CH717709B1 - Crusher for crushing clay. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a crusher for crushing clay. According to the invention, a crusher is provided which comprises a crusher frame 316, a crusher auxiliary frame 322 movably suspended from the crusher frame 316, a pivot bearing 324 fastened to the crusher auxiliary frame 322, a rotatable gripper shaft 304 which is rotatably supported by the pivot bearing 324 and can rotate relative to the crusher auxiliary frame 322, and at least one gripper 302 fastened to the rotatable gripper shaft 304.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/859,706, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING CLAY," filed June 10, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/881,841, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CRUSHING CLAY, TRANSPORTING CLAY, AND PROCESSING CLAY," filed August 1, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Over the millennia, people have found numerous uses for different types of clay, resulting in many types of clay having great value to industry. For example, clay is used in catalysts, ion exchangers, fire retardants, pots, bricks, floor tiles, drilling mud, foundry sand, soil additives, desiccants, landfill liners, pond liners, cosmetics, and cat litter. These numerous uses arise from the properties of the different types of clay, such as tendency to clump, tendency to swell, chemical resistance and stability, and tendency to absorb liquids. These properties arise from the chemical and physical structure of the different types of clay.

[0003] One type of clay is montmorillonite (MMT). MMT belongs to the smectite group of clays and is a naturally occurring inorganic clay. MMT is a layered silicate consisting of many flat tetrahedral layers (i.e. plates, sheets) of silicon dioxide. The layers are held together by van der Waal bonds and metal atoms such as aluminum (i.e. an octahedral aluminum layer), potassium, magnesium and/or other free metal ions.

[0004] MMT can absorb water molecules in the interlayer regions. As a result of water absorption, many physical effects arise which depend on the concentration of water absorbed by the MMT. For example, if a small amount of water is introduced into a relatively large amount of MMT, the water can form thin films between the silica layers and the MMT can swell, clump and become sticky. If additional water is added, the thin water films thicken, the MMT swells further and can become slippery.

[0005] The physical effects of adding water to MMT can result in a hazardous MMT mining environment. This is particularly the case in open pit mines because it is not possible to protect large areas of the mines from rain and surface water. Rain and surface water can add varying amounts of water to MMT-bearing unmined surfaces, which can cause pit floors, pit benches, access roads, ramps and other MMT-bearing pit surfaces to become sticky and/or slippery. This results in mining equipment being difficult to move on the pit surfaces. In addition, hydrated MMT can adhere to both stationary and moving surfaces of mining equipment, such as MMT moving equipment buckets, MMT moving equipment buckets, MMT crushers and MMT conveyors. This can result in reduced equipment effectiveness as MMT adheres and clumps on stationary and/or moving surfaces of the equipment.

[0006] Accordingly, there has long been a need in the industry to improve the known methods and devices. The object of the invention is to provide a crusher that can crush clay (MMT) without clumping.

[0007] This summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention.

[0008] Methods and apparatus for crushing clay, transporting clay, and processing clay are presented by way of example. There are conveyor support devices configured to support the ends of crosshead conveyor sections during stationary operation when the crosshead conveyors are moved over montmorillonite (MMT). In some examples, modified MMT crushers are provided.

[0009] A crusher comprises a crusher frame, (ii) a crusher subframe movably suspended from the crusher frame via a length-adjustable turnbuckle, a pivot bearing secured to the crusher subframe, a rotatable gripper shaft rotatably supported by the pivot bearing and capable of rotating relative to the crusher subframe, and at least one gripper secured to the rotatable gripper shaft.

[0010] The crusher may comprise an actuator, for example a lead screw and a nut, a lifting screw, a ball screw, a roller screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a lifting device, a winch or a rack and pinion, wherein the at least one actuator is suitable for movably suspending the crusher subframe from the crusher frame.

[0011] The crusher may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor or an internal combustion engine, wherein the electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine is rotatably coupled to the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, lifting device, winch or the internal combustion engine and/or is suitable for rotating the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, lifting device, winch or pinion.

[0012] The crusher may comprise a first turnbuckle holder rigidly mounted on the crusher frame and a first joint, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably mounted on the turnbuckle holder via the first joint.

[0013] The crusher may comprise a second turnbuckle bracket rigidly attached to the crusher subframe and a second joint, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably attached to the second turnbuckle bracket via the second joint.

[0014] The crusher may comprise a turnbuckle bracket rigidly mounted on the crusher frame and a pivot bearing, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably mounted on the turnbuckle bracket via the pivot bearing.

[0015] The crusher may comprise a turnbuckle bracket rigidly attached to the crusher subframe and a pivot bearing, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket via the pivot bearing.

[0016] The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally to at least one of the crusher frame and the crusher subframe. The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally relative to at least one additional length-adjustable turnbuckle suspending the crusher subframe from the crusher frame. The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally relative to at least one link suspending the crusher subframe from the crusher frame. The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally relative to at least one actuator, lead screw and nut, jack screw, ball screw, roller screw, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, hoist, winch, or rack suspending the crusher subframe from the crusher frame. Suspending the crusher subframe using non-orthogonal suspension components and/or links can advantageously position the crusher subframe with respect to the crusher frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the crusher may comprise a fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe from the crusher frame, wherein a first portion of the fixed length link is rigidly attached to the crusher frame and a second portion of the fixed length link is attached to the crusher subframe via at least a third joint or roller bearing.

[0018] The crusher may comprise a fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe from the crusher frame, a first portion of the fixed length link being rigidly attached to the crusher subframe and a second portion of the fixed length link being attached to the crusher frame via at least a fourth joint or roller bearing.

[0019] In some examples, the crusher may include a fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe from the crusher frame, wherein a first portion of the fixed length link is attached to the crusher subframe via a third movable joint (e.g., at least one mechanical joint or roller bearing) and a second portion of the fixed length link is attached to the crusher frame via a fourth movable joint (e.g., at least one mechanical joint or roller bearing).

[0020] The crusher may include a crusher frame, a pivot bearing attached to the crusher frame, a rotatable grapple shaft rotatably supported by the pivot bearing and rotatable relative to the crusher frame, at least one grapple attached to the rotatable grapple shaft, and a grapple shaft rake having a mounting portion and a base, the mounting portion being removably attached to the crusher frame and the base being disposed substantially proximate a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft. In some examples, two or more grapples are attached to the rotatable grapple shaft and the base is located between the two or more grapples. The base may have a scraping edge or a beveled edge.

