Patent ID: 6216756
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B27B,Y10T

Abstract:
A log processing apparatus for processing a tapered log, where the tapered log has a central axis, and a region of larger diameter and region of smaller diameter, the log processing apparatus comprising:a frame assembly; anda roller assembly including:a pair of upstream rollers positioned respectively above and below a travel path of the tapered log, each upstream roller including a contact region and an axis of rotation, the contact region of each upstream roller being configured to clamp against an opposing side of the tapered log and guide the tapered log along the travel path;a pair of upstream roller mounts attached to the frame assembly, the pair of upstream roller mounts being configured to support and adjust the axis of rotation of each upstream roller toward and away from the travel path in tandem such that the contact region of each upstream roller remains substantially equidistant from the travel path, wherein intermeshing gear regions link motion of the upstream rollers toward and away from the travel path;a pair of downstream rollers positioned above and below of the travel path, each downstream roller including a contact region and an axis of rotation, the contact region of each downstream roller being configured to clamp against an opposing side of the tapered log and guide the tapered log along the travel path; anda pair of downstream roller mounts attached to the frame assembly, the pair of downstream roller mounts being configured to adjust the axis of rotation of each downstream roller toward and away from the travel path in tandem such that the contact region of each downstream roller remains substantially equidistant from the travel path, wherein intermeshing gear regions link motion of the downstream rollers toward and away from the travel path;wherein the pair of upstream rollers and the pair of downstream rollers are configured to adjust independently of each other and clamp the tapered log in respective regions of larger and smaller diameter, thereby supporting the tapered log such that the central axis of the tapered log remains substantially aligned with the travel path.