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: A floor planks production method, for producing wood flooring from raw lumbers, by surfacing top and lower faces of the lumbers to a final thickness of the lumbers; optimizing the lumbers along a length thereof to determine lengths of best faces; and profiling edges of the optimized lumbers. The system comprises a surfacing unit processing both top and lower faces of each lumber to final dimensions; an optimizing unit receiving lumbers from the surfacing unit; and a profiling unit processing edges of each length of best faces positioned by the optimizing unit.

Abstract: A movable blade unit for wood cutting machine is mounted to the rotating shaft of the wood cutting machine and includes a blade and an inner ring which is located between the blade and the rotating shaft. A movable ring is connected to the movable blade unit and includes a flange, an outer collar and the inner ring, wherein the flange is connected to the outer collar which is rotatably connected to the inner ring. The inner ring is mounted to the rotating shaft and a gap is defined between the inner ring and the rotating shaft. The inner ring includes multiple sets of rotating members which are in contact with the grooves in the rotating shaft so that the inner ring is rotatable and movable relative to the rotating shaft with little or reduced friction.

Abstract: An optimizing planer system includes a control system; a workpiece feed path; and, an optimizing planer. The optimizing planer is operably coupled to the control system. The optimizing planer is located along the workpiece feed path and has an entrance, for receipt of a rough workpiece, and an exit, for discharge of an at least partially finished workpiece. The optimizing planer includes a cutting element. A workpiece interrogator is situated along the workpiece feed path, upstream of the entrance. The interrogator is operably coupled to the control system so to provide the control system with workpiece property information for each workpiece entering the optimizing planer. The control system provides the optimizing planer with control information based upon the workpiece property information for each workpiece.

Abstract: There is provided a rotatable cutting tool for supporting at least one knife in at least two alternate angular cutting configurations. The cutting tool includes a body that defines at least one cavity extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the body. Each cavity is configured to support one of the knives at predetermined hook and shear angles, and each cavity can be configured to provide a different hook and/or shear angle.

Abstract: There is provided a rotatable cutting tool for supporting at least one knife in at least two alternate angular cutting configurations. The cutting tool includes a body that defines at least one cavity extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the body. Each cavity is configured to support one of the knives at predetermined hook and shear angles, and each cavity can be configured to provide a different hook and/or shear angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carving a uniformly carved portion and a variably carved portion in a workpiece in a single pass. The apparatus consists of a uniform carving head fixed relative to the workpiece and a variable carving head that is movable simultaneously in two directions substantially perpendicular to the motion of the workpiece. A control system, which may include a programmable computer, controls the motion of the variable carving head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a surfacing machine includes centering assembly having a plurality of individually movable biasing element sets, comprising an upper element and a lower element. Each element set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the element set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a valve. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each element set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower element of an element set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing element would automatically move the same amount when the valve is closed. When the valve is open, the upper and lower elements are free to move independently, allowing the centerline to be easily positioned as desired.

Abstract: A log flaking and loading method and apparatus. First and second pairs of cutting heads have cutting heads spaced apart to receive a log passed therebetween and thereby to cut two substantially parallel sides. The log is first cut by the first pair of cutting heads, rotated about its elongate axis, and cut by the second pair of cutting heads to produce a four-sided cant. The logs are preferably stored ahead of the first pair of cutting heads in corresponding carriers, which are preferably held in a magazine for dispensing the loaded carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.

Abstract: A rotatable roll is provided under a planing cylinder rotating at a fixed position. A front feed unit and a rear feed unit having an upper and a lower roll for gripping the plate are provided upstream and downstream of the planing cylinder with respect to the feed direction of the plate. A front movable body and a rear movable body having an upper and a lower roll for gripping the plate member are provided between the planing cylinder and the front feed unit and between the planing cylinder and the rear feed unit. The upper and lower rolls of the front and rear movable bodies are forcibly moved up and down. The plate member is supported at three points and deflected downward to prevent floating of the plate during cutting and to prevent the formation of depressions in the plate near its front and rear ends during cutting.

