Abstract: Material selection systems and methods for constructing a musical instrument and/or where a selected material is a wood material are disclosed. One example material selection system includes a rating module and a rating database. The rating module includes an excitation device configured to act upon material samples; a vibration receiver in cooperation with the excitation device; a rating computer coupled to the vibration receiver, the rating computer configured to execute stored instructions for determining a set of material sample ratings based on FFT analysis of data collected by the vibration receiver; and an output device operatively coupled to the rating computer, the output device configured to output the determined set of material sample ratings to a rating database. Each set of material sample ratings is associated with a material sample. Another example material selection system may further include a selection module with a selection computer coupled to the rating database.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, and one or more visual cameras are used to generate superimposed image data representing a visual/NIR composite image of wood product and correlating moisture levels with physical features of the surfaces of the wood product. By analyzing the visual/NIR composite image represented by superimposed image data, moisture pockets near an open physical feature that, absent the presence open physical feature would be a problem, can be identified and ignored. Based on the identified moisture levels at various locations in a given wood product, and the proximity of physical features to the identified moisture locations, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of a sorter and a method for sorting wood pieces and for guiding them to a conveyor. This type of sorter comprises a lower frame, a receiving deck for wood pieces, and a feeder for detaching a wood piece from the receiving deck. Said feeder comprises a controller for supporting the wood piece during movement directed to it and transferring it substantially vertically from the receiving deck. In that case the control means is traversed by at least two bearers controlled by an actuator for producing the vertical movement of the wood piece. The bearers are arranged to project from an outer surface of the controller by an amount of projection that is adjustable during lifting. The feeder further comprises a measuring unit for detecting a wood piece of a given diameter (e.g., the largest or larger cross-sectional diameter) on the bearers and for controlling the projection of the bearers to a position corresponding to this given diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs includes a device (2) equipped for detecting at least one log (T) eigenfrequency (natural frequency) and with a plurality of supports (10) able to move by rotating between a pick up position, in which they are located at a loading station (7), and a release position in which they are located at an unloading station (8) which is on the opposite side of a supports (10) axis of rotation relative to the loading station (7). A method for identifying the modulus of elasticity of logs includes the steps of picking up a log (T) while it is fed along a first direction (A1) on a first conveyor line (102); subjecting the log (T) to a step of detecting at least one natural frequency; and a step of releasing the log (T) on a second conveyor line (103) defining a second feed direction (A2) which is transversal to the first conveying direction (A1).

Abstract: The flow director apparatus according to the present invention in such bins include a plurality of the flow directors which are pivotally mounted or mountable beneath said plurality of diverter gates and to said upper end of said frame so as to depend a free end of each flow director of said plurality of said flow directors downwardly from said upper end into an entrance cavity of said bin defined by said upper end of said frame. Each flow director is elongate and has a base end opposite said free end. Each flow director pivotally is mounted or mountable to said upper end of said frame at said base end of the flow director.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for stacking wood products. In some embodiments, the disclosure the steps of designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin. The at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber.

Abstract: A device for sorting out waste parts of workpieces on saws has a saw having at least one saw blade for cutting workpieces into workpiece parts. At least one feed roller is arranged upstream of the saw in a transport direction of workpieces. At least one feed roller is arranged downstream of the saw in the transport direction. At least one transport device is provided for the workpiece parts cut at the saw. At least one acceleration roller is arranged in the transport direction of the workpieces downstream of the saw so that the cut workpiece parts are transported by being accelerated away from the cutting area.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the robustness of a tubular assembly in a fluid flow assembly for a hydraulic system and predicting the performance of the endform tubular assembly in high pressure applications, wherein the tubular assembly has inherent features therein that are measured to provide quantified values for assessing the robustness of the assembly and predict the performance of such assembly in high pressure applications for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: Provided is a system for cutting and sorting of engineered wood products. Using appropriate software, a designer may model an entire house's structural frame. The dimensions and labeling for individual members of the structure are extracted from the model and captured by the software. The software may batch and optimize the products to be cut on the saw and develop sawing control instructions. The instructions are used by the saw to process the parts according to the house structure design. As the parts are processed by the saw, they are discharged and sent to an outfeed system that will stack the engineered wood products according to the parameters defined by the workstation operator. The system can handle the multiple lengths and widths of engineered wood parts from the saw and stack them in the order the software may specify.

