherein the screen portion of the screen unit has an upper surface that is curved along a concave curvature while extending between the first end and the second end of the screen unit, and the concave curvature is configured to curve around the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the screen unit enters the installation position. [Embodiment Example 19] The crusher of Example 17, wherein the screen unit is supported by the rails in a staged position below the crusher rotor, and the crusher includes at least one lift arm adjacent the first side of the crusher box for engaging the one or more first pin structures of the screen unit and for lifting the screen unit to the installed position.

[0084] [Embodiment Example 20] 20. The crusher of embodiment 19, wherein when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position, the lift arm brings the first end of the screen unit into engagement with a positive stop on the crusher box. [Embodiment Example 21] The crusher of Example 20, wherein the active stop is defined by an active stop structure of the crusher box, and the first end of the screen unit includes a notch that receives the active stop structure when the screen unit is lifted to the installation position. [Embodiment Example 22] The crusher of Example 21, wherein the crusher box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first end wall and the second end wall adjacent a lower portion of the access door, the inspection platform being accessible for an operator to stand on when the access door is in the open position, and the second end of the screen unit being supported on the inspection platform when the screen unit is in the installed position. [Embodiment Example 23] The crusher of embodiment example 22 further comprises a screen retaining link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end supported on the inspection platform, and when the access door is closed after the screen unit is installed under the crusher rotor, the second end of the screen retaining link slides across the inspection platform and engages the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position.

[0085] [Embodiment Example 24] When it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen retaining link from the screen to provide the open area of ​​the side access area, the lift arm is lowered to lower the screen unit from the installation position to the scaffolding position below the crusher rotor, the screen is slid out from under the crusher rotor in a screen discharge direction extending away from the first side wall, and then the screen is removed from the crusher box through the open area of ​​the side access area. [Embodiment Example 25] The crusher of Example 23, wherein the screen unit includes one or more second pin structures at the second end of the screen unit, and the second end of the screen retaining link engages with the one or more second pin structures when the access door is closed. [Embodiment Example 26] The crusher described in embodiment 1, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, the flow control comb intermeshing with the crusher rotor to prevent material to be crushed from moving downwardly from the upper hopper into the area between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, and the flow control comb having comb elements that can be pivoted upwardly relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated by the crusher rotor upwardly past the flow control comb and back into the upper hopper.

[0086] [Embodiment Example 27] 2. The crusher of embodiment 1, wherein the door axis is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 28] 2. The crusher of embodiment 1, wherein the access door is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position. [Embodiment Example 29] The crusher of embodiment 1, further comprising first and second latches for securing the access door to the first end wall and the second end wall, respectively, when the access door is in the closed position. [Embodiment Example 30] A crusher as described in Example 29, wherein the first latch includes a first pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the first end wall side for vertically receiving the first pin when the access door is in the closed position, and the second latch includes a second pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the second end wall side for vertically receiving the second pin when the access door is in the closed position. [Embodiment Example 31] The crusher of Example 1, further comprising an adjustment block disposed on each of the first end wall and the second end wall for engaging the crusher comb, the adjustment block being reconfigurable by an operator to vary a clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor.

[0087] [Embodiment Example 32] a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box also including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, the crusher box further including an inspection platform extending between the first and second end walls; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall, the crusher rotor including a plurality of rotor tines, the rotor tines of the crusher rotor defining a cylindrical reference boundary as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis, the rotor axis being elevated above the inspection platform; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall, the second end wall, and the inspection platform, wherein as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door pivots about a door axis that extends between the first end wall and the second end wall in a direction of the rotor axis, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open position and the closed position, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, when the access door is in the closed position the crusher comb is positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first end wall and the second end wall, when the crusher comb is in the crushing location the crusher comb teeth can cooperate with the rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis, when the access door is in the open position the crusher comb is displaced laterally outward from between the first end wall and the second end wall to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box; In a crusher comprising: a side access area is defined to allow side access to the crusher rotor when the access door is in the open position, the side access area including an open space located between the first end wall and the second end wall above the opened access door, the open space extending from a first vertical reference plane tangent to the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor and above the inspection platform to a second vertical reference plane extending parallel to the rotor axis and located at a tooth tip of the crusher comb, the open space being disposed between a lower horizontal reference plane at a height corresponding to the tooth tip of the crusher comb and an upper horizontal reference plane at a height corresponding to a top surface of the upper hopper, the open space being free of obstructions extending from the first end wall to the second end wall. Crusher.

[0088] [Embodiment Example 33] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, wherein the inspection platform is below a horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of the cylindrical reference boundary. [Embodiment Example 34] 33. The crusher of Example 32, wherein the crusher box further includes a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, and the inspection platform is located adjacent an upper end of the lower discharge opening. [Embodiment Example 35] The crusher of Example 32, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the crusher defines an open access area projected vertically upward from the inspection platform to the upper horizontal reference plane, the open access area being free of obstacles extending from the first end wall to the second end wall. [Embodiment Example 36] The crusher of Example 32, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the crusher defines an open upper area extending from a horizontal reference plane tangent to an uppermost point of the cylindrical reference boundary to the upper horizontal reference plane, and the open space extends from the first side wall, beyond the crusher rotor, to the second vertical reference plane.

