Abstract: A countertop finishing apparatus includes a base for supporting the countertop. A press is arranged to press an end piece against an end of the countertop. A trimming head is provided with an automatic positioner for automatically moving the trimming head relative to the base to cut the end piece of the countertop to a desired size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering pieces of lumber to a machining device having a longitudinal machining path and operating at a predetermined longitudinal speed. The infeed system comprises feed belt conveyors for carrying pieces of lumber simultaneously in directions both parallel with and perpendicular to the longitudinal machining path and a guide belt conveyor for receiving the pieces of lumber from the feed belt conveyors and moving the pieces of lumber substantially along the longitudinal machining path for receipt by the machining device. The speed of the guide conveyor is at least as great as the speed of the machining device. In addition, the placement of the lumber on the feed conveyor is preferably controlled such that individual pieces of lumber successively contact the guide conveyor. Accordingly, pieces of lumber do not overlap and any gaps between the individual pieces of lumber are minimized to promote efficient operation of the machining device and to minimize damage to the lumber.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a movable rotatable tool ring either by movement of the pole clamp carriage or movement of the tool ring. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the pole clamp carriage, the movement of the tool ring and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning objects, particularly logs, into a loading region are provided. The apparatus comprises a stationary first side wall and a second side wall having a section that is movable with respect to the first wall. A lower floor section is provided between the two side walls. The side walls and the lower floor co-operate to define a loading region having an inlet and an outlet. The loading region is expandable from an initial minimum width sufficiently narrow to prevent misalignment of logs introduced through the inlet to a maximum width. Movement of the second movable side wall expands the loading region to create a gap between one side wall and aligned logs arranged against the other side wall. The gap is sufficiently narrow to prevent misalignment of logs introduced into the gap to ensure an aligned and ordered stack of logs within the loading region.

Abstract: A load stabilizing means for elongated objects grasped at one end and held vertically comprising gravity induced signals to hydraulic power and control means to correct deviations of the axis of the longitudinal object from the vertical. The preferred embodiment applies the invention to felling heads on light carriers.

Abstract: Elongated wood blanks are fed on a table toward a machining tool such as a planar. The leading end of each blank is engaged by a driven input roller at the upstream side of the tool and advanced by the input roller into engagement with the tool and past the tool. A driven advance roller downstream of the tool then engages each input end to draw the blank past the tool for machining the length of the blank. As soon as the leading end of a finger engages the advance roller, the input roller pressure on the blank is relieved and, when the trailing end of the blank passes the advance roller, the input roller is repositioned to engage the leading end of the next blank.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a rotatable tool ring by movement of the carriage. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the carriage and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole. Self centering supports are provided to center the longitudinal axis of the pole on the rotational axis of the tool ring.

Abstract: A workcenter (10) comprises its supports (14a,b,c) which each carry a carriage (24a,b,c) movable along the supports by motors (30a,b,c) under central computer control (41). Each support is an aluminium extruded U-shaped section having four tracks (28) comprising steel strips (27) in slots (29). The carriage is likewise extruded having undercut slots (83) receiving the heads (92) of axles (90) which have eccentric stubs (96) on which bearing wheels (26) are journalled. Four wheels are so-mounted at each end of the carriage. The workcenter is adaptable between different modes of operation; overhang or cantilever by virtue of the profile of the supports.

Abstract: A bench mounted machine allows an operator to produce both mating components for woodworking through and half-blind dovetails in workpieces suitable for case construction and drawer construction with computer controlled programmable flexibility to determine size and centerline spacing of pins and tails as well as half-pin widths. Symmetrical and asymmetrical through and half-blind dovetail configurations can be created without the use of guide templates or fixed spindle arrangements. Stationary workpieces are mounted vertically and horizontally above an automated two axis dovetail cutting means. Pins and tails for interlocking through and half-blind dovetail joints are milled in the ends of workpiece boards based upon operator input commands from a personal computer control station.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. A pair of flow divider combiner valves allow equal amounts of pressurized fluid to communicate with and actuate said cylinders. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The flow divider combiner valves provide equal rates of said fluid to flow to said cylinders to insure said piston rods and mechanically affixed stripping arms and guide arms are moved at equal rates of speed. Thus the stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations.

