The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 18, 2021
Filed:
Aug. 03, 2019
Steven L. Aylsworth, Chatfield, MN (US);
Steven L. Aylsworth, Chatfield, WI (US);
Steven R. Weinschenk, Rochester, MN (US);
Other;
Abstract
An automated lumber handling method laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the method determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to size and in proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the method lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.