[0089] [Embodiment Example 37] 33. The crusher of Example 32, wherein the access door carries a hopper defining surface extending from the crusher comb to a top surface of the upper hopper when the access door is closed. [Embodiment Example 38] The crusher comb is part of a crusher comb unit carried by the access door, the comb unit including a crusher comb unit frame to which the crusher comb teeth are mounted, the crusher comb unit pivotally movable between a crushing position and an open position relative to a support frame of the access door, the crusher comb unit including a first plate structure supported above the crusher comb by the crusher comb unit frame, the first plate structure defining a lower portion of the hopper defining surface, the access door being supported by the crusher comb unit frame and configured to support the crusher comb unit in a manner that allows the crusher comb to move between a crushing position and an open position. The crusher of Example 37, wherein the access door further includes a second plate structure fixed to the support frame of the access door, the second plate structure defining an upper portion of the hopper defining surface, and when the access door is closed and the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth are positioned within a cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the crusher comb unit enters the crushing position and are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary when the crusher comb unit enters the release position. [Embodiment Example 39] The crusher of Example 38, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder for holding the crusher comb unit in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder configured to retract to allow the crusher comb unit to move from the crushing position to the release position, the hydraulic cylinder having a first end pivotally connected to the crusher comb unit and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the crusher box, the second end pivoting about the door axis. [Embodiment Example 40] 40. The crusher of embodiment 39, wherein the hydraulic cylinder extends through a notch defined in the inspection platform. [Embodiment Example 41] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, further comprising a screen unit mounted below the crusher rotor, the screen unit including a screen portion supported by a screen frame. [Embodiment Example 42] The crusher of Example 41, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through the open top surface of the crusher box and into the open space between the first end wall and the second end wall, from which the screen can be slid under the crusher rotor in a screen loading direction extending from the open space toward the first side wall.

[0090] [Embodiment Example 43] The crusher of Example 42, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen under the crusher rotor in the screen loading direction, the guide rail having a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. [Embodiment Example 44] 42. The crusher of embodiment 41, wherein the guide rails include first and second guide rails supported by the first end wall and the second end wall, respectively. [Embodiment Example 45] The crusher of Example 42, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails as the screen unit is slid under the crusher rotor. [Embodiment Example 46] The crusher of Example 43, wherein the screen unit includes a first end and an opposite second end, and when the screen unit is in an installed position under the crusher rotor, the first end and the second end of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first side wall and the second side wall of the crusher box, respectively, and the one or more first pin structures are positioned adjacent to the first end of the screen unit. [Embodiment Example 47] A crusher as described in Example 46, wherein the screen portion of the screen unit has an upper surface that is curved along a concave curvature while extending between the first end and the second end of the screen unit, and the concave curvature is configured to curve around the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the screen unit enters the installation position.

[0091] [Embodiment Example 48] The crusher of Example 47, wherein the screen unit is supported by the rails at a scaffolding position below the crusher rotor, and the crusher includes at least one lift arm adjacent the first side of the crusher box for engaging the one or more first pin structures of the screen unit and for lifting the screen unit to the installation position. [Embodiment Example 49] 49. The crusher of embodiment 48, wherein when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position, the lift arm brings the first end of the screen unit into engagement with a positive stop on the crusher box. [Embodiment Example 50] The crusher of Example 49, wherein the active stop is defined by an active stop structure of the crusher box, and the first end of the screen unit includes a notch that receives the active stop structure when the screen unit is lifted to the installation position. [Embodiment Example 51] 51. The crusher of embodiment 50, wherein when the screen unit is in the installed position, the second end of the screen unit is supported on the inspection platform. [Embodiment Example 52] The crusher described in embodiment example 51, further comprising a screen retaining link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end supported on the inspection platform, and when the access door is closed after the screen unit is installed under the crusher rotor, the second end of the screen retaining link slides across the inspection platform and engages with the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position.

[0092] [Embodiment Example 53] When it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen retaining link from the screen to provide the open area of ​​the side access area, the lift arm is lowered to lower the screen unit from the installation position to the scaffolding position below the crusher rotor, the screen is slid out from under the crusher rotor in a screen discharge direction extending away from the first side wall, and then the screen is removed from the crusher box through the open area of ​​the side access area, the crusher of embodiment example 52. [Embodiment Example 54] The crusher of Example 52, wherein the screen unit includes one or more second pin structures at the second end of the screen unit, and the second end of the screen retaining link engages with the one or more second pin structures when the access door is closed. [Embodiment Example 55] The crusher of Example 32, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, the flow control comb intermeshing with the crusher rotor to prevent material to be crushed from moving downwardly from the upper hopper into the area between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, and the flow control comb having comb elements that can be pivoted upwardly relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated by the crusher rotor upwardly past the flow control comb and back into the upper hopper.

[0093] [Embodiment Example 56] The crusher of Example 32, wherein the crusher box further includes a lower discharge outlet for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, and the crusher further includes a conveyor system including a lower conveyor positioned below the lower discharge outlet and an outer conveyor positioned adjacent to one end of the lower conveyor. [Embodiment Example 57] 57. The crusher of Example 56, wherein the outer conveyor is pivotally movable relative to the crusher box between a stowed position and a deployed position. [Embodiment Example 58] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, wherein the inspection platform is horizontal. [Example 59] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, wherein the door axis is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 60] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, wherein the access door is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position. [Embodiment Example 61] 33. The crusher of embodiment 32, further comprising first and second latches for securing the access door to the first and second end walls, respectively, when the access door is in the closed position. [Embodiment Example 62] A crusher as described in embodiment 61, wherein the first latch includes a first pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the first end wall side for vertically receiving the first pin when the access door is in the closed position, and the second latch includes a second pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the second end wall side for vertically receiving the second pin when the access door is in the closed position.

