Abstract: Comminution process of wood veneer to produce wood particles, by feeding wood veneer in a direction of travel substantially normal to grain through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of veneer travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (Td), to produce wood particles characterized by a length dimension (L) substantially equal to the Td and aligned substantially parallel to grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) substantially equal to the veneer thickness (Tv) and aligned normal to W and L, wherein the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces with end checking between crosscut fibers.

Abstract: A modular conical chipper/canter head and method. A preferred method adjusts the cutting head for changes in chip length. The method includes the steps of providing an annular facing module, providing a conical, solid hub module for mounting one or more chipping knives, and at least one of (a) installing one or more control plates between the facing module and the hub module, and (b) removing the one or more control plates from between the facing module and the hub module, for spacing the facing and hub modules apart a selected amount.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting oversized wood chips smoothly and uniformly, such that the resulting chips are of optimum size and shape for use in making paper, cardboard, and other recyclable materials. A method is provided for aligning and guiding oversized wood chips through an array of spaced-apart saw blades using a reciprocating plunger controlled to continuously align and sweep the wood chips completely through the saw blades. The method and apparatus can be adapted to produce a variety of desired wood chip sizes.

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.

Abstract: Procedure for working tree trunks by machining into wood products, such as boards and cants. In the procedure, from trunks (1) preferably trimmed on at least two sides, at first at least one side board (3) is sawn so that at least part of the dull edge (2) remains on the side board (3), whereupon the dull edges (2') of the side board are edged. The side board (3) is moved together with the central section (1') during the edging operation and the side board (3) and the central section (1') are kept at a distance from each other by means of a separating element (6), such as a dividing knife, at least during the edging operation.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the blade clearance in a disc chipper by moving in the axial direction a bearing bushing of a disc shaft together with the bearing. The axial movement of the shaft is effected by loosening adjusting screws or adjusting nuts of one of the end caps of the axial guide bearing housing and by tightening after this the adjusting screws or adjusting nuts of the other end cap. The cap then pushes the axial guide bushing and the attached shaft in the axial direction by way of a guide projection on the surface of the cap facing towards the bearing. An axial guide bearing system includes a shaft supporting a blade disc of a disc chipper, with the shaft and blade disc being movable relative to a counter blade in an axial direction. The system also includes a bearing housing frame and a bearing fixed to the shaft and movable with respect to the bearing housing frame.

Abstract: Procedure and apparatus for sawing a square timber, the apparatus comprising a feed mechanism (1), a chipper (2) and a sawing apparatus (3) in such manner that .the feed mechanism has been arranged to feed the square timber into the chipper, the chipper has been arranged to remove from the square timber its curved surface portions, and the sawing apparatus has been arranged to cut up the spar arriving from the chipper. As taught by the invention, the feed mechanism (1) is connected with a pivot (4) with vertical axis to the chipper, and the chipper is connected with a second pivot (5) with vertical axis to the sawing apparatus which is carried on the frame of the apparatus, and that the apparatus comprises a feed table (6) for feeding the square timber in controlled manner into the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A chipping canter is provided for producing four-sided cants from curved logs. It allows the slabbing heads thereof to follow the natural curvature of the logs for obtaining cants having a maximum cross-sectional area and length. Each log is flatly disposed on a log deck and is scanned at the entry for obtaining information about the curvature and dimensions thereof, and then calculating the position of the log deck and of the centering rollers. As the log is forwarded along the path in the chipping canter, the log is always properly aligned with respect to the slabbing heads.

Abstract: In a method of sawing a log where, to avoid edging, inner comers (3) are first cut out prior to sawing off the edged boards, inner corners (3) are cut out along curved lines, each with a planar smooth surface (4) and a chopped rough surface (5) which is curved, whereafter the respective board is sawed out with a curved saw cut which coincides with the respective chopped rough curved surfaces (5).

Abstract: A combination debarking/delimbing and chipping machine for processing logs is mounted on a single chassis. The debarking/delimbing apparatus of the machine has a lower flail positioned below a material feed path and two adjustable flails positioned above the material feed path. The upper flails will adjust to the size of a log fed into the machine. The provisions of two upper flails assures total removal of bark/limbs from the log and aids in discharging loosened bark. The upper flails may be driven at variable rates and may be reversibly driven. The provisions of two upper flails enables a reduced rotational speed of the flails which enhances flail life.

Abstract: Methods for producing a chipped wood surfacing material having unusually high shock absorbing capabilities are provided. The chipped wood is processed in order to give it a very high shock absorbing quality. This invention also relates to chipped wood having these unusually high shock absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: A process and a device for the continuous chipping of timbers of different length. To increase the chipping performance, in the execution of the sawing cut or directly thereafter, at least one supporting element for supporting the leading end face of a long timber pack and the posterior end face of a short timber pack is directed into the sawing plane. Directly adjoining the short timber pack, a just sawn-off short timber pack, together with the supporting element enclosed between them, is conveyed forward by one advancement cycle in the same direction. The supporting element, following the conclusion of the advancement cycle, is conveyed back into the directing-in area of the sawing plane, and each short timber pack is supportingly transported, free from any structural distortion, up to the chipping tool.

Abstract: A debris conveyor for removing limbs, bark and other debris from between a tree stripping apparatus and a tree chipping apparatus defines a path between the stripper and chipper and comprises a conveyor extending under the path for conveying debris away from between the stripper and chipper. In one aspect of the invention, the conveyor is provided with wheels and a frame adapted for trailering. In one embodiment of the invention, the conveyor includes a power source for powering the conveyor. In an alternative embodiment, the conveyor is adapted for connection with the power source from one of the stripper and the chipper. The stripper incluldes, in one embodiment a serpentine drive system for controlling stripping elements.

Abstract: The bushwood chopper of the present invention comprises a frame adapted to be mounted on a crane-type vehicle at the end of a boom. The frame has a structure for supporting a rotatable shaft on which is mounted at least one disc supporting on its periphery, two pivoting cutting blades. The shaft has an abutting ring around its periphery at the level of the cutting blades for preventing the latter from freely rotating 360 degrees. The blades can pivot backwardly upon a sudden resistance to a limit allowing them to hide within the periphery of the disc and to return, as promptly as possible, in their radial operating position. The bushwood chopper, preferably, has a plurality of superposed discs and cutting blades. The lowermost disc is provided with transversal bar in order to chop the stumps remaining below to rotatable cutting blades.

Abstract: A process and machine for reconfiguring the surfaces of a construction log (10) used in the construction of log structures to produce a log having the appearance of a hand-hewn log. The process includes a first step (30) of chamfering at least the upper and lower forward edge portions (22 and 24) of the log body (12) to produce upper and lower irregularly beveled forward corners (22') and 24'), and a second step (34) of cutting a plurality of indentations (38) into at least the front surface (18) of the log body (12) to produce an irregular front surface. In the third step (48) of the process, the front surface (18) of the log body (12) is scored with a plurality of cuts (54) to mimic the scoring pattern left by hand-wielded hewing tools. The hewing machine comprises a support structure including platform across which a log is moved.

Abstract: A log (10) to be sawn into boards is supported by a support assembly (26) which supports the log with its longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of carriage movement of a carriage (22) reciprocating along a defined pathway. A side trimming head (12) is mounted adjacent the path followed by the log and includes first (94) and second (96) spaced-apart circular saw blades oriented so as to make two blind cuts to a predetermined depth into a supported log. An intermediate rotary cutter (104) may be provided between the blades to shape the portion of the log between the first and second blades. A third circular saw blade (14; 107), oriented transversely to the first two blades, cuts the completed board from the log.

Abstract: A combination log debarking, log chipping unit having a debarking apparatus and a chipping apparatus mounted on a common chassis, the two apparatus are aligned for conveying logs from the debarking apparatus to the chipping apparatus. The two apparatus are separated by a space of about 6-10 feet to permit loose bark to be removed from the logs and thereby avoid bark contamination of the chip. A conveyor system between the two apparatus guides and conveys logs to the chipper. A single power source enables control over the feeding of the logs to synchronize log feeding with the chipper's chipping capability. A loader over the debarking apparatus provides convenient loading of the logs into the debarker. The power source and controls for the various operating components are all under the common control of the loader operator.

Abstract: A wood cutting knife is provided for producing wood chips or flakes. The knife includes a central cutting member, and two wing members positioned on opposite sides of the central cutting member. The height of the wing members determines the depth of cut of the cutting knife, including the central cutting member. Also provided is a wood processing machine for supporting such cutting knives which includes a plurality of anvil members configured to interact intimately with the cutting knives. Also provided is a breakaway feature between the cutting members and a supporting surface defined by the wood processing machine. The supporting surface is relatively smooth, and the cutting knives are mounted to the surface by weldments. If a cutting knife encounters unprocessable foreign material such as metal or rock, the knife breaks away from the supporting surface at the weldment connection, and severe damage to the supporting surface or machine is avoided.

Abstract: A process for reconfiguring the surfaces of a construction log (10) used in the construction of log structures to produce a log having the appearance of a hand-hewn log. The process includes a first step (30) of chamfering at least the upper and lower forward edge portions (22 and 24) of the log body (12) to produce upper and lower irregularly beveled forward corners (22' and 24'), and a second step (34) of cutting a plurality of indentations (38) into at least the front surface (18) of the log body (12) to produce an irregular front surface. In the third step (48) of the process, the front surface (18) of the log body (12) is scored with a plurality of cuts (54) to mimic the scoring pattern left by hand-wielded hewing tools.

Abstract: A long log waferizer for converting logs into wafers comprising a base, with a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder for controlling a wheeled movable frame adapted for linear reciprocating movement on the base. A motor is mounted to the movable frame to drive a rotary cutter that is also mounted to the movable frame. A log delivery chute adapted to direct logs in front of the rotary cutter is provided and the movable frame is moved by the hydraulic cylinder to advance the rotary cutter into the logs, the rotary cutter cutting the logs into wafers.

Abstract: Two circular saws are arranged with their rotary axes parallel to each other and driven in opposite rotational directions. The flight circles of the two saws overlap each other. The cutting edges each extend, without touching, into the gaps of the respective other saw. The saws are driven in forced synchronism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of processing logs prior to further processing in lumber, plywood, pulp or veneer mills. In the apparatus, logs are deposited into a cradle formed between a rotating cutter drum and support rollers which guide the log against the cutting drum and rotate the log about its longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to the rotation of the cutter drum, at a controlled speed slower than the drum. Constant rotation of the log reduces horsepower requirements by minimizing the length of each cut made by cutter assemblies extending from the cutter drum. Logs are discharged by lowering the guide rollers with respect to the cutter drum. A second embodiment is disclosed including a pair of cooperating rollers providing a variable sized cradle adjacent to the cutter drum. Means for delivering logs to the apparatus and for removing material cut from the log are disclosed. In a single operation, logs are debarked, rounded, reduced to any desired diameter, or completely reduced to chips.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus for reducing trees or portions thereof to particles of engineered length especially suitable for ring flaking for subsequent use in flakeboard fabrication and for use by utilities and industries using wood for energy production. The apparatus utilizes one or two rotating discs to which one on a plurality of curved cutting members are mounted and which severs trees, tree portions or other fibrous masses fed at right angles to a rotating shaft member. By the precise design of cutting members mounted on the rotating disc or discs, wood particles of engineered length are produced.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for efficiently producing machined lumber products such as boards and squared timber is described wherein, after initial four-sided planing of a log, the remaining wany edge regions are milled using saw/chipper units which present, at each milled region, a relatively smooth and a relatively rough surface. The final step in log processing involves sawing the log along the plane of the rough milled surfaces so as to yield a pair of substantially smooth, severed boards, as well as a smooth central timber or cant. The apparatus includes respective, carriage-mounted, shiftably adjustable heads (each having a chopping tooth member and an adjacent saw blade of substantially the same diameter) along with cooperating second saw blades.

Abstract: A combination log debarking, log chipping unit having a debarking apparatus and a chipping apparatus mounted on a common chassis, the two apparatus are aligned for conveying logs from the debarking apparatus to the chipping apparatus. The two apparatus are separated by a space of about 6-10 feet to permit loose bark to be removed from the logs and thereby avoid bark contamination of the chip. A conveyor system between the two apparatus guides and conveys logs to the chipper. A single power source enables control over the feeding of the logs to synchronize log feeding with the chipper's chipping capability. A loader over the debarking apparatus provides convenient loading of the logs into the debarker. The power source and controls for the various operating components are all under the common control of the loader operator.