Abstract: A compressive holding device having two coupling pieces and forcible elements for reversibly, axially, and compressively engaging the two coupling pieces in mutual engagement, wherein one of the coupling pieces has a plurality of aligning elements and the other coupling piece has a plurality of cooperating elements, such that when the compressive interengagement is carried out, the aligning elements and cooperating elements cooperate in mutual abutment to achieve accurate positioning of the coupling pieces in a circumferential direction. The aligning elements and/or the cooperating elements are subjected to a force in the circumferential direction, such that the cooperating elements and aligning elements are brought into forcible mutual abutment. The coupling pieces respectively have cooperating reference surfaces extending transversely to the direction of compressive interengagement, which reference surfaces facilitate accurate axial positioning.

Abstract: A tool changer for rotatable tool assemblies in punching machines has coaxial, upper and lower synchronously rotatable tool housings (1,2). These are parted along a plane through the rotational axis to form a stationary rotatable guide part (11,11') and a guide part (12,12') radially movable relative said axis. The respective parts (11,12 and 11',12') can be latched to each other for receiving and guiding coacting tool assemblies. Transfer means (20,21) transfer tool assemblies between a turret magazine (30,31) and the tool housings. The transfer means are coupled to the movable guide parts (12,12') of the housings. The coupling permits the housings to be rotated after the movable guide part with the aid of its transfer means has moved a tool to a working position in the tool housing and the guide parts of the housing are mutually latched.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting lengths of debranched trees or logs into shorter pieces, comprising a conveyor for carrying the logs sideways to and past a plurality of cutters arranged in groups, the cutters in each group being individually movable between active cutting and inactive noncutting positions, and into cutting positions over a determined span, and spaced apart along the path of travel of the logs so that only one cutter at a time in a given group cuts a log. Beyond the cutters, a means is provided for classifying the logs according to quality and dimensions, and then separating the classified logs for further cutting into lumber, pulping, or other processing, according to the use to which the log can be put.