CA2287043A1 - Combined grading and trimming method for sawmill - Google Patents
Combined grading and trimming method for sawmill Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2287043A1 CA2287043A1 CA 2287043 CA2287043A CA2287043A1 CA 2287043 A1 CA2287043 A1 CA 2287043A1 CA 2287043 CA2287043 CA 2287043 CA 2287043 A CA2287043 A CA 2287043A CA 2287043 A1 CA2287043 A1 CA 2287043A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- board
- assembly
- grading
- moving
- sides
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B31/00—Arrangements for conveying, loading, turning, adjusting, or discharging the log or timber, specially designed for saw mills or sawing machines
- B27B31/06—Adjusting equipment, e.g. using optical projection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B31/00—Arrangements for conveying, loading, turning, adjusting, or discharging the log or timber, specially designed for saw mills or sawing machines
- B27B31/04—Turning equipment
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/04—Processes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/04—Processes
- Y10T83/0505—With reorientation of work between cuts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/162—With control means responsive to replaceable or selectable information program
- Y10T83/173—Arithmetically determined program
- Y10T83/175—With condition sensor
- Y10T83/178—Responsive to work
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/525—Operation controlled by detector means responsive to work
- Y10T83/533—With photo-electric work-sensing means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/647—With means to convey work relative to tool station
- Y10T83/6584—Cut made parallel to direction of and during work movement
- Y10T83/6587—Including plural, laterally spaced tools
- Y10T83/6588—Tools mounted on common tool support
Abstract
A method of combining the grading and trimming operation of a board to thereby eliminate the position of a trimmer, includes feeding a board having two sides to a turn assembly with a first side of its two sides upright, grading the first side of the board, moving the board longitudinally using belt, chain, or rollers, turning the board such that the second side of the board is upright and grading the second side of the board, moving the board in a longitudinal direction using a roll case, to position the board in a position for trimming, and feeding the board to a trimmer to be cut. A sloped turn assembly or flat transfer assembly can be used to turn the board for inspection.
Description
A7414.JCE
October 9, 1999 COMBINED GRADING AND TRIMMING METHOD FOR SAWMILL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is an application filed under 35 U.S.C. ~ 1.111(a) claiming benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ~ 119(e)(1) of the filing date of the Provisional Application 60/122,092 filed February 26, 1999, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ~ 111(b).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of operation of a sawmill or lumber processing facility, wherein the grading and trimming operations are combined, which permits the grader to perform the fimction of the trimmer operator, thus, eliminating the position of the trimmer operator.
October 9, 1999 COMBINED GRADING AND TRIMMING METHOD FOR SAWMILL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is an application filed under 35 U.S.C. ~ 1.111(a) claiming benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ~ 119(e)(1) of the filing date of the Provisional Application 60/122,092 filed February 26, 1999, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ~ 111(b).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of operation of a sawmill or lumber processing facility, wherein the grading and trimming operations are combined, which permits the grader to perform the fimction of the trimmer operator, thus, eliminating the position of the trimmer operator.
2. Description of the Related Art In conventional sawmills, a grader works in an area ahead of the trimmer, marking boards for grade and to indicate where on the boards a cutback is required and the ends of the board are to be cut off. A cut back is typically required if a board has excessive wane of defects near the end or ends of the board.
After grading, each board proceeds to the trimmer, and the trimmer operator moves the boards which must be cut back endwise such that the desired cut points are at the saw lines. The trimmer operator also selects the trim saws to be used on the board.
Saws are typically placed at 0 ft., 1 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., 14 ft., and 16 ft., from an index line. They may extend to 18 ft., 20 ft., etc. A board to be trimmed 12 ft., will be cut by the 0 ft. and 12 ft. saws. A board to be trimmed to 9 ft.
will be cut by the 1 ft. and 10 ft. saws.
A drop saw or jump saw trimmer has saws at fixed positions which are lowered (in the case of a drop saw), or raised (in the case of a jump saw), to make the cross cuts to trim the board. A "moving saw" trimmer has a fixed saw at one end and a moving saw which typically strokes from 4 ft. to 16 ft. (from the fixed end).
