Abstract: A saw and inspection system configured to allow for cutting a sample portion of a tube and inspect it without removing the tube from the production line. The sample portion of the tube may be cut with a saw and the sample portion is moved to the inspection table via a conveyer belt. This allows for a more rapid inspection of the tube without having to remove the tube from the production line, cut the sample portion and then inspect it.

Abstract: A baseball bat fabricated from a limb of a tree, procured without harvesting any of the tree's trunk. Because of this technique, the process of the present invention is much less wasteful. Many bats can be fabricated from a single tree, without felling the tree itself. The process of fabrication of the present invention is drawn to working with the properties of the harvested tree limb. In this manner, a billet is fabricated on a lathe with its center placed concentric with the center of the tree limb, thusly concentric with the limb's growth rings. By doing so, the growth rings within the limb will not be bisected during fabrication of the billet. When the billet is further turned on a lathe to shape the billet into a baseball bat, the growth rings within the limb will be minimally bisected, thus increasing the strength of the baseball bat of the present invention, as compared to the baseball bats of the prior art.

Abstract: A method of operating a power tool detects human contact with a non-moving implement in the power tool. The method includes generating a series of samples of an electrical signal passing through the non-moving implement, identifying a component for each sample in the series of samples of the electrical signal, identifying a first max?min value corresponding to a first plurality of samples in the series of samples occurring during a first periodic time interval with reference to a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value identified in the components of the first plurality of samples, and identifying human contact with the non-moving implement in response to the first max?min value being greater than a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In order to improve a saw device with a feed axis for a workpiece to be sawed, with a first saw unit to saw the workpiece in a first sawing plane extending transversely to the feed axis and with a second saw unit to saw the workpiece in a second sawing plane extending transversely to the feed axis, with a central device region arranged between the sawing planes, with a front device region arranged in front of the first sawing plane, viewed in a feed direction, and with a rear device region arranged behind the second sawing plane, viewed in the feed direction, in such a way that as high a cutting efficiency as possible can be achieved, it is proposed that the saw device comprises at least two transport mechanisms arranged in different device regions to transport different workpiece portions along the feed axis.

Abstract: Method and device for the determination of a thickness of a cross-section (S) of a tree trunk (30) received in a harvesting assembly (10) comprising a pair of opposite feed wheels (14) engaging with the tree trunk and a delimbing knife (18) abutting against the tree trunk. The mutual position of the feed wheels is detected as a measure of a transverse dimension (D1) of the cross-section of the tree trunk. The position of the delimbing knife (18) in relation to an abutment surface (22) of the tree trunk opposite thereto is detected as a measure of an additional transverse dimension (D2) of the cross-section (S) of the tree trunk, which additional transverse dimension forms an essentially right angle with the first-mentioned transverse dimension. The thickness of the cross-section (S) of the tree trunk is calculated based on the two measures of the transverse dimensions (D1, D2).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wooden billets, baseball bats and billiard/snooker cues is disclosed. The process comprises softening the hardwoods and willow, which are typically North American Hardwoods and English and Kashmir willow having moisture content between 30-70%, by steaming, and then compressing the softened hardwoods and willow by longitudinal compression processes along the length to cause the axial fibres to cross-link. The process aims at providing wooden billets, baseball bats and snooker cues having uniform performance standardization, improvement in durability, strength, acceptability, anti-breakage and flexibility.

Abstract: A rugged hand-held mobile computing device for a forester to collect and use dendrometric data from trees and tree stands is claimed. The device includes a processor which operates in connection with a memory, a user interface, a GPS receiver, a sound sensor capable of emitting an ultra-sonic pulse and a computer readable code embodied on the memory. The device communicates with a transponder by way of the ultra-sonic pulse emitted by the sound sensor. The transponder also emits an ultra-sonic pulse back to device. The device calculates the distance traveled based on the knowledge of the speed of the pulses. The memory, which also includes basic mapping software, uses the data to update a map in real time with the location of the trees and other information collected.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure includes method for optimizing lumber derived from a log. The method may include the steps of debarking the log and cutting the log to provide a plurality of boards. The plurality of boards are then scanned to determine knot properties and/or warp stability for each of the plurality of boards and a lumber upgrade process is selected based on the knot properties and/or warp stability. Finally, one or more of the plurality of boards are planed after being subjected to the lumber upgrade process.