[0094] [Embodiment Example 63] The crusher of Example 32, further comprising an adjustment block disposed on each of the first end wall and the second end wall for engaging the crusher comb, the adjustment block being reconfigurable by an operator to vary a clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. [Embodiment Example 64] A crusher, the crusher comprising: a crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed and a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, the crusher box also including a screen mounting location located above the lower discharge opening; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis, the crusher rotor including a rotor body and a plurality of rotor tines attached to the rotor body, the rotor tines defining a cylindrical reference boundary as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis; a crusher comb disposed adjacent a lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher comb including teeth, the crusher comb positionable in a crushing position where the teeth intermesh with the rotor teeth and are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary, and the crusher comb also positionable in a release position where the teeth are outside the cylindrical reference boundary; a screen attachable to the screen mounting location for screening crushed material that has passed the crusher comb, the crusher being operable with the screen attached to the screen mounting location and with the screen removed from the screen mounting location; the crusher comb operable in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein when the crusher comb is in the first mode of operation, a first predetermined pressure is generated by material observed at the crusher comb and being crushed, the crusher comb is movable from the crushing position to the release position in response to the first predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, and when the crusher comb is in the second mode of operation, a second predetermined pressure is generated by material observed at the crusher comb and being crushed, the crusher comb is movable from the crushing position to the release position in response to the second predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, the second predetermined pressure being lower than the first predetermined pressure; a control system for monitoring a parameter indicative of a screen being installed at the screen location, and (a) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in the first mode of operation when the parameter indicates that the screen is installed at the screen location, and (b) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in the second mode of operation when the parameter indicates that the screen is not installed at the screen location; The crusher is provided with:

[0095] [Embodiment Example 65] The crusher of embodiment 64, wherein the control system includes a screen presence sensor disposed at the screen mounting location for detecting the presence of a screen to be installed at the screen mounting location, and the parameter indicating that a screen has been installed at the screen mounting location is a positive or negative reading of the screen presence sensor. [Embodiment Example 66] The crusher of embodiment 64, further comprising a lift arm for lifting the screen from a scaffolding position to an installation position at the screen mounting location, the lift arm moving between a first position corresponding to the scaffolding position of the screen and a second position corresponding to the installation position of the screen, the control system including an arm position sensor for sensing whether the lift arm is in the second position, and the parameter indicating that the screen has been installed at the screen mounting location is whether the arm position sensor indicates that the lift arm is in the second position. [Embodiment Example 67] 65. The crusher of embodiment 64, wherein the crusher rotor is rotatable in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor shaft and is further rotatable in a reverse direction about the rotor shaft. [Embodiment Example 68] The crusher of Example 67, wherein the control system controls an automatic reverse function that automatically reverses the rotational direction of the crusher rotor from the forward volume reduction direction to the reverse direction when an overload condition is detected.

[0096] [Embodiment Example 69] The crusher of embodiment 68, further comprising a drive train for transmitting torque from an engine to the crusher rotor to cause rotation of the crusher rotor about the rotor axis, the drive train including a reversible transmission for enabling the drive train to alternate the rotational direction of the crusher rotor between the forward volume reduction direction and the reverse direction in response to input from the control system. [Embodiment Example 70] The drive train is The engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine; a fluid coupler connected by a drive shaft to an output of the reversible gear transmission; a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler; a gear reduction unit having an input connected to both the hydraulic coupler and the flywheel; and an output of the gear reduction unit is drivingly connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor in either the first direction or the second direction. [Embodiment Example 71] The crusher as described in embodiment 64, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder device for holding the crusher comb in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder device including a hydraulic cylinder and a piston rod reciprocating within the hydraulic cylinder, and the control system allows the hydraulic cylinder to move from a first position corresponding to the crushing position to a second position corresponding to the release position only when the crusher comb observes at least the first predetermined pressure in the second operating mode, and the control system allows the hydraulic cylinder to move from the first position corresponding to the crushing position to the second position corresponding to the release position only when the crusher comb observes at least the second predetermined pressure in the first operating mode.

[0097] [Embodiment Example 72] The crusher of Example 71, wherein the crusher comb is mounted on an access door of the crusher that can be opened to provide access to the crusher rotor, and when the access door is closed, the access door forms at least a portion of a side wall of the rotor box. [Embodiment Example 73] a crusher box including first and second opposing end walls, the crusher box also including first and second opposing side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, the crusher box also including a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, the crusher box defining a screen mounting location above the lower discharge opening; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; a crusher comb disposed adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher comb configured to cooperate with the crusher rotor to crush material from the upper hopper; a screen that is transportable into the screen mounting location beneath the crusher rotor through a side access area on the second side of the crusher box, the screen being further removable from beneath the crusher rotor through the side access area on the second side of the crusher box, and during transport the screen is positionable in a scaffolding position where the screen is partially transported into the screen mounting location; a lift arm disposed adjacent the first side of the crusher box, the lift arm being movable from a first position to a second position to move the screen from the staging position to a placement position at the screen mounting location; A crusher comprising:

[0098] [Embodiment Example 74] The crusher described in Example 73, wherein the crusher box includes a first active stop on the first side of the crusher box that engages one end of the screen to stop movement of the screen when the screen reaches the installation position, and the access door carries a second active stop on the second side of the crusher box that engages an opposite end of the screen when the access door is closed to prevent movement of the screen from the installation position toward the staging position. [Embodiment Example 75] The crusher of Example 74, wherein the second positive stop includes a link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end that engages the screen when the access door is closed. [Embodiment Example 76] 74. The crusher of embodiment 73, wherein the door axis is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 77] The crusher of Example 73, wherein the step of moving the screen from the scaffolding position to the installation position includes the steps of moving the screen from the scaffolding position in a screen loading direction toward the first side of the crusher box, and lifting the screen from the scaffolding position toward the rotor. [Embodiment Example 78] The crusher of Example 77, wherein when the lift arm is moved from the second position to the first position, the lift arm lowers the screen away from the rotor and pushes the screen in an ejection direction toward the second side of the crusher box.