In any of these three types of trimmer saws, boards which require cut back must be moved endwise (i.e., lengthwise) in relation to the saws to remove the desired amount.
Conventional grading and trimming operations are disclosed by Greten et al, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,934,229, Greten et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,341, Hellgren et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4, 120,33, Rysti, U.S. Pat., No. 4,164,248, and Hellstrom et al, U.S. Pat. No.
4,023,605.
Doherty et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,675, disclose a conventional board turned apparatus and method, wherein a board can be turned several times for repeated inspection of both sides of the board for more accurate grading.
However, all the above references suffer from the disadvantage that a trimmer operator is required, and since the position of a trimmer operator is difficult to fill due to, at the very least, the repetitive nature of the job, the mechanization off' as much as possible of the grading and trimming operations is necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of sawmill or lumber processing operation, wherein the grader~and trimmer positions are combined, so that the grader performs the function of the trimmer operator, thus, eliminating the position of the trimmer operator.
In a first embodiment of the present invention, the method of grading and trimming a board or other structure having two sides includes feeding the board to a sloped turn assembly with a first side of its two sides upright, grading the first side of the board if cutback is desired, moving the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board for trimming, pivoting the board using the sloped turn assembly such that the board falls onto a roll case with a second side of the two sides upright, grading the second side of the board, and if cutback is desired, moving the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board for trimming, feeding the board to a trimmer, and cutting the board.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, the sloped turn assembly is replaced with a flat transfer assembly which can turn the board onto both sides for grading. If a cutback is indicated, the roll case is raised to move the board in a longitudinal direction to a position for trimming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a side view of the grading and trimming operation of a sawmill or lumber processing operation, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an overhead view of a board on a sloped turn assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows another overhead~view of a Board on a sloped turn assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the grading and trimming operation of a sawmill according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention relates to a method of mechanizing movement of a board endwise at either of two positions in a grading station to position the board properly to be processed by an end trimmer. Thus, the grader performs the fimction of the trimmer operator, and the position of the trimmer operator is obviated.
In the sawmill operation of a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. l, after the boards 1 are measured by conventional means, the boards 1 approach a grading station 2 on a lugged chain and are even ended such that one end of the board 1 extends slightly beyond the 0 ft. saw reference line. The boards 1 are then stopped, and fed one at a time into the grading station 2.
Each board 1 is then fed down at an angle onto a sloped turn assembly 3, as shown in Fig. 2, where a grader working at the grading station 2 views the first face 4 of the board 1 as its edge 5 rests on the conveying belt 6 of the turn assembly 3. (The belt 6 could alternatively be a chain or series of rollers 7 (see Fig. 2)). Either side of the board 1 may exhibit defects which justify cutback.
After grading, each board proceeds to the trimmer, and the trimmer operator moves the boards which must be cut back endwise such that the desired cut points are at the saw lines. The trimmer operator also selects the trim saws to be used on the board.
Saws are typically placed at 0 ft., 1 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., 14 ft., and 16 ft., from an index line. They may extend to 18 ft., 20 ft., etc. A board to be trimmed 12 ft., will be cut by the 0 ft. and 12 ft. saws. A board to be trimmed to 9 ft.
will be cut by the 1 ft. and 10 ft. saws.
A drop saw or jump saw trimmer has saws at fixed positions which are lowered (in the case of a drop saw), or raised (in the case of a jump saw), to make the cross cuts to trim the board. A "moving saw" trimmer has a fixed saw at one end and a moving saw which typically strokes from 4 ft. to 16 ft. (from the fixed end).
In any of these three types of trimmer saws, boards which require cut back must be moved endwise (i.e., lengthwise) in relation to the saws to remove the desired amount.
Conventional grading and trimming operations are disclosed by Greten et al, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,934,229, Greten et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,341, Hellgren et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4, 120,33, Rysti, U.S. Pat., No. 4,164,248, and Hellstrom et al, U.S. Pat. No.
4,023,605.