Abstract: A machine includes a number of saw blades rotatably supported on a spindle for cutting a timber into a number of panels. One or more feeder rollers may feed the timber through the saw blades. A number of cutter elements are disposed between the saw blades for forming a gap between the saw blades and for machining a rounded edge to each of the panels. A milling cutter is rotatably supported in front of the saw blades and includes one or more milling blades for machining the timber to form a number of rounded bulges before the timber is cut into the panels by the saw blades.

Abstract: A method of producing a hardwood flooring product, including the steps of processing a strip of raw wood into a blank having a predetermined thickness and width, and top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes relative to each other, and splitting the blank along the width of the blank from one side to the other to form two low profile flooring strips having the same width as the blank and a thickness less than one-half the thickness of the blank. The splitting step includes the steps of providing first and second circular saw blades mounted on spaced-apart vertical axes for rotation in a single plane intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank and positioning the blank on conveying means upstream from the saw blades with the plane of rotation of the saw blades intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank for movement of the blank from an upstream position to a downstream position relative to the saw blades.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing flitches prepared from roundwood logs, a method for the manufacture of wood slices or slats from the flitches, and methods of combining the strips into composite lumber products. The methods are based in part on the concept of preparing flitches that retain the sweep or natural longitudinal curvature of the log and slicing or sawing around the sweep to prepare the slats for further conversion into composite lumber products. An opening cut is made in the log essentially following or parallel to the curve of any sweep to divide it into two approximately equal volume pieces. An opposing surfaces is machined parallel to the surface generated by the opening cut to produce a flitch. The flitches are then flattened so that the sweep curvature is made planar. They are then sliced or sawn parallel to the now planar surface to produce slats. The natural surface of the log is preferably retained on the sides of the flitches.

Abstract: A method of making a base for a split jamb for a door frame opening, with the base having a groove for receiving the tongue of a slide of a split jamb, including the steps of providing an elongate panel, making a plurality of parallel cuts in the panel, with the cuts not cutting through the panel, the cuts including a plurality of pairs of slots, with the slots of a pair spaced from each other leaving panel material between the slots of each pair, adhering a stop strip over each pair of slots covering the slots of the pair, and gang sawing the panel into jamb base strips by cutting between the slots of each pair of slots to remove the panel material between the slots providing individual jamb base strips. The method wherein the step of making parallel cuts includes making a plurality of notches spaced from each other by the pairs of slots, and wherein the step of gang sawing includes cutting through the panel at each of the notches.

Abstract: A method of producing a hardwood flooring product, including the steps of processing a strip of raw wood into a blank having a predetermined thickness and width, and top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes relative to each other, and splitting the blank along the width of the blank from one side to the other to form two low profile flooring strips having the same width as the blank and a thickness less than one-half the thickness of the blank. The splitting step includes the steps of providing first and second circular saw blades mounted on spaced-apart vertical axes for rotation in a single plane intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank and positioning the blank on conveying means upstream from the saw blades with the plane of rotation of the saw blades intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank for movement of the blank from an upstream position to a downstream position relative to the saw blades.

Abstract: A planer is improved by recognizing the source of instability of a board relative to a guidebar. An angled relationship between feed roller force the guidebar and holds the board against the guidebar. Traditional cutting heads urging the board in the opposite direction relative to that of the feed rollers, develop lateral force vectors kicking the board away from the guidebar. By establishing a zero lead relationship between the cutter heads and the board as it rests against the guidebar, the board enjoys greater stability. The disclosed apparatus further includes an air regulated top pressure plate establishing a given separation between itself and a cutter head, but accommodating abnormal operating conditions, i.e., jammed boards, by vertical movement relative to the cutter head facilitates remote actuation to quickly relieve a jammed condition. Also shown, a bearing housing for a cutter head support shaft is carried on an articulated hinge to improve manual mounting of the bearing housing upon the shaft.

