Patent · US Expired

Log processor and method

US6705363B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
25References
30Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 16, 2001
Grant dateMar 16, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 16, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T83/536
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A log processor and log processing method scans a log (L) at a first station (18) so that the longitudinal centerline (32) and a sawing scheme for the log can be automatically determined by a controller (4). The log is oriented at a second station (24) so that the longitudinal centerline is oriented with respect to a vertical plane passing through the feed line. The position of the log is automatically adjusted at third and fourth stations (36, 42) so that the saw blade path (56) through the log is generally parallel to the feed line as the log passes a log exit (12) and through a saw (14). The sawing scheme can include variable tapering sawing from split taper sawing to full taper sawing. Differential steering chain assemblies (37) may be used at the fourth station and may each include continuous loop, log-engaging chains (106) which engage the log above and below the log. Log chipping, profiling heads (62) may be used on either side of the feed line, such as at a fifth station. The log is preferably stabilized at the log exit.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.