There is described a wood optimization system for a production line. The wood optimization system generally having a conveyor moving wood products across a handling area; a wood product selector positioned proximate to a selected wood product in the handling area; and a computer vision system along the production line having a camera imaging the handling area, a processor communicatively coupled to the camera, and a computer- readable memory having program code that when executed by the processor perform the steps of: receiving from the camera an image representing at least a portion of the handling area; finding the wood product selector in the image; identifying the selected wood product in the image as the wood product of the plurality being most proximate to the wood product selector; receiving an instruction associated to the selected wood product; and implementing the instruction into optimization data associated to the selected wood product.
B27G 23/00 - Appareils de calibrage spécialement conçus pour ajuster les outils ou les guides, p. ex. pour ajuster les lames coupantes dans les porte-outils
B27B 1/00 - Procédés pour débiter les troncs ou les grumes impliquant essentiellement le sciage
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
G01N 21/89 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures dans un matériau mobile, p. ex. du papier, des textiles
2.
WOOD LABELING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LABELING WOOD PRODUCTS IN A PRODUCTION LINE
There is described a method of labeling wood products moved across a handling area of a production line. The method generally has, using a camera, generating an image representing a wood product moving across the handling area at a first moment in time; using a controller, determining coordinates of the wood product at the first moment in time based on the image; and anticipating coordinates of the wood product at a second moment in time assuming an incremental movement of the wood product at a given speed from the determined coordinates of the wood product at the first moment in time; and using a light projector, projecting, at the second moment in time, a wood product label at the anticipated coordinates of the wood product at the second moment in time.
B27B 31/06 - Systèmes de réglage, p. ex. par projection optique
B27B 25/00 - Dispositifs d'alimentation en bois dans les scieries ou les machines à scierDispositifs d'alimentation en arbres
B65C 3/00 - Étiquetage sur surfaces autres que les surfaces planes
G09F 19/18 - Moyens de publicité ou de présentation non prévus ailleurs utilisant des effets optiques particuliers comportant l'utilisation de moyens de projection optique, p. ex. projection d'images sur les nuages
3.
TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TRACKING WOOD PRODUCTS IN A PRODUCTION LINE
The wood tracking system for a production line generally has a wood product optimizer; a wood product trimmer downstream from the optimizer in the production line; a conveyor for moving wood products from the optimizer to the trimmer and across a handling area therebetween, the optimizer being configured to scan each of the wood products in a given order and to generate optimization data for each wood product; and a computer vision system positioned proximate the handling area along the production line, the computer vision system having a camera, a processor in communication with the optimizer and with the trimmer and a computer-readable memory for storing the optimization data, the processor being configured to acquire images of the handling area from the camera, the processor being configured to associate the optimization data of a given wood product across each of the images until it arrives at the trimmer.
A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
Embodiments of a pusher device may include a frame, guide rails coupled to the frame, a carriage slideable along the guide rails, and a linear positioner coupled to the carriage and frame and operable to move the carriage along the guide rails. Two or more lugs may be mounted to the carriage and rotatable between a resting position, in which the forward ends of the lugs can contact the transverse supports of a tram above the carriage, and a lowered position in which the lugs can pass below the transverse supports. In the resting position, the longitudinal axis of each lug may be inclined from rear to front, such that the lugs contact the tram with the front end (as opposed to a longitudinal side) of the lugs. The lugs be generally triangular, trapezoidal, or concave polygonal in profile. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed herein.
F26B 13/02 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage des tissus, fibres, fils ou autres matériaux en grandes longueurs avec mouvement en ligne droite
Embodiments of a press frame module include a generally planar body with opposite faces, an inner edge that defines an opening through the body, and an outer edge that extends along the top, ends, and bottom of the body. The opening is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis that extends through the opening and the ends. The bottom has two projections, defined by respective portions of the faces and the outer edge, that extend downwardly at or near the ends. A portion of the bottom between the projections is curved, such that the greatest vertical distance between the longitudinal axis and a portion of the outer edge along the bottom between the projections is along a vertical centerline of the body. Multiple press frame modules can be coupled together in axial alignment to form a modular press, and the press can be modified by adding or removing press frame modules.