Abstract: The tree stump grinder assembly (12) includes a drum (176) with end flanges (178 and 180) and a central flange (182). A left hand stub shaft (102) is journaled in the drum (176) by spaced apart roller bearings (122 and 124), a bearing hub (126), and a circular plate (160) attached to an end flange (178). A right hand stub shaft (212) is journaled in the drum (176) by spaced apart bearings (218 and 222), a bearing hub (224) and a circular plate (258) attached to an end flange (180). The central spindle (114) of a hydraulic motor (116) is nonrotatably secured to the left hand stub shaft (102). The housing 144 of the hydraulic motor (116) is journaled on the central spindle (114) and is rotated relative to the spindle when hydraulic fluid is supplied through supply passage 306 and is returned to the sump ( 328) through a return passage (310). Rotation of the housing (144) drives the drum (176) through keys (202, ring member (194) and the central flange (182).

Abstract: A woodworking planer having a main frame, a carriage slidingly mounted on the main frame to provide alternating longitudinal movement, a workpiece locking device also provided on the main frame for releasingly securing a workpiece in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal movement of the carriage, and cutting members provided on the carriage to plane four longitudinal sides of the workpiece simultaneously. The cutting members include horizontal cutter heads simultaneously moveable vertically towards and away from each other, and vertical cutter heads individually moveable horizontally towards and away from each other in response to predetermined shapes of a copying model co-acting with copying parts connected to the vertical cutter heads. The copying parts include spring biased rollers for following the predetermined shapes of the copying model. A feeder arrangement receives the workpieces for individually feeding the workpieces one at a time to the workpiece locking device.

Abstract: The tree stump grinder is adapted to be attached to a backhoe or an excavator with a boom and a stick. The tree stump grinder includes a yoke which is pivotally secured to the stick. A hydraulic grinder swing cylinder is provided to pivot the yoke relative to the stick. Fixed stub shafts are secured to arms of the yoke. Circular end plates are attached to the respective hubs. One hub is rotatably journaled on one stub shaft and the other hub is rotatably journaled on the other stub shaft. A hydraulic motor is fixed to one stub shaft and drives the other hub. A grinder drum is attached to the circular end plates and encloses the hydraulic motor. Oil is supplied to the hydraulic motor through passages in one of the stub shafts. A plurality of block and bit assemblies are attached to the outside surface of the grinder drum. An anchor assembly is also pivotally attached to the stick.

Abstract: A process for reconfiguring the surfaces of a construction log (10) used in the construction of log structures to produce a log having the appearance of a hand-hewn log. The process includes a first step (30) of chamfering at least the upper and lower forward edge portions (22 and 24) of the log body (12) to produce upper and lower irregularly beveled forward corners (22' and 24'), and a second step (34) of cutting a plurality of indentations (38) into at least the front surface (18) of the log body (12) to produce an irregular front surface.

Abstract: A process for the edge-planing of the longitudinal and frontal edges of workpiece plates. A workpiece plate is advanced to a plate saw and at least one longitudinal edge is planed. The workpiece plate is then rotated and at least one frontal edge is planed by the plate saw. The workpiece plate is then rotated, aligned, and advanced toward the plate saw for sectioning.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for forming a raised wooden panel having secured together a saw blade and a winged cutter body. The blade has a substantially greater number of teeth than the number of cutter wings, whereby a greater number of chip loads can be removed at the raised portion of the panel per revolution of the assembly than at the portion formed by the wings. The assembly forms a smooth cut.

Abstract: A process and machine for reconfiguring the surfaces of a construction log (10) used in the construction of log structures to produce a log having the appearance of a hand-hewn log. The process includes a first step (30) of chamfering at least the upper and lower forward edge portions (22 and 24) of the log body (12) to produce upper and lower irregularly beveled forward corners (22') and 24'), and a second step (34) of cutting a plurality of indentations (38) into at least the front surface (18) of the log body (12) to produce an irregular front surface. In the third step (48) of the process, the front surface (18) of the log body (12) is scored with a plurality of cuts (54) to mimic the scoring pattern left by hand-wielded hewing tools. The hewing machine comprises a support structure including platform across which a log is moved.

