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:
Mar. 16, 2004
Filed:
Apr. 16, 2001
Ronald W. McGehee, Ukiah, CA (US);
Rory M. Mitchell, Ukiah, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A log processor and log processing method scans a log (L) at a first station ( ) so that the longitudinal centerline ( ) and a sawing scheme for the log can be automatically determined by a controller ( ). The log is oriented at a second station ( ) so that the longitudinal centerline is oriented with respect to a vertical plane passing through the feed line. The position of the log is automatically adjusted at third and fourth stations ( ) so that the saw blade path ( ) through the log is generally parallel to the feed line as the log passes a log exit ( ) and through a saw ( ). The sawing scheme can include variable tapering sawing from split taper sawing to full taper sawing. Differential steering chain assemblies ( ) may be used at the fourth station and may each include continuous loop, log-engaging chains ( ) which engage the log above and below the log. Log chipping, profiling heads ( ) may be used on either side of the feed line, such as at a fifth station. The log is preferably stabilized at the log exit.