Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood—such as trees, logs, or lumber—then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles.

Abstract: In a control method of a tree harvesting machine, the tree harvesting machine comprises a tree-supporting part (1) with a feeding means (2) for feeding the tree in its longitudinal direction and a cross-cutting saw (5) for cutting the tree at selected locations. The part (1) is supported by a boom assembly (6) or the like. At the moment of action of the cross-cutting saw (5), the tree-supporting part (1) is moved by means of the control automatics of the tree harvesting machine in such a way that the force caused by the weight of the tree, tending to bend the tree at the cutting point and thereby tending to cleave the tree, is compensated at least partly.

Abstract: A rotatable roll is provided under a planing cylinder rotating at a fixed position. A front feed unit and a rear feed unit having an upper and a lower roll for gripping the plate are provided upstream and downstream of the planing cylinder with respect to the feed direction of the plate. A front movable body and a rear movable body having an upper and a lower roll for gripping the plate member are provided between the planing cylinder and the front feed unit and between the planing cylinder and the rear feed unit. The upper and lower rolls of the front and rear movable bodies are forcibly moved up and down. The plate member is supported at three points and deflected downward to prevent floating of the plate during cutting and to prevent the formation of depressions in the plate near its front and rear ends during cutting.

Abstract: A saw assembly for a grip-harvester has a saw chain running around a bar and a chain sprocket; a bar holder pivotably journalled on the saw assembly stand; a saw motor driving the chain sprocket; and a device for feeding a bar out and in. The feeding-out and feeding-in device preferably is a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the stand and having a piston rod. The movements of the piston rod are transmitted to the pivotable bar holder by means of a pivotably journalled first toothed wheel which is joined to the bar holder and has a toothed wheel rim cooperating with the piston rod which is in the form of a rack. The saw assembly is also provided with a device for sensing and recording the angular position of the saw bar in relation to an initial position, which device has a smaller second toothed wheel in engagement with the first larger toothed wheel of the feeding-out and feeding-in device, and also at least one sensor which senses a tooth gap or a tooth on the second toothed wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the size of wood members, particularly pan-shaped wood members known in the industry as "lilypads", such that the orientation of the fibers of the lilypads are encouraged to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and rotation axis of a cutting drum having a plurality of cutting members extending from its circumferential surface.

Abstract: A method for making hardwood or decorative plywood. The plywood includes a number plies including a back veneer, a face veneer, and a number of core and center plies. The method forms subunits of plies and stacks the discrete formed subunits to form a unit. The unit is processed to forms discrete hardwood panels. Subunits having different sets of plies are formed. The subunits are formed by sequencing the order of placement of the plies so that the face and back veneers do not touch the conveyor. This process enables line assembly of hardwood plywood. Without this sequencing, at least the back veneers would touch the conveyor subjecting the panel to aesthetic damage due to the nature of the outer veneers. This process also significantly reduced the labor necessary for forming the panels because numerous subunits can be formed simultaneously.

Abstract: The automatic pallet collar apparatus comprises a frame that has a fixed rail and a movable rail to adjust the width of the frame. A rotatable driving member is in operative engagement with the frame to move forward a set of wood members. A downstream cutting station cut the wood members into a precise length. The drilling station drills holes into the wood member and rivets are dropped into the holes at the rivet mounting station. A downstream turner station turns each wood member downside up and a hinge is positioned onto the rivets at the hinge mounting station. The rivets are then fastened to firm hold the hinge to the wood member. A suitable logo may be printed in the screen printing station and the finished pallet collar components are then stacked at the stacker station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction stir welding device for optimizing the depth of a friction stir welding tool in a workpiece. The welding device includes a spindle and a welding tool in rotatable communication with the spindle. The welding device also includes an inner housing defining an aperture through which the welding tool at least partially extends. Preferably, the inner housing has a plurality of cam followers. The device also includes an outer housing defining an aperture for at least partially receiving the inner housing. The outer housing has a base member and a riser that is rotatably mounted to the base member and that defines a plurality of inclined surfaces upon which the plurality of cam followers ride. The welding device includes a sensor in electrical communication with a controller for measuring the magnitude of force exerted by the welding tool upon the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the rotation speed of a cross-cutting saw of a tree handling machine, especially grapple harvester is provided. The apparatus is arranged to control a hydraulic cylinder connected to the guide bar of the cross-cutting saw in a power transmitting way. A line communicating with the source of pressure medium and having an adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure of the cylinder is connected to the hydraulic cylinder. The system further includes a computing unit, and a rotation speed sensor in conjunction with the cross-cutting saw for measuring the rotational speed of the cross-cutting saw. The rotational speed sensor has a data transmitting connection with the computing unit arranged to control the adjusting unit according to the measured speed.

