Abstract: A grinding machine for external cylindrical grinding of hollow shafts may include at least one grinding disc, at least one support disc, and at least two centrings for a face-side fixing of a hollow shaft. At least one of the at least two centrings may be configured as a point. A ruler may be arranged to adjust and hold a position of the hollow shaft during a grinding operation. A rotation axis of the at least one grinding disc and of the at least one support disc may be arranged parallel to one another and define a plane. A rotation axis of the hollow shaft to be ground may extend outside of the plane by a distance of a>12 mm.

Abstract: A method and structure for an integrated system for fabricating components for a customer's selected wood-based project, including at least one computer for providing an interface with a consumer to input inquiries and design choices directed to a project having at least one component to be machined in a tandem machine system in which a wood-based project component can be fabricated, regardless whether the component is based on dimensional stock or on sheet material stock. The customer interacts with either a database showing previously-designed projects for implementation using the tandem machine or a CAD (Computer Aided Design) module to develop a new project or a modification of a project in the database.

Abstract: A push block for a woodworking tool includes a heel member at an end of the push block and the heel member is passively actuatable to an extended position to engage a trailing end surface of a work piece to advance the work piece by a working element. The push block also includes a wall member along a first side of the push block to serve as a barrier between a cutting element and an operator's hand. In addition, the push block includes a handle that is disposed obliquely relative to first and second sides and a longitudinal axis of the push block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of a workpiece, in particular of a substantially flat substrate, comprising a table (2) for supporting the workpiece (5), a flow generation apparatus (6, 11) producing a gas flow (22) on a top face (17.1, 17.2) of the table (2) in a region between the workpiece (5) and the top face (17.1, 17.2) of the table (2), on which gas flow the workpiece (5) is supported during the treatment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing.

Abstract: A new log support and clamp system (log rest) for a portable sawmill, having a log rest and a log dog. The log rest features a ratcheting, quick-adjustable, self-locking clamp which improves the ability of the user to affix the log in place for sawing. Also, a portable sawmill having such a log rest.

Abstract: An optimizing planer infeed system for feeding an array of workpieces downstream to a planer includes an apparatus for setting the size of the gaps between successive linearly aligned workpieces so that each gap between successive workpieces provides enough time for at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements to be moved to their optimized position corresponding to the next successive workpiece.

Abstract: A floating caterpillar feeder is used for moving a workpiece on a worktable. The feeder includes a housing unit having a bottom edge, a driving unit including two pairs of sprockets and two chains respectively trained on the pairs of the sprockets, and a plurality of feeding units connected between the chains. Each feeding unit includes two mounting members connected respectively and fixedly to two corresponding links of the chains, parallel horizontal inner and outer rods connected fixedly between the mounting members, parallel pushing plates sleeved on the inner and outer rods, and resilient members for biasing the pushing plates to project from the bottom edge. Each pushing plate has a pair of inner and outer holes engaging respectively and movably the inner and outer rods so as to allow the corresponding pushing plate to move relative to the inner and outer rods in an inner-to-outer direction.

Abstract: A woodworking machine includes a worktable, a feeding device, a pressing wheel device, and a cutter disposed between the feeding device and the pressing wheel device. The feeding device includes a feeding unit, and at least two positioning members connected to the feeding unit and locked releaseably on a side portion of the worktable. The pressing wheel device includes a pressing wheel unit, and at least two positioning members connected to the pressing wheel unit and locked releaseably on an opposite side portion of the worktable. The pressing wheel unit presses a workpiece against the feeding unit.

Abstract: An optimizing planermill system includes a control system and a workpiece feed path for feeding an array of workpieces linearly downstream to an optimizing planer. The gap size between successive workpieces is set so that each gap provides enough time for relative movement of at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements so as to obtain relative movement between the cutting elements and the workpiece being next fed in for optimized positioning.

