Other

William P Bowlin

Michael P Knerr

Jeffrey D Ballance

A saw carriage or module for manually, semiautomatically or automatically cutting stems typically supplied by a stem handling apparatus, which stem handling apparatus delivers full-sized, substantially tree-length stems to one or more of the saw carriages for cutting into logs, poles or other segments. During automatic operation of the module(s) stems are typically scanned by an optical device and the physical characteristics of the scanned stem are sent to a computer, which selects the cutting pattern and transfers this information to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller typically orchestrates positioning of one or more linearly-adjustable saw carriages or modules and on-board carriage saw blades to optimize cutting of the stems into the segments. After the modules and saws are so positioned, each stem is sequentially transferred by the handling apparatus to the saw modules, where it is positioned, clamped and cut into multiple segments at the preselected optimum points. Stem segments are ejected from the saw carriages or modules by ejecting devices provided on each module.

Saw carriage

An automatic stem cutting apparatus which is designed to analyze and rapidly process full-sized substantially tree-length stems into logs, poles or other segments for further processing in pole mills, sawmills, plywood plants and the like. The stems may be scanned by an optical device and the physical characteristics of the scanned stem are either loaded into a programmable logic controller or sent to a computer connected to the programmable logic controller for determining the optimum value of the segments which can be cut from a stem. The programmable logic controller orchestrates positioning of multiple, linearly-adjustable saw carriages or modules and on-board saw blades to optimize cutting of the stem into the segments. After being scanned, the stems are sequentially transferred to a loading apparatus which positions each stem for subsequent loading onto the saw carriages. After the saws are so positioned, each stem is sequentially transferred by the loading apparatus to the saw carriages, where it is clamped and cut into multiple segments at the preselected optimum points. The cut segments are then ejected onto a conveyor for additional processing. Alternatively, the steps of sequentially off-loading the stems from the stem conveyor onto the loading apparatus, adjusting the saw carriages for selectively cutting the stems, loading the stems onto the saw carriages, clamping the stems in cutting configuration, cutting the stems into segments of selected length and ejecting the segments from the saw carriages for further processing, can be effected by manual operation of the various subassemblies in the automatic stem cutting apparatus.

Automatic stem cutting apparatus and method

An automatic stick laying apparatus having retainer arm assemblies for retaining spacing sticks in position on stacked tiers of lumber. The automatic stick laying apparatus is designed to successively position the spacing sticks on stacks of lumber for spacing the lumber. In a preferred embodiment the stick laying apparatus includes a fixed frame designed for positioning over the lumber, a spacing stick accumulator mounted on the fixed frame and a carriage assembly attached to the fixed frame in vertically movable relationship. The accumulator includes a pair of spaced, horizontal accumulator chains fitted with accumulator chain cleats located above spaced drop gates for receiving and deploying the spacing sticks in a continuous loop. The carriage assembly is fitted with parallel chain channels supporting horizontal positioner chains having positioner chain cleats for receiving the spacing sticks from the accumulator through the drop gates and positioning the spacing sticks over respective layers of lumber. The retainer arm assemblies are spaced between the chain channels and serve to retain the spacing sticks on tile positioner chain cleats until the proper spacing stick displacing interval is achieved. Multiple pivoting diverter assemblies are also spaced between the chain channels for sequentially displacing selected spacing sticks on or from the positioner chain cleats after release by the retainer arm assemblies, to facilitate depositing these spacing sticks in selectively spaced relationship on the underlying tiers of stacked lumber by advancement of the positioner chains. The automatic stick laying apparatus may be connected to a programmable controller for automatic operation.

Automatic stick laying apparatus

An automatic stick laying apparatus designed to successively position spacing sticks on stacks of lumber for spacing the lumber in stacked tiers. In a preferred embodiment the stick laying apparatus includes a fixed frame designed for positioning over the lumber, a spacing stick accumulator mounted on the fixed frame and a carriage assembly attached to the fixed frame in vertically movable relationship. The accumulator includes a pair of spaced, horizontal accumulator chains fitted with accumulator chain cleats located above spaced drop gates for receiving and deploying the spacing sticks in a continuous loop. The carriage assembly is fitted with parallel chain channels supporting horizontal positioner chains having positioner chain cleats for receiving the spacing sticks from the accumulator through the drop gates and positioning the spacing sticks over respective layers of lumber. Multiple pivoting diverter assemblies are spaced between the chain channels for sequentially displacing selected spacing sticks on or from the positioner chain cleats to facilitate depositing these spacing sticks in selectively spaced relationship on the underlying tiers of stacked lumber by selective limited or unlimited advancement of the positioner chains. The automatic stick laying apparatus may be connected to a programmable controller for automatic operation.

An automatic stick laying apparatus which is designed to successively position spacing sticks on stacks of lumber for spacing the lumber. In a preferred embodiment the stick laying apparatus includes a fixed frame positioned over stacked tiers of lumber and a carriage assembly mounted on the fixed frame in vertically sliding relationship and fitted with parallel chain channels supporting positioner chains having chain cleats for receiving spacing sticks and positioning the spacing sticks over the respective layers of lumber. Multiple diverter assemblies are positioned in spaced relationship between the chain channels for sequentially displacing the spacing sticks from the spaced chain cleats and depositing the spacing sticks in selectively spaced relationship on the underlying tiers of stacked lumber. In operation, an operator places a spacing stick between adjacent sets of parallel chain cleats, the positioner chains automatically locate the spacing sticks in proper orientation over the lumber, the carriage assembly is lowered to a point immediately over the top layer of lumber, preselected spacing sticks are displaced from the corresponding chain cleats by operation of selected diverter assemblies, the carriage assembly is raised and the diverter assemblies are repositioned.

A pivoting carriage and saw which is characterized in a preferred embodiment by a carriage capable of receiving curved logs and pivotally mounted on a linear-operated trolley for engaging the logs with a pivoting band saw and cutting a selected non-linear path through the curved logs. In a most preferred embodiment the band saw is pivotally mounted adjacent to the trolley carriage and log and a computerized control system is coupled to fluid-operated cylinders mounted on log-adjusting knees on the carriage and on other fluid-operated cylinders provided on the carriage itself and on the band saw and used to select and control desired cutting paths through the logs.

Pivoting carriage and saw

A system for processing a log or cant including chippers, profiling heads, and saws arranged as a sequence of coupled operations. Scanners and computers determine the log configuration and projected configuration of lumber pieces to be derived. One scanning function is the determination of the wane area configuration in the region of the projected side board edges. This enables a determination of the side board edges including acceptacle wane area and the desired orientation (incline or decline) of the boards relative to the path of conveyance. The profiling heads are adjustable in response to computer calculations to edge the established side boards. Stabilizing is provided and includes guide anvils positioned at the board edges following the edging operation.

Growing community of inventors

Shreveport, LA, United States of America

William P Bowlin