Abstract: A process for reconfiguring the surfaces of a construction log (10) used in the construction of log structures to produce a log having the appearance of a hand-hewn log. The process includes a first step (30) of chamfering at least the upper and lower forward edge portions (22 and 24) of the log body (12) to produce upper and lower irregularly beveled forward corners (22' and 24'), and a second step (34) of cutting a plurality of indentations (38) into at least the front surface (18) of the log body (12) to produce an irregular front surface. In the third step (48) of the process, the front surface (18) of the log body (12) is scored with a plurality of cuts (54) to mimic the scoring pattern left by hand-wielded hewing tools.

Abstract: A dimensional cutting tool for flat wood stock is the subject of the present invention. The cutting tool comprises a table structure, the flat surface of which is movable vertically to accommodate varying thicknesses of wood. Two or more circular saw blades are movably attached to a horizontal shaft above the table surface and may be positioned anywhere along the length of the shaft. When wood stock is to be cut, the table surface height is appropriately adjusted and the saw blades positioned at the desired cutting locations. First and second power feed rollers, driven by an electric motor and drive belt assembly, feed wood stock through the machine, thus providing precise feeding of the wood both into and away from the blades. Additionally, the cutting head can be replaced with a planing or molding head without further modification of the tool.

Abstract: A wood processing machine includes a cylindrical cutter assembly having a plurality of adjacent disks, each holding one or more cutting blades. The cutting blades are mounted in indentations in the disks. The solid character of the cylindrical structure thus formed can be smaller than prior drum-type wood processors because the individual disks are stronger than the thin plate of a drum. The novel disk construction is shown utilized in a wood chipping apparatus and in a wood flaking apparatus.

Abstract: A device for machining elongate rods has a feed means defined by a track and a plurality of V belts which feeds the rods in an uninterrupted succession one behind the other in a feed direction transverse to their longitudinal axes. The track defines a an arc of a circle adjacent the machine tools which is parallel to the circular machining path of cutting elements of the machine tools.

Abstract: A picture frame molding holding and cutting apparatus and a method of using the apparatus is described. The apparatus has a miter square, adjustable stop means and adjustable clamping means for holding a molding to be cut in position during the cutting of the ends of the molding. A means and method of accurately measuring and holding a molding during cutting to produce a desired final length utilizing a frame molding pattern is also described.

Abstract: A piece of board stock is advanced on a conveying table between a pair of milling units mounted about and below the table. Each milling unit comprises at least one milling tool having a pair of spaced rotary cutting blades and a profiling tool of lesser diameter than these blades sandwiched therebetween. For each pair of blades on the upper milling unit, there is a corresponding pair of blades on the lower milling unit disposed in coplanar relation therewith. Each pair of blades is so dimensioned as to cut at least halfway, but not all the way, through the piece of advanced board stock, and each profiling tool is so dimensioned as to profile the adjacent surface of the board stock. In this manner, a piece of advanced board stock is simultaneously cut into a plurality of slats having opposed profiled edges, and this is done in a single pass.

Abstract: A woodworking machine to form finished dimensional lumber from cants by a single pass of the cants through the machine and comprising compression and feed rollers above and below a longitudinal path and parallel longitudinally offset arbors respectively are mounted above and below the path upon which spaced saw blades are mounted with opposed blades in common planes and of diameters adequate to form complete cuts through a cant during a single pass, the arbors also supporting between the blades additional cutters to plane the edges of the dimensional lumber and form rounded edges thereon.

Abstract: A material feed control mechanism for a wood or brush chipper having an upright stop gate vertically movable to a material obstructing position extended transversely across and within the feed housing, and forwardly of the cutter to a material non-obstructing position projected upwardly from the housing. A latch assembly for releasably holding the stop gate in the material non-obstructing position associated with a release mechanism actuated by a lever system operable independently by any one of a plurality of handles one of which is arranged forwardly of the feed housing and a pair of which are located at opposite sides of the feed housing, to permit the fall of the gate to the material obstructing position therefor.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing material from a workpiece, includes a support component for an elongated workpiece, and a tool component rotatable about an axis and having a circumferential cutting face and axial end faces. The tool component is supported at both end faces thereof. At least one of the above-mentioned components is movable relative to the other component in a predetermined path at least one of the path and axis of rotation is inclined relative to the elongation of a supported workpiece so that the workpiece contacts only the cutting face but does not contact the end faces of the tool component.