CA1041745A - Box spring frame machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure The apparatus includes slat and rail conveyors which pick up slats and rails from respective hoppers on the input side of the machine and convey the slats and rails into joint forming positions between vertically opposed pressheads mounted on opposite sides of the machine. Coils of connector plate stock, having prepunched integrally extending teeth, feed each of the upper and lower press platens and which platens are movable toward one another to substantially simultaneously cut the connector stock to predetermined lengths to form con-nector plates and embed the teeth of the connector plates into opposite sides of the joints formed by the rails and slats disposed between the pressheads. In the automatic mode, the partially completed frame is advanced a predetermined dis-tance and a second slat is located between the side rails whereupon the pressheads are automatically actuated to cut discrete connector plates from the connector stock and embed the teeth thereof into the opposite sides of the second slat and rails. The sequence of operation continues until the first frame is substantially completed. The machine then auto-matically spaces the rails of successive frames longitu-dinally one from the other and when the first frame is complete, automatically commences fabrication of the second and subsequent frames.

Description

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- The present invention relates to apparat~ and - - ' -'-` methods ~or ~orming wooden frames and the like and parti- ' f ~ cularly relates to apparatus and methods ~or providing dis-~ crete connector plates of the'type having prepunched inte~
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grally extending teeth from coiled strips thereof and ,' substantially simultaneously embedding the plates into the ,, opposite sides o~ joints of prepositioned wooden members to '~
~abricate a frame~ for example a box spring ~rame ~or bedding. ~,~
It is currently common practice to utilize con~
nector plates o~ the type having integrally struck teeth to form the join~ between various members comprising a wooden , frame. ~or example, connector plates o~ various sizes and widths, depending upon the-structural requirements-of the- ' frames-, are commonly embeddèd into the joints o~ wooden roof ~' trusses,and truss-~type floor joints. An example of such connector plate is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,877,520 ,'' of common assignee herewith. Significant strides forward have been accomplished in this industry by the advent of ,~
apparatus w~ich acts on coiled connector plate s~ock o~ the ',' type having teeth struck integrally there~rom to cut the' ;, 1 - :
, stock to discrete predetermined lengths and substantially ~,' : .
~imul~aneously embed the teeth of the cut stock or connector ~,`.
,'' plate formed thereby into the opposite sides o~ a joint ,', formsd between wooden frame members. In such apparatus ., , ~
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~5 . ., there is provided a machine on which are mounted coils ofconnector plate stock and which coils constitute a magazine from which the stock is fed to t`he machine. The machine includes . , .
a feed assembly which unwinds the coils and advances leading portions of the coils discrete distances toward a press cut-off assembly, each advance corresponding in distance to the length of the desired connector plate. A pair of such assemblies are provided on opposite sides of a conveyor and each such assembly includes opposed pressheads mounted for movement toward and away from ~he joints between web and chord members manually located between the pressheads along opposite sides of the conveyor. In that machine, and on each side of the frame to be fabricated, two discrete lengths of connector strip are cut from the connector stock of the respective coils feeding-the upper and lower pressheads and the teeth of the connector plates thus formed are substantially simultaneously embedded into the opposite sides of the joint formed by the web and chords.
Once the pressheads are re~racted, the feed assembly automatically advances the connector plate stock to position discrete lengths r of such stock for subsequent cutoff and embedment of the teeth thereof into a subsequent joint~ The partially completed frame ,. , ' is advanced manually and a web is manually di~posed between the txailing ends of the chords. The foregoing described operation is repeated and a rectangular frame is thus formed.
This machine has performed satisfactorily and is in current use.
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It will be appreciated, however, that the manual feed of the lumber forming the opposite chords and ~ebs as well as manual initiation of each press-cutoff cycle limits the producitive capaci~y of such machine. Moreover, such 5 machine is designed for the formation of a generally rectangular frame without intermediate web members.
Generally the present invention provides novel and Lmproved apparatus and methods for automatically forming a plurality of frames, particularly wooden frames of the.type having a pair of side rails and a plurality of members or slats extending therebetween at longitudinally spaced positions relative thPretoO Generally, the machine of the present invention comprises a pair of generally C-shaped frames on opposite - sides of a conveyor with each frame mounting vertically lS opposed pressheads. Coils of connector pl~te stock are carried by the frames and are fed to cutoff blades adjacent each of ~he upper and lo~er heads on opposite sides of the conveyor.
The conveyor includes both slat and rail conveyors whereby the slats and rails are continuously advanced to and past the presshead positions. Stops are located in the path of movement of the rails and slats to locate the first slat and endwise relatecl rails in position such tha~ the joints formed thereby lie between the pressheads on opposite sides of the conveyor. After the initial command to commence fabrication is given, the pressheads are moved toward one another to cut the connector stock to form the connector plates of discrete lengths whercupon continued movement of the presshead embeds .

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the teeth of the discrete connector plates into the opposite ~ides of the joint formed between the slat and the rails.
When the pressheads are retracted, the rail and : s1at stops are retracted enabling the S partially completed frame with one slat and two rails to advance until the first slat butts a second stop. The next slat is carried by the slat conveyor until it butts the stops directly adjacent the pressheads whereby the second slat is located ... .
relative to the rails with the joints between the second slat ~ 10 and rails located between the opposed pressheads. Additional lengths of coiled connector stock are advanced to locate additional lengths of connector plate stock in the path of movement of the pressheads. The pressheads are thereafter , autom~tically actuated to cut the connector plate stock to form connector plates of discrete lengths and continued movement of . .
the pressheads carries the plates such that the teeth ~hereof are embedded into the joints formed between the second slat and the rails. The pressheads thereafter retract and the partially complete frame is automatically advanced whereupon the machine continuously cycles to form the joints between additional slats and the side rails of a particular frame.
Prior to nailingthe last slat in the frame, the machine hereof automatically spaces the leading ends of the pair of rails which will form the next frame from the ~railing ends of the rails of the preceding partially completed frame.
When the last slat of the first frame is secured to the trailing end of the rails, the completed frame is advanced , _ 5 _ ., .. ,. ....... . ~ ----. - ., , ~ . ... .. . . .

from the press position and the first slat and leading ends of , the rails which will form the next frame are advanced into ~,,. .. .
the press position. The foregoing described cycle of operation continues so long as there is coiled connector stock available and rails and slats in the hoppers for feeding the input slat . ~. :, :
and rail conveyors. 3 Accordingly, it is a primary o~ject o~ the present ~- invention to provide novel and improved apparatus and methods -for fabricating wooden ~rames and the like.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel and improved methods ~or automatically fabricating wooden frames of the type having a multiplicit~ of elements i between a pair of side elements.
It is still another object of the present invention to ', provide novel a~d improved apparatus and meth~ds for substantially simultaneously cutting connector plates o~ the typ~
having integrally struck teeth from a coiled strip thereof and - embedding the teeth of the connector plates into the multiple ~
joints of a wooden frame. ~ ~, It ls a further object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved machine for fabricating wooden frames o the type having a pair of ~ide rails and a plurality - of slats longitudinally spaced between the side rails and wherein the joints thereof are automa~ically ~oined and succeeding frames of identical ~ype automatically fabricat~d.
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for fabric~ting a woDden frame of the type ha~ing spaced generally parallel wooden side members and !~' .
a plurality of spaced wooden intermediate members extending ,~
" : : 3~ generally perpe~dicular between ~aid side memb~rs and util~ing sheet metal connector stock of the ~ype having ~ plurality o~

teeth struck integrally therefr~m and ~rom wh~h dis~rete J~ .. .
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connector plates are formed ~or use in joining the side and ;
intermediate members one to the other comprising: support ;:
structure; a pair of press heads carried by said support : structure for mo~ement along discrete predetermined paths;
means for moving said press heads along their respective `
predetermined paths; means carried by said support ~tructure for :-i feeding the connector stock into the paths of movement o~ said press heads; cGoperable means carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edges for cutting the stock as said press heads move along their respective paths .
thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length, means for supporting the side members in generally parallel :
spaced side-by-side relat..ion one to the other and means ~or positioning the intermediate members between and generally perpendicular to the side members; means for relatively .
locating the press heads and the intermediate and side members such that the press heads and the ~oints between ea~h : intermediate member and the side members are succe~sively ;
located in respective opposition to one another; said pres8!
: 20 heads being adapted to embed the te8th of the conne~tor plates .~
into one side of the joints of such adjoining intermediate :
; and side members upon continued movement of ~aid pr~s heads :
along their respective paths and for ea~h relatîve lo~ation of the press heads and the ~oints in opposition on~ ~o the other;
and eon~rol means for automat~ally actuating said pr~s he~d moving means to ~ove said press h~ads along their pr~de~enmined paths to form the connector plat~ and embed the ~e~h ~her~of into one side o~ the joints of the side members and ~a~h succ~eding interm~diate m~mbQr in response to each 8u~c~ive ~-location of sai~ press ha~ds ~n~ 8uch ~oints in oppo~ion to on~ ~nother. .

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. In accordance with another aspect, the invention ~.

.~ relates to apparatus for forming a wooden frame o~ the type . ~.
having spaced generally parallel wooden side members and a :; plurality of spaced wooden intermediate members extending .

generally perpendicular between said side members and .

. utilizing sheet metal connector stock of the type having a :

- plurality of teeth struck integrally therefrom and from which :
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discrete connector plates are formed for use in ~oining the :
side and intermediate members one to the other comprising.
10 conveyor means for carrying a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel wooden¦side members along its opposite sides and longitudinally spaced intermediate members between the .
side members and generally perpendicular thereto; support ~ .
structure; a pair of press heads carried by said support .
structure adjacent opposite sides of said conveyor means for ' movement along a predetermined path, said conveyor means being ¦
adapted to advance the int~rmediate and side members in a direction toward said press heads; means for moving said ..
press heads along their respective predetermined p~ths~ means :
carried by said support structure for feeding the c~nnector stock into ~he paths of movement of said press headss cooperable means carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edg~s for cutting ~he stock as ~ .:
; said press heads move along their respective pa~h~ th~reby to form connector plates of predetermined length; m~ans ~rrie~ b~ `..... . . ;
said apparatus for ~ucce~lvely locating the jo~n~ b~ween each succeeding int~rmedi~te member and ~he sid~ mQmb~r~ along respec~ive opposite sides of said conveyor means in r~spective opposition to said press heads 9 said press head~ ~ing ~dapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into on~ side of ~he joint~ o~ ~uch ad~oin~ng ~ntermediate ~nd side ~amb~r8 upon continuQ~ mo~ement o~ ~id press heaas al~ng th~ir rQ~p~ctive ~,.

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paths; and means arranged in controlling relation to said press head moving means for automatically actuating said press head :~
moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined ~:
paths to foxm the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints between the side members and each succeeding intermediate member in :response to each successive .
location of such joints in opposition to said press heads.
In accordance with a further aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for forming ~oints between a first elongated wooden member and a plurali~y of second wooden members spaced longitudinally along said first member and utilizing sheet metal connector stock of the type having a .
plurality of teeth struck integrally therefrom and from which discrete connector plates are formed for use in such ~oiuts comprising: support structure; a pair of opposed press heads -oarried by said support structure ~or movement along discrete predetexmined paths toward and away from one another; means for :
moving said press heads along their respective predetermined paths ;~
toward and away from one another; means carried by said support structure *or feeding the connector stock between said p~ess heads and into the paths of movement thereo~; cooperable means ~-carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edges for cutting the stock as said pres ~eads move along their respecti~e paths toward one another thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length; means for supporting ..
the ~irst woodQn m~mber and the second wooden members at longitudinally s~ced locations along the first wocden m~mber;
mean~ ~or relatively locating the press heads and ~he ~irst and ~econd members ~uch that the joi~ts between ea~h second membar and the ~irst mQmber are successively located be~een said pr2ss heads; said pre~ heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the ~:onnec:tor plat~ into opposite sides of the ~oint~ of ~uch ~:f, ~ ~ .
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' " ` ` ' ~ i ,, , '' `', ' 7~5 adjoining first and second members upon continued movement of said press heads toward one another along their respective paths and for each relative location of the press heads and the .
joints with the joints between the press heads; and control means for automatically actuating said press head moviny mea~s to move said press heads along their predetermined paths toward one another to form the connector plates and embed the .
teeth thereof into the opposite sides of the joints between the first and second members in response to each successive .
, , 10 location of said press heads and joints with the joints between ;` the press heads.

