Abstract: A panel (2) turning device (1) applicable to a panel saw machine (4) comprises a panel (2) hold-down element (11) located in the vicinity of a lateral edge (5a) of the worktable (5) and acting on the panel (2) in such a way as to form a pivot (12) and an axis of rotation (R) in a defined area of the panel (2). The device (1) also comprises rubber wheels (15) built into the worktable (5), designed to enable the panel (2) to be turned about the pivot (12) and mobile between a rest position in which they are not in contact with the panel (2) and a working position in which they are in contact with the panel (2).

Abstract: An improved log charging system for a sawmill having a sharp chain infeed conveyor includes a log turning station for scanning and rotating a horizontally supported log about its longitudinal axis to a desired orientation that will produce maximum lumber yield, and a charging system for clamping the log in the desired position, lowering the horizontal log, while clamped in the desired orientation, forwardly and downwardly relative to the sharp chain, and pressing the log downwardly toward embedded engagement with the teeth of the sharp chain by a continued travel hand-off device. To increase the speed of the log charging operation, the log is preliminarily scanned prior to transport to the log turning station, thereby to permit adjustment of the log support device for size before it receives a given log.

Abstract: A folding, straight-line, workpiece guide for a saw having a base, a saw blade extending vertically through the base, and a feed path relative to the saw blade. The workpiece guide comprises an elongated table which can be collapsed into a folded configuration or set up and locked into a working configuration. A carriage is constructed and arranged to support multiple elongated workpieces and to slide along the foldable table. The foldable table has multiple chassis sections pivotally connected to one another, adjustable legs, connectors for connecting the table to the base of the saw parallel to the feed path of the saw, and a guide track for guiding the carriage along the table when the table is in the working configuration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dissecting logs in a sawing installation are disclosed. The installation having a reciprocally moving longitudinal conveyor for moving the logs reciprocally through a double band saw assembly utilizing band saw blades having sawing teeth both on a forward longitudinal edge and a rearward longitudinal edge thereof. As a consequence, the log is sawn both during the forward stroke and during the backward stroke of the reciprocally moving conveyor. Between subsequent strokes the band saw blades are displaced radially with respect to the conveying direction such that during each stroke the log first comes into contact with an outward band saw blade and then with an inward band saw blade, both relative to the log axis.

Abstract: To produce square beams from tree trunks (13), a device is proposed in which a tree trunk (13) is first positioned by a centering device (4) such that the lengthwise axis (14) of the tree trunk (13) assumes essentially always the same stipulated position. The tree trunk (13) is then grasped by holders (11, 12) of a carriage (8) concentrically to the lengthwise axis (14), whereupon the centering device (4) is opened. Then the tree trunk (13) is guided through a band saw (5) and trimmed on the opposite sides, whereupon it is turned by 90° and the two other sides of the tree trunk (13) are trimmed.

Abstract: A method of log sawmilling capable of producing quartersawn boards, backsawn boards, trapezoidal sections and radial sector wedges for direct use and further processing, comprising the steps of: (a) sawing a log or logs into radial sector wedges with predetermined angles between the radial face, (b) separating wedges or batches of wedges for processing by separate or integrated means into backsawn boards, quartersawn boards, trapezoidal sections or further divided sector wedges.

Abstract: A document trimming apparatus includes a document trimming mechanism and a document positioning mechanism. The document trimming mechanism includes a trimmer clamp for holding a document made up of a stack of sheets while being trimmed and a knife for trimming an edge of the stack of sheets. The document positioning mechanism includes a transport holder for securely holding the stack of sheets during transport and further includes a carrier movably supporting the transport holder for translational and rotational movement relative to the document trimming mechanism. The document positioning mechanism is adapted to position successive edges of the stack of sheets proximate the knife for trimming. The document positioning mechanism includes a first actuator to control rotational movement, a second actuator to control translational movement, and a third actuator to control a side block for initial positioning of the stack on the document positioning mechanism.

