Abstract: A planing machine (or simply “planer”) which may have two planer heads, each head containing the conventional knives and supporting apparatus to perform the actual cutting of material. To improve yield, the board is centered vertically as it progresses longitudinally through the planer. This is accomplished using either or (preferably) both of two systems: (1) a segmented self-centering drive roll system to feed the boards into the machine; and (2) a shoe mechanism which is controlled by a linkage such that the retracting segmented shoe assembly moves away from the planer head as it moves vertically to compensate for varying material thicknesses. The result is a more efficient use of the workpiece because less waste is created.

Abstract: A system for rapid replacement of abrasive in machinery which uses the abrasive to finish the surfaces of workpieces that pass through the machinery on a belt, such as so-called widebelt sanders. One preferred embodiment of the system employs an abrasive material that is frictionally held on each edge to mounts. The position of the mounts may be varied to increase or decrease the tension of abrasive material against the working surface of the platen, that the assembly may be removed from the apparatus. In another embodiment, the abrasive material is formed with integral, permanent mounts on the edges of the abrasive material, so that the entire combination may be supplied or replaced as a unit. A variety of configurations of mounts may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a surfacing machine includes centering assembly having a plurality of individually movable biasing element sets, comprising an upper element and a lower element. Each element set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the element set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a valve. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each element set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower element of an element set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing element would automatically move the same amount when the valve is closed. When the valve is open, the upper and lower elements are free to move independently, allowing the centerline to be easily positioned as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.

Abstract: An improved method and device for performing setup and adjustment of pressure shoes used in an abrasive finishing machine. The setup of the pressure shoe stop limit device is performed automatically and remotely. The stop limit is hydraulically locked in place and limits subsequent shoe rotation. This automatically positionable travel limit stop takes into account the natural spring of the various machine components, including the innate springiness of the surfacing head elastic covering which wears and deforms over time. The pressure shoe is adjusted relative to the surfacing head, and accounts for the undefinable characteristics of the overall machine.

Abstract: An abrasive, sanding and/or surface finishing apparatus designed to extend the useful life of abrasive material which employs a dual-platen arrangement having a particulate removal system designed to effectively remove particulate from the working area of the machine. Specifically, the particulate removal system is designed to remove particles from the surface of the work in the area of the gap created between the twin platens, with a secondary particulate removal system designed to remove material from the work following treatment by abrasive from both platens. The inlet port of the particulate removal system interposed between the platens is designed to occupy a substantial portion of the area within the gap zone between the platens. In addition to increasing the useful life of the abrasive, the particulate removal system reduces the release or discharge of dust into the ambient.

Abstract: A pressure platen for use in an endless abrasive belt surface finishing device which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in a reciprocal pattern relative to the work surface. The assembly includes means for continuously driving the platen along a reciprocal path with platen guide wheels being provided which engage a stationary track for maintaining horizontal orientation of the platen. The surface of the platen is preferably provided with a graphite containing cloth cover. The improved platen assembly enhances the performance of the system through improvements to the quality of the finish, a significant increase in belt life, and also an increase in the lifetime for the graphite impregnated cover.

Abstract: A belt loading assist apparatus for use in combination with wide abrasive machines wherein the belt loading assist apparatus comprises a generally inverted "U"-shaped support arm which is arranged to be pivotally moved between operative and retracted dispositions. The axis of the support arm is generally coincidental with the axis of the upper guide drum and the support arm has an upper arcuate surface which is substantially coincidental with an outward projection of the surface of the upper guide drum. A support cylinder is provided for releasably retaining the support arm in its operative disposition.

Abstract: An opposed double-disc abrasive deburring apparatus designed for simultaneous deburring of both major surfaces of workpieces. The abrasive material is carried in opposed double-disc counter-rotating abrasive media retaining pads, with the workpieces being carried through the pads on a turntable having workpiece receiving and guiding bores formed therein.

Abstract: An endless abrasive cross-belt surface treating apparatus which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in an oscillatory or epicyclic pattern relative to the work surface. The apparatus includes means for drivably oscillating the platen as well as a pair of laterally disposed belt guiding rolls positioned immediately adjacent the platen, with such oscillatory or epicyclic motion being continuously applied to the cross-belt while workpieces are being carried or conveyed through the machine.

