Abstract: The invention is a method for producing flitches prepared from roundwood logs, a method for the manufacture of wood slices or slats from the flitches, and methods of combining the strips into composite lumber products. The methods are based in part on the concept of preparing flitches that retain the sweep or natural longitudinal curvature of the log and slicing or sawing around the sweep to prepare the slats for further conversion into composite lumber products. An opening cut is made in the log essentially following or parallel to the curve of any sweep to divide it into two approximately equal volume pieces. An opposing surfaces is machined parallel to the surface generated by the opening cut to produce a flitch. The flitches are then flattened so that the sweep curvature is made planar. They are then sliced or sawn parallel to the now planar surface to produce slats. The natural surface of the log is preferably retained on the sides of the flitches.

Abstract: A plurality of conventional wood planks are vertically stacked and adhesively joined into an aligned symmetrical pile, the top and bottom planks being wider than planks, therebetween. A longitudinal bisecting cut through the pile produces two asymmetric sections, mirror-images of each other, which, when reversed, have the projecting edges of the top and bottom planks facing each other. By joining these projecting edges adhesively, the laminated hollow wood beam is assembled. Provision is made for adding internal bracing for increased strength and for covering the open ends of the hollow beam.

Abstract: A device for feeding a workpiece into a gang saw sawblade cluster has a longitudinal drive for selectively longitudinally translating a workpiece, which has been sequenced onto the longitudinal drive, into a gang saw sawblade cluster, and a selective positioner for selectively positioning and presetting for each workpiece the longitudinal drive height relative to the gang saw sawblade cluster as the longitudinal drive translates the workpiece longitudinally into the gang saw sawblade cluster.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequenced or simultaneous feeding of a plurality of flitches to a board edger includes a sequencing conveyor for sequenced feeding of flitches in a horizontal first direction, the flitches oriented in a horizontal second direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, the flitches fed sequentially into first or second adjacent parallel holding locations, a selectively actuable transfer device for selective transfer of a first fitch in the first direction from either of the first or second adjacent parallel holding locations onto a first edger feeder, and a second edger feeder parallel and adjacent to the first edger feeder, the first and second parallel adjacent edger feeders for selective sequential or simultaneous feeding into an edger according to a feed controller for (i) controlling the sequential or simultaneous feeding of the first flitch on the first edger feeder, and (ii) controlling the sequential or simultaneous feeding of a second flitch transferred from the first or se

Abstract: A gangsaw in-feed mechanism for positioning a cant and feeding the cant generally longitudinally into a gangsaw along a feed path, wherein the cant is oriented with its planar faces generally horizontal, and wherein the in-feed mechanism has laterally opposed laterally translatable skewable chipping heads lying generally in first and second generally parallel vertical planes laterally opposed on either side of the feed path, a method for opening opposed generally vertical longitudinal faces so as to form curved longitudinal profiles on laterally opposed sides of the cant according to an optimized profile solution, so as to feed the cant into the gangsaw along a generally linear feed path for curve sawing in the gangsaw, having the steps of longitudinally translating and positioning the cant along the feed path between said chipping heads, laterally translating and simultaneously skewing the chipping heads, according to the optimized profile solution, into cutting engagement with the laterally opposed sides of

Abstract: A beam is composed of a tree trunk which has been star-mortised into right triangular sections which are joined together in pairs to produce rectanguloid laminae that are, in turn, glued together to form a beam in which growth rings of the tree trunk are oriented vertically and in the longitudinal direction of the beam. Due to the resulting more favorable growth ring position, the beam according to the invention can be much more highly statically loaded than a conventional beam, and moreover, can be produced at much lower costs than known glued wood truss beams formed of solid, one-piece rectanguloid tree trunk sections.