Abstract: A safety system for a stump cutter machine which comprises a swing out operator's control console equipped with an interlock to prevent rotation of the stump cutter wheel when not locked into the operating configuration, and a restraint means to hinder and prevent full use of the controls when the stump cutter is not in the operating configuration.

Abstract: The articulated boom and utility head for manipulating objects underwater of the present invention includes an articulated arm mounted at a first end thereof to a free floating platform, and a remotely operable utility head mountable at a second end of the arm. At least one sensor for relaying sensed information from the sensor to a remote operator or processor is mounted to the articulated arm. The sensed information is transmitted in real time as the arm remotely operated under water.

Abstract: A woodworking apparatus with a base for retaining a work piece and a bridge for mounting a tool. The bridge is pivotally mounted to the base by two arms and is adjustable towards the top, side and bottom faces of the work piece. Since the bridge, and hence the tool, is adjustable within a wide range of different angles, the need for multiple bit pieces is greatly reduced. The woodworking apparatus further includes a pivot pin, attachable to the base and to the work piece, for pivoting the work piece along an arcuate path with a predetermined radius measured from the pivot pin to the tool. The pivot pin is movable along a guide within the base, allowing a rough adjustment in the radius of the arcuate path. Further, the guide itself is movable along the base, allowing a fine adjustment in the radius.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: A workpiece processing apparatus for processing a predetermined plate member and a sawing process method therefor. A workpiece processing apparatus which includes a workpiece mounting assembly for receiving a workpiece; a tool assembly having a tool mounting element configured for rotational and reciprocal motion, the tool assembly positioned adjacent to the workpiece mounting assembly; the workpiece mounting assembly being movable relative to said tool assembly to position the tool mounting element adjacent the workpiece; and a tool positioned in said tool mounting element and defining a longitudinal axis, said tool having a drilling portion and a cutting portion.

Abstract: A composer clipper apparatus that includes a composer for producing a composed ribbon of veneer from veneer pieces disposed edge-to-edge. A conveyor system transports the ribbon of veneer downstream from the composer. The ribbon of veneer is cut into sheets of predetermined length at a clipping station downstream from the composer. A sensor sensing a cut lead edge in the ribbon of veneer, and a coordinated tracking device, controls operation of the clipping station.

Abstract: A transparent shield is attached to a template and workpiece and used to move the workpiece against an inverted router blade. The transparent shield prevents inadvertent contact of fingers or hands with the router blade, yet allows visual observation of the workpiece proximate to the router blade. A router table may support the workpiece being cut by the router blade. Handles may be attached to the transparent shield for holding thereof. Sensors in the router table may determine the position of the transparent shield in relation to the router blade and the router blade may be stopped if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade. A video camera may be positioned over the router table. The router table, router blade and transparent shield images may be tracked in relation to one another such that if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade, then the router blade may be stopped.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for use in the rotary cutting of wood veneer is disclosed. The improved apparatus and method are preferably employed in connection with a conventional lathe having a pressure bar. Such a lathe is of the type that is used to produce wood veneer from a workpiece of wood, such as a log. The improvement is characterized as maintaining a preselected pressure of the pressure bar against the wood, and subsequently adjusting the preselected pressure bar position by using means for doing so, thereby producing wood veneer of uniform thickness and surface quality, independent of variations in wood density and wood hardness, such variations resulting from natural growth conditions and temperature of the wood.

Abstract: A numerical controlled router is enclosed by a housing mounted on a support structure wherein the housing has an opening formed in front of a router head structure. Bearings are provided outside of the housing.A rotatable shaft is rotatably supported by the bearings and two suction tables are attached to the rotary shaft and the table can be inclined by rotary cylinders.