Abstract: This invention attaches to a sawmill carriage, enabling an operator to turn a log carried by the sawmill carriage without having to return the sawmill carriage to a fixed location. The invention includes a log turning hook with positioning guide bar that slides vertically with respect to, and pivots with, a cylinder. As the turning hook with positioning guide bar is lifting the log, the weight of the log is forcing the hook with positioning guide bar to pivot, which rotates the log ninety degrees into position for the next saw cut.

Abstract: A sawmill for milling a length of sawbolt includes a frame and a plurality of saws movably mounted to the frame. The plurality of saws include bandsaws, edging saws, and chain saws for making various cuts necessary in the milling process. A saw positioning system is coupled to the plurality of saws for positioning the saws relative to the frame. A controller is coupled to the saw positioning system. The controller provides a saw position signal and the saw positioning system positions the saws in response to the saw position signal. A number of log positioning mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the efficient production of heart wood centered small dimensioned, square timber comprising a log feed system for the storage and dispensing of individual logs to the production facility; a log centering system wherein the log is centrally aligned with multiple saw blades and clamped into position; a log transport system comprising a movable carriage which transports the clamped log through the blades; and a separation system wherein the finished timber is separated from the side cuts and positioned ready for easy stacking. The log is first cut longitudinally and perpendicularly along two sides. A rotating means located within the centering system turns the log onto one of its two sawn sides and the log is again passed through the blades and cut longitudinally and perpendicularly, thus forming a timber with a square cross section and the heart wood centered therein.

Abstract: A sharp chain charger and infeed device for feeding logs in a desired orientation to a sawing machine is characterized by alignment and displacement assemblies for accurately positioning a succession of logs on a sharp chain drive mechanism. The alignment assembly includes a pair of pivotal arms for laterally aligning a log with the longitudinal axis of the sawing machine. A pair of longitudinal rollers are connected with the alignment arms to rotate the log to a selected rotary position. The displacement assembly displaces the alignment assembly longitudinally in the direction of the sawing machine and downwardly beneath the sharp chain, whereby the log is deposited on the moving chain with both longitudinal and vertical components while the desired rotational and aligned orientation of the log is retained for transport to the sawing machine.

Abstract: A clamping and feeding device for the machining of boles by machining tools, such as band or circular saws, milling cutters, and the like, in which a carrier slide (5) designed in the manner of a frame is equipped with clamping devices (10, 12, 18, 23) retaining the bole (8) from several sides and can be reciprocated on a profiled support (4) by rollers (6) along a machining station (1) and is supported by guide rails (14).

Abstract: A process for producing beams of square cross-section from tree boles or the like is characterized in that plano-convex slabs are severed in parallel to the hart zone of the boles. An apparatus for performing the process is characterized in that the boles (2) are supported by height-adjustable supports (9, 10) in such a way that the heart zone (8) is congruent with the preferably horizontal feeding direction of the bole (2). Thereby, the thus-produced square beam (7) is defined by planes parallel to the heart zone.

Abstract: The combination with a machining tool for machining boles, of a clamping and feeding device for feeding the boles to the machining tool. The clamping and feeding device comprises a slide on which the bole rests during machining. The slide has mounted thereon a pivotable device that directly supports the bole, this pivotable device being elongated and extending lengthwise of the bole and being pivotally connected at one end to the slide. A power jack changes the elevation of the other end of the elongated pivotal device thereby to permit positioning the bole with its heart zone parallel to the direction of movement of the slide. In another embodiment, a lifting device is carried by the slide for lifting one end of the bole relative to the other end of the bole, the lifting device comprising at least one cam supported eccentrically on the slide, and a power jack to rotate the at least one cam to lift the one end of the bole.