A press frame module includes a substantially planar body with opposite faces, an outer edge, an inner edge that defines an opening through the body, and an upper and a lower platform coupled to the inner edge and extending at least partially through the opening. The platforms and the inner edge of the body collectively define an elongate aperture. The ends of the opening/elongate aperture are curved, such that the greatest width of the aperture is along a longitudinal axis that is between, and parallel to, the faces of the platforms. Such press frame modules can be assembled into a press frame of a desired length to process EWC products of various dimensions.
Abstract A modular press includes a press frame, a first actuator system with first actuators, and a second actuator system with second actuators. The press frame includes generally planar bodies, upper and lower platforms coupled to the bodies, and at least one movable platen. Each body has an opening, and the bodies are coupled together in succession and aligned along a feed path axis that extends through a center of the openings. The first actuators are operable to move the first platen downwardly from a raised position to an intermediate position, and the second actuators are operable, independently of the first actuators, to force the first platen downwardly from the intermediate position to a pressing position. The first actuators and/or the second actuators may be pneumatic actuators such as hoses and/or air bags. Conveyor rolls may be disposed between the lower platforms and raised and lowered by a third actuator system. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-21
A precut module with one or more profiling heads and/or circular saws may be provided upstream of a saw module. The precut module may be used to implement a portion of a cut that would otherwise be made by the saw module, thereby reducing the depth of cut required at the saw module. In some embodiments, profiling heads may be used to profile a block that is wider than a desired side board. The block may be cut from the workpiece and sent to the edger. This may provide the same or better wood volume recovery and/or throughput speed than profiling the side board or cutting the side board from a flitch. In some embodiments, cut patterns for the precut module and other machine centers may be calculated and/or selected based on a desired depth of cut at the saw module, desired throughput speed, wood volume recovery, and/or other parameters.
B27B 31/06 - Systèmes de réglage, p. ex. par projection optique
B26D 5/00 - Dispositions pour manœuvrer et commander les machines ou les dispositifs de coupe, découpage, poinçonnage, perforation ou séparation autrement que par coupe
B26D 11/00 - Combinaisons de plusieurs appareillages de coupe similaires
B27B 1/00 - Procédés pour débiter les troncs ou les grumes impliquant essentiellement le sciage
Abstract of the Disclosure A precut module with one or more profiling heads and/or circular saws may be provided upstream of a saw module. The precut module may be used to implement a portion of a cut that would otherwise be made by the saw module, thereby reducing the depth of cut required at the saw module. In some embodiments, profiling heads may be used to profile a block that is wider than a desired side board. The block may be cut from the workpiece and sent to the edger. This may provide the same or better wood volume recovery and/or throughput speed than profiling the side board or cutting the side board from a flitch. In some embodiments, cut patterns for the precut module and other machine centers may be calculated and/or selected based on a desired depth of cut at the saw module, desired throughput speed, wood volume recovery, and/or other parameters. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-05
Embodiments of a self-cleaning jet tube may include an elongate hollow body that is generally rectangular in cross-section and tapered from an open first end to a second end generally opposite the first end. The elongate hollow body may have an upper wall, a lower wall, side walls, a plurality of apertures arranged along the upper wall, an end plate coupled with the walls at the second end, and at least one through-slot. A through-slot may be disposed through the end plate or a wall, between the end plate and a wall, or between two walls. The jet tube may be configured for use with the through-slot(s) open and unblocked, thereby allowing debris to be expelled from the jet tube during operation of the jet veneer dryer. Corresponding systems and method are also provided herein.
Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.
In various embodiments, a dynamically directed workpiece positioning system may include a transport, a sensor positioned to detect a workpiece on the transport, a cutting member positioned along or downstream of the transport, and a computer system. The sensor may scan the workpiece as the workpiece is moved relative to the transport by a human operator or a positioning device. Based on the scan data, the computer system may generate commands to guide the human operator or positioning device in moving the workpiece to a desired position corresponding to a cut solution for the workpiece. Optionally, the computer system may cause the cutting member to be repositioned while the workpiece is being moved relative to the transport. Once the workpiece is in the desired position, the transport may be used to move the workpiece toward the cutting member. Corresponding methods and apparatuses are also disclosed.