Abstract: A sawmill for milling a length of sawbolt includes a frame and a plurality of saws movably mounted to the frame. The plurality of saws include bandsaws, edging saws, and chain saws for making various cuts necessary in the milling process. A saw positioning system is coupled to the plurality of saws for positioning the saws relative to the frame. A controller is coupled to the saw positioning system. The controller provides a saw position signal and the saw positioning system positions the saws in response to the saw position signal. A number of log positioning mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for positioning an elongate cant for the infeed of the cant into an edging device capable of longitudinally cutting the cant to remove the wane edges thereof. The apparatus generally comprises: a frame structure; a conveying module for transversely conveying the cant along a substantially straight path; a scanning module located along the path for optically scanning the morphology of the cant and providing morphology data; a computer module linked to the scanning means for analyzing the morphology data and calculating a longitudinal preferred infeed line for said cant; and a positioning means located further along the path for transversely positioning the cant to a colinear relationship with the preferred infeed line for said cant. More specifically, the positioning means comprises a plurality of spaced apart, releasable, pinching members.

Abstract: Procedure for working tree trunks by machining into wood products, such as boards and cants. In the procedure, from trunks (1) preferably trimmed on at least two sides, at first at least one side board (3) is sawn so that at least part of the dull edge (2) remains on the side board (3), whereupon the dull edges (2') of the side board are edged. The side board (3) is moved together with the central section (1') during the edging operation and the side board (3) and the central section (1') are kept at a distance from each other by means of a separating element (6), such as a dividing knife, at least during the edging operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting dimensional information of a workpiece such as a canted log is used to control a gang saw mounted on a pivot axis to cut the log into substantially even thickness boards while moving the log past the cutting device and pivoting the gang saw to accommodate curvature in the log.

Abstract: A selective plurality of elongate half-logs, lumber planks which may have imperfect or damaged edges, or a combination of both, are superposed on each other and adhesively joined to form an intermediate assembly, which is then divided by one or more beam-long cuts made perpendicularly to the flat surfaces of the half-logs or planks. The resulting outer sections of the intermediate assembly, substantially mirror-images of each other, are reoriented so that the original outer edges face each other and are positioned so that a selected space remains between them. Various spacing and bracing elements are selectively chosen to connect the two outer sections and thus to form a laminated space-containing wood beam structure, on which surface-covering sheathing or coatings may be applied optionally.

Abstract: A board turning apparatus is provided with a conveyor for transporting a board through an inspection station; the inspection station includes an array of photocells located below the conveyor and which operate to detect and scan the facing surface of a board as it passes over the photocell or is held in the inspection station by a detent arm; the output of the scan by the photocell array is delivered to a computer having an analyzing program for detecting discoloration in the surface or edges of the board that are scanned by comparing the scan to a set of conditions stored in the computer; a turning arm is connected to the computer and is actuated to engage an edge of the board and turn the board over by rotating it about its opposite edge on the conveyor to turn over the board to facilitate and optimize subsequent operations on the board such as edging of the board.

Abstract: A method of resawing elongated radially sawn segments of timber so that bsawn boards are produced. Said wedges are sawn with the desired angle between the radial faces and are resawn so that the growth rings of the tree are basically parallel to the broad backsawn faces. The flared radial edges of the boards indicate the growth ring orientation and therefore the cupping tendency and the direction of bow. This enables a greater degree of consistency in the manufacturing process over conventional methods. Said backsawn boards can be used individually as conventional boards with the mentioned advantages or can be laminated together to make a range of laminates that balance or use the bowing and cupping tendency of backsawn timber.

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: Procedure and apparatus for sawing a square timber, the apparatus comprising a feed mechanism (1), a chipper (2) and a sawing apparatus (3) in such manner that .the feed mechanism has been arranged to feed the square timber into the chipper, the chipper has been arranged to remove from the square timber its curved surface portions, and the sawing apparatus has been arranged to cut up the spar arriving from the chipper. As taught by the invention, the feed mechanism (1) is connected with a pivot (4) with vertical axis to the chipper, and the chipper is connected with a second pivot (5) with vertical axis to the sawing apparatus which is carried on the frame of the apparatus, and that the apparatus comprises a feed table (6) for feeding the square timber in controlled manner into the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the efficient production of heart wood centered small dimensioned, square timber comprising a log feed system for the storage and dispensing of individual logs to the production facility; a log centering system wherein the log is centrally aligned with multiple saw blades and clamped into position; a log transport system comprising a movable carriage which transports the clamped log through the blades; and a separation system wherein the finished timber is separated from the side cuts and positioned ready for easy stacking. The log is first cut longitudinally and perpendicularly along two sides. A rotating means located within the centering system turns the log onto one of its two sawn sides and the log is again passed through the blades and cut longitudinally and perpendicularly, thus forming a timber with a square cross section and the heart wood centered therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an apparatus for the measuring and positioning of cants and their subsequent feeding to a sawing station. A feed table is used for conveying the cants towards the station and includes a lateral guide against which each cant is positioned. A scanning device measures transverse distances across the planar faces of the cant at intervals during its travel on the feed table. The information is recorded by computer which, in turns, causes the cant to be clamped between live rolls after the scanning and positioned to provide optimum positioning and orientation of the cant relative to the sawing elements.

