HIGH SPEED TURNOVER APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A turnover apparatus and method for inverting articles (16) such as lumber o r board pieces being conveyed sideways on two or more conveyor chain loops (12 , 14) in which each article (16) is advanced on the conveyor chain loops (12, 14) by speed up belts (50) engaging the underside of the articles to force a leading side against a pair of lugs (22) mounted on a respective conveyor chain loop, the article thereafter flipped up to an on edge position by flipper arms (36) also mounted on the conveyor chain loops which each engage an adjustable cam ramp (48) at a turnover station (18), the article thereaft er tipped over backward by being driven by the speed belts against an elevated overhung trailing edge on the lugs to complete the turnover. Optional pivote d let down elements (56) may be arranged to engage the trailing side of the articles to controllably lower the same by motion induced by a second cam ra mp (58) at the turnover station.