[0099] [Embodiment Example 79] a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box further including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall and the second end wall, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open position and the closed position, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, when the access door is in the closed position, the crusher comb being positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first end wall and the second end wall, when the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth can cooperate with rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed as the crusher rotor rotates about the rotor axis, when the access door enters the open position, the crusher comb being displaced laterally outward from between the first end wall and the second end wall to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box; a drive train configured to rotate the rotor about the rotor axis in either a first direction or a second, opposite direction, the drive train comprising: engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine; a fluid coupler connected by a drive shaft to an output of the reversible gear transmission; a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler; and a gear reduction unit having an input connected to both the fluid coupler and the flywheel, the output of the gear reduction unit being drivingly connected to the rotor for rotating the rotor in either the first direction or the second direction; A crusher comprising:

[0100] [Embodiment Example 80] 80. The crusher of embodiment 79, wherein the drive shaft is connected between the reversible gear transmission and the fluid coupler via a universal joint. [Embodiment Example 81] 81. The crusher of embodiment 80, wherein the drive shaft and the universal joint compensate for a vertical offset between centerlines of the output shaft of the reversible gear transmission and the input shaft of the fluid coupler. [Embodiment Example 82] 80. The crusher of embodiment 79, wherein the gear reduction unit includes a planetary gear set. [Embodiment Example 83] 80. The crusher of embodiment 79, wherein the reversible gear transmission includes at least one hydraulic clutch. [Embodiment Example 84] a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box further including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; a lower conveyor disposed below the crusher rotor and configured to move crushed material from beneath the crusher rotor; an outer conveyor disposed adjacent to the lower conveyor and movable between an operative position and an inoperative position configured to receive the shredded material moved by the lower conveyor; In a crusher comprising: the outer conveyor includes idler rollers that are above a top surface of the lower conveyor when the outer conveyor is in an inoperative position, allowing the lower conveyor to be removed from the crusher in a direction parallel to the rotor axis without removing the outer conveyor from the crusher. Crusher.

[0101] [Embodiment Example 85] 85. The crusher of embodiment 84, wherein the lower conveyor is movable from an operating position to a lowered position, and the uppermost surface of the lower conveyor is below the idler rollers at least when the lower conveyor is in the lowered position. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the inventive aspects disclosed herein and without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 20 Crusher 22 Crusher Box 24, 26 First and second opposing end walls 28, 30 First and second opposing side walls 29 Crusher chamber 32 Upper hopper 33 Lower outlet 34 Lower discharge chute 36 Inspection Platform 38 Crusher rotor 40 Rotor shaft 42 rotor teeth 44 Cylindrical Reference Boundary 46 Access Door 48 Door Axis 50 base 51 Support jack 52 wheels 54 Crusher housing 56 Powertrain 58 Crusher comb section 59 Trailer tongue / hitch 60 Crusher comb teeth 62 Side access area 64 Open space 70 Open Access Area 72 Open upper area 76 Hopper boundary surface 78 Crusher comb unit 80 Crusher comb unit frame 81 Pivot shaft of crusher comb unit 82 First Plate Structure 84 Second Plate Structure 87 Hydraulic Cylinder Device 88 1st end 90 2nd end 92 Notch 100 screen units 102 Screen section 104 Screen Frame 106 Screen loading direction 108, 108a, 108b guide rails 110 First pin structure 112 1st end 114 2nd end 116 Upper Surface 119 Rotation axis of shaft 122 120 Lift arm 122 Shaft 124 Hydraulic Cylinder 130, 130a, 130b Active stopper 132 Notch 140 Screen Retaining Link 142 Export direction 144 Second pin structure 150 Flow control comb 159 Conveyor System 160 Lower Conveyor 162 Outer Conveyor 200, 202 First and second aspects 220 Lifting Device 300 Control System 301 Controller 302 Sensor 306 Open Top 307 Valve 309 Engine 310 engine flywheel 312 Reversible Gear Transmission 314 Fluid Coupler 315 Flywheel 316 Planetary Gear Set 320 Fluid Line 340 Accumulator 341 Pressure Controller 350 Hydraulic Release Device 368 Pressure Sensor 370 Rotational Speed ​​Sensor 400, 400' Latch 401, 401' opening 404 Internal side 410 Bearing housing 412 Notch 414 Rod 416 Cylinder 418 Pin 420 System Pressure Sensor 424 3-position valve 428 Tank 432 Pump 436 Pressure relief valve or safety device block 440 Pressure Control Valve 444 Driveshaft 448 U-joint 452 Hitch 800 Front or end wall 804 Recess 808 Sloped Wall 812, 816 First and second wall portions 818 Water Nozzle 820, 824 Third and fourth wall portions 828 Fifth wall section 832 Top wall 836 Reference Line 900 Eccentric Adjustable Block Assembly 904 Comb stop plate 908 Engagement surface 912 Mounting plate 914 Aperture 915 Aperture 916 Eccentric Block 918 1st end 920 2nd end 922 Flange 924 Protrusion 926 Aperture 928 Boa 930 Fasteners 932 Washer 934 Head 936, 938, 940, 942 Stop surface 946 End face 950 displays 950 Idler roller 952 Top surface 954 Support bracket 956 Threaded Rod 958 Retaining Nut 960 Aperture 962 elliptical aperture VP1 First vertical reference plane VP2 Second vertical reference plane VP3 First Side Wall Vertical Reference Plane HP1 lower horizontal reference plane HP2 upper horizontal reference plane HP3 Horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of a cylindrical reference boundary HP4 Horizontal reference plane tangent to the uppermost point of a cylindrical reference boundary

