Apparatus for distribution of logs into grinder supply shafts

An apparatus for the distribution of logs into the supply shafts of a plurality of successive grinders from a conveyor line consisting of a plurality of conveyors placed in succession and capable of carrying the logs transversely thereon, the logs being passed from one conveyor to the next and distributed into the supply shafts through logfilled gaps between the conveyors, which conveyors are automatically started for moving the logs on the conveyor line so as to fill shafts which have an insufficient supply of logs, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of sensors for sensing the height of the stack of logs on the conveyor line above each shaft, with two of said plurality of sensors being located at or above the level of each conveyor such that each sensor of said two sensors is adapted to control a respective one of the conveyors adjacent to a given supply shaft, said line being further provided with at least one sensor in each of said supply shafts and adapted to control said adjacent conveyors adjacent each of said supply shafts, so that said adjacent conveyors may be started in motion either simultaneously or separately towards the supply shaft between them to ensure that there is always a sufficient supply of logs at the corresponding grinder.