Abstract: A machine for removing deckboards from pallets includes a table assembly that establishes a working surface upon which a pallet can be placed and a pair of spaced, parallel, elongate frame members that are spaced from the working surface. The frame members are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of a stringer and are adapted to fit into the spaces between adjacent stringers. A paddle is included as part of each of the frame members, the paddle being movable from a retracted position where the paddle is disposed within the frame member and an extended position where the paddle moves outside the frame member and contacts a deckboard so as to move it relative to the stringers. A hydraulic cylinder moves the paddles between the retracted and extended positions. Preferably, the paddles are hinged for movement such that the deckboards are gradually pried from the stringers in order to minimize damage to the deckboards or stringers as the deckboards are removed.

Abstract: A method for repairing pallets includes the steps of sorting the pallets into groups depending on the type of repair that initially needs to be made to each of the pallets. After the initial repair, the remaining damaged portions of the pallets ace repaired in separate processing lines. In certain instances, pallets from different groups can be combined for subsequent processing. Apparatus for repairing pallets includes an inverter for turning pallets face-up or face-down without manual effort, and a deckboard spreader for separating deckboards to enable defective deckboard-supporting blocks to be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A machine for removing stringers from pallets includes a table assembly that establishes a working surface upon which a pallet can be placed and a carrier assembly that is movable relative to the pallet. The carrier assembly includes a pair of spaced, parallel, elongate cutter rails, the cutter rails being spaced a distance greater than the width of a stringer and adapted to receive a stringer therebetween. A cutting assembly is connected to the cutter rails toward the ends thereof, the cutting assembly including rotatable upper and lower disks connected to the cutter rails. The disks are positioned side-by-side such that the edges thereof are in contact with each other. The upper disks are spaced closer to the ends of the cutter rails than the lower disks. As the cutting assembly is advanced through a pallet, the upper and lower disks shear the nails that hold the stringer in place within the pallet. Severed stringers are collected in a trough and are removed automatically by a conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for inserting stringers into pallets includes a table assembly that establishes a horizontal working surface upon which a pallet can be placed and clamped in position. A carrier assembly that is movable in a generally horizontal plane includes an elongate trough into which a stringer can be placed. The trough carries a movable clamping rail that is adapted to clamp a stringer in the trough. The trough also carries a movable spreader bar that is adapted to spread deckboards a distance adequate to receive a stringer. The machine includes a hydraulic cylinder for reciprocating the carrier assembly toward and away from a pallet disposed on the working surface. The machine also includes a movable clamp that prevents a pallet from moving on the working surface. After a stringer has been inserted into a pallet, the spreader bar is lowered and the stringer is nailed in place. The carrier assembly then is retracted in preparation for another stringer insertion operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dismantling pallets and the like. A pallet to be dismantled is placed on a work table and moved in a direction of travel parallel to the stringers until the first deckboard located on the bottom of the stringers, comes into engagement with a guiding means that accurately positions the interface between the respective deckboard and the stringers. This also places the interface in alignment with a band saw cutting span. As the pallet is moved into the blade in guided fashion, the interface is cut together with the nails so as to free the respective deckboard from the rest of the pallet. This process is repeated sequentially until the entire pallet has been moved through the cutting span. Then the pallet is flipped over to place the deckboards on the opposite side on the table surface and the same operation is repeated to completely dismantle the pallet.