CA3217445A1 - Feed roll assembly, mount and flute element thereof and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a feed roll assembly according to one aspect. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll and an elongate mount coupled to and extending radially outwards from the feed roll thereof. The elongate mount has a recessed region. The feed roll assembly includes an insert shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount via the recessed region thereof in a manner which inhibits debris from coupling to the insert and the mount. There is also provided a feed roll assembly according to another aspect. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll and an elongate mount coupled to the feed roll via a proximal edge thereof. The proximal edge of the elongate mount faces both outwards in part and forwards in part. The feed roll assembly includes an insert shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the elongate mount.

Description

FEED ROLL ASSEMBLY, MOUNT AND FLUTE ELEMENT THEREOF
AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates generally to powered feed rolls of the type used, for example, in feeding and discharging logs to and from the barkers.
Description of the Related Art

[0002] United States Patent No. 10974413 to Webster discloses a feed roll.
The feed roll includes a roll member having a rotary axis and an outer surface. The feed roll includes two complementing sets of flutes fixed on the roll member. Each of the sets of flutes comprises a set of mounts circumferentially spaced apart around the outer surface of the roll member. Each mount includes an elongated body. The body includes a base portion having a radially inner edge fixed on the roll member and a backing portion unitary with the base portion. The backing portion extends longitudinally along the base portion and extends radially outward of the base portion along one side of the base portion. The base portion and the backing portion are configured to form a seat on a seat side of the mount that is opposed to an opposing side of the mount. The seat extends longitudinally along the mount and is defined at least in part by a radially outwardly oriented outer face of the base portion that is spaced radially outwardly from the outer surface of the roll member. A
mounting face of the backing portion extends longitudinally along the mount.
The mounting face extends radially outward of the outer face of the base portion and is oriented substantially perpendicularly thereto. The outer and mounting faces extend substantially in a direction along the length of the mount. The mounting face of the seat of each of the mounts faces the opposing side of an adjacent mount of the set of mounts.
Replaceable flute elements detachably and matingly engaged in the seats of corresponding mounts of the set of mounts. Each of the replaceable flute elements has a radially inward face engaged against the outer face of the base portion, a backing face engaged against the mounting face of the backing portion and an outer longitudinal edge formed with a traction element for Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 gripping logs. The mounting face of the backing portion and the outer face of the base portion each extend along the full length of the replaceable flute element.
The replaceable flute element extends along the length of the seat and radially outward beyond the mount.

[0003] United States Patent No. 6253813 to Kube et al. discloses a fluted feed roll. The feed roll has inner replaceable flute inserts which abut and are bolted to anchor pieces welded in place on a cylindrical roll body. Part of the inner longitudinal edge of the flute inserts bears directly against the surface of the roll body. Traction elements on the outer longitudinal edge of the flute inserts protrude radially outwardly beyond the anchor pieces.

[0004] United States Patent No. 8256476 to Cholewczynski et al. discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for debarking logs. The disclosed embodiments may be used for quickly and conveniently replacing contact surfaces, such as leading edges, of-swing arm assemblies. Some disclosed embodiments include a swing arm assembly having a replaceable insert that defines a leading edge for engaging logs moving along a processing line. The insert can be made of a wear resistant material for a prolonged life. A
worn insert can be replaced with another insert to ensure proper functioning of the debarker.

[0005] United States Patent No. 7565921 to Roy discloses a log feed roll for displacing a log. The log feed roll may be rotated around a rotary axis. The log feed roll includes flutes for propelling the log. The log feed roll includes removable flute attachments fastened to the flutes for contacting the log during engagement of the log in the feed roll. The flutes have flute apertures extending through side walls thereof. The attachments have a top attachment section from which generally opposed side braces extend. The attachments are fastened to the flutes by bolts extending through the brace apertures on one side brace, the flute apertures and the brace apertures on the opposing side brace, and nuts engaged on the bolts on the opposing side brace. The side walls are situated between the side braces, in abutment therewith when the attachment is fastened to the flute.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0006] United States Patent No. 7882869 to Kube et al. discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting logs through a debarker. The disclosed embodiments of roller assemblies may be used for quickly and conveniently moving logs along a processing line.
Some disclosed embodiments include fluted rollers that carry replaceable inserts. The inserts can protect the logs and the rigid flutes of the roller. The insert can be made of a wear resistant material for a prolonged life. A worn insert can be replaced with another insert to ensure proper functioning of the roller assemblies.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] There is provided, and it is an object to provide, an improved feed roll assembly as well as a mount and flute element thereof, and method of manufacturing the same, described herein.

[0008] There is accordingly provided a feed roll assembly according to one aspect.
The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll. The feed roll assembly includes an elongate mount coupled to and extending radially outwards from the feed roll. The elongate mount has a recessed region. The feed roll assembly includes an insert shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount via the recessed region thereof in a manner which inhibits log-related debris from coupling to the insert and the mount.

[0009] There is also provided a feed roll assembly according to another aspect. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll. The feed roll assembly includes an elongate mount coupled to the feed roll via a proximal edge thereof. The proximal edge of the elongate mount faces both outwards in part and forwards in part. The feed roll assembly includes an insert shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the elongate mount.

[0010] There is further provided a method of manufacturing a feed roll assembly for configured to feed and discharge logs to and from a debarker according to one aspect. The method includes abutting an inner edge of an elongate mount to an outer surface of a feed Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 roll. The method includes welding the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via a first of a forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from a first end to a second end of the elongate mount. The method includes welding the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via the second of the forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from the first end to the second end of the elongate mount. The method includes coupling an insert to the mount in a manner which facilitates removal of bark while inhibiting log-related debris from coupling to one or more of the mount and the insert.

[0011] It is emphasized that the invention relates to all combinations of the above features, even if these are recited in different claims.