Abstract: A method for machining a hold-down pressure shoe that conforms to a preselected pattern on a workpiece for firmly maintaining the workpiece against a surface of a machine so that the workpiece may be moved adjacent a rotating cutterhead without elevating it from the surface, comprising the steps of: programming a computer to control a cutting means for shaping the preselected pattern; and operating the cutting means to cut the hold-down pressure shoe into a shape which corresponds with the preselected pattern.

Abstract: Wooden boards which are deformably twisted about their longitudinal axes straightened by being passed through a path that is twisted in a direction opposite that of the boards. The degree of twist of the boards is automatically adjusted as a function of the humidity of the boards and possibly also as a function of the temperature of the boards.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for selecting a target rate of board treatment by a woodworking tool, measuring the difference between the actual rate of board treatment by the woodworking tool and the selected target rate, calculating the tool speed required to reduce the difference between the target rate and the actual rate to zero, and then periodically adjusting the tool speed of the woodworking tool based on the calculated speed required to reduce the difference to zero.

Abstract: Procedure and apparatus for controlling the barking process in a barking drum, which procedure uses measuring devices (13a,13b,14a,14b) placed in conjunction with the barking drum (1) to measure the weight of the drum. The measurement signals obtained from the weight measuring devices are used to calculate the degree of fullness of the drum, and this data is used to control the position of the delivery gate of the drum so as to achieve the desired degree of fullness. Moreover, the degree of barking of the logs is monitored, and the barking degree data is used as a basis for the control of the speed of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A Dual Automated Clamp Carrier provides an apparatus which enables three different activities to be conducted simultaneously at three different levels of the apparatus. The upper level is the location at which clamps previously tightened for gluing panels of wood are untightened automatically. The mid level is the location where the completed panels are removed from the clamps from the loosened clamps and panel segments coated with moist glue are positioned in the clamp for clamping and processing. The lower level is the location where the clamps are automatically tightened. Appropriate support elements for the upper and lower levels allow a carriage including a powered clamp tightener/loosener wrench to be automatically positioned to engage each of the clamps to loosen or tighten the clamps as necessary. The lower carriage also includes an apparatus to flatten the panel segments in each clamp as the clamps are tightened.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for fabricating a gluing plank and in particular to one including steps of severing timber into boards in which those without defects are used as surface board and bottom board while those with defects are used as intermediate board in transverse and longitudinal directions alternately, applying adhesive agent on the boards, gluing the surface board, the bottom board and the intermediate board together to form a plank, and cold pressing and hot pressing the plank.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interlock between a wood working tool and a dust control system in which a standard pressure switch, which can be activated by negative or positive pressure, is located in the dust collector duct which extends to the wood working tool. The switch is electrically connected to the magnetic starter for the wood working tool. The pressure switch responses to a sensed condition of subatmospheric pressure in the dust collector duct to provide power to the woodworking tool, thus insuring that the dust collector system must be functioning to permit operation of the wood working tool. When the dust collector duct becomes blocked or the dust collector fails to function for any reason, the pressure in the duct rises, automatically activating the interlock and interrupting the power supply to the woodworking tool.

Abstract: A veneer composer transfers veneer pieces intermittently on a conveyor, detects the transfer of each veneer piece, cuts the veneer piece into an available width based on a detected signal, joins the veneer pieces end to end to form a composed veneer plate of long length, and cuts the composed veneer plate into a predetermined full size. The conveyor is connected to servo motors and a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit controls operation such that when the conveyor is restarted after an operation of cutting a veneer piece, a buffer acceleration time (Ta) approximately from 40 ms to 200 ms is set for the conveyer, and that when the conveyer is decelerated for setting the veneer piece to a predetermined cutting position, a buffer decelereration time (Td) approximately from 80 ms to 200 ms is set for the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for feeding panels to a panel cutting saw for conveying a stack of panels to a panel cutting saw so that the edges of the panels in the stack are aligned with respect to the cutting plane of the saw. An elevator platform supports a stack of panels. A panel conveyer transfers one or more panels at a time over a transfer platform to a panel feed platform. A repositionable barrier may be positioned between the saw and the panel feed platform. An alignment device aligns the panels of the stack against the barrier to produce a stack with at least one side in which the edges of the panels are aligned, prior to feeding of the stack into the panel cutting saw.

