Abstract: The present invention provides an improved drive mechanism of the sawing machine for woodworking, which allows to install the integrated drive motor and sawing device onto the moveable mount of the fixed motor, so that the screw rod arranged at one side of two lifting rods enables lifting control to achieve most reliable lifting and stroke of entire saw blade set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cutting a piece of meat into a predetermined number of steaks. To allow the piece of meat to be cut in a rapid and simple manner with small losses of raw material, the piece of meat is placed in a mould whose bottom, cover and side walls substantially enclose the piece of meat, the piece of meat is subjected to a pressure in such a way that the bottom, the cover or at least one of the walls is movable and at least partly pressed into the mould until the piece of meat is so compressed as to fill substantially the entire space between the bottom, side walls and cover of the mould. The cutting elements are inserted into the mould through slots provided in the side walls, cover and/or bottom of the mould, whereby the piece of meat subjected to pressure is cut into a predetermined number of steaks by the cutting elements. The invention also relates to a cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A saw carriage or module for manually, semiautomatically or automatically cutting stems typically supplied by a stem handling apparatus, which stem handling apparatus delivers full-sized, substantially tree-length stems to one or more of the saw carriages for cutting into logs, poles or other segments. During automatic operation of the module(s) stems are typically scanned by an optical device and the physical characteristics of the scanned stem are sent to a computer, which selects the cutting pattern and transfers this information to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller typically orchestrates positioning of one or more linearly-adjustable saw carriages or modules and on-board carriage saw blades to optimize cutting of the stems into the segments. After the modules and saws are so positioned, each stem is sequentially transferred by the handling apparatus to the saw modules, where it is positioned, clamped and cut into multiple segments at the preselected optimum points.

Abstract: An improved saw assembly (30) includes a rotatable arbor (74) on which two or more saw blades (75) are mounted. The driving interface (96, 98) between the saw blades and the arbor permits the axis of rotation of the saw blades to be collinear with the arbor axis (90) or skewed a few degrees (94) in either direction. A saw blade positioning assembly (72) includes pairs of guide arms (84) which engage the sides (88) of the saw blades to position each saw blade at the proper location along the arbor and at the proper skew angle. The guide arms are moved in unison so that the axial position and the skew angle of each of the saw blades can be changed in unison before and during sawing operations.

Abstract: The board positioning device of the present invention selectively positions in a lateral direction in a generally horizontal plane a board translating in a longitudinal direction in the horizontal plane, wherein the board is aligned along its length in the lateral direction, and the device includes a flexible fence lying in the generally horizontal plane, a fence positioner for selectively positioning the flexible fence in the lateral direction in the generally horizontal plane along a transition path as determined by an optimizer whereby the board may be laterally selectively positioned optimally relative to trimmer saws located downstream from the flexible fence in the longitudinal direction when the board is urged laterally against the flexible fence by lateral ending rolls.

Abstract: Saw mill apparatus and method are disclosed which provide improved cutting of logs. The saw mill apparatus supports and advances a log towards the saw mill's saw assembly and cuts the log longitudinally by a pair of parallel band saws. Blade guides are mounted to the blades of each of the band saws and are movable along the blades toward and away from the log being cut. The diameter of the log is sensed at plural longitudinal positions thereof and the blade guides are displaced along the band saw blades in response to each of the sensed diameters so that the blade guides are continuously positioned in close proximity to the log while it is being cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording an operating status of an NC processing machine is provided. Measuring and recording operations can be performed with trial processing and actual processing distinguishing from each other. In order to record the operating status in a case where an NC apparatus is controlled to cause an NC processing machine i.e. a press brake, to perform continuous processing according to a processing program, a processing condition for a work used in previous processing is stored in a memory. A comparison/decision unit decides whether a processing condition for a work used in current processing coincides with the stored processing condition of the work in the previous processing. If the current processing condition coincides with the previous processing condition, a recording unit records the current processing as actual processing.