[0021] The crusher may comprise a crusher subframe, a rotary bearing attached to the crusher subframe, a rotatable grapple shaft rotatably supported by the rotary bearing and capable of rotating relative to the crusher subframe, at least one grapple attached to the rotatable grapple shaft, and a grapple shaft rake having a mounting portion and a base, the mounting portion being detachably attached to the crusher subframe and the base being disposed substantially proximate a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft.

[0022] The crusher may comprise a crusher frame, (i) a hopper sub-frame movably suspended from the crusher sub-frame (iii) via a length-adjustable turnbuckle, and a flap attached to the hopper sub-frame.

[0023] The crusher may comprise at least one actuator, for example a lead screw and nut, a lifting screw, a ball screw, a roller screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a lifting device, a winch or a rack and pinion, wherein the at least one actuator is suitable for movably suspending the hopper subframe from the crusher frame.

[0024] The crusher may comprise at least one electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor or an internal combustion engine, wherein the at least one electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine is rotatably coupled to the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, lifting device, winch or the internal combustion engine and/or is suitable for rotating the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, lifting device, winch or pinion.

[0025] The crusher may comprise a turnbuckle bracket rigidly mounted on the crusher frame and a first joint, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably mounted on the turnbuckle bracket via the first joint.

[0026] The crusher may comprise a turnbuckle bracket rigidly attached to the hopper subframe and a fifth joint, wherein a threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket via the fifth joint.

[0027] In some examples, the crusher may include a turnbuckle bracket rigidly mounted to the crusher frame and a pivot bearing, wherein a threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably mounted to the turnbuckle bracket via the pivot bearing.

[0028] The crusher may comprise a turnbuckle bracket rigidly attached to the hopper subframe and a pivot bearing, wherein a threaded part of the length-adjustable turnbuckle is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket via the pivot bearing.

[0029] The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally to at least one of the crusher frame and the hopper subframe. For example, the length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally relative to at least one additional length-adjustable turnbuckle that suspends the hopper subframe from the crusher frame. The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally to at least one link (e.g., a fixed length link) that suspends the hopper subframe from the crusher frame. The length-adjustable turnbuckle may be mounted non-orthogonally to at least one actuator, lead screw and nut, jack screw, ball screw, roller screw, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, rack, winch, or rack that suspend the hopper subframe from the crusher frame. Suspending the hopper subframe using non-orthogonal suspension components and/or connecting links can advantageously fix the hopper subframe with respect to the crusher frame.

[0030] In some examples, the crusher may comprise a fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe from the crusher frame, wherein a first portion of the fixed length link is rigidly attached to the crusher frame and a second portion of the fixed length link is attached to the hopper subframe via at least a seventh joint or roller bearing.

[0031] The crusher may comprise a fixed length link adapted to suspend the hopper subframe from the crusher frame, a first portion of the fixed length link being attached to the crusher frame via an eighth movable joint (e.g., at least one of a mechanical turnbuckle holder or a roller bearing) and a second portion of the fixed length link being attached to the hopper subframe via a seventh movable joint (e.g., at least one of a mechanical turnbuckle holder or a roller bearing).

[0032] The crusher may comprise a fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe from the crusher frame, a first portion of the fixed length link being rigidly attached to the crusher subframe and a second portion of the fixed length link being attached to the crusher frame via at least one eighth joint or roller bearing.

[0033] The object of the invention is also achieved by a mobile crusher which comprises a crusher as described above and a crusher frame, a rotating platform and a crawler chassis, wherein the crusher frame is rotatably connected to the crawler chassis via the rotating platform.

[0034] The object of the invention is also achieved by a conveyor support device which comprises a skid, a shell which defines at least four fixing pin openings, and supports rigidly mounted between the skid and the shell. The conveyor support device can be configured to support a cross-beam conveyor section of a crusher which can transport materials to be crushed to a gripper and/or transport materials which have been crushed by a gripper.

[0035] The skid may define a pile opening. The conveyor support device may include a guard portion rigidly attached to a side of the tray and extending away from the skid. The conveyor support device may include a padeye attached to the skid. In some embodiments, a portion (e.g., an outer edge) of the skid is curled (i.e., curved) away from a side of the skid and the side of the skid faces away from the tray. A portion of the skid may be curved away from a side of the skid that (i) faces away from the tray and (ii) is substantially parallel planar to a substantially planar surface of the tray that is configured to contact a crosshead conveyor portion.

[0036] The conveyor support device may include a crossbar conveyor section having a locating pin rigidly attached thereto and adapted to fit with a clearance fit into a corresponding locating pin opening. Thus, when the tray supports the crossbar conveyor section and the locating pins are in the respective locating pin openings, the crossbar conveyor section is firmly positioned relative to the tray and cannot slip off the tray. In one embodiment, the crossbar conveyor section further defines a locking pin opening. The locking pin opening may be configured to receive a locking pin (e.g., a locking pin of a locking pin device). In some embodiments, the locking pin opening is configured to receive a locking pin and provide a clearance fit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the conveyor support device may comprise a locking pin device having a structural part and at least two locking pins, wherein at least one locking pin of the at least two locking pins is configured to fit with a clearance fit into a respective locking pin opening. In some embodiments, at least one locking pin of the at least two locking pins is threaded and adapted to receive a nut to prevent the locking pin from exiting a corresponding locking pin hole. The structural part of the locking pin device may bridge a plurality of conveyor binder sections, the locking pin device may have locking pins disposed in respective complementary locking pin openings in each conveyor binder section in the plurality of conveyor binder sections. Thus, the locking pin device may advantageously position the plurality of conveyor binder sections relative to one another.

[0038] The foregoing broadly outlines some of the features and technical advantages of the present teachings in order that the detailed description and drawings may be better understood. Other features and advantages are also described in the detailed description. The concept and disclosed examples may be used as a basis for modifying or designing other devices to achieve the same purposes of the present teachings. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings as set forth in the claims. The inventive features characteristic of the teachings, as well as other objects and advantages, will become more apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings is for purposes of illustration and description only and does not limit the present teachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The accompanying drawings serve to describe examples of the present teachings and are not limiting. FIGS. 1A-1C show a conveyor support device, FIG. 2 shows a locking pin device, FIGS. 3A-3B show a movable grapple, FIGS. 4A-4B show a grapple shaft rake, FIGS. 5A-5B show an adjustable hopper, FIG. 6 shows a tracked mobile crusher.

