Abstract: A method of combining the grading and trimming operation of a board to thereby eliminate the position of a trimmer, includes feeding a board having two sides to a turn assembly with a first side of its two sides upright, grading the first side of the board, moving the board longitudinally using belt, chain, or rollers, turning the board such that the second side of the board is upright and grading the second side of the board, moving the board in a longitudinal direction using a roll case, to position the board in a position for trimming, and feeding the board to a trimmer to be cut. A sloped turn assembly or flat transfer assembly can be used to turn the board for inspection.

Abstract: A method of combining the grading and trimming operation of a board to thereby eliminate the position of a trimmer, includes feeding a board having two sides to a turn assembly with a first side of its two sides upright, grading the first side of the board, moving the board longitudinally using belt, chain, or rollers, and turning the board such that the second side of the board is upright and grading the second side of the board. In one embodiment the board is moved in a longitudinal direction using a roll case, to position the board in a position for trimming; whereas in another embodiment, laser lines projected on the board are moved instead of the board itself. The board is then fed to a trimmer to be cut. A sloped turn assembly or flat transfer assembly can be used to turn the board for inspection.

Abstract: A scanning device for determining the shape of irregular substantially cylindrical objects. Lines of light are projected onto the surface of the object. The position of the images of the lines on the surface are measured at predetermined positions to obtain a three dimensional profile of the object. The device can be incorporated into a log cutting system and the position of the log can be adjusted based on the profile determination to obtain maximum yield from the log.

Abstract: A positioning device having a transmitter mounted on a carriage which is movable along a secondary axis. A linear detection array is provided to scan a profile of an object mounted on the carriage. The detection array has a plurality of sensors which are arrayed in a direction which is parallel to the secondary axis. A directing device serves to direct a signal emitted from the transmitter to a corresponding one of the sensors which is in opposition to the transmitter. Position of the carriage, along the secondary axis, can be determined based on the on/off status of the sensors.