Claims

1. a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box also including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall and the second end wall, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open and closed positions, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, the crusher comb being positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first and second end walls when the access door is in the closed position, the crusher comb teeth being capable of cooperating with rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis when the crusher comb is in the crushing location, and the crusher comb being displaced laterally outward from between the first and second end walls to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box when the access door is in the open position; In a crusher comprising: a side access area defined between the first end wall and the second end wall when the access door is in the open position, the side access area configured to provide access to the crusher rotor, the side access area including an open area defined on the second side of the crusher between the first end wall and the second end wall, the open area having an unobstructed open top extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. Crusher.

2. The crusher of claim 1 , wherein the door axis is horizontal.

3. 2. The crusher of claim 1, wherein said access door carries a hopper-defining surface extending from said crusher comb to the top of said upper hopper when said access door is closed.

4. the crusher comb is part of a crusher comb unit carried by the access door, the crusher comb unit including a crusher comb unit frame to which the crusher comb teeth are mounted, the crusher comb unit pivotally movable between a crushing position and an open position relative to a support frame of the access door, the crusher comb unit including a first plate structure supported above the crusher comb by the crusher comb unit frame, the first plate structure defining a lower portion of the hopper defining surface; 4. The crusher of claim 3, wherein the access door further includes a second plate structure fixed to the support frame of the access door, the second plate structure defining an upper portion of the hopper-defining surface, and wherein when the access door is closed and the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth are positioned within a cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the crusher comb unit enters the crushing position and are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary when the crusher comb unit enters the release position.

5. 5. The crusher of claim 4, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder for holding the crusher comb unit in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder configured to retract to allow the crusher comb unit to move from the crushing position to the release position, the hydraulic cylinder having a first end pivotally connected to the crusher comb unit and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the crusher box, the second end pivoting about the door axis.

6. 10. The crusher of claim 1, wherein the crusher box further includes a discharge port for discharging crushed material from a lower portion of the crusher box.

7. 7. The crusher of claim 6, further comprising a conveyor system including a lower conveyor disposed below the discharge opening and an outer conveyor disposed adjacent one end of the lower conveyor.

8. 8. The crusher of claim 7, wherein the outer conveyor is pivotally movable relative to the crusher box between a stowed position and a deployed position.

9. 2. The crusher of claim 1, wherein the crusher box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first end wall and the second end wall adjacent a lower portion of the access door, the inspection platform being accessible for an operator to stand on when the access door is in the open position.

10. 10. The crusher of claim 9, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the inspection platform defines a lower extent of the side access area, and no portion of the crusher box lies in a vertical plane above the inspection platform and does not extend from the first end wall to the second end wall.

11. 10. The crusher of claim 9, wherein the inspection platform is horizontal.

12. 2. The crusher of claim 1, further comprising a screen unit mounted beneath the crusher rotor, the screen unit including a screen portion supported by a screen frame.

13. 13. The crusher of claim 12, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through an open top of the crusher box and into the open area of ​​the side access area between the first end wall and the second end wall, from where the screen can be slid under the crusher rotor in a screen entry direction extending from the side access area toward the first side wall.

14. 14. The crusher of claim 13, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen under the crusher rotor in the screen loading direction, the guide rail having a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall.

15. 15. The crusher of claim 14, wherein the guide rails include first and second guide rails supported by the first and second end walls, respectively.

16. 16. The crusher of claim 15, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails as the screen unit is slid under the crusher rotor.

17. 17. The crusher of claim 16, wherein the screen unit includes a first end and an opposite second end, and when the screen unit is in an installed position under the crusher rotor, the first end and the second end of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first side wall and the second side wall of the crusher box, respectively, and the one or more first pin structures are disposed adjacent to the first end of the screen unit.

18. 18. The crusher of claim 17, wherein the screen portion of the screen unit has an upper surface that is curved along a concave curvature while extending between the first end and the second end of the screen unit, and the concave curvature is configured to curve around the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the screen unit is in the installed position.

19. 18. The crusher of claim 17, wherein the screen unit is supported in a staged position below the crusher rotor by the rails, and the crusher includes at least one lift arm adjacent the first side of the crusher box for engaging the one or more first pin structures of the screen unit and for lifting the screen unit to the installed position.

20. 20. The crusher of claim 19, wherein when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position, the lift arm brings the first end of the screen unit into engagement with a positive stop on the crusher box.

21. 21. The crusher of claim 20, wherein the positive stop is defined by a positive stop structure of the crusher box, and the first end of the screen unit includes a notch that receives the positive stop structure when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position.

22. 22. The crusher of claim 21, wherein the crusher box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first end wall and the second end wall adjacent a lower portion of the access door, the inspection platform being accessible for an operator to stand on when the access door is in the open position, and wherein the second end of the screen unit is supported on the inspection platform when the screen unit is in the installed position.

23. 23. The crusher of claim 22, further comprising a screen retaining link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end supported on the inspection platform, wherein when the access door is closed after the screen unit is installed under the crusher rotor, the second end of the screen retaining link slides across the inspection platform and engages the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position.

24. 24. The crusher of claim 23, wherein when it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen retaining link from the screen to provide the open area of ​​the side access area, the lift arm is lowered to lower the screen unit from the installed position to the scaffolding position below the crusher rotor, the screen is slid out from under the crusher rotor in a screen discharge direction extending away from the first side wall, and then the screen is removed from the crusher box through the open area of ​​the side access area.