; These and further objects and advantages of the .i :~

present in~ention will become more apparent upon reference .

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- to the following specification, appended claims and drawings wherein:
.` FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a wooden frame fabricatlng machine constructed in accordance with the present in~ention;
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged end view thereo looking . from right to left in FIGU~E l;
FIGURE 3 is a plan view o~ the ~rame fabricating machine hereof;
FIGURE 4 is an eniarged fragmentary plan view with portions broken out for ease of illustration;
- FI~URE 5 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevational view of the machine hereof with portions broken out for ease of illustration;
. FI&URE 6 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken generally about on line 6-6 in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional :;
; vie~ of a feed and press assembly forming a part of the fabricating machine illustrated in FIGURE l;

, FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 are enlarged fragmentary cross- . .
. , ~- sectional views thereof taken generally about on lines 8-8, 9-9, and 10-10, respectively, in FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 11 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevational view of a slat and side rail lumber stop assembly;
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken generally about on line 12-12 in~FIGURE 11;
FIGURE 13 is a schematic illistration of a pneumatic circuit for use with the fabricating machine hereof;

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Lr~ L5 . FIGURE 14 is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic circuit for use with the fabricating machine hereof;
FIGURES 15A and 15B are schematic illustrations of an electrical circuit for use with the fabricating machine hereof with the left side of FIGURE 15B forming a continuat~on of the right side of FIGURE 15A along the dashed lines; and FIGURES 16A-16D are schematic plan vie~s illustrating ;; . the locations of the various switches, stops, and slats and rails durlng fabrication of a first frame and part of ~
succeeding frame, the press heads being indicated by the dashed lines.
Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIGU~S 1-4, there is illustrated a wooden frame fabricating machine constructed in.accordance with the present invention and generally designated 10. Machine 10 generally incaudes a pair of press assemblies 12 disposed on opposite sides of the machine, - slat conveyors 14, rail conveyors 16, rear slat and rail hoppers I83 and 19, respectively, forward rail hoppers 20, and output roller conveyors 22. Machine 10 generally includes a transversely extending base structure 24 on which the opposite sides of the machine are mounted, one side of machine 10 designated R being . rigidly mounted to base 24 while the opposite side of machine 10 designated M is carried by base 24 for movement toward and away ; from the fixed machine side R. W~th the exception of various elements noted below, the fabricating machine 10 hereof is symmetrical about a machine centerline extending longitudinally ~ in the direction of movement of the frames through the machine l and it will. be appreciated that a description of the various . -- 8 --~/

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assemblages on one side of the machine centerline is also a description of the like assemblages of the opposite hand on the other side of the machine centerllne with the exceptions noted.
Base 24 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced transversely extending channel shaped beams 26 and 28 elevated above the floor level by supports 30 and 32 disposed adjacent opposite ends of the beams, Suitable pads are interposed between . . .
supports 30 and 32 and the floor. On the fixed side R of machine 10, a base plate 34 is suitably secured to a spacer 36 carried ; 10 by beams 28 and 30. The plate 34 provldes support for one end of a downstream roller conveyor base frame 38 on the fixed side of the machine and which frame 38 comprises longitudinally extending channel shaped beams 39 (FIGURE 1 ) supporting spacers 40 above the beams and which spacers 40 in turn support the side channels 42 of the roller conveyor 22, me other side of base plate 34 on the fixed side R of machine 10 mounts a plurality of upright supports 44 (FIGURE 5) on which one end of the slat and rail feed - conveyor assemblies 14 and 16 respectively is supported.
On the movable side of machine 10, there is provided a pair of guides 48 (FIGURES 1 and 2) along the upper surfaces of longitudinally spaced support beams 28 and 30. A support plate 50 ~FIGURE 1 ) is carried for slidable movement along guides 48 and suitable rollers, not shown, carried by plate 50 straddle . guides 48 to enable plate 50 and the structure to be described and supported thereby for movement toward and away from the fixed side R of machine 10. A rack 52 (~IGURE 2) is carried along support beam 28 and is engaged by a pinion 53 (FIGURE 1). Gearing, not shown) is provided in housing 54 and ., ' O 9 _ , )f.~7~ ~
rotation of a handle 56 which drives such gearing causes dis-~acement of the movable side M of machine 10 toward and away from the fixed side K of machine 10. In FIGURE 6, there is . illustrated a carrier including length of sheet metal 49 .5 reversely bent with its opposite ends secured to the movable side .. of machine 10 and fixed to the immovable base of the machine. As illustrat~d, the pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical lines, - generally designated L, are suitably secured to the carrier 49 and are thus confined within its reversely bent portions and carried thereby between fixed and movable stations.
; Plate 50 provides support or one end o the roller - conveyor base frame 38 on the movable side of the machine and - which frame 38 in turn carries suitable supports 40 for supporting the side rail channels 42 of the downstream roller conveyor 22 on the movable side M of machine-10, As illustrated in FIGURE 2, the downstream end of the roller conveyor base ~rame 38 on the fixed side of the machine is supported by uprights 60 secured to the f1Oor for example by bolts 62.
The downstream end of the roller conveyor base frame 38 carried by the tovable side M of machine 10 is supported by legs 64, the lower ends of which mount a sheel 66. Conseque~ltly the - downstream roller conveyor 22 on the movable side of the . machine is carried for displacement ~ith support plate 50 toward and away from the downstream roller conveyor 22 on the

2~ ixed side of the machine by operation of handle 56.

, ` ~V~45 . Ihe respective support plates 34 and 50 on the i fixed and movable sides of the machine also support the ends of the input slat and rail conveyor assemblies on opposite sides of the machine. It will be appreciated that the slat and rail conveyors are identical in construction with the exception that one is rigidly mounted on the . fixed side of the machine while the other is mounted for movement with Lhe movable side of the machine; Each slat conveyor frame assembly comprises a pair of generally elongated laterally spaced channel shaped beams 64 between which is carried a slat feed chain 66 (FIGURES 3 and 4).
Outboard ot the slat conveyor assembly 14 is a pair oi - - 10~ - , , .

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elongated laterally spaced generally channel shaped beams 68 between which is carried a rail feed chain 70. Each of the chains 66 and 70 are disposed about suitable idler sprockets . . .
and are trained about drive sprockets at their forward ends.
The slat and rail drive sprockets are driven independently of one another by hydraulic motors described below in conjunction with FIGURE 14, the hydraulic motors 72 and 74 for the rail conveyors are, however, illustrated in FIGURE 3.
It will also be appreciated that suitable chain tensioning devices, not sh~n, are secured between respective pairs of beams 64 and 68 whereby the desired tension is maintained on the chains. Each of the slat drive chains carries a plurality ~, of longitudinally spaced lugs 76 illustrated in FIGURE 1 an~
A, ' which lugs 76 upstand from the chain above the upper surfaces of support beams 64. The upper surfaces of beams 64 constitute conveyor surfaces along which the slats are advanced toward the press assemblies 12 ~y engagement of the lugs 76 behind the slats received on the conveyor surfaces from the ~at hoppers 18 as will be clear from the ensuing description. Similarly upstanding lugs 77 are longitudinally spaced along the rail drive chain and upstand from chain 70 above the upper surfaces of support beams 68. The upper sur~aces of beams 68 constitute ; - ~onveyor surfaces along ~hich ~he rails are advanced toward the press assemblies 12 by the engagement of lugs 77 against the rear ends of the rails received on such conveyor surface ~rom ~he rail hoppers 1~ and 20.
Hoppers for containing and feeding wooden rails and slats for forming ~e frame undergoing fabrication are carried on the input side of the machine. Particularly, each side of the machine carries a forward hopper assembly 80 and a rear hopper assembly 82 for retaining the opposi~e ends of the side rails andfor consequtively feeding rails onto the feed surface of beams 68 for engagement by lugs 77 of ~e slat drive chain.
Particularly, each forward hopper assembly 80 generally ` includes right angularly related upstanding side and end guides 82 and 84. Guides 82 and 84 incline inwardly and fo~ardly, respectively, such that the forward ends o~ the rails can be readily disposed within forward hopper assembly 80. Along ~he outer side of the forward hopper assembly there is provided an upstanding guide 86 having a laterally .
outward1y directed plate 88. Slots 90 are formed in plate 88 and the latter is carried by a base plate 92 which is provided with suitable gibs and cap screws 94 within slots 90 whereby the outer upright plate 86 is slidably adjustabLe - toward and away from the opposite upright 82 along base plate 92. In this manner, the width of the forward hoppe~
assemblies can be adjusted to accommodate various widths o side rails. Plate 92 is suitably secured to the outer beam 68 of the rail conveyor assembly. The hopper asse~bly 80 on the fixed side of the machine is thus fixed therewith - while the hopper assembly 80 on the movable side of ~he machine is movable therewith toward and away from the fixed side oE the machine. Ihe lower end of the forward upright 8~ is spaced above the conveyor surface a distance at least suffîcient .

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7~5 to permit advancernent toward the presses of a rail between such lower edge and the conveyor surface formed by beams 68.
A vertical plate~ not shown, is carrie~:by upright 84 in a vertically adjusted position such that ~e height of the opening 5 between the upright 84 and the conveyor surface can be adjusted to accommodate the different thicknesses of the wooden members comprising the rails o~ the frame undergoing fabrication.
Referring n~w to the rear rail hopper assemblies l9,each such hopper assembly includes transversely opposed upright plates 83 and 85 (FIGURE 4~ wi~h plate 85 extending above plate 83 and inclining inwardly. A back upstanding plate 82 is provided whereby a slot is formed by plate 83, 85, and 87 - for receiving the rearmost ends of the wooden rails. The inclined surfaces of upright plates 82 and 85 of the forward and rear hopper assemblies 20 and 19 respectively, enable placement of the wooden rails in the hopper from outside of machine 10 in stacked relation one above the other in each set o~ side rail hoppers. The upstanding plate 83 carries a base 89 which has slots 91 for receiving screws g3 threadable into a base plate 96 whereby the upright plate 83 is laterally adjustable toward and away from upright 85 to accommodate rails of different widths. The lower edge of upright plate 83 is spaced above the conveyor surface to permit the upstanding lugs 77 of the rail conveyor chain ~o pass below it and engage the rear end edge of the lowermost rail resting on the conveyor sur~ace fo~ned by beams 68.
The base plate 96 of each rear rail and slat hopper ` .

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, : assembly 18 and 19 respectively is provided with a depending ;~ clamp 98 (FIGURE 1) engageable about a longitudinally . extending guide shaft 100 secured along the outside of the .. ; outermost bea~ 64. Each rear hopper assembly is slidable along the conveyor surface and along rod 100. Clamp 98 is pr~vided to releasably secure each rear hopper assembly in a longitudi-nally adjusted position along ~e conveyor surface by securement ;.~ of clamp 98 to rod 100 by rotation of operating handles 102.
: Consequentlyg the forward and rear hopper assemblies cooperate to receive rails of equal lengths but which rails may vary in length depending upon the length of the frame undergoing fabrication.
The previously described hopper assembly also includes ; a part of the slat hopper 18 which is longitudinally movable 1 15 with the rail hopper assembly 19. The slat hopper includes a pair of longitudinally spaced substantially upright guide plates . 104 and 106 and a vertically extending side plate 108 forming a slot for receiving one end of a slat disposed transversely of the machine. The upright 104 is inclined forwardly toward the press while the upright plate.106 is initially incline.d forwardly and then extends vertically and to a lesser height `, than upright 104 whereby slats can be fed into the slat hopper from the rear end of the machine from be~een the rail and slat `~ conveyors and superposed one over the other. The lower edge of upright 104 is spaced above the conveyor surface and carries a ver~ically adjustable plate for varying the spacing between the plate and the.conveyor sur~ace whereby slats of : I .