Doherty et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,675, disclose a conventional board turned apparatus and method, wherein a board can be turned several times for repeated inspection of both sides of the board for more accurate grading.
However, all the above references suffer from the disadvantage that a trimmer operator is required, and since the position of a trimmer operator is difficult to fill due to, at the very least, the repetitive nature of the job, the mechanization off' as much as possible of the grading and trimming operations is necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of sawmill or lumber processing operation, wherein the grader~and trimmer positions are combined, so that the grader performs the function of the trimmer operator, thus, eliminating the position of the trimmer operator.
In a first embodiment of the present invention, the method of grading and trimming a board or other structure having two sides includes feeding the board to a sloped turn assembly with a first side of its two sides upright, grading the first side of the board if cutback is desired, moving the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board for trimming, pivoting the board using the sloped turn assembly such that the board falls onto a roll case with a second side of the two sides upright, grading the second side of the board, and if cutback is desired, moving the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board for trimming, feeding the board to a trimmer, and cutting the board.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, the sloped turn assembly is replaced with a flat transfer assembly which can turn the board onto both sides for grading. If a cutback is indicated, the roll case is raised to move the board in a longitudinal direction to a position for trimming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a side view of the grading and trimming operation of a sawmill or lumber processing operation, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an overhead view of a board on a sloped turn assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows another overhead~view of a Board on a sloped turn assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the grading and trimming operation of a sawmill according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention relates to a method of mechanizing movement of a board endwise at either of two positions in a grading station to position the board properly to be processed by an end trimmer. Thus, the grader performs the fimction of the trimmer operator, and the position of the trimmer operator is obviated.
In the sawmill operation of a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. l, after the boards 1 are measured by conventional means, the boards 1 approach a grading station 2 on a lugged chain and are even ended such that one end of the board 1 extends slightly beyond the 0 ft. saw reference line. The boards 1 are then stopped, and fed one at a time into the grading station 2.
Each board 1 is then fed down at an angle onto a sloped turn assembly 3, as shown in Fig. 2, where a grader working at the grading station 2 views the first face 4 of the board 1 as its edge 5 rests on the conveying belt 6 of the turn assembly 3. (The belt 6 could alternatively be a chain or series of rollers 7 (see Fig. 2)). Either side of the board 1 may exhibit defects which justify cutback.
The position of each saw 8 in the trimmer 9 is displayed as a reference line on the grading station 2, or alternatively, by a projected laser line 10 running across the board 1 at 0 ft., 1 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., 14 ft., and' 16 ft.
increments (see Fig. 2), on the turn assembly 3. If the face 4 now viewed has defects requiring cut back, the grader can select the saws 8 to be used by pressing buttons at the grading station 2, and also by moving the board 1 endwise (i.e., longitudinally) by controlling the conveyor belt 6 via foot pedals or hand controls (not shown), to position the board 1 such that the best quality portion of the board 1 falls between the selected saws 8. The buttons (not shown) used to select saws 8 are interfaced to a computer or other controller (not shown) which registers the saw selections for the board 1 for use when the board 1 arrives at the trimmer 9. The computer (not shown) may be part of a tally system which measures the boards 1 for length, width, and thickness, and records a grade inputted by the grader.
As an example, Fig. 2 shows a 12 ft. board 1 at its initial position in the grading operation on the turn assembly 3. If the grader decides to trim the board 1 back to 9 ft., this will require the 1 ft. and the 10 ft. saws. Therefore, the grader activates the belt 6 in the turn assembly 3 to move the board 1 such that the 1 ft. and 10 ft. saws 8 will now fall in the proper locations on the board 1 to remove the unwanted defects (see Fig. 3).
If the board 1 does not need to be cut back, the computer (not shown) automatically prepares to cut the board 1 to the next even length, in one foot increments.
When ready to view the reverse side 11 of the board 1, the grader presses the turn button or pedal (not shown) which causes the turn assembly 3 to rotate forward endwise and the board 1 to pivot on its longitudinal edge S, and to fall onto the roll case 12 to display its other side 11. If the view of the reverse side 11 of the board 1 dictates a cut back, the board 1 can be moved endwise (i.e., longitudinally) with respect to the saw reference lines 10.
