Abstract: An edging optimizer apparatus is described including scanner means for scanning lumber with light beams to determine a reference axis which may be the optimum yield axis for cutting boards therefrom and improved clamp means for clamping the lumber after scanning, skewing the lumber in response to the output of the scanner means until its reference axis is parallel with the cutting axis of the edger, and transferring the clamped and skewed lumber to an aligned position where its reference axis is in alignment with such cutting axis. The lumber is discharged from the clamp means at the aligned position and is fed to the edger cutting means longitudinally along the cutting axis to cut the opposite side edges of the lumber and produce boards of the proper size for optimum yield in volume or selling price.

Abstract: A remotely controlled rotatable crane for loading logs on a live deck. The crane includes a carriage having a horizontal bed rotatable on a circular track about a verticle axis, the bed carrying a truss assembly extending upwardly and radially outwardly from the bed. The distal end of the truss assembly carries a vertically movable and rotatable grapple. A winch and cable raises and lowers the grapple. A counterweight is disposed on the carriage to counter balance the truss assembly. Electrohydraulic controls operate the winch for raising and lowering the grapple, controls the rotation of the grapple about a vertical axis and its opening and closing and controls the movement of the carriage about its vertical axis. Hydraulic motors also drive wheels on the track for rotating the carriage about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An infeed conveyor feeds logs lengthwise toward a sawing, chipping or other log processing machine. The infeed conveyor has two endless conveyor chains which circulate in an infeed conveyor path carrying flights along low-friction guides. To assist in obtaining optimum lumber recovery from logs, each flight has a load-engaging portion for cradling logs which is movable transversely of the infeed path so that a tapered log is laterally and angularly positioned as desired with respect to the centerline of the moving conveyor. Line bars along the conveyor, moved by manually or automatically-actuated cylinders engage the load-engaging portion of the flights to shift them and a supported log laterally to a desired alignment. The load-engaging portion of each flight is held in an adjusted lateral position after the line bars retract by friction blocks compressed between the load-engaging portion and the base portion.

Abstract: A chop saw for selectively cutting logs to various lengths includes a motor-driven circular saw blade mounted at the outer end of a saw carriage pivoted to a fixed base. A rotary crank mechanism driven by a hydraulic motor on the carriage oscillates the carriage about its pivot to feed the saw blade into and out of a log held in cutting position alongside the carriage by hydraulic cylinder-operated clamp arms which are also mounted on the fixed base. A crankshaft of the rotary crank mechanism carries a cam which operates a hydraulic flow control valve in the hydraulic circuit of the carriage drive motor to reduce the speed of the motor and thus carriage travel only when the saw blade cuts through the log. Limit switches in an electrical control circuit and operated by cams on the crankshaft control the operation of valves in hydraulic circuits for the clamp cylinders and carriage drive motor to coordinate the positions of the carriage with the closing and opening of the clamp arms.

Abstract: A rotary ring-type log debarker has barking tools operated by double-acting air cylinders with air pressure supplied through solenoid valves from a pressure chamber in the rotor. During normal debarker operation the rotor pressure chamber is isolated from an external source of air pressure. Air is supplied to the rotor pressure chamber intermittently only when necessary to maintain or increase air pressure in the chamber through a pilot air-operated ring-type air seal between the rotor and its stator. The seal is loaded only during the addition of air to the rotor pressure chamber to minimize wear on the sealing surfaces. Positive, instantaneous opening and closing of the tools and changes in air pressure in the rotor pressure chamber are effected from a remote operator's console while the rotor is either rotating or stationary.

Abstract: A tree cutting and gripping head assembly for use in a tree felling apparatus which includes a single movement effecting unit, such as a hydraulic ram, connected both with respect to a tree cutting part and a tree gripping part of the head assembly for effecting movement for both of these parts through their respectively operative strokes in response to a single actuating movement of the unit. The head assembly also embodies a number of improved cutting blade constructions which are particularly useful in splitting the tree stump during cutting operation or otherwise forming pockets in the upper surface of the tree stump for retaining moisture which materially aids in the disintegration of the stump.

Abstract: A method of whole tree chipping and whole tree chipper with a funnel-shaped receiving structure for receiving the butt end of a tree while the top of the tree is supported by the ground, and for bending limbs thereof, and a pair of free-floating feed rollers for engaging the periphery of the tree and feeding the tree to a chipper. The funnel may have teeth disposed along the interior surface thereof and be rotatable automatically in response to hang-ups within the funnel to eliminate the hang-ups by twisting and cutting of the tree limbs. Hydraulic rams preferably bias the feed rollers toward each other, and bias them to a particular orientation with respect to the opening in the funnel. The centerline of the entrance to the chipper is located in line with or slightly above the centerline of the opening in the funnel, and preferably the funnel opening is slightly smaller than the chipper entrance.