Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least partially disassembling a pallet, the pallet having a plurality of deck board support interfaces, includes providing at least one cutting device that is positionable at any one of the board support interfaces and selectively positioning the at least one cutting device adjacent a particular board support interface of the pallet. The particular board support interface is cut with the at least one cutting device.

Abstract: An accumulator for handling pallets in a pallet workstation provides a continuous through-put of panels through the pallet workstation. The accumulator includes a base, which is positioned between a pallet stack holder and a conveyor, and an articulating member supported by the base. The articulating member moves between a first position to receive a stack of pallets from the pallet stack holder and a second position to engage at least one of the pallets to move the pallet along the base to the conveyor. In this manner, the return fill cycle of the pallet stack holder is removed as a bottleneck in the pallet workstation. The accumulator can accommodate a wide range of pallet to pallet variation without affecting its reliability and, moreover, significantly increase the pallet sortation and inspection process.

Abstract: An apparatus for unnailing wood pallets includes a frame, a first cutter assembly and a second cutter assembly positioned vertically above the first. The first cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a cutting head at one end, downwardly biasing springs at an opposite end and a pivot between the ends. The second cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a second cutting head at one end and a pivot at an opposite end that is coaxial the pivot of the first cutter assembly. The second cutter assembly is biased upwardly by springs between its support arms and those of the first cutter assembly. A stringer return member is horizontally movable with a pallet-moving cradle and includes a member which is pivotally mounted to the cradle at one end and has a follower at an opposite end to follow a track that moves with the support arms in order to keep the member positioned between the pair of support arms.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plating apparatus having a pivotally mounted unitary c-shaped plating member including opposing arms joined at a bight portion. Pressing means extend between the opposing arms to force a splice-plate and a portion of a pallet towards each other. The pressing means includes a hydraulic cylinder powered by a two-stage pump that provides low-pressure, high flow during an initial run-out of the cylinder and high-pressure during actual impaling of the splice-plate into the pallet stringer. The pivot for the c-shaped member preferably extends from the center of gravity of the member to minimize unbalanced weight stressing the pivot pin. A holddown means is provided for holding a pallet against a pallet support member. The holddown means is likewise pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for unnailing wood pallets includes a frame, a first cutter assembly and a second cutter assembly positioned vertically above the first. The first cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a cutting head at one end, downwardly biasing springs at an opposite end and a pivot between the ends. The second cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a second cutting head at one end and a pivot at an opposite end that is coaxial the pivot of the first cutter assembly. The second cutter assembly is biased upwardly by springs between its support arms and those of the first cutter assembly. A stringer return member is horizontally movable with a pallet-moving cradle and includes a member which is pivotally mounted to the cradle at one end and has a follower at an opposite end to follow a track that moves with the support arms in order to keep the member positioned between the pair of support arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for unnailing wood pallets includes a frame, a first cutter assembly and a second cutter assembly positioned vertically above the first. The first cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a cutting head at one end, downwardly biasing springs at an opposite end and a pivot between the ends. The second cutter assembly includes a pair of elongated horizontal support arms supporting a second cutting head at one end and a pivot at an opposite end that is coaxial the pivot of the first cutter assembly. The second cutter assembly is biased upwardly by springs between its support arms and those of the first cutter assembly. A stringer return member is horizontally movable with a pallet-moving cradle and includes a member which is pivotally mounted to the cradle at one end and has a follower at an opposite end to follow a track that moves with the support arms in order to keep the member positioned between the pair of support arms.