crusher

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 can be used to break down bulk material into smaller pieces. [Background technology]

[0003] Low-speed shredders are sometimes 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 shredders. These shredders are robust machines built with heavy components due to the high loads and forces exerted on the equipment during the shredding process. Waste is often fed from the top of the shredder, 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 ranging from zero to 40 RPM. The shredder rotor has multiple rigid teeth that engage the waste material and eventually force it through a toothed comb, shearing and tearing the material. The shredded waste then falls onto a conveyor for discharge. A screen may be used between the rotor and the conveyor to control the size of the material exiting the shredder. The screen allows small particles to pass through while preventing large particles from passing through and being discharged onto the conveyor. Large particles that do not pass through the screen are recycled by the rotor to the hopper for further size reduction.

[0004] Due to the harsh equipment operating conditions, shredder components require regular maintenance and cleaning. Accessibility to the shredder rotor, screen, and comb is crucial for efficient maintenance and optimizing equipment life. Designing a shredder that allows for efficient inspection and also has structural integrity is often difficult. Therefore, there is a need to ensure easy access for any necessary maintenance activities on shredder components, while also ensuring that the shredder 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 shredder having a shredder box housing a shredder rotor and a shredder comb that cooperate to shred material fed into the shredder box. In certain embodiments, the shredder box may include an upper hopper for feeding material to be reduced in volume into a shredding surface defined by the shredder rotor and the shredder comb. The shredder box may further include a lower discharge port for discharging the shredded material from the shredder box. In certain embodiments, the shredder box has a configuration adapted to provide enhanced access to the shredder rotor and the shredder comb for maintenance and repair. In certain embodiments, the shredder box may include a side that can be fully opened to provide enhanced access to the shredder rotor and the shredder comb. In certain embodiments, the side may be opened in such a way that a screen can be installed through an upper open area and / or a side open area of ​​the shredder box to facilitate the installation of a screen under the shredder rotor. In certain embodiments, the screen can be easily removed from under the shredder rotor by sliding it out from beneath the shredder rotor and lifting it vertically through an upper open area or moving it horizontally through a side open area. In certain embodiments, the screen may be loaded into or removed from the shredder box horizontally by a fork truck / forklift or similar machine, or it may be loaded into or removed from the shredder box vertically using equipment suitable for lifting the screen via a chain, such as a front-end loader, crane, or backhaul. In certain embodiments, the sides of the shredder box may be defined by access doors that pivot around a horizontal axis. In certain embodiments, the shredder comb may be carried with the access door such that when the access door is opened, the shredder comb is displaced from a shredding location adjacent to the shredder rotor to an inspection position located outside the shredder box. In certain embodiments, when the access door is opened, an open access area is provided between the shredder comb and the shredder 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 present disclosure relates to a shredder having a shredder rotor and a shredder comb that is movable between a shredder position and a release position. The shredder comb can be operated in a first high-release pressure operating mode and a second low-release pressure operating mode. When the shredder comb is in a first high-release pressure operating mode, if a first predetermined pressure is generated by the material observed and being shredded in the shredder comb, the shredder comb can respond to the first predetermined pressure by moving from the shredding position to the release position to allow an obstacle to pass between the shredder comb and the shredder rotor. Also, when the shredder comb is in a second low-release pressure operating mode, if a second predetermined pressure is generated by the material observed and being shredded in the shredder comb, the shredder comb can respond to the second predetermined pressure by moving from the shredding position to the release position to allow an obstacle to pass between the shredder comb and the shredder rotor, where the second predetermined pressure is lower than the first predetermined pressure. The crusher further includes a control system for monitoring a parameter indicating that a screen is installed at the screen mounting location, and for (a) automatically operating the crusher by setting the crusher comb to a first high-pressure release mode when the parameter indicates that a screen is installed at the screen mounting location, and (b) automatically operating the crusher by setting the crusher comb to a second low-pressure release mode when the parameter indicates that a screen is not installed at the screen mounting location. In certain embodiments, the control system may include a sensor for detecting the presence of a screen at the screen mounting location. In other embodiments, the parameter indicating that a screen is installed at the screen mounting location may be an indirect indication that a screen is present at the screen mounting 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 reversal function that automatically reverses the direction of rotation of the crusher rotor when an overload condition is detected. The control system may include at least a computer comprising a processing unit having processing capabilities, a system memory, and a system bus connecting the system memory to the processing unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a shredder having features that facilitate loading a screen under the shredder rotor and features that facilitate removing a screen from under the shredder rotor. In one embodiment, the shredder may include a lifting device, such as an arm, that can move the screen from a staged position under the shredder rotor to an installation position under the shredder rotor. In certain embodiments, the ability to maneuver the screen under the shredder rotor is facilitated by having a side-opening configuration on the side of the shredder box in which the shredder rotor is housed. In certain embodiments, the side-opening configuration may be provided by an access door. In certain embodiments, the access door extends the entire height of the shredder box so that the side and top of the shredder box are open when the access door is opened. In certain embodiments, an active stopper for holding the screen in the installation position may be attached to or integrated with the access door, such that when the access door is closed, the active stopper engages with the edge of the screen. In certain embodiments, the active stopper 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 present disclosure relates to a crusher having a comb-type release system that includes a hydraulic pressure relief arrangement in fluid communication with a hydraulic cylinder, which allows the hydraulic cylinder to move from a first position to a second position when the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder exceeds a predetermined level. The pressure relief arrangement may include a hydraulic accumulator in communication with a control system.

[0010] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a drive train for a crusher, comprising an engine, a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine, a fluid coupler connected to the output of the reversible gear transmission by a drive shaft, a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler, and a gear reduction unit having inputs connected to both the fluid coupler and the flywheel. The output of the gear reduction unit is driven to a rotor to rotate the rotor in either a first or second direction.