Abstract: The flow director apparatus according to the present invention in such bins include a plurality of the flow directors which are pivotally mounted or mountable beneath said plurality of diverter gates and to said upper end of said frame so as to depend a free end of each flow director of said plurality of said flow directors downwardly from said upper end into an entrance cavity of said bin defined by said upper end of said frame. Each flow director is elongate and has a base end opposite said free end. Each flow director pivotally is mounted or mountable to said upper end of said frame at said base end of the flow director.

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 mechanism (1000) for classifying logs based on a combination of transit time technology and resonance-based technology is provided. Pressure impulses are applied to a log (4) so as to produce acoustic waves in the log. Acoustic measurements are performed using transit time technology and resonance-based technology, respectively, to obtain a maximum and an average impulse velocity, respectively, of the log. The log quality is evaluated based on the different impulse velocities, forming a radial impulse velocity gradient of the log. The quality algorithm can include a combination of MOE and radial wood gradients to improve the accuracy further. Other parameters, such as log shape, weight, temperature, may also be included. The system can utilize impulses separated in space and time, where differences in impulse velocities between transmitter-receiver paths reflect internal wood defects. The log is classified (and sorted) using criteria or thresholds dependent on the log quality.

Abstract: A scanning system which scans for defects in decorative panels by generating images of the panels. A comparative program, i.e., recipes of samples of decorative panels having defect types and degrees, enables the system to make comparisons of defects and through said comparisons to grade the defects whereby the panels are graded as, e.g., acceptable, re-work, shop or reject. The program is modified for different decorative wood species and a controller dictates the comparative program to be applied for different customer orders of decorative wood panels.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating and recovering short bars from full length bars in a rolling mill. The bars are initially conveyed on a run-out roller table from a shear to a transfer station where they are accumulated in a layer. The layer is transferred laterally from the transfer station onto a separation roller table at a separation station. An elevator lifts the tail ends of the full length bars off of the separation roller table, and the separation roller table then conveys the short bars to a recovery station. The remaining full length bars are then returned to the transfer station, from where they are sent on to a bundling station.

Abstract: A “woodprint™” characterization and identification technique unique employs cameras (16), lighting (14), camera interface hardware (18), a computer (20), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood (8) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece (8), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece (8) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece (8).

Abstract: A classifying station for classifying a piece of wood in a wood processing plant, the classifying station including an area for an operator, a conveyor for transversely conveying pieces of wood before the area, and a console for entering classification related to a piece of wood to be classified, where the classifying station includes a dynamic classification zone located in front of the area having a predetermined length. The station also includes illumination elements adapted to selectively illuminate a piece of wood to be classified when the piece of wood is in the dynamic classification zone, the illumination elements being adapted to illuminate another piece of wood when the piece of wood has been classified; and control means for controlling the illumination means and operatively associated with the console in order to associate the illuminated piece of wood with information related to classification of the piece of wood entered by the user while the piece of wood is lit.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic, unmanned, powered, variable speed transfer table for a finger joint machine which receives a controlled supply of blocks from a lineal block feeder. The slat chain is composed of two chain loops, connected at regular, equal intervals by slats. The slat chain pushes blocks over an even ending conveyor which aligns them to the inside of one of the chains and then over a moisture detecting system. Blocks containing unacceptable moisture fall through a gap in the working table while blocks with acceptable moisture are pushed by the slats over a door covering the gap and onto an outfeed table. The slats are synchronized to the lugs on the finger joint machine's lug chain and deposit correctly aligned and orientated blocks precisely on the lug chain. The slat chain then rotates upward and loops back over the working table and then down, under the infeed conveyor to re-emerge at the even ending conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and sorting boards conveys the boards along a conveyor path. The apparatus senses the length of boards and the grade of boards, and cuts selected boards into first and second segments. The first and second segments are aligned against lumber lines respectively on each side of a conveyor path. The boards are then selectively sorted and dropped into bins successively positioned along each side of the conveyor path.

