Abstract: A sawguide assembly includes a plurality of sets of sawguides, the sawguides within each set positioned adjacent to one another to create an array of laterally-abutting sawguides. Corresponding sawguide biasing assemblies bias the sawguides in each set against one another. The arrays are supported for independent movement along a lateral path generally parallel to the axis of the arbor. Lateral drivers are used to move each array in unison along the lateral path but independent of the other arrays. A sawguide array skewing assembly couples the sawguides of each array to one another so that the sawguides can be pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes by a corresponding skewing driver.

Abstract: A rotatable saw unit for optimized log breakdown includes a saw unit immediately downstream of an infeed conveyor and cooperating with the infeed conveyor for sawing a workpiece as the workpiece is translated by the infeed conveyor into the saw unit. The saw unit includes at least one saw aligned for sawing of the workpiece parallel to a longitudinal infeed axis. An optimizing processor determines an optimized sawing orientation relative to the longitudinal infeed axis. A saw unit positioner'selectively rotates the saw unit about a saw unit rotation axis so as to rotate the at least one saw into the optimized sawing orientation prior to sawing of the workpiece.

Abstract: A wing knife holder for a chipping head includes a plinth for releasable mounting of the knife holder to the chipping head hub, a cantilevered member mounted on the plinth, the cantilevered wing inclined rearwardly and radially outwardly, from an inner end of the member support on the plinth to a cantilevered outer end of the member opposite the inner end. The leading edge of the member is forwardly swept in the direction of rotation of the chipping head from the inner end to the outer end so as to advance the outer end ahead of the inner end. A chip flow passage is formed in the plinth, radially inwardly of the leading edge between the hub and the leading edge. The chip flow passage slopes from an inner opening adjacent the peripheral edge of the hub rearwardly and radially inwardly toward the axis of rotation of the chipping head.

Abstract: An active edger includes an actively positionable gangsaw or a first end saw mounted on an arbor mounted within a stationary saw box. The gangsaw or first end saw is actively positionable relative to the saw box. In a second embodiment, the gangsaw or first end saw is mounted on an arbor in fixed translational and skewing relation relative to, and within, an actively positionable saw box. The actively positionable gangsaw is selectively actively laterally translatable and selectively actively rotatable so as to skew the gangsaw relative to the saw box. In both embodiments, the saw box receives a workpiece, longitudinally conveyed in a downstream direction, longitudinally into the gangsaw or first end saw from an upstream position.

Abstract: A device for positioning sawguides for circular gang saws includes a first shaft rotatable about a first axis, an annular gear having an outer surface and a concentric threaded inner surface and rotatable in a first plane about a second axis, the first plane generally perpendicular to the second axis, the first shaft rotatably engagable with the outer surface of the annular gear wherein rotation of the first shaft about the first axis rotates the annular gear about the second axis, the annular gear journalled on and coaxial with a second shaft lying along the second axis, a collar slidably mounted on the second shaft and adapted for non-rotational longitudinal sliding along the second shaft, the collar having an outer threaded surface concentric with the threaded inner surface on the annular gear for journalled threaded engagement therein whereby rotation of the annular gear by the first shaft causes longitudinal translation of the collar along the second axis relative to the annular gear, first and second pa

Abstract: An improved direct or indirect fired drying kiln having a drying chamber, a burner for heating air, a ducting system in the drying chamber for distributing heated air, a fan for circulating heated air through the ducting system, and venting openings in the ducting system to release heated air to various zones of the drying chamber is provided. The kiln improvement involves providing temperature sensors in the drying chamber in communication with a system for automatically controlling and actuating the venting means in order to control the flow of heated air to each drying chamber zone to achieve any desired temperature distribution throughout the drying chamber. The system can also be operated manually.

Abstract: A conveyor chain trackway to receive a chain. The chain has first and second links, the latter alternating with the first. Each first and second link comprises a pair of spaced side members. There is a pivotal joint between neighbouring links. Spikes are formed on a plurality of first links to receive and locate a load. The trackway comprises a base member in the low friction layer on the base member and dimensioned to receive the second links. Side plates are spaced from each side of the base member. The side plates extend upwardly to be alongside the chain when the chain is in position. The side plates can be adjusted on the base to vary the distance from the base. Low friction distance pieces on the inner side of the side plate extend to contact and locate the chain. The chain is thus held on a fixed course and movement inwardly of the low friction distance pieces can compensate for wear in the chain.

Abstract: A system of optimizing the volume of boards that may be cut from a log provides for one surface of a cant to be cut with a curved or straight surface. This takes into account curved, tapered or straight logs. The system comprises a scanner positioned to scan the log and determine an optimum cut surface profile, a cutting head positioned to cut the top surface of the log, the cutting head having relative vertical movement to the top surface, a conveyor to convey the log passed the scanner and the cutting head, and a controller to control the relative movement of the cutting head in accordance with the signal from the scanner to produce the predetermined optimum cut surface profile for the top surface of the log.

Abstract: A long log waferizer for converting logs into wafers comprising a base, with a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder for controlling a wheeled movable frame adapted for linear reciprocating movement on the base. A motor is mounted to the movable frame to drive a rotary cutter that is also mounted to the movable frame. A log delivery chute adapted to direct logs in front of the rotary cutter is provided and the movable frame is moved by the hydraulic cylinder to advance the rotary cutter into the logs, the rotary cutter cutting the logs into wafers.

Abstract: A headrig slabbing head for machining a face on a log comprising a movable base platform mounted on rails to allow for varying the position of the base platform which supports a guide system having a carriage member adapted for movement along the guide system. A chipping head driven by a motor is mounted to the carriage member for cutting a face on a log. The position of the carriage member on the guide system can be varied to allow the chipping head to be adjusted to machine a face on logs of different diameters.

Abstract: A bandmill has a frame, first and second bandwheels for receiving and guiding a bandsaw, the bandwheels being rotatable about spaced-apart, generally parallel axes of rotation, first and second arbors of the first and second bandwheels respectively, apparatus fixedly mounting the first arbor on the frame, and a strain mechanism for the bandsaw. The strain mechanism comprises a bearing member for the second arbor and an elastomeric member compressibly supporting the bearing member.