[0011] The various benefits of this disclosure are presented in part in the following description, will become apparent from the description, and will also be known by practicing the various aspects of this disclosure. Please understand that both the above general description and the following detailed description are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and do not limit the broad progressive concepts on which the examples are based. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of a crusher according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 2 is a rear, top, and right side perspective view of the crusher of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the crusher of FIG. [Figure 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. 1. [Figure 7] 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] Figure 1 is a top view of the crusher with the access door in the 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] 2 is a rear view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the access door in an open position. [Figure 12] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line BB of FIG. 5, showing the shredder comb of the cutter in the shredding position. [Figure 13] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA of FIG. 4, showing the shredder comb of the cutter in the shredding position. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line AA in Figure 4, showing the crushing comb section of the cutting machine in the overload release position. [Figure 15] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line BB of FIG. 5 showing the shredder comb of the guillotine in the 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; FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a left side view of the crusher of FIG. 1 with the crusher door open and a screen being installed in the crusher box. [Figure 18] 2 is a top view of the crusher of FIG. 1 showing the access door open and the screen in the process of being installed in the crusher box; FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line EE of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line FF in Figure 17. [Figure 21] Figure 1 shows rear, top, and left side perspective views of the shredder, with the access door open and the screen positioned on the platform below the shredder rotor. [Figure 22] 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. FIG. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line GG of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line HH in Figure 22. [Figure 25]Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line GG, showing the screen being lifted by the lift arm assembly to its installation position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line HH in Figure 22, showing the screen being lifted by the arm assembly to its installation position below the crusher rotor. [Figure 27] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line GG, with the access door closed and the screen positioned below the crusher rotor. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line HH in Figure 22, with the access door closed and the screen positioned below the crusher rotor. [Figure 29] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line GG, showing the open space in the side access area of ​​the crusher, which is depicted with a shaded area. [Figure 30] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line GG in Figure 22, showing the open upper region of the crusher defined when the access door is opened (illustrated with a shaded area). [Figure 31] Figure 1 is a top view of the crusher, showing the open access area (illustrated with a shadow) projected vertically upward from the crusher's inspection platform. [Figure 32] A cross-sectional view showing the open access area (illustrated with a shadow) in Figure 31, projected vertically upward from the inspection platform. [Figure 33] This is a cross-sectional view showing the horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of the cylindrical reference boundary of the crusher rotor, and it is depicted that the inspection platform is lower than the horizontal reference plane. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a drive and control system for a crusher. [Figure 35] This is a flowchart showing an example of the control system logic for releasing the comb section of a crusher. [Figure 36]10 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of control system logic for the crusher rotor automatic reverse function. [Figure 37] Figure 1 shows the left side view of the crusher with the crusher door open, and depicts the cross-section of the crusher as observed in Figures 38-41. [Figure 38] This is a cross-sectional view showing the screen after installation, secured by two active stoppers at opposite ends of the screen. [Figure 39] 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. [Figure 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. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a detailed enlarged view of the screen, showing the edge of the screen closest to the access door released from the second active stopper. [Figure 42] This is a side view of a crusher rotor, showing a cylindrical reference boundary (e.g., a cylindrical reference envelope) around the rotor. [Figure 43] This is a top perspective view of the screen unit. [Figure 44] This 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] Figure 45A is a schematic diagram of the powertrain. [Figure 46] This is a partial perspective view showing an alternative access door latching device. [Figure 47] Figure 46 is a partial end view showing an access door in a closed and latched state using the latching device. [Figure 48] This is a partial end view showing an access door in the open position with the latching device in the retracted position. [Figure 49]This is a partial end view showing an access door in the open position with the latching device in the extended position. [Figure 50] This is a hydraulic circuit as a first example for controlling the release of the comb section of a crusher. [Figure 51] This is a hydraulic circuit as a second example for controlling the release of the crusher comb section. [Figure 52] This is a rear perspective view of a crusher having a recess formed at the front end of the upper hopper. [Figure 53] Figure 52 is a partial rear end view of the crusher. [Figure 54] This is a cross-sectional view taken through line 54-54 in Figure 53. [Figure 55] This diagram schematically illustrates the interaction between the crusher comb and the adjustable comb stopper, which sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. [Figure 56] This diagram schematically illustrates the interaction between the crusher comb and the adjustable comb stopper, which sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. [Figure 57] This diagram schematically illustrates the interaction between the crusher comb and the adjustable comb stopper, which sets the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. [Figure 58] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the front of the crusher, seen from inside the cavity housing the rotor, and depicts the comb / rotor clearance adjustment device. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 58. [Figure 60] This is a partially exploded view of the adjustable block assembly, seen from inside the engine compartment, looking towards the cavity housing the rotor. [Figure 61] This is a partially exploded view of the adjustable block assembly, seen from inside the cavity housing the rotor, looking towards the engine compartment. [Figure 62] A perspective view of the eccentric stopper block of an adjustable block assembly. [Figure 63] A perspective view of the eccentric stopper block of an adjustable block assembly. [Figure 64] A perspective view of the eccentric stopper block of an adjustable block assembly. [Figure 65] A perspective view of the eccentric stopper block of an adjustable block assembly. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is an end view of the eccentric stopper block shown in FIGS. 62-65. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is a partial side view illustrating the outer conveyor in an operative position. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a partial side view illustrating the outer conveyor in a transport position. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 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. 1 is a side view of the crusher depicting the lower conveyor in an operating position. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial side view of one of the brackets that hold the lower conveyor on the crusher frame. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 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 INVENTION

[0013] Various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, and similar reference numerals throughout some of the drawings represent similar parts and assemblies. In addition, none of the embodiments described in this specification are intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate some of the many possible embodiments for putting into practice the aspects of this 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 rotary volume reduction elements and / or combs, and / or (b) provide simplified loading 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 functions such as an automatically adjustable volume reduction comb pressure release (i.e., a function that adjusts the pressure release setting that moves the volume reduction comb from a crushing position to a release position) that is activated when a parameter indicates that a screen has been installed in the machine, and / or (d) provide component protection by implementing an automatic reverse function with respect to the volume reduction rotor when an overload condition is detected, and / or (e) screen Adapted to provide a lift arm for assisting in moving the lean in a first direction to the installation position of the volume reduction rotor (e.g., lifting and sliding) and for assisting in moving the screen in a second direction to remove the screen from under the volume reduction rotor (e.g., lowering and sliding), and / or (f) adaptable to provide an active stopper system (e.g., one, two or more pivot links) at least partially integrated with the access door of the volume reduction machine for holding the screen in the installation position, and / or (g) adaptable to provide an inspection platform 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) adaptable to provide a drive train designed for use with the volume reduction machine. In the embodiments depicted herein, the volume reduction machine is a low-speed crusher. However, it will be understood that the various embodiments disclosed herein are also 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 shredder 20. In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, the shredder 20 may include a shredder 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 shredder box 22 further includes an upper hopper 32 for receiving material to be shredded. As seen in FIG. 13, the shredder box 22 may further include a lower discharge opening 33 that may cooperate with a chute 34 for discharging shredded material from the shredder 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 shredder 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 located inside the crusher box 22 adjacent to the lower end of the upper hopper 32. The inspection platform 36 is substantially flat (horizontal) and can allow access to several components of the crusher 20. For example, if an operator stands on the inspection platform 36, the operator can look directly in a first direction toward the rotor 38, or the operator can 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 plurality of rotor teeth 42 attached to the rotor body. The crusher rotor 38 may be rotatable about a rotor axis 40 which is oriented to extend from a first end wall 24 to a second end wall 26. The first and second side walls 28, 30 are depicted as being oriented to extend in the direction of the rotor axis 40 (i.e., along or parallel to the rotor axis 40). The crusher rotor 38 may be rotatable about the rotor axis 40 in the forward volume reduction direction or in the reverse direction, or it may be rotatable in either direction.

[0019] The crusher 20 may further include a screen unit 100, which can be attached to a screen mounting location, for sieving the crushed material that has passed through the crusher comb section 58. The crusher 20 can operate with the screen unit 100 attached to the screen mounting location, and can also operate with the screen unit 100 removed from the screen mounting location. The screen mounting location may be located above the lower discharge port 33 and chute 34 and below the rotor 38.

[0020] As shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the screen unit 100 can be brought 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 may 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 may be positioned in a staged position (see Figures 21-24) where the screen unit 100 is partially loaded into the screen mounting location.