B23Q 16/00 - Équipement non prévu ailleurs pour mettre en position de façon précise l'outil ou la pièce à travailler
B23Q 3/18 - Dispositifs permettant de maintenir, supporter ou positionner les pièces ou les outils, ces dispositifs pouvant normalement être démontés de la machine pour positionner uniquement
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a workpiece singulator with one or more movable stairs. A first one of the movable stairs may include an outer step member and an inner step member that is positioned between the outer step member and a second one of the movable stairs. The step members may be movable synchronously as a single stair to transport larger workpieces and asynchronously to transport smaller workpieces on the outer step member. Optionally, the workpiece singulator may further include a sensor configured to detect the size and/or position of a workpiece In some embodiments, the workpiece singulator may be coupled with a controller configured to control the position of the outer step member independently of the position of the inner step member. In various embodiments, a workpiece singulator as disclosed herein may be operable to selectively singulate workpieces of different sizes.
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
B65G 47/56 - Dispositifs pour transférer objets ou matériaux entre transporteurs, p. ex. pour décharger ou alimenter vers des sections de transporteurs à chaîne inclinés ou verticaux ou à partir de ces sections
E04F 11/04 - Escaliers amovibles, p. ex. échelles de greniers qui peuvent être ou non escamotables ou extensibles
Embodiments provide an electric lug loader system. An electric lug loader may include a shaft assembly rotatably mounted to a frame that extends across a flow path. The shaft assembly may have shafts arranged radially around, and parallel to, the rotational axis of the shaft assembly, clamp members arranged along each of the shafts, support members arranged radially around the rotational axis and across the flow path, and electric drives coupled to the shafts. Conveyors may be coupled with the frame and spaced apart across the flow path upstream and/or downstream of the shaft assembly. Additional drives may be coupled with the shaft assembly and the conveyors. A controller may be configured to synchronize the drives to engage successive workpieces between the clamp members and the support members and deposit the workpieces onto a lugged conveyor. Other embodiments provide related methods and systems.
Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.
F26B 3/04 - Procédés de séchage d'un matériau solide ou d'objets impliquant l'utilisation de chaleur par convection, c.-à-d. la chaleur étant transférée d'une source de chaleur au matériau ou aux objets à sécher par un gaz ou par une vapeur, p. ex. l'air le gaz ou la vapeur circulant sur ou autour du matériau ou des objets à sécher
F26B 15/14 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage d'objetsMachines ou appareils à mouvement progressif, pour le séchage de lots d'un matériau de forme compacte avec un mouvement suivant une trajectoire composée d'une ou de plusieurs lignes droites, p. ex. combinée les lignes étant toutes horizontales ou légèrement inclinées les objets ou les lots de matériau étant portés par des plateaux ou des râteliers
Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.
F26B 3/04 - Procédés de séchage d'un matériau solide ou d'objets impliquant l'utilisation de chaleur par convection, c.-à-d. la chaleur étant transférée d'une source de chaleur au matériau ou aux objets à sécher par un gaz ou par une vapeur, p. ex. l'air le gaz ou la vapeur circulant sur ou autour du matériau ou des objets à sécher
F26B 15/14 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage d'objetsMachines ou appareils à mouvement progressif, pour le séchage de lots d'un matériau de forme compacte avec un mouvement suivant une trajectoire composée d'une ou de plusieurs lignes droites, p. ex. combinée les lignes étant toutes horizontales ou légèrement inclinées les objets ou les lots de matériau étant portés par des plateaux ou des râteliers
Embodiments provide a multi-pass kiln with two or more chambers, an entrance and an exit at a proximal end of the kiln, and a reciprocal flow path extending through the kiln from the entrance to the exit. Lumber charges traveling along the reciprocal flow path may travel in a first direction along one side of the heated second chamber before traveling in a substantially opposite second direction along the opposite side of the second chamber. The distal end of the kiln may be substantially sealed, and a pressure differential between the distal end and the proximal end may draw moist heated air from the heated chamber toward the exit and entry to preheat and/or condition lumber charges traveling through the first chamber.