Abstract: A feeder arrangement for the individual feeding of timber pieces (10) to a downwardly moving conveyor (2) includes an incoming conveyor (7) and projecting carriers (23) on the downwardly moving conveyor (2). The incoming conveyor (7) is disposed for the feeding of timber pieces (10). The carriers (23) incline obliquely downwards and outwards from the downwardly moving conveyor (2). A curved guide space (21) is disposed to overlap, with a lower end portion, an upper portion of the downwardly moving conveyor (2). The angle of curvature of the guide space (21) is so great that the upper side of a timber piece (10) which comes to guide space (21) will be turned to face downwards when the timber piece (10) rests on a carrier (23). The incoming conveyor (7) has an end portion which is turned to face towards the guide space (21) and which is approximately horizontal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously operating drum debarking method for processing logs. The logs to be de-barked into a debarking drum (4′) having no bark discharge openings in the shell. The logs together with the bark loosened therefrom are discharged to a downstream bark separating system. Therein, the logs are subjected mutual movements resulting in the removal of bark from about the logs. The thus separated bark pieces are further discharged onto a conveyor system located under the separating equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and sorting boards conveys the boards along a conveyor path. The apparatus senses the length of boards and the grade of boards, and cuts selected boards into first and second segments. The first and second segments are aligned against lumber lines respectively on each side of a conveyor path. The boards are then selectively sorted and dropped into bins successively positioned along each side of the conveyor path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for sorting a plurality of green wood veneer sheets into a plurality of subsets of sheets, the subsets including a “driest” subset, a “wettest” subset, and one or more “intermediate” subsets. The system has a light source for transmitting light through a sheet of veneer as it passes along a conveyor system, and a light sensor for sensing the light passing through the sheet. The pattern of light is recorded by an image acquisition and processing subsystem as an image, which is fed to an image analysis subsystem programmed to analyse the light pattern and to produce a mathematical representation of the image. An integrated moisture content value (IMCV) is set for the particular veneer sheet. Based on this value, a controller sends signals to the conveyor system to convey the particular sheet to a location storing sheets having similar IMCV values for drying.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting individual timber pieces of different dimensions and or qualities into a number of mutually superposed sorting compartments (1) comprises a conveyor and a transfer device (12). The conveyor transports individual timber pieces places in the vertical direction along the infeed ends of the sorting compartments (1). The longitudinal direction of the timber pieces is approximately horizontal and transversely directed in relation to the longitudinal direction of the sorting compartments (1). The transfer device (12) transfers a specific timber piece place from the conveyor to a specific sorting compartment (1). The transfer device (12) has a least one transfer member (13) per sorting compartment (1). Each transfer member (13) is movable between a passive position outside the path (4) of the conveyor and an active position within the path (4) of the conveyor.

Abstract: An oscillator apparatus for sorting out pieces of lumber for separating smaller scraps of wood from larger usable pieces of wood. The oscillator apparatus for sorting out pieces of lumber includes a base assembly including leg members and elongate side members interconnecting pairs of leg members; and also includes a table assembly being movably mounted upon the base assembly; and further includes an oscillator assembly being mounted to the base assembly for oscillating the table assembly.

Abstract: A classifying station for classifying a piece of wood in a wood processing plant, the classifying station including an area for an operator, a conveyor for transversely conveying pieces of wood before the area, and a console for entering classification related to a piece of wood to be classified, where the classifying station includes a dynamic classification zone located in front of the area having a predetermined length. The station also includes illumination elements adapted to selectively illuminate a piece of wood to be classified when the piece of wood is in the dynamic classification zone, the illumination elements being adapted to illuminate another piece of wood when the piece of wood has been classified; and control means for controlling the illumination means and operatively associated with the console in order to associate the illuminated piece of wood with information related to classification of the piece of wood entered by the user while the piece of wood is lit.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus for sorting board lumber at a sawmill. The lumber sorter has a sort conveyor with equidistantly spaced hooks pivotably attached around the length of the conveyor. The hooks have an arcuate support arm and pivot to receive and to release lumber onto and off of the sort conveyor. The support surface of the hook is arranged to increase in distance from the pivot point when the hook is deflected to release the board lumber that it carries, facilitating lumber release with minimal consequential movement or rotation of the lumber caused by the release deflection of the hook.