Abstract: A wood-working machine, which contains at least one processing unit, a workpiece support having at least one front support area arranged in front of the processing unit in the feeding direction of a workpiece and one rear support area arranged behind the processing unit in the feeding direction of the workpiece, and a transporting device, which has a front transporting unit arranged on the front support area and a rear transporting unit arranged on the rear support area for moving and positioning the workpiece lying on the workpiece support in a first linear axis (X axis), wherein the front and rear transporting units includes at least one transporting roller that can be placed against the top side of the workpiece, and wherein a measuring system, which is integrated into the front or rear support area and has a measuring belt or measuring chain pressed against the bottom side of the workpiece for detecting the motion of the workpiece in the first linear axis, is associated with each transporting unit.

Abstract: An elevating and clewing continuous log turner includes a mainframe having a movable frame adapted for vertical or horizontal translation relative to the mainframe. A rotating group is mounted in the movable frame. The rotating group has a passageway therethrough. Roller arms are pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the rotating group. The roller arms concentrically clamp the log relative to the rotating group to thereby rotate the log about its longitudinal axis simultaneously with selective rotation of the rotating group. At least one actuator horizontally and vertically translates the movable frame relative to the mainframe.

Abstract: At least one image device proximate a second conveyor is disposed a predetermined distance in front of chip heads. The at least one image device can image a log and capture the actual log position on a sharp chain before its being engaged by chip heads. A computing device is coupled to the at least one image device to receive data including the actual log position information. The computing device compares the actual log position to a preferred log position solution so as to check whether a log deviates from its expected position. If any position deviation exists, the computing device may send instructions to adjust the positions of the chip heads and saws to ensure that a log is correctly positioned relative to the chip heads and saws, whereby correcting log position errors and eliminating transport accuracy losses.

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 a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: Methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. 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 determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In another embodiment, these characteristics determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber. In the case of a stem, these characteristics determine how the stem will be bucked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maximising value when breaking down a tree stem, log, cant, flitch or slab to sawn timber which includes determining an acoustic velocity value and determining density profile information across the width of the stem, log, cant or slab. The density profile information determined includes a position of minimum density in the stem, log, cant or slab. This enables the prediction of a stiffness profile across the stem, log, cant or slab from the acoustic velocity and the density profile information across the stem, log, cant or slab. The stiffness profile and the position of minimum density in the stem, log, cant or slab can be used to generate a sawing pattern for cutting the stem, log, cant or slab. The sawing pattern is offset by the position of the minimum density for a more useful yield of sawn timber.

Abstract: Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more optimal operating parameters for debarking wood is provided. The apparatus has a scraper and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the scraper toward a sample portion of the wood to scrape a surface of the sample portion of the wood with a scraping force. The apparatus also has a force sensor operatively associated with the scraper for detecting the scraping force. A light source impinges light on a scraped surface of the sample portion. A light detector detects a light image defined by light from the light source reflected by the scraped surface. A controller is operatively associated with the force sensor and the light detector. The controller has processing means to determine the one or more optimal operating parameters based on signals relating to the scraping force and signals relating to the light image. The one or more optimal operating parameters are relevant to debarking wood proximal to the sample portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a group of elongate panels for imitating a slat, the group comprising at least two slat end panels which have respectively a first short traverse edge and a second short traverse edge and two longitudinal edges and which, when the first respective short traverse edges are placed end to end or are arranged on the end of short traverse edges of at least one elongate intermediate panel, form a slat which has a continuous decoration on the joint of the traverse edges. The panels may have bevel longitudinal edges on their decorated sides, and the second short traversal edge of the respective slat end panel is formed on the decorated side as a bevel transversal edge.

Abstract: An automated floor board texturing cell includes a programmable robot that stores, or has access to, a plurality of patterns. The robot automatically selects a stored pattern for at least one of the floor boards introduced into the cell. The robot textures the floor boards to exhibit the selected pattern. The robot may select a pattern for a batch of floor boards or for each individual floor board. Pattern selection can be random or based on stored information such as a production schedule.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener that facilitates the sharpening of pencils by any one or more of the following: preventing injury; automatically sharpening pencils without manual manipulation; providing status indicators during sharpening; and/or allowing varying degrees of sharpness to be selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for measuring a timber piece (4) in a wood handling machine (1). Such a wood handling machine comprises booms (2) arranged in a base machine and a wood handling device (3) operating therein. In such a wood handling machine (1), a wood handling device (3) grips the timber piece (4) to be handled, after which one end of the timber piece is guided into a measuring carriage (5) in the wood handling machine by the wood handling device. The timber piece arranged in the measuring carriage is subjected to one or more observation measures by observation means provided in the measuring carriage.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating the decorative face of a panel to simulate the visual effect of a distressed panel. The decorative face may include at least a layer of wood or the like. The method may involve passing the panel with respect to two or more distressing tools. The passing may be performed in an automated way by first driving means. The method may also involve advancing the distressing tools intermittently toward the moving panel to apply distress marks. The intermittently advancing may be performed in an automated way by second, third and optional further driving means. At least one of the passing of the panel and the advancing of the distressing tools toward the moving panel may be performed according to an irregular rhythm in order to obtain irregularly spaced distress marks. At least one of the first driving means, the second driving means, the third driving means, and the optional further driving means is steered by and therefore coupled to program means.