25. 24. The crusher of claim 23, wherein the screen unit includes one or more second pin structures at the second end of the screen unit, and the second end of the screen retaining link engages the one or more second pin structures when the access door is closed.

26. 2. The crusher of claim 1, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, the flow control comb intermeshing with the crusher rotor to prevent material to be crushed from moving downwardly from the upper hopper into a region between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, the flow control comb having comb elements that can be pivoted upwardly relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated by the crusher rotor upwardly past the flow control comb and back into the upper hopper.

27. The crusher of claim 1 , wherein the door axis is horizontal.

28. 2. The crusher of claim 1, wherein said access door is vertical in said closed position and horizontal in said open position.

29. 2. The crusher of claim 1, further comprising first and second latches for securing said access door to said first and second end walls, respectively, when said access door is in said closed position.

30. 30. The crusher of claim 29, wherein the first latch includes a first pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the first end wall side for vertically receiving the first pin when the access door is in the closed position, and the second latch includes a second pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the second end wall side for vertically receiving the second pin when the access door is in the closed position.

31. 2. The crusher of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment block disposed on each of the first end wall and the second end wall for engaging the crusher comb, the adjustment block being reconfigurable by an operator to vary a clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor.

32. a crusher box including opposed first and second end walls, the crusher box also including opposed first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, the crusher box further including an inspection platform extending between the first and second end walls; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall, the crusher rotor including a plurality of rotor tines, the rotor tines of the crusher rotor defining a cylindrical reference boundary as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis, the rotor axis being elevated above the inspection platform; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall, the second end wall, and the inspection platform, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the door axis extending between the first end wall and the second end wall in a direction of the rotor axis, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an interior surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open and closed positions, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, the crusher comb being positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first and second end walls when the access door is in the closed position, the crusher comb teeth being capable of cooperating with the rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis when the crusher comb is in the crushing location, and the crusher comb being displaced laterally outward from between the first and second end walls to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box when the access door is in the open position; In a crusher comprising: a side access area is defined to allow side access to the crusher rotor when the access door is in the open position, the side access area including an open space located between the first end wall and the second end wall above the opened access door, the open space extending from a first vertical reference plane tangent to the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor and above the inspection platform to a second vertical reference plane extending parallel to the rotor axis and located at a tooth tip of the crusher comb, the open space being disposed between a lower horizontal reference plane at a height corresponding to the tooth tips of the crusher comb and an upper horizontal reference plane at a height corresponding to a top of the upper hopper, the open space being free of obstructions extending from the first end wall to the second end wall. Crusher.

33. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the inspection platform is below a horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of the cylindrical reference boundary.

34. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the crusher box further includes a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, and the inspection platform is located adjacent an upper end of the lower discharge opening.

35. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the crusher defines an open access area projected vertically upward from the inspection platform to the upper horizontal reference plane, the open access area being free of obstructions extending from the first end wall to the second end wall.

36. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the crusher defines an open upper area extending from a horizontal reference plane tangent to an uppermost point of the cylindrical reference boundary to the upper horizontal reference plane, and the open space extends from the first side wall, beyond the crusher rotor, to the second vertical reference plane.

37. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the access door carries a hopper-defining surface extending from the crusher comb to the top of the upper hopper when the access door is closed.

38. the crusher comb is part of a crusher comb unit carried by the access door, the comb unit including a crusher comb unit frame to which the crusher comb teeth are mounted, the crusher comb unit pivotally movable between a crushing position and an open position relative to a support frame of the access door, the crusher comb unit including a first plate structure supported above the crusher comb by the crusher comb unit frame, the first plate structure defining a lower portion of the hopper defining surface, 38. The crusher of claim 37, wherein the access door further includes a second plate structure fixed to the support frame of the access door, the second plate structure defining an upper portion of the hopper-defining surface, and when the access door is closed and the crusher comb is in the crushing location, the crusher comb teeth are positioned within a cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the crusher comb unit enters the crushing position and are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary when the crusher comb unit enters the release position.

39. 39. The crusher of claim 38, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder for holding the crusher comb unit in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder configured to retract to allow the crusher comb unit to move from the crushing position to the release position, the hydraulic cylinder having a first end pivotally connected to the crusher comb unit and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the crusher box, the second end pivoting about the door axis.

40. 40. The crusher of claim 39, wherein the hydraulic cylinder extends through a notch defined in the inspection platform.

41. 33. The crusher of claim 32, further comprising a screen unit mounted beneath the crusher rotor, the screen unit including a screen portion supported by a screen frame.

42. 42. The crusher of claim 41, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through an open top of the crusher box and into the open space between the first end wall and the second end wall, from where the screen can be slid under the crusher rotor in a screen entry direction extending from the open space toward the first side wall.

43. 43. The crusher of claim 42, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen under the crusher rotor in the screen loading direction, the guide rail having a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall.

44. 42. The crusher of claim 41, wherein the guide rails include first and second guide rails supported by the first and second end walls, respectively.

45. 43. The crusher of claim 42, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails as the screen unit is slid under the crusher rotor.

46. 44. The crusher of claim 43, wherein the screen unit includes a first end and an opposite second end, and when the screen unit is in an installed position under the crusher rotor, the first end and the second end of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first side wall and the second side wall of the crusher box, respectively, and the one or more first pin structures are disposed adjacent to the first end of the screen unit.

47. 47. The crusher of claim 46, wherein the screen portion of the screen unit has an upper surface that curves along a concave curvature while extending between the first end and the second end of the screen unit, and the concave curvature is configured to curve around the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor when the screen unit is in the installed position.

