Abstract: Systems and methods for improved bandsaw process control and throughput, in which a sawblade of a bandsaw contacts a bottom sawguide mounted in a bottom guide holder, the bottom guide holder frame having a “flexural member” that transmits forces on the sawguide to a force transducer associated with the flexural member. Workpiece-related forces include deflection forces, both lateral and torsional, and saw resistance forces on the bottom sawguide. An object of the invention is to establish a true cut condition when pre-straining the sawblade and a process control loop whereby the true cut condition is restored in near real time while cutting a workpiece. The combination of a force sensing guide holder and a process control loop synergically improves target lumber size control and maximizes log value, while also increasing throughput by reducing both overfeed and underfeed.

Abstract: A sawmill feedspeed control system having a force sensor operatively coupled to a sawguide of a sawblade, the output of the force sensor being processed and supplied to a motion controller and driver for reducing or increasing feed velocity of a workpiece so as to prevent overfeed or underfeed, while minimizing deviations of the blade from a straight cut and maximizing production throughput.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved bandsaw process control and throughput, in which a sawblade of a bandsaw contacts a bottom sawguide mounted in a bottom guide holder, the bottom guide holder frame having a “flexural member” that transmits forces on the sawguide to a force transducer associated with the flexural member. Workpiece-related forces include deflection forces, both lateral and torsional, and saw resistance forces on the bottom sawguide. An object of the invention is to establish a true cut condition when pre-straining the sawblade and a process control loop whereby the true cut condition is restored in near real time while cutting a workpiece. The combination of a force sensing guide holder and a process control loop synergically improves target lumber size control and maximizes log value, while also increasing throughput by reducing both overfeed and underfeed.

Abstract: A sawmill feedspeed control system having a force sensor operatively coupled to a sawguide of a sawblade, the output of the force sensor being processed and supplied to a motion controller and driver for reducing or increasing feed velocity of a workpiece so as to prevent overfeed or underfeed, while minimizing deviations of the blade from a straight cut and maximizing production throughput.

Abstract: The optimized band saw feed speed system of this invention is associated with a saw mill carriage reciprocable past a band saw by a power drive motor. The feed speed control system utilizes a first laser line arranged to allow video scanning of the diameter profile of a log on the carriage for measuring the impending depth of cut by the band saw blade as the carriage moves the log through the band saw. A second laser line is arranged to show on the band saw blade for detecting the lateral deviation of the blade from its path. A video camera is arranged to cover the diameter of a log on the carriage and to view the laser line projections and control the speed of the power drive motor of the carriage, to provide optimum speed of movement of the log through the band saw.

Abstract: The optimized band saw feed speed system of this invention is associated with a saw mill carriage reciprocable past a band saw by a power drive motor. The feed speed control system utilizes a first laser line arranged to allow video scanning of the diameter profile of a log on the carriage for measuring the impending depth of cut by the band saw blade as the carriage moves the log through the band saw. A second laser line is arranged to show on the band saw blade for detecting the lateral deviation of the blade from its path. A video camera is arranged to cover the diameter of a log on the carriage and to view the laser line projections and control the speed of the power drive motor of the carriage, to provide optimum speed of movement of the log through the band saw.