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 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: Methods for optimizing lumber are provided. In an embodiment, boards cut from a log are examined for warp stability and/or knots. This occurs prior to and/or after the planing process. Based on the examination for warp stability and/or knots, the boards can be sent to a lumber upgrade process, such as for example, re-drying, edging, splitting, trimming, chopping, chipping, or the like. Accordingly, the method of the present invention enables more efficient allocation of lumber towards manufacturing needs.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener that facilitates the sharpening of pencils by any one or more of the following: preventing injury; automatically sharpening pencils without manual manipulation; providing status indicators during sharpening; and/or allowing varying degrees of sharpness to be selected.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.

Abstract: The settings of machining units of a machine are effected one after the other using a camera which transmits at least the position of the tool to a display unit. At least an end section of a workpiece to be machined is displayed with the actual position of the cutting tool, which can at least be preset. The machine contains a holding fixtures) for the camera. The camera) is inserted into a holder which is put onto the holding fixture.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining a location of a pith along a length of a wood sample. The methods may comprise the steps of: determining pith direction; selecting two areas of the wood sample at which two or more chords of a ring can be defined; bisecting the chords to define a line perpendicular to the chords; and locating at least one intersection point for two or more of the bisecting perpendicular lines.

Abstract: A light source is used to illuminate a sawn portion of a piece of wood and exposed surfaces of the saw blade on both sides of the sawn portion. The sawn portion and the exposed surfaces of the saw blade are then imaged substantially concurrently using a single image generator. At least one geometric characteristic of the sawn portion and at least one geometric characteristic of the saw blade are determined based on the imaging.

Abstract: A wood chipper includes a cutting assembly and a feed wheel for feeding material through an adjustable throat opening adjacent the feed wheel and toward the cutting assembly. A throat sensor measures the size of the throat opening and an electronic control unit (ECU) controls operation of the wood chipper in accordance with the size of the throat opening. The ECU controls forward, reverse and non-rotation of the feed wheel as well as down pressure applied by the feed wheel on feed material moving through the throat opening. The feed wheel down pressure may be constant or vary in any number of ways. One option includes applying down pressure in a pulsating manner.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating bevel edges on a plank. In some embodiments, the system comprises two bevel-cutting tools disposed in fixed positions and two guided cylinders disposed to independently move two edges of a plank to within varying degrees of contact with the bevel-cutting tools. Separate controllers can be provided to independently control the time, frequency, and rate of movement of the guided cylinders. Methods are provided for creating the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank. A method for creating irregular bevel edges on a plank is also provided as are a system and method that use a plank production line operation. A plank having irregular beveled edges and the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of log cutting either off-line or in real-time is based on optical measurement of half-squared or full-squared cants characteristics as produced at primary or secondary cutting stage, so as to increase the proportion of high-value wood pieces that can be recovered from full squared-cants produced at the sawing stage. The log is fed lengthwise to a primary cutting station (canter) capable of producing the first pair of opposing cut faces, while guiding the log substantially in a direction of the machine axis. The profile of the peripheral log surface at a plurality of cross-sections along the machine axis is measured to generate corresponding post-cut profile data, from which an estimation of log raw profile characteristics is made, to generate corresponding raw profile data. Then, from post-cut and raw profile data, resulting data on at least one parameter related to the cutting quality of the log.

Abstract: A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power source (1, 10) of a forestry machine, wherein the power source utilizes directly or indirectly one or more work devices and/or handling devices (3, 4, 7, 8) positioned in the forestry machine and is controlled by a control unit (2). When the control unit in the forestry machine gives one or more work or handling devices a control command starting a change operation, it is transmitted substantially simultaneously to the power source. When arriving at the power source, one or more control commands requiring a power change of the power source affect control parameters of the power source, predicting the future load of the power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more optimal operating parameters for debarking wood is provided. The apparatus has a scraper and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the scraper toward a sample portion of the wood to scrape a surface of the sample portion of the wood with a scraping force. The apparatus also has a force sensor operatively associated with the scraper for detecting the scraping force. A light source impinges light on a scraped surface of the sample portion. A light detector detects a light image defined by light from the light source reflected by the scraped surface. A controller is operatively associated with the force sensor and the light detector. The controller has processing means to determine the one or more optimal operating parameters based on signals relating to the scraping force and signals relating to the light image. The one or more optimal operating parameters are relevant to debarking wood proximal to the sample portion.

