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.