Abstract: Herein are novel tools for splitting wood and material handling. Disclosed is a vehicle supported wood splitter comprising a blade portion and a fixation portion extending from the blade portion. The blade portion comprises a generally upward facing cut edge situated between a primary deflector face and a secondary deflector face and in one embodiment at least a portion of the fixation portion is sized and shaped to be received in a hitch receiver of a vehicle. In other forms, the blade portion comprises a ball space for seating over a hitch ball. In some forms, the splitter is in the form of a jack stand. Also disclosed is a complementary kindling collection system, a guide system, and splitter device adapted to one or more of casting, machining, and welding. Several methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a length-adjustable connecting rod, to a device for setting a compression ratio and to an internal combustion engine. A length-adjustable connecting rod with a small connecting-rod eye and a large connecting-rod eye preferably has a switching device. The switching device is preferably designed to control the length of the connecting rod, in particular hydraulically. In addition, the connecting rod preferably has an adjustment device which is actuable, in particular mechanically, from outside the connecting rod, has a rotatably mounted adjustment unit and is designed to mechanically switch, in particular to actuate, the switching device by rotation of the adjustment unit.

Abstract: A specialized wood splitting tool and chopping block, used together, enable cutting kindling from ordinary firewood in an effective and safe manner. The splitting tool uses leverage in addition to downward momentum of the cutting head to split wood. The metal handle and metal cutting head are preferably formed from a single piece of steel, in a perpendicular configuration similar to an adz. A splitting wedge blade within the handle exerts transverse shear forces to enhance splitting, and flat upper surfaces of the cutting head and the handle near the joint provide a striking surface. A complimentary chopping block for bracing logs of various diameters in a steady upright position has a V-shaped recess that is open on one end. The chopping block provides resistance to the unique leverage of the splitting tool during the splitting action.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide systems, devices, and methods for splitting logs, wood, and other materials. A splitting device safety feature is disclosed, the safety feature comprising a safety locking mechanism that generally requires operation or activation by at least one hand of a user and an activation mechanism which generally requires activation or use with the other hand of a user. Both mechanisms are required to be activated, each by at least one hand of a user, in a simultaneous manner in order to activate at least some features. For example, a safety lock out mechanism is provided that prevents or blocks the activation of the device from initiating log splitting processes. Therefore, two distinct features requiring the use of at least one hand of a user are required to be activated or operated in order to perform log splitting functions.

Abstract: A guard for a log splitter apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the guard includes a support member adapted to be secured to a rail of a log splitter apparatus, and a panel hingedly secured to the support member. The panel may be lockably positionable at least between a collapsed position and an extended position. The panel is adapted to capture at least portions of a log, in various aspects. In various aspects, a plurality of support members are located about the panel to secure the panel to the rail of the log splitter apparatus. The support members may be located such that the support members and the panel avoid interference with mechanisms of the log splitter apparatus with the guard secured to the rail. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: Superior Skid Splitter is designed to lift, split, and load firewood logs, effectively eliminating the need for physical labor when handling and processing the wood. The device features an adjustable, hydraulic wood splitter containing a plate assembly with a six-way cutter head on its underside. The unit can be attached to a skid loader or a tractor, allowing it to lift a single large log and split it into six smaller pieces. It can also be designed to grab and carry long lengths of logs to load onto trucks or trailers, and may load pieces of split wood into receptacles because of its relative orientation.

Abstract: A manually-operable log splitter for use with a splitting wedge has a pair of jaws pivotable about a point. Each jaw is connected to a handle extending away from its associated jaw from the pivot point. The jaws have a tip smaller than a width of the splitting wedge with which the splitter is used. The jaws and handles are dimensioned and configured for insertion beside the splitting wedge when embedded in a log. Manual application of force F on each handle outward from the pivot point spreads the jaws and provides sufficient force for splitting the log. This tool is particularly suited for small scale log splitting, such as by a home owner for personal use.