Abstract: An adjusting device for the conveying belt of a planer includes a fundamental plate assembled on the base of a planer. The fundamental plate has its rear end disposed with a rear roller unit connected with the base of the planer and composed of two adjusting plates and a rear roller. The two adjusting plates are respectively bored with longitudinal insert slots preset in number to enable the adjusting plates to be slidably assembled on the fundamental plate. Each adjusting plate has its front end extending outward vertically and forming a positioning wall pivotally fixed thereon with a positioning member and movably fastened on the base of the planer. The adjusting device for the conveying belt of this invention is simple in structure and easy to be assembled, lowering processing and assembling cost.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism adapted for use with a woodworking machine includes a driving unit and a feeding roller unit. The feeding roller unit includes a driven shaft that extends along an axis from the driving unit and that is driven by the driving unit to rotate about the axis, a feeding roller that is disposed co-rotatably around the driven shaft, a plurality of contact components, and a plurality of resilient components. Each of the contact components has a contact end portion and is resiliently movable relative to the feeding roller between an extended position, where the contact end portion is exposed from the feeding roller, and a retracted position, where the contact end portion is retracted into the feeding roller. Each of the resilient components is disposed for biasing a respective one of the contact components toward the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for end squaring and/or dividing elongated materials by determining an actual orientation of the elongated material, or an actual position of an associated pair of positioning mechanisms that are contactable with the elongated material, and changing the actual orientation to correspond with a desired orientation through independent movement of the positioning mechanisms prior to or during the end squaring and/or dividing operation.

Abstract: The method of forming timbers especially for use as webs in timber roof trusses comprising feeding timbers in a predetermined path with the timbers extending transversely to the direction of feed and, as the timbers are so fed, shaping the ends thereof to rounded form, and apparatus for carrying out said method comprising conveyors for feeding the work, a saw for cutting the timbers to length, and cutters for the end shaping.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.

Abstract: An improved log charging system for a sawmill having a sharp chain infeed conveyor includes a log turning station for scanning and rotating a horizontally supported log about its longitudinal axis to a desired orientation that will produce maximum lumber yield, and a charging system for clamping the log in the desired position, lowering the horizontal log, while clamped in the desired orientation, forwardly and downwardly relative to the sharp chain, and pressing the log downwardly toward embedded engagement with the teeth of the sharp chain by a continued travel hand-off device. To increase the speed of the log charging operation, the log is preliminarily scanned prior to transport to the log turning station, thereby to permit adjustment of the log support device for size before it receives a given log.

Abstract: The log positioning and conveying apparatus is used for conveying a log from an upstream end to a downstream end, and for positioning a log according to a predetermined downstream position. The apparatus comprises an open frame and a number of powered conveying rollers arranged therein in a row. These rollers, in addition to being rotatable, are displaceable in two directions relative to the open frame, namely, in a vertical direction for correcting the position of the log vertically relative to the open frame, and in a horizontal direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the conveying apparatus, for correcting the position of the log transversely relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Machine for profile working of front surfaces on oblong wood workpieces resolves the problem of simple, accurate and fluent or continued working of workpieces front surfaces of various lengths and intersections, and the machine is of a compact construction. It is characteristic by the construction of the entrance turnover device transversely placed between longitudinal conveyors with carriers, which has on the periphery of rotating wheels constructed movable bearing couplings, and by them fixed guiding plates with the groove inside which there are movably inserted guided bearings of bearing couplings. In the area of the entrance turnover device there are placed under an optional angle the oblique roller conveyors, inside which there are flexibly and circularly movably inserted rolls.

