Abstract: The loading device of the present invention is adapted for the high speed handling of lumber pieces, wherein the lumber pieces are fed side-by-side in bulk to the loading device by an inlet conveyor and are delivered by the loading device in a substantially constantly spaced relationship onto an outlet conveyor which carries the lumber pieces to another station, e.g. a classifier. The loading device comprises solely motorized mechanical components, including a number of synchronized cam-actuated tongs for picking up, grasping and transferring the lumber pieces from the inlet to the outlet conveyor. The tongs are mounted on a rotatable wheel and each displaced by a first cam system between open, closed and open positions thereof during each rotation the wheel.

Abstract: The loading device of the present invention is adapted for the high speed handling of lumber pieces, wherein the lumber pieces are fed side-by-side in bulk to the loading device by an inlet conveyor and are delivered by the loading device in a substantially constantly spaced relationship onto an outlet conveyor which carries the lumber pieces to another station, e.g. a classifier. The loading device comprises solely motorized mechanical components, including a number of synchronized cam-actuated tongs for picking up, grasping and transferring the lumber pieces from the inlet to the outlet conveyor. The tongs are mounted on a rotatable wheel and each displaced by a first cam system between open, closed and open positions thereof during each rotation the, wheel.