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various thicknesses can be engaged by lugs 76 and displaced from beneath the hopper along the conveyor surface formed by beams 64 toward the presses. The upright plate 106 . .
is also adjustable longitudinally toward and away from upright plate 104 whereby slats of various widths can be accommodated in the slat hopper depending upon the width of the slats required for the frame undergoing fabrication.
As best illustrated in FIGURE 4, a pair of clamps ; 112 are mounted on the opposite sides of the machine on the input side of presses 1~ and include a clamping head 114 and a hydraulic cylinder 116 for extending and retracting the - clamping head 114. The clamp 112 is mounted on a guide plate ~' 118 secured in adjustable transverse position on base plate 92 which also carries the forward hopper assembly 20. Clamp lS head 114 is located at an elevation to engage the outer side edge of the rails to press the latter against the slats therebetween such that the ends of the slats butt the inner edges of the side rails when such joints are located bet~een .
the opposed press heads as described hereinafter.
As best illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, a pressure bar 120 is superposed over each slat conveyor surface on the input side of the press to maintain the slats in slidable bearing engagement along the slat conveyor sur~ace formed by beams 64. Each of the pressure bars 120 includes an elongated plate 122 having an upwardly flared end 124 to facilitate reception of the slat be~ween it and theslat ccnveyor surface as the slot is advanced along such slat conveyor sur~ace-.

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Plate 122 is supported by a plurality of rods 126 which are biased to move with plate 122.by compression spring 128.
: The plate 122, rods 126 and compression spring 128 are carried ,~;
by a support arm 130 secured at one end ~o the inside end edges of a pair of generally longitudinally spaced C-shaped frames 132 which form the basic support for each of press assemblies 12.
A press assembly of the type used herein is best ' illustrated in FIGU~ES 7-10. It will be appreciated that a description of one ofthe press assemblies will suffice as a discussion o~ both press assemblie~ since like press assemblies are mounted on the fixed and movabl~ sid~sof the machine. ~s illustrated, each press assembly is located '~ between the input slat and rail conveyors 14 and 16 and the output roller conveyors 22 and comprises a pair o~ longitudinally spaced C-shaped frames 132, which carry upper and lower press platens 134 and 136 2 respectively ~FIGURE 7); frame assemblies generally indicated 138 ~FLGURE 2) for carrying coils of connector plate stock; a ~eed assembly generally designated ~0 140 ~FIGURE 7~; and a stock cutting assembly generally designated 142. ~ach pair of C-frames 132 is mountedon a corresponding underlying support plate, i.e. plates 34 or 50.
Thus, the C-frame and press assembly carried thereby on the fixed side of the machine is rigidly secured:to plate 34 fixed to support beams 26 and 28 ~hile the C-frame and press carried thereby on the movable side M of machine 10 is secured to plate 50 which as will be recalled is mo~a~le with the input and :

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output conveyors relative to support beams 26 and 28 toward and away from the opposite fixed side of the machine. As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the coil frames 138 include - upper and lo~er longitudinally extending beams 1~0 and 152 - 5 secured to the outer edges of the C-shaped frame members 132.
Each beam 150 and 152 carries a pair of longitudinal].y spaced - laterally outwardly projecting supports 154 and 156 respectively at its opposite ends~ such supports being joined attheir distal ends by upright beams 1.58 and 160, respectively. The lower ends of upright beams 160 carry gusset plates 162 which bear on beams 28 and 30, respectively. The plate 162 on the fixed side R of the machine is rigidly secured to beams 28 and 30 while the plate 162 on the movable side M of machine 10 bears on guide surface 48 for lateral movement with the C-frame toward and away from the fixed side of the machine. Each upright 160 is provided with downwardly inclined slots 164 and 166 respectively adjacent their upper and lower ends.
Similarly slotted guide plates 167 are provided along the inside faces of each of beams 160 with such slots in ; 20 respective registry with the slots 164 and 166. Axles 168 are received in the slots 164 and carry upperand lower coils or reels C of the connector plate sto ck S. Each coil comprises a hub carrying a pair of circular axially spaced radially extending flanges and abou~ which hub the stock S is coiled.
Each connector plate stoclc S comprises an elongated strip oE
sheet metal ha~ing a plurality of elongated nail~like teeth struclc therefrom, preferably in longitudinally extending ro~s, .

~ -?~ 104 17 45 ne side o~ the StriP, th wi~h ~he ~ee~ projecting radially ou~wardly. Such connector d the coils carrying such s type de~icribed and ilLustrated in companion App1ica~ions Serial 1 d April 19,1974 and 43L,04 , h with the disclosures - are included herein by reference as though fully set forth herein-Referring par~iGularly to FIGURE 7, the coiled , connector stock S is ~ed from ~he upper and lower reels by feed -10 L40 and toward the press p The ~eed assembly 140 is carried by a guide plate L70 ~hich d to the C-rame plates F ed assembly 140 is also s pp h wn carried along the ou d through beari.ngs on ~h the C-fra~e pLates 132 enabling feed assembly 14Q ~o be unscrewed from c-~rame plates 132 and retracted along the ; bearings while remaining suppor~ed by the rods whereby total i o~ ~he eed assembl~ fro b~ain access to its vario p ` is no~ necessary. Guide 1 n FIGURE 10, is slotted along its upper and lower sides to fl nges of upper and lower 172 and 174, reSpectively 4 tend toward the peripher ` k reels respectively and a stock feed cylinder 7 .

i . .

:
connected at its forward end to guide 170. Feed cylinder 176 carries a shaft 17S which is connected at its fo~ard end to - a stock clamp and feed assembly generally indicated 180.
Referring particularly to FIGURE 7, a pair of brackets 182 are mounted on opposite sides of stock guide tables 172 and 174 and are slot~ed at their opposi~e ends at 184. Upper and lower entrance guide rollers 186 and 188 are disposed ~e~een . the respective upper and lower ends of brackets 182 and pins - carrying rollers 186 and 188 are received in slots 184. Springs 190 are coupled between the upper and lower pins on oppos;te sides of the cylinder 176 to bias the rollers to~ard each . other and their respective tables to maintain the stock from : the upper and lower reels thereof between the rollers and the :;:
tabl s as it is fed toward the press assembly. .

. 15 Referring to FIGURE 10, channel shaped guide pL~tes , . .
192 and 194 are connected to the upper and lower sides of guide 170 whereby guide plates 192 and 194 form upper and Lower passages 196 and 198, respectively, for receiving the stock en route to the press platens. Each channel shaped stock guide :~
.. 20 plate 192 and 194 has a transversely extending bore 200 through - one side thereof and through which is received a pilot pin 202.
The outer end o~ each pilot pin 202 is carried by a cylinder plate 204 which, in turn, is mounted on the piston sha~t of . a pilot cylinder 206. Each pilot cylinder 206 is secured to the respec*ive stock guide by cylinder bracket 208. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that extension and retraction of the pis~ons within the pilot cylinders 206 cause the pilot pins 202 to retract and extend in~o the respective guide passages 196 and 19S

~ 19 -, .

for purposes which will be described in the ensuing description.
Referring par~icularly to FIGURES 7 and 9, the feed clamp assembly 180 includes a slide block 210 mounted on a pair .;
of slide rods 212 for sliding movement between the illustrated orward position ~FIGURE 7) and a position substantially adjacent the forward face of guide plate 170. The rods 212 are secured at one end to guide 170. Slide block 210 is recessed along its upper and lower sides as indicated at 214 and 216, respectively, (FIGURE 9 ) and upper and lower jaws 218 and 220 are secured ~o slide block 210 and within the respective recesses 214 an~
216. The upper and lower sur~aces of jaws 218 and 220, respectively, are grooved in a longitudinal direction to form transversely spaced tines 222 and 224, respectively. Ihat is to say, such surfaces form a longitudinally extending comb-like surface which receives the teeth of the connector stock as it is fed for;~ardly to the press platens. In this manner, the connector stock is maintained in a predetermined ., lateral location. Mounted on opposite sides o slide block 210 are upper and lower cylinder brackets 226 and 228, -respectively. Each bracket is counterbored to threadedly receive the ends of upper and lower clamping cylinders 230 and 232, respectively. Cylinders 230 and 232 mount grippers 234 and 236, respectively, on the ends of their respective piston shafts. It ~ill be appreciated that extension of the grippers toward the opposite jaws clamps the connector stock between the tines of the jaws and the grippers. As '1 !

'i 74s illustrated in FIGURE 7, the entrance ends of jaws 218 and 220 are flared to facilitate entry of the stock through the clamp assembly 180. The forward end of slide block 210 carries an alignment block 244 (FIGURE 7) which is stepped at its forward face for alignment between the spaced upper and lower cut-of~ blade mounting blocks 246 and 248 respectively which form part of the press assembly.
Referring to FIGURES 7 and 8, blocks 246 and 248 are mounted between C frame plates 132 and mount upper and lower plates 250 and 252, respectively which in turn mount the fixed upper and lower cutting blades 254 and 256. Plates 250 and 252 are suitably secured at opposite sides to the under and upper sides of the upper and lower mounting blocks 246 and 248, - respectively and are spaced therefrom to define respective upper ~;
and lower stock passages 258 and 260, Plates 250 and 252 as well as mounting bloclcs 246 and 248 are enlarged adjacent the entrance apertures ~o passages 258 and 260 to facilitate entry ` of the stock. Cutting blades 254 and 256 are each provided with a plurality of transversely spaced tines indicated 261 defining grooves 262 therebetween for receiving the teeth of the stock. That is to say, the blade 254 carries upwardly directed tines 2~1 between which and in grooves 262 the downwardly directed teeth of the stock passing through passage 258 are received. The base portion of the stock passes between the upper edges of tines 261 and the lower face of block 246. ~ikewise, the fixed lower blade 256 carries the downwardly directed tines 261 between which and in grooves , . . ' " .