Abstract: A hands-free wood (log segment) splitting apparatus and method of employing a mobile vehicle having mounted thereon the splitting apparatus. The splitting apparatus includes a mount removably secured to the mobile vehicle and having secured thereon a rotatable auger, the location of the mount and the components carried thereon being safely remote from an operator. Control over the positioning of the apparatus, including the auger relative to a to-be-split log segment, control over the movement of the auger relative to the log segment being split, restraining the log segment from undesired movement relative to the spinning auger, and other related actions, are effected by the operator from the remote location and without exposure of the operator to personal injury from the splitting apparatus. Guides are provided for entry thereof into a split to serve as impediments to collapse of the split portions of the log segment against the auger.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a compact, portable, lightweight, easily transportable, quickly operating wood splitting apparatus, using a knife which cuts a log or piece of wood that is deposed on a platform. This compact and portable wood splitter is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder transmitting a pendulum movement to a knife and onto an upright piece of wood. The apparatus may be attached to a truck box, to a trailer or to a wall by means of a vertical, horizontal, fixed or mobile fixture. The splitter apparatus is compact and portable and it can easily be stored in a car trunk or in a shed.

Abstract: A specialized wood splitting tool and chopping block, used together, enable cutting kindling from ordinary firewood in an effective and safe manner. The splitting tool uses leverage in addition to downward momentum of the cutting head to split wood. The metal handle and metal cutting head are preferably formed from a single piece of steel, in a perpendicular configuration similar to an adze. A splitting wedge blade within the handle exerts transverse shear forces to enhance splitting, and flat upper surfaces of the cutting head and the handle near the joint provide a striking surface. A complimentary chopping block for bracing logs of various diameters in a steady upright position has a V-shaped recess that is open on one end. The chopping block provides resistance to the unique leverage of the splitting tool during the splitting action.

Abstract: A hands-free wood (log segment) splitting apparatus and method of employing a mobile vehicle having mounted thereon the splitting apparatus. The splitting apparatus includes a mount removably secured to the mobile vehicle and having secured thereon a rotatable auger, the location of the mount and the components carried thereon being safely remote from an operator. Control over the positioning of the apparatus, including the auger relative to a to-be-split log segment, control over the movement of the auger relative to the log segment being split, restraining the log segment from undesired movement relative to the spinning auger, and other related actions, are effected by the operator from the remote location and without exposure of the operator to personal injury from the splitting apparatus. Guides are provided for entry thereof into a split to serve as impediments to collapse of the split portions of the log segment against the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for splitting logs includes a hydraulic power unit, for driving a wedge against a log, held in a fixed position, between the wedge and an anvil. The hydraulic power unit is manually powered, and can provide driving forces at two different speeds, depending on the loads encountered during a log splitting operation.

Abstract: Log cutting is accomplished by energized cutting wires. The wires are energized at ultrasonic frequencies, provided in adjustable grid patterns to produce cut boards of desired sizes by passing a log through the energized grid. Grippers hold the log at each end and move the individual cut boards to storage, banding or drying stations.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for splitting logs includes a hydraulic power unit, for driving a wedge against a log, held in a fixed position, between the wedge and an anvil. The hydraulic power unit is manually powered, and can provide driving forces at two different speeds, depending on the loads encountered during a log splitting operation.

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 kit to form a wood splitting apparatus. The kit includes a guide track (14,16) capable of assembly and disassembly. The guide track is adapted for mounting (40) to a vertical support. A splitting wedge (22) is provided which is adapted to engage and move along the guide track. A stop (24) is provided for limiting movement of the splitting wedge along the guide track.

Abstract: A new or retrofit block hoist for conventional, hydraulic-powered log splitters assists in the lifting, maneuvering, and positioning of large diameter, heavy logs that require multiple radial splits to section them for firewood, comprising a boom, pulley and cable system. A boom assembly is secured to the top end of the splitter guide beam and pulleys guide a lifting cable anchored to the wedge slide to a log section retainer means (dog or awl). The upward, hydraulically-powered movement of the cutting wedge along the I-beam lifts the log section as the wedge is raised into its upward, retracted position. Once lifted, the log is swung into position between the wedge and splitter foot plate. The wedge is then power extended (lowered), splitting the log. An optional turntable is securable to the footplate. The inventive block hoist can be provided as a kit.