[0012] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 is a front, first end perspective view of a feed roll assembly according to one non-limiting embodiment, the feed roll assembly including a feed roll and a plurality of flute assemblies completed thereto;
Figure 2 is a front, first end perspective view of one of the flute assemblies of Figure 1, the flute assembly includes a mount and flute element coupled to and partially received within the mount thereof;
Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the flute element of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a front, first end perspective view of the flute element of Figure 2;

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 Figure 5 is a rear, second end perspective view of the flute element of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the mount of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a front, first end perspective view of the mount of Figure 2;
Figure 8 is a rear, second end perspective view of the mount of Figure 2;
Figure 9 is a front, first end perspective view of a flute assembly for a feed roll assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment, the flute assembly including a mount and flute element coupled to and partially received within the mount thereof; and Figure 10 is a front, first end perspective view of a flute assembly for a feed roll assembly according to a further non-limiting embodiment, the flute assembly including a mount and flute element coupled to and partially received within the mount thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

[0015] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown a feed roll assembly 9. The feed roll assembly is configured to feed and discharge logs (not shown) to and from a debarker (not shown) in this example. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll 10 according to an example embodiment. Feed roll 10 includes a body 20.
The body is Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 cylindrical in outer shape in this example. Body 20 may comprise a length of steel pipe for example, though this is not strictly required. Inside the body, and not visible in the drawings, is an annular flange provided with holes for receiving bolts to secure the flange to a driven hub. When driven, feed roll 10 rotates about its longitudinal axis 11. Body 20 has an outer surface 13 that is outwardly convex.

[0016] Feed roll assembly 9 includes left and right sets of complementing, circumferentially distributed flutes 22R-22L. The flutes each comprise fixed outer flutes 24R-24L and inner flute assemblies 26R-26L. In the illustrated example, feed roll 10 has twelve flutes in each right and left set which are equally spaced apart by 30'; however this is not strictly required.

[0017] Outer flutes 24R-24L are mirror images of one another and are positioned so that inner and outer ends are displaced with respect to one another circumferentially of the roll. This is seen in Figure 1 by inner end 25 of outer flute 24L being displaced or circumferentially spaced from outer end 27 of outer flute 24L and by inner end 29 of outer flute 24'L being displaced or circumferentially spaced from outer end 27 of outer flute 24'L. Respective adjacent outer flutes 24L and 24L' (or flute sections) in each outer set have inner and outer ends 25 and 29 adjacent to each other. Respective flutes 24L and 24L' (or flute sections) in each outer set have their inner ends directly opposite one another and are spaced apart equally from longitudinal center 33 of body 20. Outer flutes 24R-24L are coupled to outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll 10 in this example via welding (as seen by welds 24A and 24B) of inner or proximal edge 24C thereof along both forward side 24D and rearward side 24E thereof.

[0018] Inner flute assemblies 26R-26L are longitudinally between outer flutes 24R-24L, and are positioned so that their inner ends 35 and outer ends 37 are displaced with respect to one another circumferentially of fee roll 10. Respective adjacent inner flute assemblies 26L and 26R in each outer set have inner ends 35 and 39 adjacent to each other.
Respective inner flute assemblies in each set have their inner ends directly opposite one another and are spaced apart equally from longitudinal center 33 of body 20.
Adjacent inner Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 flute assemblies 26L and 26R are arranged to form a V-shaped in front profile in this example.

[0019] As seen in Figure 7, each inner flute assembly 26L includes an elongate mount 40. The mount in this non-limiting embodiment is formed via casting; however, the latter is not strictly required. Mount 40 includes a base portion 42 and a backing portion 44, located outward of base portion 42, that together define a seat 46. The base portion is generally an arcuate-shaped rectangular prism in shape in this example. Base portion 42 has an outer face 52. The outer face of the base portion of mount 40 is radially outwardly facing relative to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1. Outer face 42 of base portion 42 of the mount 40 is substantially rectangular in shape in this non-limiting example.
The outer face is continuous and smooth in this non-limiting embodiment. Outer face 42 of base portion 42 of mount 40 is generally planar and outwardly convex in this example. Seat 46 of the mount is L-shaped in lateral cross-section in this example.

[0020] As seen in Figure 6, base portion 42 of mount 40 has a first or forward face 55.
The forward face of the backing portion of the mount extends along forward side 59 of inner flute assembly 26L in this example. Forward face 55 of base portion 42 of mount 40 extends radially from and is in this example perpendicular to outer face 52 of the mount in this example; however, the latter is not strictly required. The forward face of the base portion of the mount is planar and arc-shaped or a curved rectangle in shape in this example.

[0021] Backing portion 44 of mount 40 is generally an arcuate-shaped planar rectangular prism in shape in this example. The backing portion of the mount includes a mounting face 56. The mounting face of backing portion 44 of mount 40 is planar in this example. Mounting face 56 of backing portion 44 of mount 40 extends substantially perpendicular to outer face 52 of base portion 42 of the mount in this example, though this is not strictly required. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer face of the base portion thus meets the mounting face of the backing portion at a 90 degree angle.
However this is not strictly required and in other embodiments this angle between outer face 52 and Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 mounting face 56 may be less than 90 degrees. The mounting face is forward facing in this example in a circumferential direction as reference to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1. As seen in Figure 7, in this non-limiting embodiment outer face 52 of base portion 42 of mount 40 together with adjoining mounting face 56 of backing portion 44 define seat 46.

[0022] Still referring to Figure 7, the mount has a pair of spaced-apart ends 43 and 45 between which extends base portion 42 and backing portion 44 thereof. Mount 40 has a longitudinally-extending length LM extending between the ends thereof. The mount includes spaced-apart first and second end portions or inner and outer stops 57 and 58. The inner stop extends from end 43 towards end 45 of mount 40. Inner stop 57 extends substantially outwards in a first or radial direction 47 in this example. As seen in Figure 8, the inner stop is generally a rectangular prism in shape in this non-limiting example and tapers in a direction extending from end 45 to end 43 of mount 40; however this is not strictly required.

[0023] Referring back to Figure 7, outer stop 58 extends from end 45 towards end 43 of the mount. The outer stop extends substantially in a second, longitudinal or circumferential direction which is generally perpendicular to the radial direction in this example. However, this is not strictly required. Outer stop 58 is generally a rectangular prism in shape in this example that is vertically extending relative to Figure 7. As seen in Figure 1, outer stop 58 is substantially the same width and depth as inner end 27 of adjacent outer flute element 24L in this example. Outer stop 58 may be joined to the inner end of outer flute element 24L, such as by welding, for example. Referring back to Figure 7, inner stop 57 and outer stop 58 both further define seat 46.

