Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VIBRATORY CLASSIFIERS
Back2round
[01] Vibratory classifiers (such as screens and feeders) use vibration to move
material
such as aggregate to separate the material into different constituent sized
material
elements. Grizzly bar classifiers generally are a spaced arrangement of
structural
metal beams (commonly referred to as grizzly bars) supported on a frame that
are
capable of supporting material that is larger than the spacing of the bars and
allow
material smaller than the spacing of the bars to pass between the bars.
Brief Description of the Drawin2s
[02] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vibratory classifier
in a first
configuration.
[03] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1 in
the first
configuration, with certain components including a sidewall not shown for
clarity.
[04] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1
in the first
configuration, with certain components including a sidewall not shown for
clarity.
[05] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1 in
a second
configuration, with certain components including a sidewall not shown for
clarity.
[06] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1
in the second
configuration, with certain components (including a sidewall) not shown for
clarity.
[07] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1 in
the first
configuration with certain components including a grizzly bar classifier not
shown
for clarity.
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[08] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1 in
the second
configuration with certain components including a grizzly bar classifier not
shown
for clarity.
[09] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1.
[10] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial bottom view of the vibratory classifier of
FIG. 1
illustrating the grizzly bar classifier.
[11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the vibratory classifier of
FIG. 1
illustrating a spring assembly having a lift support.
[12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1
with certain
components including a grizzly bar classifier and supports removed for
clarity.
[13] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the vibratory classifier of FIG. 1
with certain
components including a grizzly bar classifier and supports removed for
clarity.
[14] FIG. 13 is a partial side elevation view of another embodiment of a
vibratory
classifier.
[15] FIG. 14 is a partial side elevation view of a sidewall of the
vibratory classifier of
FIG. 13.
Detailed Description
[16] Referring to FIGs. 1 through 12, one embodiment of a vibratory classifier
is
illustrated in two configurations. Various embodiments may be referred to as
feeders or grizzly feeders. In some embodiments, although not required, a
spring
assembly of the vibratory feeder may include a lift support. In some
embodiments,
a classifying deck (e.g., grizzly bar classifier which may be referred to as a
cassette)
and corresponding supports are adjustable between a plurality of (e.g., at
least two)
configurations.
[17] Turning to FIG. 1, a vibratory feeder 2200 is illustrated in a first
configuration. A
deck having an upper surface 2240 is optionally disposed to receive aggregate
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and/or other material to be classified. The upper surface 2240 is optionally
disposed generally horizontally or in some embodiments at a downwardly-sloping
angle between sidewalls 2210, 2220 of the feeder. A general direction of
travel T
of aggregate material on surface 2240 is illustrated in FIG. 1, although it
should
be appreciated that the path of travel of material on the surface may include
complex movement as the material bounces against the surface.
[18] The feeder 2200 is optionally driven for vibration by a vibration
assembly 2250
(e.g., including one or more eccentric shafts which may be disposed at a lower
end
of the feeder, including one or more eccentric weights, etc.). Referring to
FIGs. 1
and 8, a first drive housing 2258 may contain one or more driven elements
(e.g.,
gears) for driving one or more shafts (e.g., eccentric shafts, non-eccentric
shafts,
etc.) which are optionally housed in a shaft housing 2256. The drive elements
and
shafts are optionally driven by a drive wheel 2259 (e.g., sheave) which is
optionally
directly or indirectly driven by a motor (not shown) such as an electric
motor. The
shafts optionally extend transversely across the width of the feeder 2200 and
are
optionally driven and/or supported by drive elements (e.g., gears, bearings,
wheels,
etc.) disposed in a second drive housing 2252. One or more eccentric weights
are
optionally supported on the shaft (e.g., near left and right ends of the
shaft). The
drive housing 2252 is optionally supported on the sidewall 2210, e.g., by
being
mounted to a plate 2254 supported on the sidewall 2210. It should be
appreciated
that other mechanisms may be employed to vibrate the feeder 2200 in various
embodiments.
[19] Referring to FIGs. 2, 3 and 8, the feeder 2200 is optionally
resiliently supported on
a plurality of spring assemblies which may vary in configuration and location
in
various embodiments. In some embodiments, the feeder 2200 is supported on left
and right forward spring assemblies 2240-1, 2240-2, respectively. In some
embodiments, the feeder 2200 is supported on rearward spring support assembly
2260 which may include a plurality of springs 2262 (e.g., 2262a, 2262b, 2262c,
2262d, 2262e) which are optionally disposed in transverse relation at least
partially
along the width of the feeder.
