Automatic flitch planer
US6474379B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB27L5/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically planing a flitch. The method of the invention comprises measuring the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the flitch at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations, calculating a planing operation of the flitch based upon the plurality of distance measurements; and then planing the flitch according to the calculation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are taken by a bank of photodetectors in combination with a computer (microprocessor). The calculation is done by the microprocessor. The apparatus of the invention comprises means for making a plurality of distance measurements between a first generally planar surface of the flitch and a second generally frustoconical surface of the flitch, means for calculating a planing operation for the flitch based upon the measurements, and, means for planing the flitch in accordance with the calculations a variety of different types of planing heads can be used to do the actual planing, and the invention is not limited to any particular type or number of planing heads. The invention is capable of cutting stepped grooves in the bottom surface of the flitch to enable more stable ve…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.