[0024] Still referring to Figure 7, the inner and outer stops of mount 40 include a pair of spaced-apart interior end faces 57A and 58A. The interior end faces extend radially outwards relative to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1. Interior end faces 57A and 58A of stops 57 and 58 of mount 40 are generally rectangular and planar in this example.
The interior end faces couple to and extend outwards from mounting face 56 of backing portion 44 of the mount. The interior end faces of stops 57 and 58 extend perpendicular to the mounting Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 face 56 of the backing portion of mount 40 in this non-limiting example. As seen in Figure 6, interior end faces 57A and 57B extend radially outwards (relative to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1) and perpendicular to outer face 52 of base portion 42 of mount 40 in this non-limiting example. The interior end faces of stops 57 and 58 are in fluid communication with the outer face of the base portion of mount 40. Interior end faces 57A
and 58A of the stops are in fluid communication with mounting face 56 of backing portion 44 of the mount.

[0025] As seen in Figure 7, mount 40 includes a pair of spaced-apart shoulders, in this example inner shoulders, in this case rounded shoulders 49 and 51. Each shoulder is outwardly concave in shape. Shoulder 49 extends between and is contiguous with interior end face 57A and outer face 52 of base portion 42 of mount 40 in this example.
Shoulder 51 extends between and is contiguous with interior end face 58A and the outer face of the base portion of the mount. Shoulders 49 and 51 are thus in fluid communication with outer face 52 of base portion 42 of mount 40 and in fluid communication with mounting face 56 of backing portion 44 of the mount in this example.

[0026] As seen in Figure 6, backing portion 44 of mount 40 has at least one and in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures, in this example boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C extending therethrough; however, there may be one, two or four or more boreholes in other embodiments. The boreholes are substantially equally spaced-apart in this example, though this is not strictly required. Boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C
are defined through backing portion 44 of mount 40. The boreholes are positioned between inner stop 57 and outer stop 58 of the mount. In some embodiments only a single borehole is provided through backing portion 44 of mount 40.

[0027] Still referring to Figure 6, mount 40 has a first, inner or proximal edge 60. The proximal edge of mount 40 is arcuate and outwardly concave in this example in forward side and top profile in this example. Proximal edge 60 of mount 40 is spaced apart from and radially inward of seat 46 relative to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1.
Referring back to Figure 6, the proximal edge of the mount extends between ends 35 and 37 and stops 57 and 58 of the mount. Proximal edge 60 of the mount is spaced apart from outer face 52 of base Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 portion 42. Forward face 55 of base portion 42 of mount 40 extends between proximal edge 60 of the mount and outer face 52 of the base portion of the mount in this example.

[0028] As seen in Figure 7, the proximal edge of the mount faces both outwards in part and forwards in part in this non-limiting embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, proximal edge 60 abuts outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll 10. The arcuate configuration of the proximal edge provides for close contact between base portion 42 of mount 40 and the outer surface of the body of the feed roll. The arcuate configuration of proximal edge 60 also facilitates affixation, such as by welding, of mount 40 onto outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll 10. In some embodiments, proximal edge of the mount includes a compound curve, which may facilitate continuous butting contact between the base portion of mount 40 and the outer surface of the body of the feed roll. The mount couples to and extends radially outwards from outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll 10 via proximal edge 60 thereof. As seen in Figure 1, mount 40 couples to outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll in this example via welding (as seen by welds 40A and 40B) of inner or proximal edge 60 thereof along both forward side 59 and rearward side 63 thereof.

[0029] As seen in Figure 6, mount 40 has a second, outer or distal edge 62 spaced-apart from the proximal edge thereof. As seen in Figure 7, the mount has a radially-outwardly extending height I-Im extending between proximal edge 60 and distal edge 62 thereof.
Interior end faces 57A and 58A of stops 57 and 58 extend from distal edge 62 towards proximal edge 60 of mount 40. Base portion 42 of the mount extends between ends 35 and 37 of the mount and extends from proximal edge 60 towards the distal edge of the mount.
Backing portion 44 of mount 40 extends between stops 57 and 58 and extends from distal edge 62 towards proximal edge 60 of the mount. The distal edge of the mount extends between ends 35 and 37 of the mount. Distal edge 62 of mount 40 is outwardly convex in forward side profile in this example. Proximal edge 60 of mount 40 has a more inwardly located center and smaller radius than distal edge 62 of the mount in this example. As a result, the mount tapers from outer end 64 to inner end 66 thereof. The outer and inner ends of mount 40 correspond to outer end 37 and inner end 35 of inner flute assembly 26L. As Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 can be seen in Figure 6, outer end 64 of mount 40 is wider ("higher" in Figure 1) than inner end 66 of the mount.

[0030] As seen in Figure 8, distal edge 62 of mount 40 extends about an axis that is angled relative to that of proximal edge 60 thereof. As seen in Figures 6 and 8, the proximal edge of the mount is twisted in part relative to the distal edge of the mount in this example.
Proximal edge 60 of mount 40 so shaped/twisted may function to better promote fitting/abutting/extending-along of the mount on outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll seen in Figure 1.

[0031] As best seen in Figure 1, inner end 35 of each mount 40 is planar and non-beveled in this non-limiting embodiment to provide an inner edge 66A; however, this is not strictly required. The inner edge is relatively more closely aligned with the direction of rotation 15 of feed roll 10 as compared with an edge perpendicular to the major axis of mount 40. However, here too this is not strictly required.

[0032] As seen in Figure 8, mount 40 has a second or rearward face 61 spaced from forward face 55 thereof. As seen in Figure 7, the mount has a laterally-extending width Wm, extending between the rearward and forward faces thereof. Referring back to Figure 8, the rearward face of the mount extends along rearward side 63 of inner flute assembly 26L in this example. The rearward face is opposite forward face 55 of base portion 42 of the mount seen in Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 8, rearward face 61 of mount 40 extends radially outwards from and is in this example perpendicular to proximal edge 60 and distal edge 62 of the mount in this example; however, the latter is not strictly required.
The rearward face of the mount is arc-shaped in this example. Rearward face 61 of mount 40 extends between ends 43 and 45 and tapers in a direction 65 extending from end 45 of the mount towards end 43 of the mount in this example.