Abstract: A transparent shield is attached to a template and workpiece and used to move the workpiece against an inverted router blade. The transparent shield prevents inadvertent contact of fingers or hands with the router blade, yet allows visual observation of the workpiece proximate to the router blade. A router table may support the workpiece being cut by the router blade. Handles may be attached to the transparent shield for holding thereof. Sensors in the router table may determine the position of the transparent shield in relation to the router blade and the router blade may be stopped if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade. A video camera may be positioned over the router table. The router table, router blade and transparent shield images may be tracked in relation to one another such that if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade, then the router blade may be stopped.

Abstract: A method of processing lignocellulosic material comprises the steps of (a) generating a pulsed laser beam consisting of a train of laser pulses, each laser pulse having a duration less than 1.times.10.sup.-9 sec. and a peak intensity of at least 1.times.10.sup.11 w/cm.sup.2 ; and (b) directing the laser beam generated in step (a) onto a surface of the lignocellulosic material to cause ionization and fragmentation of macro-molecules thereof. The method of the invention enables one to cut, carve and/or sand the surface of lignocellulosic material without, burning same or damaging the cells of the lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A furniture design and manufacturing system utilizing initial selection of a design "vocabulary" of rectilinear cross-sectional shape "beams" that integrate structural and aesthetic considerations, and utilizing panels coordinated in thickness to be received in dados and rabbets in the beams. Beam cross sections generally have a predetermined incremental size difference, or multiple of the incremental size difference, so that beams inter-fit and cooperate with panels and other beams in a graduated manner permitting a sort of "nesting" when beams, or panels and beams, are used together. This facilitates joinery in furniture using such components because, among other reasons, mortises tend to fall in thicker components than those having tenons. Production of beam stock and, if desired, panel production precedes identification of a furniture item to be produced, facilitating economies in production.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: A knife assembly for a veneer cutting apparatus, which includes at least two cutting blades mounted on a shaft. The cutting blades are independently rotatable to permit cutting of the veneer across its entire length or across a portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing a flitch for slicing where the flitch includes a veneer-producing zone and a staylog-engaging zone. The apparatus comprises a drill mechanism for drilling a plurality of holes in the flitch and a mechanism for holding a flitch in a predetermined orientation relative to the drill mechanism. The holes are arranged in a predetermined pattern and extend from a flitch mounting surface to the veneer-producing zone so as to define a boundary between the veneer-producing zone and the staylog-engaging zone. A method for preparing a flitch for slicing comprises the steps of positioning the flitch in a preparing position and forming a plurality of dog-receiving holes in the flitch in a predetermined pattern so that each hole extends through the staylog-engaging zone to the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an operator's station from which a user may control the operation of a stump cutter or machines wherein the operator's station comprises: a control panel including at least one machine control switch or actuator; a controller for receiving commands from the control panel and in turn causing a stump cutter or machine to implement the commands; and, a wireless coupling of the control panel to the controller which is only operative in a pre-determined zone or area.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch, having a generally semi-cylindrical veneer-producing zone, on a staylog for movement past a veneer-slicing knife, wherein the tapered flitch includes an axis of rotation. The apparatus comprisesstationary dogs coupled to the staylog for engaging the flitch and movable dogs for moving the flitch into engagement with the stationary dogs to hold the flitch on the staylog. The flitch is held on the staylog so that the axis of rotation of the veneer-producing zone is in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife in order to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: A method of creating a decorative inlaid floor includes the first step of providing a cutting implement, such as a router, which is operable to machine an inlay recess in a finished wood floor. The next step is to position the router over a section of the floor and move the router in a particular manner so that the desired inlay recesses are machined. The operating and movement step requires that the decorative pattern be predetermined and a control program or NC tape be generated so as to control the drive motors which are associated with each of four slide assemblies. Once the desired inlay recesses are machined into the main floor, the control program is modified by scaling it up to a larger size and is then utilized on a panel of a contrasting material. A typical example would be to select a contrasting wood for the inlay elements. The reprogrammed router is then located over the second material panel and operated so as to machine a larger inlay recess in that second material panel.