[0040] As is common practice, features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the features illustrated may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. As is common practice, some of the drawings are simplified for clarity. Therefore, not all components of a particular device or method may be illustrated in the drawings. In addition, like reference numerals designate like features throughout the description and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing clay. In examples, methods and apparatus are provided that are configured to mitigate the difficulties of working with and around clay when mining clay, processing clay, crushing clay, transporting clay, or combinations thereof. The methods and apparatus provided can eliminate these problems. In some embodiments, apparatus are provided that are configured to mitigate the difficulties of working with and around montmorillonite (MMT) when mining MMT, processing MMT (e.g. crushing MMT), transporting MMT, or combinations thereof. The devices and methods provided are not necessarily limited to mining MMT, processing MMT, transporting MMT, or combinations thereof, but may also be used in mining, processing, and/or transporting other types of materials. For example, the devices and methods provided may be used in mining other types of clay, processing other types of clay, transporting other types of clay.

[0042] In some examples, a clay processing device as described herein may include a crusher, a feeder, or a combination thereof.

[0043] The examples disclosed herein advantageously address long-standing needs of the industry, as well as other previously unidentified needs, and mitigate deficiencies of conventional techniques. Among other advantages, an advantage of the examples is improving the mobility of crushers, conveyors, and other equipment used to mine, process, and transport clay. Furthermore, examples of the systems and methods described herein can advantageously improve the functionality of clay processing equipment. In some examples, processing clay can include mining clay, crushing clay, transporting clay, or a combination thereof.

[0044] Numerous examples are disclosed in the text and drawings of this application. Alternative examples may be developed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Known elements of the present teachings may not be described in detail or may be omitted so as not to obscure new aspects of the present teachings. The present specification contains detailed descriptions of examples of apparatus and methods for mining clay, processing clay, crushing clay, transporting clay, or a combination thereof, with reference to the figures.

CONVEYOR SUPPORT DEVICE

[0045] FIGS. 1A-1C show a conveyor support device 100. The conveyor support device 100 keeps a conveyor (e.g., a crosshead conveyor) off the ground and facilitates moving the conveyor. The device makes it easier to move the conveyor to another location and allows the conveyor to be moved quickly compared to conventional techniques. These benefits can reduce production losses caused by the conveyor being unavailable for production during transport. The conveyor support device 100 can be configured to support crosshead conveyor sections (e.g., ends, middle sections, etc.) when the crosshead conveyor sections are stationary, when the crosshead conveyors are being moved (e.g., via MMT), or both.

[0046] The conveyor support device 100 includes a skid 102 configured to distribute the weight of the conveyor over a large surface area of the ground (e.g., ground including MMT). The surface area of the bottom of the skid 102, which is large relative to a surface area of the bottom of a crosshead conveyor section, reduces the depth to which the conveyor support device 100 can sink into the ground.

[0047] The skid 102 is configured to allow the skid 102 to slide over surfaces (e.g., surfaces that are progressively higher) and thus facilitate movement of the conveyor support device 100 over the ground. The portion of the skid 102 may be beveled, angled, rolled away from the bottom of the skid 102, or a combination thereof to allow the conveyor support device 100 to slide over uneven ground. A portion of the skid 102 is beveled, angled, rolled away from a bottom of the skid 102, or a combination of several of the foregoing to reduce surface tension between the skid 102 and the ground on which the skid 102 rests.

[0048] The skid 102 may include a padeye attached to the skid 102 to allow attachment of a tow rope to the skid 102, a hoist rope to the skid 102, or both. The skid 102 may include a stake hole 104 (i.e., stake opening) through which a stake may be driven (e.g., to secure the skid 102 to the ground). This may prevent the skid 102 from sliding on the ground. The stake hole 104 may be formed on a substantially flat portion of the skid 102, on a portion of the skid 102 that contacts the ground, on a beveled portion of the skid 102, on an angled portion of the skid 102, on a rolled portion of the skid 102, or a combination of the foregoing portions.

[0049] The conveyor support apparatus 100 includes supports 106 attached to the skid 102. The supports 106 are configured to support a conveyor (e.g., a traverse conveyor section). The supports may be formed as a post oriented substantially orthogonal to the skid 102. The supports 106 may be formed as a substantially vertical truss. The supports 106 may have a cross-section that is angled, oval, square, round, or a combination thereof. The supports 106 may have a padeye attached to the supports 106, formed as part of the supports 106, or a combination thereof to enable attachment of a tow rope, a hoist rope, or both to the supports 106.

[0050] The conveyor support apparatus 100 includes a tray 108 attached to the supports 106 or formed as part of the supports 106. The tray 108 may be configured to support the conveyor and transfer at least a portion of the weight of the conveyor to the supports 106 and the skid 102. The tray 108 is substantially horizontal, oriented substantially in a parallel plane with the skid 102. The plane of the tray 108 may be oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the skid 102. In one embodiment, the tray 108 is oriented at an angle relative to the skid 102 to facilitate supporting an ascending conveyor, a descending conveyor, or both. The shell 108 has a locating pin hole 110 (i.e., a locating pin opening) configured to receive a locating pin (e.g., the locating pin 216 of FIG. 2) of a conveyor (e.g., a traverse conveyor section), a fastener of a conveyor, or both.

[0051] The tray 108 includes a guard portion 112 attached to the tray 108 or formed as part of the tray 108. A portion of the guard portion 112 may extend beyond a surface of the tray 108. The guard portion 112 may be configured to limit movement of the conveyor relative to the tray 108 (e.g., in a direction substantially coplanar with the tray 108). In one embodiment, the guard portion 112 may prevent the conveyor from slipping off the tray 108. In one embodiment, the guard portion 112 may align a first crossbar conveyor portion relative to the conveyor support device 100, relative to a second crossbar conveyor portion, or both.

LOCKING PIN DEVICE

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a locking pin device 200. The locking pin device 200 can advantageously connect a plurality of conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) to one another, e.g., while the plurality of conveyor sections are being moved or when the plurality of conveyor sections are stationary.

[0053] The locking pin device 200 includes a structural member 206 to which at least two locking pins 208 are attached to the locking pin device 200, which is formed as part of the locking pin device 200. At least a portion of the locking pin 208 is threaded and thus configured as a threaded fastener. In one embodiment, a locking pin 208 configured as a threaded fastener may be attached to another threaded fastener (e.g., a nut) to prevent the locking pin 208 from exiting a corresponding locking pin hole 210 through which the locking pin 208 passes.