[0033] As seen in Figure 7, mount 40 has a recessed region 67. The recessed region extends from distal edge 62 of the mount towards proximal edge 60 of the mount. Recessed region 67 of mount 40 extends from forward face 55 of the mount towards rearward face Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 61 of the mount seen in Figure 8. Referring back to Figure 7, the recessed region of the mount extends between spaced-apart ends 64 and 66 of the mount. Interior end faces 57A
and 58A of mount 40 are in fluid communication with recessed region 67 of mount 40.
Recessed region 67 is generally rectangular in front/longitudinal, top and side/lateral profile in this example.

[0034] As seen in Figure 2, each inner flute assembly 26L includes an insert, in this example flute element 30. The flute element may be referred to as a flute insert element and/or may be referred to as a flute. Flute element 30 is at least partially machined in this non-limiting example; however, this is not strictly required and the flute element may be manufactured in other manners in other examples, such as via casting or the like. The flute element is configured to be seated in mount 40. Flute element 30 is shaped to matingly engage with the mount via recessed region 67 of the mount.

[0035] The flute element includes an elongated plate body 31 that is shaped for mating engagement with seat 46 of mount 40. As seen in Figure 3, the plate body includes an inner face 32 that is longitudinally-extending. The inner face of plate body 31 is substantially rectangular in shape in this non-limiting example. Inner face 32 of the plate body is continuous and smooth in this non-limiting embodiment. Inner face 32 may be referred to as a first, inner or proximal edge of flute element 30. The inner face of the flute element is outwardly concave in this example. Inner face 32 of flute element 30 is complementary to outer face 52 of mount 40 seen in Figure 7. In this example, the curvature of the inner face of the flute element seen in Figure 3 matches the curvature of outer face 52 of mount 40 seen in Figure 6. Inner face 32 of flute element 30 is thus shaped to at least in part snugly abut and extend along mount 40. The flute element and mount couple together in a manner which inhibits: space therebetween along the forward side of the flute assembly; and recessed regions along the forward side of the flute assembly. Flute element 30 and mount 40 are coupled together in a manner which inhibits the extent to which the insert extends outwards from the forward face of the mount.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0036] As seen in Figure 5, flute element 30 has a first, rearward or backing face 36 that extends outwardly from inner face 32. The backing face of the flute element is complementary to mounting face 56 of mount 40 seen in Figure 7. In this example, backing face 36 of flute element 30 seen in Figure 5 is coplanar with the mounting face of the mount seen in Figure 7. As seen in Figure 5, inner face 32 and backing face 36 of flute element 30 form an angle that is complementary to the angle formed between outer face 52 and mounting face 56 of mount 40 seen in Figure 7 that define seat 46. Referring back to Figure 5, backing face of the flute element extends perpendicular to the inner face of the flute element in this example; however, this is not strictly required. The described non-limiting configuration provides for mating engagement of flute element 30 seen in Figure 4 with seat 46 of the mount seen in Figure 7 wherein inner face 32 abuts outer face 52 and backing face 34 abuts mounting face 56. The flute element so matingly engaged with mount 40 is seen in Figure 2.

[0037] As seen in Figure 4, plate body 31 of flute element 30 has a second or forward face 73 spaced from backing face 36 thereof. The flute element has a laterally-extending width WF extending between the forward and backing faces thereof and which is less than width Wm of mount 40 seen in Figure 7. Referring back to Figure 4, forward face 74 of plate body 31 of flute element 30 extends along forward side 59 of inner flute assembly 26L in this example. Forward face 73 of plate body 31 of flute element 30 extends radially from and is in this example perpendicular to inner face 32 of the flute element in this example; however, the latter is not strictly required. The forward face of the plate body of the flute element is generally planar and arc-shaped or a curved rectangle in shape in this example. Forward face 73 of plate body 31 of flute element 30 is opposite backing face 36 of the plate body of the flute element seen in Figure 5.

[0038] As seen in Figure 4, plate body 31 of flute element 30 has an inner end 77 and outer end 78 spaced-apart from the inner end thereof. The flute element has a laterally- a longitudinally-extending length LF extending between ends thereof and which is less than length Lm of mount 40 seen in Figure 7. Referring back to Figure 4, the plate body in this Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 non-limiting example tapers in a direction extending from outer end 78 to inner end thereof 77.

[0039] Referring back to Figure 3, the plate body of the flute element has at least one and in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C
extending therethrough; however, there may be one, two or four or more boreholes in other embodiments. The boreholes are substantially equally spaced-apart in this example, though this is not strictly required. Boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C are defined through plate body 31 of flute element 30. The boreholes are positioned between ends 77 and 78 of the flute element. In some embodiments only a single borehole is provided through plate body 31 of flute element 30. Boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C of the flute element are positioned to align with boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C of mount 40 seen in Figure 6. The boreholes of flute element 30 seen in Figure 3 may be but need not necessarily be coaxial with respective boreholes of the mount seen in Figure 6. Boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C of the flute element are threaded in this example.

[0040] The flute element has a pair of spaced-apart distal end faces 79 and 81 extending along and adjacent respective ends 77 and 78 thereof. As seen in Figure 4, flute element 30 has a longitudinally-extending length 4 extending between the ends thereof and which is less than length Lm of mount 40 seen in Figure 7. As seen in Figure 4, end faces 79 and 81 of flute element 30 extend perpendicular to inner face 32 of the flute element in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Inner face 32 and forward face 73 of the flute element extend between ends 77 and 78 and end faces 79 and 81 of the flute element.
As seen in Figure 5, backing face 36 of flute element 30 extends between the ends and end faces of the flute element.

[0041] Referring to Figure 4, flute element 30 has a pair of spaced-apart shoulders, in this example outer shoulder, in this case rounded corners 83 and 85. The corners are outwardly convex. Rounded corner 83 of flute element 30 extends between inner face 32 and respective end 77 and end face 79 of the flute element in this example.
Rounded corner Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 85 of the flute element extends between the inner face and respective end 78 and end face 81 of the flute element in this example.