Abstract: A material processing system includes an apparatus having a processing path. A saw station is located along the processing path. A positioner is configured to push a trailing end of a work piece along the processing path toward the saw station. A computer is connected to the apparatus, and programmed to provide a digital interface allowing an operator to control operation of the apparatus through the interface.

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: A power tool is disclosed. The power tool may comprise a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. The detection system may comprise an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade and a circuit in communication with the excitation plate. The circuit may be configured to generate an in-phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculate an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase component and the quadrature component. The circuit may be further programmed to compare the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.

Abstract: A wood chipper includes a control system for controlling feed wheel rotation and engine operation to provide safety features and a fuel-saving mechanism. The control system allows the engine to start only when the feed wheel is in neutral; stops and/or reverses rotation of the feed wheel in response to an increased load on the engine; and dethrottles the engine if the feed wheel remains in neutral for a predetermined period of time. A pair of electric switches are activatable by the feed bar whereby an electronic control unit (ECU) can determine the position of the feed bar based on activation or non-activation of the switches and control the feed wheel and engine in light thereof. The ECU controls a pair of directional control valves via respective solenoids to control flow of hydraulic fluid to control rotation of a feed motor which drives the feed wheel.

Abstract: The multiple saw machine includes a rigid mainframe that provides mountings and attachments for all mechanical components. The components include multiple saw frames, conveyor belts, transfer chains and drive shafts for providing motive power for the conveyor belts, saw blades and transfer chains. A computer and an array of sensors are employed to monitor the saw machine functions and to control the timing of and location of board cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the timber products industry, and particularly to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated wood products. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for use in the manufacture of reconstituted or reconsolidated wood products using crushing and steam pressing methods and apparatuses.

Abstract: A veneer composer is provided including a skew correcting station adapted to square at least one edge of a veneer piece to a first or reference side, a clipping station adapted to move in the same direction and at the same material being clipped, and a gap closing station adapted to close the gap between adjacent veneer pieces without causing excessive force between the adjacent edges.

Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.

Abstract: A device for scanning pieces of solid wood has a pusher movable across a length of a piece of solid wood and at least one scanning unit mounted on the pusher. At least one side of the piece of solid wood is scanned by the at least one scanning unit as the at least one scanning unit moves together with the pusher. The at least one scanning unit has at least one camera with which the piece of solid wood is scanned. The at least one camera is adjustably mounted on the pusher.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power source (1, 10) of a forestry machine, wherein the power source utilizes directly or indirectly one or more work devices and/or handling devices (3, 4, 7, 8) positioned in the forestry machine and is controlled by a control unit (2). When the control unit in the forestry machine gives one or more work or handling devices a control command starting a change operation, it is transmitted substantially simultaneously to the power source. When arriving at the power source, one or more control commands requiring a power change of the power source affect control parameters of the power source, predicting the future load of the power source.

Abstract: A system for sorting green lumber into groups for drying includes a striking device arranged to provide an impact on one end of a piece of lumber. A vibration sensor is arranged to detect vibrations in the piece of lumber caused by the impact on the piece of lumber by the striking device. A computation device is configured to determine the acoustic velocity of the piece of lumber from the detected vibrations and a length of the piece of lumber. An indication device provides an indication of a one of the drying groups for the piece of lumber based on the determined acoustic velocity. Alternatively, the indication device may be a bin sorter that receives a signal from the computation device and sorts the lumber into a one of the groups in response to the signal, for example.

Abstract: A warp stable wood product and methods for detecting the same are provided. The wood product may be sorted based on its morphology, microstructure, macrostructure, and/or chemical composition properties being substantially symmetric relative to at least one or more cross-sectional centroids of the wood product, thereby imparting warp stability.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for the automatic control of a debarking system for use in a chip mill, paper mill, or the like. The present invention comprises one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that receive input from ultrasonic sensors that measure the quantity of wood present at various locations within the system. Based on this data, the PLCs reference look-up tables that contain information on start, stop, speed up, and slow down times for various system components based on such criteria as wood variety and season. The control system optimizes the fiber yield from the debarking system while also reducing mechanical wear on components of the system by reducing the time at which components are run at high speed.