Abstract: A saw mill includes a base frame having a front and a rear and being sized and configured to support a log; saw apparatus having a cutting blade and being connected with the base frame for horizontal movement in a cutting stroke from a start position near the front of the base frame to an end position near the rear of the base frame and in a return stroke back to the front of the base frame and being for cutting in a generally horizontal plane a board from the log; power apparatus for powering the saw apparatus; at least one pushback arm connected to the saw apparatus and being sized and configured to engage and eject the board from atop the log during the return stroke; and, a board guide apparatus extending generally forwardly from the saw apparatus and including a crossbar and plurality of fingers connected with the crossbar and positioned to engage and guide the board in a desired path as it is being ejected from the log, each finger including an upper link connected to the crossbar and a lower link hinge

Abstract: A log processing machine and associate method employs one or more log guides to make joinery cuts in a processed log which has at opposed edges of the processed log the raw log's natural external contour. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each log guide includes a straight edge and is attached to the processed log to create an artificial straight edge for guiding the processed log through the joinery machine. Prior to attachment, centerlines are marked on the log guide and the processed log, and the centerlines are aligned when the log guide is attached to the processed log. The processed log, with the log guide attached, is then moved through the machine with the aid of computer control while the straight edge of the log guide follows a fence. In this manner, the position of the processed log and its centerline are always known so that the computer can make the programmed joinery cuts with high precision.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting oversized wood chips smoothly and uniformly, such that the resulting chips are of optimum size and shape for use in making paper, cardboard, and other recyclable materials. A method is provided for aligning and guiding oversized wood chips through an array of spaced-apart saw blades using a reciprocating plunger controlled to continuously align and sweep the wood chips completely through the saw blades. The method and apparatus can be adapted to produce a variety of desired wood chip sizes.

Abstract: A return conveyor belt system for conveniently returning ripped lumber to an individual after being ripped. The return conveyor belt system includes a table having an upper surface, a manipulating member slidably positioned upon the table and mechanically connected to a drive motor, a conveyor pivotally attached to the table, a control unit for controlling the drive motor and the conveyor, and a sensor positioned upon the conveyor for sensing a piece of lumber. A saw positioned adjacent to the table delivers ripped lumber upon the upper surface of the table where after the manipulating member forces the ripped lumber either onto the conveyor or away from the conveyor. The ripped lumber is transported towards the operator until a sensor detects the lumber thereby terminating movement of the conveyor. The operator is then able to remove the ripped lumber from the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus which cuts certain wood pieces, commonly referenced as “mill ends,” such that the chips can be used to make paper, cardboard and other recyclable materials. The use of a horizontal drum in combination with a horizontal anvil and a “moving cavity” which orients elongate elements, is likewise contemplated.

Abstract: This invention refers to a woodworking machine equipped with fastening devices capable of allowing the processing of items of complex shape and variable size, characterized in that it provides a multiple number of devices which are mobile and capable of being positioned on a working plane independently from each other, where each of said devices simultaneously constitutes both a striking element for positioning the item and a blocking element for the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically planing a flitch. The method of the invention comprises measuring the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the flitch at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations, calculating a planing operation of the flitch based upon the plurality of distance measurements; and then planing the flitch according to the calculation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are taken by a bank of photodetectors in combination with a computer (microprocessor). The calculation is done by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the size of wood members, particularly pan-shaped wood members known in the industry as “lilypads”, such that the orientation of the fibers of the lilypads are encouraged to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and rotation axis of a cutting drum having a plurality of cutting members extending from its circumferential surface.

Abstract: A material support tool used for routers for allowing pieces of wood to be cut accurately and safely. The material support tool used for routers includes a base member having a hole centrally disposed therethrough and being adapted to receive a router bit therethrough; and also includes a first material support assembly being mounted upon a top of the base member; and further includes a second material support assembly also being mounted upon the top of the base member and being spaced from the first material support assembly, and in combination with the first material support assembly being adapted to support a piece of wood therebetween.