[0042] End 77 and end face 79 of flute element 30 are shaped to extend along and abut corresponding interior end faces inner stop 57 and interior end face 57A of mount 40 seen in Figure 7 when the flute element is matingly engaged with seat 46 of the mount as seen in Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 4, outer end 78 and end face 81 of plate body 31 of flute element 30 are shaped to extend along and abut outer stop 58 and interior end face 58A of the mount seen in Figure 7 when the flute element is matingly engaged with the seat of the mount as seen in Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 4, round corners 83 and 85 of the flute element are shaped to matingly engage with rounded shoulders 49 and 51 of mount 40 seen in Figure 2.

[0043] As seen in Figure 2, recessed region 67 of mount 40 is spaced to receive an inner portion 87 of flute element 30. Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the mount is shaped to substantially enclose inner face 32, backing face 36 and spaced-apart ends 77/78 and end faces 79/81 of the inner portion of the flute element. As seen in Figure 2, mount 40 is thus shaped to enclose the inner face and spaced-apart ends/end-faces of flute element 30. The flute element is thus shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the mount in this example via recessed region 67 seen in Figure 2.

[0044] Still referring to Figure 2, the mating engagement of flute element 30 in seat 46 of mount 40 constrains the movement of flute element 30 in three orthogonal directions. In particular, base portion 42 of the mount inhibits travel of flute element 30 in a radially inward direction 89. Backing portion 44 of the mount inhibits travel of flute element 30 in direction 91 opposite direction of rotation 15 of feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1. Stops 57 and 58 inhibit travel of flute element 30 in directions 93 and 95 at least partially parallel to longitudinal axis 11 of feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1 and/or inhibit travel of the flute element in directions 97 and 99 parallel to the longitudinal axis of feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0045] The butting of inner face 32 of the flute element against outer face 52 of the mount, which is provided by the mating engagement of the flute element in seat

46 of the mount, provides a connection for transmitting radially-directed forces acting on the flute element though the mount to body 20 of feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1.
Registration of boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C through mount 40 seen in Figure 6 with corresponding boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C through flute element 30 seen in Figure 3 is not affected by variations in the relative spatial arrangement of mount 40 and body 20 of feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1. As a result, there is no need to oversize the boreholes defined in the mount or flute element in order to both assure registration of boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C seen in Figure 6 with boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C seen in Figure 3 and provide force transmission from the flute element to the body of the feed roll seen in Figure 1.
[0046] Each inner flute assembly includes one or more fasteners, in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart bolts, in this case three bolts as seen by bolt 101 shown in Figure 1. Each bolt has an enlarged portion or bolt head 101A and a threaded end portion 101B spaced-apart therefrom. Bolts 101 detachably couple flute element 30 thereof to mount 40 thereof. The bolts extends through boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C of mount 40 (seen in Figure 6) such that and until bolts heads 101A abut rearward face 61 of backing portion 44 of the mount. Thus, rearward side 63 of flute assemblies 24 and 26 is substantially smooth with the exception of bolt heads extending outwards therefrom. The flute assemblies so shaped may thus be generally streamlined along the rearward side thereof and/or rearward face 61 of mount 40 and function to inhibit log-related debris (bark and the like) from getting stuck thereon and/or between adjacent flute assemblies.

[0047] Still referring to Figure 1, threaded end portions 101B of bolts 101 threadably couple to flute element 30 via boreholes 38A, 38B and 38C seen in Figure 3.
The bolts are shaped such that threaded end portions thereof align with or adjacent forward face 73 of plate body 31. The flute assemblies so shaped may thus be generally streamlined along forward side 59 thereof and/or forward face of the plate body and function to inhibit debris (bark and the like) from coupling to, jamming with and/or getting stuck thereon and/or between adjacent flute assemblies. Boreholes 48A, 48B and 48C may be threaded as well Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 in other embodiments. The threading of the boreholes may be continuous.
Alternatively, the threads in corresponding boreholes may be matched so that even if the thread is not continuous a single threaded bolt will mate in the registered boreholes of flute element 30 and mount 40 when flute element 30 is matingly engaged with seat 46 of mount 40. Mount 40 thus selectively couples flute element 30 to feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1.

[0048] As seen in Figure 3, flute element 30 has an outer face 107 radially spaced from inner face 32 thereof. The outer face of the flute element is outwardly convex and rectangular in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Forward face 73 of flute element 30 seen in Figure 3 and backing face 36 of the flute element seen in Figure 5 extend between inner face 32 of the flute element and outer face 107 of the flute element.

[0049] As seen in Figure 2, inner flute assembly 26L includes at least one and in this example a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart gripping or traction members, in this non-limiting embodiment in the form of serrated teeth 70. The teeth couple to and may thus be considered part of the flute element in this example. Teeth 70 are provided along a second, outer or distal edge 72 of flute element 30. The distal edge (or series of longitudinally spaced-apart edges or edge portions) are arcuate and outwardly convex in this example. Teeth 70 couple to and extend outwards from outer face 107 of the flute element 30. The teeth are integrally connected to flute element 30 so as to form a unitary whole in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0050] Teeth 70, which may have their leading and trailing edges beveled, provide traction against logs (not shown) fed into feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1.
Referring to Figure 2, the teeth are preferably progressively larger in depth and width from the inner end of 77 of each flute element to the wider outer end 78. Teeth 70 may comprise high chromium steel, though this is not strictly required. The teeth have a first end 109 and a second end 111 spaced-apart from the first end thereof. The first end of the teeth aligns with and abuts stop 58 of mount 40 in this example. As seen in Figure 2, flute element 30 in this example are made sufficiently wider than mount 40 to expose teeth 70 radially outward beyond distal edge 62 of the mated mount.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0051] As seen in Figure 2, radius of curvature of outer face 107 of flute element 30 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of distal edge 62 of mount 40 in this example.
The outer face of the flute element aligns and/or is adjacent the distal edge of the mount when the flute element is seated within the mount. Flute assemblies 26L so shaped may thus be generally streamlined and smooth along the top and/or radially outwardly spaced portions thereof with the exception of teeth 70 and configured/shaped to inhibit debris (bark and the like) from getting stuck thereon. Each flute assembly is thus shaped to inhibit debris from entering within or coupling to the forward side thereof or forward faces of the insert and the mount.

