Abstract: A grappler assembly having an assembly framework and a grappler device that is supported by the assembly framework. The grappler device has at least one pair of grappler arms that engages with a desired section of a tree to be removed. The grappler assembly incorporating its own independent power module for supplying hydraulic power to the grappler device and controlling operation of the at least one pair of grappler arms, and the power module is mounted solely to the assembly framework.

Abstract: A disk saw felling head comprising a saw housing positioned between a disk saw and harvesting and bunching cylinders so as to provide visibility window laterally between a first mounting post and a second mounting post promoting visibility of a full width of a tree toward a cutting zone.

Abstract: A device for selectively trimming a tree, the device configured to aerially travel to tree limbs or tree trunks destined for trimming, the device comprising: a transporting assembly configured to aerially transport the device; a tree interface assembly on which is operatively coupled pair(s) of opposing gripping arms disposed to grip the tree therebetween, the tree interface assembly being operatively coupled to the transporting assembly; a transverse rotator comprising a rotational driver configured to rotate the device circumferentially about a tree limb or tree trunk, the transverse rotator being operatively coupled to the tree interface assembly; a cutting assembly comprising at least one cutting mechanism configured to selectively cut a tree limb or tree trunk in multiple planes; wherein the device, once secured to the tree may travel longitudinally along a tree limb or tree trunk to the desired location for trimming.

Abstract: A vehicle glass removal system and method using a heating element and thermoplastic adhesive is disclosed, whereby a resistance heating element is deployed along the bond line between a vehicle glass member and its supporting vehicle frame. The system accepts user input and activates the heating element, causing the adhesive along the bond line to weaken, thereby reducing or completely eliminating the need for a cutting operation when separating the glass from the frame. Two embodiments are contemplated for the deployment of the heating element: embedded within the perimeter of the glass member, or preferably deployed along the vehicle window frame. The system includes safety precautions that prevent the heating element from operating while the vehicle is in operation, including authenticated access and communication with the vehicle electrical system to recognize the state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for moving an end effector of a work machine may include sensors for determining current orientations of components of a boom assembly connected to the work machine. A controller may be configured to receive, via an input interface, signals corresponding to a velocity input command for a desired movement of the end effector. The controller may determine, based upon the velocity input command and signals from the sensors, at least one target velocity for one or more actuators for the boom assembly. Commanding the actuators to move with the at least one target velocity may cause the end effector to move with an aggregate velocity corresponding to the desired movement of the end effector, as indicated by the velocity input command.

Abstract: A disk saw felling head comprises a motor housing positioned between a disk saw and harvesting and bunching cylinders so as to provide a visibility window laterally between the motor housing and a mounting post promoting visibility through the visibility window toward a cutting zone.

Abstract: A grappling and severing head for gripping and severing a tree stem, having a grapple assembly and a severing assembly. Grapple arms are attached to a grapple body and extend forward beyond a front face of the grapple body. A severing assembly body is attached to the grapple body and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A severing device is attached to the severing assembly body and is moveable between a stowed position and a range of deployed positions. When the severing device is in the stowed position and the severing assembly body is in the retracted position, the severing device and the severing assembly body lie substantially behind the front face of the grapple. body and/or behind the gripping face of at least one of the grapple arms.

Abstract: A harvester is provided for felling and processing a tree, the harvester including traction devices and a harvester head. The harvester includes an integrated hydraulic system for operating the traction devices and the harvester head. More particularly, the harvester includes an integrated load sense system for operating the traction devices and the harvester head.

Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement and method in connection with a cutting device includes a hydraulic input line, a hydraulic motor, a return line from the hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder for pressing the cutting device, a feed line for the hydraulic cylinder, connected in parallel with the hydraulic motor to the input line, and a directional control valve and a pressing line and a lifting line. The hydraulic arrangement further includes a throttle for throttling the flow exiting from the hydraulic motor in the return line, and a pressure valve located between the said pressing line and the pressure side of the throttle, for controlling the hydraulic cylinder on the basis of the speed of rotation of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for conveying tools to a work site along an elongated object, such as along a pillar, a post, a beam or a tree. The apparatus is provided with at least a control system and comprises at least a work device connected to the control system and moving along an elongated object, said work device comprising a frame and moving means for controlling the work device up and down along the elongated object. The frame of the work device consists of two frame halves to be disposed around the elongated object and to be locked to each other, to which frame halves a tool base is fixed for at least the tools needed at the work site.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring the performance of a subsystem of a forest machine. The method comprises the steps of: collecting data relating to the function of said subsystem or the performing of said function; determining one or more characteristic values to describe the performance continually according to data; and monitoring the variation of said one or more characteristic values in time, wherein, for example, the variation of said one or more characteristic values in time is displayed in the form of a graphic presentation to the user.