4~74S

dlY directed t ~ n of 1,he 5 passage 26 a ~ es 261 and the upp n the 1 Ower ed ge s 2 61 on eaCh f block 248- lh blades 254 an '' ~ t~e fiXed 1 pper and low d ~rom the StQck by ,. be ,~hat is the edC'eS
to cutting blades for 161 on the ~iXed ting blades ~herebY

.` '1 f r Cooperation W~t t c the press platen s are cut fr ward one an 7 upper and ~err ~ ng to 70 and 2 tend between the SUpport plate lOwer preSs ~Y

~ ates 132 and moUnt P d 27 6 are threaded . ~76 reSpectivelY C~3 reSpectively co tes and the P 1 tens 134 an to the upper a i e c~ i - bladeS 27 8 and 2 a th fixed uPPer Cooperation w~ th e elected lengthS ~c the Connector g butted wood pla~es f os ~ I wi1 1 be appr f bricat~on~ linders 27 s 134 and d 276 moves plate tiOn Of the the des w~th the c~
ving and ~iXed bla ,, ., ,.~ .. ... , ~

~ e~7~s .:.
; carried by the platens for embedding the teeth thereof into the opposite sides of the frame parts located bct~een the pressheads in a manner to be described.
For maintaining accurate plate location after the connector plates have been cut f:ro-m~~e-strips, the cutting -;
blades 278 and 280 carried by the upper and lower press platens each have a dovetailed groove, not sho~n, formed along their cutting edges in opposition to the corresponding fixed blades The fixed blades 254 and 256 each carry an outwardly projecting dovetail-shaped tongue 284 along their cutting edges for registration with the corresponding dovetailed ; groove in the movable cutting blades. Accordingly, when thepress platens move toward one another, the Orooves and tongues coope~ate to cut a dovetail-shaped groove along the rear edge of ehe connector plate cut from the stock. Upon continued movement of the platens toward one another, the plates are constrained from lateral movement by engagement of the dovetailed grooves along the corresponding tongues carried by the fixed blades. The plates are thus held by the dovetailed projection until the shearing action is complete and until just prior to initial penetration of the teeth into the joint, This ensures that each plate is not displaced from its intended location in the joint after bein~
.. . . .
cut prior to full embedment o~ its teeth into the wooden members of the joint.
.i i 25 Referrin~ now to FIGURES 11 and 12, there is provided .
`''1 ' ' , 4~
on the orwardmost C-frame plate 132 of each press assembly an inverted generally T~shaped plate 30~ which supports a rail stop assembly generally designated 302. The rail stop assembly includes a yoke 304 fixed ~o the lower forward face of S support bracket 300 and which yoke 304 pivotally carries one end of an arm 306, the opposite end of which carries a side rail stop 308. A pivot plate or bellcrank 310 is also pivotally secured to yoke 304 and to rail stop 308, The end of crank 310 opposite from its pivotal connection with rail stop 308 is pivotally connected to a clevis 312 suitably secured to the end of a piston 314 carried by a rail stop cylinder 316.
Cylinder 316 Is pivotally secured at its opposite end as at 318 to pivot bracket 320. It will be appreciated that extension of piston 314 pivots crank 310 and pivot arm 306 in a genera11y clockwise direction as illustrated in FIGURE 2 ~hereby stop 308 can be extended into engagement against the forward end of a side rail, Retrac~ion of piston 314 pivots crank 31 and arm 306 counterclockwise as illustrated in FIGURE 12 - whereby-rail stop 308 is displaced for~ardly along an arcuate path and into a position spaced above the side rail as the rail adv~nces along the conveyor in a mnner to be described. For convenient reerence hereinafter~ the rail stops are denoted stops "h", Referring particularly to FIGURE 11, the support plate 300 also carries a sla~ s~op support plate 322. Plate 322 also extends between the C-shaped frames 132 and is suitably ` secured there~o. A cylinder 324 upstands from a guide plate - 24 ~

.

jt ' _` ~
.74S
.
.
326 carried by support plate 322 between a pair of gibs 328, the gibs carrying the guide plate 326 for adjustment in a longitudinal direction. The piston of cylinder 321 carries a .
stop 330 and it will be apparent that extension of the piston in cylinder 324 extends the stop 330 into the path of movement of a slat being advanced along the slat conveyor surface, ; For convenient reference hereinafter, the slat stops are denoted stops "B", Also as illustrated in FIGVRE 11, a microswitch having a switch actuating arm 332 engageable by the slat is carried o by the support plate 322. For convenience hereinafter, the switches carried by the ,slat stop supports are called L2 and L3 on opposite sides of the conveyor, respectively, Also carried by supp~rt plate 300 is a microswit~h having a depending . .
actuating arm 334, the microswitch being called LGA for convenient reference hereinafter. The corresponding microswitch on the opposite side o~ the machine is labelled L7A, Referring to FIGURE 4, other switch locations are illustrated, For example, microswitches 18 and L9 on the fixed side of the machine having actuating rollers 336 and 338 are illustrated.
`- ~0 As illustrated in FIGURE 4, a support plate 340 is carried by the roller conveyor frames 42 on the output side ~ of the presses and on each ofthe fixed and movable sides of ,~ the machine 10, Support plate 340 mounts a clamp cylinder 342 on a guide plate 344 transversely adjustably mounted by gibs, not shown, The clamp cylinder 342 carries a clamping head 346 for engaging the outer edge of the side rail . ~ ' ' .

:` ~
:~ 104~3L745 - Downstream of plate 340 and above the roller conveyor~ there is provided a powèred roller 348. Roller 348 is driven through a suitable sprocket and chain arrangement ; by a hydraulic motor schematically illustrated at 347 and 349 in FIGURE 14. The rollers 348 overlie the roller conveyors 22 , on opposite sides of the machine and engage the upper surface, ; ' of the rails as the partially completed frame is advanced ; through the press assembly ~o carry the frame forwardly.
,~ Referring now particularly to FIGURES 3, 4 and 5, ; 10 guide shafts 354 and 356 extend longitudinally forwardly from the slat conveyor supportrbeams 64 for securement at their opposite ends to brackets 358 secured adjacent the end of the cconveyor frame. On each guide shaft 354 and 356, there is provided a clamp 358 slidable therealong and releasably - locked in selected adjustable longitudinal positions along , :
~ the corresponding shaft by a locking device including handle ;i 360. Each clamp 358 carries a cylinder 362, the piston o which carries a stop 364. Extension of the p~ston from the cylinder moves stop 364 into the path of movement of the slats forming part of a partially completed frame. The stops 364 -~ for convenience of description hereinafter are denoted sbops "Cl'.
- Alongside and attachèd to one of the cylinders 362 is a micro-switch 12B having a switch actuating arm 366. The arm extends upwardly and into the path of movement of the slats forming - .:
the partially completed frame and actuate the microswitch upon ~` ` engagement of a slat against stops C.
, .:
.. ...
:~.: ..
: .
:;.
,'`,'. ' ~

: ~
~,:
'' '.

.~ . . .
: .
.:
`~`

: : :
.
~114~7~S

Reerring now to FIGURE 13, there is illustrated a schematic diagram of a pneumatic circuit for the feed, stop and clamp assemblies. Tne pneumatic circuitry is identical for each press assembly including the clamping and pilot 5 cylinders as we~l as th~ A, B and C lumber stops and clamps on opposite sides ofthe machine centerline. As illustrated, ; there is provided an air source 380 connected in paralle via a conduit 382 with five four-way five-port two-position solenoid-actuatedspring-returned valves 384L, 386, 388, 384R, and 390 with associated solenoids ~42L, 586, 638, 542R and 558 respectively. For brevity of description, the le~t and right-hand press assemblies including the stop clamps, pilot pins and feed ~linders associated therewith are identified with reference numerals having letter suffixes L and R, respectively. Valves 384L and 384R serve to provide air to the left and right pilot, stock clamp, and fe~d cylinders 206L, 206R, 230L, 232~, 230R, 232R; and 176L, 17~R on opposite sides of the machine Valve 386 provides air to the B
and C slat stops 324L, 324R; and 362L, 362R, respectively.
Valve 388 provides air to the stops "A", i.eO the left and ~; right side rail stop cylinders 316L and 316R respectively, and valve 390 provides air to the left and right 1umber clamp cylinders 112L, 342L; and 112R, 342R, respectively. hs illustrated, valves 384L and 384R are spring biased into the illustrated positions wherein air is delivered through valve 384L to pilot cylinders 206L via conduits 392, 394 and 396 ~` and delivered through valve 384R to pilot cylînde~s 206R via . i ' .

i ~ ~7 -, . . . . . . .

2 to normally mainta ded d positions WL ilot CYlinders

3 84 L whl 8~ R ~l1a lv e unicates air 23 d 2321~ to main the stock clarnP Y 4l4 Connects the PP
y retr;C 5 230L and 0 floW aLr th ,10 C~o.~iC~ bolenOid-aCtUa~ roVLded es describe ma in it in a re ,I poSL 1 valve 422 an dU t 416 via OppO5lte e . I time de~ ay ~6 through a sim~ ar 1 Com~,unicates air `` ~ 428 and 43 'r; P to the stCk tracted poSit and 23 h~endS ;i e 406-.t, and.23 d 41i floW through a noid-a tu ~ter i is alS prVided descri in a retracted P ~low con 6R to ~aintal ing through a - 28 - ~

, ., I

i ~4 ~7 ~ S
- d a ~ime del?Y va~Ve 42 6R is connected to con time d~lay and floW ~
6 mmunicateS air via con h B and C slat stP cYli 1 ai~tain-~.he B and C s P
S~te ends of the 2R to valve 386- ~alve 38 P
h rail stPS 'A ~ i-e-li ders 316L and 316R to tended cOnduits 444 a ylinderS With V

~ ylinders l12~ 342 .~l by the latter are main : i Return conduit 452 P

~ ~ s~ch lumber clamP cyl ,,: U energizatin of the ,.................................. 84~ valve 384L is shifte associated with va i via conduit 404 to ex ~ 0ilOt pins 202 are retra .'d d lOwer clamping Cylinde i ly via conduits 410 a nd lOwer Stock is cla p d jawS 218 and 220, reSp :. 25li der i76l~ via cnd~it 28 ~o extend its piSt ping aSsembly 180 a ., .
'~ !
,; , ~, :. . : . . ,-i via the pr evi nicate ~ o Ihe right~hand desc~ibed condu' ~S 1 Operated ~or eXa P
hine is s~mL a s s Ociated With energizati 38 R i shifted to prVi ve 384R the valVe 1 t linders 206R wherebY
ex~end the P is als proV

pilo p ders 230R and232 - lower clamping Y 4 nd 23 6 ~her eby th he right-hand g ~ the machin and 1i erS and Jaw 218 and . ded ~ eed Cylinde nd time de~ aY
. Contr ol va~ve 43 a m 180 on the right Side h e~Y clamping aSSe Y i advanced- 'rhe ., 'L5 ideS o~ the variUs pil ~
PPh a reservoir ~ia th P
Communicate ~ , 398 409, 411, and ides air to C ~a condu'ts 432~

: 2~) Slat stoPS B and d tended posi tin- P
s toP stoP solen ~ the Slat i,Le sides of the provide air Via 3 24R 362L and 362R
C slat stP cy d valve 38 tOps 330 and 364 a ide rail stPS ~
ovidinc~ air t i Conduits 440 and side rail stop . ; - 30 ~

. ~ ~ , ......... .

~` ~ t45 442. When solenoid 638 associated with valve 388 is 8nergized, valve 38~ shifts to provide air via conduits 446 and 444 to ~ ds o cyli.nders 316L and `' "A" stops.
` Valve 390 normally suppli . cylinders 112L9 112R~ 342 s~. lenid 558 associated 39~ shits to supply air `` h clamp heads a~ainst t d Upon de-energization o~

1 39 spring retUrns to ~ eferring now t ... hydraulic circuit for the le~t and right hand preSs Cylinders ''!.` h presS assembly A va .,- 1 id ro~ a reserVir 461 ~nal control val~e 464 of the preSs cYlinder d sition Particularly, c ` 465 connected in parallel . f the machine via cndUit id of the press cYlinder 69 ith a ~low divider 470 54 liRS in CmmUnica C ommuni c a ti on wi t~:~rough valve 464 With 9 ia conduits 472, 472, '; of slat feed motors v .. .
, . .
. . - 31 - .
, . l .,; ~ . .

