Abstract: A log carriage employs a fixed knee and a second, movable knee adapted to move along at least a portion of the length of a log, to enable optimal positioning and minimizing knee interference with scanning of the log.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for reciprocating a flitch table (114), the drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft (118) having an output end, a prime mover coupled to the drive shaft (118) for rotating the drive shaft (118), a coupler (120) on the output end of the drive shaft (118), and a connecting rod (122) coupled to the flitch table (114) and the coupler (120). The flitch table (114) is supported from the frame (130) by a guide member (128) secured to one of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) and a bearing member (126) secured to the other of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) for cooperation with the guide member (128). The guide member (128) and bearing member (126) form between them at least one channel (86) for a plurality of bearings (90). The bearings (90) are movable relative to the bearing member (126) and the guide member (128).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a flitch on a staylog or slicer for slicing veneer from the flitch, the staylog or slicer having a plurality of expandable wedge-clamp dogs, the method comprising the steps of providing a flitch having a plurality of dados for receiving a plurality of wedge-clamp dogs, positioning the plurality of wedge-clamp dogs within the plurality of dados in the flitch, and expanding the wedge-clamp dogs to retain the flitch on the staylog or slicer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a flitch into sheets of veneer. The method and apparatus include providing a drive mechanism which causes relative motion of a knife in contact with the flitch. The relative motion is relatively slower during one part of the cutting stroke and is relatively faster during another part of the cutting stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a flitch on a staylog or slicer for slicing veneer from the flitch, the staylog or slicer having a plurality of expandable wedge-clamp dogs, the method comprising the steps of providing a flitch having a plurality of dados for receiving a plurality of wedge-clamp dogs, positioning the plurality of wedge-clamp dogs within the plurality of dados in the flitch, and expanding the wedge-clamp dogs to retain the flitch on the staylog or slicer.

Abstract: Veneer cutter, wherein the cutting is provided by a blade, the front rake face thereof being movable to pass a stationary counter blade, substantially in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the veneer. The cutter includes two blades in a common cutting movement and arranged at a distance from each other in the feed direction of the veneer. The cutting blades are located with their front rake faces facing away from each other, and the first blade in the feed direction is positioned at a higher elevation from a common plane of the counter blades than the second blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a flitch on a staylog or slicer for slicing veneer from the flitch, the staylog or slicer having a plurality of expandable wedge-clamp dogs, the method comprising the steps of providing a flitch having a plurality of dados for receiving a plurality of wedge-clamp dogs, positioning the plurality of wedge-clamp dogs within the plurality of dados in the flitch, and expanding the wedge-clamp dogs to retain the flitch on the staylog or slicer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a flitch into sheets of veneer. The method and apparatus include providing a drive mechanism which causes relative motion of a knife in contact with the flitch. The relative motion is relatively slower during one part of the cutting stroke and is relatively faster during another part of the cutting stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a flitch into sheets of veneer. The method and apparatus include providing a drive mechanism which causes relative motion of a knife in contact with the flitch. The relative motion is relatively slower during one part of the cutting stroke and is relatively faster during another part of the cutting stroke.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch having a veneer-producing zone on a flitch table for rotating or translational movement past a veneer-slicing knife comprises stationary dog means coupled to a flitch-carrying body for engaging the flitch and means for engaging the flitch with the stationary dog means to hold the flitch on the flitch-carrying body. The flitch-carrying body may be part of a modular flitch table assembly. In the invention, the flitch is held on the flitch table with the veneer-producing zone in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife so as to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: The problem in previously known stay log-type veneer slicers in which a large block of wood is directed in an eccentrically rotating manner past a knife consists of the fact that a remaining block that cannot be sliced has to be removed by hand from a girder structure on which the block is mounted. Hence, the downtime for removing the remaining block and mounting a new block of wood is relatively long. The aim of the invention is therefore to create a stay log-type veneer slicer that has a reduced downtime. Said aim is achieved by disposing means for discarding the block of wood (16) and a device for automatically conveying away the discarded block of wood on the girder structure (12).