48. 48. The crusher of claim 47, wherein the screen unit is supported by the rails at a scaffolding location below the crusher rotor, and the crusher includes at least one lift arm adjacent the first side of the crusher box for engaging the one or more first pin structures of the screen unit and for lifting the screen unit to the installation position.

49. 49. The crusher of claim 48, wherein when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position, the lift arm brings the first end of the screen unit into engagement with a positive stop on the crusher box.

50. 50. The crusher of claim 49, wherein the positive stop is defined by a positive stop structure of the crusher box, and the first end of the screen unit includes a notch that receives the positive stop structure when the screen unit is lifted to the installed position.

51. 51. The crusher of claim 50, wherein when the screen unit is in the installed position, the second end of the screen unit is supported on the inspection platform.

52. The crusher of claim 51, further comprising a screen retaining link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end supported on the inspection platform, wherein when the access door is closed after the screen unit is installed under the crusher rotor, the second end of the screen retaining link slides across the inspection platform and engages the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position.

53. 53. The crusher of claim 52, wherein when it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen retaining link from the screen to provide the open area of ​​the side access area, the lift arm is lowered to lower the screen unit from the installed position to the scaffolding position below the crusher rotor, the screen is slid out from under the crusher rotor in a screen discharge direction extending away from the first side wall, and then the screen is removed from the crusher box through the open area of ​​the side access area.

54. 53. The crusher of claim 52, wherein the screen unit includes one or more second pin structures at the second end of the screen unit, and the second end of the screen retaining link engages the one or more second pin structures when the access door is closed.

55. 33. The crusher of claim 32, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, the flow control comb intermeshing with the crusher rotor to prevent material to be crushed from moving downwardly from the upper hopper into the area between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, the flow control comb having comb elements that can be pivoted upwardly relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated by the crusher rotor upwardly past the flow control comb and back into the upper hopper.

56. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the crusher box further includes a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, and the crusher further includes a conveyor system including a lower conveyor disposed below the lower discharge opening and an outer conveyor disposed adjacent one end of the lower conveyor.

57. 57. The crusher of claim 56, wherein the outer conveyor is pivotally movable relative to the crusher box between a stowed position and a deployed position.

58. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the inspection platform is horizontal.

59. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the door axis is horizontal.

60. 33. The crusher of claim 32, wherein the access door is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position.

61. 33. The crusher of claim 32, further comprising first and second latches for securing said access door to said first and second end walls, respectively, when said access door is in said closed position.

62. 62. The crusher of claim 61, wherein the first latch includes a first pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the first end wall side for vertically receiving the first pin when the access door is in the closed position, and the second latch includes a second pin on the access door side and a pin receiving recess on the second end wall side for vertically receiving the second pin when the access door is in the closed position.

63. 33. The crusher of claim 32, further comprising an adjustment block disposed on each of the first end wall and the second end wall for engaging the crusher comb, the adjustment block being reconfigurable by an operator to vary a clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor.

64. A crusher, the crusher comprising: a crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed and a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, the crusher box also including a screen mounting location located above the lower discharge opening; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis, the crusher rotor including a rotor body and a plurality of rotor tines attached to the rotor body, the rotor tines defining a cylindrical reference boundary as the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis; a crusher comb disposed adjacent a lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher comb including teeth, the crusher comb positionable in a crushing position where the teeth intermesh with the rotor teeth and are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary, and the crusher comb also positionable in a release position where the teeth are outside the cylindrical reference boundary; a screen attachable to the screen mounting location for screening crushed material that has passed the crusher comb, the crusher being operable with the screen attached to the screen mounting location and with the screen removed from the screen mounting location; the crusher comb operable in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein when the crusher comb is in the first mode of operation, a first predetermined pressure is generated by material observed at the crusher comb and being crushed, the crusher comb is movable from the crushing position to the release position in response to the first predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, and when the crusher comb is in the second mode of operation, a second predetermined pressure is generated by material observed at the crusher comb and being crushed, the crusher comb is movable from the crushing position to the release position in response to the second predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor, the second predetermined pressure being lower than the first predetermined pressure; a control system for monitoring a parameter indicative of when a screen is installed at the screen installation location, and (a) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in the first operating mode when the parameter indicates that the screen is installed at the screen installation location, and (b) automatically operating the crusher with the crusher comb in the second operating mode when the parameter indicates that the screen is not installed at the screen installation location; The crusher is provided with:

65. 65. The crusher of claim 64, wherein the control system includes a screen presence sensor disposed at the screen mounting location for detecting the presence of a screen to be installed at the screen mounting location, and the parameter indicative of a screen being installed at the screen mounting location is a positive or negative reading of the screen presence sensor.

66. 65. The crusher of claim 64, further comprising a lift arm for lifting the screen from a staging position to an installation position at the screen mounting location, the lift arm moving between a first position corresponding to the staging position of the screen and a second position corresponding to the installation position of the screen, the control system including an arm position sensor for sensing whether the lift arm is in the second position, and the parameter indicating that the screen has been installed at the screen mounting location is whether the arm position sensor indicates that the lift arm is in the second position.

67. 65. The crusher of claim 64, wherein the crusher rotor is rotatable in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor shaft and further rotatable in a reverse direction about the rotor shaft.

68. 68. The crusher of claim 67, wherein the control system controls an automatic reverse function to automatically reverse the direction of rotation of the crusher rotor from the forward volume reduction direction to the reverse direction when an overload condition is detected.