Abstract: A multi-purpose farm apparatus capable of being easily transported and which can be used to perform a variety of tasks. The multi-purpose farm apparatus comprises a trailer, a combination baler and wood splitter and a hydraulic system mounted thereon. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus includes a baling portion having a baling chamber and a first gib assembly comprising a pressure platen and is mounted for reciprocal movement within said baling chamber. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus further includes a log splitting portion having a second gib assembly comprising a splitting wedge and is mounted to said trailer for reciprocal movement. The first gib assembly and the second gib assembly are mechanically coupled to the hydraulic system for effecting reciprocating movement of the first gib assembly and the second gib assembly. The hydraulic system further comprises a hydraulic motor for driving various farm machinery.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for splitting logs which includes a combination of an impact wrench and a conical screw-form wedge. A first step involves providing an impact wrench and a conical screw-form wedge. A second step involves coupling the conical screw-form wedge to the output coupling of the impact wrench. A third step involves placing the apex of the conical screw-form wedge against a log and activating the rotary and reciprocating movement of the impact wrench. The combined rotary and reciprocating movement of the impact wrench drives the conical screw-form wedge into the log. The described combination is a compact, portable and comparatively inexpensive log splitting apparatus.

Abstract: A log catcher for catching and holding logs which fall from a log splitter which is supported upon an I-beam. The log catcher comprises five parallel cylindrical rods each having two ends, a horizontal first cross-beam attached to the rods at one end, and a horizontal second cross-beam attached to the rods at the other end. The log catcher further comprises an angular cross-beam having evenly spaced holes through which the rods extend at a point which is substantially closer to the second cross-beam than to the first cross-beam. All five rods are evenly spaced throughout. Each rod has a right angle bend, thereby forming a curved portion, wherein the falling logs may be effectively contained. In use, the log catcher is positioned below the I-beam, and the second cross-beam and the angular cross-beam effectively bracket the lower surface of the I-beam, thereby imparting additional stability to the log catcher.

Abstract: A log splitter attachment is provided for splitting logs on a loader including a pair of lift arms for supporting a bucket. The attachment comprises a frame supporting a blade and a log pusher thereon for sliding movement relative to one another and an actuator acting between the blade and the log pusher. The frame mounts on respective free ends of the lift arms of the loader in place of the bucket of the loader so that the blade and log pusher can be manoeuvred overtop a log on the ground to split the log therebetween using the lift arm and bucket controls of the loader.

Abstract: A device for handling and splitting logs is characterized by a unique mechanism for holding logs while they are cut into sections of a desired length and then simultaneously splitting the cut sections into quarters. The log holding apparatus is arranged on a portable frame and inclined bed for the logs, the entire apparatus being easily transported to the log handling site.

Abstract: The log splitter of the present invention is interchangeably mounted to a skid loader in the same manner as conventional attachments, wherein the skid loader longitudinal axis and log splitter longitudinal axis are perpendicular. The log splitter has a mounting frame, a H-beam connected to the mounting frame, and a piston assembly and blade connected to the H-beam. The mounting frame has a top lip and a bottom flange. The skid loader has an attacher that engages the top lip and bottom flange of the mounting frame. The skid loader may supply power to the log splitter, so that the piston assembly pushes the head towards the blade. A user controls the orientation of the attacher, and hence the log splitter. The log splitter can pick a log off the ground, the skid loader can move while holding a log, and the log splitter can split a log over a receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and economical solution to the dilemma facing individuals in the wood processing industry. In particular, a wood translocation and splitting apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows the user to quickly attach the apparatus to an existing and common utility vehicle such as conventional skid steer loaders. Additionally, the apparatus allows for the grasping of wood to be processed, lifting the wood, positioning the wood over a receptacle, splitting the wood and loading the processed wood into the receptacle. Therefore, not only is the user free from having to manually load the apparatus, but they no longer have to manually pick up and load the split wood.