Abstract: In a slicer having a table for supporting a workpiece from which a slice is to be sliced, a knife is linked at opposite end portions of the knife to cranks for moving the knife in strokes having components generally transverse and parallel to the knife. The table with supported workpiece moves toward the knife while the knife moves for making the slice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a veneer slicing apparatus including a table assembly. A blade support is mounted on the table assembly. A blade is supported in the blade support. A carriage assembly is adapted to engage and hold a log generally parallel to the table assembly. A drive assembly is configured to reciprocate the carriage assembly between a cutting stroke and a return stroke. During the cutting stroke, the log is passed over the blade to longitudinally cut a slice of veneer from the log. Disclosed is a method for manufacturing veneer. At least one log is received on a table assembly. The log is engaged by a carriage assembly. The log dwells in a ready position on a heated portion of the surface. The carriage assembly is moved to pass the log longitudinally over a blade supported on the table assembly to cut a slice of veneer.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for reciprocating a flitch table (114), the drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft (118) having an output end, a prime mover coupled to the drive shaft (118) for rotating the drive shaft (118), a coupler (120) on the output end of the drive shaft (118), and a connecting rod (122) coupled to the flitch table (114) and the coupler (120). The flitch table (114) is supported from the frame (130) by a guide member (128) secured to one of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) and a bearing member (126) secured to the other of the flitch table (114) and the frame (130) for cooperation with the guide member (128). The guide member (128) and bearing member (126) form between them at least one channel (86) for a plurality of bearings (90). The bearings (90) are movable relative to the bearing member (126) and the guide member (128).

Abstract: In prior art veneer-slicing machines, the blade is always mounted so that its cutting edge is parallel to the plane of the table, inside of which a wooden beam can be clamped. As a result, it is not possible or only possible with a high degree of complexity, to make adaptations to the shape of the wooden beam, said shape being, for example, conical in some types of wood, or to the course of the grain in order to achieve an optimal sectional image and thus the best possible veneer quality. The inventive veneer-slicing machine should make it possible to make simple adaptations to the shape of the wooden beam or should be able to influence the sectional image. To this end, the tool slide (1) can be placed at an angle (?) that is slanted with regard to the plane of the table (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a veneer slicing machine. The output of prior art veneer slicing machines is limited by virtue of the fact that the slideways quickly heat up at a maximum stroke rate. As a result, the maximum permissible temperature of 120° C. is quickly reached thereby making it necessary to shut down the machine in order to permit the slideways to cool. The inventive veneer slicing machine should be able to be used in continuous operation at a maximum stroke rate and thus function without resulting in a loss in quality. To this end, cooling means are arranged on the slideways (16) and are provided in said slideways (16) e.g. in the form of borings (21) through which the coolant circulates whereby enabling heat to be carried away in a well-directed manner.

Abstract: In prior art veneer-slicing machines, the blade is always mounted so that its cutting edge is parallel to the plane of the table, inside of which a wooden beam can be clamped. As a result, it is not possible or only possible with a high degree of complexity, to make adaptations to the shape of the wooden beam, said shape being, for example, conical in some types of wood, or to the course of the grain in order to achieve an optimal sectional image and thus the best possible veneer quality. The inventive veneer-slicing machine should make it possible to make simple adaptations to the shape of the wooden beam or should be able to influence the sectional image. To this end, the tool slide (1) can be placed at an angle (&agr;) that is slanted with regard to the plane of the table (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a veneer slicing machine. The output of prior art veneer slicing machines is limited by virtue of the fact that the slideways quickly heat up at a maximum stroke rate. As a result, the maximum permissible temperature of 120° C. is quickly reached thereby making it necessary to shut down the machine in order to permit the slideways to cool. The inventive veneer slicing machine should be able to be used in continuous operation at a maximum stroke rate and thus function without resulting in a loss in quality. To this end, cooling means are arranged on the slideways (16) and are provided in said slideways (16) e.g. in the form of borings (21) through which the coolant circulates whereby enabling heat to be carried away in a well-directed manner.

Abstract: Vacuum flitch-retaining systems use vacuum valves having pressure-operated reciprocatable pistons capable of high valve closure forces to provide the reliable closure of their associated valve seats, notwithstanding the presence of resin, wood fibers, dirt and other debris that may be present in the valves and on the valve seats, to control the application of vacuum to vacuum cells formed in a flitch-retaining table.