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[20] The upper surface 2240 optionally comprises one or more removable plates
2244
(e.g., 2244a, 2244b, 2244c, 2244d). The plates 2244 may comprise a wear
resistant
material such as abrasion-resistant steel. The plates 2244 may be removably
mounted (e.g., by fasteners such as bolts) to one or more support plates 2205.
The
support plate 2205 is optionally supported on (e.g., welded to) a plurality of
supports 2290 (e.g., I-beams). Supports 2290 are optionally disposed at least
partially along the length of the surface 2240 and optionally welded to
sidewalls
2210, 2220 at opposing ends thereof A forward support 2295 (e.g., a beam such
as a channel beam, I-beam or other support) optionally supports (e.g., is
welded to)
a forward portion of the support plate 2205. The forward support 2295 is
optionally
mounted (e.g., by welding) to sidewalls 2210, 2220 such as at opposing ends
thereof
[21] Referring to FIG. 2, a portion of each sidewall 2210, 2220 optionally
extends above
the surface 2240. A part (e.g., a substantial part) of the portion of each
sidewall
extending above surface 2240 is optionally protected by one or more removable
side liners 2242 (e.g., plates). The side liners 2242 are optionally removably
mounted (e.g., by fasteners such as bolts) to the respective sidewalls. The
side
liners 2242 optionally comprise a wear-resistant material such as abrasion-
resistant
metal (e.g., steel).
[22] In various embodiments, vibration of the feeder 2200 may comprise a
generally
elliptical, circular, linear, or other motion or pattern. As shown in Fig. 1,
vibration
of the feeder 2200 optionally tends to urge aggregate material on the upper
surface
2240 to advance (e.g., while bouncing on the surface 2240) generally along
travel
direction T from a rearward end thereof (e.g., adjacent to a rearward wall
2230
extending laterally between the sidewalls 2210, 2220) toward a forward end
thereof
(e.g., a forward edge of plate 2244d). One or more lifting eyes 2232 are
optionally
mounted (e.g., welded) to the rearward wall 2230 or elsewhere on the feeder to
install or adjust a position of the feeder. Vibration of the feeder 2200
optionally
tends to urge aggregate material on the upper surface 2240 to advance (e.g.,
while
bouncing on the surface 2240) generally along the travel direction T from the
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surface 2240 onto a grizzly bar classifier 2300 which in some embodiments may
be referred to as a classifying deck or cassette.
[23] The grizzly bar classifier 2300 optionally comprises a series of
longitudinally-
extending grizzly bars 2310 (e.g., five grizzly bars). In various embodiments,
the
grizzly bars may comprise rods, rectangular beams, tubes or other structure.
The
grizzly bars 2310 are optionally disposed in transversely spaced-apart
relation such
that undersize material (e.g., aggregate material smaller than the transverse
spacing
between the bars) tends to fall through the classifier 2300. The undersize
material
may be processed according to a first post-sorting process, e.g., may be
directed by
an undersize material chute (not shown) onto a conveyor or other processing
equipment. Oversize material (e.g., aggregate material larger than the
transverse
spacing between bars 2310) optionally tends to fall off a generally forward
end of
the classifier 2300. Oversize material may be processed according to second
post-
sorting process, e.g., may be directed by an oversize material chute (not
shown)
into an input opening of a rock crusher or other processing equipment.
[24] In some embodiments, a grizzly finger classifier (e.g., including
grizzly fingers
and/or spring fingers) may be incorporated in addition to or alternatively to
the
grizzly bar classifier described herein. Some such grizzly finger classifiers
may be
adjustably mounted (e.g., in a fashion similar to the grizzly bar classifiers
described herein.) Some grizzly bars or grizzly fingers incorporated in
various
embodiments may comprise single components or may comprise assemblies (e.g.,
bimetallic assemblies or assemblies made of a single type of metal or other
material). The grizzly bars and/or grizzly fingers of various embodiments may
be
supported in two or more locations along a length thereof or may be supported
at
one end thereof (e.g., a rearward end thereof along a general direction of
aggregate
material travel).