Abstract: A multi-purpose woodworking fixture having structure for facilitating precision-controlled positioning of a woodworking tool, such as a router, about a wood workpiece for cutting wood-joint cuts, wood molding, or geometric designs. The fixture facilitates making a variety of the common wood-joints including dovetail joints, box joints, dado joints, dovetail-dado joints, rabbet joints, combination rabbet and dado joints, mortise and tenon joints, mortise and mortise joints, biscuit joints, lap joints, cross lap joints, end lap joints, dowel joints, spline joints, tongue and groove joints and stile and rail joints. The fixture features a router carriage, a detachable calibrated router positioning mechanical attachment for positioning the router in the X-direction and Y-directions and which complements the router's adjustment in the Z-direction.

Abstract: An improved automatic board cutoff saw that maintains better positional accuracy at higher board speeds is disclosed. The improved automatic cutoff saw includes an overhead belt conveyor including a first belt for starting, stopping and advancing the board in frictional engagement therewith over a substantial length both upstream and downstream from a crosscut saw station, as well as a second belt conveyor disposed beneath the first belt conveyor near an infeed region of the crosscut saw station for engaging the underside of the board during its advancement through therethrough. One of a pair of rollers disposed on a pivotal arm of the overhead belt conveyor, the arm being pivoted by tension in the first belt, is urged into a position whereby a board, which may be of scant height, nevertheless is positively, frictionally engaged by both belt conveyors at least during the critical infeed phase of the board-advancing operation.

Abstract: An ending apparatus for positioning elongate objects comprising, in combination, object singulating equipment for separating a plurality of elongate objects in an inlet area into single objects while moving the objects in a first direction to an outlet area, and object support rollers intermediate the inlet and outlet area for supporting a separated, single elongate object. The object support rollers are adapted to move the elongate object in a second direction toward a reference surface independently of the object's movement in the first direction on the singulating device. The reference surface stops movement of the elongate object to establish a pre-determined position for the elongate object. Establishing the position of the object permits more efficient handling during further processing.

Abstract: A surface levelling device for levelling surfaces such as a wooden floor, the device including a rotatable cutting head (130) which is mounted in a movable framework (4) by means of independently controlled screw devices (84, 86). The screw devices are controlled by control circuits (130, 132) which are responsive to a sweeping laser beam (222) which rotates in a reference plane. The control circuits maintain the cutting head (130) parallel to the reference plane and at a predetermined distance therefrom regardless of movements of the framework (4) over the floor.

Abstract: There is disclosed saw mill apparatus for cutting root end defects from lumber pieces and cutting such pieces to desired sizes including a generally conventional scanner for recording detailed contour data for each piece as it is moved by a plurality of chain belt conveyors transverse to its longitudinal dimension; the scanner is followed by a root end trim saw unit extending over the root end edge of such conveyors including a motor driven rotating circular saw blade articulated to move down into or up out of the path of lumber pieces and also slidably mounted to be moved over a range of about 24 inches in one half inch increments thereby to cut away a defective portion of a lumber piece identified by the scanner and a conventional mill computer; following the end trimming saw unit is an even ending apparatus with generally conventional ending rolls to transport lumber pieces lengthwise as necessary to butt the root end against a guide fence.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing workpieces, comprises a fixing deck, which has a supporting surface and is provided with fixing device, and a numerically controlled tool unit, which is movable over the supporting surface. In order to effect a reliable fixing of the workpieces by a simple and effective method, the fixing device comprises at least one holding-down unit, which includes a holding-down carriage, which is movable over the supporting surface, and a power-operable holding-down finger, which is operable at selectable locations, and that the carriage moving device and finger actuating device are adapted to be controlled in dependence on the control of the tool unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and drilling stock wherein the cutting and drilling operations are performed simultaneously at a single station. A table having a planar surface is used for supporting the stock. A saw is disposed above the surface of the table, and a pair of drills, each having two drill bits, are disposed below the surface of the table. The saw is pivotally coupled to the table so that the saw may be moved toward the planar surface for cutting the stock. As the saw descends toward the table, a clamping mechanism is activated for fixing the stock in place on the table as it is being cut. As the stock is being cut, the drill bits extend through corresponding apertures in the planar surface for drilling the underside of the stock. After the stock is drilled, the drill bits retract and the clamping mechanism releases its grip on the stock.