[0054] In one embodiment, a conveyor section (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) may include a structural member (e.g., structural member (top) 212) defining the locking pin hole 210 (i.e., a locking pin opening) that is configured to receive the locking pin 208. The structural member (e.g., structural member (top) 212) in which the locking pin hole 210 is formed may be substantially coplanar with another structural member (e.g., structural member (bottom) 214) that is configured to rest on the tray 108. The structural member (e.g., structural member (top) 212) defining the locking pin hole 210 may be located on a side of the portion of the conveyor opposite another structural member (e.g., structural member (bottom) 214) configured to rest on the tray 108. The locking pin hole 210 defined by the structural member (e.g., structural member (top) 212) may be sized to provide a clearance fit when the locking pin 208 is inserted through the locking pin hole 210.

[0055] The locking pin device 200 may be used to secure at least two conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) together, to position at least two conveyor sections relative to each other, or to lock at least two conveyor sections together. In one embodiment, the locking pins 208 of the locking pin device 200 may be inserted into corresponding locking pin holes 210 of at least two conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) to secure each of the conveyor sections together. The locating pins 208 of the locating pin device 200 can be inserted into corresponding locating pin holes 210 of at least two conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) to fix each of the conveyor sections relative to each other. The locking pins 208 of the locking pin device 200 can be inserted into corresponding locking pin holes 210 of at least two conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) to lock each of the conveyor sections relative to each other.

[0056] The traverse conveyor section (e.g., the first traverse conveyor section 202 and the second traverse conveyor section 204) may include a locating pin 216 rigidly attached thereto and adapted to fit within the locating pin hole 110 (e.g., with a clearance fit). Thus, when the tray 108 supports the traverse conveyor section and the locating pin 216 is located within the locating pin hole 110, the traverse conveyor section is positively disposed relative to the tray 108 and cannot slip off of the tray 108.

[0057] The locking pin device 200 may be used to secure at least two movable table conveyor sections (e.g., traverse conveyor section one 202 and traverse conveyor section two 204) together, to position at least two movable table conveyor sections relative to each other, or to lock at least two movable table conveyor sections together. The locking pin device 200 may be used with an overland conveyor system that utilizes a 24-inch deep traverse conveyor section that extends over 40-foot sections mounted on the conveyor support device 100 (e.g., table tops) to enable easy and efficient movement to a new location, such as movement to accommodate movement of a mine face during mining operations.

MOVABLE GRIPPER DEVICE

[0058] FIGS. 3A-3B show a movable grapple device 300. In some applications, crushed clay is desirable because reducing the size of the clay particles increases the surface area of the clay particles and thus allows the clay particles to dry more easily. The movable grapple 300 may be part of a crusher configured to crush large clay lumps into smaller pieces of clay. For example, the crusher may be a horizontal impact crusher with a hopper configured to receive large clay lumps and transfer the large clay lumps to a conveyor belt, which in turn feeds the large clay lumps to at least one stage of grapples. Each grapple has rotating grapples that impact the large clay lumps to break them into smaller lumps. Subsequent grapples may impact the smaller clay lumps to further reduce the size of the clay lumps. The conveyor can then transport the output of the final grapple stage to another conveyor, a pile of crushed clay, a receiver, another clay processing facility, an earthmoving facility, or a combination thereof.

[0059] A grapple stage may include the movable grapple device 300. The movable grapple device 300 may include rotatable grapples 302 attached to a rotatable grapple shaft 304. The grapple 302 may include a protruding pointed portion that may be directed substantially in the direction of rotation of the rotatable grapples. The protruding pointed portion may be directed substantially in the direction of movement of a conveyor belt 306 of the crusher. In one example, the grapple 302 has a protruding pointed portion. Multiple grapples may be distributed substantially evenly around the circumference of the grapple shaft 304. Clay may be acidic and abrasive, so the protruding pointed portion(s) of the grapple 302 may include a corresponding carbide tip 308 to reduce wear and resist acid erosion.

[0060] During operation, a lump of clay 310 may be fed to the movable gripper 300 (e.g., in a substantially horizontal direction through the conveyor belt 306). As the gripper shaft rotates, the protruding pointed portion of the gripper 302 presses the input lump of clay 310 against the conveyor belt 306, and the protruding pointed portion of the gripper 302 impacts the input lump of clay 310, is pushed into the input lump of clay 310, or a combination thereof, thereby breaking the input lump of clay 310 into smaller pieces (e.g., crushed lumps of clay 312). In one example, the direction of the conveyor belt 306 may be substantially the same as the movement of the gripper 302 at a point where the gripper 302 is closest to the conveyor belt 306.

[0061] In one example, the gripper 302 does not contact the conveyor belt 306, such that a gap 314 is formed between the conveyor belt 306 and the gripper 302 at the location where the gripper 302 is closest to the conveyor belt 306. The size of the gap may be a factor in determining whether the gripper 302 will encounter the input lump of clay 310 on the conveyor belt 306. Thus, the size of the gap determines the smallest size of lump of clay that can be crushed by the gripper 302. If the gap is smaller, smaller lumps of clay are more likely to be crushed by the gripper 302. If the gap is larger, the smaller lumps of clay are less likely to be crushed by the gripper 302.

[0062] In some examples, the movable gripper device 300 may provide gap adjustability and thus variable control of the smallest size of the input clay lump 310 that is crushed by the gripper 302. In turn, the gap adjustability may determine the largest size of the clay lumps that exit the movable gripper device 300 on the conveyor belt 306.

[0063] In one embodiment, the crusher may include a frame 316 (e.g., a crusher frame) that provides support for portions of the crusher. A frame extension 318 may be a portion of the frame 316, securely attached to the frame 316, or both. The frame extension 318 may structurally support the movable gripper device 300. The frame extension 318 may structurally support the movable gripper device 300. In one example, the frame extension 318 may include a corresponding turnbuckle attachment 320. In one embodiment, the frame 316 may include a corresponding turnbuckle attachment.

[0064] In one embodiment, the movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially supported (e.g., movably supported) by the frame extension 318. In some examples, the movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially supported (e.g., movably supported) by the frame 316. The movable grapple device 300 may include a crusher subframe 322 that may be at least partially supported by the frame extension 318, the frame 316, or both.

