Abstract: The present invention sets forth an automatic gluing and conveying system for use with an automated clamp tightener and flattener system in which the conveyor system is capable of moving transversely to the path of conveying in order to accommodate movement of portions of the clamp carrier which interfere the conveying path. An electronic controlling means controls the movement of the conveyor along the conveying path, movement of the conveyor perpendicular to the conveying path, and coordinates movement of the clamp carrier. Also provided is a method for gluing segments of wood to be formed into panels by a gluing process which is controlled by an electronic control system which coordinates movement of the conveyor along a conveying path and movement of the conveying means perpendicular to the conveying path and movement of a clamp carrier apparatus which overlaps the conveying path.

Abstract: A Dual Automated Clamp Carrier provides an apparatus which enables three different activities to be conducted simultaneously at three different levels of the apparatus. The upper level is the location at which clamps previously tightened for gluing panels of wood are untightened automatically. The mid level is the location where the completed panels are removed from the clamps from the loosened clamps and panel segments coated with moist glue are positioned in the clamp for clamping and processing. The lower level is the location where the clamps are automatically tightened. Appropriate support elements for the upper and lower levels allow a carriage including a powered clamp tightener/loosener wrench to be automatically positioned to engage each of the clamps to loosen or tighten the clamps as necessary. The lower carriage also includes an apparatus to flatten the panel segments in each clamp as the clamps are tightened.

Abstract: An automatic clamp tightener utilizes a pivotally mounted air driven rotating tightener which pivots about a base via the inflation and deflation of a flexible diaphragm. Sensors are utilized to locate the tightener and sense when a clamp is to be tightened or loosened. Sensors also detect when the tightener is driven to a stall condition indicating that the clamp is tightened. The work piece is flattened via two hold down bars which move into and out of engagement with the work piece under automatic control to hold the work piece firmly in place and to pressurize same while the clamp is being tightened. The tightener and the automatic flattener are mounted on the same supporting frame which moves laterally along the location of the clamps to be adjusted.

Abstract: An automatic clamp tightener utilizes a pivotally mounted air driven rotating tightener which pivots about a base via the inflation and deflation of a flexible diaphragm. Sensors are utilized to locate the tightener and sense when a clamp is to be tightened or loosened. Sensors also detect when the tightener is driven to a stall condition indicating that the clamp is tightened. The work piece is flattened via two hold down bars which move into and out of engagement with the work piece under automatic control to hold the work piece firmly in place and to pressurize same while the clamp is being tightened. The tightener and the automatic flattener are mounted on the same supporting frame which moves laterally along the location of the clamps to be adjusted.

Abstract: A clamping device which has a plurality of elongated clamping members joined to a clamp main frame by a pair of slideable side plates which allow the separate clamping members to be moved axially relative to each other and to the clamp main frame so that the clamping members can be adjusted to compensate for irregularities in those workpieces to be clamped that require coaction of two or more clamping members. The slideable side plates are fixed to the clamp main frame and connected to the clamping member by pegs slideable in slots on the clamping member and side plates. A locking nut and bolt clamp the side plates to the clamping member to fix the portion of the clamping member to the frame once the position of the clamping member is determined. The side plates can accommodate relative movement of the clamp support member and can be easily removed from or shifted along the support member.

Abstract: A clamping device which has a plurality of elongated clamping members joined to a clamp main frame by a pair of slideable side plates which allow the separate clamping members to be moved axially relative to each other and to the clamp main frame so that the clamping members can be adjusted to compensate for irregularities in those workpieces to be clamped that require coaction of two or more clamping members. The slideable side plates are fixed to the clamp main frame and connected to the clamping member by pegs slideable in slots on the clamping member and side plates. A locking nut and bolt clamp the side plates to the clamping member to fix the portion of the clamping member to the frame once the position of the clamping member is determined. The side plates can accommodate relative movement of the clamp support member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying liquid adhesive to a work-piece. A reservoir containing the liquid adhesive is moved relative to a stationary perforated support member immersed in the adhesive to expose the support member. Excess liquid adhesive drains through apertures in the support member. The work-piece is placed in contact with the support member for application of the adhesive thereto. After the work-piece is removed from the support member the reservoir is allowed to move back to again immerse the support member. The reservoir is preferably resiliently mounted and connected to a foot-treadle which when depressed moves the reservoir downwardly, exposing the support member.

Abstract: A glue applying machine is provided with work supporting members which are generally triangular in cross-section, are secured to endless driven belts and are disposed to contact work pieces at the apex of the triangular shape.

Abstract: A jaw adapter for use with exceptionally thick stock is provided for a clamp in which two jaws are moved along rails relative to each other to clamp boards between them. Such jaw adapter includes a pair of parallel plates with face plate supporting arms to abut and extend above a jaw of the clamp, and includes rollers rotatably mounted in the plates to extend transversely of the rails and support the jaw adapter thereon.