69. 69. The crusher of claim 68, further comprising a drive train for transmitting torque from an engine to the crusher rotor to cause rotation of the crusher rotor about the rotor axis, the drive train including a reversible transmission for enabling the drive train to alternate the direction of rotation of the crusher rotor between the forward volume reduction direction and the reverse direction in response to input from the control system.

70. The drive train is The engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine; a fluid coupler connected by a drive shaft to an output of the reversible gear transmission; a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler; a gear reduction unit having an input connected to both the hydraulic coupler and the flywheel; 70. The crusher of claim 69, further comprising: an output of the gear reduction unit drivingly connected to the rotor for rotating the rotor in either the first direction or the second direction.

71. 65. The crusher of claim 64, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder device for holding the crusher comb in the crushing position, the hydraulic cylinder device including a hydraulic cylinder and a piston rod reciprocable within the hydraulic cylinder, and the control system allows the hydraulic cylinder to move from a first position corresponding to the crushing position to a second position corresponding to the release position only when the crusher comb observes at least the first predetermined pressure in the second operating mode, and the control system allows the hydraulic cylinder to move from the first position corresponding to the crushing position to the second position corresponding to the release position only when the crusher comb observes at least the second predetermined pressure in the first operating mode.

72. 72. The crusher of claim 71, wherein the crusher comb is mounted on an access door of the crusher that can be opened to provide access to the crusher rotor, the access door forming at least a portion of a side wall of the rotor box when the access door is closed.

73. a crusher box including first and second opposing end walls, the crusher box also including first and second opposing side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on a first and second side of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, the crusher box also including a lower discharge opening for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, the crusher box defining a screen mounting location above the lower discharge opening; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; a crusher comb disposed adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper, the crusher comb configured to cooperate with the crusher rotor to crush material from the upper hopper; a screen that is transportable into the screen mounting location beneath the crusher rotor through a side access area on the second side of the crusher box, the screen being further removable from beneath the crusher rotor through the side access area on the second side of the crusher box, and during transport the screen is positionable in a scaffolding position where the screen is partially transported into the screen mounting location; a lift arm disposed adjacent the first side of the crusher box, the lift arm being movable from a first position to a second position to move the screen from the staging position to a placement position at the screen mounting location; A crusher comprising:

74. 74. The crusher of claim 73, wherein the crusher box includes a first active stop on the first side thereof that engages one end of the screen to stop movement of the screen when the screen reaches the installation position, and the access door carries a second active stop on the second side thereof that engages an opposite end of the screen when the access door is closed to prevent movement of the screen from the installation position toward the staging position.

75. 75. The crusher of claim 74, wherein the second positive stop includes a link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door and a second end that engages the screen when the access door is closed.

76. 74. The crusher of claim 73, wherein the door axis is horizontal.

77. 74. The crusher of claim 73, wherein moving the screen from the platform position to the installation position includes moving the screen from the platform position in a screen loading direction toward the first side of the crusher box, and lifting the screen from the platform position toward the rotor.

78. 78. The crusher of claim 77, wherein when the lift arm is moved from the second position to the first position, the lift arm lowers the screen away from the rotor and pushes the screen in an exit direction toward the second side of the crusher box.

79. a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box further including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; an access door pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first end wall and the second end wall, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; a crusher comb disposed on an inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb being carried with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open and closed positions, the crusher comb including crusher comb teeth, the crusher comb being positioned at a crushing location adjacent the lower end of the upper hopper between the first and second end walls when the access door is in the closed position, the crusher comb teeth being able to cooperate with rotor teeth to crush the material to be crushed when the crusher rotor is rotated about the rotor axis when the crusher comb is in the crushing location, and when the access door enters the open position, the crusher comb is displaced laterally outward from between the first and second end walls to a crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box; a drive train configured to rotate the rotor about the rotor axis in either a first direction or a second, opposite direction, the drive train comprising: engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine; a fluid coupler connected by a drive shaft to an output of the reversible gear transmission; a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler; and a gear reduction unit having an input connected to both the fluid coupler and the flywheel, an output of the gear reduction unit drivingly connected to the rotor for rotating the rotor in either the first direction or the second direction; A crusher comprising:

80. 80. The crusher of claim 79, wherein the drive shaft is connected between the reversible gear transmission and the hydraulic coupler via a universal joint.

81. 81. The crusher of claim 80, wherein said drive shaft and said universal joint compensate for a vertical offset between centerlines of an output shaft of said reversible gear transmission and an input shaft of said fluid coupler.

82. 80. The crusher of claim 79, wherein the gear reduction unit includes a planetary gear set.

83. 80. The crusher of claim 79, wherein said reversible gear transmission includes at least one hydraulic clutch.

84. a crusher box including opposing first and second end walls, the crusher box further including opposing first and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the first and second opposing side walls being located on first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, the crusher box including an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed; a crusher rotor disposed within the interior of the crusher box adjacent a lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor rotatable about a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; a lower conveyor disposed below the crusher rotor and configured to move crushed material from beneath the crusher rotor; an outer conveyor disposed adjacent to the lower conveyor and movable between an operative position and an inoperative position configured to receive the shredded material moved by the lower conveyor; In a crusher comprising: the outer conveyor includes idler rollers that are above a top surface of the lower conveyor when the outer conveyor is in an inoperative position, allowing the lower conveyor to be removed from the crusher in a direction parallel to the rotor axis without removing the outer conveyor from the crusher. Crusher.

85. 85. The crusher of claim 84, wherein the lower conveyor is movable from an operating position to a lowered position, and the uppermost surface of the lower conveyor is below the idler rollers at least when the lower conveyor is in the lowered position.

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