[0052] As seen in Figure 1, inner flute assemblies 26R-26L are positioned relative to outer flutes 24R-24L so that outer ends 66 of mounts 40 are generally aligned with inner ends 27 of the outer flutes.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the complementary right-sided flute elements and mounts are minor images of the left-sided flute elements and mounts described above. The mounts 40 are positioned so that their inner and outer ends 66 and 64 are displaced with respect to one another circumferentially of the roll as seen, for example, in Figure 1.

[0054] The location and height of seat 46 may be adjusted based on the size of a given feed rolls 10 seen in Figure 1. According to one non-limiting embodiment, insert in this example flute element 30 seen in Figure 3 may have a fixed size (one-size-fits-all set of dimensions), with dimensions (e.g. lengths and widths) of mount 40 seen in Figure 7 varying based on the size of the feed roll. In a further non-limiting embodiment, there may be provided a kit comprising one or more flute elements, together with a plurality of mounts with seats whose positioning varies.

[0055] In order to use flute element 30 of fixed size (seen in Figure 3) for a variety of differently dimensioned feed rolls, the radius of curvature of proximal edge 60 of mount 40 seen in Figure 6 may vary relative to that of outer face 52 of base portion 42 of the mount. In this non-limiting example, the proximal edge of the mount has a smaller radius Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 of curvature and is more curved relative to the outer face of base portion of the mount. In order to use a flute element of fixed size for a variety of differently dimensioned feed rolls, the distance between proximal edge 60 of mount 40 and outer face 52 of base portion 42 of mount 40 may vary: in this example increasing in a direction 74 extending from end 43 to end 45 of the mount. In order to use flute element 30 (seen in Figure 3) of fixed size for a variety of differently dimensioned feed rolls, positioning of boreholes 48 of mount 40 seen in Figure 6 may vary: in this non-limiting example borehole 48A of mount 40 is closer to distal edge 62 of the mount compared to borehole 48B, which in turn is closer to the distal edge of the mount compared to borehole 48C. Thus, one or more of borehole positioning of the mount, seat height Hs, seat length Ls, the curvature of proximal edge of the mount, and/or the curvature of outer face 52 of base portion 42 of the mount relative to the proximal edge of the mount, may vary as a function of one or more dimensions of a given feed roll 10 (seen in Figure 1) to which the mount is adapted to couple.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, there is also provided a method of manufacturing feed roll assembly 9 described herein and configured to feed and discharge logs (not shown) to and from a debarker (not shown). The method may include abutting proximal edge 60 of mount 40 to outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll 10. The method may include 1) welding the proximal edge of the mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via a first of forward side 59 and rearward side 63 of the elongate mount from end 35 to end 37 of the mount;
and 2) welding proximal edge 60 of mount 40 to outer surface 13 of body 20 of feed roll via the second of the forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from end 35 to end 37 of the elongate mount. This is seen by welds 40A and 40B.

[0057] The method may include coupling flute element 30 to the mount so as to inhibit log-related debris, bark or the like from coupling to, jamming with and getting stuck one or more of the mount and the insert.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6, the method may include forming recessed region 67 in mount 40 that is outwardly spaced feed roll 10 seen in Figure 1, with the recessed region being shaped to snugly receive flute element 30 therewithin. The method may include Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 coupling the mount and the flute element together in a manner that inhibits space therebetween along forward side 59 thereof as seen in Figure 1. The method may include coupling mount 40 and flute element 30 together in a manner that inhibits recessed regions along the forward side thereof. Referring to Figure 1, the method may include shaping the flute element such that the forward face thereof is adjacent, aligned with and/or streamlined with forward face 55 of the mount. The method may include configuring flute element 30 such inner face 32 and spaced-apart ends 79 and 81 thereof are substantially enclosed by mount 40.

[0059] The method may include coupling the flute element to the mount via at least one and in this example a plurality of fasteners, in this case bolts 101, each having an enlarged end portion or bolt head 101A which abuts rearward face 61 of mount 40 and a threaded end portion 101B which threadably couples to the flute element such that the threaded end portion is one or more of adjacent and aligned with forward face 73 of the flute element.

[0060] Where a component is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0061] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

[0062] For example:
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 a. Though in the drawings flute element 30 is shown as extending traversely beyond mount 40, flute element 30 may be made thinner so as to be flush with mount 40, or thinner still, so as to be recessed relative to mount 40 when matingly engaged in seat 46.
b. Complementary pairs of mounts 40 may be joined at inner edges 66A, such as by a weld, or may be axially spaced apart as shown.
c. Mount 40 is illustrated as being made from a single piece, such as by machining or casting, such that base portion 42 is continuous with inner stop 57 and outer stop 58, and all of these elements are of a piece with backing portion 44. In other embodiments, base portion 42 may not be continuous with either or both of inner stop 57 and outer stop 58, and these elements may be separately formed and affixed to backing portion 44.
d. In the illustrated embodiment, base portion 42, inner stop 57 and outer stop 58 extend the full length, respectively of proximal edge 60, inner end 66, and outer end 64. In other embodiments base portion 42 may not extend the full length of proximal edge 60, inner stop 57 may not extend the full length of inner end 66, and outer stop 58 may not extend the full length of outer end 64.

[0063]
Figure 9 shows an inner flute assembly 26L.1 of a feed roll assembly 9.1 according to an additional non-limiting embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as inner flute assembly 26L and feed roll assembly 9 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with addition of decimal extension ".1". Inner flute assembly 26L.1 of feed roll assembly 9.1 is substantially the same as inner flute assembly 26L of feed roll assembly 9 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with at least the following exceptions.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0064] Gripping/traction members in this example teeth 70.1 are pyramid shaped. In other embodiments, traction elements may comprise conical spikes

[0065] Figure 10 shows an inner flute assembly 26L.2 of a feed roll assembly 9.2 according to a further non-limiting embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as inner flute assembly 26L and feed roll assembly 9 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with additional of decimal extension ".2". Inner flute assembly 26L.2 of feed roll assembly 9.2 is substantially the same as inner flute assembly 26L of feed roll assembly 9 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with at least the following exceptions.

[0066] Outer face 107.2 of plate body 30.2 of flute element 30.2 is continuous in this example. The outer face of the plate body of the flute element is generally planar. Outer face 107.2 of plate body 30.2 of flute element 30.2 is outwardly convex. The curvature of the outer face of the flute element is less than that of inner face 32.2 of plate body 30.2 of flute element 30.2 in this example.

