Abstract: An apparatus for routing logs to various locations in a sawmill. The logs are conveyed in end-to-end relation on a conveyor and pass beneath a rotatable log kicker unit having a series of radially extending arms which, when rotated, will kick the log laterally to either side of the conveyor for delivery to sawing operations. Located at the downstream end of the log kicker unit is a movable gate disposed to be engaged by the end of the log as it is moved laterally by the log kicker to align the laterally discharged logs. By moving the gate out of the conveying path, the log can be conveyed through the log kicker unit to a third delivery location.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus which will unload tubular members, such as cans carried by travelling supports of an endless conveyor at a very high rate. The apparatus includes a plurality of carriers mounted for rotation about a fixed axis and being reciprocable parallel to the axis. The carrier defines a pocket and the pocket cooperates with an outer guide surface to retain the tubular members in position as the carriers rotate about the axis. The apparatus includes access doors which facilitate the inspection of the apparatus and the removal of jams and adjustments for all guide surfaces wherein tubular members of different diameters or lengths may be readily accommodated.

Abstract: A guiding device is defined by lateral guides which are pivotally movable about a vertical axis disposed in the entrance portion of the guiding device. A star-shaped stepping wheel is connected to one of the guides to meter the articles passing therethrough. The stepping wheel has a crank arm eccentrically connected thereto which in turn is pivotally connected to the stationary frame. As the articles rotate the stepping wheel, the crank incrementally oscillates the guides such that they are essentially aligned with each of the two paths for one-half revolution of the wheel. A tongue member is pivotally mounted adjacent the entrance of the two paths and connected to the guides by a linkage which causes the tongue to pivot in a direction opposite that of the guides.

Abstract: A truss stacking apparatus is disclosed which includes means for lifting successive horizontally disposed trusses off of a conveyor and for stacking the trusses in a generally upright orientation on a stacking skid. Guide means are disposed in the conveyor path for contacting the angularly arranged top chords of successive trusses to effect lateral shifting of the trusses toward lifting positions in which the trusses are lifted from the conveyor onto the skid. SUBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates generally to handling equipment for wooden structural truss members, and more particularly to apparatus for raising horizontally disposed truss members off of a conveyor and for stacking the trusses in a generally upright position on a stacking skid.2. Description of the Prior ArtPrefabricated wood building components, such as roof and floor trusses, are used extensively in the building industry today, particularly for residential construction.