The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 31, 2015
Filed:
Jan. 05, 2012
Brad A. Sintek, Sandy, OR (US);
Joseph B. Crover, Gresham, OR (US);
Brandon K. Gray, Damascus, OR (US);
Greg M. Hildebrandt, West Linn, OR (US);
Brad A. Sintek, Sandy, OR (US);
Joseph B. Crover, Gresham, OR (US);
Brandon K. Gray, Damascus, OR (US);
Greg M. Hildebrandt, West Linn, OR (US);
Pierce Pacific Manufacturing, Inc., Portland, OR (US);
Abstract
Embodiments described herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for moving, loading, and/or sorting logs. A log grapple may include opposing arm assemblies and independently positionable drive wheels disposed between the arms. The log grapple may be operable in a grapple mode, in which the arms are in a closed position and the drive wheels are in an open position, and a feed mode, in which the arms and the drive wheels are in closed positions. In feed mode, the first and second drive wheels may be rotated to drive the log through the arms. The log grapple may be further configured to delimb, measure, and/or cut logs in the feed mode. A log grapple may also include a measuring wheel assembly. Optionally, the measuring wheel assembly may include a hydraulic actuator configured to retract the measuring wheel and a gas spring configured to extend the measuring wheel.