[0067] Inner flute assembly 26L.2 includes a plurality of gripping/traction members in this example in the form of portions hardened material 70.2. This may comprise carbide hard facing for example, though this is not strictly required and other materials may be used in other embodiments. Hardened material 70.2 may be but need not be formed via crushing. The hardened material couples to and extends along outer face 107.2 of flute element 30.2.
Interpretation of Terms

[0068] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
= "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 "including, but not limited to";
= "connected", "coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;
= "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;
= "or", in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;
= the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms ("a", "an", and "the") mean one or more unless stated otherwise;
= "and/or" is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A
and/or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);
= "approximately" when applied to a numerical value means the numerical value 10%;
= where a feature is described as being "optional" or "optionally" present or described as being present "in some embodiments" it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as "solely," "only" and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of "negative" limitation(s)" to exclude the presence of other features; and = "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

[0069] Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under", and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0070] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded.
Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

[0071] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by "about".
In this context, "about" provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value 5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in "about" a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of "about 10"
is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:
= in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;
= in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5 to 10.5;
and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then "about 10" also includes:
= in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C
and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10

[0072] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts;
mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments;
combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0073] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0075] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0076]
Various features are described herein as being present in "some embodiments".
Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments.
Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and/or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that "some embodiments"
possess feature A and "some embodiments" possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B
are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and/or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0077] Feed roll assemblies, and flute assemblies, including mounts and inserts thereof, have been described. The following clauses are offered as further description.
(1) A
feed roll assembly comprising: a feed roll; an elongate mount coupled to and extending radially outwards from the feed roll, the elongate mount having a recessed region; an insert shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount via Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 the recessed region thereof in a manner which inhibits debris from coupling to, jamming with and getting stuck one or more of the mount and the insert.
(2) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, with the flute assembly being shaped to inhibit debris from entering within or coupling to a forward side thereof.
(3) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, wherein the flute assembly is shaped to be substantially streamlined along a forward side thereof.
(4) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, wherein the insert and the mount couple together in a manner which inhibits one or more of:
space therebetween along a forward side of the flute assembly; and recessed regions along the forward side of the flute assembly.
(5) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a backing face, wherein the mount has a forward face and a mounting face recessed relative to the forward face thereof, with the backing face of the insert being shaped to abut the forward face of the mount, and wherein the insert and the mount are coupled together in a manner which inhibits the extent to which the insert extends outwards from the forward face of the mount.
(6) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert is spaced apart from a rearward face of the mount.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 (7) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the mount has a laterally-extending width, wherein the insert has a laterally-extending width and wherein the width of the insert is less than the width of the mount.
(8) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the mount has a radially-outwardly extending height, wherein the insert has a radially-outwardly extending height and wherein the height of the insert is equal to or less than the height of the mount.
(9) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the mount has a longitudinally-extending length, wherein the insert has a longitudinally-extending length and wherein the length of the insert is less than the length of the mount.
(10) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has spaced-apart ends and an inner face extending between the ends thereof and wherein the mount is shaped to substantially enclose said inner face and said ends of the insert.
(11) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a forward face, wherein the insert couples to the mount via at least one fastener and wherein the at least one fastener includes an end portion aligned with or adjacent the forward face of the insert.
(12) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has at least one threaded aperture, wherein the mount has at least one aperture, and wherein the insert couples to the mount via at least one fastener with an enlarged end shaped to abut the mount and a threaded end portion shaped to extend through the at least one aperture of the mount and threadably couple to the insert via said at least one threaded aperture.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 (13) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the feed roll assembly is configured to feed and discharge logs to and from a debarker and wherein the debris comprises bark or the like.
(14) A feed roll assembly comprising: a feed roll; an elongate mount including coupled to the feed roll via a proximal edge thereof, the proximal edge of the elongate mount facing both outwards in part and forwards in part; and an insert shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the elongate mount.
(15) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein one or more of: the elongate mount has a distal edge which extends about an axis which is angled relative to that of the proximal edge thereof; and the proximal edge of the elongate mount is twisted in part.
(16) A method of manufacturing a feed roll assembly configured to feed and discharge logs to and from a debarker, the method comprising: abut an inner edge of an elongate mount to an outer surface of a feed roll; weld the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via a first of a forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from a first end to a second end of the elongate mount; weld the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via the second of the forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from the first end to the second end of the elongate mount; couple an insert to the mount so as to inhibit debris, bark or the like from coupling to, jamming with and getting stuck one or more of the mount and the insert.
(17) A method according to any clause herein, including forming a recessed region in the mount outwardly spaced the feed roll and shaped to snugly receive the insert therewithin;