Abstract: A veneer slicer comprises a frame and a flitch table for supporting a flitch for the slicing of veneer therefrom. The flitch table is supported from the frame. The veneer slicer further comprises a knife. The flitch table and knife are relatively movable along a path toward and away from one another. The flitch table is mounted on the frame for movement of the flitch across the knife in cutting and return strokes. The flitch table is supported from the frame by a guide member secured to one of the flitch table and the frame and a bearing member secured to the other of the flitch table and the frame for cooperation with the guide member. The guide member and bearing member form between them at least one channel for a plurality of bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new kind of veneer which has the cross grain (such as wavy grain and interlocked grain) artificially formed on the surface of straight-grained veneer cut by quarter sawing from a species of wood which should yield the cross grain but actually has no cross grain. Disclosed also herein is a method of producing the cross-grained veneer, said method comprising cutting wood into veneer of desired thickness which assumes the straight grain, by using a veneer peeling machine equipped with a knife whose cutting edge waves continuously in the lengthwise direction, and flattening the veneer having an uneven surface by means of thermal fixing or hot pressing, thereby artificially forming the cross grain on the surface of the straight-grained veneer. The knife is constructed such that the cutting edge waves in the widthwise direction of the knife and the troughs of the wave are disposed along the straight line extending in the lengthwise direction of the knife.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding flitches for slicing in a vertical slicing process. The apparatus includes a clamp having a centrally located vacuum pocket disposed between two opposed clamping dogs. The clamp provides a vacuum assisted clamp for vertical slicing of thin veneers.

Abstract: A veneer slicer comprises apparatus for reciprocating a flitch from which veneer is to be sliced, apparatus for supporting a knife for slicing veneer from the flitch as the flitch is reciprocated, and apparatus for supporting a pressure bar for contacting the flitch and exerting pressure on the flitch. The knife supporting apparatus and veneer reciprocating apparatus are movable relatively toward each other prior to a stroke of the flitch reciprocating apparatus during which the knife is in contact with the flitch to thereby remove a slice of veneer from the flitch. The apparatus for supporting the pressure bar is separately controllable from the knife supporting apparatus.

Abstract: A sawmill that is a compact integrated unit of a multiplicity of components all mounted on a common frame for performing different functions to produce pieces of lumber from a log. Logs can be processed that have a minimum diameter of approximately 2" and a minimum length of approximately 42" with the overall length of the mill being approximately 17'. There are a number of power driven feed and guide rolls that propel a log endwise along a fixed path. The processing components include first and second pairs of chipper canter units with novel chipper heads, a pair of rabbet units in which each has a pair of cutter heads on concentric telescopic shafts and power driven rolls for off-feeding pieces of lumber of differing widths. The log feed speed and/or chipper head speed can be varied to provide chips of selected different lengths. Positioning of the processing units is controlled by a programmed processor unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch having a veneer-producing zone on a flitch table for rotating or translational movement past a veneer-slicing knife comprises stationary dog means coupled to a flitch-carrying body for engaging the flitch and means for engaging the flitch with the stationary dog means to hold the flitch on the flitch-carrying body. The flitch-carrying body may be part of a modular flitch table assembly. In the invention, the flitch is held on the flitch table with the veneer-producing zone in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife so as to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for cutting veneer sheets from a tapered flitch (one-half of a veneer log which has been sawn in half longitudinally) that places the veneer producing face of a tapered flitch in a stable, parallel relationship with the veneer slicing knife, thereby allowing full utilization of the natural taper of a veneer log.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch, having a generally semi-cylindrical veneer-producing zone, on a staylog for movement past a veneer-slicing knife, wherein the tapered flitch includes an axis of rotation. The apparatus comprisesstationary dogs coupled to the staylog for engaging the flitch and movable dogs for moving the flitch into engagement with the stationary dogs to hold the flitch on the staylog. The flitch is held on the staylog so that the axis of rotation of the veneer-producing zone is in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife in order to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: A veneer slicer includes a flitch drive assembly for reciprocating a flitch table. The drive assembly includes a timing belt coupling a drive motor output shaft to at least one driven wheel, wherein the driven wheel is connected to the flitch table by a connecting rod and the flitch table reciprocates in response to rotation of the driven wheel. The drive assembly can include a plurality of driven wheels and a single timing belt coupling the plurality of driven wheels to the output shaft. Alternatively, each driven wheel can be coupled to a drive shaft by a separate timing belt.

