Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming the edges of sheets including providing a conveyor, a first saw and a second saw, first conveying the sheets on the conveyor past the first saw, trimming a first side edge of the sheets, and then conveying the sheets on the conveyor past the second saw and trimming a second side edge of the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for surfacing a flitch by cutting material from its radially outer surface to prepare the flitch for veneer slicing or other uses. The apparatus comprises a cutterhead rotatable about a cutterhead axis. The apparatus further comprises a carriage comprising a ring that rotates about a carriage axis and a pivot arm that carries the cutterhead and is coupled to the rotatable ring for pivoting movement about a pivot arm axis. The apparatus further comprises a flitch contour accommodation device coupled to the pivot arm and to the cutterhead to permit rotation of the cutterhead about a device axis that is generally transverse to the cutterhead axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for surfacing a flitch by cutting material from its radially outer surface to prepare the flitch for veneer slicing or other uses. The apparatus comprises a cutterhead rotatable about a cutterhead axis. The apparatus further comprises a carriage comprising a ring that rotates about a carriage axis and a pivot arm that carries the cutterhead and is coupled to the rotatable ring for pivoting movement about a pivot arm axis. The apparatus further comprises a flitch contour accommodation device coupled to the pivot arm and to the cutterhead to permit rotation of the cutterhead about a device axis that is generally transverse to the cutterhead axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a flitch includes an upper shaping head assembly for shaping an upper surface of the flitch, a lower shaping head assembly for shaping a lower surface of the flitch, and a groover assembly for placing at least one groove in a surface of the flitch. The apparatus further includes at least one centering arm and chain runner assembly. The at least one centering arm and chain runner assembly includes a chain runner assembly for conveying the flitch toward a transverse center of the centering arm and chain runner assembly, and a centering arm assembly for positioning the flitch. A flitch transport conveyor includes a conveyor frame, a first dogger arm assembly for engaging a first end of the flitch, and a second dogger arm assembly for engaging a second end of the flitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for surfacing a flitch by cutting material from its radially outer surface to prepare the flitch for veneer slicing or other uses. The apparatus comprises a cutterhead rotatable about a cutterhead axis. The apparatus further comprises a carriage comprising a ring that rotates about a carriage axis and a pivot arm that carries the cutterhead and is coupled to the rotatable ring for pivoting movement about a pivot arm axis. The apparatus further comprises a flitch contour accommodation device coupled to the pivot arm and to the cutterhead to permit rotation of the cutterhead about a device axis that is generally transverse to the cutterhead axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming the edges of sheets including providing a conveyor, a first saw and a second saw, first conveying the sheets on the conveyor past the first saw, trimming a first side edge of the sheets, and then conveying the sheets on the conveyor past the second saw and trimming a second side edge of the sheets.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for reciprocating a flitch table (114), the drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft (118) having an output end, a prime mover coupled to the drive shaft (118) for rotating the drive shaft (118), a coupler (120) on the output end of the drive shaft (118), and a connecting rod (122) coupled to the flitch table (114) and the coupler (120). The flitch table (114) is supported from the frame (130) by a guide member (128) secured to one of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) and a bearing member (126) secured to the other of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) for cooperation with the guide member (128). The guide member (128) and bearing member (126) form between them at least one channel (86) for a plurality of bearings (90). The bearings (90) are movable relative to the bearing member (126) and the guide member (128).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically planing a flitch. The method of the invention comprises measuring the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the flitch at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations, calculating a planing operation of the flitch based upon the plurality of distance measurements; and then planing the flitch according to the calculation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are taken by a bank of photodetectors in combination with a computer (microprocessor). The calculation is done by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A veneer slicer comprises a frame and a flitch table for supporting a flitch for the slicing of veneer therefrom. The flitch table is supported from the frame. The veneer slicer further comprises a knife. The flitch table and knife are relatively movable along a path toward and away from one another. The flitch table is mounted on the frame for movement of the flitch across the knife in cutting and return strokes. The flitch table is supported from the frame by a guide member secured to one of the flitch table and the frame and a bearing member secured to the other of the flitch table and the frame for cooperation with the guide member. The guide member and bearing member form between them at least one channel for a plurality of bearings.