Displayed across the grading station 2 are eifher marks or laser light lines (not shown) which indicate the positions of the trimmer saws 8 which await the board 1 further downstream. The grader can thus, see where cross cuts would be made by the various saws 8 in the trimmer 9. The grader may select a trim solution and then shift the board 1 to one side or the other (the board moving lengthwise or longitudinally), by controlling the roll case 12.
When the board 1 is properly positioned on the roll case 12, the grader presses a "release" button (or a grade button if a tally system), such that the board 1 is graded and released to the trimmer 9. At the first opportunity, when a lug 13 is not under the board 1 on the roll case 12, the roll case 12 is lowered (or the chain raised), placing the board 1 in front of a known lug 13. The passing of lugs 13 is monitored by the computer or controller (not shown) and when the lug 13 with this board 1 arrives at the trimmer 9, the computer instructs the trimmer control (not shown) to activate the selected saws 8 (or position the moving saw in that type of trimmer).
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a conventional flat grading station 14 can be used instead of a sloping turn assembly 3 grading station, by the grader (see Fig. 4).
In this embodiment, each board 1 is moving along a flat transfer or deck 14 consisting of multiple strands of driven chain. The board 1 arrives at the grading station 2 in the view of the grader, at which position the grader can turn the board 1 to inspect both sides via a conventional board turner apparatus 14, as described for example, in Doherty et al, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 484, 675. Doherty et al disclose a board turner apparatus and method, wherein a board can be turned several times for repeated inspection of both sides of the board for more accurate grading.
In this embodiment, the board 1 is moved to the grading station 2 by a flat (unlugged) chain deck. The board 1 is turned at the position above the roll case 12. If the board 1 is to be cut back, the roll case 12 is lifted and activated to move the board to the trim position (i.e., longitudinally) by the grader. When the release or grade button is pressed by the grader, either the flat top chain and rollcase 12 are lowered, or the lug chain is raised to load the board 1 onto a predetermined lug for feeding to the trimmer.
Alternatively, the board 1 could exit the grading station on the flat chain and proceed to a lug loader station (not shown) in preparation for feeding into the trimmer.
The above side shifting device used to position boards 1 properly for trimming can also be used to move boards 1 lengthwise out of the grading area to either side into a bin or onto another conveyor to be reprocessed or for sorting out culls, etc.
Thus, the present invention automates the trimming operation by combining the grading and trimming functions, thus providing for the elimination of a trimmer operator.
The present invention can be used in other inspection and cutting operations other than for boards in a sawmill.
It is contemplated that numerous modifications may be made~to the apparatus and procedure of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
increments (see Fig. 2), on the turn assembly 3. If the face 4 now viewed has defects requiring cut back, the grader can select the saws 8 to be used by pressing buttons at the grading station 2, and also by moving the board 1 endwise (i.e., longitudinally) by controlling the conveyor belt 6 via foot pedals or hand controls (not shown), to position the board 1 such that the best quality portion of the board 1 falls between the selected saws 8. The buttons (not shown) used to select saws 8 are interfaced to a computer or other controller (not shown) which registers the saw selections for the board 1 for use when the board 1 arrives at the trimmer 9. The computer (not shown) may be part of a tally system which measures the boards 1 for length, width, and thickness, and records a grade inputted by the grader.
As an example, Fig. 2 shows a 12 ft. board 1 at its initial position in the grading operation on the turn assembly 3. If the grader decides to trim the board 1 back to 9 ft., this will require the 1 ft. and the 10 ft. saws. Therefore, the grader activates the belt 6 in the turn assembly 3 to move the board 1 such that the 1 ft. and 10 ft. saws 8 will now fall in the proper locations on the board 1 to remove the unwanted defects (see Fig. 3).
If the board 1 does not need to be cut back, the computer (not shown) automatically prepares to cut the board 1 to the next even length, in one foot increments.