2 and 74 'Ji ; d ~ r~ ~ ~ rS 347~ 349i onduit 463 and via reSpectiv 48 72 and 7 ~ .2 4~4 and ,o"t.iD~ ~ / a .Dd ~ss, bei g ~, onduit 491 co~ h it b~e check valVe resPeC rvOLr 461 Ll`~ ~ supplY condU;t a ondu~t 493- ~95 and alS

496 in CO~ 'C~ri - lic flUid LS pr ; t r 5 274 and ' i of 5OlenoLd ~ 3~
r - - - ~ - ~ - ~ ~

.

press cylinders 274 and 276 to retrac~ the press platens - and maintain them in a xetracted position.
Hydraulic fluid also flows from pump 460 via line `- 482 to each set of output conveyor motors 347, 349 a slat conveyor motors 351 and 353 and rail conveyor motors 72 and 74.
Particularly, ~ ui.d flows via lines 482 and 483 to 1OW
~- divider 481 to output conveyox motors 347 and 349 with t~
fluid returning via conduit 472, 471 and 491 whereby the fluid motors 347 and 349 run continuously. Energization of the solenoid associated with valve 488 shifts it to the left to prevent flow of hydraulic fluid to the output conveyor motors whereby the output conveyor motors are stopped. Hydraulic fluid is provided from line 482 via line 484 to the flow dividers 481 for flow to the slat conveyor motors 351 and 353 with the fluid returning via lines 476~ 477, 475 and 491 to the reservoir. Upon energization of the slat stop solenoid 604, valve 489 shifts to the left as illustrated to preclude flow of hydraulic fluid to the ; slat conveyor motors whereupon the slat conveyor stopsO
De-energization of solenoid 604 permits valve 489 to spring return to the illustrated position whereupon the motors again run continuously. Hydraulic ~luid is supplied via conduits 482 and 485 to flow divider 481 and to the rail drive moto~ 72 and 74 with the fluid return being provided via conduits 479, 480, 478, and 491. Energization of rail conveyor stop solenoid 600 shifts ~,7a7~;ra 490 to the le~t as illustrated to preclude flo~
of hydra~ c fluid to motors 72 and 74 and thereby stop the rail conveyor. De energization of solenoid ';,00 enables spring return of valve 490 to the illu8trated posl ~,n whereupon rail . 33 -

4~

conveyor motors72, 74 ag~in run continuously.
` ~e~erring now to FIGUR
tation oi an electrica b icating maC~ine here t mode wherein the nd close assDciated co ~ m a l l Y O p e n a n d c l S e f arallel lineS and th li s respectively eXCeE?
itch '~ne contacts ha~e h numeral suffixes of t ral suffix indicating P
L 60 cycle current is pr it ble power source P and lS power f or hydraulic P P
d stoP Switch 504 and n dis pos ed in line 502 tog ctuating relay ML for ' i leCtriCal lineS CUPl 1 are als diSPosed in s tart switch 50 6 and ~ itch ~16 and outpUt c Y

i line 514. I,ine S00 is ley P~2 and itS C
t shown are disposed i hi h are coUPled to the P

S~o Connect pOwer SUrce . ~ .
- 3~ ~ .

to such motors. A line 522 is connected to line 514 between switch 516 and contacts Ml-l, line 522 being connected to line 502 between start switch 506 and relay Ml and also to a line 524 between a start operation indicator lamp 526 and a load switch 528 Line 524 is connected to line 514 and a stop operation indica~ing lamp 530 is connected across the stop and start switches 504 and 506, respectively, and relay Ml by line 532. In the rest condition, the stop indicating lamp 530 is lit. Consequently, with switch 516 closed, power is supplied across lines 514 and 524 by c~osing start switch 506. Relay Ml is energized to close normally open contacts ~-1 thereby supplying power to the hydraulic pump motor and also to energize xelay M2 which in turn closes contacts, not shown, to supply power to the output conveyor motors. The start indicating lamp 526 is also lit T.; ne 532 connects to line 524 across an open pair of contacts of the load switch 5~8 and to line 514 across parallel connected load solenoids 542L and 542R Connected in series across supply lines 524 and 514 by line 536 are the illustrated open pairs of contacts of platen limit switches `~ 538, normally open contacts Kl-3, a fuse 540, and nail feed solenoids 534L and 534R connected in parallel between lines 536 and 514. A line 544 connects between a pair o~ normally open contacts of the load switch 528 and line 536 between contacts Kl-3 and fuse 540. The illustrated closed pair of contacts 538 of the platen limit switch 538 are coupled in series with a relay Kl across the power supply lines 524 .
- 35 ~

.
,................ . , : .:
.

s 514 by line 466. ~le normally closed pair of feed limit switch~ 548 are coupled in parallel to line 524 while line 550 which inclu1es normally open contacts Kl-l connects switches 548 to line 546 between the pla~en limit s~ ches 538 and relay Kl. The platen limit switches are illustrated in position with the platens intermediate their stroke and not ~ully retracted.
Connected in series between lines 524 and 514 by line 552 are the normally clo~ed contacts of a pressure actuated switch 554, normally open contacts K2-1, a fuse 556 and a clamp solenoid 558. Line ~60 connects relay Y2 to line 552 between contacts K2-1 and fuse 556 and to supply line 514.
; A fuse 562 and a high pressure solenoid 563 are connected in series by line 564 which connects on one side with line 514 and ; 15 on its other side to line 560. Line 566 connects with line 552 . .
between contacts R2-1 and fuse 556 and with supply line 514, line 566 serially connecting a nail ccmmand switch 567 and a manual nailing indicator lamp 568. Line 570 is coupled to line 536 between normally open contacts Kl-3 and the contacts of platen limit switches 538 and serially connects normally closed contacts Kl-3 and ~3-2 to line 566. Connected in series across the nail command switch 567 by lin~ 572 are the normally open contacts of an automatic nailing mode command switch 574, and the contacts of normally open switches L2, L2B, Ll, L~ and L3.
Normally open contacts K9-2 in line 569 bridge the normally open contacts of switch L2B while normally open contacts ~
in line 571 bridge the remote contacts of switches Tl and L4.

. .
... .
. Connected in series across lines 524 and 514 by line 575 are normally open contacts K2-3, fuse 576 and a nail solenoid 578. Connected in series across lines 524 and 514 by line 580 ;.~ are the normally open contacts of the paired contacts of pressure switch 554 and a relay K3. Also connected in series across supply lines 524 and 514 by line 582 are a normally closed switch 15, normally open contacts K3-1, normally closed contacts K~-3, a fuse 585 and the slat stop B and C retract .: solenoid 586, Line 588 connects line 582 between contacts K3-1 and K$-3 and with line 580 between the open contacts of pressure switch 554 and relay I~, Iine 590 connects norma]ly open contac~s K8-3 across line 524 and line 582 between contacts K8-3 and fuse 585.
Serially connected between lines 524 and 514 by line 592 are normally open contacts K3-3 and relay K4. Serially .l connected between lines 524 and 514 by line 594 are normally closed switch L8, normally closed contacts K6-2 and relay K5, ; Also serially connected between lines 524 and 514 by line 596 - are normally open contacts K5 3, fuse 598 and a rail stop solenoid 600. ~ormally open contacts K7-3, the normally open contacts of switches L10 and Lll, fuse 602 and ~he slat stop solenoid 604 are connected in series by line 606 between lines 524 and 514. Line 608 connects with line 606 between fuse 602 and the contacts o-E switch LLl and with line 524, through bridging lines 610 and 612, respectively, which couple the like contacts of switches l.10 and Lll, ~ine 614 connects with supply line 524 at the load , . . . .

s switch 528 and by parallel lines 616 and 618 with the respective contacts forming the normally open pairs o contacts o~ a ~eed switch 620. Line 622 connects the other contact of one of the normally open contacts of switch 620 with ~- 5 line 606 between switch ~11 and fuse 602 while line 624 connects the other contact of the other normally open contacts o~
, . .
- switch 620 with a line 626. Line 626 carries normally closed contacts K5-3 and connects with line 596 between normally open contacts K5-3 and fuse 598 and also with line 606 between normally open contacts K7-3 and switch ~ 0.
Conrected in series across lines 524 and 514 by line 630 are normally closed contacts K7-3, normally closed switch L9 and relay K6, Line 632 connects normally open switches L7A, L6A, L7B, and L6B in parallel between lines 524 and 592, line 632 connecting with line 592 between contacts K3-3 and relay K4, and also serially couples fuse 636 and stop A retract solenoid 638 to line 514. Connected in series across lines 524 a~d 514 by line 640 are normally open contacts K2-2 and K6-3 and relay K7. Line 642 serially connects across lines 524 and 514 normally closed contacts K2-2 and K9-1, normally 3pen contacts K7-2 and relay K8. Line 644 serially connects normally open contacts K8-2 and relay K9 across supply lines 524 and 514, ~ormally open contacts K6-1 are connected by - line 646 between lines 630 and 632l line 646 connecting with 1ine 630 between switch L9 and relay K6 and wlth line 632 between its connection with line 592 and ~use 636 at circuit point E. ~ormally open contacts ~7-1 are connected by line ';',8 ~ 38 ,.

.

` ::

ircuit pOi nt ~ and t K6 3 ar)d relay K7- ~Orm Y

b line 650 to line 640 d lay K.7 and to line 6 11 Open contacts K9 ntacts K2-?
642 b e twe en n ormal lY c l 1 a g ~ hirle the nrmallY P

`~ 16 tlsed primari~y for ~
500 and s02 to energ on 1es the normally Open g.
d ~.ic pump motor 460 ssoclated izatlon 0~ relaY ~

ts not shown, o prditin h 528 positioned as ill h the load sWltc d 514 and alS

are ted wherebY ~
are retrac 1~6 is energired d 514 throu~a~h clSed c 11 h ~ Energizatin of ~ enoid ~onracts }~ d 6~ thl~gh ,~ - 39 -_ . . , .. ~ , . . .
..

r `~
7~S

h machine at reSt p~lot cyl~nderS 2 6~ and 176R are t ~ t pins in paSsag cted leaving 2301. and 230 lamP Cylinders ept1On of lays are de 3 prevents en 1 y K6 ~ormallY P 2~ and 2R and the normall~ P
d sOlenoids 5 nor~ally Ope h 567 togeth 1 mp sOlenoid ation of t ~2-3 pre~entS

reSSUre solenid ~O e id 578 While r'rmallY
Of the nail Of the hYdr h Open conta d C retract switch 554 preVen Solenoid 604 rem lat conve~r h ~-L0 and ugh the Ope 1 feed switch ,-11 and thrUgh 620. 1 Containing the c - d the mach~ne~it d the endS of con10 ated on the UPPer sides the axles are ckets 160 on PP
66 r~ reels are thUS
of th1 ef~ect whiCh pre ac wn accord onC
rotating28 ~s Closed to ~oad switch 5 to energize li ds 5~-4~ and 53~
nail~ ~he load Sole ~R Energiæatin 40 _ ..... .