Abstract: In a method of sawing a log where, to avoid edging, inner comers (3) are first cut out prior to sawing off the edged boards, inner corners (3) are cut out along curved lines, each with a planar smooth surface (4) and a chopped rough surface (5) which is curved, whereafter the respective board is sawed out with a curved saw cut which coincides with the respective chopped rough curved surfaces (5).

Abstract: A system used in combination with a cant sawing or cutting unit, the function of which is to guide two faced-cants through the cut along the line of their natural curvature. The system comprises, at the infeed end of the unit, rollers for clamping the opposite planar faces of the cant, thus providing it with a pivotal point, and also includes means for causing an angular displacement of the forwardly moving cant, from said pivotal point and relative to the sawing or cutting elements, thereby allowing the elements to cut along the natural curvature of the cant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for, in one continuous operation, receiving a slab sawn from a log, sensing the thickness of the slab and setting the apparatus to plane its upper and lower surfaces to produce a desired thickness slab which then is sawn into boards of desired width. The apparatus includes upper and lower planer heads, the upper of which is mounted on adjustable setworks for raising and lowering. At the infeed end of the apparatus a sensor determines the thickness of an entering slab and through control mechanism adjusts the space between the planer heads to plane the slab to a desired common board thickness which is the maximum available from the slab size. A bank of smooth cutting saws downstream from the planer heads saws the slab into smooth-sided boards.

Abstract: A sharp chain charger and infeed device for feeding logs in a desired orientation to a sawing machine is characterized by alignment and displacement assemblies for accurately positioning a succession of logs on a sharp chain drive mechanism. The alignment assembly includes a pair of pivotal arms for laterally aligning a log with the longitudinal axis of the sawing machine. A pair of longitudinal rollers are connected with the alignment arms to rotate the log to a selected rotary position. The displacement assembly displaces the alignment assembly longitudinally in the direction of the sawing machine and downwardly beneath the sharp chain, whereby the log is deposited on the moving chain with both longitudinal and vertical components while the desired rotational and aligned orientation of the log is retained for transport to the sawing machine.

Abstract: An aligning log conveyor for a scragg mill comprising a pair of spaced, parallel runners which extend longitudinally in front of the saws. The runners have sharpened top surfaces which form a "V"-shaped trough therebetween to cradle and to stabilize the log. A motorized lug chain disposed between the runners propels the log toward the saw. A shock absorbing stabilizing means with a wheel is positioned above the log for maintaining pressure against the log to remain in contact with the sharpened top surfaces of the runners and in alignment with the saws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.

Abstract: A clamping and feeding device for the machining of boles by machining tools, such as band or circular saws, milling cutters, and the like, in which a carrier slide (5) designed in the manner of a frame is equipped with clamping devices (10, 12, 18, 23) retaining the bole (8) from several sides and can be reciprocated on a profiled support (4) by rollers (6) along a machining station (1) and is supported by guide rails (14).

Abstract: A television camera (4) is provided in the region of a band saw (1) so that, in the latter, the wood (7), firmly placed on a band saw carriage (2) to be adjustable transversely to the dividing plane (6') of the band saw (1), can be aligned with respect to the band saw (1). An image of the end face of the wood (7) to be divided which faces the band saw (1) is produced on a television screen (5). A line (6) symbolizing the plane (6') wherein the band saw (1) operates is provided on the television screen (5). In this way, it is possible to determine from the television screen (5) whether the wood (7) is correctly aligned with respect to the band saw (1) and/or to observe the aligning of the wood (7).

