Abstract: A hopper loading system for a pallet making apparatus includes a first conveying system for conveying a layer of stringers from a stacked array in adjacent substantially horizontal relation along a first direction, and a second conveying system for conveying stringers in adjacent substantially horizontal relation to one of a plurality of hoppers along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for making pallets includes an automatic stringer feeding system; an automatic stringer advancing system; a pallet assembly station; a nail delivery system; and a pallet stacking system. Wood stringers are automatically fed to a series of hoppers which facilitate advancing the stringers into the pallet assembly station. Spaced apart deck boards are nailed, via a gantry movable along a longitudinally extending frame on generally parallel spaced apart linear guide bearings, to both sides of the supporting base of transversely positioned stringers in the pallet assembly station. Multiple nailing stations in adjacent spaced relationship include a pneumatically driven double ram for nailing together stringers and overlying deck boards positioned within the pallet assembly station.