Abstract: The chopping machine includes a crosscutting device for cutting the timber, a feeder for feeding the timber in its longitudinal direction to the crosscutting device and a splitting apparatus operated by a splitting cylinder for splitting a cut block of timber. The feeder includes two elongated supporting surfaces forming a substantially horizontal trough open in the upward direction, into which the timber to be treated can be placed. One of the supporting surfaces is connected to a power device for moving the supporting surface back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the trough, and the supporting surfaces are provided with directional holding elements arranged in the longitudinal direction of the trough to prevent the timber from moving in relation to the surface away from the crosscutting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved separator, commonly referred to as a “lath”, “stick”, “sticker”, or “crosser”, that is used in the lumber industry to separate pieces of lumber in a stack or bundle. The separator features, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves traversing the length of the separator to permit air circulation within the grooves, and a plurality of ridges between the grooves to support the pieces of lumber. In another embodiment, a second plurality of grooves traverse the length of the separator and the first grooves to form a cross-hatching of grooves to permit air circulation within the grooves, and forming a plurality of protrusions to support the pieces of lumber over the grooves.

Abstract: A lumber feeding mechanism for feeding lumber pieces laterally on a supply conveyor after scanning them with a light scanner to determine a reference axis for the optimum yield of boards. The lumber pieces are fed by dogs from a start position to a feed position in alignment with a feed conveyor which feeds such pieces longitudinally through a lumber edger with adjustable cutting saws. The feeding mechanism includes alternating sets of first and second dogs which are pivoted between a raised position for engagement with the rear edges of the lumber pieces to push such pieces from the start position to the feed position and a retracted position to enable the dogs to be returned to the start position passing on opposite sides or on the same side of the piece. Electrical actuation motors or fluid cylinder actuation motors with rotating output gears are used to pivot the dogs in response to a control signal produced by an electrical control system.

Abstract: A cutting machine comprises first (10) and second (12) work piece support means, said means including opposed surfaces operable to grip a work piece and move it in a controlled manner in a first dimension, and first (14) and second (16) cutting tools disposed substantially between the first and second work piece supported means such that they are operable to approach and cut the work piece from opposite sides, wherein each cutting tool is movable in second and third dimensions that are substantially orthogonal to the first dimension and to each other.

Abstract: A method for processing of workpieces, which are supplied to a processing station, in which the workpieces are processed on one side, are moved out of the processing station, and are turned and again supplied to the processing station for processing the second side. In particular, a workpiece or workpiece package is individually supplied to the processing station, is processed there and individually moved on following the processing of both sides. The first side of one workpiece, whose second side has not yet been processed, and the second side of another workpiece whose first side had already been processed in the previous processing operation, are processed in one processing operation in the processing station, so that during each processing operation a workpiece processed on both sides is created together with a workpiece processed only on one side.

Abstract: A repositionable supporting apparatus includes a lower post adapted to be fixed on a worktable. An upper post is disposed co-axially rotatable relative to the lower post, and has a downward abutment wall defining an upper cavity, and an anchored end portion connected to an anchoring end of a cantilever member. The cantilever member has a holding end opposite to the anchoring end in a direction radial to the upper post for carrying a workpiece feeding device. A coupling member couples the lower post with the upper post in both retained and released positions where the upper post is prevented from rotation and is rotatable relative to the lower post respectively, and has an upward abutment wall to slidably contact the downward abutment wall such that a lower cavity therein can be aligned and communicated with the upper cavity.

Abstract: A woodworking machine, in particular a trimming machine, of working elongate workpieces such as timbers, beams, boards and the like is proposed, the workpiece resting on a support and a longitudinally movable coupling element guiding the workpiece to working units. In this machine there is provided a guiding element which is likewise longitudinally movable and can be positioned in such a manner at a working unit that, on the one hand, optimal workpiece guidance is achieved and, on the other hand, the coupling element and the guiding element remain outside the operative region of the working unit.

Abstract: The board positioning device of the present invention is for optimally longitudinally positioning a board for trimming. The board is translated from an upstream position to a downstream position in a first direction towards the trimming saws. The board translates at a translation speed on a board translating device such as a lugged transfer chain. The board while translating in the first direction, is aligned longitudinally, that is, along its length, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so as to position the board relative to the saws. The board is urged by board ending means, such as ending rolls, in the second direction against a corresponding board positioning member, such as a shaft mounted paddle, on the board positioning device. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second directions lie in a generally horizontal plane.