[0065] In some examples, the movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially suspended (e.g., movably suspended) from the frame extension 318. In some examples, the movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially suspended (e.g., movably suspended) from the frame 316. The movable grapple device 300 may include the crusher subframe 322, which may be at least partially suspended from the frame extension 318, the frame 316, or both.

[0066] A bearing 324 (e.g., a pillow block, pivot bearing, or other suitable bearing) may be attached to the crusher subframe 322. The bearing 324 may be configured to support a rotatable grapple shaft and enable the rotatable grapple shaft to rotate relative to the crusher subframe 322. The grapple 302 may be attached to the rotatable grapple shaft and rotate when the rotatable grapple shaft is rotated. The rotatable grapple shaft 304 may be driven by a prime mover. The prime mover may be, for example, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a diesel engine. In one example, the crusher subframe 322 may include a corresponding turnbuckle attachment. In some examples, the gripper 302 may be suspended above the conveyor belt via an adjustable length turnbuckle 326, thereby allowing the gripper to be movable relative to the frame extension 318, the conveyor belt, and/or the frame 316.

[0067] Instead of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 described herein, an actuator such as a lead screw and nut, a lifting screw, a ball screw, a roller screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a hoist, a rack and pinion, a chain drive, a belt drive, a chain drive, or a combination thereof may be used. An actuator such as a lead screw and nut, a lifting screw, a ball screw, a roller screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a turnbuckle, a winch, a rack and pinion, a chain drive, a belt drive, a chain drive, or a combination thereof may be used in addition to the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 described herein to movably support the crusher subframe 322 relative to the frame 316.

[0068] In one embodiment, a length of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326, the actuator, or both may be adjusted with an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof that is mechanically coupled to move the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326, the actuator, or both. In one example, a length of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326, the actuator, or both may be manually adjusted.

[0069] In one example, a first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the frame extension 318 (e.g., directly to the frame extension 318 or via the turnbuckle mount 320 of the frame extension 318). In one embodiment, the first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the turnbuckle mount 320 of the frame extension 318 (e.g., via a threaded fastener). In one embodiment, the first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached (e.g., directly) to the frame extension 318 (e.g., via a threaded fastener).

[0070] In one embodiment, the first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the turnbuckle mount 320 of the frame extension 318 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a knuckle joint, a Heim joint, a rosette joint, etc.). In another embodiment, the first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached (e.g., directly) to the frame extension 318 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a knuckle joint, a Universal joint, a rosette joint, etc.). In one example, the mechanical turnbuckle mount may reduce the binding of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326.

[0071] In one embodiment, a second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the crusher subframe 322 (e.g., directly to the crusher subframe 322 or via a corresponding turnbuckle mount 328 of the crusher subframe 322). The second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the crusher subframe 322 (e.g., with a threaded fastener). In another example, the second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the respective turnbuckle mount 328 of the crusher subframe 322 (e.g., with a threaded fastener).

[0072] In one embodiment, the second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the crusher subframe 322 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a rod end, a heim joint, a rosette joint, etc.). In one embodiment, the second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may be attached to the respective turnbuckle mount 328 of the crusher subframe 322 via a mechanical joint (e.g., a ball joint, a rod end, an inner bearing, a rosette joint, etc.).

[0073] In one embodiment, the movable gripper device 300 may be at least partially suspended from the frame extension 318 via three or four length-adjustable turnbuckles 326.

[0074] The movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially suspended from the frame extension 318 by a plurality of length-adjustable turnbuckles, wherein at least one of the length-adjustable turnbuckles is mounted non-orthogonally with respect to the frame extension 318, the crusher subframe 322, or both to reduce the movement of the crusher subframe 322 with respect to the frame extension 318.

[0075] In one embodiment, the movable grapple device 300 may be at least partially positioned relative to the frame extension 318 by a fixed length link to control and/or reduce the movement of the crusher subframe 322 relative to the frame extension 318.

[0076] In one example, a first portion of the link is rigidly attached to the frame 316 and a second portion of the link is attached to the crusher subframe 322 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a rod end, a Heim joint, a rosette joint, etc.). In one example, the first portion of the link is rigidly attached to the frame 316 and the second portion of the link is attached to the crusher subframe 322 via a pivot bearing configured to allow the link to rotate relative to the crusher subframe 322.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first part of the link is rigidly attached to the crusher subframe 322 and the second part of the link is attached to the frame 316 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount. The first part of the link may be rigidly attached to the crusher subframe 322 and the second part of the link may be attached to the frame 316 via a pivot bearing which is designed to allow the link to rotate relative to the frame 316.

[0078] In one example, adjustment of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may increase or decrease the gap 314 between the conveyor belt 306 and the grippers at the point where the grippers are closest to the conveyor belt 306. Adjustment of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may also move the gripper 302 away from the conveyor belt 306 to facilitate access to the gripper 302 for maintenance or repairs. In one embodiment, the gap 314 may be adjusted from substantially the surface of the conveyor belt 306 (e.g., without touching the conveyor belt 306) to between substantially four inches from the surface of the conveyor belt 306 and substantially 24 inches from the surface of the conveyor belt 306.

[0079] In one embodiment, adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may increase a distance between the crusher subframe 322 and the conveyor belt 306. Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may increase the gap 314 to shorten the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326. Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 to shorten the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may move the gripper away from the conveyor belt 306.

[0080] Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may reduce a distance between the crusher subframe 322 and the conveyor belt 306. In one example, adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 to extend the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 may reduce the gap 314. By adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326 to extend the length-adjustable turnbuckle 326, the gripper may be moved toward the conveyor belt 306.

INCLINATION OF THE GRIPPER SHAFT

[0081] FIGS. 3B and 4A-4B show an example of a grapple shaft rake 330. In some applications, clay may build up on the rotatable grapple shaft 304 in the areas between the grapples during use. The grapple shaft rake 330 may be used to remove at least some of the accumulated clay to reduce the rotating mass of the rotatable grapple shaft 304 (and thus power consumption and shaft bearing wear) as well as reduce the imbalance of the rotatable grapple shaft 304.

[0082] Referring to Figures 4A-4B, the grapple shaft rake 330 may include a mounting portion 332. The mounting portion 332 may be located at an end portion of the grapple shaft rake 330, at a middle portion of the grapple shaft rake 330, or both. The mounting portion 332 may define at least one mounting hole 334 (e.g., an opening) through which the grapple shaft rake may be attached to another component of the crusher. The grapple shaft rake 330 may be attached (e.g., via a mounting flange) to the crusher subframe 322 of the movable grapple device 300, to the crusher subframe 322 of a crusher, to a frame 316 of a crusher, or the like, or to a combination thereof. The mounting portion 332 enables quick installation of the grapple shaft rake 330 or quick replacement of the grapple shaft rake 330.