Abstract: A lumber workpiece charger system for an edger wherein transfer of a workpiece occurs under rapid non-jolting control for pieces positioning, with the workpiece, throughout its delivery, clamped in proper orientation for hand-off to the edger.

Abstract: A log harvesting system is disclosed in which the log is graded automatically in the field by ultrasonic testing of the log. Pulses of utlrasonic waves are transmitted into the log to detect internal defects within the log by measuring changes in the transient time of the ultrasonic wave pulses through at least a portion of the log. A computer is used to determine the grade of the log and produce a grade output signal from transient time data and signals related to the length and diameter of the log. The log is marked with a different colored paint to indicate its grade by an automatic marking device in response to the receipt of the grade output signal. Ultrasonic testing apparatus may be added to a tree harvesting head with a saw for felling the tree and cutting the log to the proper length and delimber knives for removing limbs, in order to test the log for defects as the log is conveyed through such head.

Abstract: A lumber processing apparatus provided with a woodworking router for cutting and processing a material to be processed into a predetermined shape by a cutting edge subjected to numerical control, includes a carriage for removing a material to be processed from a storage area and storing a processed product into the storage area, a supplying table lifter for receiving the material to be processed from the carriage, a first robot for transferring the material to be processed on the supplying table to a sending-in conveyor, a woodworking router for automatically processing the material to be processed, a conveyor for carrying the product processed by the woodworking router, a second robot for transferring the product carried by the conveyor to a carrying-out table lifter, and a control unit for controlling these systems.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for controlling the material feed of a machine for chipping wood or brush. The machine has a pair of coacting feed rolls which feed material to be chipped into a rotating chipper that is driven by an engine of variable speed. Hydraulic motors for driving each of the feed rolls are actuated when the speed of the engine is at least a selected high level appropriate for efficient chipping. If the material is of a size or composition to load the engine below a selected low level adverse to efficient chipping, the hydraulic motors are interrupted to stop feeding of the material to allow the engine to return to an efficient chipping speed. When the engine has recovered to at least the selected high level, the hydraulic motors are reactivated to again feed material into the chipper.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the alignment of two or more adjacent lugs while the lugs are in motion is provided. The alignment measuring apparatus includes a first scanner for detecting the leading edge of a first lug and a second scanner for detecting the leading edge of a second lug positioned adjacent the first. Timing means are provided for measuring the time differential between detection of the first and second lugs and computation means are provided for determining whether adjacent lugs are within alignment tolerances based in part upon the differential time measurement. Alternatively, differential distance measuring means are provided to directly measure the misalignment between the lugs.

Abstract: An apparatus for cross-cutting a treetrunk comprises gripping members which embrace the treetrunk, a feeding mechanism for moving the treetrunk in its longitudinal direction, and a saw which moves transversely to the longitudinal direction and cuts the treetrunk into predetermined lengths. One of the gripping members includes a rotatable guide roller having peripherally spaced apart teeth which engage the treetrunk. The apparatus also comprises a displacement pickup unit which ensures that the treetrunk is cut to a predetermined length. The displacement pickup unit is connected to the guide roller and detects the number of rotations of the guide roller, thereby detecting the longitudinal displacement of the treetrunk. The displacement pickup unit is located within the gripping member so that it is shielded from outside influences.

Abstract: A machine for cutting and stacking into layers sheets of a pre-established size from a plurality of strips of wood obtained from a piece of veneer. The pieces of veneer are fed into a cutter by means of a first conveyor belt actuated by a control means which detects flaws in the wood to cut out transverse strips containing the flaws that are then automatically discarded as they come off the cutter. Strips free from defects are then sent on by a second conveyor belt to a deflector which distributes the strips onto two conveyor belts with intermittent movement so as to arrange the strips into compact adjacent groups to form a sheet of desired length. The plurality of adjacent strips forming a sheet are then sent to stackers to form layers of the sheets.

Abstract: In a wood chipping machine, having a powered infeed material conveyor, an infeed control circuit for automatically adjusting infeed material capacity. The circuit has a monitor for monitoring infeed conveyor loading and a switch which is responsive to the monitor such that the infeed capacity is adjusted to accommodate large material when the conveyor loading reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: In a veneer lathe having a pair of left and right double spindles, a small spindle is inserted in a large spindle in such a manner that the small one is relatively transferred in the axial direction freely and also is relatively rotated freely in the structure of the large one. Either one of the large or small spindle is driven at the one side of the left and right sides by a driving source at a required revolution.