`_ ~.a~L745 384L and 384R respectlvely and energization of feed solenoids 534L and 534R shifts valves 418 and 419 respectively to -the left in FTGURE 13 whereby air is provided cylinders 206L and 206R to extend the pistons and withdraw the pilot pins from passages 196 and 198; provided cylinders 230L, 230R, 232~ and 232R to extend the clamp heads to clamp the stock; and provided feed cylinders 176L and 176R to advance the stock. Release of load switch 528 enables return of the valves to the illustrated - positions with the stock remaining in an advanced position.
1~ As w;ll be recalled, when the operator closes start switch 506, the hydraulic pump 460 supplies fluid to the output conveyor motors 347, 349, the slat conveyor motors 476, and rail convenyor motnrs 72 and 74 whereby the output, slat and rail conveyors are operative. Closing start switch 506 also energizes relay K6 ~hich closes contacts K6-1 to energize the stop A retract : .
solenoid 63~ to shit valve 388 (FIGURE 13? to supply air to stop A cylinde.rs 316L and 316R via line 446 thereby ~o retract stop A.
Closing start switch 506 also opens normally closed contacts K6-2 : .. .
; to maintain relay K5 de-energized. As the rear ends of the rails R are engaged by lugs 77 and advanced along the rail conveyor by chain 70, switch 1~ (FIGVRES 16A-16D) is opened by one oX the advancing rails ~o hold relay K5 de-energized. As the one rail advances further, it opens normally closed switch ~g which de-energizes relay K6 which, in turn, returns contacts K6-1 to their normally open position de-energizing circuit point E and the stop A rail retract solenoid 638. De-energization of solenoid 638 enables valve 3~8 to spring return to the illustrated pos~tion whereby air is again supplied to the stop A cylinders via line 440 (FIGVRE 13) to extend stops A into the path of movement of ,, ~1 7~

the respective rails (FIGU~E 16A), ~en the rails engage stops A, switches T.l and Lh are closed respectively in line 572 (FIGURE
. l5A~ and the rail conveyor stalls.
, With the slat stops B normally extended by air .. 5 supplied via lines 432, 434 and 436 to slat stop cylinders 324L
and 324R (FIGURE 13), the lugs 76 of the slat conveyor engage and advance the first slat against extended stops B whereupon the slat conveyor 14 stalls, and the respective switches L2 and L3 adjacent each of stops B are engaged by the slat and close - 10 (FIGURE 16A). The closing of switches L2 and L3 indlcates proper engagement of the slat against stops B in perpendicular relation - to the rails and in nailing position between the press platens 134 and 136.
.. The operator then manually closes the nail switch 567 . 15 to initiate nail.ing ~he first slat between the forward end of the i first pair of rails and also close automatic nail switch 574 sh~uld the auto~atic nailing mode be desired. With the platen ~imit switch 538 closed across the contacts in line 536, and also : automatic nailing switch 574 closed across the open contacts in line 572, closing nail switch 567 energizes via lines 536, 570, . 566, and 552, the clamp solenoid 558, relay K2 and the high pressure solenoid 563. Energization of relay K2 closes normally open contacts K2-1 to maintain a holding circuit through line 552 for the clamp solenoid 558, relay K2 and high pressure solenoid 563. Energization of clamp solenoid 558 causes valve 390 to shift whereby air is supplied via line 452 (FIGURE 13) to clamp cylinders L12L, 342L, 112R and 342R to extend the clamp heads carried thereby into engagement along the side eges of the rails to press ~he rails against the ends o~
_ ~2 -t`ne slat. Energization of reLay K~ also closes normally open con~acts X7-3 to energize nail ~.olen~id 578 - in line 575 (FIGURE l5B). Energization of nail solenoid 578 shifts valve 464 to supply hydraulic fluid via lines 463, 471, flow divider 470 and lines 468 (FIG~RE 14) to the upper and lower -. press cylinders 274 and 276, respectively, whereby the press platens 134 and 136 are displaced to~ard one another.
.. Energization of the high pressure solenoid 563 causes valve to shift enabling operation o~ the restrictor to change the pressure in the hydraulic line to a high pressure, for example 3000 p.s.i, Energization of relay K2 also opens normally closed . contacts K2-2 in line 642 and closes norrnally open contacts :' K2-2 in line 640. The opening and closing of such contacts by relay K2 has, however, no effect on the circuitry until the last slat in each frame is to be nailed as explained below.
~en the press platens move from their retracted positions . the platen limit switches 538 close across the contacts in line -~ 546 thereby energizing relay Kl to close contacts Kl-l, which provides a holding circuit ~r relay Kl through the feed limit switches 538. Energization of relay Kl also opens normally closed contacts Kl-3 in line 570 and closes normally open contacts Kl-3 in line 536. Thus, energization of relay Kl .~ upon initiation of the press cycle readies the nail feed circuit for operation upon retraction of the press platens in a manner set ~orth below.
At the end of the press stroke and after discrete .:;
connector plates have been cut from the connector p~ te stock and carried wi~h the pressheads toward the rails and slat for ~` embedment of the teeth thereo into the joints formed by the L74~

d la~ hydraulic pressur tacts in line 552 (FIG
holding circuit for cl P
and high pressure solenoid 563- De_energizatin of clamp : 558 enables sPri~g retUrn h lumbe~ clamps by air PP

450 De-energization K2 3 to their normally open p 1 id 578 in line 575 whe 14) spring retu~-ns and hy 10274 and 276 via lineS 463, ^ ss platens 134 and 136.
h 554 als mome~tarily cl open conta~ts i~ line 580 thereby energizing relay K3 ~hich,.

lSrmallY Open contacts h gh 1Lne 582 '.~ rOvide a holding cirCu it h L5 and line 580- Ene g ormally Closed contaC 1ineS 566 an~ 57~

il cor~mand circuit throug 20stOck is fed to its n f the pressheads 134 a d ~ itin Closes platen in line 536 th ids 542~ and 542R throug 1 Kl which remains energ ! - 1 ding feed limit Switch a~l feed ill be ~ecalled~ ene~r~

'' , . . .
- 4~ -7~5 solenoids 542L and 542R shift valves 384L and 384R to supply air via lines 404 and 406, respectively (FIGURE 13) to extend pilot cylinders 206L and 206R thereby retracting pi1Ot pins 202 from the respective stock feed passages; to supply air via lines 416, 414; 417, 415 to the stock clamp cylinders ' 230L, 232L; 230R and 232R to clamp the stock between the clamping jaws of the feed assembly; and to supply air via lines 416, 426; 417, 427 to the feed cylinders 176L and 176R thereby to advance the com~ector stock a predetermined distance to locate predetermined ler~gths thereof between the pressheads 134 and 136. At the end of the stock feed stroke, the feed limit switches 54~ momentarily open to de-energize relay Kl returning contacts Kl-3 in line 570 to their normally closed condition and contacts I~-3 in line 536 to their normally lS open position to de-energize nail feed solenoids S42L and 542R.
Valves 384L and 384R spring return and air is supplied via lines 408, 410; and 409 and 411, (FIGURE 13) to retract stock clamp cylinders 230L~ 232L; 230R and 232R to release the stock and via lines 408, 420; 409, 421 to retract stock feed ' 20 cylinders 176L and 176R respectively leaving the stock in the - advanced positions. Return of valves 384L and 384R also supplies air via lines 392,394; 398, 400 to retract pilot ; cylinders 206L and 206R xespectively whereby pilot pins 202 engage between the teeth of the connector stock in the stock passages to sli~htly adjust the longitudinal position of the stock in the stock passages. This adjustment ensures that the stock is located such that the fixed and stationary cutti,ng , blades cut the stock between its transverse rows rather than through the teeth per se.
It will be recalled that relay K3 is energized by - momentary actuation of pressure switch 554 at the end of thc press stroke and embedment of the teeth of the plates into the adjoining rails and slat and remains energized through - its holding circuit through closed switch ~5 and closed ; contacts K3-1 in line 582. Energization of relay K3 also energizes stops ~ and C, retract solenoid 586 in line 582 whereupon valve 386 shifts to provide air via line 438 (FIGURE 13) to retract ~he B and C slat stop cylinders 324L, 324R; and 362L and 362R, respectively. Thus, stops B and C
are retracted during the nail feeding operation and partial advancement of the partially completed frame. Energization of relay K3 also closes normally open contacts K3-3 in line 647 - to energize circuit point E and the stop A retract solenoids 638 whereupon v~lve 388 (FIGURE 13) shifts to supply air via line 456 to retract stop A cylinders 316L and 316R.
Consequently, stops A and B retract enabling the partially completed ~rame to be advanced past the nailing heads by the continuously running rail and slat conveyors. Closing normally open contacts K3-3 also energi~es relay K~ which, ; in turn, closes normally open contacts K~-l which bridge switches ~1 and 1~ in line 571 for ~easons noted hereinafter.
`, 25 As the partially completed frame advances, the side railS close nornslly open s~itches L6-A and ~7-A to maintain circui~ point E and the stops A retract solenoid 638 energized 7~LS
.

which hold stops A retracted. As the partially completed ` frame is advanced by the rail conveyor 16, the first slat momentarily opens switch LS thereby de-energizing the .
holding circuit for relay K3. De-energization of relay K3 returns contacts K3-1 to their normally open position, returns contacts K3-2 to their normally closed position to enable the clamp and nai7 command circuit through lines 566 ` or 572, and returns contacts K3-3 to their normally open position. Circuit point E and relay K4, however, remain energized through the closed switches I~-A and L6 B.
i Gonsequently, stops A retract,solenoid 638 remains energized to maintain stops A in retracted positions andcontacts K4-1 remain closed to bridge switches L-l and L,4. Opening switch L-5 also de-energizes the stops B and C retract solenoid 586 enabling spring return of valve 386 and consequent extension of stops B and C after the first slat moves past stops B and C. Continued advancement of a partially completed frame causes the rails to close switches L6-B and L7-B. It will be appreciated that circuit point E is therefore energized for as long as any one of switches L6-A, L7-A, L6-B and L7~B are closed and consequently stop A retract solenoid 638 is maintained energized and stop A is held retracted until the rails clear the last of the swit~ es L6-B and L7-B.
Continued advancement of the completed frame locates the rails under power xo]lers 348 and the rollers 348 and rail conveyor 16 continue to advance the partially completed frame to bring theirst slat into engagement against extended stops B (FIG .l 6 B) ~ Engag " time the Slat ~ nst exter'de Of the partially cmPle ~ tia~ ly completed.

ts fUrther ad t rs , h d the outPUt rll cau 7 nd 349 to sta1~' hes }2 and ~, and the Slat c onv Y

1,3 are Closed (Fl = Slat lies in pos ensure tha dicular posi r nail view o FlGuREs 15 A
lo the rails F n d r to 2utoma~ica y ppreciated that' . slats t the railS ~ith t all Subsec'~u n eaCh fram eXception o~ t L3 d ~ B must be Clos itCheS ~ i heS 1,1 and provided cntaC d co ts a~e Closed and h switches a i a closed ~ ~
ail s~itch 57 ugh lines ~5, ommand . m t s~itChes a~ld t~r g i 536 ~rniS i Contacts in ~ y energizing c~ a P
nd nailing ac 570 572 and 5 erg~ze t~e n u ~n the pressh mbed solenoid w~er P late s~ock and e S om the conneC 1 t and the 2 h reo ~ nt the h end o tne P
P,s be or ~ h contacts in liC presSUre S _ 48 ~
........

;. , :.. ....... ...... . ...... ..... ...

7~5 .. ,,' : ' .
line 552 to de-energize clamp solenoid 558 and relay K2 which . in turn de-energizes the nail solenoid, and to energize relay K3 in line 580 to disable the clamp and nail command circuit.
Also, as before, movemen-t of the press platens from their . 5 retracted positions enables the nail feed circuit by energizing relay Kl which enables energization of the nail - feed solenoids 542L and 542R upon return of the platens ~ to their fully retracted positions and the closing of platen ,~ limit switches 538. At the comple~ion of the feed cycle, relay Kl is de-energized to disable the nail feed solenoids 542L and 542R and enable the clamp and nail command circuit with the exception of conta~ts K3-2 which are maintained open by relay K3 energized at the end of the press stroke of the platen, Energized relay K3 also energizes stops B and C retract lS solenoid 586 whereupon stops B and C retract enabling the partially completed frame with the first two slats secured to the side rails to advance, When the second slat momentarily opens switch L5 during advancement of the partially completed frame, relay K3 is de-energized to close contactsK3-2 and thereby fully enable the nail command circuit. The foregoing described sequence continues for each of the subsequent sla~s of the first frame except for the last slat, In summary, as the frame is advanced and each succeeding slat engages stops B and C, switches 12, L3, and L2-B
'25 close to initiate the clamp and nail operation; completion of the pressing stroke initiates retraction of the B and C slat stops and retraction of the clamps enabling the partially .
_ 49 _ .

