Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-destructively testing the stiffness of wood panels. The apparatus comprises a support framework having infeed, center and outfeed support assemblies mounted to the framework in spaced, successive positions. Each support assembly is adapted to contact the opposed panel surfaces of each panel to define a travel path along which the panel is advanced through the assembly. A first deflection member is provided intermediate the infeed and center support assemblies and is movable to contact one of the panel surfaces as each panel extends between the infeed and the center support assemblies. The first deflection member acts to bend the panel to a first pre-determined curvature. In a similar manner, there is a second deflection member intermediate the center and outfeed support assemblies movable to bend the panel to a second pre-determined curvature.

Abstract: An improved system for clamping and retaining a cutting knife in position in an apparatus for processing wood. The apparatus includes a support surface, a cutting knife, an associated holding location on the support surface to receive the cutting knife, and a clamp member having a clamping surface to engage and hold the at least one cutting knife in the associated holding location. The improvement involves mounting the clamp member to the support surface at a pivot joint for pivotal movement of the clamp member with respect to the support surface. The clamp member has a clamping surface that extends on one side of the pivot joint and a lever arm extending on the other side of the pivot joint. An actuating member is provided to apply a force to the lever arm so that a clamping force is applied to the cutting knife through the clamping surface according to the principle of a first order lever. The pivoting clamping arrangement provides secure and reliable clamping of the cutting knives.

Abstract: A ring flaker has a housing with a back opening so that a blade ring mounted to an arbor assembly can be slid backwards away from the housing to allow the blade ring to be replaced without removing the housing. This arrangement reduces the down time generally necessary to replace a blade ring in a ring flaker. The back opening in the housing is of sufficient size to permit the blade ring to be axially withdrawn. The arbor assembly has a slide arrangement on the ring flaker carriage and there is provision to use a hydraulic jack to move the arbor assembly on the slide arrangement for a distance sufficient for the blade ring to be disconnected for removal and replacement.