Abstract: The log debarking assembly comprises an auto-aligning ring debarker that in turn comprises a base, a movable frame carried by the base and movable relative to the base, a log opening formed in the movable frame, a ring-type cutting tool mounted to the movable frame and protruding in the log opening, the cutting tool for debarking logs that are fed through the log opening, and a powered debarker actuator assembly capable of selectively moving the movable frame relative to the base. The log debarking assembly also comprises a log shape and position detector comprising a scanner located upstream of the debarker for detecting the shape and position of logs at the location of the scanner and for generating log data as a result of detected log shape and position at the location of the scanner; and a control device capable of receiving the log data and of controlling the powered debarker actuator assembly as a result of the log data.

Abstract: A log-feeding device comprises two relatively movable units each carrying automatically self-centering chain-engaging sprockets, the chains being formed of flights provided with channels having serrations and knife-edges for grasping the bark surface of a log being fed therethrough.

Abstract: A sawmill that is a compact integrated unit of a multiplicity of components all mounted on a common frame for performing different functions to produce pieces of lumber from a log. Logs can be processed that have a minimum diameter of approximately 2" and a minimum length of approximately 42" with the overall length of the mill being approximately 17'. There are a number of power driven feed and guide rolls that propel a log endwise along a fixed path. The processing components include first and second pairs of chipper canter units with novel chipper heads, a pair of rabbet units in which each has a pair of cutter heads on concentric telescopic shafts and power driven rolls for off-feeding pieces of lumber of differing widths. The log feed speed and/or chipper head speed can be varied to provide chips of selected different lengths. Positioning of the processing units is controlled by a programmed processor unit.