~,' completed frame to'ad~ance~ and return of the press heads initiates the connector sto~k feed cycle, the full return of which pressheads ena~1es subse~uent ener~i7.ation of the nail command circuit in response to closing switches L~-B, 12 and U
' 5 when the next slat is ready for nailing, It wi]l be appreciated that as the partially ,, compLeted frame is advanced, the rails behind the partially completed frame are very close],y spaced to the ~railing ends of the rails o~ the partially completed frame. It is, however, desirable to enlarge the spacing between the rails of a partially completed frame and the rails of the next frame to be abricated. ~en the trailing end of the rails of the partially completed frame pass switch 18 prior to nailing ~he last slat there~(FIG,16C), switch L8(FIG. 15B) returns to its normally closed position to energize relay K5 through line 594.
`'- Energiza~ on of relay K5 closes normally open contacts K5-3 in 11ne 596 to energize the rail conveyor stop solenoid 600 wh~ch shits valve 490 to stop the rail conveyor. The - partially completed frame, however, continues to ad~ance under the powered roller 348 and the rail of such frame uncovers switch L9(F-rG~l6c)~ S~-itch L9 in line 630(FI~URE 15B) is thus returned to its illustrated normally closed position to energize relay K6 thrDugh line 630. ~nergization of relay K6 closes normally open contacts K6-1 to hold relay K6 energized through the energiæed circuit point E and ~he one or more switches L~-A, ~6-B, L7~A and L7-B. Energiæation of relay K6 also opens normally c~sed contacts K6~2 to , .. ~ . . ~
.. . ., j . ~ , .. ..

::

7~
. .
~e-energize relay ~5 and return contacts K5-3 in line 596 to ,' their normally open positions and contacts K5-3 in line 626 to ' their normally closed position ~hereby rail stop solenoid 600 is de ener~ized enabling spring return of valve 490 and restart ,' ' 5 of rail conveyor 16. Energization of relay K6 also closes normally open contacts K6-3 in line 640 (FIGURE 15B) to enable energization of relay K7 when the nailing o~ the final slat in the frame is commenced. ~hen swltch L2-B is closed as ; the next to the last slat engages stop C, and the final slat engages stops B to close switches L2 and 13, nailing is ; iniitated as before through lines 536, 570, 572 and 552 to energize the clamp solenoid 558. High pressure solenoid 563 and relay K2 which in turn closes contacts K2-3 to energize the nail solenoid 578, The nailing cycle and the nail feed cycle proceed as previously described.
, However, energization o relay K2 at the start of the nailing cycle also closes normally open contacts K2-2 in line 640 and opens normally closed contacts K2-2 in line 642 (FI~URE
'- 15B). It will be recalled that relay K5 was initially energized through line 630 and closed s'witch L9 and that c~ntacts K6-3 in line 640 are thereby held closed. Relay K7 is thus energized through line 640. Energization of relay K7 closes normally open contacts K7-1 to provide a holding circuit for relay ~7'-through energiæed circuit point E and closes normally open ' 25 contacts K7-2 in line 642, ~ormally open contacts K7-3 in line 606 are also closed upon energization of relay K7 and energiæe the rail stop solenoid 600 through the normally closed contacts KS-3 in line 625 and lines 606 and 596 to again shift valve ` ~ 51 -, : ~4~745 490 (FIGURE 14) to stop rail conveyor motors 72 and 74.
Contacts K7-3 in line 606 close to also energize slat conveyor stop~solenoid 604 through line 606 and closed switches L10 and Lll to stop the slat conveyor~ Enrgization of relay K7 also opens contacts K7-3 in line 630 but relay K6 is held energized through circuit point E.
At the completion of the press stroke, it will be ~ -recalled that relay K2 is de-energized and this causes normally open contacts K2-2 in line 642 to return to their normally 10closed position thus energizing relay K8 through line 642, closed contacts K9-1 and closed contacts K7-2. Energization of relay K8 closes nonmally open contacts K8-1 in line 650 to hold relay K8 energized through circuit point E, closes ~ r normally open contacts K8-2 in line 644 to energize relay K9, closes normally open contacts K8-3 in line 590 to energize the stops B and C retract solenoid 586 thereby to shift valve ; ..
386 (FIG~RE 13) to supply air to stop B and C cylinders 324L, 324R; 362L~ 362R, respectively and retract stops B and C, :....................................................................... .
and also opens normally closed contacts K8-3 in line 582. The power roller 348 then advances the completed frame such that the trailing ends of the frame clear the press positions and also clear switches L10 and Lll (FIG. 16D). Switches LlO~and Lll thereupon return to their closed positions across the contacts in line 608 maintaining slat stop solenoid 604 energized through line 608 - and the slat conveyor stopped.
Energization of relay K9 at the completion of the ~ - .
press stroke for nailing the last slat opens normally closed . .

., : ~ . . ~, . , . :
,., ~ . : . . - : .. . .

7 ~S
: contacts K9-1 in line 642 and closes normally open contacts K9-1 in line 652 to hold relay K9 energized through li.nes 642 and 644. Opening contacts ~9-1 in line 642 takes the signal off relay K$ through line 642 but relay K8 remains energized by the S holding circuit through closed contacts K7-1 and K8-1 and energized circuit point E.
As will be recalled, at the completion of the first .. ~ half of the nailing cycle, relay K3 is energized and held `.. through switch ~ and closed contacts K3-1. Relay K3 is also . 10 de-energized and thus returns contacts K2-2 in line 640 and 642 to their normally open and closed positions, respectively. This disables relays K7 and K$ through lines 640 and 642, respecticely, but relays K7 and K8 remain energized through the holcling circui.t through energized circuit point E. Relay K9 remains energized through closed contacts K9-1 in line 652 . and the returned closed contacts K2-2 in line 642.Thus, as ~ the completed frame advances5relays K3, K4, K6, h7, K8 and K9 remain energized As the completed frame is advaneed further by the powered rollers, it clears switches L6-A and L7-A but circuit point E and the relays K6, K7, K8 and K9 remain energized through closed switches L6B and L7B. As the frame conti;nues.
to advance, switch L5 momentarily opens as the ~inal slat moves past de-energizing relay K3. De-energization of relay K3 returns contacts K3-3 to their normally open position to again enable the nail command circuit but relay h4 remains energized through circuit point E.

1~4:17~LS
When ~he completed frame advances and clears switchesL6B and L7B returning them to their open positions7 circuit point E as well as the stop A retract solenoid 638 are de-energized.
De-energization of stop A solenoids-`638 enables spring return of valve 388 whereby air is supplied to stop cylinders 316L
and 316R to extend stops A into the path of move~ent of - the rails of the next frame. De-energization of circuit point - E also de-energizes relays K4, K7 and K8. De-energization of relay K7 returns contacts K7-3 to their normally closed - 10 condition in line 630, and with switch L9 closed~ relay K6 remains energized and which, in turn, maintains contacts K6-2 in line 594 open and prevents energization of relay K5 which would otherwise stop the rail conveyor by energization of solenoid 600 through line 596. De-energization of relay K7 also returns contacts K7-3 in line 606 open thereby de-energizing slat conveyor stop solenoid 604 and rail stop ` conveyor solenoid 600 thereby restarting the slat and rail conveyors 14 and 16, respectively. De-energization o~
realy K8 returns contacts K8-3 in line 590 ~FIGURE 15B) open to de-energize the B and C stops solenoid 586 enabling spring .. ~
" return of valve 386 ~FIGURE 13) and extension of stops B and C.

Relay K9 also remain energized by its holding circuit through closed contacts K2-2 in line 642 and contacts K9-1 in line 652. Continued energization of relay K9 also holds contacts :
K9-2 (FIGURE 15A) closed and these contacts bridge the contacts of switch 12B. De-energization of relay K4 opens contacts K4-1 in line 571 (FIGURE lSA) in the clamp and nail comn~nd ~54-' .
. , : .
.-~a~ s circuit which thus ma~e necessary the closing of switches L, ~, 13 and L/~ before the next nailing can be accomplished, contacts K9-2 being held closed ~cross s~itch 12B by energized relay K9. ~lus after completion of the first ~rame~ -relays K6 and K9 remain energized and both the slat and rail conveyors advance additional slats and the next pair of rails for fabrication of a subsequent frame.
As the next pair of rails advance, one of the rails opens switch L8 in line 594 (FIGURE 15B) which disables relay KS until such one rail has passed the L8 switch location.
Further advancement of the one rail opens switch L9 in line 630 de-energizing relay ~6 which returns contacts K6-1 and K6-3 open andsupplies ~r to c~linders 316L and 316R to extend stops A, Opening s~itch L9 also disables relay K6 until such one rail of the next frame has passed the L9 switch position, Further advancement of the rails opens switches and Lll in line 608 to de-energize slat stop solenoid 604. This enabl.es restart-up of the slat conveyor only after the rails have obtained a fbrward position closing switches ~10 and LLl in line 606. ~he forward ends of the rails of the second frame thus butt the extended stops A causing the rail. conveyor to stall and close switches Ll and L4. The first slat of the second frame also advances to butt extended stops B causing the slat conveyor to stall and also closes switches L? and L3. Closing switches Ll-Lh completes the clamping and nailing command circuit (with automatic nail switch 574 closed). The ; clamping and nailing of the rails and first slat of the second 16~4~L74~
frame proceeds as previously describedO
As will be recalled9 at the completion of the nailing, relay K3 is energized at the end of the press stroke to retract stops B and C to enable the partially fabricated second frame to advance. Once the side rails advance sufficiently to close any one of switches L6A, L7A, L6B and L7B, circuit point E is energized and which also energi~es relay K4 through line 592. Energization of relay K4 closes contacts K4-l in line 571 (FIGURE 15A) to bridge switbhes L4 and Ll, Subsequent nailing of each successive slat in the second frame, when the machine is in automatic mode, is thereby enabled by the closing of switches L2 and L3, when the slat to be nailed is in position, and the closing of switch L2B by the preceding slat.
This invention may be embodied in other speciflc forms -without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

' ,':