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing a flitch for slicing where the flitch includes a veneer-producing zone and a staylog-engaging zone. The apparatus comprises a drill mechanism for drilling a plurality of holes in the flitch and a mechanism for holding a flitch in a predetermined orientation relative to the drill mechanism. The holes are arranged in a predetermined pattern and extend from a flitch mounting surface to the veneer-producing zone so as to define a boundary between the veneer-producing zone and the staylog-engaging zone. A method for preparing a flitch for slicing comprises the steps of positioning the flitch in a preparing position and forming a plurality of dog-receiving holes in the flitch in a predetermined pattern so that each hole extends through the staylog-engaging zone to the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating trailer length platform flooring from wooden blanks comprises selecting kiln dried lumber having a predetermined width and thickness and exhibiting preestablished strength and durability characteristics. The lumber is inspected for the presence of unacceptable defects and the defects are cut out to form defect-free blanks of varying lengths. The blanks are aligned successively in spaced end to end relationship with the trailing end of one blank facing the leading end of the next successive blank. The facing ends are then machined with interlockable vertically extending fingers, adhesive is applied to at least one of the ends, and the fingers are pressed together with a predetermined pressure to bond the ends of the blanks together. These steps are repeated resulting in a continuously growing composite plank comprised of end-to-end joined blanks.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing wooden I-beams wherein a pair of grooved flanges are conveyed along opposite left and right sides of a train of web members and converged so that the web longitudinal edges are inserted into the flange grooves is disclosed. The flanges are moved along left and right hand chutes of the assembly machine with plural vertical flange drive rolls engaging the wider flange faces for improved traction. These flange drive rolls and the chutes are mounted to the machine base with a lateral adjustment mechanism permitting center justified adjusting movement relative to the machine center line. The lateral adjustment mechanism utilizes a series of lead screws each formed with left and right handed threaded portions engageable with a threaded nut attached to each chute. A pair of web bottom rails are vertically adjustable in elevation with plural vertical column screws connected between the machine base and the support rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system for log debarking and chipping. Specifically, a conveyor system for log debarking and chipping is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, conveys tree-length logs to and into a debarking drum and conveys debarked logs from the debarking drum to a chipper for chipping the debarked logs. The present invention provides a system adapted for long life, low maintenance and is adapted to withstand high impact loading while permitting high volume log processing.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a tree processor attachment for optionally mounting transversely on a forward section of the log carrying portion of a log porter, so that a log porter may advantageously be used to process felled trees, and to carry logs therefrom to a forest road. The tree processor attachment comprises a tree trunk holding and severing portion and a tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion having a pair of tree trunk delimbing jaws. The tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion is telescopically mounted in the tree trunk holding and severing portion, and is movable back and forth a pair of tree trunk holding jaws. The tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion is timely operable in association with the tree trunk holding jaws for moving a tree trunk in successive unidirectional movements toward a tree trunk severing saw. The tree holding and severing portion of the tree processor attachment is rotatable within a sway angle about a swivel member on a mounting base thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic lug loader to place blocks on each lug on a lug conveyor in a finger jointing machine. The lug loader includes a support structure with a control station and a feed table. A powered loading conveyor overlies the support structure with an infeed end disposed over the control station. The loading conveyor extends downstream to an outfeed end which is disposed over the upstream end of the lug conveyor. A powered adjuster is connected to the loading conveyor and shifts the loading conveyor toward and away from the control station to selectively grip a block. The invention also encompasses an automatic cornering apparatus to transfer blocks from a side-to-side relationship on the lug conveyor to an end-to-end arrangement on a transverse conveyor. The cornering apparatus includes a first conveyor with an upstream end and a downstream end.

