Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to moisture removal from wood materials. In particular, it relates to a press that includes a continuous and liquid permeable sheet metal band that makes use of viaways, grooves, perforations, or combinations thereof allowing liquid to permeate therethrough. The press can also include a first pressing roller located above the sheet metal band and a first anvil roller located below the sheet metal band and forming a first nip with the first pressing roller and the sheet metal band, such that the sheet metal band being located between the first pressing roller and the first anvil roller.

Abstract: Technology disclosed includes a robotic workstation for unstacking/stacking a multi-layer stack of boards and includes an end effector configured to pick up, move and release a layer of boards. The end effector includes first and second pick up and release members, each being (i) disposed below first and second support members, (ii) transversely arranged with respect to the first and second support members and (iii) attached to both of the first and second support members. The robotic workstation also includes a robotic manipulator connected to an attachment plate of the end effector and capable of moving the end effector. The robotic manipulator is under control of a controller executing stored instructions that perform operations including picking up the layer of boards by orienting the end effector such that each board of the layer of boards is transversely oriented with respect to the first and second pick up and release members.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates a lumber grabber for grasping timber. The lumber grabber can achieve grasping large packages of lumber of various work lengths. In one configuration, the lumber grabber includes moveable forks for grasping lumber movably supported by a frame, affixable to a crane. Forks positioned at ends of the frame and arranged to open and close relative to one other under power by a source of motive force; thereby enabling grasping and ungrasping of packages of lumber under programmed control of a programmable controller executing stored instructions.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates a robotic workstation for packaging wood products. The robotic packaging workstation can achieve can handle efficiently wrapping/packaging product stacked into units. In one configuration, the robotic packaging workstation includes a robot manipulator capable of moving an end effector to points in a three-dimensional work volume under programed control of a programmable robot controller executing stored instructions. A fastener and wrapping tool head is affixed to the end effector adapter plate. The fastener and wrapping tool head further includes a support structure, a fastener applicator, a fastener storage, and a one or more grippers for grasping wrapping material.

Abstract: Technology disclosed includes a robotic workstation for unstacking/stacking a multi-layer stack of boards and includes an end effector configured to pick up, move and release a layer of boards. The end effector includes first and second pick up and release members, each being (i) disposed below first and second support members, (ii) transversely arranged with respect to the first and second support members and (iii) attached to both of the first and second support members. The robotic workstation also includes a robotic manipulator connected to an attachment plate of the end effector and capable of moving the end effector. The robotic manipulator is under control of a controller executing stored instructions that perform operations including picking up the layer of boards by orienting the end effector such that each board of the layer of boards is transversely oriented with respect to the first and second pick up and release members.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates a robotic workstations and methods for cutting timber. The robotic saw workstation can achieve improved cutting of timber. In one configuration, the robotic saw workstation includes a robot manipulator capable of moving an end effector adapter plate to points in a three-dimensional work volume under programed control of a programmable robot controller executing stored instructions. A cutting head is affixed to the end effector adapter plate. The cutting head further includes a support structure; a rotatable shaft; a blade coupled to the rotatable shaft; and a motor coupled to the rotatable shaft for driving the blade. Configurations include multiple manipulators disposed to make multiple cuts in a log substantially contemporaneously, cutting heads implementing circular, band or chain sawing mechanisms, continuous or batch-feeding of logs into and out of the workstations.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to moisture removal from wood materials. In particular, it relates to a press that includes a continuous and liquid permeable sheet metal band that makes use of viaways, grooves, perforations, or combinations thereof allowing liquid to permeate therethrough. The press can also include a first pressing roller located above the sheet metal band and a first anvil roller located below the sheet metal band and forming a first nip with the first pressing roller and the sheet metal band, such that the sheet metal band being located between the first pressing roller and the first anvil roller.

Abstract: A sawbenching assembly for reworking a sawblade supported by an anvil to flatten the sawblade is provided. The assembly includes an articulated tool arm with a tool arm support, and a scissors linkage arm having first and second ends, the first end pivotally connected to the tool arm support for rotation about a first axis, the second end vertically movable. The assembly also includes a user-operated actuation device connected to the articulated tool arm, and a hammer assembly pivotally connected to the second end of the scissors linkage arm for rotation about a second axis and vertical movement with the second end of the scissors linkage arm, the hammer assembly having a user-actuated hammer with an impact surface positionable at positions on the sawblade by three-dimensional manipulation of the hammer assembly supported by the articulated tool arm. The user-actuated hammer is actuated in response to engagement of the actuation device.

Abstract: A sawbenching assembly for reworking a sawblade supported by an anvil to flatten the sawblade is provided. The assembly includes an articulated tool arm with a tool arm support, and a scissors linkage arm having first and second ends, the first end pivotally connected to the tool arm support for rotation about a first axis, the second end vertically movable. The assembly also includes a user-operated actuation device connected to the articulated tool arm, and a hammer assembly pivotally connected to the second end of the scissors linkage arm for rotation about a second axis and vertical movement with the second end of the scissors linkage arm, the hammer assembly having a user-actuated hammer with an impact surface positionable at positions on the sawblade by three-dimensional manipulation of the hammer assembly supported by the articulated tool arm. The user-actuated hammer is actuated in response to engagement of the actuation device.