Patent ID: 7240712

Claim:
An apparatus for applying a consistent clamping pressure between a plurality of boards comprising: a) a deck for supporting a plurality of boards, the deck having an upstream end and downstream end; b) a horizontal displacement system operatively connected to the upstream end for applying a downstream force to the plurality of boards, the horizontal displacement system operable between a disengaged position allowing a new board to be positioned adjacent the upstream end and an engaged position where the plurality of boards is advanced towards the downstream end; c) a braking system operatively connected to the downstream end for retarding advancement of the plurality of boards along the deck when the downstream force is below a threshold pressure and for allowing advancement of the plurality of boards if the downstream force exceeds the threshold pressure, the braking system including an upstream pressure system for applying an upstream pressure to the plurality of boards when the horizontal displacement system is moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position; and, d) a one-way clamping system operatively connected to the deck for preventing upstream movement of the plurality of boards when the horizontal displacement system is moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position wherein the one-way clamping system includes at least one mechanically actuated knife, for retarding upstream movement of the plurality of boards when the at least one knife is engaged with the plurality of board.