Abstract: This invention provides log singulators which allow for the vertical singulation of piles of logs fed from typical in-feed log decks, so that these logs may be fed individually to typical out-feed conveyors. Devices provided by this invention may be high-speed singulators occupying minimal floor space area. Singulators provided by this invention comprise arcuately oscillating lifting devices (“primary lifting devices”), preferably rotating synchronously in opposite directions. Preferably, these singulators elevate logs against vertically successive barriers. These barriers are shaped so that only one of either a largest log or a smallest log, which it is expected that the singulator should handle, can rest on the primary lifting devices and be carried upward at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting random length boards for nesting into a single row of predetermined lengths includes an accumulating conveyor with longitudinal tracks positioned adjacent a storage rack with the longitudinal channels aligned with the tracks. A scanning assembly is positioned between the accumulating conveyor and storage rack for scanning boards moving between the conveyor and storage rack, to determine the length of each board. The central processor is connected to the scanning assembly, and gates on the accumulating rack and storage rack, to automatically operate the system.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic, unmanned, powered, variable speed transfer table for a finger joint machine which receives a controlled supply of blocks from a lineal block feeder. The slat chain is composed of two chain loops, connected at regular, equal intervals by slats. The slat chain pushes blocks over an even ending conveyor which aligns them to the inside of one of the chains and then over a moisture detecting system. Blocks containing unacceptable moisture fall through a gap in the working table while blocks with acceptable moisture are pushed by the slats over a door covering the gap and onto an outfeed table. The slats are synchronized to the lugs on the finger joint machine's lug chain and deposit correctly aligned and orientated blocks precisely on the lug chain. The slat chain then rotates upward and loops back over the working table and then down, under the infeed conveyor to re-emerge at the even ending conveyor.

Abstract: A method and device whereby green tire components are on-line controlled as to quality, dimensions and structure by means of electric resistance measurements.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic, unmanned, powered, variable speed transfer table for a finger joint machine which receives a controlled supply of blocks from a lineal block feeder The slat chain is composed of two chain loops, connected at regular, equal intervals by slats. The slat chain pushes blocks over an even ending conveyor which aligns them to the inside of one of the chains and then over a moisture detecting system. Blocks containing unacceptable moisture fall through a gap in the working table while blocks with acceptable moisture are pushed by the slats over a door covering the gap and onto an outfeed table. The slats are synchronized to the lugs on the finger joint machine's lug chain and deposit correctly aligned and orientated blocks precisely on the lug chain. The slat chain then rotates upward and loops back over the working table and then down, under the infeed conveyor to re-emerge at the even ending conveyor. 1 Inventor Stibbard; James S.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic, unmanned, powered, variable speed finger joint machine infeed apparatus which receives a random and haphazard delivery of blocks from a controllable supply conveyor. An intermittently operable infeed conveyor moves blocks from the supply conveyor to an unscrambler, through which a slat chain travels and picks up blocks. The slat chain is composed of two chain loops, connected at regular, equal intervals by slats. The unscrambler partially singularizes and orientates blocks transversely to the direction of travel and the slat chain pushes blocks over an even ending conveyor which aligns them to the inside of one of the chains. The slat chain pushes the even ended blocks under a block hold down, which allows excess blocks to drop out of the system, and then over a moisture detecting system.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus or a heat transfer recording sheet providing apparatus including the sheet winding apparatus, the sheet winding apparatus formed of a plurality of sheet winding devices arranged in multiple steps in a vertical direction. Each of the sheet winding devices includes (1) a plurality of holding/rotating devices, (2) a sticking apparatus for sticking adhesive around a number of outer peripheral portions of an unused roll shaft held by one of the holding/rotating devices, arranged in the direction of the unused roll shaft, and (3) a press roll that presses a sheet against an outer periphery of a roll shaft held by the holding/rotating device during the entire time that the sheet is wound around the roll shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process whereby low-grade lumber, (i.e., lumber having surface defects such as knots, voids, wane, and bark pockets, and warp defects such as twist, bow, crook and sweep), is converted to higher grade lumber and panel products. The process of the present invention involves first categorizing low-grade lumber, arranging a specified number of the categorized low-grade lumber side by side in a manner which offsets the surface defects on adjacent lumber by a minimum distance, and then face-laminating the categorized low-grade lumber together to form a cant. Warp defects such as bow, twist and crook are also offset in the arrangement of the cant and are straightened through the clamping and bonding process. The cant is then re-sawn to produce new, laminated wood products of a higher grade, each new laminated wood product including portions of the original lumber.

Abstract: Device incorporating rollers to separate particles of different gradings a plurality of adjacent rollers (11) forming a selection bed where each roller (11) has a surface conformation defining a plurality of circumferential peaks (12) alternating with circumferential grooves (13), the rollers (11) including at least a working position where the grooves (13) of one roller are facing and at least partly penetrated by the peaks (12) of the adjacent roller (11), the discharge gap (18) between the two adjacent rollers (11) having a substantially zig-zag development, in at least some rollers (11) the connection surface (26) between the peaks (12) and grooves (13), and/or the peaks (12) and/or the grooves (13) themselves being at least partly worked with protuberances, protrusions, hollows and/or facets (23, 24, 25).