Embodiments provide a log positioning system configured to transport a log through one or more chipper/profiler modules to produce a cant with four chipped/profiled sides. In some embodiments, a log processing system may include an infeed, a positioning feed module downstream of the infeed, and one or more chipper/profiler modules disposed proximal to the positioning feed module. The positioning feed module may include a sharp chain coupled to one or more pairs of vertical positioning rolls. The positioning feed module may be selectively skewed, slewed, and/or tilted to match the vertical and angular orientation of the infeed.
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. An array of conveyor modules form a combined de-skewing and gapping section configured to convey workpieces from an upstream transfer to a downstream lugged conveyor. Each conveyor module includes first and second endless conveyors spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. A drive system is operable to drive at least two of the endless conveyors of each conveyor module independently, at different speeds and/or in different directions, to adjust workpiece skew and gaps along the length of the array. Optionally, at least one of conveyor modules may have multiple second endless conveyors and a first endless conveyor that is elevated relative to the second endless conveyors.
Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. An array of conveyor modules form a combined de-skewing and gapping section configured to convey workpieces from an upstream transfer to a downstream lugged conveyor. Each conveyor module includes first and second endless conveyors spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. A drive system is operable to drive at least two of the endless conveyors of each conveyor module independently, at different speeds and/or in different directions, to adjust workpiece skew and gaps along the length of the array. Optionally, at least one of conveyor modules may have multiple second endless conveyors and a first endless conveyor that is elevated relative to the second endless conveyors.
The present disclosure provides systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls. Tapered feed rolls may be used to change the rate and direction of workpiece travel along a processing line while retaining the workpieces in sequential order. Routing workpiece flow with tapered feed rolls may allow the workpieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and may reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.
The present disclosure provides systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls. Tapered feed rolls may be used to change the rate and direction of workpiece travel along a processing line while retaining the workpieces in sequential order. Routing workpiece flow with tapered feed rolls may allow the workpieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and may reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for implementing cut-in- two decisions along a workpiece processing line. A first transport, such as a lugged conveyor, may be provided to convey workpieces in a flow direction. One of the workpieces on the first transport may be cut into two piece by a saw. A tapered feed roll downstream of the saw may be used to divert one of the cut pieces onto a second transport positioned to one side of the first transport. While the first transport continues to move one of the pieces in the flow direction, the second transport moves the other piece in the opposite direction toward an upstream end of the first transport. The cut piece may be reloaded onto the first transport. In comparison to existing systems that require empty lug spaces or extra bins to accommodate cut-in-two solutions, embodiments described herein may allow the workpieces and cut pieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and/or reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
25.
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR CHANGING THE DIRECTION/SPEED OF A WORKPIECE
The present disclosure provides systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls. Tapered feed rolls may be used to change the rate and direction of workpiece travel along a processing line while retaining the workpieces in sequential order. Routing workpiece flow with tapered feed rolls may allow the workpieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and may reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
F26B 13/02 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage des tissus, fibres, fils ou autres matériaux en grandes longueurs avec mouvement en ligne droite
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
F26B 13/02 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage des tissus, fibres, fils ou autres matériaux en grandes longueurs avec mouvement en ligne droite
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
Embodiments provide grade annunciator systems that allow a lumber workpiece traveling in a workflow path to be to be labeled with a projected image that conveys information about the grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. In some embodiments, the system includes a conveyor configured to convey lumber workpieces in a workflow path, and a projector or series of projectors configured to project an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece, wherein the image or symbol indicates grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. Other embodiments are methods of labeling a lumber workpiece in a workflow path, the methods includes conveying the lumber workpiece along the workflow path, and projecting an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece as it is conveyed along the workflow path.