Abstract: A blank-figure constructing method for sheet metal work, wherein a cutting passage planned to sequentially cut a plurality of desired blanks from a sheet material is determined, utilizing a multiple figure composed of the figures of the plurality of blanks to be obtained, in the multiple figure of which the adjacent line segments of the single blank figures are combined. This method is that if the multiple figure has an even number of, four or more odd vertices at each of which an odd number of internal and external line segments of the multiple figure meet, an auxiliary line is drawn outside the multiple figure, connecting any two of the odd vertices on the outline of the multiple figure to make the total number of odd vertices be two or zero so that the cutting passage, which passes through all the internal, external line segments and auxiliary line of the multiple figure, can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting or milling three dimensional parts with minimal material waste. The system is comprised of a five or six axis machine, which is equipped with an ultrasonic cutting device and/or a routing unit, and is operated by part programs automatically generated by a software system, which minimizes material waste and creates a toolpath for the three dimensional parts to be manufactured.

Abstract: An automatic stem cutting apparatus which is designed to analyze and rapidly process full-sized substantially tree-length stems into logs, poles or other segments for further processing in pole mills, sawmills, plywood plants and the like. The stems may be scanned by an optical device and the physical characteristics of the scanned stem are either loaded into a programmable logic controller or sent to a computer connected to the programmable logic controller for determining the optimum value of the segments which can be cut from a stem. The programmable logic controller orchestrates positioning of multiple, linearly-adjustable saw carriages or modules and on-board saw blades to optimize cutting of the stem into the segments. After being scanned, the stems are sequentially transferred to a loading apparatus which positions each stem for subsequent loading onto the saw carriages.

Abstract: A positioning device having a transmitter mounted on a carriage which is movable along a secondary axis. A linear detection array is provided to scan a profile of an object mounted on the carriage. The detection array has a plurality of sensors which are arrayed in a direction which is parallel to the secondary axis. A directing device serves to direct a signal emitted from the transmitter to a corresponding one of the sensors which is in opposition to the transmitter. Position of the carriage, along the secondary axis, can be determined based on the on/off status of the sensors.

Abstract: An enhancement for use with a sawing system for allowing an operator to communicate with a computer control to more efficiently carry out the cutting operations in a manual manner. The enhancement of the invention computes optimized cuts, controls a stop block for use during the cutting operations, and detects manual strokes of the saw. The computer system interacts with the operator to prompt the operator to input defect-free lengths of the material and when to manually carry out the cutting operations, thereby providing an overall enhancement to the manual sawing system.

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 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 slicing machines includes a control system having a camera (6) which views a cut face (5) of a product being sliced. Image data from the camera (6) is processed to determined a parameter characteristic of the cut face (5). The step of processing the image data includes classifying the image data by comparison with an intensity threshold which is varied automatically in accordance with the populations of data in the different classes. A control signal is generated to control the operation of the slicing machine in accordance with the determined parameter.In a preferred example, the determined parameter depends on the linear density of the cut face and the control signal varies the thickness of the slices in order to produce a slice having a desired weight.

Abstract: A mechanism for providing computerized control of both a rip and a crosscut fence for a table saw is disclosed. The device is adapted to utilize the output of an optimization program to accurately and economically permit the user to cut sheet stock. A personal computer is utilized to determine an optimum cutting pattern in a preselected series of patterns for a preselected inventory of finished pieces. The computer arranges the finished pieces on the inventory of sheets and displays graphically the intended output to the user. The user selects the cuts in the provided sequence and the personal computer through the use of mechanical interfaces accurately positions the fences of the table saw for each successive cut. The mechanism may also allow manual entry of selected cuts by the user.

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: Articles of meat or fish are transported on three successively positioned conveyor belts wherein at least a part of the first conveyor belt forms a load-bearing platform of a weighing machine. A cutting device is positioned for cutting the transported articles into portions between the second and third successive conveyor belts. The cutting device is actuated by a computer which is preprogrammed with a predetermined cut portion weight.

Abstract: A station (10) for cutting sheets of wood (13), and in particular for cutting packages of sheets, includes a first device (12) for positioning a package of sheets under a first cutter (15) so as to separate parts of the package sequentially. A further device (14) takes the cut part and sends it to a second cutter (17) for sequentially cutting the part along a second direction so as to obtain another division in subparts sequentially and selectively conveyed outside the station. Electronic controls are used to manage operation of the cutters and the positioning and taking devices for performing the cuts in accordance with a previously set grid of cuts.

