Abstract: A distance measuring device is disclosed which can measure the distance to an object located within a known range. The device uses beam splitters and lenses to focus and direct energy reflected from an object onto at least two bi-sensors. The bi-sensors each have an inner sensing area and an outer sensing area. When the device has been properly calibrated, the reflected energy will be focused such that almost all of it will fall into the inner sensing area of one be-sensor when the object is at the minimum distance in the known range and when the object it at the maximum distance almost all of the energy will fall onto the inner sensing area of the other sensor. The distance to an object is calculated by comparing the ratio of the energy on the inner sensing areas of the two sensors with a table of known ratio verses distance values.

Abstract: A scanning system for wood products to detect grain defects and product geometry simultaneously. Multiple scanner sets cast parallel beams of light at an angle of incidence in a plane that is normal to the surface of the wood product. Scanner sets are provided to scan both the top and bottom surfaces of the wood product. The scanner sets include detector arrays to detect the reflected light of the beams off the surface of the product. One array of each set is positioned strategic to the angle of incidence and another is positioned strategic to the angle of specular reflection. The magnitudes of the detector are compared to determine clear wood or grain defect. The time of detection is used to calculate thickness/geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of non-contact surface contour measurement by triangulation of reflected radiation from the surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for gathering x, y, z data points with respect to the surface contour of an object by means of time based triangulation methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retractably supporting lumber cants above feed chains in a cant positioner-feeder for locating the cant in a position to optimize lumber yield. The cants are supported with retractable cant supports interpositioned between the feed chains. The retractable cant supports may be movably mounted so that longitudinal motion is imparted to the cant as the cant supports are retracted, thereby reducing the relative velocity between the cant and feed chains.

Abstract: A movable support assembly for supporting a chain-drive board infeed system. The chain-drive board infeed system feeds a board into a board edger or other similar woodworking apparatus. The movable support assembly includes a pair of frame rails for supporting the chain drive infeed system. Bearings are provided for moving the mounting frame in a lateral direction perpendicular to a predetermined infeed line of direction. This enables the mounting frame to be laterally positioned to position a board in a predetermined relationship with respect to a fixed position board edger. The frame rails are maintained in a generally parallel relationship with respect to the given infeed direction by a torque tube and linkage assembly. Both rollway and slide bearings are provided.