Abstract: A vacuum valve includes a valve body with a cylindrical sidewall having a vacuum inlet coupled to a vacuum source and a vacuum outlet. A piston is disposed within the valve body for movement between an open position and a closed position and provides a vacuum port that extends between the vacuum inlet and the vacuum outlet when the piston is in the open position. The valve also includes means for cooperating with a vacuum source to remove material from the vacuum valve as the piston moves between the open and closed positions. The vacuum port of the piston includes a reduced diameter portion that provides a passageway for vacuum and debris. A sharp edge, preferably an annular knife edge, circumferentially surrounds the piston adjacent, and extending into, the reduced diameter portion. The annular knife edge is oriented to provide a cutting stroke during movement of the piston from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch, having a generally semi-cylindrical veneer-producing zone, on a staylog for movement past a veneer-slicing knife, wherein the tapered flitch includes an axis of rotation. The apparatus comprisesstationary dogs coupled to the staylog for engaging the flitch and movable dogs for moving the flitch into engagement with the stationary dogs to hold the flitch on the staylog. The flitch is held on the staylog so that the axis of rotation of the veneer-producing zone is in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife in order to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: A veneer-slicing apparatus includes a flitch table movable relative to a carriage which carries a cutting blade for slicing veneer sheets from the flitch. The cutting blade is mounted on a blade carrier that is rotatable relative to the carriage. The apparatus further includes a remotely operable mechanism for adjusting the angle of attack of the cutting blade relative to the flitch by rotating the blade carrier relative to the carriage. The adjusting mechanism includes an electrohydraulic cylinder and piston coupled to the carriage and the cutting blade, a hydraulic fluid flow control valve, a piston position sensor, a computer, and an operator console. All of the components of the adjusting mechanism are electrically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A vacuum holding device is provided for a veneer slicer, comprising a vacuum source, a platen having a flat surface comprising a plurality of vacuum compartments, wherein each compartment contains at least one port connected through a vacuum line to the vacuum source, sealing means within each compartment, wherein the sealing means surrounds each compartment and also extends outwardly from the compartment beyond the flat surface of the platen such that a flitch to be sliced contacts the sealing means when the flitch is moved proximate the platen, wherein the compartment, sealing means and flitch create a vacuum chamber which holds the flitch in place during slicing; and, a ball valve connected in each vacuum line between each port and the vacuum source, wherein each ball valve is operatively arranged to open to create a vacuum to exist in its respective compartment.

Abstract: A circular saw shaft for cutting wood comprises a motor-driven shaft and a ircular saw blade mounted on the shaft. A support disk is mounted on the shaft in spaced relationship to the saw blade to apply to the wood a supporting force in a direction extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The support disk can be fixed to the shaft, or biased along the shaft axis by springs. In lieu of springs, the support disk could be elastically flexible.

Abstract: Slicer dogs for use in a veneer slicer in which a flitch is held against a flitch table and the table reciprocated in a plane generally parallel to the table relative to a knife and pressure bar. The knife slices sheets of veneer from the flitch during alternate reciprocations. The dogs have plural rows of teeth to assist in holding the flitch on the slicer.

Abstract: A system permits the apparatus for slicing veneer from a flitch to be initially adjusted and to be operated efficiently and reliably. The system includes an improved pressure plate adjustment means as part of the apparatus, including an electric drive for each end of the pressure plate to quickly and accurately position the pressure plate relative to the edge of the veneer cutting blade. By simply pressing push buttons controlling the two electric drives, each end of the pressure plate can be caused to move forward or backward in precise increments of less than 0.001 inch and to be quickly and accurately vertically aligned with the cutting blade edge. Thereafter, the desired spacing can be set on a control console by means of thumbwheel switches and a computer means will automatically position the pressure plate to achieve the desired spacing.

Abstract: In veneer slicing, the surface portion of the log or block to be sliced is heated but to a relatively shallow depth. Heating preferably is effected by infrared radiation, whereby the large hot water vats at present in use can be dispensed with, and a veneer of very high quality is obtained at lower cost and with a minimum of waste.

Abstract: A veneer slicer comprises a reciprocating flitch table providing a mounting surface for a flitch, a knife and pressure bar assembly movable along a path normal to the mounting surface, top and bottom dogs for gripping the flitch and holding the flitch against a central portion of the mounting surface, an intermediate dog mounted on the flitch table in proximity to the central portion of the mounting surface, a projecting device for projecting the intermediate dog from a retracted position within the flitch table to a projected position a distance from the mounting surface, and a power system for moving the top and bottom dogs toward the central portion of the mounting surface to concurrently grip and hold two sections of the flitch against the mounting surface. The top and intermediate dogs grip opposite portions of one of the flitch sections, and the bottom and intermediate dogs grip opposite portions of the other flitch section.