Abstract: A pivoting carriage and saw which is characterized in a preferred embodiment by a carriage capable of receiving curved logs and pivotally mounted on a linear-operated trolley for engaging the logs with a pivoting band saw and cutting a selected non-linear path through the curved logs. In a most preferred embodiment the band saw is pivotally mounted adjacent to the trolley carriage and log and a computerized control system is coupled to fluid-operated cylinders mounted on log-adjusting knees on the carriage and on other fluid-operated cylinders provided on the carriage itself and on the band saw and used to select and control desired cutting paths through the logs.

Abstract: A process for producing beams of square cross-section from tree boles or the like is characterized in that plano-convex slabs are severed in parallel to the hart zone of the boles. An apparatus for performing the process is characterized in that the boles (2) are supported by height-adjustable supports (9, 10) in such a way that the heart zone (8) is congruent with the preferably horizontal feeding direction of the bole (2). Thereby, the thus-produced square beam (7) is defined by planes parallel to the heart zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting and sawing of logs including a cutting unit mounted to engage the log and including a pair of spaced apart axle sets. Each of said axle sets has mounted thereon at least one disc saw for sawing the logs in a lengthwise direction and at least one chipper edger for chipping a board to the right width. The cutting unit is moveable so that the axle sets are moved and the position of the disc saw and the chipper edger on each of the axle sets in changed relative to the log.

Abstract: An end-dogging log carriage including a first dog assembly with a first dog member rotatably mounted thereon and a second dog assembly with a second dog member rotatably mounted thereon. A log is supported solely by the first and second dog members engaging opposite ends of the log. At least one of the dog members is movable horizontally and vertically to orient the log to a desired position for sawing the log. There may be an indexing device operatively connected to one of the dog members through a clutch. The log may be rotated for scanning when the clutch is disengaged. The indexing device and the clutch are engaged after the log is oriented in a rotational position for a first sawing operation. The clutch is left engaged and the indexing device is employed to rotate the log through the required angle for the next sawing operation.

Abstract: A method serves for flattening logs (10) showing a curved longitudinal center line (10a). The logs (10) are conveyed in horizontal position in their longitudinal direction, with their convex side (11) up and their concave side (12) down. The concave side (11) of the logs (10) is flattened from below in the area of their butt ends (27). In order to optimize the yield in wood, the logs (10) are measured before carrying out the flattening step, in a position where they are supported on a reference plane (13) by the end points (20, 22) of their concave side (12) only. The geometrical position of a first point (26) of the log (10) is determined on the convex side (11) as its elevation above the reference plane (13).

Abstract: Coaxial centers for engaging opposite ends of a log sector to turn about the axis through the centers are mounted on a frame below an overhead sawing device movable along a track extending lengthwise of such axis. Such frame is tiltable about an axis extending transversely of the track supporting the sawing device to alter the angular relationship between the axis through the centers and the track guiding the sawing device.

Abstract: In an automatic sawmill, logs are first sawn horizontally into pieces that are respectively deposited flat side down on a bed plate and conveyed through multiple, close spaced horizontal bandsaws located above the bed plate. Sawn cants are positioned by clamps to have their waney edges removed by a flying saw after clamp retraction.

Abstract: A curved log to be sawn lengthwise by a vertical saw blade is supported for a time, near its center of gravity, by a device which permits the log to rotate about its axis, and thus find an orientation at which the plane of the curve of the log axis is vertical, so as to maximize yield from the log. The device also includes drive sprockets which operate, at certain angular positions of the device, to move the log lengthwise.

Abstract: A portable saw mill for cutting timber from rough logs. The saw mill having a frame comprises a pair of beams supported only at the respective ends thereof, each beam including a rail extending longitudinally of the beams, said rails being parallel and located in a common horizontal plane. A motor and saw assembly mounted on the rails for linear movement therealong and including a motor coupled to a circular saw blade to drive same, and the saw blade being adjustable between at least two positions in each of which the axis of rotation of the saw is at right angles to the direction of linear movement of the motor and saw assembly.