Abstract: A wood splitter comprising a support structure, a table assembly, a ram assembly, and wedge member, and a control means. The support structure supports the table assembly. The control system energizes the ram assembly to force the wedge towards the table assembly. A workpiece is placed on the table assembly such that the wedge engages and splits the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught for engaging, positioning, and splitting logs. A wedge section of a skid steer loader coupling device is received in a lip section of a log splitting system coupling device. A body section of the skid steer loader coupling device is urged into a flush position with a body section of a log splitting system coupling device. Levers on the skid steer loader coupling device are actuated from a first position to a second position so that pin devices coupled to the levers move from a disengaged to an engaged position with respect to apertures in the log splitting system coupling device. Hoses are coupled at a first end of the log splitting system and at a second end of the skid steer loader. The skid steer loader is maneuvered proximate a first one of the logs to be engaged from above the first one of the logs.

Abstract: A splitting device for splitting logs comprising a base having an upright member secured thereto, a carriage moveable along said upright member, an axe portion also moveable along said upright member and carrying an axe head, the moveable carriage being releasably secured to the axe portion, and a locking device for locking the moveable carriage in a raised position from where it can be released to split a log. The device is compact and can easily be used without requiring a great deal of strength or ability.

Abstract: A wood splitting attachment primarily for use with a skid steer loader that allows the wood splitter to be operated in the horizontal or vertical mode, can be easily connected to a skid steer loader and with a wedge extractor that allows the splitting wedge to be easily extracted from the wood is the subject of the present invention.

Abstract: A log splitter is disclosed as employing a fluid driven hammer adapted to impart successive log splitting movements to a log splitting element, a manually operable parallelogram linkage for supporting the hammer for vertical movement relative to an upper position for removably positioning the splitting element in engagement with a log to be split, and a control for controlling operation of the hammer.

Abstract: The invention is a man-portable firewood splitter and is affordable for personal use. It uses an off-the-shelf hydraulic car jack, an off-the-shelf firewood splitting wedge, and a platform that is configured so that it combines the other two units to provide a firewood splitting function. The components are physically unattached and can be used for other requirements. The platform is somewhat like to a bed with side rails. It consists of two end plates, a bottom, and two side rails. It is structured to withstand the maximum force of the hydraulic jack. To assemble the system, the jack is horizontally placed on the bottom of the platform with the jack base butted against one of the end plates and oriented so that the jack handle is vertical. The blunt end of the splitting wedge is horizontally placed against the ram of the jack.