[0021] Referring to Figures 12-14, the crusher 20 may further include at least one lift arm, preferably two lift arms 120, positioned adjacent to the first side of the crusher 20. To move or pull the screen unit 100 from the scaffolding position (see Figures 23 and 24) towards the installation position of the screen mounting location (see Figures 25 and 26), the lift arms 120 can be moved from a first position (see Figures 23 and 24) to a second position (see Figures 25 and 26). As shown in Figures 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 lifting device 220 may include equipment such as a backhoe, french end loader, or crane that lowers the screen unit 100 vertically via a chain or other connecting structure. The screen unit 100 may also be brought in horizontally through the open side of the crusher box using a forklift or similar equipment.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 11, the crusher 20 includes an access door 46 that is pivotally movable relative to the first end wall 24, the second end wall 26, and the inspection platform 36 between an open position (see FIG. 7) and a closed position (see FIG. 1). 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 shaft 40. In the depicted embodiment, the door axis 48 is horizontal. 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 FIG. 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 the closed position. In one exemplary embodiment, the access door 46 is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position. Also, 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 illustrate how the latches 400' each include a rod 414 and a cylinder 416, and further include a pin 418 at the end of the rod 414 that extends with the rod (Figure 49) to secure the door 46 and retracts with the rod (Figure 48) to release the door 46 via engagement or disengagement of the pin 418 with the opening 401' in the end walls 24, 26, respectively.

[0024] Referring to Figures 7 and 13, the crusher 20 further comprises a crusher comb 58 which may be positioned on the inner side 404 of the access door 46. The crusher comb 58 may be supported together with the access door 46 when the access door 46 is pivoted between the open and closed positions. The crusher comb 58 includes crusher comb teeth 60. When the access door 46 is in the closed position, the crusher comb 58 is positioned between the first and second end walls 24, 26 in a crushing location adjacent to the lower end of the upper hopper 32.

[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 Figures 12 and 13) in which the comb teeth 60 mesh with the rotor teeth 42 and the comb teeth 60 are located within a cylindrical reference boundary 44 as defined below. The crusher comb 58 may also be positioned in an open position (see Figures 14 and 15) in which the comb teeth 60 are outside the cylindrical reference boundary 44. As shown in Figures 27 and 42, the rotor teeth 42 of the crusher rotor 38 can define the cylindrical reference boundary 44 as the crusher rotor 38 rotates around the rotor axis 40. In some embodiments, when the access door 46 is closed, the crusher comb teeth 60 are positioned to mesh with the rotor teeth 42 as the crusher rotor 38 rotates around the rotor axis 40. In some embodiments, the rotor shaft 40 may be elevated above the inspection platform 36 .

[0026] Referring to Figure 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 as the crusher rotor 38 rotates around the rotor axis 40. In contrast, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the crusher comb 58 is laterally displaced from between the first and second end walls 24, 26 to the crusher comb inspection location outside the interior of the crusher box 22. The crusher comb 58 may be mounted on the access door 46, which can be opened to provide access to the crusher rotor 38. The access door 46 may form at least a portion of the 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 shredder rotor 38. As shown in Figure 29, the side access area 62 may 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 shredder rotor 38 through the second side wall of the shredder 20. The open space 64 defined between the first and second end walls 24, 26 is located on the second side 202 of the shredder 20 and may have an unobstructed, open upper section 306 that extends substantially between the first and second end walls 24, 26. For example, when the access door 46 is in the open position shown in Figure 29, there are no structures or frame members extending from the first end wall 24 to the second end wall 26 in the side access area 62 or open space 64.

[0028] As shown in Figure 29, in some embodiments, the open space 64 extends from a first vertical reference plane VP1, which is in contact with the cylindrical reference boundary 44 above the inspection platform 36, to a second vertical reference plane VP2, which extends parallel to or along the rotor shaft 40 and is located at the crusher comb section 58 (shown as extending to the tips of the comb teeth 60). The open space 64 can further be located between a lower horizontal reference plane HP1 at a height corresponding to the crusher comb section 58 (shown as extending to the tips of the comb teeth 60) 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 Figure 33) that is in contact with 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 to the upper ends of the lower discharge port 33 and the lower discharge chute 34.

[0030] As shown in Figures 31 and 32, in other embodiments, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the crusher 20 can define an open access area 70 by projecting vertically from the inspection platform 36 to the upper horizontal reference plane HP2, and the open access area 70 is free from 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 is further defined that takes the form of the inspection platform 36 and / or the access door 46 itself for standing to provide inspection or other maintenance activities.

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

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

[0033] Figures 7, 14, and 15 depict an embodiment in which the shredder comb 58 is part of a shredder comb unit 78 supported by an access door 46. The shredder comb unit 78 includes a shredder comb unit frame 80 to which the shredder comb teeth 60 are mounted. The shredder comb unit 78 may be pivotally movable around an axis 81 between a shredding position (see Figures 12 and 13) and an open position (see Figures 14 and 15) relative to the support frame of the access door 46. The axis 81 may be parallel to the rotor axis 40. To enable the pivoting motion of the shredder comb unit 78, the frame 80 may include a pivot shaft supported in a bearing sealed within a bearing housing 410 (see Figure 7) attached to the frame of the door 46. When the door 46 is closed, the bearing housing 410 fits into corresponding notches 412 defined by the end walls 24, 26 of the shredder 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 the lower portion of the hopper defining surface 76. The access door 46 may further include a second plate structure 84 fixed to the support frame of the access door 46. The second plate structure 84 defines the 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 teeth 60 are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38 when the crusher comb unit 78 enters the crushing position. When the crusher comb unit 78 enters the open position, the crusher comb teeth 60 are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38.

[0034] As shown in Figures 9 and 12, the shredder 20 may further include a hydraulic cylinder device 87 for holding the shredder comb unit 78 in the shredding position. The hydraulic cylinder device 87 may be configured to retract to allow the shredder comb unit 78 to move from the shredding position to the release position. The hydraulic cylinder device 87 has a first end 88 pivotally connected to the shredder comb unit 78 and a second end 90 pivotally connected to the base of the shredder box 22. The second end 90 pivots around the door shaft 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 FIGS. 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 device in combination with chains 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. While FIG. 16 illustrates 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 below 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 loading direction 106 to a staging position below 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 rest on first and second guide rails 108a and 108b as the screen unit 100 slides 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 a second end 114 on the opposite side, and when the screen unit 100 is in its installation position under the crusher rotor 38, the first and second ends of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first and second side walls 28, 30 of the crusher box 22, respectively, and one or more first pin structures 110 are positioned adjacent to the first end 112 of the screen unit 100.

[0038] Referring to Figures 43 and 44, the screen portion 102 of the screen unit 100 has an upper surface 116 that curves along a concave curve as it extends between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the screen unit 100, and is configured such that when the screen unit 100 is in the installation position, the concave curve curves around the cylindrical reference boundary 44 of the crusher rotor 38. The screen portion 102 preferably has through holes or a pattern of holes that allow for the separation of crushed waste material and serves to limit the size of the crushed material passing through the screen unit 100 toward the lower discharge port 33.