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: There is disclosed saw mill apparatus for cutting root end defects from lumber pieces and cutting such pieces to desired sizes including a generally conventional scanner for recording detailed contour data for each piece as it is moved by a plurality of chain belt conveyors transverse to its longitudinal dimension; the scanner is followed by a root end trim saw unit extending over the root end edge of such conveyors including a motor driven rotating circular saw blade articulated to move down into or up out of the path of lumber pieces and also slidably mounted to be moved over a range of about 24 inches in one half inch increments thereby to cut away a defective portion of a lumber piece identified by the scanner and a conventional mill computer; following the end trimming saw unit is an even ending apparatus with generally conventional ending rolls to transport lumber pieces lengthwise as necessary to butt the root end against a guide fence.

Abstract: A marking station for defect locations and quality limits in timber includes a timber transporting device, a transporting speed changing device, and an indicating station part with a laser transmitting element formed as a mirror, and laser. The laser is arranged stationary so that the laser beam extends parallel to a movement direction of the timber and impinges on the mirror. The mirror deviates the laser beam transversely to the movement direction. The laser beam indicates on the timber, in the movement direction, a first separating plane before a defect location and a second separating plane behind the defect location. The laser beam also indicates quality limits. Indicating positions of the laser transmitting element are transmitted to a computer.

Abstract: A circular cross-cut sawing apparatus comprises two transversely adjustable lides each carrying a plurality of saw blades. The saw blades on each slide can be selectively lowered into the path of oncoming boards. The slides are independently adjustable so that any given board can be cut by blades on both slides.

Abstract: An automated multiple rip sawing apparatus is disclosed, wherein the boards are inspected at an inspection station to identify the lateral boundaries of the maximum usable clear area of each board. Each board is then delivered to an elongated saw feeding table which includes a transversely movable guide fence, and the board is then fed through a multiple rip saw having blades of differing separations, to thereby form a plurality of separate wood components. The transverse movement of the fence is automatically adjusted by a computer control, which includes the stored value of the boundaries of the maximum clear area of the board, and so that the board is ripped into the number and size of wood components which achieves a maximum yield from each board. Also, the saw feeding table includes a fixed support frame, and guide means for supporting the transverse movement of the fence while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in its alignment with respect to the fixed support frame.

Abstract: A marking station for defect locations and quality limits in timber comprises a transporting device arranged to transport a timber in a movement direction through the marking station, a device for changing a transporting speed of the timber in the marking station, an indicating station part provided with a laser transmitting element and operative for indicating on the timber with a laser beam a first separating plane in the movement direction before a defect location and a second separating plane in the movement direction behind the defect location as well as for indicating quality limits, the laser transmitting element being movable by an operator along a guiding means parallel to the movement direction relative to the timber to indicating positions corresponding to the separating planes and the quality limits, a computer receiving the indicating positions of the laser transmitting element in the movement direction, the laser transmitting element being formed as a first mirror, a laser producing the laser be

Abstract: A hack sawing machine is disclosed, which comprises a base, a case, a shaft rotated by a motor, a saw blade bow guided in a sliding movement in the case, a drum cam which causes the blade to have an active forward stroke and a passive return stroke, a two-armed lever (bracket), eleastic means which, rotating the case, bring the blade back into the cut after the passive stroke and a hydraulic system. This system comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic circuit having a hydraulic pump to pump oil to the cylinder. The hydraulic circuit acts to maintain a predetermined pressure of the saw blade bow on the workpiece during the active stroke and camming means cause the bow to be raised during the passive stroke.

Abstract: A bow saw machine has a machine frame; a device for immobilizing a workpiece in the machine; a housing pivotally attached to the machine frame for providing for a swinging motion of the housing generally in a vertical plane; a saw bow supporting a saw blade in a generally horizontal orientation during the sawing operation; a guide supported in the housing for longitudinally displaceably mounting the saw bow; a drive motor; a crank drive supported in the housing and having a generally vertically oriented drive shaft eccentrically coupled to the saw bow for effecting a reciprocating motion thereof along a path of reciprocation determined by the saw bow guide. The crank drive is located above the saw bow substantially within the zone of its path of reciprocation.