Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for positioning an elongate cant for the infeed of the cant into an edging device capable of longitudinally cutting the cant to remove the wane edges thereof. The apparatus generally comprises: a frame structure; a conveying module for transversely conveying the cant along a substantially straight path; a scanning module located along the path for optically scanning the morphology of the cant and providing morphology data; a computer module linked to the scanning means for analyzing the morphology data and calculating a longitudinal preferred infeed line for said cant; and a positioning means located further along the path for transversely positioning the cant to a colinear relationship with the preferred infeed line for said cant. More specifically, the positioning means comprises a plurality of spaced apart, releasable, pinching members.

Abstract: A board edging infeed optimization system is described. The infeed system is equipped with a conveyor which transversely advances the board, a conventional optical scanning station, and a computer which calculates a longitudinal reference datum line and a preferred edging path for the board and places movable positioning pegs at a predetermined distance away from the preferred edging path. A novel mechanism is used to seize and transport the board further along the path by the predetermined distance so that the board's longitudinal reference datum line is placed colinear with the preferred infeed line into the edging device. The novel mechanism is characterized by the use of rotatable eccentric arm which sequentially advance and retract movable clamping jaws. After the board is placed along its preferred infeed line, grip rollers can longitudinally feed it into the edging device.

Abstract: In a bandmill having a column and a pair of arbor-supported wheels carrying and driving an endless saw, a mechanism is provided to move the first wheel relative to the second wheel to accommodate fluctuations resulting from saw loading conditions; the mechanism comprises: a vertical post having one end slidably received in the column; a horizontal plate fixed to the other end of the post; a arbor support fixedly mounted to the plate and having a hinge portion; a tension arm having a first portion attached to the arbor and a second portion extending lengthwise over the plate; and resilient elements located between the second portion of the tension arm and the plate.