[0083] The grapple shaft rake 330 may include a pad 336. During operation, the pad 336 may remove accumulated clay from the rotatable grapple shaft 304. The grapple shaft rake 330 may be mounted such that the pad 336 may be disposed substantially proximate a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft 304. For example, a pad surface may be disposed substantially between zero inches and two inches from a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft 304. For example, a scraping edge of the pad may be disposed between zero and two inches from a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft 304. In some examples, the grapple shaft rake 330 may be mounted such that at least a portion of the pad 336 at least occasionally contacts the rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft 304. In one example, the pad 336 may be disposed between two grapples. Several gripper shaft rakes can be installed between the respective grippers.

[0084] The pad 336 may have a beveled edge to reduce the resistance between the deposited clay and the pad 336 and thus reduce wear on the pad 336. The beveled edge may also allow the pad 336 to be pushed closer to the rotatable gripper shaft 304 when removing the deposited clay.

[0085] In one example, the base 336 may include a scraping edge 338. The gripper shaft rake 330 may be mounted such that the scraping edge 338 may be disposed substantially proximate a rotatable portion of the rotatable gripper shaft 304. The gripper shaft rake 330 may be mounted such that at least a portion of the scraping edge 338 contacts the rotatable portion of the rotatable gripper shaft 304.

[0086] During operation, the rotatable grapple shaft 304 rotates and forces the clay built up on the rotatable grapple shaft 304 to impact the base 336 of the grapple shaft rake 330. The base 336 of the grapple shaft rake 330, in turn, pushes at least a portion of the piled clay off the rotatable grapple shaft 304. In one example, the rotation of the rotatable grapple shaft 304 forces the clay built up on the rotatable grapple shaft 304 to impact the scraping edge 338 of the grapple shaft rake 330. The scraping edge 338 of the grapple shaft rake 330, in turn, pushes at least a portion of the piled clay off the rotatable grapple shaft 304.

ADJUSTABLE FUNNEL

[0087] An adjustable hopper 500 is shown in Figures 5A-5B. In one embodiment, the adjustable hopper 500 may be located at the exit of a clay processing device (e.g., a crusher, a feeder) to direct clay onto a conveyor, into a bin, into a chute, or a combination thereof. The adjustable hopper 500 may be raised to clear a conveyor, bin, or other obstacle when the clay processing device is moved. The adjustable hopper 500 may be raised to reduce mechanical interference with the conveyor, bin, or other obstacle when moving the clay processing device. The adjustable hopper 500 may be lowered to direct clay into the bin, into a chute, or a combination thereof. The conveyor may be an overhead conveyor.

[0088] The adjustable hopper 500 may be at least partially supported by the clay processing device (e.g., the frame 316, the frame extension 318, the crusher subframe 322, a hopper support, or a combination thereof) via a length-adjustable turnbuckle 502, whereby the adjustable hopper 500 is movable relative to other parts of the clay processing device (e.g., the frame 316, the frame extension 318, the crusher subframe 322, the hopper support, or the combination thereof).

[0089] Instead of the adjustable length turnbuckle 502 described herein, an actuator such as a lead screw and nut, a jack screw, a ball screw, a roller screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a turnbuckle, a winch, a rack and pinion, a chain drive, a belt drive, a chain drive, or a combination thereof may be used. The actuator may be used to at least partially support the adjustable hopper 500 through the clay processing apparatus.

[0090] The length of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502, the actuator, or both can be adjusted with an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof that is mechanically coupled to move the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502, the actuator, or both. The length of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502, the actuator, or both can be adjusted manually.

[0091] A first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 can be attached to the clay processing device (e.g., a portion of a crusher 504) via a corresponding turnbuckle attachment of the clay processing device 506. The first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 can be attached to the respective turnbuckle attachment of the clay processing device 506 (e.g., via a threaded fastener). The first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 can be attached to the clay processing device (e.g., via a threaded fastener). The first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 can be attached to the respective turnbuckle attachment of the clay processing device 506 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a swivel head, a Heim joint, a rosette joint, etc.). In one embodiment, the first threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may be attached to the sound processing device via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., ball joint, knuckle joint, universal joint, rosette joint, etc.). The mechanical turnbuckle mount may reduce the binding of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502.

[0092] The adjustable funnel 500 may comprise a funnel auxiliary frame 508 to which the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 is attached. The funnel auxiliary frame 508 may have a corresponding turnbuckle attachment.

[0093] In one example, a second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may be attached to the hopper subframe 508 (e.g., directly to the hopper subframe 508 or via the respective turnbuckle mount of the hopper subframe 508). In another example, the second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may be threadedly attached to the hopper subframe 508. The second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may be attached to the respective turnbuckle mount of the hopper subframe 508 via a threaded fastener. The second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may be attached to the hopper subframe 508 via a mechanical turnbuckle mount (e.g., a ball joint, a rod end, a Heim joint, a rosette joint, etc.). The second threaded portion of the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 can be attached to the respective turnbuckle bracket of the hopper subframe 508 via a mechanical joint (e.g., a ball joint, a rod end bearing, a universal joint, a rosette joint, etc.).

[0094] In one example, a flap 510 may direct the clay from the clay processing device onto a conveyor belt, into a container, or the like, or a combination thereof. The flap 510 may reduce clay spillage. The flap 510 may be a rigid flap or a flexible flap. The flap 510 may be attached to the hopper subframe 508 (e.g., with a screw cap). In one example, the flap 510 may be attached to the hopper subframe 508 via a hinge that allows the flap 510 to move relative to the hopper subframe 508. The flap 510 may be curved, flat, or angled to guide the clay. In one example, the flap 510 may be mounted substantially orthogonal to a surface of the hopper subframe 508 (e.g., a surface substantially facing a direction in which the clay flows). The flap 510 may be mounted substantially at an angle relative to the surface of the hopper subframe 508 to direct clay to a particular location, to reduce clay spillage, or both.

[0095] In one example, adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to shorten the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may reduce a distance between the hopper subframe 508 and another part of the clay processing device. In one example, adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to shorten the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may raise the hopper subframe 508, raise the flap 510, or both. Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to shorten the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may also move the flap 510 away from another device, such as a conveyor belt (e.g., the conveyor belt 306), a bin, a chute, or a combination thereof, to facilitate movement of the clay processing device and the other device relative to each other.