Abstract: The system includes a veneer lathe, a conveyor or apron (50) onto which the veneer from the lathe is initially directed, followed by a combination of an anvil roller (54) and a rotating clipper knife (62), which in turn is followed by a trash gate (72). The speed and rotation of the knife (62) is controlled such that the veneer material produced by operation of the lathe is first cut upon recognition of the start of random veneer and then again upon the recognition of the start of ribbon veneer. The trash gate (72) is controlled synchronously with the operation of the knife (62) such that the trash gate (72) is open up to the point in time where the veneer trash is cut from the remainder of the veneer material, at which point the trash gate (72) is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for cutting and trimming printed circuit board workpieces, particularly printed multilayer circuit board workpieces, which are cut to an exactly predetermined, selectable size at high speed in an operation in which the workpieces are subjected only to relatively low stresses. The workpieces are cut and trimmed and are profiled at each of their edges in a single operation. This is accomplished by means of two circular sawblades, which extend in a common plane and have interdigitating sawteeth, which preferably have diamond cutting edges. The interdigitating sawteeth of the two sawblades cut into the workpiece from opposite broadsides and the sawteeth of each of the sawblades penetrate into the workpiece only in part of its thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and correcting defects in plywood panels carried on a conveyor including a defect detection and measuring device for scanning the surface of the panels to detect and measure the defects; a plurality of correcting units downstream of the device for correcting the defects, and control devices for receiving data from the detection and measuring device and controlling operation of the correcting units to remove and patch the defects, wherein the detection and measuring means projects a light beam transversely onto the surface of the panels and the reflected beam is resolved into a series of points, the position of each of which is measured with respect to the X, Y and Z axes to determine the size of the defect and the ratio of the light intensity of each point with the mean of the light intensity of all points of the reflected beam is measured to determine the type of defect.

Abstract: A programmable bed is provided for machine tools and the like, such as routers, boring tools, and other powered cutters and shapers. The programmable bed has a platen shaped to support differently sized workpieces thereon, and includes a plurality of retractable stops slidably mounted in the platen. The stops are selectively and individually shifted vertically between extended and retracted positions in response to the identification of a particular workpiece, so as to automatically locate or index the same on the platen at a preselected position relative to the machine tool. A plurality of pop-up suction chucks are also slidably mounted in the platen, and are selectively communicated with a source of vacuum. The suction chucks are reciprocated vertically between a retracted disengaged position, and an extended engaged position abutting an adjacent surface of the workpiece, so as to securely retain the workpiece in its preselected position during the machining operation.

Abstract: A system for detecting offsize defects and for segregating the veneer sheets containing the defects from the non-defective sheets. Scanners are positioned along the in-feed conveyor leading to the clipper. As offsize defects are identified, a computer determines which of the sheets to be cut will contain the defects. These sheets are segregated as by diverting them to a pull chain conveyor following the cutting of the sheets from the continuous sheeting. Dye is sprayed on the area of the defects as detected by the scanners to aid in further handling of the defective sheets when removed from the pull chain.

Abstract: A wood cutting machine having a first saw blade adapted to cut a horizontal groove in a wood member, a second saw blade adapted to cut a vertical groove in the wood member, motive means for moving the saw blades selectively into engagement with the wood member, and clamp means automatically operable before operation of the motive means for holding the wood member in place during a cutting operation.

Abstract: A feed speed control for band saws avoids overfeeding and underfeeding of logs or cants to allow higher initial input feeds and takes into account varying cutting depth throughout a log or cant length. The method comprises the steps of positioning a log or cant in preparation for sawing in a saw line, projecting a first light line onto the surface of the log or cant at the projected saw entry line, and a second light line onto the surface of the log or cant at the projected saw exit line and the second light line to determine depth of cut, and controlling the feed speed of the log or cant during the sawing step past the saw blade, to a predetermined feed speed for the measured depth of cut to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assisting lumber grading using an electro-optical scanning system. A first critical determination is determination of pith position of the log from which the lumber was cut, relative to the scanned faces. This then indicates knot orientation. With knot orientation known, knot size and position data also determined by the scanning system can be used to accurately estimate cross sectional area of the knots. From this point a tentative lumber grade can readily be assigned. Pith position is indicated by a number of factors including wane, knot counts on each of the faces and the presence or absences of spiky faces. A preferred form the scanner is one which measures localized wood fiber angles relative to three orthogonal axes. These fiber angle measurements reveal grain slope disturbances on the lumber which are indicative of many types of defects including knots. The system has been used for grading lumber at speeds as high as 350 m/min. with considerable accuracy.