[0039] Figures 2, 4, and 13 show that the crusher 20 may include at least two lift arms 120 connected by a shaft 122, which is rotated around an axis 119 by an activator such as a hydraulic cylinder 124 to move the lift arms 120 simultaneously between a first and second position. The lift arms 120 may be positioned adjacent to the first side of the crusher box 22 to engage with one or more first pin structures 110 of the screen unit 100 and to move or lift the screen unit 100 to the installation position. The lift arms 120 cause the first end 112 of the screen unit 100 to engage with an active stopper 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 stopper 130 may be defined by the active stopper structure of the crusher box 22, in which case the first end 112 of the screen unit 100 includes a notch 132 that receives the active stopper structure when the screen unit 100 is moved or lifted to the installation position. Figure 25 shows that when the screen unit 100 is in the installation position, the second end 114 of the screen unit 100 is supported on the inspection platform 36.

[0040] As shown in Figures 37-41, the crusher box 22 may include a first active stopper 130a on the first side of the crusher box 28 that engages with one end of the screen 100 to stop the movement of the screen 100 in the screen loading direction 106 when 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 stopper 130b that engages with the opposite end of the screen when the access door 46 is closed to stop the movement of the screen unit 100 in the unloading direction 142 opposite to the loading direction 106. The second active stopper 130b may include a link having a first end pivotally connected to the access door 46 and a second end that engages with 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 the discharge direction 142 to facilitate the removal of the screen 100.

[0041] 12, 27, and 28 illustrate that the pair of second position stops 130b are 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 staging position below the crusher rotor 38. The screen unit 100 is then slid out from under the crusher rotor 38 in a screen discharge 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 retention 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 meshes with the crusher rotor 38 to prevent the material to be crushed from moving downward from the upper hopper 32 to the area between the crusher rotor 38 and the first side wall 28. The flow control comb 150 further has comb elements that can pivot upward relative to the first side wall 28 to allow the material to be recirculated upward by the crusher rotor 38 past the flow control comb 150 and back into the upper hopper.

[0043] Figure 34 depicts 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 which includes a computer having at least one central processing unit ("CPU") with processing capabilities, system memory, and a system bus connecting 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 which stores basic routines that help transmit information between elements within the control computer, for example, during startup. The control computer may further include a mass storage device which can store software instructions and data. The system memory may include instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, cause an 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 control.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the control system 300 may interface with the powertrain 56 (i.e., drive system) to control the rotation of the crusher rotor 38. The control system 300 may also 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 rotor reversal upon detection of an overload condition; high-release pressure mode of operation of the comb upon detection of a screen presence parameter; etc.). The high-release pressure mode of operation of the crusher comb may be manually initiated by an operator when a screen 100 is not installed, or the high-release pressure mode of operation of the crusher comb may be automatically activated when installation of the screen 100 is indicated. In certain embodiments, the control system 300 may include a controller 301 that controls the mode of operation of the crusher comb 58. The crusher comb 58 may be operable in a first high-pressure release mode of operation or a second low-pressure release mode of operation.

[0045] When the crusher comb 58 is in a first, high release pressure mode of operation, if 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 unshreddable 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, if 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 default pressure can be in the range of 2,500 psi to 2,700 psi, and the second default 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 in which 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 open to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinder device 87 and the accumulator 340.

[0048] In either mode, when the force applied to 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, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinder 87 toward 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 system's hydraulic release arrangement 350.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the control system 300 is adapted to monitor a parameter indicating the presence or absence of a screen at a 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 indicative of a screen being mounted at the screen mounting location. For example, in the system of FIG. 34, a 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 indicative of a screen being in place under the rotor 38 is the arm 120 being positioned in the upper position (see FIG. 25). The controller 301 interfaces with the sensor 302 and thus constantly monitors whether a 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 parameter indicates the presence of a screen, the system will operate the comb 58 in a first or high pressure release mode. Conversely, if the sensed parameter indicates the absence of a screen, the system will operate the comb 58 in a second or low pressure release mode. Thus, the control system 300 enables the crusher 20 to automatically operate in a first operating mode with the crusher comb 58 when the parameter indicates that the screen unit 100 is installed in the screen mounting location. In addition, the control system 300 enables the crusher 20 to automatically operate in a second operating mode with the crusher comb 58 when the parameter indicates that the screen unit 100 is not installed in the screen mounting location. The control system 300 can automatically program the functionality of the powertrain 56 to operate in automatic reverse mode when an overload condition is detected in the rotor 38.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 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 being positioned adjacent to the proximity sensor 302 indicates the presence of the shield unit 100, and therefore the circuit will control operation in the 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 predetermined 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 or closing the valve 424, the system pressure can be controlled to reach the desired predetermined pressure by forcing more fluid into the accumulator 340 (i.e., from the tank 428 via 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. In 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 predetermined pressure or a second predetermined 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, a pressure release valve or safety block can be provided in the circuit and can be set to a pressure higher than either the first or second predetermined pressure (e.g., 2,755 psi).

[0053] As shown in Figures 34, 45A, and 45B, the powertrain 56 (i.e., drive system or drivetrain) for the low-speed shredder 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 the reversible transmission is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,666,312, which is hereby incorporated verbatim as reference. 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 fluid coupler 314. The fluid 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 level out the load spikes commonly observed during the operation of the crusher. The output shaft of the gear reduction unit 316 is drivably received into the crusher rotor 38 to drive the 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 by hydraulic fluid pressure, and can also function as a torque overload protection device because a fluid coupling is used instead of a direct mechanical connection (for example, the fluid coupler 314 will slip if the torque exceeds a predetermined maximum value). In other embodiments without the fluid coupler 314, the clutch of 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 its rated speed. The output shaft of the gear reduction unit 316 is coupled to the rotor drive shaft or, in the depicted embodiment, is drivingly received in a female receiving bore in the crusher rotor 38 that is 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 or 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 centerlines of the input shaft of the fluid coupler 314 and 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 embodiments without the fluid coupler 314) to accommodate the vertical offset. These vertical offsets, in an in-line drive arrangement without any belt drive mechanism, help reduce the overall shipping height of the shredder 20 while maximizing the height of the lower discharge chute 34 to allow optimal material outflow from below the shredder 20. Note 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 pressure corresponding to the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder device 87. An overload condition is detected when the sensed pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. The controller 301 may also 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 predetermined 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 another parameter 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 can be located 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 (monitored, for example, via a CAN and based on the transmission output RPM), 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 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 hold 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 Figure 35. In step 500, the system determines whether the presence of a screen installed under the rotor 38 is indicated. If the presence of a screen is not indicated, the system proceeds to step 502, where a second low-pressure release mode is activated and the rotor 38 is driven in the forward direction to perform the crushing operation (see step 508). If the presence of a screen is indicated, the system proceeds to step 506, where a first high-pressure release operating mode is activated. The system then proceeds to step 508, where the rotor is driven in the forward direction to perform the crushing operation. In each operating mode, the automatic reverse function is activated. In step 510, the system senses whether an overload condition has been detected on the rotor 38. If an overload condition is not detected, the system returns to step 508. In contrast, if an overload condition is detected, an automatic reverse cycle is initiated to clear any blockage that may have occurred between the comb 58 and the rotor 38.

[0060] The control system 300 may further include a step to control an automatic reverse function that automatically reverses the rotation direction 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. The mechanical drive system will attempt to automatically reverse the crusher rotor 38 by utilizing a reversing gearbox having a hydraulic shift clutch. Control over the crusher 20 may further include a manual reverse button that pushes the feed material away at the operator's discretion. The automatic reverse function can occur independently of whether the screen unit 100 is installed or not.