[25] The grizzly bar classifier 2300 is optionally carried on a support
structure 2400 that
is mounted to side walls 2210, 2220. The support structure 2400 generally
comprises one or more transverse support structures, such as support beams or
support plates. In one embodiment, support structure 2400 comprises first and
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second supports and optionally comprises a rearward support 2410 and a forward
support 2420. The rearward support 2410 is optionally generally laterally
oriented
and may be removably mounted at lateral ends thereof to the sidewalls 2210,
2220.
The forward support 2420 is optionally generally laterally oriented and is
optionally removably mounted at lateral ends thereof to the sidewalls 2210,
2220.
[26] Comparing FIGs. 3 and 5, in FIG. 3 the vibratory classifier 2200 is
illustrated in a
first configuration in which the grizzly bars of grizzly bar classifier 2300
are
oriented at a first angle (e.g., 5 degrees below horizontal, between 4 and 6
degrees
below horizontal, about 5 degrees below horizontal, less than about 10 degrees
below horizontal, 5 degrees below the plane of surface 2240, about 5 degrees
below
the plane of surface 2240, less than 10 degrees below the plane of surface
2240
etc.). In the illustrated embodiment the upper surface 2240 is generally level
(e.g.,
horizontal). In alternative embodiments, the grizzly bar classifier 2300 is
disposed
at an angle above horizontal. In FIG. 5, the vibratory classifier is
illustrated in a
second configuration (denoted 2200') in which the grizzly bar classifier 2300
is
oriented at a second angle with (e.g., about 0 degrees below horizontal, 0
degrees
below horizontal, generally parallel to the plane of surface 2240, etc.). In
some
embodiments, the support 2400 is in a first position in the first
configuration and
in a second position in the second configuration.
[27] Referring to FIGs. 4-6 and 9, an exemplary embodiment of the classifier
2300 and
support 2400 is illustrated in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment,
each
grizzly bar 2310 is tapered at forward and rearward end thereof; in other
embodiments, the grizzly bars may be of a different shape or configuration. In
some embodiments, the grizzly bar includes an upper contact portion 2312. Each
contact portion 2312 optionally has a width which tapers from the rearward to
the
forward end thereof; in other embodiments, the contact portion may be of
constant
width or of a different shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the
contact
portion 2312 is omitted or replaced with other structure. In some embodiments,
the grizzly bar has a different cross-section (e.g., circular, elliptical,
rectangular,
square, etc.) such that aggregate material contacts an upper surface of the
grizzly
bar.
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[28] The grizzly bars 2310 are optionally removably mounted to the supports
2400. In
the illustrated embodiments, forward and rearward mounting footings 2324,
2314,
respectively are provided on either or both lateral sides of each bar 2310 for
securing the bar to each support 2400. A fastener (e.g., bolt and nut
combination)
optionally secures each mounting footing to the support 2400. In the
illustrated
embodiment, a fastener 2325 (e.g., a bolt thereof) extends through each
forward
mounting footing 2324, optionally through the forward support 2420, and
optionally through a mounting plate 2 326 disposed on the bottom of the
forward
support 2420. In the illustrated embodiment, a fastener 2315 (e.g., a bolt
thereof)
extends through each rearward mounting footing 2314, optionally through the
rearward support 2410, and optionally through a mounting plate 2316 disposed
on
the bottom of the rearward support 2410. Tightening of each fastener 2315,
2325
removably fixes the associated mounting footing (and optionally the associated
plate) to the support.
[29] The rearward support 2410 optionally comprises one or more support beams
or
other structure which in various embodiments may be of various configurations
(e.g., closed, open, generally rectangular, tubular, etc.). In one embodiment,
rearward support 2410 comprises a pair of spaced beams, e.g., rearward beam
2414a and a forward beam 2414b). In the illustrated embodiment, the beams 2414
are mounted (e.g., by welding) at laterally opposing ends to mounting plates
2412-
1 and 2412-2. In some embodiments, the mounting plates 2412 include openings
for receiving an array of fasteners 2480. The fasteners 2480 are used in some
embodiments to mount the rearward support 2410 to corresponding openings in
the sidewall 2210.
[30] The forward support 2420 optionally comprises one or more support beams
or
other structure which in various embodiments may be of various configurations
(e.g., closed, open, generally rectangular, tubular, etc.). In one embodiment,
forward support 2420 comprises beams (e.g., rearward beam 2424a and a forward
beam 2424b). In the illustrated embodiment, the beams 2424 are mounted (e.g.,
by welding) at laterally opposing ends to mounting plates 2422-1 and 2422-2.
