Importance

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Abstract

A stair-like log feeder having a movable drive module and a movable driven unit cooperating with one another for unscrambling logs from a pile of logs and for moving the singularized logs upwardly along an inclined plane in a successive series of displacements. The log feeder comprises a support frame having support rollers for slidably supporting the drive module and the drive unit. A cyclic actuator is connected to the drive module by a link arm, for moving the drive module in an alternating up and down movement along the inclined plane. A first pair of rack gears is affixed to the drive module, and a second pair of rack gears is affixed to the driven unit. A pair of gears is mounted on a transverse shaft which is pivotally affixed to the support frame. The pair of gears is engaged with the first and second rack gears for supporting both the drive module and the driven unit in a pendulum mode about the transverse shaft, and for converting a movement of the drive module into an equal, opposite and concurrent displacement of the driven unit. Each step of the drive module has a riser portion forming an angle of between about 3.degree. and about 6.degree. with the inclined plane. Similarly each notch of the driven unit has a longitudinal edge forming an angle of between about 5.degree. and about 8.degree. with the inclined plane.

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First Claim