[0061] When the automatic reverse function is activated and the RPM of the crusher rotor 38 drops below the threshold speed setting, the automatic reverse sequence is initiated, and the crusher rotor 38 reverses direction. The engine 309 attempts 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. When the rotor speed reaches ENGAGE SPEED, the transmission 312 shifts to the REVERSE setting. The fluid coupling 314 or clutch then engages, and the engine speed is increased to the maximum RPM for a time set by the control function, REVERSE TIME(X) (the rotor rotates in reverse). When REVERSE TIME(X) ends, 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 to forward rotation, the fluid coupling 314 or clutch engages, and the engine speed increases to full speed to attempt material crushing. The threshold speed setting is based on a torque level that prevents damage to the crusher rotor 38, the components of the crusher comb 58, and components of the powertrain 56, 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 can be set by the operator. For example, if the number of rotor reversal attempts is set to 3, the control system 300 will attempt up to 3 reversal sequences before the rotor automatically stops for any necessary maintenance or operator attention. The operator may also manually initiate rotor reversal by pressing the reversal button as needed. The control system 300 may also use additional inputs to control the release mechanism of the crusher comb section 58. Such input variables may include the elapsed time at a low rotor RPM speed and the measured fluid coupling temperature. As shown in Figure 36, after the rotor has reversed for a set time, the rotor rotates forward again to attempt crushing, and the reversal sequence count is reset to zero.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control system 300 includes a reverse rotation sequence in which the rotor is reversed and then returned to forward rotation. For the reverse rotation sequence to be completed, the rotor must be operating 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 decelerate to a speed at which the fluid coupling 314 or clutch can be engaged, 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 operates in reverse for a time set by the parameter REVERSE TIME(x), i.e., the time for the rotor 38 to reverse for each given reverse rotation attempt. Each reverse rotation time is individually adjustable and each reverse rotation time is longer than the previous reverse rotation time (i.e., REVERSE TIME(2) is longer than REVERSE TIME(1)). The control system 300 disengages 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 ENGAGE SPEED, the control system 300 shifts the transmission to FORWARD setting, and then the fluid coupling 314 or clutch engages, causing the engine speed to increase to the maximum RPM setting. At this point, the rotor 38 is now rotating in forward motion.

[0064] One embodiment of logic for an automatic reverse program is illustrated in FIG. 36 and can 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. This speed setting will be referred to as the variable name DROOP. The number of reverse attempts for the progressive reverse cycle sequence is set based on input from the operator. In step 600, the rotor is operated in forward drive mode. In 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 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 predetermined maximum number of attempts (see step 606). If the maximum number of reverse attempts reaches DROOP without the forward rotor speed exceeding DROOP occurring, the system proceeds to step 608, where the rotor clutch is disengaged and a message is displayed to inform the operator that the machine will 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. In step 610, the system continues operation 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 automatic crushing." The engine 309 will attempt to reduce 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," after which the control system will shut down.

[0066] The operator may also manually perform a separate function that can place the shredder 20 in a crushing state. This requires the operator to place the shredder in a designated automatic crush setting. To place the shredder 20 in this setting, the operator presses the Rotor Forward button for approximately 500 milliseconds, and the operator display shows a message indicating the conveyor is not running. This initiates a countdown sequence to disengage the rotor 38, indicated on the screen by a message and an accompanying simultaneous alarm sequence. The display reads "Rotor Engaged" for two seconds and then switches to the main menu. The operator must then set the maximum engine RPM by pressing the Engine High button. The shredder automatic crush setting will be engaged once the rotor speed is above the system-specified RPM level.

[0067] Figures 52-54 illustrate an example of a shredder 20 in which the front or end wall 800 of the upper hopper 32 adjacent to the first end wall 24 is formed with a recess 804 to facilitate the feeding of the material to be shredded into the upper hopper 32 and to the rotor 38. The recess 804 is defined in a rearward-facing inclined wall 808 located above the first end wall 24. The first and second wall portions 812 and 816 are each symmetrically angled forward and inward from the inclined wall 808 toward the longitudinal centerline of the shredder 20. The first and second walls 812 and 816 may be provided with optional water nozzles 818 (Figures 53 and 54) for spraying water into the upper hopper 32 to suppress dust. The third and fourth wall sections 820 and 824 extend forward from the first and second wall sections 812 and 816, respectively, substantially parallel to each other, until they intersect with the fifth wall section 828. The fifth wall section 828 slopes downward and rearward from the upper wall 832 of the crusher 20 toward the rotor 38 until it intersects with the vertically extending portion of the first end wall 24. As is most clearly shown in Figure 54, the slope of the fifth wall section 828 is designed to direct the material toward the front end of the rotor 38, and in the embodiment depicted, it is sloped so that waste sliding along the fifth wall section 828 is engaged with the first and / or second row of rotor teeth 42 on the rotor 38. A reference line 836 (Figure 54) illustrates how the plane enclosing the fifth wall 828 intersects with the second row of rotor teeth 42 on the rotor 38. The depicted reference line 836 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the vertical.

[0068] The recess 804 helps to distribute the waste more uniformly along the length of the rotor 38, particularly along the foremost edge of the rotor 38, thereby maximizing crushing efficiency by utilizing the foremost edge of the rotor 38 and its teeth 42. In other prior art crushers, the front end of the rotor is almost inaccessible to the waste inserted into the upper hopper due to the presence of an overhanging structure. The recess 804 eliminates a structural obstacle to the waste directly encountering the edge portion of the rotor 38 as it falls downward toward the rotor.

[0069] The shredder 20 may further include a mechanism for adjusting the clearance between the shredder comb 58 and the rotor 38 when the access door 46 is closed and latched. 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 material being shredded by the shredder 20. Figures 55–57 schematically illustrate how the adjustment mechanism interacts with the shredder comb 58 to set the clearance. The illustrated adjustment mechanism includes eccentrically adjustable block assemblies 900 attached to the first and second end walls 24, 26, respectively. Figures 55–57 depict the block assembly 900 attached to the first end wall 24, and another block assembly 900, not shown, attached to the second end wall 26 (see Figure 47). Figure 55 depicts the access door 46 in a partially open position. Figure 56 shows the access door 46 in the closed and latched position, but before the comb section 58 is fully extended to the crushing position by the hydraulic cylinder device 87 (or in the comb section open position).

[0070] 57 depicts the door 46 in a closed and latched position, with the crusher comb 58 extended to the crushing position by the hydraulic cylinder device 87. 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 toward the rotor 38 to establish 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 enter engagement with the rotor 38. As 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 toward the rotor 38 by the hydraulic cylinder device 87. This allows the operator to adjust the desired clearance between the comb 58 and the rotor 38 for different crushing 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 positioning 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 block assembly 900.

