Self-centering feeding device

A device for feeding elongated objects such as logs into a processing machine having a center line (C.sub.L ') about which processing functions are carried out, said elongated objects being centered relative to said center line at least vertically, said feeding device including a vertically extending stand member, a horizontally extending, vertically adjustable conveyor means mounted in said stand member including pivotally attached carrier means, a rotatable engagement means adapted to engage from above an object on said conveyor means, said engagement means being mechanically coupled to said carrier means for movement through the same distance above said center line as the conveyor means is moved thereunder, and a driving means, supplied by energy from an outer source, for lifting the conveyor means towards said center line, said feeding device comprising;

• two elongate link members having first and second ends, said link members both extending in the same direction from said stand member and having said first ends pivotally attached to the stand member, at a predetermined vertical spacing (a) one from another, said link members pivotally carrying at said second ends, having the same vertical spacing (a) as the first ends, said carrier means to which the conveyor means is firmly attached,
• parallel means, including a stationary portion located on said stand member, for vertically adjustably carrying said conveyor means,
• an arm member carrying said engagement means, said arm member being pivoted to the vertical stand member and extending in a direction opposite to the direction of said link members, and
• sensor means having the function of a limit switch for triggering the supply of energy to the driving means when the leading end of said conveyor means-supported object has reached a position beneath said engagement means, said sensor means including means for discontinuing the supply of energy when the trailing end of the object has passed said position,
• said conveyor means-supported object being positively clamped between the conveyor means and the engagement means during the entire feeding procedure by the force generated by the driving means, and having its longitudinal center line centered relative to said processing machine center line when said leading end of said conveyor means-supported object reaches said processing machine.