Automated infeed system

Abstract

An apparatus and related method for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw includes a first workpiece that is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a pattern projection system. The pattern projection system causes a pattern to be projected onto the first workpiece. The pattern is one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. An operator may select alternate patterns, and/or may skew the board to select the desired cut. A pinch roller system is provided for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the desired skew, if any. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the infeed system and which determines the optimum pattern. The system also allows a second workpiece to be moved into position under the projection system while the first workpiece is being removed to be sawed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.