Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus 10 is described for forming a stack 12 of layers 14 of boards with stickers placed transversely between the layers. The apparatus 10 has a reciprocating arm structure 50 for successively picking up layers from an elevated surface and moving the layers over to a stacking station where the layers are stripped from the arm structure 50 as the arm structure 50 is retracted. The arm structure 50 has lifting arms 56 with open channels 64 formed therein to receive the stickers 16. A sticker distribution conveyor 160 extends along the rear of the apparatus to distribute stickers to spaced sticker stations 164 corresponding to the lifting arms 56. A sticker transfer conveyor 170 has a sticker removal subassembly 172 for engaging rear ends of the stickers at the sticker stations 164 and pushing the stickers lengthwise toward the open arm channels 64.

Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus 10 is described for forming a stack 12 of layers 14 of boards with stickers placed transversely between the layers. The apparatus 10 has a reciprocating arm structure 50 for successively picking up layers from an elevated surface and moving the layers over to a stacking station where the layers are stripped from the arm structure 50 as the arm structure 50 is retracted. The arm structure 50 has lifting arms 56 with open channels 64 formed therein to receive the stickers 16. A sticker distribution conveyor 160 extends along the rear of the apparatus to distribute stickers to spaced sticker stations 164 corresponding to the lifting arms 56. A sticker transfer conveyor 170 has a sticker removal subassembly 172 for engaging rear ends of the stickers at the sticker stations 164 and pushing the stickers lengthwise toward the open arm channels 64.

Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus 10 is described having a sticker feed conveyor 150 for distributing stickers to a plurality of sticker stations 154 adjacent a rear of the apparatus 10. A sticker transfer conveyor 158 is provided with grippers 186 at each sticker station 154 for gripping a rear end of the stickers and lifting the gripped stickers from the sticker feed conveyor 150 and moving the stickers forward and depositing the stickers in slots 62 formed in arms 54. The arms 54 are moved forward and upward to pick up a layer of boards on an elevated surface and to transfer the layer and underlying stickers to a layer stacking station 38. An overhead layer formation assembly 100 has layer formation stops 118 that selectively project downward into the path of the boards to form a layer and are removed to release a layer. A stripping mechanism 122 is associated with the layer formation assembly to strip the stickers and layer from the arms.

Abstract: A board feeder is described for loading boards one at a time from a feed station to a delivery station. The individual boards are gripped on opposite horizontal surfaces, lifted over a stop, and deposited at the delivery station. Clamp members are situated on opposite horizontal board sides for moving together to grip the board and for movement between the feed station and the delivery station. A top clamp member moves in an arc back and forth over the stations and stop. A bottom clamp member moves in a closed curve matching the stroke of the top clamp arc. A top part of the closed path represents a delivery stroke starting at the feed station and passing over the stop. The top part of the path ends at the delivery station. The remainder of the top clamp path is a return stroke situated below the stop and stations.

Abstract: A sticker placing apparatus is described for automatically feeding stickers for placement between board layers on a lumber stack. The stickers are delivered to selected sticker stations to one side of the stack by an elongated conveyor. The present placing apparatus then functions to lift select stickers from the sticker stations on the conveyor, upward and laterally to sticker transfer positions where the sticker can be moved to positions under a layer of boards being placed on the stack. The stickers are pivoted up and laterally from the stations to the transfer positions by pivoted sticker supports on a linearly reciprocating carriage. Cam mechanisms on the frame and followers on the sticker supports cause elevational movement of the supports in response to reciprocating motion of the carriage. The individual cam mechanisms can be made inoperative by a lockout mechanism so a sticker will not be delivered to its designated transfer positions.

Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus for successively placing layers of boards one on another to form a vertical stack, and for automatically placing stickers between successive layers of boards to vertically separate the layers within the stack. The successive layers of boards are formed along a layer support surface adjacent the stack. A forked arm assembly is raised to lift the formed layer from the layer support and carry the lifted layer to the stack and deposit the layer on the stack. The stickers are initially moved transverse to the movement of the fork arms to selected sticker positions. The stickers are then lifted up and over sticker supports provided on the sides of the fork arms. As the fork arms are raised to lift of layer of boards from the layer support surface, the sticker supports simultaneously lift a layer of stickers against the bottom side of the board layer.

Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus is described for picking up a course of boards at a course pickup station and moving the course toward to a course stacking station over a stack and depositing the course on the stack. The apparatus includes a general frame having a carriage mounted thereon for reciprocating swinging movement between the two stations. The carriage is movably supported by parallelogram linkage. A crank drive is connected between the frame and the carriage for swinging the carriage back and forth between the station while maintaining the carriage horizontal. The swinging movement of the carriage converts potential energy of the carriage to kinetic energy during the initial portion of the forward and rearward strokes and converts kinetic energy of the moving carriage back to potential energy during the end of the strokes. Such a conversion drastically reduces the peak energy required to drive the carriage.