Embodiments of techniques and systems for log stability determination are described. A log position optimizer may be configured to identify one or more rest positions for a log to be conveyed on a sharp chain. The rest positions may be identified based on identification of contact points where the sharp chain may contact the log that have no intervening contact points that prevent stable contact between the log and the sharp chain. A preferred rest position may be selected out of the identified rest positions. The preferred rest position may be selected based on determination of which contact points are stable or unstable. This determination may be made for each contact point in a cross-sectional plane of the log. The log position optimizer may then control a log positioning mechanism to position the log in the selected rest position. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
Embodiments provide a pre-cut infeed system for a machine center, such as an edger. A pre-cut infeed system may include an infeed, one or more saws arranged along the infeed, and a scanner optimizer system. The scanner optimizer system may scan a workpiece and determine whether greater value can be obtained from the workpiece by cutting the workpiece transversely into two or more pieces upstream of the machine center. If so, the workpiece may be cut transversely by the saw(s) positioned along the infeed, and the cut pieces may be fed sequentially into the machine center.
Embodiments relate to methods and apparatuses for positioning wood workpieces along a feed path. In some embodiments, an infeed may have first and second positioning rolls disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal center of a feed path that extends through the infeed. The first and second positioning rolls may be coupled with first and second carriage units, respectively, that are configured to slide laterally along guiderails oriented transverse to the feed path. The first and second carriage units may be pivotably coupled to first and second levers, respectively. The first and second levers may be pivotable around a common pivot axis that extends through both of the levers. An actuator may be coupled to the levers and operable to rotate the levers around the common pivot axis to thereby laterally displace the positioning rolls relative to the longitudinal center of the feed path.
B27B 25/02 - Dispositifs d'alimentation en bois dans les scieries ou les machines à scierDispositifs d'alimentation en arbres avec avance par rouleaux et rouleaux presseurs
Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
B27B 5/29 - Machines à scier travaillant avec des lames de scie circulairesOrganes ou équipements ad hoc DétailsMachines à scier travaillant avec des lames de scie circulairesOrganes ou équipements ad hoc Parties constitutivesAccessoires
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a variable phase step feeder including a fixed set of stairs and a moving set of stairs. The fixed set of stairs may include a first fixed step, a second fixed step, and a third fixed step. The moving set of stairs may be interposed between the fixed set of stairs, and include a first moving step adapted to transport a workpiece from the first fixed step to the second fixed step and a second moving step adapted to transport the workpiece from the second fixed step to the third fixed step. The variable phase step feeder may further include a control mechanism for adjusting a phase relationship of the first moving step relative to the second moving step.
B65G 25/00 - Transporteurs comportant un porte-charges ou un impulseur à mouvement cyclique, p. ex. à va-et-vient, désengagé de la charge pendant le mouvement de retour
B65G 47/12 - Dispositifs pour alimenter en objets ou matériaux les transporteurs pour alimenter en objets à partir de piles d'objets en désordre ou de tas d'objets en vrac
B65H 3/32 - Enlèvement des articles des piles par des éléments, passant entre les articles à enlever et le reste de la pile, p. ex. par des doigts, plaques, rouleaux
The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workplace feed system.
B65G 47/53 - Dispositifs pour transférer objets ou matériaux entre transporteurs, p. ex. pour décharger ou alimenter entre transporteurs se croisant
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.
Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, board stops are slideably mounted to board stop guides on a continuous track loop that conveys the board stops in a direction of flow. A cam follower on a board stop is engaged by a lateral positioning guide and diverted to one of a plurality of longitudinal positioning guides that are selectively shiftable or rotatable to provide highly controllable lateral positioning of the board stops. This allows the board stops to be finely positioned without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
B27B 27/10 - Dispositifs pour déplacer ou régler les guides ou les butées
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
38.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INHIBITING PITCH FORMATION IN THE WET SEAL EXHAUST DUCT OF A VENEER DRYER
A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow.
A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow.