[0072] 60-66 detail the block assembly 900 for the first end wall 24. The following description applies equally to the block assembly 900 for the second end wall 26 shown in FIG. 47. Referring first to FIGS. 60 and 61, a mounting plate 912 is secured (e.g., welded) to the end wall 24 such that an aperture 914 in the mounting plate 912 aligns with a similarly configured aperture 915 in the end wall 24. An eccentric block 916 includes a first end 918 configured to be inserted through the aperture 915 in the end wall 24 and through the aperture 914 in the mounting plate 912. A second end 920 of the block 916 abuts the end wall 24 and is larger in size so 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 the 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 dimensions larger than the aperture 926 in the flange 922 such that when the fastener 930 is inserted into and secured in the threaded bore 928, the block 916 is secured to the end wall 24 via engagement between the fastener 930 and the flange 922.

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

[0074] Changing the desired comb / rotor clearance is straightforward. The operator simply loosens and removes two fasteners 930 (one for each block assembly 900), removes block 916, repositions block 916 so that the desired stop surface faces the engaging surface 908 of stop plate 904, and then reinserts and tightens the fasteners 930. As best seen in Figure 59, to assist the operator, the end face 946 of the second end 920 of block 916 may include indicators 950 that show the amount of clearance provided by each stop surface of block 916. As depicted in Figure 59, the indicators 950 may include (e.g., etched) numbers provided on the end face 946 adjacent to each stop surface 936, 938, 940, 942 ("0" representing the maximum clearance setting, "3" representing the minimum clearance setting).

[0075] FIGS. 67-74 illustrate features of the conveyor system 159, particularly 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 for inspection or replacement of the conveyor belt and other conveyor components without requiring removal of the outer conveyor 162 from the crusher. 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 idler rollers 950 about which the conveyor belt rotates. FIG. 68 illustrates the outer conveyor 162 in its inoperative, storage, or transport position. In this position, the idler rollers 950 of the outer conveyor 162 are positioned vertically above or nearly vertically above the top surface 952 of the lower conveyor 160. To allow the lower conveyor 160 to be removed from the crusher 20 without requiring removal of the outer conveyor 162, the crusher 20 is designed so that the lower conveyor 160 is positioned or can be positioned vertically below the stowed 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 by a fork truck or other suitable machine in a rearward horizontal direction parallel to the rotor axis 40 (see Figures 72 and 74).

[0076] Figure 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 obstruct or prevent rearward horizontal removal of the lower conveyor 160. As seen in Figure 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. Figures 70 and 71 depict conveyor support brackets 954 (two shown in Figure 70) that support the lower conveyor 160 relative to the frame 50 of the crusher 20 and allow movement of the lower conveyor 160 relative to the frame 50. As shown in FIG. 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 can alternatively be used to support and allow movement of the lower conveyor 160. The illustrated support bracket 954 is but one embodiment.

[0077] After the operator loosens all of the retaining nuts 958 (on all of the brackets 954 on both sides of the crusher 20), the lower conveyor 160 can be lowered to its lowered position, where it will be supported by the surface 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 interfere with 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 the outer conveyor 162 to be removed or disconnected from the crusher frame 50.

[0079] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are as follows. [Example Embodiment 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 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 relative to the first and second end walls between an open position and a closed position, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open and closed positions, the access door defining the second side wall of the crusher box when in the closed position; A crusher comb is disposed on the inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb is supported together with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open position and the closed position, the crusher comb includes crusher comb teeth, when the access door is in the closed position the crusher comb is positioned between the first end wall and the second end wall in a crushing location adjacent to the lower end of the upper hopper, 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 when the crusher rotor is rotated around the rotor axis, and 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 equipped with, When the access door is in the open position, a side access area is defined between the first end wall and the second end wall, the side access area is configured to provide access to the crusher rotor, the side access area includes an open area defined on the second side of the crusher between the first end wall and the second end wall, the open area has an unobstructed, open upper surface extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. Crusher.

[0080] [Example of Embodiment 2] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 1, wherein the door shaft is horizontal. [Example of Embodiment 3] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 1, wherein when the access door is closed, the access door supports the hopper defining surface extending from the crusher comb portion to the upper surface of the upper hopper. [Example of Embodiment 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, The crusher of Example 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 position, 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] 5. The crusher of embodiment 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 of Embodiment 6] The crusher according to Embodiment 1, wherein the crusher box further includes a discharge port for discharging the crushed material from the lower part of the crusher box. [Example of Embodiment 7] 7. The shredder of Example 6, further comprising a conveyor system including a lower conveyor positioned below the discharge opening and an outer conveyor positioned adjacent one end of the lower conveyor. [Example of Embodiment 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 box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first and second end walls adjacent to the lower portion of the access door, and the inspection platform is accessible to an operator when the access door is in the open position, according to Embodiment Example 1. [Embodiment Example 10] The crusher according to Embodiment 9, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the inspection platform defines the lower range of the side access area, and the portion of the crusher box is not located 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 according to 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] When the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through the open upper 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 feeding direction extending from the side access area toward the first side wall, as described in Embodiment 12. [Embodiment Example 14] The crusher according to Embodiment 13, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen in the screen feeding direction below the crusher rotor, wherein the guide rail has a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. [Embodiment Example 15] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 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 according to Embodiment 15, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails when the screen unit slides 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 installed position below 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 18] A crusher as described in Example 17, 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. [Embodiment Example 19] The shredder according to Embodiment 17, wherein the screen unit is supported by the rails in a staged position below the shredder rotor, and the shredder includes at least one lift arm adjacent to the first side of the shredder box for engaging with the one or more first pin structures of the screen unit and for lifting the screen unit to the installation position.

[0084] [Embodiment Example 20] 20. The crusher of Example 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 box further includes an inspection platform extending between the first end wall and the second end wall adjacent to the lower portion of the access door, the inspection platform being accessible to an operator 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 installation position, according to Embodiment Example 21. [Embodiment Example 23] The crusher 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, 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 with the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position, as described in Embodiment Example 22.

[0085] [Embodiment Example 24] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 23, wherein when it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen holding link from the screen, providing the open area of ​​the side access region, 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 below the crusher rotor in the 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 region. [Embodiment Example 25] A crusher as described in 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 according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, wherein the flow control comb engages with the crusher rotor to prevent the material to be crushed from moving downward from the upper hopper into the region between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, and the flow control comb has comb elements that can pivot upward relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated upward by the crusher rotor past the flow control comb and back into the upper hopper.

[0086] [Example of Embodiment 27] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 1, wherein the door shaft is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 28] 2. The crusher of Example 1, wherein the access door is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position. [Embodiment Example 29] The crusher according to Embodiment 1, further comprising first and second latches for fixing 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] The crusher according to Embodiment 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 receiving the first pin vertically 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 receiving the second pin vertically when the access door is in the closed position. [Embodiment Example 31] The crusher according to Embodiment 1, further comprising adjustment blocks disposed on the first end wall and the second end wall, respectively, for engaging with the crusher comb, the adjustment blocks being reconfigurable by an operator to change the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor.