Abstract: An Advanced Uniflow Rankine Engine (“AURE”) that is effective and thermodynamically efficient at higher speeds (e.g., 400-1800 rpm) and has low torque output. This allows the AURE to be compact of size without the need for a massive foundation found in prior art steam engines. The AURE includes an admission valve assembly, a cylinder head/valve gear assembly, a cylinder/piston assembly, a crank shaft assembly, an external sump, and an integral condenser. The admission valve assembly includes a counterbalancing poppet valve and valve stem that creates counterbalanced unsupported areas that allow the poppet valve to operate at higher speeds. The AURE can be fueled by raw, unprocessed fuel, including biomass, to generate efficient energy in a smaller overall package.

Abstract: A tree harvester is disclosed that includes first and second hydraulic pumps for powering a harvesting head of the tree harvester.

Abstract: A tree harvester is disclosed that includes first and second hydraulic pumps for powering a harvesting head of the tree harvester.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve examining the log or stem for shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain. The location of the shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain may be used to determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In some embodiments, these characteristics may determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber or how a stem is bucked.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a combination forest biomass and tree harvester, a harvesting head assembly, and methods for harvesting trees and forest biomass. In some embodiments, the combination forest biomass and tree harvester includes a self-propelled vehicle base, a moveable arm, and a harvesting head assembly. The harvesting head assembly may include a frame member, a grabbing assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may include a primary cutting mechanism and a secondary cutting mechanism. As the combination forest biomass and tree harvester moves through a forest area, the cutting assembly may be used to cut trees and mow biomass.

Abstract: A saw speed readiness system for use with a forestry machine comprises a controller configured to receive a threshold selection signal, and change a speed readiness threshold from a first saw speed to a second saw speed in response to the threshold selection signal, the speed readiness threshold representing a non-zero saw speed above which a disk saw is considered to be ready for a tree-felling operation but below which the disk saw is considered not to be ready for the tree-felling operation. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a combination forest biomass and tree harvester, a harvesting head assembly, and methods for harvesting trees and forest biomass. In some embodiments, the combination forest biomass and tree harvester includes a self-propelled vehicle base, a moveable arm, and a harvesting head assembly. The harvesting head assembly may include a frame member, a grabbing assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may include a primary cutting mechanism and a secondary cutting mechanism. As the combination forest biomass and tree harvester moves through a forest area, the cutting assembly may be used to cut trees and mow biomass.

Abstract: A forestry machine includes a frame, and a felling saw carried by the frame. The felling saw includes a saw head. A tree counter associated with the saw head includes an audio sensor providing an output signal representing an audio parameter associated with a cutting action of the saw head. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with and receives the output signal from the audio sensor. The electrical processing circuit determines a tree count associated with the saw head, dependent upon the output signal from the audio sensor.

Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base; (b) a frame mounted on the base; (c) a mechanism for pushing the frame against the tree to fell the tree; and (d) a mechanism for connecting the base of the tree pusher to the tree, so that the base will not move while the tree is being pushed over to fell the tree. The frame includes a detachable pronged head which engages the trunk of the tree, and which disengages itself from the frame of the tree pusher and remains with the trunk of the tree as the tree falls. The frame includes a series of tubes connected end-to-end by locking pins, making it very easy to assemble and disassemble the tree pusher. If a tree has accidentally fallen against a house, a building, or an electrical power line, two tree pushers are positioned on opposite sides of the fallen tree and used to lift the fallen tree.

Abstract: A tree felling head including a gathering arm and a bunching finger. In various embodiments the bunching finger may include inner and outer arms pivotally coupled together with the inner arm also pivotally coupled to a frame portion of the felling head. A biasing member, e.g. a compression spring, urges pivotal movements of the inner arm toward (and/or away from) the accumulation area of the felling head. An actuator connected to the outer arm reciprocally helps urges movement of the finger into and out of the accumulation area of the felling head. In various embodiments, a coupling of the actuator to the outer arm permits folding pivotal movement between the arms when retraction occurs and a tree inhibits outer sweeping movement of the outer finger. Said folding resulting in withdrawal of the outer finger from behind the inhibiting tree.

Abstract: A tree harvester head (12) comprises first and second saws (32, 38), each of which comprises a cutting chain (42), and a lubrication system (44) configured to lubricate the cutting chains (42) of the first and second saws (32, 38). The lubrication system (44) comprises a source of pressurized lubricant (46) and a diverter valve (48) configured to divert flow of pressurized lubricant, from the source of pressurized lubricant (46), between the first and second saws (32, 38) for lubrication of the respective cutting chains (42).

