Abstract Board-trimming apparatus including a conveyor for moving boards along a path, with the boards extending transversely of such path, and a guide for aligning one end of each board with a reference line adjacent one side of such path. A saw for making a cut along a cutting line adjacent said one side of the path downstream from the guide is provided. Multiple indexing plates are distributed in laterally spaced relation across the path intermediate the guide and saw. Each plate is operable to select a board of a specific length range from boards of random lengths moved past the plates, and, on selecting such a board, occupies a position in the path immediately adjacent the end of the board opposite the one end aligned by the guide. Positioning means is included for shifting a board selected by an indexing plate laterally of the path into a predetermined position with respect to the indexing plate that has selected it. A terminal portion adjacent the end which has been aligned then extends across the cutting line and in the path of the saw.
Apparatus for trimming boards of random lengths to modular lengths comprising: conveyor means defining a path for the movement of boards with such board disposed transversely of said path; aligning means for aligning one end of each board moved along said path with a reference line adjacent one side of said path; a saw positioned in said path downstream from said aligning means for making a cut in successive boards along a cutting line which is disposed in the vicinity of said reference line; a bank of multiple indexing plates distributed in laterally spaced relation across said path downstream from said aligning means and upstream from said saw, each of said plates operating to select a board of a specific length range from boards of random length moved past said bank and such plate on selecting such a board occupying a position in said path immediately adjacent the end of such board opposite such board''s one end; abutment means movably mounted adjacent said one side of the path having a board-engaging portion adapted to engage said one end of a board selected by a plate; and a motor connected to said abutment means for moving the abutment means laterally of said path toward an indexing plate which has selected a board to shift the board whereby its opposite end contacts the indexing plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
223 words
Apparatus for trimming boards of random lengths to modular lengths comprising: conveyor means defining a path for the movement of boards with such board disposed transversely of said path; aligning means for aligning one end of each board moved along said path with a reference line adjacent one side of said path; a saw positioned in said path downstream from said aligning means for making a cut in successive boards along a cutting line which is disposed in the vicinity of said reference line; a bank of multiple indexing plates distributed in laterally spaced relation across said path downstream from said aligning means and upstream from said saw, each of said plates operating to select a board of a specific length range from boards of random length moved past said bank and such plate on selecting such a board occupying a position in said path immediately adjacent the end of such board opposite such board''s one end; abutment means movably mounted adjacent said one side of the path having a board-engaging portion adapted to engage said one end of a board selected by a plate; and a motor connected to said abutment means for moving the abutment means laterally of said path toward an indexing plate which has selected a board to shift the board whereby its opposite end contacts the indexing plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cutting line is spaced laterally toward said indexing plates from the reference line, and said board-engaging portion of the abutment means is movable to a nonoperating position disposed laterally outwardly of the reference line defined by the aligning means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said motor comprises fluid-operated arm.