Abstract: Lumber retrieval systems and methods feed a centrally located saw with a predetermined assortment of boards picked from certain stations distributed at either side of the saw. In some examples, an overhead trolley system carries individual boards in a certain sequence from chosen stations to a board-receiving apparatus. The board-receiving apparatus, in turn, feeds the boards to the saw. The saw then cuts the boards into board segments, which can be used for making prefabricated trusses and wall panels. In some examples, the trolley system has a laser-scanning feature for determining the location of the next-to-pick board while simultaneously transporting the board currently heading to the board-receiving apparatus. In some examples, the trolley system includes two board carriers each of which are dedicated or assigned to certain stations. In some examples, one carrier serves as backup for the other one when one of the carriers is broken or otherwise inactive.

Abstract: A lumber transfer system includes an overhead track and a lower conveyor for retrieving and delivering boards from multiple racks of lumber to a platform leading to a saw. In some examples of operation, a board picker travels along the track to pick up a chosen board from one of the racks. The board picker then releases the board onto the conveyor. The conveyor conveys the board underneath the other racks and delivers the board to the saw feed platform. While the conveyor is conveying the board toward the saw feed platform, the board picker returns to the racks for another board. The board picker traveling along the track and handling boards while the conveyor delivers them to the saw saves production time and increases throughput.

Abstract: A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves determining a plurality of floor-to-track error values that vary based on the floor and the track deviating from being parallel to each other, recording the plurality of floor-to-track error values on a controller, and calculating a plurality of error-compensated reading via the controller based on the plurality of lumber scanned reading and the plurality of floor-to-track error values.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling method laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the method determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to size and in proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the method lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

Abstract: Lumber retrieval systems and methods feed a centrally located saw with a predetermined assortment of boards picked from certain stations distributed at either side of the saw. In some examples, an overhead trolley system carries individual boards in a certain sequence from chosen stations to a board-receiving apparatus. The board-receiving apparatus, in turn, feeds the boards to the saw. The saw then cuts the boards into board segments, which can be used for making prefabricated trusses and wall panels. In some examples, the trolley system has a laser-scanning feature for determining the location of the next-to-pick board while simultaneously transporting the board currently heading to the board-receiving apparatus. In some examples, the trolley system includes two board carriers each of which are dedicated or assigned to certain stations. In some examples, one carrier serves as backup for the other one when one of the carriers is broken or otherwise inactive.

Abstract: Lumber retrieval systems and methods feed a centrally located saw with a predetermined assortment of boards picked from certain stations distributed at either side of the saw. In some examples, an overhead trolley system carries individual boards in a certain sequence from chosen stations to a board-receiving apparatus. The board-receiving apparatus, in turn, feeds the boards to the saw. The saw then cuts the boards into board segments, which can be used for making prefabricated trusses and wall panels. In some examples, the trolley system has a laser-scanning feature for determining the location of the next-to-pick board while simultaneously transporting the board currently heading to the board-receiving apparatus. In some examples, the trolley system includes two board carriers each of which are dedicated or assigned to certain stations. In some examples, one carrier serves as backup for the other one when one of the carriers is broken or otherwise inactive.

Abstract: Automated lumber handling systems include one or more lumber-scanning sensors that travel independently of a board-carrying trolley to reduce board retrieval times and increase scanning accuracy and resolution. In some examples, the lumber handling systems retrieve various size boards from a series of spaced-apart stations, and deliver chosen boards in a certain sequence to a saw. The saw then cuts the boards to sizes suitable for making prefabricated roof trusses and/or wall frames.