Abstract: A method for harvesting and an arrangement for processing wood. In a harvesting area, a baler (1) is used to bale small-dimensioned wood into bales belonging to different bale classes, wherein a compressed wood bundle (9) is bound by means of a binding member (10). Energy bales (11d) and raw material bales (11a to 11c) may be created in a forest. The raw material bales may be processed in a debarking device (21), wherein the wood contained by the bale is divided into a pulp fraction (26) and an energy fraction (25). The pulp fraction may be used in the manufacture of raw material, and the energy fraction may be used as fuel.

Abstract: A grapple apparatus of a type having arms that pivot about parallel axes of a frame for grasping and releasing objects and wherein the entire grapple, including the grapple arms, pivots about a pivotal axis transverse to such parallel axes, and more particularly to a grapple which is pivotally adjustable about such pivotal axis between a first position and can be locked in at least the first and second positions thereof. A heel is fixed to the frame for supporting an object being grasped by the grapple when the grapple is in the first pivotal position thereof. A tooth is also optionally attached to the frame for permitting manipulation of the position of an object when the grapple itself is not being used.

Abstract: A forestry machine includes a frame, and a felling saw carried by the frame. The felling saw includes a saw head. A tree counter associated with the saw head includes an audio sensor providing an output signal representing an audio parameter associated with a cutting action of the saw head. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with and receives the output signal from the audio sensor. The electrical processing circuit determines a tree count associated with the saw head, dependent upon the output signal from the audio sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for cutting a tree using a helicopter and a tree cutter suspended from the helicopter. The tree cutter includes a frame which is selectively orientable about a horizontal axis of rotation by an elongate member extending perpendicular to the horizontal axis. A support line from the helicopter is mounted to the elongate member. The support line may be slid to a plurality of locations along the elongate member. Each of the plurality of locations corresponds to a unique orientation of the frame. A pair of gripping arms extend from the frame. A saw is pivotally mounted to the frame so as to cut a tree secured in the gripping arms. The method includes selectively orienting and suspending the cutting apparatus proximate to a tree to be cut, gripping the tree with the gripping arms and cutting the tree with the saw.

Abstract: The use of a harvester head, processor head or merchandiser to deploy or place probes into a standing tree, felled stem or trunk, log, cant or the like whereby a time of flight of a stress or acoustic wave can be measured for the purpose of comparing a relationship to a threshold for the purpose of attributing a characteristic to be harvested, processed or broken down tree, stem or trunk, log, cant or the like.

Abstract: A tree felling head including a gathering arm and a bunching finger. In various embodiments the bunching finger may include inner and outer arms pivotally coupled together with the inner arm also pivotally coupled to a frame portion of the felling head. A biasing member, e.g. a compression spring, urges pivotal movements of the inner arm toward (and/or away from) the accumulation area of the felling head. An actuator connected to the outer arm reciprocally helps urges movement of the finger into and out of the accumulation area of the felling head. In various embodiments, a coupling of the actuator to the outer arm permits folding pivotal movement between the arms when retraction occurs and a tree inhibits outer sweeping movement of the outer finger. Said folding resulting in withdrawal of the outer finger from behind the inhibiting tree.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.

Abstract: An assembly for felling a segment of a tree trunk in a safe and controlled manner and method of using the same. The assembly comprises a vertical support structure having an elongated base portion, an elongated mast portion connected to the base portion or integrally formed therewith and having at least a portion extending upwardly therefrom, and a horizontal lip extending from the base or integrally formed therewith for contacting engagement with a conventional notch formed in the trunk. The method of felling a tree trunk comprises positioning the tree felling assembly along the trunk, cutting a conventional notch in the trunk below the assembly, the notch having a lower surface, repositioning the assembly along the trunk so that the lip is in contacting engagement with at least a portion of the lower surface, securing the assembly to the trunk below the segment, cutting the segment from the trunk, and lowering the segment from the trunk along a take-away cable operatively engaging the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting trees and reducing their stumps is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating member including an upper disc saw blade and a lower stump grinding drum blade. The disc saw blade severs the tree from its stump, and thereafter the drum blade reduces the height of the stump down to at or near ground level.

