A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating stationwhich is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.

A multiple die container load port may include a housing with an opening, and an elevator to accommodate a plurality of different sized die containers. The multiple die container load port may include a stage supported by the housing and moveable within the opening of the housing by the elevator. The stage may include one or more positioning mechanisms to facilitate positioning of the plurality of different sized die containers on the stage, and may include different portions movable by the elevator to accommodate the plurality of different sized die containers. The multiple die container load port may include a position sensor to identify one of the plurality of different sized die containers positioned on the stage.

A multiple die container load port may include a housing with an opening, and an elevator to accommodate a plurality of different sized die containers. The multiple die container load port may include a stage supported by the housing and moveable within the opening of the housing by the elevator. The stage may include one or more positioning mechanisms to facilitate positioning of the plurality of different sized die containers on the stage, and may include different portions movable by the elevator to accommodate the plurality of different sized die containers. The multiple die container load port may include a position sensor to identify one of the plurality of different sized die containers positioned on the stage.

This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely tilted-up into place, having been constructed on the slab.

A workpiece clamping apparatus for a machine tool is proposed, including at least one receptacle for a workpiece, wherein the at least one receptacle includes a wall and an opening via which the workpiece is insertable into the receptacle in a linear direction and removable therefrom in a counter-direction, a clamping device for fixing the workpiece at the at least one receptacle, a first access area via which a first tool engages the workpiece for a first working operation, a counter-bearing for the first tool, and a second access area via which a second tool engages the workpiece for a second working operation, wherein the first working operation and the second working operation are performed at different locations on the workpiece using different tools and wherein the workpiece clamping apparatus is free of a counter-bearing for the second tool.

A workpiece clamping apparatus for a machine tool is proposed, including at least one receptacle for a workpiece, wherein the at least one receptacle includes a wall and an opening via which the workpiece is insertable into the receptacle in a linear direction and removable therefrom in a counter-direction, a clamping device for fixing the workpiece at the at least one receptacle, a first access area via which a first tool engages the workpiece for a first working operation, a counter-bearing for the first tool, and a second access area via which a second tool engages the workpiece for a second working operation, wherein the first working operation and the second working operation are performed at different locations on the workpiece using different tools and wherein the workpiece clamping apparatus is free of a counter-bearing for the second tool.

A side stop device used to locate and relocate the left to right, or X direction, position of work material held by a machine vise is disclosed. The side stop device comprises an X direction shaft which fastens the side stop device to the vise, a rear block, a front block, and a Y direction shaft. The X direction shaft and Y direction shaft are fastened to the rear block. The Y direction shaft is fastened to the front block which clamps a small X shaft. The position of the small X shaft is used to locate the work material in the X direction.

A device for striking a tool shank with a controlled force includes a tip configured to contact the shank, a plunger configured to be retracted a pullback distance from the tip and to exert a force on the tip proportional to the pullback distance when released, and a control mechanism configured to control the pullback distance. A method of reducing run-out in a machine tool comprises placing the tool in a tool holder, measuring the run-out using an indicator, identifying a high spot, manipulating the control mechanism of the striking device to select the force based on the shank diameter, and striking the shank on the high spot using the striking device.

A device for striking a tool shank with a controlled force includes a tip configured to contact the shank, a plunger configured to be retracted a pullback distance from the tip and to exert a force on the tip proportional to the pullback distance when released, and a control mechanism configured to control the pullback distance. A method of reducing run-out in a machine tool comprises placing the tool in a tool holder, measuring the run-out using an indicator, identifying a high spot, manipulating the control mechanism of the striking device to select the force based on the shank diameter, and striking the shank on the high spot using the striking device.

A woodworking jig to hold lumber may include a central column; a chainsaw support assembly to slidably connected to the central column; an angle grinder support assembly to slidably connect to the central column; and a vertical log support to support the lumber positioned alongside of the central column.