Abstract: A router machine for making repetitive router cuts at predetermined positions on one or two workpieces. The router machine has a free standing main frame with an open work horizontal platform for supporting said one or two workpieces. The platform has a longitudinal front edge with a fence therealong. Clamping mechanisms for clamping the one or two workpieces at the predetermined positions. A workpiece feed mechanism for advancing the one or two workpieces to each of the predetermine positions. A pair of routers are provided having vertically oriented, opposed, coaxial bits. A movable support assembly supports the routers. The routers are shiftable vertically on the support assembly toward each other to an extended cutting position and away from each other to a retracted non-cutting position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing signs having raised, prismatic graphic images such as letters, numbers and other graphic images. Initial values for the graphic images are provided, and includes information defining an initial graphic representation for the graphic images, and may also include a return, which is the measure of distance by which the graphic images are raised relative to a background of a sign. A cutting tool is provided and has a radius and a cutting angle. One tool path is determined using the initial graphic representation. Tool passes and depths for the other passes are determined using the initial graphic representation, the cutting angle, and a distance which is not greater than the tool radius. A controller generates signals indicative of the tool paths and respective depths, and presents the signals to operate an automatic cutting machine and cutting tool to selectively remove material from a sheet material to produce the graphic images.

Abstract: The method of the present invention realizes accurate control of the feed rate in a veneer lathe under a centerless condition and improves the productivity of the veneer lathe. After spindles (8a) are moved away and disengaged from the axial ends of a log (11), that is, under the centerless condition, the method of the invention controls the feed rate of a knife carriage (9) based on the current rotating speed of the log (11), which is measured by a speed measuring device (7) engaged with the periphery of the log (11). When a difference between the current rotating speed of the log (11) measured by the speed measuring device (7) and a theoretical rotating speed of the log (11) driven by a peripheral drive system (2) exceeds a preset level, the method of the present invention stops the feeding operation of knife carriage (9) and thereby the veneer peeling operation of the veneer lathe.

Abstract: A machining unit, typically for wood panels, features a work table afforded by a body of prismatic geometry having at least two faces and rotatable about an axis which is also its instantaneous center, in such a way as to establish at least two movable and tiltable work surfaces; the prismatic body is carried within a frame encompassing the tool and combining with the two faces to create respective independent work areas, one in which panels are fed to and from the unit, the other coinciding with a station at which machining takes place, and where the waste and chips generated by machining are cleared from the table and the work. The prismatic body also functions as the main barrier separating two work environments, the one an open external space occupied by the operator, the other an enclosure disallowing access to the operator while machining is in progress.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for retaining a tapered flitch, having a generally semi-cylindrical veneer-producing zone, on a staylog for movement past a veneer-slicing knife, wherein the tapered flitch includes an axis of rotation. The apparatus comprisesstationary dogs coupled to the staylog for engaging the flitch and movable dogs for moving the flitch into engagement with the stationary dogs to hold the flitch on the staylog. The flitch is held on the staylog so that the axis of rotation of the veneer-producing zone is in a parallel relation with the veneer-slicing knife in order to minimize the amount of waste veneer taken from the veneer-producing zone.

Abstract: Woodworking machines which can hold works in tilted positions thereby to render possible the suitable working of cave portion in said works. The woodworking machine according to the invention has a swiveling table 2 carrying a plurality of rotating jigs 4 in parallel relation to each other and a tailstock 3 carrying holders 5 corresponding to said jigs 4 for holding respective works between said holders 5 and said jigs 4, said swiveling table 2 and said tailstock 3 being located on the upper surface of a base plate 8, wherein said holders 5 are located on said tailstock 3 which can be vertically shifted according to the invention, thereby to hold said works 1 in their tilted positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a staircase handrail volute, comprising the steps of: (a) cutting a workpiece from wood with a bandsaw such that the workpiece has an approximation of a shape of the volute, wherein the approximation dimensions are larger than the shape dimensions; (b) mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically controlled machine tool; (c) cutting a bottom surface of the workpiece to the shape dimensions with the machine tool; (d) cutting lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to a first dimension between the approximation dimensions and the shape dimensions; (e) cutting the lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to the shape dimensions; (f) drilling at least one mounting hole in the bottom surface with the machine tool, the at least one mounting hole for holding the workpiece in steps (g) through (j); (g) turning the workpiece over and mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically control

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations. A valve is provided for actuation to permit the guiding arms to be held in an open position, while the stripping arms are closed about a tree to accommodate a bent trunk.

