Abstract: A material removal optimizing system for a wood surface treating apparatus with a plurality of individual work stations arranged serially along an endless conveyor. Each station includes a working abrasive head along with an elevation adjustment mechanism for adjustably positioning the contact surface of each abrasive head at a desired working distance from the opposed surface of the workpiece traveling along the endless conveyor. An incoming workpiece dimension indicator is positioned at the infeed end, and additional workpiece dimension indicators are positioned downstream from each work station, with each dimension indicator being positioned to measure the dimensional deviation of the workpiece from a datum plane after it has passed through its preceding individual work station.

Abstract: A material removal optimizing system for a wood surface treating apparatus with a plurality of individual work stations arranged serially along an endless conveyor. Each station includes a working abrasive head along with an elevation adjustment mechanism for adjustably positioning the contact surface of each abrasive head at a desired working distance from the opposed surface of the workpiece traveling along the endless conveyor. An incoming workpiece dimension indicator is positioned at the infeed end, and additional workpiece dimension indicators are positioned downstream from each work station, with each dimension indicator being positioned to measure the dimensional deviation of the workpiece from a datum plane after it has passed through its preceding individual work station.

Abstract: A belt wear optimizing system for a wood surface treating apparatus with a plurality of individual work stations arranged serially along an endless conveyor. Each station includes a working abrasive head along with an elevation control for adjustably positioning the contact surface of each abrasive head at a desired working distance from the opposed surface of the workpiece traveling along the endless conveyor. An incoming workpiece thickness detector is positioned at the infeed end, and additional workpiece thickness detectors are positioned downstream from each work station, with each being positioned to measure the thickness of the workpiece after it has passed through its preceding individual work station.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for use with surface finishing apparatus having an endless conveyor for transporting workpieces through one or more work stations. The gauge assembly includes a gauge head or body having a planar base support surface housing a movable linear scale shaft having a planar distal upper end surface and mounted for reciprocatory movement between extended and retracted dispositions. A push rod control is provided for accurately controllably positioning the head within the finishing apparatus. A signal generator coupled to the linear scale shaft generates a signal indicative of the position of the distal end surface of the linear scale shaft relative to the planar base support surface, and a remote meter coupled to the signal generator provides a movable and closely positionable meter for visually determining the position of the elevation of the distal end surface and the gauge head.

Abstract: A prompter/monitor system for use in combination with wide-belt abrasive surface treating apparatus and including an array of individual axially spaced apart signal generating workpiece sensors operatively positioned across the width of the belt with each sensor creating a signal in response to the presence of a workpiece moving along a segment or lane of the width of the belt. Readout means are provided for receiving signals from each of the sensors, with the readout means including a display responsive to a selected one of the workpiece sensors. A data processor is coupled to the readout for determining the accumulative duration of time during which a workpiece is detected by each sensor, and also determining that certain sensor which has detected the least duration of workpiece presence which becomes the reference for all others.

Abstract: A prompter/monitor system for use in combination with wide-belt abrasive surface treating apparatus and including an array of individual axially spaced apart signal generating workpiece sensors operatively positioned across the width of the belt with each sensor creating a signal in response to the presence of a workpiece moving along a segment of the width of the belt. Readout means are provided for receiving signals from each of the sensors, with the readout means including a display responsive to a selected one of the workpiece sensors. A data processor is coupled to the readout for determining the accumulative duration of time during which a workpiece is detected by each sensor, and also determining that certain sensor which has detected the least duration of workpiece presence. The total amount of time for which workpieces are detected for each individual sensor are compared, and the display is actuated to represent those width segments which are being under (or over) utilized.

Abstract: An abrasive, sanding and/or surface finishing apparatus designed to extend the useful life of abrasive material which employs a dual-platen arrangement having a particulate removal system designed to effectively remove particulate from the working area of the machine. Specifically, the particulate removal system is designed to remove particles from the surface of the work in the area of the gap created between the twin platens, with a secondary particulate removal system designed to remove material from the work following treatment by abrasive from both platens. The inlet port of the particulate removal system interposed between the platens is designed to occupy a substantial portion of the area within the gap zone between the platens. In addition to increasing the useful life of the abrasive, the particulate removal system reduces the release or discharge of dust into the ambient.

Abstract: Apparatus for cross abrading a workpiece of wood or the like to create a rough-sawn effect across the grain of the wood. The apparatus employs a continuously operating endless abrasive belt that moves relative to a predetermined work area. The workpiece is moved through the work area by a plurality of drive and press rollers generally perpendicularly to the line of endless belt movement. To preclude the abraded rough-sawn effect from being oblique on the workpiece surface, the apparatus includes an oblique platen having a narrow land surface that causes the endless abrasive belt to engage the workpiece over a narrow region of contact. The obliqueness of the platen limits the effect of any given abrasive particle to the narrow region of contact, thus creating cross abrading which is generally perpendiular to the line of workpiece movement.