In
some embodiments, the mounting plates 2422 include openings for receiving an
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array of fasteners 2490. The fasteners 2490 are used in some embodiments to
mount the rearward support 2410 to corresponding openings in the sidewall
2220.
[31] An array of openings is optionally provided in each sidewall (or other
supporting
structure) for removably mounting each mounting plate of the support 2400 with
associated fasteners. In some embodiments, a plurality of (e.g., two) arrays
of
openings are provided for each mounting plate; one of each plurality of arrays
of
openings may be selected in order to select an orientation of the support 2400
and
thus of the classifier 2300 supported by the support 2400.
[32] In the illustrated embodiment, each rearward support 2410 includes
openings for
receiving an array of fasteners 2480. The array of fasteners 2480 may include
four
fasteners 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484 as illustrated. The array of fasteners 2480
is
optionally arranged generally in a polygonal (e.g., rectangular arrangement
external to the beams 2414. An additional fastener 2485 is optionally disposed
between the beams 2414.
[33] In the illustrated embodiment, each forward support 2420 includes
openings for
receiving an array of fasteners 2490. The array of fasteners 2490 may include
four
fasteners 2491, 2492, 2493, 2494 as illustrated. The array of fasteners 2490
is
optionally arranged external to the beams 2424. Fasteners 2491 and 2494 are
separated by a first distance (e.g., height) which is optionally less than a
second
distance (e.g., height) separating fasteners 2492 and 2493. An additional
fastener
2495 is optionally disposed between the beams 2424. The arrangement of the
array
of fasteners 2480 is optionally different from the arrangement of the array of
fasteners 2490. In some embodiments, the array of fasteners 2490 forms an
irregular polygon (e.g., rectangle).
[34] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, in some embodiments arrays of openings 3400-
1,
3400-2 are provided in each sidewall 2210, 2220, respectively, for removably
mounting the support 2400 in one or more configurations. In some embodiments
each array of openings 3400 includes a lower array 3401 for removably mounting
the support 2400 in the first configuration (e.g., 5 degrees below
horizontal). In
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some embodiments each array of openings 3400 includes an upper array 3402 for
removably mounting the support 2400 in the second configuration (e.g.,
generally
horizontal). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper array 3402 and the lower
array 3401 overlap in the sense that individual openings of the lower array
are
disposed higher than individual openings of the upper array. However,
individual
openings of the upper and lower arrays optionally do not overlap and
optionally
are separated by at least a threshold distance (e.g., one millimeter, five
millimeters,
millimeters, 20 millimeters, 50 millimeters a quarter-inch, a half-inch, an
inch,
two inches, etc.). The threshold distance optionally leaves sufficient
material
between openings such that the strength of the sidewall (e.g., the portion of
the
sidewall between the openings) is not substantially compromised by the
proximity
of the openings. In some embodiments, one or more openings of the first and
second forward arrays of openings 3430, 3440 (e.g., all openings, at least one
opening, two or more openings, three or more openings) in one or both
sidewalls
2210, 2220 have a diameter D. Referring to FIG. 12, in various embodiments,
the
threshold distance Dt between any opening in the upper array 3430 and any
opening in the lower array 3440 is optionally greater than the diameter D,
greater
than D/2, greater than D/3, etc.
[35] In the illustrated embodiment, each lower array 3401 includes a rearward
array
3420 opening for supporting the rearward support 2410 in the first
configuration
(e.g., by the array of fasteners 2480). The rearward array 3420 optionally
includes
a plurality of openings 3422 arranged in a generally polygonal (e.g.,
rectangular)
arrangement. The rearward array 3420 optionally includes an inner opening
3424.
[36] In the illustrated embodiment, each lower array 3401 includes a forward
array 3440
opening for supporting the forward support 2420 in the first configuration
(e.g., by
the array of fasteners 2490). The forward array 3440 optionally includes a
plurality
of openings 3442 (e.g., 3442a, 3442b, 3442c, 3442d) arranged in a generally
polygonal (e.g., irregular rectangular) arrangement. The forward array 3440
optionally includes an inner opening 3444.