Abstract: A lumber transfer system includes an overhead track and a lower conveyor for retrieving and delivering boards from multiple racks of lumber to a platform leading to a saw. In some examples of operation, a board picker travels along the track to pick up a chosen board from one of the racks. The board picker then releases the board onto the conveyor. The conveyor conveys the board underneath the other racks and delivers the board to the saw feed platform. While the conveyor is conveying the board toward the saw feed platform, the board picker returns to the racks for another board. The board picker traveling along the track and handling boards while the conveyor delivers them to the saw saves production time and increases throughput.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling method for transferring various size boards from multiples board storage stations to a common board-receiving area uses a trolley that carries at least two board pickers that can operate independently. The method provides several operating modes. In a first mode, a first board picker retrieves single boards from various stations, while a second board picker is inactive. In a second mode, two board pickers retrieve two individual boards from a single station. In a third mode, one board picker retrieves one size board from a first station, and s second board picker retrieves a different size board from a second station. The two different boards can be released simultaneously at the board-receiving area. In some examples, the lumber at each station is laser scanned to determine the number of boards at each station, and a worker is notified if a station needs to be restocked.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling system laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the system determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a saw. The saw cuts the boards to size and in proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of roof trusses or prefabricated walls. Some example systems lift individual boards by driving two screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

Abstract: A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

Abstract: A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling system laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the system determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to proper size and in the proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the system lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

Abstract: A lumber handling method identifies the existence and direction of crowning in dimensional lumber and automatically orients the board and specifies a cutting direction prior to a saw cutting the board into one or more board segments to be used in a structural board assembly, such as in a truss or a wall panel. Crowning is a curve that occurs along a narrow convex edge of a board, wherein the curve is about an axis that is perpendicular to the board's widest face. In some examples, a board's crown is detected by a row of photoelectric sensors. In some examples, the method involves calibrating the sensors by passing a straight board past the sensors. In some examples, the convex and/or concave edges of the board are marked.

Abstract: Lumber retrieval systems and methods feed a centrally located saw with a predetermined assortment of boards picked from certain stations distributed at either side of the saw. In some examples, an overhead trolley system carries individual boards in a certain sequence from chosen stations to a board-receiving apparatus. The board-receiving apparatus, in turn, feeds the boards to the saw. The saw then cuts the boards into board segments, which can be used for making prefabricated trusses and wall panels. In some examples, the trolley system has a laser-scanning feature for determining the location of the next-to-pick board while simultaneously transporting the board currently heading to the board-receiving apparatus. In some examples, the trolley system includes two board carriers each of which are dedicated or assigned to certain stations. In some examples, one carrier serves as backup for the other one when one of the carriers is broken or otherwise inactive.

Abstract: Automated lumber handling systems include one or more lumber-scanning sensors that travel independently of a board-carrying trolley to reduce board retrieval times and increase scanning accuracy and resolution. In some examples, the lumber handling systems retrieve various size boards from a series of spaced-apart stations, and deliver chosen boards in a certain sequence to a saw. The saw then cuts the boards to sizes suitable for making prefabricated roof trusses and/or wall frames.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling method for transferring various size boards from multiples board storage stations to a common board-receiving area uses a trolley that carries at least two board pickers that can operate independently. The method provides several operating modes. In a first mode, a first board picker retrieves single boards from various stations, while a second board picker is inactive. In a second mode, two board pickers retrieve two individual boards from a single station. In a third mode, one board picker retrieves one size board from a first station, and s second board picker retrieves a different size board from a second station. The two different boards can be released simultaneously at the board-receiving area. In some examples, the lumber at each station is laser scanned to determine the number of boards at each station, and a worker is notified if a station needs to be restocked.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling system laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the system determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to proper size and in the proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the system lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

Abstract: A lumber handling method identifies the existence and direction of crowning in dimensional lumber and automatically orients the board and specifies a cutting direction prior to a saw cutting the board into one or more board segments to be used in a structural board assembly, such as in a truss or a wall panel. Crowning is a curve that occurs along a narrow convex edge of a board, wherein the curve is about an axis that is perpendicular to the board's widest face. In some examples, a board's crown is detected by a row of photoelectric sensors. In some examples, the method involves calibrating the sensors by passing a straight board past the sensors. In some examples, the convex and/or concave edges of the board are marked.

Abstract: A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.