When ready to view the reverse side 11 of the board 1, the grader presses the turn button or pedal (not shown) which causes the turn assembly 3 to rotate forward endwise and the board 1 to pivot on its longitudinal edge S, and to fall onto the roll case 12 to display its other side 11. If the view of the reverse side 11 of the board 1 dictates a cut back, the board 1 can be moved endwise (i.e., longitudinally) with respect to the saw reference lines 10.
Displayed across the grading station 2 are eifher marks or laser light lines (not shown) which indicate the positions of the trimmer saws 8 which await the board 1 further downstream. The grader can thus, see where cross cuts would be made by the various saws 8 in the trimmer 9. The grader may select a trim solution and then shift the board 1 to one side or the other (the board moving lengthwise or longitudinally), by controlling the roll case 12.
When the board 1 is properly positioned on the roll case 12, the grader presses a "release" button (or a grade button if a tally system), such that the board 1 is graded and released to the trimmer 9. At the first opportunity, when a lug 13 is not under the board 1 on the roll case 12, the roll case 12 is lowered (or the chain raised), placing the board 1 in front of a known lug 13. The passing of lugs 13 is monitored by the computer or controller (not shown) and when the lug 13 with this board 1 arrives at the trimmer 9, the computer instructs the trimmer control (not shown) to activate the selected saws 8 (or position the moving saw in that type of trimmer).
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a conventional flat grading station 14 can be used instead of a sloping turn assembly 3 grading station, by the grader (see Fig. 4).
In this embodiment, each board 1 is moving along a flat transfer or deck 14 consisting of multiple strands of driven chain. The board 1 arrives at the grading station 2 in the view of the grader, at which position the grader can turn the board 1 to inspect both sides via a conventional board turner apparatus 14, as described for example, in Doherty et al, U. S. Pat. No. 4, 484, 675. Doherty et al disclose a board turner apparatus and method, wherein a board can be turned several times for repeated inspection of both sides of the board for more accurate grading.
In this embodiment, the board 1 is moved to the grading station 2 by a flat (unlugged) chain deck. The board 1 is turned at the position above the roll case 12. If the board 1 is to be cut back, the roll case 12 is lifted and activated to move the board to the trim position (i.e., longitudinally) by the grader. When the release or grade button is pressed by the grader, either the flat top chain and rollcase 12 are lowered, or the lug chain is raised to load the board 1 onto a predetermined lug for feeding to the trimmer.
Alternatively, the board 1 could exit the grading station on the flat chain and proceed to a lug loader station (not shown) in preparation for feeding into the trimmer.
The above side shifting device used to position boards 1 properly for trimming can also be used to move boards 1 lengthwise out of the grading area to either side into a bin or onto another conveyor to be reprocessed or for sorting out culls, etc.
Thus, the present invention automates the trimming operation by combining the grading and trimming functions, thus providing for the elimination of a trimmer operator.
The present invention can be used in other inspection and cutting operations other than for boards in a sawmill.
It is contemplated that numerous modifications may be made~to the apparatus and procedure of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. A method of inspecting and cutting a member having two sides using a control system, said method comprising the steps of feeding said member to a turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said first side of said member;
turning said member using said turn assembly such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright on a moving assembly;
inspecting said second side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutter.
inspecting said first side of said member;
turning said member using said turn assembly such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright on a moving assembly;
inspecting said second side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutter.
2. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising the step of moving said member in a longitudinal direction to position said member in a first position after said step of inspecting said first side of said member is performed.
3. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said turn assembly is a sloped turn assembly.
4. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said turn assembly is a flat transfer assembly.
5. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said moving assembly is a roll case.
6. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said member includes a board and said inspecting step includes grading said board.
7. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said cutter is a saw.
8. A method of inspecting and cutting a member having two sides using a control system, said method comprising the steps of:
feeding said member to a turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said first side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said turn assembly to position said member in a first predetermined position;
pivoting said member using said turn assembly, such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright onto a moving assembly;
inspecting said second side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutting assembly.
feeding said member to a turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said first side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said turn assembly to position said member in a first predetermined position;
pivoting said member using said turn assembly, such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright onto a moving assembly;
inspecting said second side of said member;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutting assembly.
