Apparatus for cutting and splitting firewood

Claim 2

Firewood splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) block splitter means on the frame, (c) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, and (d) block centering means on the frame comprising upper and lower centering pans arranged to receive a block between them and movable vertically to position the block between the splitter means and the ram means.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 including a fluid pressure cylinder engaging each centering pan, and means for metering equal quantities of fluid under pressure to the cylinders.

Claim 4

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (i) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (j) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw.

Claim 5

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (i) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (j) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means are arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed.

Claim 7

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, and (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) the block centering means comprising upper and lower centering pans arranged to receive a block between them and movable vertically to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.

Claim 8

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, and (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) the block centering means comprising upper and lower centering pans arranged to receive a block between them and movable vertically to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 5 including a fluid pressure cylinder engaging each centering pan, and means for metering equal quantities of fluid under pressure to the cylinders.

Claim 10

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (l) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (m) saw guard support means mounted on the frame support means for movement relative thereto, and (n) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw.

Claim 11

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (l) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (m) saw guard support means mounted on the frame support means for movement relative thereto, and (n) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means are arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed.

Claim 13

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, and (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) the clamp means including gravity-actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 14

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, and (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) the clamp means including gravity-actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 15

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, and (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity-actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 16

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, and (g) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (h) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity-actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 17

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) longitudinally adjustable stop means on the frame for adjusting the length of a block to be cut from a log, (h) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting if a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting a log remnant, (i) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (j) saw support power means interengaging the frame and the saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (k) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (l) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw, (m) the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means being arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed, (n) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 18

Firewood cutting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) longitudinally adjustable stop means on the frame for adjusting the length of a block to be cut from a log, (h) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting if a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting a log remnant, (i) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (j) saw support power means interengaging the frame and the saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (k) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (l) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw, (m) the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means being arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed, (n) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 19

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, and (k) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 20

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw and a position discharging the block cut from the log, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, and (k) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means.

Claim 21

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw, a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting a log remnant, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, and (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.

Claim 22

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw, a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting a log remnant, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, and (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.

Claim 23

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw, a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting the log remnant, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) longitudinally adjustable stop means on the frame for adjusting the length of a block to be cut from a log, (l) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (m) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (n) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (o) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw, (p) the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means being arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed, (q) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means, (r) the block centering means comprising upper and lower centering pans arranged to receive a block between them and movable vertically to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.

Claim 24

Firewood cutting and splitting apparatus, comprising: (a) a frame, (b) infeed conveyor means on the frame for moving a log between infeed and outfeed ends thereof, (c) block support means adjacent the outfeed end of the infeed conveyor means for supporting a log block, (d) a power saw, (e) saw support means on the frame for moving the saw through a log in a vertical plane between the infeed conveyor means and the block support means, (f) clamp means adjacent the saw for clamping a log to at least one of the infeed conveyor means and block support means, (g) mounting means on the frame for mounting the block support means for movement between a position supporting a block during cutting of a log by the saw, a position discharging the block cut from the log, and a position rejecting the log remnant, (h) block splitter means on the frame, (i) ram means on the frame arranged for axial movement toward and away from the splitter means for moving a block toward the splitter means, (j) block centering means on the frame arranged to receive a block discharged from the block support means and to position the block between the splitter means and ram means, (k) longitudinally adjustable stop means on the frame for adjusting the length of a block to be cut from a log, (l) a saw guard enclosing the saw and mounted on the frame for movement with and relative to the saw, (m) saw support power means interengaging the frame and saw support means for moving the saw toward and away from a log, (n) saw guard support means mounted on the saw support means for movement relative thereto, and (o) saw guard support power means interengaging the saw support means and saw guard support means for moving the saw guard relative to the saw, (p) the saw support power means and the saw guard support power means being arranged to move the saw toward a log at a predetermined speed and through the log at a speed less than said predetermined speed, (q) the clamp means including hinged clamp jaw means on the infeed side of the saw guard for clamping a log to the infeed conveyor means, and gravity actuated clamp jaw means on the outfeed side of the saw guard for clamping a block to the block support means, (r) the block centering means comprising upper and lower centering pans arranged to receive a block between them and movable vertically to position the block between the splitter means and ram means.