[0087] [Embodiment Example 32] A crusher box comprising opposing first end walls and second end walls, wherein the crusher box also comprises opposing first side walls and second side walls extending between the first and second end walls, the crusher box comprises an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, and the crusher box further comprises an inspection platform extending between the first and second end walls, A crusher rotor is located inside the crusher box adjacent to the lower end of the hopper, the crusher rotor is rotatable around a rotor axis oriented to extend from the first end wall to the second end wall, the first and second side walls are oriented so as to extend in the direction of the rotor axis with the rotor axis between the first and second side walls, the crusher rotor includes a plurality of rotor teeth, the rotor teeth of the crusher rotor define a cylindrical reference boundary when the crusher rotor rotates around the rotor axis, and the rotor axis is located higher than the inspection platform, An access door that is 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 when the access door pivots between the open position and the closed position, the access door pivots around a door axis, the door axis extends between the first end wall and the second end wall in the direction of the rotor axis, and when the access door is in the closed position, it defines the second side wall of the crusher box, A crusher comb is disposed on the inner surface of the access door, the crusher comb is supported together with the access door when the access door is pivoted between the open position and the closed position, the crusher comb includes crusher comb teeth, when the access door is in the closed position the crusher comb is positioned between the first end wall and the second end wall in a crushing location adjacent to the lower end of the upper hopper, 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 rotates around the rotor axis, and 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 equipped with, 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 above the open access door and between the first end wall and the second end wall, 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 tooth tips 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 surface of the upper hopper, and the open space being free of obstructions extending from the first end wall to the second end wall; Crusher.

[0088] [Embodiment Example 33] The crusher according to Embodiment 32, wherein the inspection platform is below the horizontal reference plane that is in contact with 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 to an upper end of the lower discharge opening. [Embodiment Example 35] 33. 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] 33. 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 the 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] [Example of Embodiment 37] 33. The crusher of Example 32, 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. [Example of Embodiment 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 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, 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. [Example of Embodiment 39] 39. The crusher of embodiment 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. [Example of Embodiment 40] The crusher according to Embodiment 39, wherein the hydraulic cylinder extends through a notch defined within the inspection platform. [Example of Embodiment 41] The crusher according to 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 shredder according to Embodiment 41, wherein when the access door is in the open position, the screen can be lowered vertically through the open upper surface of the shredder box into the open space between the first end face wall and the second end face wall, and from the open space, the screen can be slid under the shredder rotor in a screen feeding direction extending from the open space toward the first side wall.

[0090] [Embodiment Example 43] The crusher according to Embodiment 42, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the screen in the screen feeding direction below the crusher rotor, wherein the guide rail has a length extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. [Embodiment Example 44] The crusher according to 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 according to Embodiment 42, wherein the screen unit includes one or more first pin structures that ride on the first and second guide rails when the screen unit slides under the crusher rotor. [Embodiment Example 46] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 43, wherein the screen unit includes a first end and a second end on the opposite side, and when the screen unit is in the installation position below the crusher rotor, the first and second ends of the screen unit are positioned adjacent to the first and second side walls 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 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.

[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] The crusher according to Embodiment 48, wherein once the screen unit is lifted to the installation position, the lift arm causes the first end of the screen unit to engage with the active stopper of the crusher box. [Embodiment Example 50] The crusher according to Embodiment 49, wherein the active stopper is defined by an active stopper structure of the crusher box, and the first end of the screen unit includes a notch to receive the active stopper structure when the screen unit is lifted to the installation position. [Embodiment Example 51] The crusher according to Embodiment 50, wherein when the screen unit is in the installation position, the second end of the screen unit is supported on the inspection platform. [Embodiment Example 52] The crusher 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, 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 with the second end of the screen unit to hold the screen unit in the installed position, as described in Embodiment 51.

[0092] [Embodiment Example 53] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 52, wherein when it is desired to remove the screen unit from the crusher box, the access door is opened to displace the screen holding link from the screen, providing 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 below the crusher rotor in the 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 54] The crusher according to Embodiment 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 according to Embodiment 32, further comprising a flow control comb pivotally connected to the first side wall, wherein the flow control comb engages with the crusher rotor to prevent the material to be crushed from moving downward from the upper hopper into the region between the crusher rotor and the first side wall, and the flow control comb has comb elements that can pivot upward relative to the first side wall to allow the material to be recirculated upward by the crusher rotor 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 opening 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 opening and an outer conveyor positioned adjacent to one end of the lower conveyor. [Embodiment Example 57] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 56, wherein the outer conveyor is pivotally movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position relative to the crusher box. [Embodiment Example 58] The crusher according to Embodiment 32, wherein the inspection platform is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 59] The crusher according to embodiment 32, wherein the door shaft is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 60] The crusher according to 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 Example 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 Example 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] 33. 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 the clearance between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor. [Example of Embodiment 64] A crusher, said crusher, A crusher box, comprising an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed and a lower discharge port for discharging crushed material from the crusher box, and also comprising a screen mounting area positioned above the lower discharge port, a crusher rotor disposed within 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 comb teeth, the crusher comb positionable in a crushing position where the comb teeth intermesh with the rotor teeth and are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary, and the crusher comb positionable in a release position where the comb teeth are outside the cylindrical reference boundary; a screen attachable to the screen mounting location for screening the crushed material that has passed through 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 at the crusher comb by material being observed and 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 at the crusher comb by material being observed and 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 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; A crusher equipped with this feature.

[0095] [Example of Embodiment 65] 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. [Example of Embodiment 66] The crusher of Example 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. [Embodiment Example 67] 65. The shredder of embodiment 64, wherein the shredder rotor is rotatable in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor shaft and is also 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 rotation 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 Example 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. [Embodiment Example 70] The drive train The engine and A reversible gear transmission driven by the aforementioned engine, A fluid coupler connected to the output of the reversible gear transmission by the drive shaft, The flywheel connected to the aforementioned fluid coupler, A gear reduction unit having inputs connected to both the fluid coupler and the flywheel, 69. The crusher of Example 69, further comprising: an output of the gear reduction unit drivingly connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor in either the first direction or the second direction. [Embodiment Example 71] 65. The crusher of 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 reciprocable within the hydraulic cylinder, wherein 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 the first predetermined pressure in at least the second operating mode, and wherein 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 the second predetermined pressure in at least the first operating mode.

[0097] [Embodiment Example 72] 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 wherein the access door forms at least a portion of a side wall of the rotor box when the access door is closed. [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 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 below the crusher rotor through a side access area on the second side of the crusher box, the screen being further removable from below the crusher rotor through the side access area on the second side of the crusher box, and during transport the screen being positionable in a staging 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 an installation position at the screen mounting location; A crusher equipped with this feature.

[0098] [Example of Embodiment 74] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 73, wherein the crusher box includes a first active stopper on the first side of the crusher box that engages with one end of the screen to stop the movement of the screen when the screen reaches the installation position, and the access door carries a second active stopper on the second side of the crusher box that engages with the opposite end of the screen when the access door is closed to prevent the screen from moving from the installation position toward the scaffolding position. [Embodiment Example 75] 75. The crusher of embodiment 74, wherein the second active 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. [Example of Embodiment 76] 74. The crusher of embodiment 73, wherein the door axis is horizontal. [Embodiment Example 77] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 73, wherein the step of moving the screen from the scaffolding position to the installation position includes the step of moving the screen from the scaffolding position toward the first side of the crusher box in the screen loading direction, and the step of lifting the screen from the scaffolding position toward the rotor. [Embodiment Example 78] 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] [Example of Embodiment 79] A crusher box comprising opposing first end walls and second end walls, the crusher box further comprising opposing first side walls and second side walls extending between the first end walls and the second end walls, the opposing first side walls and second side walls located on the first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, and the crusher box comprising an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, a crusher rotor disposed within 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 relative to the first and second end walls between an open position and a closed position, the access door pivoting about a door axis as the access door pivots between the open and closed positions, 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 to the lower end of the upper hopper between the first end wall and the second end wall, when the access door is in the closed position, 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, and when the access door enters 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; 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 said engine; a fluid coupler connected by a drive shaft to the output of said reversible gear transmission; a flywheel coupled to the fluid coupler; and A gear reduction unit having inputs connected to both the fluid coupler and the flywheel, the output of the gear reduction unit being drivable to the rotor to rotate the rotor in either the first or second direction, and a drive train, A crusher equipped with this feature.

