Systems, methods and apparatuses for changing the direction/speed of a workpiece

A method of separating a vertical or horizontal stack of workpieces, the method comprising:

• conveying the stack of workpieces in a flow direction on a transport surface of a workpiece transport;
• providing a first pair of feed rolls on opposite sides of the transport surface, wherein each of the feed rolls has a first end, a generally opposite second end of greater diameter than the first end, and an axis of rotation, and wherein the feed rolls are oriented with the first ends above the second ends and the axes of rotation inclined toward a longitudinal center of the transport surface, such that the outer surfaces of the feed rolls define a gap therebetween;
• and
• rotating the feed rolls to accelerate a first one of the workpieces relative to a second one of the workpieces.

A system for diverting secondary workpieces cut longitudinally from one or more sides of a primary workpiece, the system comprising:

• a workpiece transport operable to convey the primary workpiece in a flow direction, the workpiece transport having a transport surface configured to support the primary workpiece;
• a first workpiece support positioned proximal to the primary transport, the first workpiece support having a first workpiece support surface configured to support the secondary workpiece;
• and
• a first feed roll disposed above or below the transport surface, the first feed roll having a first end proximal to the transport surface, a generally opposite second end of greater diameter than the first end and proximal to the first workpiece support surface, and a first axis of rotation extending transverse to the flow direction,
• wherein the first feed roll is operable to engage a first one of the secondary workpieces on the transport surface and to urge the first one of the secondary workpieces onto the first workpiece support in a first direction that is transverse to the flow direction.

A method for diverting secondary workpieces cut longitudinally from one or more sides of a primary workpiece, the method comprising:

• providing a first feed roll disposed above or below a support surface of a workpiece transport, wherein the first feed roll has a first end proximal to the support surface, a generally opposite second end of greater diameter than the first end and proximal to a first workpiece support positioned to a first side of the workpiece transport, and a first axis of rotation extending transverse to the flow direction;
• conveying the primary workpiece and the secondary workpiece in a direction of flow toward the feed roll;
• and
• rotating the feed roll to urge a secondary workpiece away from the primary workpiece and toward the first workpiece support.