Log delivery mechanism

A log delivery and positioning mechanism comprising an endless conveyor comprising a frame including a pair of spaced-apart lug-supporting frame members and a center frame rigidly interconnection said frame members so that each said frame member is substantially fixed in position relative to the other frame member;

• a plurality of spaced-apart log-engaging lugs supported on each lug-supporting frame member, for travel around an endless conveyor path which includes an ascending upper run;
• a power drive for stepping the lugs in position about the endless conveyor lug, with each step positioning a new log-engaging lug in an uppermost position on its lug-supporting frame member, where in use logs are delivered in succession onto the upper run, each immediately forwardly of a log-engaging lug on each said lug-supporting frame member, and the log-engaging lugs engage the logs and move them forwardly and upwardly as the log-engaging lugs move;
• positioning means for the conveyor comprising a horizontal and a vertical hydraulic cylinder at each end of the conveyor frame, said horizontal and vertical cylinders being interconnected between the conveyor frame and a support structure, said vertical cylinders being extendible and retractable to raise and lower the conveyor, and said horizontal cylinders being extendible and retractable to move the conveyor in position horizontally.

A log delivery and positioning mechanism according to cliam 13, comprising stabilizing means positioned at each end of the conveyor frame, for bracing the endless conveyor against sway movement on the vertical cylinders, in a direction endwise of the frame, and for holding the conveyor frame in position to prevent a rotational movement of the conveyor frame about an axis extending longitudinally of the conveyor frame as said cylinders extend and retract to position the conveyor.