GB364689A - Improvements in or connected with excavating apparatus for use in the removal of fertilisers and other materials from heaps - Google Patents

Abstract

Excavating apparatus for removing fertilizers from heaps comprises a saw operating in the material substantially parallel to the working face, means adapted to afford a clearance for the saw shaft, support means for the saw adapted to be moved up and down and across the face of the <PICT:0364689/III/1> <PICT:0364689/III/2> <PICT:0364689/III/3> <PICT:0364689/III/4> heap and a carriage carrying the support means and capable of propulsion to and from the heap. In Figs. 1 and 2, a carriage A with steering wheels A<1> is advanced by ratchet-driven wheels A<3> and carries a threaded post C on which a nut C<1> is adjusted by gearing D driven by a hand-wheel D<3>. A rotatable boss E, normally locked by a screw E<2> is supported by the nut C<1> and pivotally supports a frame F carrying saws G driven from a motor G<2> and provided with helices G<5> with serrated edges which remove the detached material to a shoot H, or a conveyer etc.; lateral saws G<3> are also provided and are driven through skew gearing, or skew and chain gearing. The frame F is oscillated by a nut I<1> engaging a screw I pivoted to the boss E, the nut being driven through reversibly bevel gearing J<2> from a motor J. Fixed or reciprocating saws may replace the saws G<3>. In Fig 3, the reversing bevel gearing is driven from the motor G<2> driving the saws, and the frame F is pivoted in a saddle M adjusted on guides L by a cable &c. M<1>. Rack and pinion gearing may replace the screw I and nut I<1> and electric or mechanical trip gear may be provided for operation when the frame F reaches the limit of its movement. In Fig. 9 the saw G and helix are driven by a motor G<2> on a frame R moveable horizontally on a bed Q by a motor S and screw R<2>, the bed Q being movable vertically by a winch.