Abstract: A wood surface treatment system comprising a tandemly arranged endless abrasive cross-belt and flexible rotary abrading surface treating apparatus wherein the abrasive cross-belt portion of the system which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in an oscillatory or epicyclic pattern relative to the work surface and wherein the flexible rotary abrading portion of the apparatus includes a pair of angularly disposed rotary abraders, such as cylindrical brushes. The axis of each individual flexible rotary abrader is disposed at an acute angle, preferably 45 degrees, to the axis of the conveyor, with the individual axes being preferably disposed at 90 degrees, one to the other. The cross-belt portion of the apparatus preferably includes means for drivably oscillating the platen.

Abstract: A wood surface treatment system comprising a tandemly arranged endless abrasive cross-belt and flexible rotary abrading surface treating apparatus wherein the abrasive cross-belt portion of the system which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in an oscillatory or epicyclic pattern relative to the work surface and wherein the flexible rotary abrading portion of the apparatus includes a pair of angularly disposed rotary abraders, such as cylindrical brushes. The axis of each individual flexible rotary abrader is disposed at an acute angle, preferably 45 degrees, to the axis of the conveyor, with the individual axes being preferably disposed at 90 degrees, one to the other. The cross-belt portion of the apparatus preferably includes means for drivably oscillating the platen.

Abstract: A wide belt orbiting sander having an improved workpiece conveyor system, wherein a plurality of resiliently biased platen segments are utilized to apply a force against the underside of the upper conveyor flight in oppositely disposed relationship to the sanding heads. The platen includes a number of individual segments, each segment occupying a certain finite portion of the transverse dimension of the conveyor, and with each of the platen segments being mounted for rocking and pivotal motion about both longitudinal and transverse axes. Wide belt sanders equipped with the improved conveyor system of the present invention are capable of handling a wide variety of workpieces including workpieces of variable and varying dimensions.

Abstract: An endless abrasive belt surface treating apparatus which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in an oscillatory or epicyclic pattern relative to the work surface. The apparatus includes a rotary eccentric crank or drive for drivably oscillating the platen as well as the belt guiding rolls adjacent the platen, with such oscillatory or epicyclic motion being continuously applied while workpieces are being carried through the machine.

Abstract: A belt driven feed assembly having a plurality of floating passive pinch wheels and a plurality of floating drive wheels, staggered and offset from one another, for conveying flat stock having irregular upper and lower surfaces. The drive and pinch wheels coact with one another and the belt to vertically center the flat stock relative to a stationary milling assembly, whereby irregularities in the upper and lower surfaces are removed so as to obtain finished flat stock with relatively smooth and parallel upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: Abrasive grinding apparatus having a continuously revolving turret assembly to which a plurality of workpiece holding platens are affixed. Associated with the turret are angularly positioned stationary grinding assemblies having drum driven abrasive belts. Work enters and leaves the grinding stations at an acute angle with intermediate, complete belt coverage, whereby necessary system drive power is minimized.

Abstract: A sanding and polishing machine for individual workpieces having an infeed conveyor for carrying workpieces along a predetermined path through one or more tandemly arranged working stations for exposure to a series of endless abrasive belts. The abrasive belt contacts the workpiece under the influence of a multi-segmented platen, with each platen segment being arranged for adjustable positioning relative to the plane of the surface of the workpiece. Positioning of each individual platen segment is accomplished by virtue of the combination of a workpiece sensor together with an adjustable selected input supplementing the workpiece sensor so that one or more platen segments disposed adjacent to those segments actuated by the workpiece sensing units are also actuated, thus increasing the number of segments responding to the presence of workpieces in the working station and either symmetrically or asymmetrically enhancing the sensed width of the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously surfacing the opposite faces of workpieces with abrasive belts wider than the workpieces, which includes mechanism for feeding workpieces of different thicknesses simultaneously, and centering mechanism for engaging the surfaces of the workpieces as they pass through the machine.