[0100] [Example of Embodiment 80] 80. The crusher of embodiment 79, wherein the drive shaft is connected between the reversible gear transmission and the hydraulic coupler via a universal joint. [Example of Embodiment 81] 81. The crusher of Example 80, wherein the drive shaft and the universal joint compensate for a vertical offset between the centerlines of the output shaft of the reversible gear transmission and the input shaft of the fluid coupler. [Example of Embodiment 82] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 79, wherein the gear reduction unit includes a planetary gear set. [Example of Embodiment 83] The crusher according to Embodiment Example 79, wherein the reversible gear transmission includes at least one hydraulic clutch. [Embodiment Example 84] A crusher box comprising opposing first end walls and second end walls, the crusher box further comprising opposing first side walls and second side walls extending between the first end walls and the second end walls, the opposing first side walls and second side walls located on the first and second sides of the crusher box, respectively, and the crusher box comprising an upper hopper for receiving material to be crushed, a crusher rotor disposed within 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 positioned below the crusher rotor and configured to move crushed material from below 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 shredded material moved by the lower conveyor; In a crusher equipped with, the outer conveyor includes an idler roller, and when the outer conveyor is in an inoperative position, the idler roller is above a top surface of the lower conveyor, 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 departing from 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 Top 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 Axle 50 base 51 Support jack 52 wheels 54. Crusher housing 56 Powertrain 58 Crusher comb section 59 Trailer Tan / Hitch 60 Crusher comb teeth 62 Side access area 64 Open space 70 Open access area 72 Open upper area 76 Hopper drawing surface 78 Crusher comb unit 80 Crusher comb unit frame 81 Pivot shaft of the crusher comb unit 82 First plate structure 84. Second plate structure 87 Hydraulic Cylinder Devices 88 1st end 90 2nd end 92 Notches 100 screen units 102 Screen section 104 Screen Frames 106 Screen delivery 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 notches 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 cylinders 418 pins 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 drive shaft 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 Bore 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 Horizontal reference plane tangent to the lowest point of the HP3 cylindrical reference boundary Horizontal reference plane tangent to the uppermost point of the HP4 cylindrical reference boundary

Claims

1. In the crusher, 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 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 comb teeth, the crusher comb positionable in a crushing position where the comb teeth intermesh with the rotor teeth and are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary, and the crusher comb positionable in a release position where the comb teeth are outside the cylindrical reference boundary; a screen attachable to the screen mounting location for screening the crushed material that has passed through 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 at the crusher comb by material being observed and 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 at the crusher comb by material being observed and 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 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; A crusher equipped with:

2. 2. The crusher of claim 1, 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.

3. 2. The crusher of claim 1, 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 detecting 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.

4. 2. The shredder of claim 1, wherein the shredder rotor is rotatable in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor shaft and is also rotatable in a reverse direction about the rotor shaft.

5. 5. The shredder of claim 4, wherein the control system controls an automatic reverse function that automatically reverses the rotation direction of the shredder rotor from the forward volume reduction direction to the reverse direction when an overload condition is detected.

6. 6. The crusher of claim 5, 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.

7. The drive train The engine and a reversible gear transmission driven by the engine; a torque overload protection device downstream of the reversible gear transmission; a gear reduction unit, an output shaft of the gear reduction unit drivingly received in the crusher rotor for driving rotation of the crusher rotor; The crusher of claim 6 further comprising:

8. 2. The crusher of claim 1, 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, the control system allowing 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 first operating mode, and the control system allowing 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 second operating mode.

9. 9. The crusher of claim 8, 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 crusher box when the access door is closed.

10. 9. The crusher of claim 8, wherein the hydraulic cylinder device is part of a hydraulic system, the hydraulic system having an accumulator that assists in returning the crusher comb to the crushing position when the pressure observed at the crusher comb in the first mode of operation is less than the first predetermined pressure, and when the pressure observed at the crusher comb in the second mode of operation is less than the second predetermined pressure.

11. 2. The crusher of claim 1, wherein when the crusher comb is in a first operating mode, the crusher comb returns from the release position to the crushing position when a pressure observed at the crusher comb is less than the first predetermined pressure, and when the crusher comb is in a second operating mode, the crusher comb returns from the release position to the crushing position when a pressure observed at the crusher comb is less than the second predetermined pressure.

12. 2. The shredder of claim 1, wherein the shredding position of the shredder comb is adjustable.

13. 13. The shredder of claim 12, wherein the shredder includes a block assembly, the block assembly selectively positionable between a first position and a second position to adjust the shredding position of the shredder comb.

14. In the crusher, 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 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 comb teeth, the crusher comb positionable in a crushing position where the comb teeth intermesh with the rotor teeth and are positioned within the cylindrical reference boundary, and the crusher comb positionable in a release position where the comb teeth are outside the cylindrical reference boundary; a screen attachable to the screen mounting location for screening the crushed material that has passed through 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; a control system operable to operate the crusher comb in a high release pressure operating mode when a screen presence parameter is detected indicating that the screen is installed at the screen mounting location, and in a low release pressure operating mode when the screen presence parameter is not detected indicating that the screen is not installed at the screen mounting location, wherein when the crusher comb is in the low release pressure operating mode, when a predetermined pressure is generated by material being crushed and observed at the crusher comb, the crusher comb is movable from the crushing position to the release position in response to the predetermined pressure to allow an obstacle to pass between the crusher comb and the crusher rotor; A crusher equipped with:

15. 15. The crusher of claim 14, wherein the predetermined pressure is a second predetermined pressure, and when a first predetermined pressure is generated by material being crushed and observed at the crusher comb when the crusher comb is in the high release pressure operating mode, 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 the second predetermined pressure is lower than the first predetermined pressure.

16. 16. The crusher of claim 15, wherein when the crusher comb is in the high release pressure mode of operation, the crusher comb returns from the release position to the crushing position when the pressure observed at the crusher comb is less than the first predetermined pressure, and when the crusher comb is in the low release pressure mode of operation, the crusher comb returns from the release position to the crushing position when the pressure observed at the crusher comb is less than the second predetermined pressure.

17. 15. The crusher of claim 14, wherein said crusher comb is prevented from moving to said release position when in said high release pressure mode of operation.

18. 15. The shredder of claim 14, wherein the shredder rotor is rotatable in a forward volume reduction direction about the rotor shaft and also rotatable in a reverse direction about the rotor shaft.

19. 20. The crusher of claim 18, wherein the control system controls an automatic reverse function of the crusher 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.

20. 15. The crusher of claim 14, wherein the crushing position of the crusher comb is adjustable.

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