Abstract: An implement for clearing brush and trees which includes a self-propelled vehicle and at least one boom mounted upon the vehicle. The boom is constructed for articulated motion of a distal end thereof. A cutting disk is operatively mounted for rotation to the distal end of said boom to cut brush and trees when rotated. A secondary power source is supported on the self-propelled vehicle and used to primarily power the cutting disk. The implement is configured to allow field replacement of a cutting wheel support cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting trees and reducing their stumps is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating member including an upper disc saw blade and a lower stump grinding drum blade. The disc saw blade severs the tree from its stump, and thereafter the drum blade reduces the height of the stump down to at or near ground level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting submerged trees at an underwater logging site and for retrieving the cut trees. Once cut, each tree is retrieved to the water surface by an inflatable bag deployed from and inflated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit positioned on a surface vessel, such as a barge or large boat, and an underwater vessel connected together by an umbilical. Preferably the underwater vessel is a remotely controllable submersible including a grapple for releasably holding each tree to be cut, a saw, a gas supply connectable to a gas source located on the surface vessel, and an air bag deployment and inflation assembly for inflating the air bag and securely attaching it to the tree. The underwater vessel is initially loaded with a plurality of air bags which are stored in a magazine located in the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is used to judiciously shunt oil from lowering ends of the hoist and stick cylinders that have been plumbed to achieve near horizontal movement. This allows the use of cylinders that have unequal rod/bore ratios or to compensate for certain transient effects that may require the exchange of oil to the reservoir. The action of the hydraulic valve acts without obtrusive operator intervention and is essentially automatic. This allows for greater flexibility in the design of the boom system, allows the boom system to perform various tasks, while not requiring obtrusive intervention from the operator.

Abstract: In a forestry operation, it is desirable to associate certain information, such as size, species, owner, or the like, with individual logs. Logs are normally stored for a time before processing, and an operator must be able to select certain logs meeting predetermined characteristics from the plurality of stored logs. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for labeling logs in such a way that the information associated with each log may be read from a remote location and the operator need not travel to each log to determine the characteristics of that log.

Abstract: A mobile silvicultural apparatus for use in a land of trees comprising mature trees and immature trees. The apparatus includes a steerable wheeled support frame, an articulated boom, a motor system, and a control system. The steerable wheeled support frame has a horizontally extending ground-clearing section, and first and second opposite vertical side sections. The ground-clearing and side sections define a tunnel-shaped passage through which the immature trees are allowed to pass as the support frame travels thereover. The articulated boom is mounted to the support frame for selectively manipulating the mature trees. The motor system is used for imparting motion to the support frame and the control system is used for controlling the steerable support frame, the motor system, and the articulated boom.

Abstract: A tree felling saw head has two pairs of links and two hydraulic actuators to provide high rotation of the head relative to a mounting adapter in a lateral plane which is perpendicular to a cutting plane.

Abstract: The two boom members and hydraulic cylinders of a knuckle boom tree harvesting machine are so arranged and proportioned that with a single control movement during reaching and retracting actions the working tool head is made to travel in an approximately horizontal path. The cylinders and control valve are so connected that during horizontal reaching action load-supporting pressurized oil from a collapsing cylinder is not required to be dumped to the reservoir in the conventional heat generating manner, but is rather shunted directly to an extending cylinder where it continues to do useful load support work. Energy waste to hydraulic oil heat and fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Although these advances have been particularly developed for disc saw felling and stroke delimbing of trees they can also be applied to other knuckle boom applications where horizontal reaching is a major function.

Abstract: A method of harvesting standing trees in a jungle comprising bringing a crawler crane, preferably a hydraulic crawler crane, with a boom (14) to a block of jungle, securing the tree to be harvested to a sling in the boom, cutting the base of the tree, removing the cut tree using the boom, laying the cut tree on the ground, and cutting the crown of the cut tree. In another aspect the crown of the tree is cut first and removed by means of a sling on the boom of the crane. The crane is used to remove the crownless tree, or the crownless tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall. Main roads, spur roads, and snig tracks are constructed in the logging area.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A base member partially overlays the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is positioned adjacent the base member and is co-planar therewith and extends over at least a portion of the cutting member.

Abstract: The innovation concerns a wood harvesting method and a harvester head. The method is used to harvest all sizes of trees without to take the harvester to the site more than once. The method consists of placing the harvester head against the first tree, closing all grapples around the tree, cutting the tree with the cutting device, lifting the cut tree a little by holding it with the grapples fastened to the telescopic boom and using the stroke cylinder to move the telescopic boom in relation to the main body, moving to the next tree, opening the rigid grapples and holding the first tree in an upright position with the articulated grapples, closing the rigid grapples around the tree, opening the articulated grapples, so that their turning tips slide away from between the trees, closing the articulated grapples around all the trees, cutting the tree with the cutting device, and continuing the work in the above described order by collecting more trees and cutting them, until the grapples are full.