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[37] In the illustrated embodiment, each upper array 3402 includes a rearward
array
3410 opening for supporting the rearward support 2410 in the second
configuration
(e.g., by the array of fasteners 2480). The rearward array 3410 optionally
includes
a plurality of openings 3412 arranged in a generally polygonal (e.g.,
rectangular)
arrangement. The rearward array 3410 optionally includes an inner opening
3414.
[38] In the illustrated embodiment, each upper array 3402 includes a forward
array 3430
opening for supporting the forward support 2420 in the second configuration
(e.g.,
by the array of fasteners 2490). The forward array 3430 optionally includes a
plurality of openings 3432 (e.g., 3432a, 3432b, 3432c, 3432d) arranged in a
generally polygonal (e.g., irregular rectangular) arrangement. The forward
array
3430 optionally includes an inner opening 3434.
[39] In some embodiments, the offset position of openings 3442c and 3432c (or
in other
embodiments the offset position of other openings or other mounting features)
causes the arrays 3440, 3430 to have an irregular polygonal (e.g., irregular
rectangular) arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset position
of the
openings 3442c, 3432c avoids overlap and/or separation by less than the
threshold
distance between the openings 3432c and 3442a. Other configurations (e.g.,
irregular polygonal configurations) of the arrays of openings are possible in
order
to avoid overlap and/or less-than-threshold separation of individual openings
in the
upper and lower arrays 3401, 3402.
[40] Referring to FIGs. 4 and 9, in some embodiments side bars 2246-1, 2246-2
are
mounted to the sidewalls 2210, 2220, respectively. The side bars 2246 are
optionally disposed to the side of the classifier 2300. The side bars 2246
optionally
extend generally parallel to the classifier 2300. The side bars 2246
optionally
comprise upward-facing contact surfaces. The side bars 2246 are optionally
made
from a metal such as abrasion-resistant steel. The side bars 2246 are
optionally
mounted to respective sidewalls by mounting plates 2247 (e.g., vertical
mounting
plates removably fastened to each sidewall). The mounting plates 2247
optionally
support side bars 2246 by angle supports 2249 (e.g., angle plates or angle
brackets).
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[41] The side bars 2246 are optionally removably mounted to the sidewalls
2210, 2220
(e.g., by fasteners such as nut-and-bolt combinations) such that the side bars
may
be adjusted between a first configuration (e.g., generally parallel to the
first
configuration of the classifier 2300) and a second configuration (e.g.,
generally
parallel to the second configuration of the classifier 2300).
[42] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, each sidewall 2210, 2220 optionally
includes an array
of openings 3340 (e.g., a generally linearly arranged array as illustrated)
having a
plurality of openings 3342 (e.g., 3342a, 3342b, 3342c, 3342d, 3342e) for
supporting the side bar 2246 in the first configuration. Each array of
openings
3340 optionally extends generally parallel to the first configuration of the
classifier
2300.
[43] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, each sidewall 2210, 2220 optionally
includes an array
of openings 3330 (e.g., a generally linearly arranged array as illustrated)
having a
plurality of openings 3332 (e.g., 3342a, 3342b, 3342c, 3342d, 3342e) for
supporting the side bar 2246 in the second configuration. Each array of
openings
3330 optionally extends generally parallel to the second configuration of the
classifier 2300.
[44] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 4, side liners are optionally removably mounted
to each
of the sidewalls 2210, 2220 and positioned adjacent to the classifier 2300.
The
side liners optionally protect the sidewalls 2210, 2220 from contact with
aggregate
material bouncing on the classifier 2300. The side liners may be made of wear-
resistant material such as abrasion-resistant steel. The side liners may
comprise
plates of such material as illustrated.
[45] The side liners are optionally modifiable or replaceable when changing
the position
of the side bars 2246 and/or classifier 2300. Comparing FIGs. 2 and 4, a first
side
liner 2243 (2243-2) is optionally removably mounted to each sidewall when the
classifier 2300 is in the first configuration and a second side liner 2245 is
optionally
removably mounted to each sidewall when the classifier 2300 is in the second
configuration. Each side liner 2243, 2245 optionally substantially covers a
vertical
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portion of the associated sidewall disposed above the classifier 2300. In
other
embodiments, an additional side liner portion (e.g., triangular portion) is
optionally
added in the first configuration and removed in the second configuration.