Abstract: An end-dogging log carriage including a first dog assembly with a first dog member rotatably mounted thereon and a second dog assembly with a second dog member rotatably mounted thereon. A log is supported solely by the first and second dog members engaging opposite ends of the log. At least one of the dog members is movable horizontally and vertically to orient the log to a desired position for sawing the log. There may be an indexing device operatively connected to one of the dog members through a clutch. The log may be rotated for scanning when the clutch is disengaged. The indexing device and the clutch are engaged after the log is oriented in a rotational position for a first sawing operation. The clutch is left engaged and the indexing device is employed to rotate the log through the required angle for the next sawing operation.

Abstract: A curved log to be sawn lengthwise by a vertical saw blade is supported for a time, near its center of gravity, by a device which permits the log to rotate about its axis, and thus find an orientation at which the plane of the curve of the log axis is vertical, so as to maximize yield from the log. The device also includes drive sprockets which operate, at certain angular positions of the device, to move the log lengthwise.

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 tandem sawmill assembly is disclosed having two linearly spaced sawing stations. A conveyor system moves the log through the first sawing station and up an inclined ramp for rotating the log ninety degrees prior to moving the log through the second sawing station. An overhead roller engages the re-oriented log and advances it to a centering platform where centering arms engage the log to orient the log axially with respect to the second sawing station. The conveyor then moves the aligned log through the second sawing station while a second overhead roller applies presssure to the upper surface of the log.

Abstract: An end-dogging log carriage system has two narrow, carriage sections, supportably guided on an elongated track, interconnected by a drive cable and a clamping cable. Both cables are wrapped around a spooling drum mounted on one of the carriage sections in such a way so that rotation of the spooling drum simultaneously changes the operative length of both clamping and drive cables thereby moving one carriage section with respect to the other to adjust the length of the log carriage and clamp a log therebetween. The tension in the cable system acting at the cable attachment points on each carriage section provides therein a preinduced countermoment in opposition to the dogging moment occurring when a log is dogged. The carriage sections are laterally biased against a single sidemounted guide rail spaced from the supporting track and discontinuous proximate the saws by a preloaded torque shaft mounted on each carriage section.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting wood is disclosed wherein a trailer provides an operator station at one end and a plurality of components for automatically cutting and splitting wood into fireplace-sized pieces. A boom arm is controlled by the operator to load logs onto a log deck. The log deck includes two parts which may be telescoped together during transportation and extended to receive long logs during operation. Cams allow a single log to be loaded onto a set of rollers which advances the log into a cutting station. The cutting station includes additional rollers for engaging the sides of the log and driving it to a predetermined location. Then, the saw automatically cuts the log and the cut piece is released to fall into a splitting section. A sensor detects when the log is in the splitting section and a hydraulic ram is activated to split the log into pieces. The pieces then fall down a slanted plate onto a conveyor belt for loading into a truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing lumber products which are machined on all sides. With this method, the curved trunk which is to be machined, and which increases approximately conically in thickness toward one of its ends, is first, prior to flattening its longitudinal sides and cutting off boards, aligned relative to a processing line of sawmill equipment in such a way that its longitudinal central plane, which is disposed in the direction of curvature of the trunk, extends approximately parallel to the machining surfaces of side cutting devices which flatten the longitudinal sides of the trunk. After that, a portion of the large trunk end which projects beyond an alignment plane is flattened. This flattening is effected in a plane which is tangential to the two trunk ends on a convexly curved surface portion thereof.

Abstract: A saw mill for producing square cross section timber pieces is disclosed. The mill includes a log orientation mechanism having three, spaced independently operable log elevating units. The units include pairs of log supporting discs. The discs of one unit only are power driven to turn the log on its longitudinal axis. A log dogging, indexing and stabilizing mechanism includes a pair of carriage mounted units on an overhead trackway. One such unit carries a log supporting and precision indexing dog which is turned through ninety degrees of rotation between positive stops by a power cylinder. The same unit carries a log stabilizing dog above the indexing dog which is moved axially into and out of engagement with a log end face while being held against rotation by another power cylinder. The log orientation mechanism is compatible with state-of-the-art scanning and microprocessor devices and the log may simply be visually scanned during orientation by an operator of the mill.