9. A method of inspecting and cutting a member having two sides using a control system, said method comprising the steps of feeding said member to a turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said first side of said member;
turning said member using said turn assembly such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said second side of said member;
feeding said member to a moving assembly;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutting assembly.
inspecting said first side of said member;
turning said member using said turn assembly such that said member is disposed with a second side of said two sides upright;
inspecting said second side of said member;
feeding said member to a moving assembly;
moving said member in a longitudinal direction using said moving assembly to position said member in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a cutting assembly.
10. The method according to Claim 8, wherein said turn assembly is a sloped turn assembly.
11. The method according to Claim 9, wherein said turn assembly is a flat transfer assembly.
12. A method of grading and trimming a board having two sides using a control system, said method comprising the steps of:
feeding said board to a sloped turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
grading said first side of said board;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction to position said board in a first predetermined position;
pivoting said board on a longitudinal edge between its two sides using said sloped turn assembly, such that said board falls onto a roll case with a second side of said two sides upright;
grading said second side of said board;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction to position said board in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a trimmer.
feeding said board to a sloped turn assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
grading said first side of said board;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction to position said board in a first predetermined position;
pivoting said board on a longitudinal edge between its two sides using said sloped turn assembly, such that said board falls onto a roll case with a second side of said two sides upright;
grading said second side of said board;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction to position said board in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a trimmer.
13. A method of grading and trimming a board having two sides using a control system, said method comprising the steps of feeding said board to a flat transfer assembly with a first side of said two sides upright;
grading said first side of said board;
turning said board using said flat transfer assembly such that a second side of said two sides of said board is upright;
grading said second side of said board;
feedings said board to a roll case;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction on said roll case, to position said board in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a trimmer.
grading said first side of said board;
turning said board using said flat transfer assembly such that a second side of said two sides of said board is upright;
grading said second side of said board;
feedings said board to a roll case;
moving said board in a longitudinal direction on said roll case, to position said board in a second predetermined position; and feeding said board to a trimmer.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12209299P | 1999-02-26 | 1999-02-26 | |
| US60/122,092 | 1999-02-26 | ||
| US09/414,957 US6422111B1 (en) | 1999-02-26 | 1999-10-12 | Combined grading and trimming method for sawmill |
| US09/414,957 | 1999-10-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2287043A1 true CA2287043A1 (en) | 2000-08-26 |
Family
ID=26820149
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2287043 Abandoned CA2287043A1 (en) | 1999-02-26 | 1999-10-20 | Combined grading and trimming method for sawmill |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6422111B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2287043A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108772307A (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2018-11-09 | 浙江晟禧精密机械科技有限公司 | A kind of full-automatic roller sorting machine |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE20108813U1 (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2001-08-23 | Raimann Holzoptimierung Gmbh & | Saw handling device |
| US20030233919A1 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2003-12-25 | Greg Yourkievitz | Pneumatic cathode ray tube cutting system |
