Apparatus and method for an apron assembly

An apron assembly adapted for use on a crusher, said apron assembly comprising:

• (a) an apron, said apron being pivotally mounted to the crusher and being adapted to be moved between an operating position and an open position;
• (b) a tension rod, said tension rod being operatively attached to and disposed between the apron and a shock absorber mount and said tension rod having a tension rod base;
• (c) a spring seat, said spring seat being pivotally mounted to the crusher and being adapted to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position;
• (d) a spring, said spring being operatively disposed between the tension rod base and the spring seat and being adapted to urge the apron into the operating position;
• (e) an actuator, said actuator being pivotally mounted to the crusher and the spring seat and being adapted to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position;
• (f) a hydraulic shock absorber, said hydraulic shock absorber being operatively attached to and disposed between the spring seat and the shock absorber mount;
• (f)
• wherein the hydraulic shock absorber controls the speed of the apron when the spring urges the apron into the operating position;
• and wherein the hydraulic shock absorber reduces the pressure applied to the actuator.

A method for controlling the opening in a crusher, said method comprising:

• (a) providing an apron assembly, said apron assembly comprising:
• (1) an apron, said apron being mounted to the crusher and being adapted to be moved between an operating position and an open position;
• (2) a tension rod, said tension rod being operatively attached to and disposed between the apron and a shock absorber mount and said tension rod having a tension rod base;
• (3) a spring seat, said spring seat being mounted to the crusher and being adapted to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position;
• (4) a spring, said spring being operatively disposed between the tension rod base and the spring seat;
• (5) an actuator, said actuator being mounted to the crusher and the spring seat and being adapted to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position;
• (6) a shock absorber, said shock absorber being operatively attached to and disposed between the spring seat and the shock absorber mount;
• wherein the shock absorber reduces the pressure applied to the actuator;
• (b) moving the shock absorber between a retracted position and an extended position.