Abstract: A clamp control system for a feller/buncher has three buttons for automating the operation of the harvesting and accumulating clamps. A CLOSE button, when momentarily actuated for the first tree of a bundle, closes the harvesting clamp and the accumulating clamp and then re-opens the harvesting clamp. When actuated again momentarily for the second and subsequent trees, the harvesting clamp closes, the accumulating clamp opens and re-closes and the harvesting clamp re-opens. Actuation of an OPEN button opens both clamps and resets the system to be ready for the first tree of the next bundle. Actuation of a STOP/CANCEL button freezes both clamps in their current positions.

Abstract: A land clearing tractor and process are provided for selectively clearing a land of brush and trees. The tractor has a traction unit for moving the tractor along a direction of travel. A supporting frame is connected to the traction unit. The frame has first and second sides, and a raised section between the first and second sides. A first shredder head is operatively connected to the first side of the frame and oriented parallel to the direction of travel. The first shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a first band. A second shredder head is operatively connected to the second side of the frame. The second shredder head is parallel to the first shredder head and is spaced apart therefrom. The second shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a second band spaced apart from the first band. Thereby, the tractor leaves between the first and second bands a residual band of brush and trees.

Abstract: A tree felling and shaping apparatus is provided with a fully powered and controllable link system which links a tree processor head to a boom that is in turn mounted to a vehicle. The link system includes two powered pivoting joints and a rotary coupling of up to 360° disposed therebetween. Such a combination provides a great convenience for the manipulation of the tree felling and shaping apparatus, not only permitting a maximum angular adjustment of the tree processor head for all directional orientations whether the head is in an upright position for felling trees or the head is in a recumbent position for processing trees, but also performing a universal joint function to freely suspend the tree processor head from the boom without using a conventional uncontrollable universal joint. The present invention improves maneuverability of the tree felling and shaping machines and thereby increases work efficiency.

Abstract: A cutting attachment is adapted to be mounted onto a vehicle, such as a skid steer loader, and includes a frame that is generally “V” shaped with diverging walls and open in direction of travel. The diverging walls of the frame support upright shafts. Each of the shafts has a rotating disk on the lower end thereof that has a circular cutting edge. The disks are preferably co-planar and closely adjacent to each other along a center longitudinal axis of the frame, and are not powered. When the disks are moved against standing vegetation with stalks or trunks, they rotate and sever the vegetation. Additionally, a lift plate is provided on the trailing side of the disks so after severing the vegetation the lift plate lifts the trunks of trees or stalks or the like upwardly from the disks. The lift plate is inclined to tend to cause the trees to tilt outwardly. Support arms can be closed to hold the cut tree or other vegetation in the frame until the arms are released.

Abstract: A method of harvesting standing trees in a jungle comprising bringing a crawler crane, preferably a hydraulic crawler crane, with a boom (14) to a block of jungle, securing the tree to be harvested to a sling in the boom, cutting the base of the tree, removing the cut tree using the boom, laying the cut tree on the ground, and cutting the crown of the cut tree. In another aspect the crown of the tree is cut first and removed by means of a sling on the boom of the crane. The crane is used to remove the crownless tree, or the crownless tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall. Main roads, spur roads, and snig tracks are constructed in the logging area.

Abstract: A sawing device and a chain for it, comprising at least two adjacent sequences of connecting links, of which at least some are cutting teeth; and a sequence of drive links fitted between two adjacent connecting link sequences, wherein an opening at the rear end of the drive link is centered at an opening in the front end of the connecting links, wherein an opening in the front end of the drive link is centered at an opening of the rear end of the connecting links, and wherein a binding pin extending through the whole width of the chain is fitted in the openings. To increase the sawing width, a bush ring is fitted between two adjacent connecting link sequences, around the pin, and placed in the opening of the drive link, and on at least one side of said drive link, a collar is fitted whose diameter is formed greater than the opening in said drive link.

Abstract: The two boom members and hydraulic cylinders of a knuckle boom tree harvesting machine are so arranged and proportioned that with a single control movement during reaching and retracting actions the working tool head is made to travel in an approximately horizontal path. The cylinders and control valve are so connected that during horizontal reaching action load-supporting pressurized oil from a collapsing cylinder is not required to be dumped to the reservoir in the conventional heat generating manner, but is rather shunted directly to an extending cylinder where it continues to do useful load support work. Energy waste to hydraulic oil heat and fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Although these advances have been particularly developed for disc saw felling and stroke delimbing of trees they can also be applied to other knuckle boom applications where horizontal reaching is a major function.