Abstract: A rotating lumber sorting device has a rotatable transfer element provided on its periphery with a plurality of receptacles which are spaced from one another in a peripheral direction and have different widths substantially corresponding to different thickness of boards to be sorted, and a plurality of guiding elements having inlet ends located close to the transfer element and also having different widths substantially corresponding to the widths of the receptacles, so that the boards of different widths are first received into the receptacles of the transfer element with each part received in a corresponding one of the receptacles, and thereafter the boards are transferred to the guiding elements and each board is transferred from a corresponding one of the receptacles of the transfer element into a corresponding one of the guiding elements, the guiding elements having outlets which are spaced from one another so as to guide having different thickness into separate accumulating places.

Abstract: A drop sling lumber sorter apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a plurality of bays for receiving pieces of sorted lumber. Each of the bays includes a rotatable drive shaft mounted to the frame assembly and a plurality of elongated, flexible, laterally spaced slings having a first end and a second end. The first end of each sling is mounted to the drive shaft. A pivoting hook and retriever assembly selectively capture and release the second end of each sling to the frame assembly. A spool assembly is mounted on the drive shaft for each sling. Each spool assembly is capable of guiding the sling onto the rotatable drive shaft. The slings are reeled onto or reeled off of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates. A tensioner assembly tensions the slings as they are reeled off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An automatic label applicator includes means for scanning a group of touching objects to determine their unique coordinates, and means responsive to the coordinates for automatically applying labels to the objects. A robotic arm is controllably movable in horizontal and vertical directions to align the applicator with individual objects disposed in a stack of objects.

Abstract: A drop sling lumber sorter apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a plurality of bays for receiving pieces of sorted lumber. Each of the bays includes a rotatable drive shaft mounted to the frame assembly and a plurality of elongated, flexible, laterally spaced slings having a first end and a second end. The first end of each sling is mounted to the drive shaft. A pivoting hook and retriever assembly selectively capture and release the second end of each sling to the frame assembly. A spool assembly is mounted on the drive shaft for each sling. Each spool assembly is capable of guiding the sling onto the rotatable drive shaft. The slings are reeled onto or reeled off of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates. A tensioner assembly tensions the slings as they are reeled off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Device to retrieve and discharge short bars, which is associated with a counting and separation zone (16) of a bar feeder (12) upstream of a station for the formation of bundles of bars, the bars (11) being substantially butted at a first side of the device and being fed forwards in a direction perpendicular to their lengthwise extent, the bars (11) of a required length protruding at the second side of the device from their feeder (12), a retention device (19) to perform temporary retention being included in cooperation with the counting and separation zone (16) and with the second side of the device and defining an extraction station (15), which is equipped with a first plurality of separator/extractor rolls (27) within the bar feeder (12) and with a second plurality of extractor rolls (28) outside the bar feeder (12) and at the opposite side to the temporary retention device (19).

Abstract: A drop sling lumber sorter apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a plurality of bays for receiving pieces of sorted lumber. Each of the bays includes a rotatable drive shaft mounted to the frame assembly and a plurality of elongated, flexible, laterally spaced slings having a first end and a second end. The first end of each sling is mounted to the drive shaft. A pivoting hook and retriever assembly selectively capture and release the second end of each sling to the frame assembly. A spool assembly is mounted on the drive shaft for each sling. Each spool assembly is capable of guiding the sling onto the rotatable drive shaft. The slings are reeled onto or reeled off of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates. A tensioner assembly tensions the slings as they are reeled off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: In order to convey thin, long and relatively fragile sticks one after another successively in which those too long are trimmed short and those too short are eliminated so that sticks substantially uniform in length can be conveyed to the next step without fail in:(1) a device having an endless belt or the like with a multiplicity of grooves capable of accommodating the stick but shorter than the stick and perpendicular to the belt's advancing direction, a guide having introducer after where the stick is fed and a limiter or an opposed guide opposite to the guide;(2) a device having the aforementioned belt or the like, guide, limiter or opposed guide and a guide plate disposed in front thereof apart from or in contact with the limiter or the opposed guide; and(3) a device having the aforementioned belt or the like, guide, opposed guide, deterrent plate above the guide, horizontal air blow near the last end of the guide and a pressing member behind the horizontal air blow at a position opposite thereto.