[0096] Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to extend the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may increase the distance between the hopper subframe 508 and another part of the clay processing device. In one example, adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to extend the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may lower the hopper subframe 508, the flap 510, or both. Adjusting the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 to extend the length-adjustable turnbuckle 502 may also move the flap 510 toward another device, such as a conveyor belt (e.g., the conveyor belt 306), a bin, a chute, or a combination thereof. In one example, moving the flap 510 toward the other device may direct clay into the other device, reduce clay spillage, or both.

[0097] FIG. 5 also shows a material feed conveyor 512 (e.g., conveyor 306) that can feed material into the adjustable hopper 500. The material feed conveyor 512 can be supported by a roller 514.

TRACKED CRUSHER

[0098] FIG. 6 shows a tracked mobile crusher 600. The crusher 602 can be mounted on a tracked chassis 604 to allow for quick and/or precise maneuvering of the crusher 602 between different locations. Quick relocations can reduce production time losses. Precise relocations can reduce the loss of material due to spillage.

[0099] In some examples, tracks (e.g., track 606) may provide improved traction on slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, sticky MMT, slippery MMT, or a combination thereof compared to conventional techniques. The tracks may be steel tracks, rubber tracks, or a combination of steel tracks and rubber tracks. Rubber tracks may advantageously provide low ground pressure to reduce sinking of the crusher 602 into the ground (e.g., MMT). Steel tracks may provide improved traction on slippery surfaces (e.g., MMT). The tracks may be powered by hydraulics, an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a gasoline engine. The hydraulics, electric motor, diesel engine, or internal combustion engine may be part of the crawler undercarriage 604. In one example, the hydraulics, electric motor, diesel engine, gasoline engine, or a combination thereof may be mounted on top of the tracked chassis 604 as part of the crusher 602.

[0100] The tracked crusher 600 may be self-propelled. A self-propelled crusher has the advantage that no crane or earth-moving machine is required to move the crusher 602. This allows the self-propelled crusher to be moved more quickly than with a crane or earth-moving machine, which advantageously reduces the time during which the crusher 602 is unavailable.

[0101] In some examples, the crusher 602 may be mounted on a rotating platform to facilitate rotating the crusher 602 for aligning the crusher 602 with other equipment (e.g., a conveyor), accurately rotating the crusher 602 for aligning the crusher 602 with other equipment (e.g., the conveyor), or both. The rotating platform may be positioned between the crawler undercarriage 604 and the crusher 602. The drive of the rotating platform (e.g., for rotating the rotating platform and thus the crusher 602, for driving the tracked mobile crusher 600 via the crawler 606, or both) may be via a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a gasoline engine. In one example, the hydraulics, electric motor, diesel engine, internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof may be part of the crawler undercarriage 604. In one example, the hydraulics, electric motor, diesel engine, gasoline engine, or a combination thereof may be mounted on top of the rotating platform as part of the crusher 602.

[0102] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific systems, devices and/or methods disclosed by way of example only. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the invention while retaining the advantageous characteristics of the present inventions. It will also be apparent that some of the desired advantages of the present inventions can be achieved by selecting some features of the present inventions without using other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the present inventions are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are part of the present inventions. Therefore, this description is provided to illustrate the principles of the present inventions and not as a limitation thereof.

[0104] As used herein, the term "example" means that the "example" serves as an embodiment or illustration. An example does not necessarily have to relate to an advantageous embodiment. Likewise, the term "example" does not require that all examples include the feature, advantage, or functionality discussed. The use of the terms "in an example," "an example," "in a feature," "a feature," or a combination thereof in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same feature or example. In addition, a particular feature, structure, or both may be combined with one or more other features or structures. In addition, at least a portion of the apparatus described herein may be configured to perform at least a portion of a method described herein.

[0105] It should be noted that the terms "connected", "coupled" and any variant thereof mean any connection or coupling between elements, either directly or indirectly, and may include the presence of an intermediate element between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other via the intermediate element. The coupling and connection between the elements may be physical. For example, the elements may be "connected" or "coupled" to each other by one or more fasteners or the like, as far as possible. These are some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0106] The use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. does not limit the number or order of these elements. Rather, these terms are used as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used or that the first element must necessarily come before the second element. Unless otherwise specified, a group of elements may also consist of one or more elements. Moreover, expressions of the form "at least one of: A, B or C" or "one or more of A, B or C" or "at least one of the group consisting of A, B and C" used in the description or claims may be interpreted as "A or B or C or any combination of these elements". For example, this terminology may include A or B or C or A and B or A and C or A and B and C or 2A or 2B or 2C and so on.

[0107] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some of the examples provided herein, the singular may also mean the plural, where possible. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “consisting of,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of a feature, integer, step, block, operation, element, component, and the like, but do not necessarily exclude the presence or addition of another feature, integer, step, block, operation, element, component, and the like.

[0108] The present description is intended to be illustrative and not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. While this disclosure describes examples, changes and modifications may be made to the examples disclosed herein without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. A feature from any of the specified examples may be used in combination with another feature from any of the specified examples in accordance with the general principles described herein. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific examples disclosed alone.

Claims (34)