Abstract: A wood splitting apparatus has a parting blade and a platen which undergo reciprocating motions in mutually opposite directions by means of a pair of hydraulic cylinders. After the parting blade splits off a portion of a sawn log horizontally, the portion which has been split off is dropped and then pushed by the platen into and through a cutting block provided with a plurality of knives so as to be cut into smaller pieces. The pair of hydraulic cylinders is directly connected by a pipe through which a hydraulic liquid can flow back and forth therebetween and is together controlled by a single valve for power economy. The floor of the cutting block is of an inverted V-shape and the knives are oriented such that the intervals therebetween increase on the downstream side so as to prevent jamming of the apparatus by the wood pieces.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hydraulic press, metal bending, and log splitting apparatus is disclosed. An hydraulic ram, having a piston cylinder for extending and retracting a piston rod driven by an hydraulic power means, is rigidly affixed to an elongated I-beam frame member, the central portion of which spans a throat area bounded on one side by the hydraulic ram and on the opposite side by a rigidly attached foot plate. The foot plate is formed of a planar steel member affixed perpendicularly to the frame member, and forms a ram extension penetration orifice within the plane of the plate in a position aligned with the piston rod. A series of functional inserts are included for placement against the foot plate or piston rod. A series of functional extension elements are also included for placement against the piston rod for extension through the ram extension penetration orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a wood board into two separate sheets, comprising a pair of parallel drive shafts rotatable in the opposite directions, a series of toothed wheels fixed on each of the drive shafts at a predetermined spaced interval, each toothed wheel having on the circumferential periphery thereof a number of teeth incisingly engageable with the board, the toothed wheels on one of the drive shafts being disposed radially in alignment with the toothed wheels on the other drive shaft, respectively, a knife having a cutting edge positioned and directed to split the board from end to end into two separate sheets. The tip end portions of the teeth of each two radially aligned toothed wheels is formed to be positioned in an offset relation in the axial direction of the drive shafts by forming the tip end portion to have at least one surface which is bevel or oblique with respect to a plane extending radially of the toothed wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus is provided having a pair of linearly elongated, telescoping cylindrical base members forming a V-shaped base diverging outwardly from an apex, a bracket base member, a linearly elongated, vertically extending handle support post, a linearly elongated, telescoping handle mounted above the apex and on a vertically extending handle support post, and a wedge vertically affixed to the handle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and accessory for splitting wood. The logs are loaded into a ring (2) to essentially fill it and, if desired, are compressed into a tightly packed bundle, splitting taking place using an impact-bar type device.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a new and improved compressed wood fuel pellet. The method comprising the steps of severing a wafer of tree trunk or branch, punching or splitting a small portion along the grain in the wafer, confining each portion across the grain, and then compressing each portion along the grain to form a compressed wood fuel pellet of contiguous wood having a specific gravity of about 1.2-1.4 with a very high efficiency process and machine.

Abstract: A device for splitting wood comprises a rotatable and movable cutting device. A splitting blade is positioned on one end of the cutting device which acts to split the wood when the cutting device is advanced in a direction towards the wood. The cutting device can be rotated to position the splitting blade with respect to the wood to facilitate the desired splitting of the wood. The cutting device is positioned on a positioning carriage which is moved with respect to the wood that is to be split. The positioning carriage is movably positioned on a moveable carriage to further assist in positioning the splitting blade with respect to the wood to effectively and efficiently split the wood.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device useful for splitting logs into rail sections useful in making fences. The device includes a longitudinal cutting means which permits the entire log placed into the device to be cleaved along its length dimension in one operation, without the need for pre-sawing or pre-calculations. Through use of the instant device, wasted lumber is kept to an absolute minimum over methods of prior art. The device of the invention takes up very little space and may be operated by hydraulic or electrical means.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, easily operated log splitter having a conventional manually operated hydraulic jack mounted on a base in an adjustable-length frame having four legs extending between the base and a plate supporting a splitting wedge at the opposite end of the frame.

Abstract: A wood splitter having an elongated beam including a center rail, a horizontally disposed top surface and a horizontally disposed bottom surface defining a pair of channels. A first push member is attached at an end of the beam. An elongated frame is position above the bottom surface of the beam and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the beam. Hydraulic cylinders within each of the channels operate to push a second push member attached at an end of the frame away from the first push member to cause a splitting wedge to engage a log supported by the top surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a woody strand cement board, in which a woody group material and cement are combined to form a construction material. The construction material is fire resistant and has a strength comparable to a lumbered raw wood product. The apparatus includes means for finely splitting a fibrous woody material such as wood, bamboo, and reed in a direction parallel to the fiber of the material to obtain pieces of finely split material; a molding frame; and feeders, such as a forming conveyor and swing conveyor, for feeding the pieces to the molding frame to form first and second layers. Mortar is poured on the first and second layers, and pressure is applied to mold and solidify the layers to a semi-hardened state. Two feeders may provide the first and second layers in cross-wise directions.

Abstract: A wood-splitting tool includes at least one system with n parallel elemental wedges (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . 3n) which in succession are given a movement for penetrating the wood. The system for actuating the wedges can be a hydraulic, chain-type, connecting rod-type, or percussive-type system attached to a motive power unit.