Abstract: Wood shavings suitable for use as absorbent bedding litter for poultry or other animals are produced at a high rate of production by a machine which includes an elongate open-bottomed stationary hopper adapted for receiving a supply of elongate wood pieces for being formed into wood shavings, with an elongate carriage positioned lengthwise beneath the elongate hopper and closely adjacent the open bottom thereof. A series of transversely extending rotating cutters is carried by the carriage at spaced locations along the length of the carriage, with the cutters being adapted for engaging the wood pieces in the lowermost portion of the hopper at spaced locations along the length of the pieces. The carriage is moved in a reciprocating manner over a predetermined relatively short stroke of movement substantially less than the length of the hopper and such that the cutters of the series collectively engage and form shavings from the elongate wood pieces over the entire length of the wood pieces.

Abstract: In a vertical type wood shearing machine having a blade holder and bar carrying unit and a substantially vertical support cable, the improvement being at least two wood stock support arms each pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the blade holder and bar carrying unit and pivotable from a support position with the arms extended away from the blade holder and bar carrying unit to a retracted position with the arms folded toward the blade holder and bar carrying unit. A double action hydraulic cylinder is associated with each of the support arms and is pivotally mounted at its one end to the blade holder and bar carrying unit and is pivotally mounted to an intermediate portion if each of said support arms at its other end. Each of the double action hydraulic cylinders are mounted at an angle so as to permit the extension of the support arm into the support position and a retraction of the support arms into a retracted position.

Abstract: A generally vertical veneer slicing device having a plurality of holding hooks for supporting a wood-stock on a generally vertical supporting table. Each of the respective holding hooks include a pair of complementary adjustable jaw members for gripping the wood-stock therebetween wherein the complementary pairs of jaw members vary in length. The arrangement is such that the holding hooks are rendered selectively operative so that progressively smaller hooks are used for supporting the wood-stock as the wood-stock is reduced in size during a cutting operation with the larger length jaw members being shifted to an inoperative out-of-the way position.

Abstract: There is described a wood shearing machine for the production of veneers, having the wood supporting table with the supporting surface for the wood stock, vertical and running on slideways, alternatively upwards and downwards, characterized in that in addition it has the blade-holding unit placed above the bar-carrying unit and both being slidable on horizontal slideways, the arrangement being such that the cutting operation may take place while the wood stock moves upwards and that the sheet is obtained with the edges turned downwards.

Abstract: There is described a wood shearing machine, for the production of veneers, characterized in that it has the table supporting the wood stock to be cut, as well as the slideways upon which said table slides is inclined at an angle .alpha. to the vertical and consequently the bar-carrying unit and the blade-holding unit, which are perpendicular to the former, are inclined at an angle .alpha.' to the horizontal; the two angles .alpha. and .alpha.' being obviously equal to each other, the arrangement being such so as to ensure with the same speed lower stresses and increased speeds than with vertical wood shearing machines.

Abstract: A device to rapidly move away and subsequently move closer to the wood stock the blade-holding unit and bar-carrying unit, after each cutting operation, in a vertical type wood shearing machine, comprising and characterized by one or more pairs of screws, which when rotating determine the axial feeding motion of the assembly, as well as an equal number of hydraulic double-acting cylinders provided at the rear ends of the screws and connected thereto, which determine by the axial displacement of the respective pistons the actual quick movement away and movement closer of the assembly with respect to the wood stock to be cut.

Abstract: A traversing device for the blade-holding unit and the bar-carrying unit of a vertical wood shearing machine, or a wood shearing machine slightly inclined to the vertical, comprising four screws, two of which are placed at the bottom near the slideways, and the other two screws, being placed at the top slightly above the reaction plane of the pressure bar, and a mechanical transmission capable of making the four screws kinematically synchronized with each other.

Abstract: The safety device is applied to a vertical type, wood shearing or veneer cutting machine, and prevents the blade-holding unit and the bar-carrying unit from striking the hooks of the wood supporting table, during the shearing process. The safety device comprises a set of magnetic proximity switches, placed on the bar-carrying unit near and above the cutting point, equally spaced from each other and opposed to respective hooks or dogs fixed to the wood supporting table. The hooks are also equally spaced and are alternatively of greater and smaller length, so that the upward and downward vertical motion of the wood stock is stopped when the magnetic switches near the hooks of greater length and operation of the machine is stopped so that the hooks or dogs can be replaced by others of smaller length.

Abstract: A microtome for cutting very thin tissue sections from living animals, in situations where extreme accuracy is required. Two rigid, completely closed quadrangular units are arranged for movement relative to one another, one of these units carrying the cutting instrument, the other carrying the object to be cut.