Abstract: A rotary drum log sorter for sorting logs received from a log feeder adjacent to the log sorter. A circular rotating drum is mounted to a frame and has a set of circumferential pockets for receiving logs from the log feeder as the pocket rotates to a position adjacent to the log feeder. Gates are provided which are mounted to the frame and adjacent to the rotating drum. The gates can be in a closed position so that a log in a pocket of the drum is prevented from leaving the packet as the pocket rotates past the closed gate. The gates also can be in an open position which will allow a log to drop from the pocket. An operator using conventional controls linked to the gates can selectively permit a log to drop from a pocket into a given collection bin.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing system for lumber involves measurement of grain angle about a board and transformation of the measured grain angle values to extract features indicative of knot identification, grain angle perturbations or strength of the board. Individual boards can then be processed for grading or sorting purposes as a function of the extracted features. Specific features utilized for knot identification are curl, divergence, and novel transformations termed gradient, edges and knots, as well as various pattern matching techniques. Strength estimation involves transformations pertaining to failure distance, which is a function of board tensile strength. Failure distance can be computed by an ellipsoidal model, a search model or a tracks model. When utilized in conjunction with conventional bending test procedures, highly accurate strength estimation is achieved by the described system.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting metal bars by length, has a conveyor on which the bars are arranged longitudinally and conveys the bars both longitudinally and laterally. The conveyor has driven rollers contacted by the bars. A pick-up device picks up and conveys laterally, with respect to the conveyor, ends of bars having a predetermined length, thus preventing the longitudinal movement of such bars while bars not of the predetermined length are conveyed longitudinally at least partly past the pick-up device by the conveyor. To avoid increase capacity of the apparatus, and avoid wear, the rollers are obliquely positioned rollers whose axis of rotation is at a non-zero angle to the lateral direction of the conveyor, these rollers being, over at least part of their axial lengths, circular cylindrical in shape.

Abstract: A lumber optimizer system that detects the wane in a flitch being processed and by using a plurality of discrete detectors detecting the amount of electromagnetic radiation passing through localized areas of the board to determine the local differences in density provides a density profile of the flitch. The developed data are accumulated as the flitch traverses the detectors and processed in a computer to provide a profile of signal strengths generated by the detectors and used to generate an image of varying intensity depending on the signal (density) for each discrete area of the flitch and provide a density map of the field. The map so produced is analyzed in conjunction with the detected wane to determine the defects in the flitch and the nature and the position of such defects in the flitch and provide a plan of the flitch wherein the locations of good wood, and various defects are provided.

Abstract: A lumber sorting apparatus wherein a bin collects graded lumber. Flexible straps across the bottom are extended to expand the lumber holding capacity. One end of the strap has a releasable latch mechanism and latching of the strap (after dumping the lumber) is provided by a rigid pivotal arm that receives the latch mechanism in the rewinding operation and pivots the latch mechanism into place for relatching. The arm member includes a length portion that spans the open bottom. Guide pins in the arm member on either side of the length portion define a straight reach across said length portion which is offset downwardly from the straps whereby lumber pieces dropped into the bin are prevented from impacting the rigid arm member.

Abstract: A lumber sorting apparatus wherein a bin collects graded lumber. Flexible straps across the bottom are elongated to expand the lumber holding capacity. One end of the strap has a releasable latch mechanism and latching of the straps (after dumping the lumber) is provided by a rigid pivotal arm that receives the latch mechanism in a rewinding operation and pivots the latch member into place for relatching. The latch mechanism consists of a spool that fits between sleeve portions through which a pin is controllably inserted and withdrawn by a manually operated air cylinder.

Abstract: A sorting method and apparatus for sorting steel products such as bars, rods, shapes and tubular products which are delivered in a random manner, according to the ordered lengths, sizes and so forth. The steel products are made to stay on a sorting apparatus temporarily. Then, pieces of products of the same class are successively selected and forwarded to a bundling bed from the sorting apparatus, while the latter receives a new piece of steel products. This operation is repeated for successive classes to sort the steel products into a plurality of classes having different ordered lengths, sizes or other sorting condition. The sorting apparatus has a vertically movable sorting roller table and a sorting truck arranged in a side-by-side relation to the sorting roller table and movable in the direction normal to the direction of movement of the steel products.