Abstract: A log splitter of the kind having a hydraulic ram for driving a log into a confronting wedge for splitting it, the ram and the wedge being mounted on opposite respective ends of a supporting rail. This splitter includes a hydraulically powered drag hoist carried on the rail and controllable separately from and independently of the ram. The hoist carries a relatively long lifeline making it capable of dragging logs from a substantial distance to the rail, as well as lifting the logs up to the wedge. The rail is mounted on retractable wheels making it roadworthy and also adjustable in height to fit the convenience of the operator, the wheels being lockable in position intermediate between their fully lowered and their fully raised positions.

Abstract: An adjustable multi-wedge splitting head for a log splitting apparatus includes a vertically oriented stationary post securing a slideably positionable first multiple splitting wedge assembly, and a vertically oriented stationary splitting wedge mounted forwardly of the stationary post and securing a slideably positionable second multiple splitting wedge assembly. By selectively positioning the first and second multiple splitting wedge assemblies, logs may be split into 2, 4, 6 or 8 pieces of firewood.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating strands from round wood are disclosed. The strands have a length of between 200 and 350 mm in the direction of the wood fibers and have a width of between 1 and 15 mm. The strands are fabricated from profiled logs. In the cross-section of the logs, residual areas outside a center piece are defined, the center piece being the area intended to be dissected into beams or boards at a later stage. The residual areas are provided with longitudinal slits by cutting or sawing. The strands are then cut out of the residual areas until the residual areas are entirely removed.

Abstract: A firewood splitting machine is composed of a support frame, a cutter mounted on one end of the support frame, an oil pressure cylinder mounted on another end of the support frame, and an oil injecting device mounted in the support frame. The oil pressure cylinder consists of a cylindrical body, a piston, a rod member, a subsidiary piston, and a subsidiary rod member. The piston is located in the cylindrical body such that an oil pressure space is formed between the piston and a rear end cover of the cylindrical body. The rod member is fastened at one end thereof with the piston such that another end of the rod member is jutted out of a front end cover of the cylindrical body. A pivoting hole is extended along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod member such that the pivoting hole is in communication with the oil pressure space.

Abstract: A power log splitter includes a base (28) and a wedge (12) and a ram (34) mounted on the base for receiving a log (31) lengthwise between them. A motor (16) turns a cam means (26) to deliver a series of short, quick blows onto one of the wedge (12) and ram (34), to generate strokes by which the wedge (12) splits the log (31). Preferably, there are more than two strokes per second; each stroke preferably has a duration of not more than about 0.05 second and the length of each stroke is preferably not more than 5 percent of the log length capacity L.sub.m, typically not more than 0.75 inch. The device includes a worm shaft (36) and transmission box (38) to urge together wedge (12) and ram (34) in a motion that is independent of the strokes produced by the rotating cam means (26).

Abstract: Logs are cut to firewood length and split on a trailer that has a jacking foot at the trailer tongue and that defines an elongated bed for supporting the log lengthwise of the trailer. A superstructure pivotably supports a chainsaw for cutting the log, and a driven roller engages the top of the log to feed it incrementally into the cut-off saw's path. A conventional wood splitter is also incorporated in the same trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus mountable to a support vehicle for splitting and loading firewood the apparatus which includes:a. a rigid connecting member, the connecting member having a proximal component and a distal component, the proximal component mountable to the support vehicle, the distal component traversably mounted to the proximal component, the distal component including traversing means for traversing the distal component relative to the proximal component; andb. a wood splitter supported in a downward orientation by the connecting member and rigidly mounted to the distal component, the wood splitter traversable via the traversing means into a selectable position which is in alignment with the ends of a wood piece.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing relatively large tree logs into relatively small firewood logs using two spaced apart cutting stations, a central conveyor, a transfer station and a splitter station wherein relatively large tree logs are placed sequentially onto an entrance portion of each of the two spaced apart cutting stations and are cut into rounds which are discharged onto the conveyor and moved to a transfer station. Each round is moved into a splitter station wherein each round is moved over splitter blades to form firewood logs. The splitter blades are mounted in support members secured to a square frame having spaced apart opposite sidewalls wherein the distance between each two aligned support members is greater than the distance between opposite sidewalls.