Abstract: A sawmill includes a band saw mounted on a trolley. The trolley carries the band saw back and forth across the length of a log to cut it into boards. A log supporting table is adjustable to accomodate logs of various size. The trolley rails descend incrementally after each cut to reposition the band saw blade for the next cut. The length of each increment, or board thickness, is user selectable by way of an indexable detent bar and limit switch combination. The thickness across the board is held uniform by a pressurized bellows that maintains the proper blade strain in the band saw blade.

Abstract: A circular saw head (1) for the cutting of side boards (3) from a log (2), as a circular saw blade (4) mounted on a saw shaft (10) by a support flange (5). Within a rim of saw teeth (13) and radially spaced apart from it a frontal annular support surface (12) is provided, extending axially over the frontal surface (8) of the saw blade (4) and located in the plane of the frontally outer edges (14) of the saw teeth (13). The support surface (12) supports the surface cut on the wood by the saw teeth (13), thereby guiding the wood.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scaling, sorting, processing, cutting-up and the like of elongate timber items with two substantially parallel, longitudinal surfaces achieved by processing, during longitudinal feed of the item, including determination of a given lateral position and/or form of the item at at least one position along the item, e.g., a cross-section or cross-sectional element, with the aid of sensing means. The method determination takes place with the aid of touch-free distance-sensing means with predetermined measuring directions, fixed and discrete, for determining distances to at least two measuring points on the surface of the timber item, said measuring points being substantially in a cross-section or cross-sectional element of the timber item and on either side of a reference line across the cross-section or cross-sectional element.

Abstract: A shake fabricating process for producing roofing shakes from wood is provided. In accordance with the process a log is stripped of its bark and cut into bolts having a preselected length corresponding to the desired length of the shakes to be produced. The bolts are then cut in half, or in quarters, longitudinally to produce bolt sections which are, in turn, cut into boards having a preselected thickness. A plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves are then cut into the upper and lower surfaces of the boards to give the surfaces the appearance of being hand split, and the boards are cut diagonally from end to end to produce a pair of shakes which decrease in thickness from their first end portions to their second end portions. In order to achieve the desired wood colorization the shakes are then placed in a pressure treating chamber and a first vacuum is generated in the chamber for a preselected time period in order to draw a liquid pigment into the chambers.

Abstract: A lineal output measurement circuit adapted for use with product cutting apparatus, primarily with wood cutting apparatus of the type which have a plurality of simultaneously operable cutting elements. This product cutting apparatus is thereby capable of cutting product stock, such as ripping of a wood member simultaneously into individual wood section strips with a plurality of saw blades positioned to cut the individual strips. The apparatus generally includes some form of input mechanism for programming the cutting mechanism to produce the individual sections of product, that is, to produce the desired amount of the selected widths of product. The measurement circuit of the present invention utilizes program electrical signals from the apparatus which provide a program input representative of the different sizes of product sections to be produced, along with a port circuit and a processing means.

Abstract: A log-positioning conveyor (10) includes a pair of spaced-apart lug-supporting frames (12, 14) and an interconnecting center frame (16). Vertical and horizontal cylinders (42, 44, 46, 48), one of each at each end of the conveyor, are interconnected between end frame members (22, 24) and anchor locations (50, 52, 54, 56). The cylinders (42, 44, 46, 48) are extended and retracted for moving the conveyor vertically and/or horizontally. The conveyor frame (12, 14, 16) is stabilized in position, both endwise and angularly by a stabilizing arm (66). This arm (66) has a universal joint (68) at its inner end connected to an end frame (24) and a universal joint (70) at its outer end connected to an anchoring structure (72). A system of horizontal and vertical light beams (HB, VB) is used to measure each log as it ascends on the conveyor (10) to an uppermost position.

