Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for log stability determination are described. A log position optimizer may be configured to identify one or more rest positions for a log to be conveyed on a sharp chain. The rest positions may be identified based on identification of contact points where the sharp chain may contact the log that have no intervening contact points that prevent stable contact between the log and the sharp chain. A preferred rest position may be selected out of the identified rest positions. The preferred rest position may be selected based on determination of which contact points are stable or unstable. This determination may be made for each contact point in a cross-sectional plane of the log. The log position optimizer may then control a log positioning mechanism to position the log in the selected rest position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a multi-pass kiln with two or more chambers, an entrance and an exit at a proximal end of the kiln, and a reciprocal flow path extending through the kiln from the entrance to the exit. Lumber charges traveling along the reciprocal flow path may travel in a first direction along one side of the heated second chamber before traveling in a substantially opposite second direction along the opposite side of the second chamber. The distal end of the kiln may be substantially sealed, and a pressure differential between the distal end and the proximal end may draw moist heated air from the heated chamber toward the exit and entry to preheat and/or condition lumber charges traveling through the first chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for control of cutting tools for logs on a conveyor are described herein. A preferred position may be determined for a log on a conveyor, such as, for example a chain conveyor. The preferred position may be determined based on a scan of the log prior to the log being placed on the conveyor. After the log is placed on the conveyor an initial portion of the log may be scanned by a second scan and the initial portion may be compared to a corresponding portion of the preferred position for the log. Differences may be determined between the scanned portion and the corresponding portion of the preferred position. One or more cutting tools may then be controlled, such as in position and/or orientation, to adjust for the determined differences. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for log stability determination are described. A log position optimizer may be configured to identify one or more rest positions for a log to be conveyed on a sharp chain. The rest positions may be identified based on identification of contact points where the sharp chain may contact the log that have no intervening contact points that prevent stable contact between the log and the sharp chain. A preferred rest position may be selected out of the identified rest positions. The preferred rest position may be selected based on determination of which contact points are stable or unstable. This determination may be made for each contact point in a cross-sectional plane of the log. The log position optimizer may then control a log positioning mechanism to position the log in the selected rest position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for log stability determination are described. A log position optimizer may be configured to identify one or more rest positions for a log to be conveyed on a sharp chain. The rest positions may be identified based on identification of contact points where the sharp chain may contact the log that have no intervening contact points that prevent stable contact between the log and the sharp chain. A preferred rest position may be selected out of the identified rest positions. The preferred rest position may be selected based on determination of which contact points are stable or unstable. This determination may be made for each contact point in a cross-sectional plane of the log. The log position optimizer may then control a log positioning mechanism to position the log in the selected rest position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls. Tapered feed rolls may be used to change the rate and direction of workpiece travel along a processing line while retaining the workpieces in sequential order. Routing workpiece flow with tapered feed rolls may allow the workpieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and may reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

Abstract: Embodiments provide grade annunciator systems that allow a lumber workpiece traveling in a workflow path to be to be labeled with a projected image that conveys information about the grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. In some embodiments, the system includes a conveyor configured to convey lumber workpieces in a workflow path, and a projector or series of projectors configured to project an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece, wherein the image or symbol indicates grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. Other embodiments are methods of labeling a lumber workpiece in a workflow path, the methods includes conveying the lumber workpiece along the workflow path, and projecting an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece as it is conveyed along the workflow path.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a log positioning system configured to transport a log through one or more chipper/profiler modules to produce a cant with four chipped/profiled sides. In some embodiments, a log processing system may include an infeed, a positioning feed module downstream of the infeed, and one or more chipper/profiler modules disposed proximal to the positioning feed module. The positioning feed module may include a sharp chain coupled to one or more pairs of vertical positioning rolls. The positioning feed module may be selectively skewed, slewed, and/or tilted to match the vertical and angular orientation of the infeed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shell from sheet metal for a room air conditioner/heat pump is shown. The sheet metal is stamped and formed to a U-shaped rectangular shell with open ends and a shell brace. Flanges on the outer edge of the U-shaped rectangular shell overlap at corners with (a) adjacent flanges or (b) the shell brace. Both the U-shaped rectangular shell and shell brace are inserted into an assembly machine where the corners are clinched and punched. The outermost flange at each corner is punched to a fixed diameter, but the innermost flange or the shell brace is only punched to a conical shape. Screws are inserted at each corner that pass through the fixed diameter to threadably engage only the conical shape of the innermost flange or shell brace.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a variable phase step feeder including a fixed set of stairs and a moving set of stairs. The fixed set of stairs may include a first fixed step, a second fixed step, and a third fixed step. The moving set of stairs may be interposed between the fixed set of stairs, and include a first moving step adapted to transport a workpiece from the first fixed step to the second fixed step and a second moving step adapted to transport the workpiece from the second fixed step to the third fixed step. The variable phase step feeder may further include a control mechanism for adjusting a phase relationship of the first moving step relative to the second moving step.

Abstract: A pre-charged heating/cooling system is shown for installation by unlicensed personnel. An outside unit includes an outside coil, outside fan, compressor and a reversing valve. An inside unit has an inside coil, inside fan for drawing air through the inside coil and discharging the conditioned air into the enclosed space, and a power cord connection. Electrical connections between the inside unit and the outside unit are secured in position by an electrical disconnect cover. A covering box covers both the electrical and refrigerant connections to the outside unit.

Abstract: A universal control system is provided for a room air conditioner or heat pump that has a number of sensor inputs. An electronic control system with a microcontroller and microcomputer are used to provide a large number of operations that can be performed by (1) manufacturer, (2) end users and (3) maintenance personnel. The manufacturer can load different versions of a software program to match the unit. The end user can program in a large number of different conditions or schedules the end user finds desirable, plus the end user is advised of maintenance requirements or faults. The maintenance personnel may perform diagnostics, determine fault history, upload improved or replacement software, as well as the numerous maintenance functions normally performed by maintenance personnel. Remote control is provided for changing operating conditions of the air conditioner/heat pump.