| US20070028730A1 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2007-02-08 | Sawyer Philip P | Apparatus and methods for double ended processing |
| US6886462B2 (en) * | 2002-08-20 | 2005-05-03 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Labeling methods and apparatus |
| US7171738B2 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2007-02-06 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Systems for processing workpieces |
| US7168353B2 (en) * | 2004-05-26 | 2007-01-30 | Frecision Automation, Inc. | Material handling systems |
| US7245981B2 (en) * | 2004-05-26 | 2007-07-17 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Material handling system with saw and wheel drag mechanism |
| US20060000521A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Edward Komori | Board fencing system |
| US7966714B2 (en) * | 2004-10-12 | 2011-06-28 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Multi-step systems for processing workpieces |
| US7483765B2 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2009-01-27 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Gauge system |
| US7792602B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2010-09-07 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Material processing system and a material processing method including a saw station and an interface with touch screen |
| US7631746B2 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2009-12-15 | 9051-8127 Quebec Inc. | Board positioning system and method, and fence assembly |
| CA2793433C (en) | 2009-06-09 | 2016-04-12 | Lean Tool Systems, Llc | Gauge system for workpiece processing |
| US9943975B2 (en) | 2012-02-01 | 2018-04-17 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Saw system for miter joints |
| CN104526771B (en) * | 2014-12-24 | 2016-05-04 | 福建长汀县元创木工机械有限公司 | Round log process line |
| SE542989C2 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2020-09-22 | Nordiska Truss Ab | A system to orient a plurality of studs into one and the same curvature based orientation, a use of such a system during prefabricated house manufacturing and a corresponding method of orienting a plurality of studs |
| AU2020330553A1 (en) | 2019-08-12 | 2022-03-31 | Precision Automation, Inc. | Linear positioner |
Family Cites Families (35)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2714407A (en) * | 1951-12-26 | 1955-08-02 | Portland Iron Works | Drop saw lumber trimming machine |
| US3780777A (en) * | 1971-10-06 | 1973-12-25 | Oliver Machinery Co | Defecting saw |
| US3848646A (en) * | 1971-12-30 | 1974-11-19 | Hines E Lumber Co | Method and apparatus for cutting lumber to random or specified clear lengths |
| SE380464B (en) | 1974-05-08 | 1975-11-10 | Hammars Mekaniska Verkstad Ab | WAY TO ASSESS AND LENGTHEN TIMBER AND DEVICE IN ADJUSTMENT WORK FOR EXECUTION OF THE SET |
| SE400950B (en) | 1975-04-28 | 1978-04-17 | Renholmens Mek Verkstad Ab | PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING THE FITTING PIECE AND DEVICE FOR PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE |
| US4164248A (en) | 1977-12-30 | 1979-08-14 | Alpo Rysti | Method and apparatus for cutting off defective portions of lengths of timber |
| US4333373A (en) * | 1980-09-30 | 1982-06-08 | Weyerhaeuser Company | Positioning and feed system for cants and boards |
| US4413662A (en) * | 1981-06-08 | 1983-11-08 | Forest Industries Machine Corp. | Edging system |
| US4484675A (en) | 1982-12-13 | 1984-11-27 | U. S. Natural Resources, Inc. | Board turner apparatus and method capable of multiple turn inspection |
| US4541722A (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1985-09-17 | Jenksystems, Inc. | Contour line scanner |
| US4665786A (en) * | 1983-01-28 | 1987-05-19 | Shields Dean W | Log handling and sawing system |
| USRE33357E (en) * | 1983-05-27 | 1990-09-25 | Key Technology, Inc. | Optical inspection apparatus for moving articles |
| IT1204492B (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1989-03-01 | Cremona Lorenzo | SYSTEM FOR THE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION OF DEFECTS PRESENT IN MANUFACTURING WORK, IN PARTICULAR WOOD PANELS WITH CRACKS AND FOLDS THAT MUST BE STUCKED |
| US4702134A (en) | 1986-04-10 | 1987-10-27 | Corley Manufacturing Company | Edging apparatus |
| US4765214A (en) * | 1987-05-14 | 1988-08-23 | Meinan Machinery Works, Inc. | Apparatus for handling veneer sheets |
| US4839816A (en) * | 1987-06-02 | 1989-06-13 | Cattrall Thomas J | Lumber cutting system |
| CA1323290C (en) * | 1988-09-14 | 1993-10-19 | Aaron U. Jones | Method and apparatus for an automatic sawmill |
| US5249491A (en) * | 1987-08-21 | 1993-10-05 | Aaron U. Jones | Sawmill method and apparatus with movable scanning means |