Abstract: A scragg mill which includes a pair of driven saw blades, a log carriage for conveying a log between the saw blades and a husk frame assembly for supporting the saw blades and a drive source for the saw blade. The husk frame assembly includes a pair of husk frames telescopingly interlocked with each other so as to enable the two saw blades to be shifted relative to each other.

Abstract: A method for orienting a log, supported by rotating means, which is to be fed into a saw or a similar device. The upper edge line of the log profile is surveyed by two cameras placed in such a symmetrical position above the log that a line from the camera to the log in the feed plane forms an olbique angle with the feed plane. Each camera records the edge line viewed by it and the log is brought by orienting movements in such a position that the images of the edge lines as viewed by the cameras are substantially mirror images of each other.

Abstract: A method of forming cants slabbed on four sides from logs, and a sawmill assembly for effecting formation of the cants. First and second in-line sets of pairs of saws are provided, and a log is fed to the first set of saws in a horizontal direction, the first set of saws slabbing two opposed sides of the log. The log is continuously fed from the first set of saws to the second set of saws in the same horizontal direction, and the log is rotated 90.degree. about an axis along the horizontal direction during feeding from the first set to the second set of saws. The second set of saws slab two opposed sides of the log after 90.degree. rotation thereof, and a cant slabbed on four sides is thus formed. The distance between the pairs of saws of each set is adjustable by automatic detenting from one spacing to another, and the scrap is carried away from saw sets by conveyors outside of the saw sets.

Abstract: An arrangement in sawing machines or like processing machines for the forward feeding and infeeding of work pieces, such as logs in particular, to the machine, comprising a stationary saw table which extends parallel to the desired feed line for the workpiece, at least up to the sawing machine, and at least two, individually drivable, endless feed chains which extend in vertical planes parallel with the feed line beneath the saw table. Each of the feed chains is provided with at least one dogging means which moves in a groove in the saw table. The groove is parallel with the feed line and common to all dogging means. The dogging means projects up out of the groove, above the surface of the saw table, in a manner to enable the dogging means to act on the rear end surface of a work piece resting on the saw table, for feeding said workpiece up to and into the sawing machine.

Abstract: A portable sawmill system comprising at least three wheeled, independently movable modules is disclosed. The modules are independently maneuverable to a land site having a ready source of logs to be processed and are arranged in a preselected geometrical configuration adjacent one another and the source of logs. A log from the source is received on the first module and debarked. The debarked log is moved axially and transversely off the first module and onto a second module. A plurality of saw means are carried by the second module to form boards from a log being processed. A third module is located at the output side of the second module and is adapted to receive and further process the boards formed on the second module.

Abstract: Logs are advanced substantially in the direction of their longitudinal axes through a saw while engaged between a driven pusher dog and a retarded holdback dog. The pusher dog is on an endless carrier chain located above an initial log support, and the holdback dog is on an endless carrier chain located below the log path and forwardly of the support. Logs on the support are movable angularly and laterally from the machine axis to displaced positions which are unobstructed by the carrier chains, to permit offset sawing and taper sawing. Chipper heads produce planar surfaces on logs approaching the saw. A retractible preliminary holdback dog engages the forward end of a log and moves past a bottom-flattening chipper head to a tranfer area where the chain-carried holdback dog engages the log and the preliminary holdback dog is retracted.

Abstract: A sawmill apparatus includes first and second carriages for supporting first and second logging dogs therebeneath, with the second carriage being movable upon the first whereby to engage the ends of a log between the dogs. The carriages support the dogs at the end of steel baldes which are moved in a vertical direction by a combination of air cylinders and ball screws to provide the desired positioning of the log in a vertical direction. As the carriages urge the log between the blades of a bandsaw, rubber tired wheels are raised against the underside of the log for supporting cants or boards sawn therefrom and preventing splitting at the finally sawn edge.