Abstract: A system of optimizing the volume of boards that may be cut from a log provides for one surface of a cant to be cut with a curved or straight surface. This takes into account curved, tapered or straight logs. The system comprises a scanner positioned to scan the log and determine an optimum cut surface profile, a cutting head positioned to cut the top surface of the log, the cutting head having relative vertical movement to the top surface, a conveyor to convey the log passed the scanner and the cutting head, and a controller to control the relative movement of the cutting head in accordance with the signal from the scanner to produce the predetermined optimum cut surface profile for the top surface of the log.

Abstract: A feed speed control for band saws avoids overfeeding and underfeeding of logs or cants to allow higher initial input feeds and takes into account varying cutting depth throughout a log or cant length. The method comprises the steps of positioning a log or cant in preparation for sawing in a saw line, projecting a first light line onto the surface of the log or cant at the projected saw entry line, and a second light line onto the surface of the log or cant at the projected saw exit line and the second light line to determine depth of cut, and controlling the feed speed of the log or cant during the sawing step past the saw blade, to a predetermined feed speed for the measured depth of cut to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding.

Abstract: A log (10) to be sawn into boards is supported by a support assembly (26) which supports the log with its longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of carriage movement of a carriage (22) reciprocating along a defined pathway. A side trimming head (12) is mounted adjacent the path followed by the log and includes first (94) and second (96) spaced-apart circular saw blades oriented so as to make two blind cuts to a predetermined depth into a supported log. An intermediate rotary cutter (104) may be provided between the blades to shape the portion of the log between the first and second blades. A third circular saw blade (14; 107), oriented transversely to the first two blades, cuts the completed board from the log.

Abstract: The invention is an infeed conveyor for a saw which enables feeding sweepy cants or logs in such a manner as to achieve a significant improvement in lumber recovery. The conveyor has at least one portion which can be configured between a straight line track and a curve which approximates an arc of a circle. The arc can be adjusted so that it approximates the sweep curvature of the log or cant which can then be guided into a saw along a path approximating it radius of curvature. The conveyor consists of a sharp chain having at least one portion running on a slide bar which can be configured to give the desired curvature. The conveyor can further be adjusted with regard to the following saw or saws to control offset. In its most preferred version a pair of chipper heads is located between the conveyor and saws to dress the upper and lower faces of an incoming cant into a gang cant of predetermined depth.

Abstract: A system that rotatively orients and skew positions a log for lumber processing. A log is placed in centering V's and rough centered. Rotatable scan spindles rotate the log while scanners obtain measurements at spaced locations along the log length and at selected rotative positions. Each angular position is analyzed for an optimum cutting pattern and the spindles are rotated to rotate the log into the most desirable angular position. The log is skew adjusted by the scan spindles and/or knee clamps in a carriage and conveyed to a saw array. A computer controls the cutting action to achieve the selected cutting pattern.

Abstract: In a method for profile chipping, the necessary chipping out of wany-edged corners laterally defining a side board (4) to be separated is carried out in such a manner that firstly in a direction perpendicular to the trunk axis saw incisions (6) are made to the full depth of the corner but that material adjacent the saw incision (6) is simultaneously chipped out by chipping blades only to a lesser depth, and in a second working step in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (17) remaining corner material (20) is chipped out by means of chipping blades and simultaneously a second saw incision (18) is made. The side board (4) exposed in this manner is separated by a saw severance cut. This provides throughout corner faces worked by saw cut which do not have any material splits due to chipping blades.

Abstract: Round wood trunks are formed into beams, boards, etc. shaped on all sides, each round wood trunk being continuously flattened along its lengthwise direction in each of several working steps. In each feeding operation of the round wood trunk, it is simultaneously flattened on at least two sides.

Abstract: A tandem sawmill assembly is disclosed having two linearly spaced sawing stations. A conveyor system moves the log through the first sawing station and up an inclined ramp for rotating the log ninety degrees prior to moving the log through the second sawing station. An overhead roller engages the re-oriented log and advances it to a centering platform where centering arms engage the log to orient the log axially with respect to the second sawing station. The conveyor then moves the aligned log through the second sawing station while a second overhead roller applies presssure to the upper surface of the log.