[46] Referring to FIG. 12, an array of openings 3300 is optionally provided in
each side
wall to support the side liners. The array 3300 optionally includes a first
array
3310 and a second array 3320. The first array 3310 optionally includes a
plurality
of openings 3312 (e.g., 3312a, 3312b, 3312c, 3312d). A second array of
openings
3320 is optionally provided in each side wall to support the second side liner
2245.
The second array 3320 optionally includes a plurality of openings 3322 (e.g.,
3222a, 3322b, 3322c). The second array 3320 may be disposed below the first
array 3310 as illustrated. The second array 3320 may be disposed at an angle
to a
horizontal as illustrated (e.g., generally parallel to the classifier 2300 in
the first
configuration).
[47] Referring to FIGs. 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of a vibratory
feeder 4200
is illustrated. The vibratory feeder 4200 is optionally generally similar to
the
vibratory feeder 4200, except that the vibratory feeder 4200 optionally
comprises
a grizzly classifier having a modified forward support and sidewalls as
described
below.
[48] The vibratory feeder 4200 optionally comprises support 4400 including a
modified
forward support 4420 having an array of fasteners 4490 optionally arranged in
a
parallelogram (e.g., slanted parallelogram, oblique parallelogram, etc.)
arrangement. The fasteners 4490 optionally extend through a modified forward
mounting plate 4422.
[49] The sidewalls (e.g., sidewall 4220) of the vibratory feeder 4200
optionally include
a plurality of modified forward arrays of openings corresponding to the array
of
fasteners 4490. Referring to FIG. 14, a first forward array 4430 of openings
4432
(e.g., 4432a, 4432b, 4432c, 4432d) is optionally disposed to support the
forward
support 4420 so that the grizzly classifier is in a first orientation (e.g.,
generally
horizontal, at about 0 degrees below horizontal, etc.). A second forward array
4440
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of openings 4442 (e.g., 4442a, 4442b, 4442c, 4442d) is optionally disposed to
support the forward support 4420 so that the grizzly classifier is in a second
orientation (e.g., at 5 degrees below horizontal, at about 5 degrees below
horizontal, at less than 10 degrees below horizontal, etc.). Each of the first
and
second forward arrays 4430, 4440 are optionally arranged in a parallelogram
(e.g.,
slanted parallelogram, oblique parallelogram, etc.) arrangement. The fasteners
4490 optionally extend through the openings 4432 in the first orientation and
optionally extend through the openings 4442 in the second orientation.
[50] In some alternative vibratory feeder embodiments, multiple grizzly bar
classifiers
are incorporated. For example, two, three or more grizzly may be disposed in
vertically stacked or stair-stepped relation. In various embodiments, one or
more
of such classifiers may be adjustably mounted as described elsewhere herein.
151] In some alternative vibratory feeder embodiments (and/or other classifier
embodiments), one or more classifying decks being adjustably-mounted as
described herein comprise differently-configured grizzly bars (e.g., with or
without
contact portions, having round or other cross-sections, etc.), other types of
sorting
or classifying bars, classifying media such as plastic or metal screens, etc.
[52] In some vibratory feeder embodiments, material exits the feeder through
an
opening such as a hole disposed in a bottom end of the feeder rather than
through
an open end of the feeder.
[53] In some vibratory feeder embodiments, the feeder is supported from above
such as
on cables or other support structure.
[54] In some vibratory feeder embodiments, mounting holes (or other attachment
structure) are provided in an inner wall (or other structure) separate from
the feeder
sidewalls for mounting a grizzly bar classifier in two or more configurations.
The
inner wall (or other structure) is optionally supported on the sidewalls.
[55] In some vibratory feeder embodiments, mounting holes (or other attachment
structure) are provided in left and right mounting plates (or other structure)
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independently moveable relative to a sidewall of the feeder. A grizzly bar
classifier
is mounted to the left and right mounting plates, which are adjustably mounted
by
sidewall mount fasteners to the left and right sidewalls (or other structure)
by one
or more fasteners. For example, a sidewall mount fastener may be inserted in
one
or more openings in the sidewall or in an arcuate slot in the sidewall for
adjustment
of the mounting plates and grizzly bar classifier between a plurality of
configurations (e.g., a horizontal configuration and one or more sloped
configurations).
[56] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface 2240 is curved
(e.g., forming
a trough-shaped surface) or sloped along a longitudinal (e.g., along direction
T) or
transverse direction. In some embodiments, the surface 2240 may be omitted
such
that aggregate material is received directly on a grizzly classifier or other
component.
