Apparatus and method for manufacturing pallets

US 6,499,206 B1
Apparatus and method for manufacturing pallets
Karl Matthew Eure, Rte. 6, Box 153, Hertford, N.C. 27944 (US); Robert Maryland Wiggins, P.O. Box 116, Belvidere, N.C. 27919 (US); and Burt Anthony Eure, Rte. 6, Box 152, Hertford, N.C. 27944 (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, Ill. (US)
Filed on 18-May-2000, as Appl. No. Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, Ill. (US)
Int. Cl.7B21D 39/03

US 6,499,206 B1 Apparatus and method for manufacturing pallets Karl Matthew Eure, Rte. 6, Box 153, Hertford, N.C. 27944 (US); Robert Maryland Wiggins, P.O. Box 116, Belvidere, N.C. 27919 (US); and Burt Anthony Eure, Rte. 6, Box 152, Hertford, N.C. 27944 (US) Filed on May 18, 2000, as Appl. No. 9/572,875. Int. Cl.7B21D 39/03 U.S. Cl. 298212;430 22 Claims 1. An apparatus for manufacturing pallets comprising: an assembly table having a proximate end and a distal end, said assembly table being vertically pivotable about a pivot point situated toward the proximate end; means for raising and lowering said distal end of said assembly table between a horizontal plane and an inclined position in which the assembly table forms an acute angle in conjunction with the horizontal plane; means for supporting on said assembly table a plurality of stringers situated in a common plane; a plurality of reciprocating fingers positioned intermediate said stringers, said plurality of fingers possessing means for reciprocating between a retracted position where the distal ends of said fingers are below said stringers and an extended position where the distal ends of said fingers are above said stringers; and a plurality of nail guns carried by a movable gantry, said gantry having a direction of movement above and substantially parallel to said assembly table when said distal end of said table is raised in an inclined position; and a conveyor for conveying a completed pallet from the distal end of said assembly table when said table is in a generally horizontal position.