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 (18) A method according to any clause herein, including coupling the mount and the insert together in a manner which inhibits space therebetween along a forward side thereof.
(19) A method according to any clause herein, including coupling the mount and the insert together in a manner which inhibits recessed regions along the forward side thereof.
(20) A method according to any clause herein, including shaping the insert such that the forward face thereof is adjacent, aligned with and/or streamlined with a forward face of the mount.
(21) A method according to any clause herein, including configuring the insert such an inner face and spaced-apart ends thereof are substantially enclosed by the mount.
(22) A method according to any clause herein, including coupling the insert to the mount via at least one fastener with an enlarged end portion which abuts a rearward face of the mount and a threaded end portion which threadably couples to the insert such that the threaded end portion is one or more of adjacent and aligned with a forward face of the insert.
(23) A feed roll assembly comprising: a feed roll; an elongate mount coupled to and extending radially outwards from the feed roll, the elongate mount having a recessed region extending from a distal edge towards a proximal edge thereof, extending from a first face towards a second face thereof, and extending between a pair of spaced-apart ends thereof; and an insert shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount via the recessed region of the elongate mount.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 (24) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert includes a pair of spaced-apart ends shaped to extend along and abut corresponding interior end faces of the elongate mount.
(25) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a backing face shaped to at least in part abut and extend along the elongate mount and wherein the insert has a pair of spaced-apart end faces between which the backing face thereof extends, with the spaced-apart end faces of the insert extending perpendicular to the backing face of the insert.
(26) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a proximal edge shaped to abut and extend along the elongate mount and which is outwardly concave.
(27) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a pair of spaced-apart rounded corners shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount.
(28) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the elongate mount includes a first end portion which extends substantially outwards in a first direction and wherein the elongate mount includes a second end portion which extends substantially in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
(29) An elongate mount according to any clause herein for a feed roll assembly.
(30) A feed roll assembly comprising: a feed roll; an insert; and an elongate mount which couples the insert to the feed roll, the elongate mount being shaped to enclose a proximal edge, a backing face and spaced-apart ends of an inner portion of the insert.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 (31) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, including a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart gripping members coupled to and extending outwards from the insert.
(32) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein each said gripping member is pyramid shaped.
(33) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein each said gripping member is tooth- shaped.
(34) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the gripping members are integrally connected to the insert so as to form a unitary whole.
(35) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert includes crushed hardened material couples to an outer edge thereof.
(36) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the insert has a pair of spaced-apart rounded corners, with each said rounded corner extending between the proximal edge and a respective said end of the insert.
(37) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the proximal edge of the insert is outwardly concave and wherein the insert has an outer edge which is outwardly convex.
(38) In combination, the insert and the elongate mount according to any clause herein.
(39) A feed roll assembly comprising: a feed roll; an elongate mount including coupled to the feed roll via a proximal edge thereof, the proximal edge of the elongate mount facing both outwards in part and forwards in part; and an insert Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the elongate mount.
(40) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the elongate mount has a recessed region spaced receive an inner portion of the insert, with the elongate mount being shaped to enclose a proximal edge and spaced-apart ends of the insert.
(41) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the elongate mount has a distal edge which extends about an axis which is angled relative to that of the proximal edge thereof.
(42) A feed roll assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the proximal edge of the elongate mount is twisted in part.

[0078] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20

Claims (20)

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
   I. A feed roll assembly comprising:
   a feed roll;
   an elongate mount coupled to and extending radially outwards from the feed roll, the elongate mount having a recessed region; and an insert shaped to matingly engage with the elongate mount via the recessed region thereof in a manner which inhibits debris from coupling to the insert and the mount.
2. 2. A feed roll assembly according to claim 1, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, with the flute assembly being shaped to inhibit debris from entering within or coupling to a forward side thereof or forward faces of the insert and the mount.
3. 3. A feed roll assembly according to claim 1, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, wherein the flute assembly is shaped to be substantially streamlined along a forward side thereof.
4. 4. A feed roll assembly according to claim 1, including a flute assembly comprising the elongate mount and the insert coupled thereto, wherein the insert and the mount couple together in a manner which inhibits one or more of: space therebetween Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 along a forward side of the flute assembly; and recessed regions along the forward side of the flute assembly.
5. 5. A feed roll assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insert has a backing face, wherein the mount has a forward face and a mounting face recessed relative to the forward face thereof, with the backing face of the insert being shaped to abut the forward face of the mount, and wherein the insert and the mount are coupled together in a manner which inhibits the extent to which the insert extends outwards from the forward face of the mount.
6. 6. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insert is spaced apart from a rearward face of the mount.
7. 7. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mount has a laterally-extending width, wherein the insert has a laterally-extending width and wherein the width of the insert is less than the width of the mount.
8. 8. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mount has a radially-outwardly extending height, wherein the insert has a radially-outwardly extending height and wherein the height of the insert is less than the height of the mount.
   Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20
9. 9. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mount has a longitudinally-extending length, wherein the insert has a longitudinally-extending length and wherein the length of the insert is less than the length of the mount.
10. 10. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert has spaced-apart ends and an inner face extending between the ends thereof and wherein the mount is shaped to substantially enclose said inner face and said ends of the insert.
11. 11. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insert couples to the mount via at least one fastener and wherein the at least one fastener includes an end portion aligned with or adjacent the forward face of the insert.
12. 12. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insert has at least one threaded aperture, wherein the mount has at least one aperture, and wherein the insert couples to the mount via at least one fastener, with an enlarged end shaped of the at least one fastener to abut the mount and a threaded end portion of the at least one fastener shaped to extend through the at least one aperture of the mount and threadably couple to the insert via said at least one threaded aperture.
13. 13. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the feed roll assembly is configured to feed and discharge logs to and from a debarker.
    
    Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20
14. 14. A feed roll assembly comprising:
    a feed roll;
    an elongate mount coupled to the feed roll via a proximal edge thereof, with the proximal edge of the elongate mount facing both outwards in part and forwards in part; and an insert shaped to be received at least in part within and matingly engage with the elongate mount.
15. 15. A feed roll assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or more of: the proximal edge of the elongate mount is twisted in part; and the elongate mount has a distal edge which extends about an axis which is angled relative to that of the proximal edge thereof.
16. 16. In combination, the elongate mount and the insert as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.
17. 17. A method of manufacturing a feed roll assembly configured to feed and discharge logs to and from a debarker, the method comprising:
    abutting an inner edge of an elongate mount to an outer surface of a feed roll;
    
    Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 welding the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via or along a first of a forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from a first end to a second end of the elongate mount;
    welding the inner edge of the elongate mount to the outer surface of the feed roll via or along the second of the forward and rearward side of the elongate mount from the first end to the second end of the elongate mount; and coupling an insert to the mount in a manner which facilitates feeding and discharging logs to and from the debarker while inhibiting log-related debris from coupling to one or more of the mount and the insert.
18. 18. A method according to claim 17, including one or more of:
    foming a recessed region in the mount outwardly spaced the feed roll and shaped to snugly receive the insert therewithin;
    coupling the mount and the insert together in a manner which inhibits space therebetween along a forward side thereof;
    coupling the mount and the insert together in a manner which inhibits recessed regions along the forward side thereof; and Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20 shaping the insert such that the forward face thereof is adjacent, aligned with and/or streamlined with a forward face of the mount.
19. 19. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 18 including configuring the insert such an inner face and spaced-apart ends thereof are substantially enclosed by the mount.
20. 20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19 including coupling the insert to the mount via at least one fastener, with an enlarged end portion of the at least one fastener abutting a rearward face of the mount and a threaded end portion of the at least one fastener threadably coupling to the insert such that the threaded end portion of the at least one fastener is one or more of adjacent and aligned with the forward face of the insert.
    
    Date Recue/Date Received 2023-10-20