Abstract: A conveyor chain trackway to receive a chain. The chain has first and second links, the latter alternating with the first. Each first and second link comprises a pair of spaced side members. There is a pivotal joint between neighbouring links. Spikes are formed on a plurality of first links to receive and locate a load. The trackway comprises a base member in the low friction layer on the base member and dimensioned to receive the second links. Side plates are spaced from each side of the base member. The side plates extend upwardly to be alongside the chain when the chain is in position. The side plates can be adjusted on the base to vary the distance from the base. Low friction distance pieces on the inner side of the side plate extend to contact and locate the chain. The chain is thus held on a fixed course and movement inwardly of the low friction distance pieces can compensate for wear in the chain.

Abstract: A long log waferizer for converting logs into wafers comprising a base, with a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder for controlling a wheeled movable frame adapted for linear reciprocating movement on the base. A motor is mounted to the movable frame to drive a rotary cutter that is also mounted to the movable frame. A log delivery chute adapted to direct logs in front of the rotary cutter is provided and the movable frame is moved by the hydraulic cylinder to advance the rotary cutter into the logs, the rotary cutter cutting the logs into wafers.

Abstract: A rotatable carrier has a plurality of cutter knives protruding from a work face thereof. A feed passage is positioned to direct longitudinal sides of wood pieces against the carrier face to enable the knives to slice wafers from the pieces during rotation of the carrier. The feed passage is defined by opposed side walls each having a plurality of superimposed gripper chains with runs forming a moving inner surface of the respective wall. These chains are adapted to grip the ends of wood pieces and move said pieces along the passage. The chain arrangement of at least one side wall is mounted in floating relationship to that of the other side wall and is resiliently biased towards the latter.

Abstract: Precision guide means for accurately directing lumber to and/or receiving cut lengths from saws. The guide means is mounted for selective movement by setworks back and forth across a path along which the lumber moves. A closed hydraulic system includes piston-cylinder units with a unit near each of opposite ends of the guide means. One end of each cylinder unit is fixed against movement and the opposite end thereof is connected to the adjacent end of the guide means, and pipe means interconnects these cylinder units so that when the guide means is moved, hydraulic fluid is transferred from an end of one of the units to an opposite end of another unit to ensure that both ends of the guide means move exactly the same distance. The guide means can be a linebar and a tailbar interconnected by the hydraulic system so that they are moved in unison exactly the same distance by the setworks. The guide means can be or include a relatively long splitter.