1. Crusher (602) comprising: a crusher frame (316); a crusher auxiliary frame (322) movably suspended from the crusher frame via a first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) or a first actuator; a pivot bearing (324) attached to the crusher auxiliary frame (322); a rotatable gripper shaft (304) rotatably supported by the pivot bearing (324) and rotatable relative to the crusher auxiliary frame (322); and at least one gripper (302) attached to the rotatable gripper shaft (304). 2. Crusher (602) according to claim 1, wherein the crusher subframe is movably suspended from the crusher frame via the first actuator, wherein the first actuator is designed, for example, as a lead screw and nut, as a lifting screw, as a ball screw, as a roller screw, as a pneumatic cylinder, as a hydraulic cylinder, as a lifting device, as a winch or as a rack with a pinion, wherein the at least one first actuator is suitable for movably suspending the crusher subframe (322) from the crusher frame (316). 3. The crusher (602) of claim 2, further comprising at least one electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine, wherein the at least one electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine is adapted to rotate the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, hoist, winch or pinion. 4. The crusher (602) of claim 1, wherein a first turnbuckle bracket (320) is rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316), further comprising a first joint, wherein a threaded portion of the first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the first turnbuckle bracket (320) via the first joint. 5. The crusher (602) of claim 1, wherein a second turnbuckle bracket (328) is rigidly attached to the crusher subframe (322), further comprising a second joint, wherein a threaded portion of the first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the second turnbuckle bracket (328) via the second joint. 6. The crusher (602) of claim 1, further comprising a turnbuckle bracket (320) rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316); and a pivot bearing (324), wherein a threaded portion of the first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket (320) via the pivot bearing (324). 7. The crusher (602) of claim 1, further comprising a turnbuckle (326) rigidly attached to the crusher subframe (322); and a pivot bearing (324), wherein a threaded portion of the first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to a turnbuckle bracket (320) via the pivot bearing (324). 8. The crusher (602) of claim 1, wherein the first length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is mounted non-orthogonally with respect to the crusher frame (316) and/or the crusher subframe (322). 9. The crusher (602) of claim 1, further comprising a first fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe (322) from the crusher frame (316), a first portion of the first fixed length link being rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316) and a second portion of the first fixed length link being attached to the crusher subframe (322) via a third joint and/or a roller bearing (324). 10. The crusher (602) of claim 9, further comprising a second fixed length link adapted to suspend the crusher subframe (322) from the crusher frame (316), a first portion of the second fixed length link being rigidly attached to the crusher subframe (322) and a second portion of the second fixed length link being attached to the crusher frame (316) via a fourth joint (320) or a roller bearing (324). 11. The crusher (602) of claim 1, further comprising a grapple shaft rake (330) having a mounting portion and a base (336), the mounting portion being removably attached to the crusher subframe (322), the base (336) being disposed substantially proximate a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft (304) such that a base surface is disposed substantially less than 5.08 cm from a rotatable surface of the rotatable grapple shaft (304). 12. The crusher (602) of claim 11, wherein two or more grippers (302) are attached to the rotatable gripper shaft (304) and the base (336) is arranged between the two or more grippers (302). 13. The crusher (602) of claim 11, wherein the base (336) has at least one scraping edge (338) or a beveled edge. 14. Crusher (602) according to claim 1, further comprising a hopper subframe (508) which is movably suspended from the crusher frame (316) via a second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) or via a second actuator; and a flap (510) attached to the hopper subframe (508). 15. Crusher (602) according to claim 14, wherein the hopper subframe is movably suspended from the crusher frame (316) via the second actuator, wherein the second actuator is designed, for example, as a lead screw and nut, as a lifting screw, as a ball screw, as a roller screw, as a pneumatic cylinder, as a hydraulic cylinder, as a lifting device, as a winch or as a rack with a pinion, wherein the at least one second actuator is suitable for movably suspending the hopper subframe (508) from the crusher frame (316). 16. The crusher (602) of claim 15, further comprising at least one electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine, wherein the at least one electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or internal combustion engine is suitable for rotating the at least one lead screw, lifting screw, ball screw, roller screw, hoist, winch or pinion. 17. The crusher (602) of claim 14, further comprising a turnbuckle bracket (320) rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316); and wherein a threaded portion of the second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket (320) via a sixth joint. 18. The crusher (602) of claim 14, further comprising a turnbuckle bracket (506) rigidly attached to the hopper subframe (508); and a fifth joint, wherein a threaded portion of the second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket (506) via the fifth joint. 19. The crusher (602) of claim 14, further comprising a turnbuckle bracket (320) rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316); and a pivot bearing (324), wherein a threaded portion of the second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the turnbuckle bracket (320) via the pivot bearing (324). 20. The crusher (602) of claim 14, further comprising a turnbuckle mount (506) rigidly attached to the hopper subframe (508); and a pivot bearing (324), wherein a threaded portion of the second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is movably attached to the turnbuckle mount (320) via the pivot bearing (324). 21. The crusher (602) of claim 14, wherein the second length-adjustable turnbuckle (326) is mounted non-orthogonally with respect to the crusher frame (316) and/or the hopper subframe (508). 22. The crusher (602) of claim 14, further comprising a third fixed length link adapted to suspend the hopper subframe (508) from the crusher frame (316), a first portion of the third fixed length link being rigidly attached to the crusher frame (316) and a second portion of the third fixed length link being attached to the hopper subframe (508) via a seventh joint and/or a roller bearing. 23. The crusher (602) of claim 22, further comprising a fourth fixed length link adapted to suspend the hopper subframe (508) from the crusher frame (316), a first portion of the fourth fixed length link being rigidly attached to the hopper subframe (508) and a second portion of the fourth fixed length link being attached to the crusher frame (316) via at least one eighth joint or roller bearing. 24. Crusher (600) according to one of claims 1 to 23, comprising a rotating platform and a crawler chassis (604), wherein the crusher frame (316) is rotatably attached to the crawler chassis (604) via the rotating platform. 25. Crusher (602) according to one of claims 1 to 23 comprising a conveyor support device (100) for supporting a traverse conveyor section of the crusher (602), the conveyor support device (100) comprising a skid (102); a shell (108) with at least four locating pin openings (110); and a support (106) which is rigidly mounted between the skid and the shell (108). 26. A crusher (602) according to claim 25, wherein the skid (102) has a pile opening (104). 27. The crusher (602) of claim 25, further comprising a protective portion (112) rigidly attached to a side of the bowl (108) and extending from the skid (102). 28. The crusher (602) of claim 25, further comprising a mounting eyelet attached to the skid (102). 29. A crusher (602) according to claim 25, wherein a portion of the skid is curved away from a side of the skid facing away from the bowl (108). 30. The crusher (602) of claim 25, wherein the traverse conveyor section includes a locating pin (216) rigidly attached thereto and adapted to fit with a clearance fit into a corresponding locating pin opening (110) of the at least four locating pin openings (110). 31. The crusher (602) of claim 30, wherein the traverse conveyor section further includes a locking pin opening. 32. The crusher (602) of claim 31, further comprising a locking pin device (200) having a structural member (206) and at least two locking pins (208), wherein at least one locking pin (208) of the at least two locking pins (208) is configured to fit with a clearance fit into a respective locking pin opening. 33. The breaker (602) of claim 32, wherein at least one locking pin (208) of the at least two locking pins (208) is threaded and capable of receiving a nut to prevent the locking pin (208) from exiting a corresponding locking pin hole. 34. Use of a crusher according to any one of the preceding claims for crushing clay.