Abstract: A tree trunk is fed to a cutting station along a centerline line by a pluity of groups of centering rolls spaced along the centering line. Some rolls are driven to advance the trunks. The groups of rolls are adjustable from a centering mode to a non-centering mode by either retracting the rolls or unloading the rolls. During the advancement of a trunk successively through the roll groups, the groups are successively adjusted between their centering and non-centering modes such that roll groups located to support front and rear ends of the trunk are in their centering modes, while at least one roll group disposed therebetween is in its non-centering mode.

Abstract: A veneer lathe apparatus control system and method are described for automatic adjustment of lathe components which engage the log during peeling in response to reduction of the log diameter and to changes in the surface temperature of the log. The lathe components which are automatically adjusted include the lathe knife pitch angle, the knife gap spacing from the nose bar, and the radial positions of backup idler rolls and of core drive rolls. A computer control system is employed for such automatic adjustment of the lathe components in response to control signals produced by a temperature sensor which senses the surface temperature of the log and by a lathe carriage position sensor whose output indicates the diameter of the log as it is being peeled. Adjustment curves selected by the computer, such as pitch angle profiles and knife gap curves, are stored as data tables in the data memory of the computer.

Abstract: A programmable bed is provided for machine tools and the like, such as routers, boring tools, and other powered cutters and shapers. The programmable bed has a platen shaped to support differently sized workpieces thereon, and includes a plurality of retractable stops slidably mounted in the platen. The stops are selectively and individually shifted vertically between extended and retracted positions in response to the identification of a particular workpiece, so as to automatically locate or index the same on the platen at a preselected position relative to the machine tool. A plurality of pop-up suction chucks are also slidably mounted in the platen, and are selectively communicated with a source of vacuum. The suction chucks are reciprocated vertically between a retracted disengaged position, and an extended engaged position abutting an adjacent surface of the workpiece, so as to securely retain the workpiece in its preselected position during the machining operation.

Abstract: A woodworking machine has a series of stations spaced along a conveyor having a clamp support for holding flat wood parts and passing the edges through the stations which include cope stations as well as others. The coping stations have a tool unit with a stack of tools mounted on a common spindle. The tools in each stack at the several stations are interrelated such that the cuts of the individual tools can be combined to form different final profiles in a wood part moving through the several stations. The particular cuts in the profile line are analyzed and interrelated to define basic cuts which can be combined to form the final profiles. One tool of each tool stack provides a particular cut, and by precise positioning of the individual tools, the combination of sequential cuts provide the final profile. Each tool may form a complete cut, may overlap a previous cut to form a continuation of such previous cut or may form a cut which includes only a portion of its cutting face.

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: The invention is a method of assisting lumber grading using an electro-optical scanning system. A first critical determination is determination of pith position of the log from which the lumber was cut, relative to the scanned faces. This then indicates knot orientation. With knot orientation known, knot size and position data also determined by the scanning system can be used to accurately estimate cross sectional area of the knots. From this point a tentative lumber grade can readily be assigned. Pith position is indicated by a number of factors including wane, knot counts on each of the faces and the presence or absences of spiky faces. A preferred form of scanner is one which measures localized wood fiber angles relative to three orthogonal axes. These fiber angle measurements reveal grain slope disturbances on the lumber which are indicative of many types of defects including knots. The system has been used for grading lumber at speeds as high as 350 m/min. with considerable accuracy.

Abstract: A wooden wine barrel has one end removed, and is supported by and rotated by power driven support wheels. A router type cutter head extends into the barrel on an inner end of an arm which is pivoted at its outer end so that the cutter head can follow the contour of the barrel, and means to move the barrel longitudinally with respect to the arm (or vice versa) to effect relative longitudinal movement between the arm and barrel.