The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 21, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 04, 2000
Eric J. Lumberg, Poplar, WI (US);
Jeffrey A. Gendron, Ashland, WI (US);
C.G. Bretting Mfg. Co., Inc., Ashland, WI (US);
Abstract
The conveyor product transfer apparatus of the present invention includes at least one product transfer member mounted for translational (and preferably reciprocating) movement between product conveying surfaces or between a discharge or receiving station and a conveying surface separated by a distance sufficient to provide equipment clearance for an operation performed upon product transferred by the transfer member. Preferably, each transfer member is mounted for reciprocating translational movement between ends of conveying surfaces that are separated a distance apart, and has a sliding member in sliding engagement with a track to facilitate such movement. Each transfer member is coupled to an actuation assembly for movement thereof. The actuation assembly is preferably a camshaft assembly. To support the conveyed product during product processing operations (e.g., product cutting) in the gap, the present invention also preferably includes a kick member mounted for movement into and out of the gap between the conveying surfaces. In product cutting operations, the kick member preferably backs the product being cut adjacent to the saw blade and preferably is timed to move away from the gap after the product has been cut. Most preferably, this motion is reciprocating and is generated by a camshaft and cam assembly. The actuation assemblies of the transfer members and the camshaft and cam assembly of the kick member are preferably coupled to and driven by the same motor driving the log saw so that the transfer members, kick member, and log saw operate in synchronicity.