Abstract: Opposed parallel supporting rollers of a log receiving and turning assembly are rotated in order to rotate the log received thereon. The rollers are carried by a frame which is lifted or lowered, as desired, and a bar between the rollers is tiltable so as to lift selectively one end of the log or the other. By such an arrangement, the log is oriented so that a pair of dogs engage the log from opposite ends. These dogs are carried by an overhead carriage assemblies which ride on tracks and are movable with respect to each other by means of a hydraulic cylinder. One dog is rotatable by a motor through 90.degree. so as to orient the log. The carriage assemblies are movable in a longitudinal direction so that a pair of saws, driven by motors, will simultaneously cut the logs on opposite sides so as to deposit the boards, when cut from the log, on respective conveyors which carry the boards longitudinally away from the saws. The saws are adjustable laterally for different widths of log.

Abstract: A log sawing apparatus is described for enabling a single person to control the sawing operation at a single log sawing station. The apparatus includes means for prealigning the log with respect to a projected grid in a first plane. After being prealigned, the log is transferred to the log sawing station where the log is held stationary. A saw carriage with a main saw thereon moves past the log sawing station to cut the log lengthwise. The log is held stationary by a log holding means that may be moved laterally to progressively feed the log laterally with the sawing plane. Log rotating means is provided at the log sawing station to rotate the log 90.degree. or 180.degree. to progressively present various log sides to the sawing plane. Additionally, a second alignment means is provided to align the log with respect to a second grid pattern to align the log in a second plane normal to the first plane.

Abstract: A portable sawmill includes a log supporting mechanism for holding a substantially horizontal log. A chain saw with a substantially horizontal effective cutting edge at least as long as the log is supported at only one end by a saw mounting assembly with the cutting edge generally parallel to the axis of the log. The saw mounting assembly is adapted for lateral movement relative to the log, as well as upward and downward movement, so that the saw can be positioned beneath a portion of the log and moved upwardly through the log to cut wood slabs. The saw is pivoted to the saw mounting assembly so that the angle between the effective cutting edge and the axis of the log can be adjusted to produce elongated wood fibers during cutting. A pivoting mechanism is provided for rotating the log between cuts so that slabs tapered from one side to the other can be cut.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved stop and loader assembly for use in a sawmill and the like, and more particularly includes an improved combination slapper bar and log turner. The combination slapper bar and log turner preferably includes a rectangular hollow slapper bar section which contains a movable member having a plurality of teeth pivotally attached thereto. A fluid-actuated piston assembly is provided for drawing the movable member and teeth longitudinally in and out of the slapper bar. A slot is further provided in the upper end of the slapper bar and adjacent any sawlog reposing on the carriage next to the slapper bar, whereby the teeth fall out of the slapper bar in an extended position to engage the log when the movable member is thrust upward in the slapper bar, and whereby the teeth fold into the slapper bar whenever the movable member is drawn downward therein.

Abstract: In an automatic sawmill, a caliper device measures the diameter of an incoming log and the log is then positioned against a pair of backstands over a log receiving carriage. A plurality of cutting devices are positioned relative to the carriage, and the speed control for the carriage is predetermined, in response to the log diameter. The diameter measurement is supplied to data processing circuitry which provides outputs indicative of "sets" to be taken by the aforementioned backstands and cutting devices for sawing the log into a number of cants, boards, or slabs in a manner making optimum use of the log content.

Abstract: A longitudinal lumber conveyor has sets of transverse tooth wheels aligned on each side of the axis of the conveyor. The tooth wheels are mounted on a lifting frame which may be lifted above the conveyor transport plane to rotate pieces of lumber thereon. After the pieces of lumber have been inspected the lifting frame and tooth wheels thereon are lowered and the pieces of lumber are then conveyed to the next processing station.