A log feeding apparatus for feeding a log to first and second cutting spindles is provided, in which a log is fed to a second receiving position when centering spindles have reached second delivery position that is away from the second receiving position downward in the direction of log transport by a distance equal to or greater than an assumed maximum diameter of the log. That is, a new log is transported to the second receiving position when the log transported by placing sections reaches a position not to contact the log held between the centering spindles. As a result, the time can be reduced for transporting the log to the cutting spindles.

The veneer lathe comprises rotatable spindles for engaging the ends of a block, a centering device for measuring dimensions of the block for determining optimal centering of the block, the centering device comprising centering spindles for engaging each end of the block, transfer arms moveable in the axial direction of the spindles for engaging the ends of the block and in a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction for transferring the block from the centering device to a peeling position, a knife assembly comprising a knife and a nose bar, which is in the form of a rotatable roll, and a support device comprising a lower roll and an upper roll at a distance from the lower roll for supporting the block during peeling.

The veneer lathe comprises rotatable spindles for engaging the ends of a block, a centering device for measuring dimensions of the block for determining optimal centering of the block, the centering device comprising centering spindles for engaging each end of the block, transfer arms moveable in the axial direction of the spindles for engaging the ends of the block and in a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction for transferring the block from the centering device to a peeling position, a knife assembly comprising a knife and a nose bar, which is in the form of a rotatable roll, and a support device comprising a lower roll and an upper roll at a distance from the lower roll for supporting the block during peeling.

A cutting apparatus is disclosed herein. The cutting apparatus includes a workpiece support assembly, the workpiece support assembly configured to hold a workpiece in position by means of one or more rotational attachment points, the workpiece support assembly allowing generally single degree of freedom rotation while the workpiece is being cut, and the workpiece support assembly generally fixing the workpiece in the other directions of movement during the cutting thereof; and a cutting assembly having a cutting blade, the cutting blade configured to engage the workpiece, and circumferentially cut a portion of material from the workpiece. In some embodiments, the cutting blade may comprise a rotary cutting blade or a linearly displaceable cutting blade configured to tangentially engage the workpiece. A method for forming cylindrical, conical, and/or annular stock materials, which utilizes the cutting apparatus, is also disclosed herein.

Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

A knife assembly for use in a veneer cutting machine such as a rotary veneer lathe and a veneer slicer includes a knife blade, a knife blade holder and a knife adjusting bolt with a lock nut. The knife blade holder includes a holder block having formed therethrough a threaded hole through which the knife adjusting bolt is adjustably inserted. The holder block has a first support surface that is in supporting contact with a part of one surface of the knife blade on the side thereof where a bevel face of the knife blade is formed and a second support surface that is in supporting contact with a part of a base end surface located opposite from and extending parallel to a cutting edge of the knife blade.

A knife assembly for use in a veneer cutting machine such as a rotary veneer lathe and a veneer slicer includes a knife blade, a knife blade holder and a knife adjusting bolt with a lock nut. The knife blade holder includes a holder block having formed therethrough a threaded hole through which the knife adjusting bolt is adjustably inserted. The holder block has a first support surface that is in supporting contact with a part of one surface of the knife blade on the side thereof where a bevel face of the knife blade is formed and a second support surface that is in supporting contact with a part of a base end surface located opposite from and extending parallel to a cutting edge of the knife blade.

Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.