F26B 15/18 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage d'objetsMachines ou appareils à mouvement progressif, pour le séchage de lots d'un matériau de forme compacte avec un mouvement suivant une trajectoire composée d'une ou de plusieurs lignes droites, p. ex. combinée les lignes étant toutes horizontales ou légèrement inclinées les objets ou les lots de matériau étant portés par des courroies sans fin
B27L 5/00 - Fabrication de feuilles de bois de placage
F26B 3/04 - Procédés de séchage d'un matériau solide ou d'objets impliquant l'utilisation de chaleur par convection, c.-à-d. la chaleur étant transférée d'une source de chaleur au matériau ou aux objets à sécher par un gaz ou par une vapeur, p. ex. l'air le gaz ou la vapeur circulant sur ou autour du matériau ou des objets à sécher
F26B 21/06 - Commande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz
An apparatus for an enclosure of a linear inspection system for the inspection of products that uses at least one camera and at least one laser. The enclosure is placed in a production line environment as to allow the passage of the products to pass through an aperture of the enclosure. More specifically, the enclosure allows to shelter cameras and lasers that are oriented towards an inspection zone through a translucent surface of the enclosure. Furthermore, in another aspect of the invention, the cameras and lasers are fixed to mounting stations in the enclosure. The mounting stations are positioned as to orient the cameras and lasers towards an inspection zone through the translucent surface of the enclosure.
An even ending device is disclosed that is adapted to even end lumber and other materials being conveyed in a longitudinal end to end fashion. Embodiments include a mover adapted to work with a material support, and engage each piece of material individually to urge the end of the material to a fence to form an even end line. Various embodiments also may include fixed, live, and/or moving solid fence
B27B 27/10 - Dispositifs pour déplacer ou régler les guides ou les butées
B23Q 7/16 - Chargement des pièces sur les convoyeursArrangement des pièces sur les convoyeurs, p. ex. modifiant l'espacement entre les pièces
B27B 27/04 - Guides ou butées pour les bois dans les scieries ou les machines à scierAppareils de mesure adaptés disposés perpendiculairement au plan de la lame de scie
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
42.
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING COOLING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE IN WOOD VENEER JET DRYERS
An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.
F26B 21/10 - Commande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la températureCommande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la pression
F26B 3/04 - Procédés de séchage d'un matériau solide ou d'objets impliquant l'utilisation de chaleur par convection, c.-à-d. la chaleur étant transférée d'une source de chaleur au matériau ou aux objets à sécher par un gaz ou par une vapeur, p. ex. l'air le gaz ou la vapeur circulant sur ou autour du matériau ou des objets à sécher
F26B 13/02 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage des tissus, fibres, fils ou autres matériaux en grandes longueurs avec mouvement en ligne droite
F26B 15/12 - Machines ou appareils à mouvement progressif pour le séchage d'objetsMachines ou appareils à mouvement progressif, pour le séchage de lots d'un matériau de forme compacte avec un mouvement suivant une trajectoire composée d'une ou de plusieurs lignes droites, p. ex. combinée les lignes étant toutes horizontales ou légèrement inclinées
43.
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING COOLING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE IN WOOD VENEER JET DRYERS
An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section,
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
F26B 21/10 - Commande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la températureCommande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la pression
44.
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING COOLING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE IN WOOD VENEER JET DRYERS
An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
F26B 21/10 - Commande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la températureCommande, p. ex. régulation des paramètres de l'alimentation en gaz de la pression
A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of overlapping pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array includes independently actuable first and second drives independently operable to drive the corresponding first and second endless conveyors to advance an upstream end of a workpiece relative to a downstream end of the workpiece to correct workpiece skew.
B65G 47/04 - Dispositifs pour alimenter en objets ou matériaux les transporteurs pour alimenter en objets
B27B 25/00 - Dispositifs d'alimentation en bois dans les scieries ou les machines à scierDispositifs d'alimentation en arbres
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of overlapping pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array includes independently actuable first arid second drives independently operable to drive the corresponding first and second endless conveyors to advance an upstream end of a workpiece relative to a downstream end of the workpiece to correct workpiece skew.
An occlusionless scanner for sequentially scanning a series of workpieces translating in a downstream flow direction wherein the workpieces flow sequentially to the scanner on an infeed conveyor and sequentially from the scanner on an outfeed conveyor and across an interface between the infeed conveyors and the outfeed conveyors wherein scanner cameras are mounted so as to not interfere with one another nor to interfere with the conveyors to provide for the gathering of individual partial images of the workpiece by the individual scanner cameras so as to allow a processor to assemble a collective image of the partial images.