Abstract: A veneer-slicing apparatus includes a flitch table movable relative to a carriage which carries a cutting blade for slicing veneer sheets from the flitch. The cutting blade is mounted on a blade carrier that is rotatable relative to the carriage. The apparatus further includes a remotely operable mechanism for adjusting the angle of attack of the cutting blade relative to the flitch by rotating the blade carrier relative to the carriage. The adjusting mechanism includes an electrohydraulic cylinder and piston coupled to the carriage and the cutting blade, a hydraulic fluid flow control valve, a piston position sensor, a computer, and an operator console. All of the components of the adjusting mechanism are electrically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A sawing process and apparatus cuts a log longitudinally along a radius curve to produce boards. The sawing apparatus includes a continuous flexible band saw blade, provided with teeth at one or both edges. A support exposes a section of saw blade that is curved and stabilized by the use of electromagnetic fields in cooperation with rollers. The saw is then configured to make a cut of a desired thickness in a curve parallel the growth rings of a log, in an arc which minimizes the number of knot defects in the board. With each pass of the log through the saw, or vice-versa, a new arc section is cut, and the log or the saw is rotated and positioned for the next arc section cut. Plural sawing stations may be used in series, and the process may be run bi-directionally when using double-edged saw blades. Once the board sections are cut, they are flattened under pressure in a kiln.

Abstract: A method of controlling the clearance angle of a veneer lathe knife in a veneer lathe having a knife holder beam rotatably mounted on a knife carrier. The beam's vibration frequency is continuously measured and compared with a stored representation of a vibration frequency range (about 50-200 Hz.) characteristic of disruption of the veneer peeling operation. If the comparison reveals that the measured vibration frequency is within the characteristic disruptive range, the beam is rotatably adjusted until the comparison reveals that the measured vibration frequency no longer lies within the disruptive range. Usually, the adjustment accelerates lowering of the beam in order to make the knife clearance angle less positive.

Abstract: An improved chute and spout assembly for use with a wood chipper that clears logjams by the use of hydraulic rams attached to the chute near the chipper. The rams move between an extended position, for moving the logs, and a retracted position, when the logs are sliding by gravity on the interior surface of the chute. The rams are oriented and spaced apart in order to move the logs when jammed without interfering with each other when more than one ram is extended into the interior of the chute to move the logs. When retracted, the ends of the rams are approximately flush with the interior surface of the chute. Each ram is independently controlled for flexibility in clearing logjams.

Abstract: A wookworking machine that can easily and exactly form digitizing data for a plurality of workpieces even during the working operation on the workpieces, thereby considerably increasing the working efficiency. The woodworking machine according to the invention for working of workplaces into specified three dimensional form is characterized in that the woodworking machine is combined with a copying digitizing device and a computer connected to an NC copying digitizing device. The computer loads the NC copying digitizing device with working conditions such as work-starting points and limits, which are calculated by a CAD of the computer. The computer controls and stores the digitizing data formed by the NC copying digitizing device as a control file integrated by a main program. On the basis of the working conditions, the data is stored through the copying operation of the copying head of the woodworking machine.

Abstract: In a method for positioning a machine element having a first reference point the first reference point is provided at the machine element which has an operative portion. A second reference point is provided at an abutment. The machine element is moved relative to the second reference point. The machine element is coupled to a display device with first and a second display unit wherein on the first display unit a first display value for the distance between the operative portion and the second reference point is displayed and wherein on the second display unit a second display value for the distance between the first reference point and the operative portion is displayed. The first display value is a predetermined finishing distance when the second display value equals the actual distance between the first reference point and the operative portion.

Abstract: The method of converting logs involves cutting each log longitudinally and diametrically at right angles into equal quarter-log segments, the rearranging the quarter-logs so that the arcuate surfaces of the segments face inwardly toward each other, while their cut flat surfaces are positioned to form a rectangle in cross-section. The segments so positioned may be joined together as such, rigid foam plastic insulation may be introduced into the space remaining between the segments, or support bracing and other insulation may take the place of the rigid foam. The resultant converted logs may be used as beams, joists or bearing-wall members; devices for aligning, registering and sealing the converted logs together are provided.