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Claims (34)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. Apparatus for fabricating a wooden frame of the type having spaced generally parallel wooden side members and a plurality of spaced wooden intermediate members extending generally perpendicular between said side members and utilizing sheet metal connector stock of the type having a plurality of teeth struck integrally therefrom and from which discrete connector plates are formed for use in joining the side and intermediate members one to the other comprising:
support structure;
a pair of press heads carried by said support structure for movement along discrete predetermined paths;
means for moving said press heads along their respective predetermined paths;
means carried by said support structure for feeding the connector stock into the paths of movement of said press heads;
cooperable means carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edges for cutting the stock as said press heads move along their respective paths thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length;
means for supporting the side members in generally parallel spaced side-by-side relation one to the other and means for positioning the intermediate members between and gene-rally perpendicular to the side members; means for relatively locating the press heads and the intermediate and side members such that the press heads and the joints between each intermediate member and the side members are successively located in respective opposition to one another;
said press heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into one side of the joints of such adjoining intermediate and side members upon continued movement of said press heads along their respective paths and for each relative location of the press heads and the joints in opposition one to the other; and control means for automatically actuating said press head moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints of the side members and each succeeding intermediate member in response o each successive location of said press heads and such joints in opposition to one another.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said locating means includes means for advancing the side members and intermediate members of the partially completed frame after each joint formation therebetween relative to and in a direction away from the press heads, means releasably engageable with the partially completed frame after each advance thereof and of the last joined intermediate member a predetermined distance from said press heads for successively arresting movement of the partially completed frame thereby to space each last joined intermediate member a specified distance from each next to be joined intermediate member.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including means for sensing the completion of each joint formation and providing a signal responsive thereto, means arranged in controlling relation to said engageable means and responsive to said signal to release said engageable means from engagement with the partially completed frame thereby enabling advance of the partially completed frame.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pair of press heads comprise respective first and second press heads, third and fourth press heads carried by said support structure for movement along discrete predetermined paths, means for moving said third and fourth press heads along the latter paths, respectively, means carried by said support structure for feeding connector stock into the paths of movement of said third and fourth press heads, means for relatively locating said third and fourth press heads and the intermediate and side members such that the the third and fourth press heads and the joints between each intermediate member and the side members are successively located in respective opposition to one another with the third and fourth press heads opposing the opposite side of the joints from said one side thereof, cooperable means carried by said support structure and said third and fourth press heads including cutting edges for cutting the connector stock as said third and fourth press heads move along their respective predetermined paths thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length, said third and fourth heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into the joints of such adjoining intermediate and side members on the opposite side of the wooden members from said first and second press heads upon continued movement of said third and fourth press heads along their respective paths and for each relative location of the third and fourth press heads and the joints in opposition one to the other; and control means for automatically actuating said third and fourth press heads moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into the opposite side of the joints of the side members and each succeeding intermediate member in response to each successive location of said third and fourth press heads and such joints in opposition to one another.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said third and fourth press heads lie in respective opposition to said first and second press heads.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said locating means includes means for advancing the side members and intermediate members of the partially completed frame after each joint formation therebetween in a direction away from the press heads, means releasably engageable with the partially completed frame after each advance thereof and of the last joined intermediate member a predetermined distance from said press heads for successively arresting movement of the partially completed frame thereby to space each last joined intermediate member a specified distance from each next to be joined intermediate member.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 including means for sensing the completion of each joint formation and providing a signal responsive thereto, means arranged in controlling relation to said engageable means and responsive to said signal to release said engageable means from engagement with the partially completed frame thereby enabling advance of the partially completed frame.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said feed means includes a pair of passages through which connector stock is displaced into the respective paths of movement of said press heads, each of said press heads being adapted for movement in opposite directions along its associated path and between a first position on one side of said passage and a second position on the other side thereof, and means responsive to movement of said press heads from their second positions to their first positions for actuating said feeding means to feed predetermined lengths of stock into the paths of movement of said press heads.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 including a pair of reels for carrying the connector stock in coiled form, and means carried by said support structure mounting each of said reels for rotary movement.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the feed means associated with each press head includes a guide member having a plurality of tines defining a plurality of laterally spaced recesses for receiving and guiding the teeth of the connector stock, and means for clamping the connector stock against the tines with the ends thereof engageable against the side of the stock from which the teeth project.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said feeding means associated with each press head includes a guide member having a plurality of tines defining a plurality of laterally spaced recesses for receiving and guiding the teeth of the connector stock, means for clamping the connector stock against the respective tines with the ends thereof engageable against the side of the stock from which the teeth project, and means for advancing said guide means and said clamping means substantially simultaneously to locate portions of the connector stock in. the respective paths of movement of said press heads.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 including control means for actuating said locating means to locate the press heads on the one hand and the side members and each next to be joined intermediate member on the other hand such that the press heads and the joints between the side members and each next to be joined intermediate member are located in respective opposition to one another in response to formation of the joints between the side members and each immediately preceding intermediate member.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for sensing the completion of a first wooden frame and providing a signal in response thereto, and means responsive to said signal for automatically relatively locating said press heads and the side members and the first intermediate member of a second wooden frame such that the press heads and the joints between the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame are located in opposition to one another, said control means automatically actuating said press heads moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints of the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame in response to relative location of said press heads and the joints between the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame in opposition to one another.

14. Apparatus for forming a wooden frame of the type having spaced generally parallel wooden side members and a plurality of spaced wooden intermediate members extending generally perpendicular between said side members and utilizing sheet metal connector stock of the-type having a plurality of teeth struck integrally therefrom and from which discrete connector plates are formed for use in joining the side and intermediate members one to the other comprising:
conveyor means for carrying a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel wooden side members along its opposite sides and longitudinally spaced intermediate members between the side members and generally perpendicular thereto;
support structure;
a pair of press heads carried by said support structure adjacent opposite sides of said conveyor means for movement along a predetermined path, said conveyor means being adapted to advance the intermediate and side members in a direction toward said press heads;
means for moving said press heads along their respective predetermined paths;
means carried by said support structure for feeding the connector stock into the paths of movement of said press heads;
cooperable means carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edges for cutting the stock as said press heads move along their respective paths thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length;
means carried by said apparatus for successively locating the joints between each succeeding intermediate member and the side members along respective opposite sides of said conveyor means in respective opposition to said press heads, said press heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into one side of the joints of such adjoining intermediate and side members upon continued movement of said press heads along their respective paths; and means arranged in controlling relation to said press head moving means for automatically actuating said press head moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints between the side members and each succeeding intermediate member in response to each successive location of such joints in opposition to said press heads.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said locating means includes means for advancing the side members and intermediate members of the partially completed frame after each joint formation therebetween relative to and in a direction away from the press heads, means releasably engageable with the partially completed frame after each advance thereof and of the last joined intermediate member a predetermined distance from said press heads for successively arresting movement of the partially completed frame thereby to space each last joined intermediate member a specified distance from each next to be joined intermediate member.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 including means for sensing the completion of each joint formation and providing a signal responsive thereto, means arranged in controlling relation to said engageable means and responsive to said signal to release said engageable means from engagement with the partially completed frame thereby enabling advance of the partially completed frame.

17. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein-said pair of press heads comprise respective first and second press heads, third and fourth press heads carried by said support structure for movement along discrete predetermined paths, means for moving said third and fourth press heads along the latter paths, respectively, means carried by said support structure for feeding connector stock into the paths of movement of said third and fourth press heads, means for relatively locating said third and fourth press heads and the intermediate and side members such that the the third and fourth press heads and the joints between each intermediate member and the side members are successively located in respective opposition to one another with the third and fourth press heads opposing the opposite side of the joints from said one side thereof, cooperable means carried by said support structure and said third and fourth press heads including cutting edges for cutting the connector stock as said third and fourth press heads move along their respective predetermined paths thereby to form connector plates of predetermined length, said third and fourth heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into the joints of such adjoining intermediate and side members on the opposite side o the wooden members from said first and second press heads upon continued movement of said third and fourth press heads along their respective paths and for each relative location of the third and fourth press heads and the joints in opposition one to the other; and control means for automatically actuating said third and fourth press heads moving means to move said press heand along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into the opposite side of the joints of the side members and each succeeding intermediate member in response to each successive location of said third and fourth press heads and such joints in opposition to one another.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said third and fourth press heads lie in respective opposition to said first and second press heads.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said locating means includes means for advancing the side members and intermediate members of the partially completed frame after each joint formation therebeteween in a direction away from the press heads, means releasably engageable with the partially completed frame after each advance thereof and of the last joined intermediate member a predetermined distance from said press heads for successively arresting movement of the partially completed frame thereby to space each last joined intermediate member a specified distance from each next to be joined intermediate member.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 including means for sensing the completion of each joint formation and providing a signal responsive thereto, means arranged in controlling relation to said engageable means and responsive to said signal to release said engageable means from engagement with the partially completed frame thereby enabling advance of the partially completed frame.

21. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said feed means includes a pair of passages through which connector stock is displaced into the respective paths of movement of said press heads, each of said press heads being adapted for movement in opposite directions along its associated path and between a first position on one side of said passage and a second position on the other side thereof, and means responsive to movement of said press heads from their second positions to their first positions for actuating said feeding means to feed predetermined lengths of stock into the paths of movement of said press heads.

22. Apparatus according to claim 14 including a pair of reels for carrying the connector stock in coiled form, and means carried by said support structure mounting each of said reels for rotary movement.

23. Apparatus according to claim 14 including control means for actuating said locating means to locate the press heads on the one hand and the side members and each next to be joined intermediate member on the other hand such that the press heads and the joints between the side members and each next to be joined intermediate member are located in respective opposition to one another in response to formation of the joints between the side members and each immediately preceding intermediate member.

24. Apparatus according to claim 14 including means for sensing the completion of a first wooden frame and providing a signal in response thereto, and means responsive to said signal for automatically relatively locating said press heads and the side members and the first intermediate member of a second wooden frame such that the press heads and the joints between the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame are located in opposition to one another, said control means automatically actuating said press heads moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints of the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame in response to relative location of said press heads and the joints between the side members and the first intermediate member of the second frame in opposition to one another.

25. Apparatus for forming joints between a first elongated wooden member and a plurality of second wooden members spaced longitudinally along said first member and utilizing sheet metal connector stock of the type having a plurality of teeth struck integrally therefrom and from which discrete connector plates are formed for use in such joints comprising:
support structure;
a pair of opposed press heads carried by said support structure for movement along discrete predetermined paths toward and away from one another;
means for moving said press heads along their respective predetermined paths toward and away from one another;
means carried by said support structure for feeding the connector stock between said press heads and into the paths of movement thereof;
cooperable means carried by said support structure and said press heads including cutting edges for cutting the stock as said press heads move along their respective paths toward one another thereby to form ?onnector plates of predetermined length;
means for supporting the first wooden member and the second wooden members at longitudinally spaced locations along the first wooden member;
means for relatively locating the press heads and the first and second members such that the joints between each second member and the first member are successively located between said press heads;
said press heads being adapted to embed the teeth of the connector plates into opposite sides of the joints of such adjoining first and second members upon continued movement of said press heads toward one another along their respective paths and for each relative location of the press heads and the joints with the joints between the press heads; and control means for automatically actuating said press head moving means to move said press heads along their predetermined paths toward one another to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into the opposite sides of the joints between the first and second members in response to each successive location of said press heads and joints with the joints between the press heads.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 including control means for actuating said locating means to locate the press heads on the one hand and the first member and the next to be joined second member on the other hand such that the joint between the first member and next to be joined second member is located between said press heads in response to formation of the joint between the first member and the immediately preceding second member.

27. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said locating means includes means for advancing the first member and second members of the partially completed frame formed thereby after each joint formation therebetween relative to and in a direction away from the press heads, means releasably engageable with the partially completed frame after each advance thereof and of the last joined second member a predetermined distance from said press heads for successively arresting movement of the partially completed frame thereby to space each last joined second member a specified distance from each next to be joined second member.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 including means for sensing the completion of each joint formation and providing a signal responsive thereto, means arranged in controlling relation to said engageable means and responsive to said signal to release said engageable means from engagement with the partially completed frame thereby enabling advance of the partially completed frame.

29. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said feed means includes a pair of passages through which connector stock is displaced into the respective paths of movement of said press heads, each of said press heads being adapted for movement in opposite directions along its associated path and between a first position on one side of said passage and a second position on the other side thereof, and means responsive to movement of said press heads from their second positions to their first positions for actuating said feeding means to feed predetermined lengths of stock into the paths of movement of said press heads.

30. Apparatus according to claim 25 including a pair of reels for carrying the connector stock in coiled form, and means carried by said support structure mouting each of said reels for rotary movement.

31. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the feed means associated with each press head includes a guide member having a plurality of tines defining a plurality of laterally spaced recesses for receiving and guiding the teeth of the connector stock, and means for clamping the connector stock against the tines with the ends thereof engageable against the side of the stock from which the teeth project.

32. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said feeding means associated with each press head includes a guide member having a plurality of tines defining a plurality of laterally spaced recesses for receiving and guiding the teeth of the connector stock, means for clamping the connector stock against the respective tines with the ends thereof engageable against the side of the stock from which the teeth project, and means for advancing said guide means and said clamping means substantially simultaneously to locate portions of the connector stock in the respective paths of movement of said press heads.

33. Apparatus according to claim 25 including control means for actuating said locating means to locate the press heads on the one hand and the first member and each next to be joined second member on the other hand such that the press heads and the joints between the first member and each next to be joined second member are located in respective opposition to one another in response to formation of the joints between the first member and each immediately preceding second member.

34. Apparatus according to claim 25 including means for sensing the completion of a first wooden frame and providing a signal in response thereto, and means responsive to said signal for automatically relatively locating said press heads and the first member and the initial second member of a second wooden frame such that the press heads and the joints between the first member and the initial second member of the second frame are located in opposition to one another, said control means automatically actuating said press heads moving means to move said press heads along their predetermindd paths to form the connector plates and embed the teeth thereof into one side of the joints of the first member and the initial second member of the second frame in response to relative location of said press heads and the joints between the first member and the initial second member of the second frame in opposition to one another.