Abstract: An article sorting nesting device includes an article delivery device, a rack assembly and a collection device under operation by a controller to transport, sort and nest random articles into a particular configuration. The rack assembly is arranged at an angle and incrementally displaced relative to the delivery device to position empty shelves adjacent the delivery device to successively receive the articles by gravity. The controller controls which articles from the shelves are delivered in sequence to a collection device based on a sensed length, width or color of each article. The collection device collects the selected sequential articles and arranges them in the particular configuration.

Abstract: An article sorting nesting device includes an article delivery device, a rack assembly and a collection device under operation by a controller to transport, sort and nest random articles into a particular configuration. The rack assembly is arranged at an angle and incrementally displaced relative to the delivery device to position empty shelves adjacent the delivery device to successively receive the articles by gravity. The controller controls which articles from the shelves are delivered in sequence to a collection device based on a sensed length, width or color of each article. The collection device collects the selected sequential articles and arranges them in the particular configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing random width wood-boards and selecting a matched set according to their surface colors and widths. The boards are manually placed on a conveyor, from a stacked supply, and subsequently measured for width and color. Thereafter, each board is electronically identified, incrementally tracked and stored in a linear array above the conveying surface. After filling the storage level to its full capacity, a microprocessor in combination with an incremental encoder, selects and matches a set of boards from the stored inventory, while continuously restoring its full capacity, and queuing the best blended order of contiguous boards. Moreover, the matching set of boards will have an overall dimension that falls within a prescribed value.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing random width wood-boards and selecting a matched set according to their surface colors and widths. The boards are manually placed on a conveyor, from a stacked supply, and subsequently measured for width and color. Thereafter, each board is electronically identified, incrementally tracked and stored in a linear array above the conveying surface. After filling the storage level to its full capacity, a microprocessor in combination with an incremental encoder, selects and matches a set of boards from the stored inventory, while continuously restoring its full capacity, and queuing the best blended order of contiguous boards. Moreover, the matching set of boards will have an overall dimension that falls within a prescribed value.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are presented for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw. A first workpiece is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a laser projection system. The laser projection system projects a laser pattern onto the workpiece, the laser pattern corresponding to one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. Finally, there is a pinch roller system for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the workpiece's orientation under the laser pattern. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the servo-driven friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the friction belt system and which determines the optimum laser pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are presented for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw. A first workpiece is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a laser projection system. The laser projection system projects a laser pattern onto the workpiece, the laser pattern corresponding to one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. Finally, there is a pinch roller system for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the workpiece's orientation under the laser pattern. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the servo-driven friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the friction belt system and which determines the optimum laser pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw includes a first workpiece that is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a pattern projection system. The pattern projection system causes a pattern to be projected onto the first workpiece. The pattern is one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. An operator may select alternate patterns, and/or may skew the board to select the desired cut. A pinch roller system is provided for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the desired skew, if any. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the infeed system and which determines the optimum pattern.

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: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention presents a method for automatically selecting and transmitting to further work stations appropriately size pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing variations of the apparatus shown in the art for glue such strips together) saves time in the formation of the end products.

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: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products. Information concerning the operation of the invention is recorded by customer number or other code to provide a permanent record of the results of the invention's operation.

Abstract: An automatic clamp tightener utilizes an air driven rotating tightener which is suspended on a plate. The plate is caused to slidably move inwardly towards the clamp to be tightened and to be withdrawn therefrom. A laterally movable carriage supports the tightener and the suspension plate. The tightener employs mechanic stops for end-left and end-right of the carriage to limit motion of the carriage. The motor driving the carriage bearing the suspended tightener may be either a stepping motor or a servo motor. The air driven tightener is powered to open or tighten a clamp for either a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined tension or strain is sensed in the clamp.

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: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products.

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.