[57] In some embodiments, a grizzly bar classifier (e.g., a laterally-
extending support
thereof such as a rearward support) is pivotally coupled (e.g., by bearings or
other
structure) to one or more sidewalls of the vibratory feeder. In some
embodiments,
an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder is used to modify an orientation of
the
grizzly bar classifier.
Spring Suspension Embodiments
[58] Referring to FIG. 10, each of the sidewalls 2210, 2220 of the feeder 2200
optionally
includes a spring suspension system 2270-1, 2270-2, respectively.
[59] The spring suspension may include one or more springs 2272 (e.g., 2272a,
2272b)
resiliently supporting a generally horizontal plate 2273 as illustrated. The
horizontal plate 2273 may removably support (e.g., by fasteners such as bolts)
a
spring support 2278 which optionally includes downwardly-extending cylinders
(not shown) or other features for holding the springs 2272 in position. The
horizontal plate 2273 is optionally mounted (e.g., by welding) to the
associated
sidewall of the feeder. The horizontal plate is also optionally mounted (e.g.,
by
welding) to one or more side support plates 2274 (e.g., 2274a, 2274b). The
side
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support plates 2274 are optionally mounted (e.g., by welding) to the
associated
sidewall. In the illustrated embodiment, the side support plates 2274 extend
substantially along a height of the sidewall (e.g., from a lower lip 2214 to
an upper
lip 2212 of the sidewall 2210). An additional angle support 2277 (e.g., angle
plate)
may additionally be mounted (e.g., welded) to both the horizontal plate 2273
and
to the sidewall.
[60] A support assembly 1260 is optionally adjustably mounted to at least one
of the
side support plates 2274. The support assembly 1260 optionally includes a
support
surface 1264 (e.g., a horizontal plate as illustrated) which is optionally
sized and
configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the feeder 2200 on a
lifting
device (e.g., lift jack) disposed between the support surface and a base such
as a
base member or the ground. The support surface 1264 optionally extends away
from the spring suspension system 2270 (and/or from the sidewall) such that an
open space is disposed vertically between the support surface 1264 and the
base
member (and/or the ground). The open space is optionally sized to receive at
least
a portion of the lifting device (e.g., lift jack).
[61] In some embodiments, the support surface 1264 is optionally formed as a
part with
ot or otherwise joined to an angle bracket 1266 which is removably fastened
(e.g.,
by bolts 1268) to the side support plate 2274). In some embodiments, the
support
assembly 1260 additionally includes one or more plates 1262 mounted (e.g., by
welding) to the support surface 1264 and/or the angle bracket 1266 for
strengthening the angle bracket and/or the support surface 1264.
[62] In some embodiments, the support assembly 1260 is adjustable. For
example, the
height of the support surface 1264 may be adjustable by selecting which of an
array
of vertically spaced holes 2275 in side support plates 2274 to which to fix
the
support assembly 1260 to the sidewall (e.g., using removable bolts 1268). The
support assembly 1260 may also have two or more orientations (e.g., a first
orientation and a second orientation vertically flipped from the first
orientation);
in a first orientation (e.g., the orientation illustrated in FIG. 10), the
support surface
1262 is optionally disposed higher relative to the base member (and/or the
ground)
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than in the second orientation (e.g., an orientation vertically flipped from
that
illustrated in FIG. 10). The support surface 1264 is optionally disposed to
provide
a support surface for the lifting device (e.g., is disposed generally
horizontally) in
both the first and second orientations.
[63] In some embodiments, a maximum height to which the support surface 1264
may
be adjusted relative to an upper surface base member is approximately equal to
a
height of one of the springs of the spring suspension system 2270. The maximum
height of the support surface 1264 relative to the ground may be approximately
twice the height of the spring and/or approximately equal to the height of the
spring
plus a height of the base member.
[64] In some embodiments, the support assembly 1260 and corresponding
adjustable
mounting structure described above may be mounted to other portions of the
spring
suspension system 2270 or to other structure on the feeder 2200 such as the
sidewalls thereof
[65] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, it
will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate
and/or
equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and described without departing from the scope of the disclosure. This
application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific
embodiments of the support structures described herein. Therefore, it is
intended
that the specification is exemplary in nature, and that the scope of the
invention is
solely defined by the claims the equivalents thereof For example, any feature
described for one embodiment may be used with any other embodiment.
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