| US5088363A (en) * | 1987-08-21 | 1992-02-18 | Aaron U. Jones | Method and apparatus for an automatic sawmill |
| US4805679A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1989-02-21 | Integrated Wood Research Inc. | Apparatus and method for processing lumber |
| DE3808119A1 (en) | 1988-03-11 | 1989-09-21 | Grecon Greten Gmbh & Co Kg | MARKING STATION BY LASER TURN LIGHT |
| US4934228A (en) * | 1989-01-13 | 1990-06-19 | U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. | System for diverting veneer sheets having offsize defects |
| US4947909A (en) * | 1989-02-14 | 1990-08-14 | Cae Machinery Ltd. | Process and apparatus for optimizing volume of boards cut from a log |
| US5099896A (en) * | 1991-04-24 | 1992-03-31 | Harvey Industries, Inc | Rotary board pick/store/place method and apparatus |
| US5142955A (en) * | 1991-05-16 | 1992-09-01 | Trienco, Inc. | Lumber cutter for removing end defects and sawing to desired lengths |
| US5412220A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1995-05-02 | United Industrial Products, Ltd. | Optical scanning device for lumber |
| CA2099435C (en) * | 1993-06-30 | 1996-11-12 | Gerard Hamel | Apparatus and method for a board infeed system |
| US5605216A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1997-02-25 | Hi-Tech Engineering Inc. | Board turning apparatus |
| US5862727A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1999-01-26 | Kelly; Robert R. | Laser arbor |
| CA2201242C (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 2000-08-22 | Newnes Machine Ltd. | Method and apparatus for the variable position feeding of a gang saw |
| US5819622A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1998-10-13 | Quick; Bradley S. | Automated infeed system |
| US5865080A (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 1999-02-02 | Newnes Machine Ltd. | Trimmer flexible positioning fence |
| US5911302A (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 1999-06-15 | Cae Newnes Ltd. | Circulating paddle board positioning apparatus |
| US5950517A (en) * | 1997-05-27 | 1999-09-14 | Yoder; Daniel | Sawmill carriage log turner |
| US6240821B1 (en) * | 1999-07-15 | 2001-06-05 | Landeast Machinery, Inc. | Dual positioning and orienting saw infeed apparatus |
-
1999
- 1999-10-12 US US09/414,957 patent/US6422111B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-10-20 CA CA 2287043 patent/CA2287043A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2000
- 2000-04-05 US US09/543,571 patent/US6374714B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108772307A (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2018-11-09 | 浙江晟禧精密机械科技有限公司 | A kind of full-automatic roller sorting machine |
| CN108772307B (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2023-06-20 | 浙江晟禧精密机械科技有限公司 | Full-automatic roller sorting machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6422111B1 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
| US6374714B1 (en) | 2002-04-23 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6422111B1 (en) | Combined grading and trimming method for sawmill | |
| US4887219A (en) | Board cut-off saw assembly | |
| US5365812A (en) | Automatic saw machine and method | |
| US8281696B2 (en) | Linear feed cutting apparatus and method | |
| US8387499B2 (en) | Linear saw with stab-cut bevel capability | |
| US6397713B1 (en) | Automated infeed system | |
| US4541722A (en) | Contour line scanner | |
| US6892614B2 (en) | Cutter trimmer sorter | |
| AU3521401A (en) | Device for trimming wane-affected planks | |
| DE3406904A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for cutting board material to size | |
| US20070039664A1 (en) | Saw infeed system | |
| EP0785052B1 (en) | Procedure and apparatus for working a tree trunk by chipping | |
| US3985055A (en) | Sawmill apparatus | |
| US4449558A (en) | Method and apparatus for trimming wooden boards | |
| CA1171825A (en) | Feeding and data entry system for lumber trimmer | |
| US20070028729A1 (en) | Infeed system with automated workpiece orientation | |
| DE19503433C3 (en) | Device and method for cutting plate-like strands | |
| DE3511272A1 (en) | Cutting-to-length installation for dimensionally accurate cutting-to-length, and cutting-to-length method | |
| Sysala et al. | System for automatic inspection of bandsaw blades | |
| CA1083928A (en) | Apparatus for cutting lumber to variable clear lengths | |
| US3654971A (en) | Sawmill | |
| SU1705070A1 (en) | Log cross-cutting installation | |
| CA1251963A (en) | Contour line scanner | |
| JPS606305A (en) | Device for cutting long material into prescribed size | |
| CA2606852A1 (en) | Improved method for producing wood flooring |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |