Abstract: A method for predicting the electrical functionality of a semiconductor package, the method includes performing a first stiffness test for a first semiconductor package, receiving failure data for the first semiconductor package, the failure data includes results of an electrical test performed after the first semiconductor package is assembled on a printed circuit board, generating a database comprising results of the first stiffness test as a function of the failure data for the first semiconductor package, performing a second stiffness test for a second semiconductor package, identifying a unique result from the results of the first stiffness test in the database, the unique result aligns with a result of the second stiffness test, and predicting a failure data for the second semiconductor package based on the failure data for the first semiconductor package which corresponds to the unique result of the first stiffness test identified in the database.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for cutting boards into two board pieces, even ending one of the board pieces at a first side while travelling transversely on a conveyor and even ending the other board piece at a second side of the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is a wood grading apparatus including a robust “push” solenoid as a hammer means for impacting a lumber specimen under test. A conventional solenoid coil with stationary magnetic iron pole pieces is combined with a bimetallic armature including a magnetic portion and a non-magnetic portion; said armature is of uniform cross section through the solenoid coil. A magnetic steel portion of said armature is fastened to a nonmagnetic steel portion thereof, whereby the magnetic field may act upon the magnetic portion of said armature and drive said nonmagnetic portion in an outward direction whereby impact or striking action is achieved. The present invention includes said solenoid in a wood grading apparatus whereby physical properties of wood are measured in a conveyor line setting and wood grading is affected by combining sonic velocity and density measurements to determine the modulus of elasticity of the wood object.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane comprising a reinforcing structure embedded within a membrane wall is provided. A generally tube-shaped reinforcing structure for a hollow fiber membrane is also provided. The reinforcing structure comprises i) a plurality of warp filaments, the plurality of warp filaments being generally parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other circumferentially; and, ii) one or more wrap filaments, each of the one or more wrap filaments extending obliquely between at least two of the plurality of warp filaments.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting rod-like elements such as each having a defined different length, including a sorting transporter inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle and having a longitudinal sieve element above and along which a transverse pusher slat moves to shift the elements upwards along the sieve element. The shifted elements are oriented along the pusher slats. The sieve element includes a through opening in the transporter which is divided by askew bars into at least two neighboring through sub-sections. The width and length of each section is selected specifically for one selected length of the rod-like elements so that only the rod-like elements having the length smaller or equal to the one selected length pass through the sub-sections of this section while being oriented along the pusher slats. A system including the apparatus according to the invention and a method for sorting rod-like elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.

Abstract: The flow director apparatus according to the present invention in such bins include a plurality of the flow directors which are pivotally mounted or mountable beneath said plurality of diverter gates and to said upper end of said frame so as to depend a free end of each flow director of said plurality of said flow directors downwardly from said upper end into an entrance cavity of said bin defined by said upper end of said frame. Each flow director is elongate and has a base end opposite said free end. Each flow director pivotally is mounted or mountable to said upper end of said frame at said base end of the flow director.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for stacking wood products. In some embodiments, the disclosure the steps of designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin. The at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber.

Abstract: A log shuffler and conveyor assembly including: a chute including a log conveyor having a bottom surface and at least one sidewall; a gap in the log conveyor, and a log shuffler arranged in the gap of the conveyor, wherein the shuffler includes at least one pivoting plate having a first edge moving reciprocally above and below the bottom surface of the chute.

Abstract: A device for sorting out waste parts of workpieces on saws has a saw having at least one saw blade for cutting workpieces into workpiece parts. At least one feed roller is arranged upstream of the saw in a transport direction of workpieces. At least one feed roller is arranged downstream of the saw in the transport direction. At least one transport device is provided for the workpiece parts cut at the saw. At least one acceleration roller is arranged in the transport direction of the workpieces downstream of the saw so that the cut workpiece parts are transported by being accelerated away from the cutting area.

Abstract: Provided is a system for cutting and sorting of engineered wood products. Using appropriate software, a designer may model an entire house's structural frame. The dimensions and labeling for individual members of the structure are extracted from the model and captured by the software. The software may batch and optimize the products to be cut on the saw and develop sawing control instructions. The instructions are used by the saw to process the parts according to the house structure design. As the parts are processed by the saw, they are discharged and sent to an outfeed system that will stack the engineered wood products according to the parameters defined by the workstation operator. The system can handle the multiple lengths and widths of engineered wood parts from the saw and stack them in the order the software may specify.

Abstract: Apparatus for self-clearing of clogs developed between adjacent ends of upstream and downstream conveyors adapted to carry products thereon in the course of transfer of the products past a gap defined between the conveyors. The apparatus comprises a shield disposed between the adjacent ends of the conveyors and adapted to cover less than all of the gap between the conveyors and having a proximal side edge disposed adjacent the end of the downstream conveyor, thereby defining an opening for the discharge of debris from the products being transferred between the conveyors through the opening. The shield is mounted for selected degrees of covering relationship to the gap between the conveyors.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating and recovering short bars from full length bars in a rolling mill. The bars are initially conveyed on a run-out roller table from a shear to a transfer station where they are accumulated in a layer. The layer is transferred laterally from the transfer station onto a separation roller table at a separation station. An elevator lifts the tail ends of the full length bars off of the separation roller table, and the separation roller table then conveys the short bars to a recovery station. The remaining full length bars are then returned to the transfer station, from where they are sent on to a bundling station.

Abstract: The machine has a regular structure symmetrical with respect to a central axis and provided with limiting end faces, said structure being disposed with its horizontal axis rotatably supported on its axis of symmetry on the frame of the machine, and bearing a plurality of longitudinal frames in the direction of the generatrices, on which are incorporated the “cups” or buckets carrying the pieces of fruit or the like, each of said “cups” or buckets being freely rotatable on a horizontal axis, and the machine having means for the rotatable support on its horizontal axis of said structure carrying the “cups” for the pieces of fruit, and also means for effecting the rotation of said structure on its horizontal axis.

Abstract: A classifying station for classifying a piece of wood in a wood processing plant, the classifying station including an area for an operator, a conveyor for transversely conveying pieces of wood before the area, and a console for entering classification related to a piece of wood to be classified, where the classifying station includes a dynamic classification zone located in front of the area having a predetermined length. The station also includes illumination elements adapted to selectively illuminate a piece of wood to be classified when the piece of wood is in the dynamic classification zone, the illumination elements being adapted to illuminate another piece of wood when the piece of wood has been classified; and control means for controlling the illumination means and operatively associated with the console in order to associate the illuminated piece of wood with information related to classification of the piece of wood entered by the user while the piece of wood is lit.

Abstract: An elevated grade station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing strength and/or reducing strength variations in multi-layer wood, plywood, and the like sandwich material. The method comprises measuring wood veneers (10) for dry substance density (?) with high-frequency electromagnetic resonance (TEM) and additionally analyzing the homogeneity and/or grain structure of wood veneers from a wood veneer surface in the way of its darkness (R). If the wood veneer comprises a number of local first regions, which are darker than a predominant darkness of the veneer surface, the wood veneer in question has its calculated dry substance density (?C) established to be lower than its initially measured value (?M).

Abstract: Discloses apparatus for sorting board lumber at a sawmill. The lumber sorter has a sort conveyor with equidistantly spaced hooks pivotably attached around the length of the conveyor. The hooks have an arcuate support arm and pivot to receive and to release lumber onto and off of the sort conveyor. The support surface of the hook is arranged to increase in distance from the pivot point when the hook is deflected to release the board lumber that it carries, facilitating lumber release with minimal consequential movement or rotation of the lumber caused by the release deflection of the hook.

Abstract: This invention provides log singulators which allow for the vertical singulation of piles of logs fed from typical in-feed log decks, so that these logs may be fed individually to typical out-feed conveyors. Devices provided by this invention may be high-speed singulators occupying minimal floor space area. Singulators provided by this invention comprise arcuately oscillating lifting devices (“primary lifting devices”), preferably rotating synchronously in opposite directions. Preferably, these singulators elevate logs against vertically successive barriers. These barriers are shaped so that only one of either a largest log or a smallest log, which it is expected that the singulator should handle, can rest on the primary lifting devices and be carried upward at a time.

Abstract: A sort bin for unloading sorted lumber pieces on a conveyor comprises a compartment having first and second spaced-apart walls for containing the lumber pieces in a pile, an entry located at an upper portion of the compartment for introducing lumber pieces, and an exit located at a bottom portion, the conveyor being below the exit and spaced apart therefrom. A support for supporting the pile of lumber pieces is movable along a course extending between an upper position adjacent to the entry and a lower position below the exit of the compartment, and has side members for preventing a spill of lumber pieces on the conveyor when the support is in its lower position. One of the side members is pivotable between a standard position and an unloading position.

Abstract: Stacking apparatus includes an article feeder which feeds articles, such as cut boards, to support fingers on which a stack of boards is formed. The support fingers transfer a single stack containing a predetermined number of boards down to a stack conveyor which transport the stack to a collection area. Other support fingers may be used to form a second stack at the same time the first stack is being transported by the stack conveyor to the collection area. Stops are used to retain the boards as they are dropped onto the support fingers. The stops are free of connection to the support fingers and the stack conveyor such that the stacks are moved freestanding to the collection area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing bark balls from a log flow traveling on a conveyor (3) which extends from a debarking drum (1) to a chipper (2), said conveyor (3) including a roller assembly (4) provided with an opening (5) for dumping from the conveyor (3) a sub-flow consisting of wood pieces and bark balls. The apparatus comprises an adjustable dispenser device (6) for further dividing the sub-flow falling from the conveyor (3) into a portion including mainly wood pieces and a portion including mainly bark balls.

Abstract: Veneer sorting apparatus for sorting a moving stream of arbitrarily ordered full width, random width, fishtail and trash veneer pieces in response to a signal representative of a characteristic such as width. Each piece is deflected into an appropriate output path: one path contains substantially only full width pieces, a second path contains substantially only trash pieces, and a third path contains substantially only fishtail and random width veneer pieces. A first vacuum source is coupled to a first series of vacuum ports positioned closely proximate to and spaced transversely across the moving stream. Vacuum applied through the ports initially draws all the pieces toward the full width output path. Dampers responsive to the characteristic signal temporarily decouple the vacuum ports from the vacuum source upon detection of a trash piece, allowing the trash to fall away from the full width output path.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the strength and of reducing strength variations of multi-layer wood, plywood or similar by measuring the density of the veneer sheets used in the production and by grading the veneer sheets accordingly. The density of the veneer sheets is measured in a manner known per se by using a high-frequency electromagnetic resonator (2). To build up layers of multi-layer wood, plywood or similar (12), veneer sheets confirmed to have a higher density are graded as surface sheets (13) and/or local density variations of central sheets (14) are reduced by mixing veneer sheets with various densities.

Abstract: Device to retrieve and discharge short bars, which is associated with a counting and separation zone (16) of a bar feeder (12) upstream of a station for the formation of bundles of bars, the bars (11) being substantially butted at a first side of the device and being fed forwards in a direction perpendicular to their lengthwise extent, the bars (11) of a required length protruding at the second side of the device from their feeder (12), a retention device (19) to perform temporary retention being included in cooperation with the counting and separation zone (16) and with the second side of the device and defining an extraction station (15), which is equipped with a first plurality of separator/extractor rolls (27) within the bar feeder (12) and with a second plurality of extractor rolls (28) outside the bar feeder (12) and at the opposite side to the temporary retention device (19).

Abstract: Device to discard short bars shorter than a predetermined length from a plurality of bars being fed by feeder that comprise a plurality of first conveyor chains (14a) and a matching plurality of second conveyor chains (14b), on which the bars (11) are positioned perpendicular to the conveyor chains (14) and are fed in a direction at a right angle to the lengthwise extent of the bars (11), the downstream ends of the first conveyor chains (14a) and upstream ends of the second conveyor chains (14b) being progressively staggered so as to define a separation channel (13) positioned at an angle to the axis of feed of the bars (11), an angle of between 10.degree. and 45.degree. being defined between the separation channel (13) and the axis of the bars (11), the separation channel (13) cooperating with a bridge to support ends of bars of at least the predetermined length.

Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention presents a method for automatically selecting and transmitting to further work stations appropriately size pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing variations of the apparatus shown in the art for glue such strips together) saves time in the formation of the end products.

Abstract: A culling device for a conveyance apparatus which culling device includes cross transport apparatus carrying flexible fingers which have selected strength, position and speed to cull out selected objects being conveyed. In particular, elongated objects may be conveyed and culled.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically detecting the approximate percentage of humidity in predetermined types of lumber cut to specific lengths. A conveyor is provided for conveying individual pieces of cut lumber to a weighing station which consists of platforms on which individual pieces of lumber are conveyed. One or more weighing cells are associated with the platforms for detecting the weight of the piece of lumber thereon. A control circuit is connected to the weighing cell and also to sensors which detect a predetermined length of the lumber pieces and the cross-sectional dimension thereof, and receives information signals therefrom to identify and classify the individual lumber pieces in accordance with one or more reference signals related to selected humidity content weight(s) of the lumber pieces. The apparatus compares the apparent density with selectable density(ies) used as criterium for sorting.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting metal bars by length, has a conveyor on which the bars are arranged longitudinally and conveys the bars both longitudinally and laterally. The conveyor has driven rollers contacted by the bars. A pick-up device picks up and conveys laterally, with respect to the conveyor, ends of bars having a predetermined length, thus preventing the longitudinal movement of such bars while bars not of the predetermined length are conveyed longitudinally at least partly past the pick-up device by the conveyor. To avoid increase capacity of the apparatus, and avoid wear, the rollers are obliquely positioned rollers whose axis of rotation is at a non-zero angle to the lateral direction of the conveyor, these rollers being, over at least part of their axial lengths, circular cylindrical in shape.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for grading pre-cut lumber products according to selected physical properties thereof such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are disclosed. A conveyor transports boards to be graded to an automated lumber feeding mechanism which sequentially rotates each board from a loading to a grading position. In the grading position, an impactor impacts one longitudinal end of the board to generate a compression force and a detector at the opposite longitudinal end converts the compression force to an electrical signal. Data acquisition circuitry samples and stores at least one cycle of the signal and a computer analyzes the samples and assigns values to predetermined parameters which characterize the signal. The computer utilizes the parameter values in one or more predetermined formulas which are optimum statistical predictors of the selected physical properties as a function of the parameters to obtain values for the selected physical parameters.

Abstract: Optical fibers control the height and curvture on the perpendicular level of a number of articles on a conveyor while the articles traverse a box in which the optical fibers are placed so that the light ray is disturbed in response to the height and curvature of the articles. Outside the box the articles are scanned by a camera. Both from the box and from the camera (11) measuring data are transferred to a computer (13) which evaluates the measured data and decides whether or not the article is to be discarded when it reaches the grading device. In this way a reliable, three-dimensional control of the articles is achieved.

Abstract: An orienting and sorting device for elongate objects includes a first conveyor surface having a plurality of parallel channel-like sections into which the objects are mechanically aligned. The first conveyor surface is divided into a plurality of transverse sections, each section being separated by a greater distance therebetween for sorting the oriented objects by size. The sorted objects are further stacked in a bin for removal from the work area.

Abstract: A bin sorter divided by vertical or inclined parallel walls into a plurality of bins, each having a bin floor which can be lowered to a lumber discharge station and a series of rotatable gates extending from the bottom of each bin wall and functioning to control the discharge of lumber from the individual bins.

Abstract: In a feeding and data entry system for a lumber trimmer, the data entry zone is located upstream and substantially adjacent a lug loader. An operator reads the grader's marks when each incoming board is stopped and inputs the data into a programmable logic controller having a first-in, first-out memory unit. Once the data is input, the respective board is loaded into the next set of lugs on the lug chain and travels through the trimmer. The controller causes the correct saws to move into the path of the board to make the proper cuts. The controller then directs the trimmed board to its proper sort location.

Abstract: An installation for stacking piles of stick-separated sawn lumber, which includes a number of sink compartments to receive various kinds of lumber and a lumber conveyor in order to bring lumber from a loading point for unsorted lumber to the sink compartment. The lumber conveyor also transports to the sink compartment sticks required for the stick separation of the lumber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting elongate articles by length is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, a holding mechanism located at the discharge end of the first conveyor belt and a grasping mechanism located at an inlet end of the second conveyor belt. The holding and grasping mechanisms are spaced from one another by a gap through which articles having a length less than a preselected length fall. The holding mechanism holds the articles which pass the discharge end of the first conveyor belt in alignment with a plane in which the top run of the first conveyor belt moves. The grasping mechanism grasps the front ends of desired elongate articles which have a length equal to or greater than the preselected length prior to the release of the rearward ends of the desired articles from the holding mechanism.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sorting timber pieces as the same are transversely conveyed include for each timber piece, pairs of supporting members, each including a hook arm and an adjacent straight arm supported by a respective support member mounted on the conveyor. The straight arm forms a part of an angular arm member which is supported both on the support member to which the hook arm is fixed and to the support member which precedes that support member in the direction of travel of the conveyor. The timber pieces are dropped in accordance with a preset program through the movement of the hook and straight arms relative to each other.

Abstract: A sort bin having substantially vertical bin walls and a vertically movable bin floor, the floor being mounted such that it is in a predetermined and fixed inclined attitude throughout its vertical movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling lengths of timber which are both green and dried include the feature of simultaneously conveying, by way of suitable conveyors, both the green timber and the dried timber to a given location from where the two different types of timber are conveyed together by way of a single conveyor beyond the given location to a drop sorter having compartments into which the green and dried timber are dropped according to a given program. From the drop sorter batches of green timber and batches of dried timber are received by batch conveyors which serve to convey these batches to a packaging apparatus which serve to provide from the batches of green timber packages in which layers of green timber are separated by spacers, preparatory to transmitting these packages to a drying installation, while the dried timber batches are formed into packages which are suitable for further handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling elongated articles, such as elongated pieces of timber of different types, includes a plurality of compartments for receiving the articles of the different types with each compartment receiving only one type of article. A plurality of inclined partitions define the several compartments between themselves with each partition having an upper surface down which elongated articles received in a compartment can slide. An upper conveyor conveys the articles past top open ends of the compartments while suitable selecting structure selects articles from the upper conveyor to deflect articles of a given type therefrom into a given compartment. A releasable holding structure adjacent at the bottom end of the plurality of partitions holds the articles deposited in the compartments to prevent the articles from sliding out of lower open ends of the compartments, with the articles deposited in each compartment forming therein a single layer on the upper slide surface of a partition.