A method for removing, reducing and/or lightening the dis-coloration of wood caused by blue-stain fungi in a workpiece using a kiln having a humidification system wherein the method includes placing a workpiece for drying in a kiln, integrating a bleaching agent into the humidification system in the kiln so that moisture from the humidification system entering the kiln contains the bleaching agent, commencing drying of the workpiece in the kiln, and injecting moisture from the humidification system into the kiln so that the moisture contacts the workpiece.
A continuous sharp chain conveyor system is disclosed wherein a workpiece may be elevated from the sharp chain conveyor while the workpiece is transported down the sharp chain conveyor such that the workpiece may be rotated to maintain the workpiece in an optimized position. The system includes a sharp chain which engages the workpiece, a first and a second skid positionable in parallel alignment with the sharp chain to elevate and lower the workpiece relative to the sharp chain, and pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls positionable along the sharp chain to rotate the workpiece when the workpiece is elevated. The system may also include a plurality of hold-down rolls to maintain the workpiece on the sharp chain by exerting downward pressure on the workpiece. The pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls may cooperatively displace the workpiece laterally and/or independently angularly displace the workpiece relative to the longitudinal centreline of the sharp chain.
B65G 47/24 - Dispositifs pour influencer la position relative ou l'orientation des objets pendant le transport par transporteurs présentant les objets selon un orientement donné
B27B 25/04 - Dispositifs d'alimentation en bois dans les scieries ou les machines à scierDispositifs d'alimentation en arbres avec avance par chaînes ou par courroies
B65G 47/82 - Éléments à mouvement rotatif ou alternatif agissant directement sur les objets ou matériaux, p. ex. poussoirs, râteaux, pelles
B65G 47/90 - Dispositifs pour saisir et déposer les articles ou les matériaux
An apparatus for adjustably profiling a cant comprising a first and second shaft rotatably mounted on a first and second frame, respectively. A first and second pair of laterally spaced apart profiling heads are slidably and rotatably mounted on the first and second shaft, respectively. Corresponding pairs of linear positioners laterally translate the first and second laterally spaced apart heads so that each profiling head in each pair of profiling heads may be independently translated relative to the other to set spacing, and then each pair may be sleeved cooperatively in unison. The pairs of profiling heads may be vertically displaced relative to the longitudinal centreline of a cant. The profiling heads remove notches from the wane comers of the cant.
B27C 5/00 - Machines conçues pour la réalisation de pièces de formes ou de profils particuliers, p. ex. à l'aide d'outils rotatifsÉquipement de ces machines
B27B 31/00 - Aménagements pour transporter, charger, tourner, centrer ou décharger la grume ou le bois spécialement conçus pour les scieries ou les machines à scier
B27C 1/14 - Autres parties constitutives ou accessoires
B27G 13/12 - Ensembles de porte-outils et d'outilsAutres outils à mouvement rotatif spécialement adaptés pour travailler du bois ou des matériaux similaires pour tailler des profils
A system for positioning a workpiece in an optimized position. In one embodiment a marking device places a mark on the workpiece prior to the workpiece passing through a scanner cooperating with an optimizer. The optimizer determines the optimized position of the workpiece. The orientation of the workpiece is identified by a first camera. The mark may be used as a point of reference such that the workpiece may be positioned in the optimized position by rotating the workpiece relative to the orientation of the mark. A turning mechanism rotates the workpiece to position it in the optimized position. A further camera identifies the orientation of the mark while the workpiece is being rotated. A processor compares in real time the orientation of the workpiece with the optimized position to determine if the workpiece is in the optimized position.
An apparatus for vertically adjusting a saw box of a gang saw includes rotatable members. When the rotatable members are selectively rotated, actuator arms coupled to the base of the saw box are translated such that the saw box is translated substantially vertically so as to center upper and lower saw gangs with the center of a workpiece being linearly fed into the saw box upon actuating instructions from an optimizer communicating with an upstream scanner.
A split sawbox for a gangsaw includes a sawbox having at least first and second mating sawbox sections. The sections are linearly selectively translatable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the sections are releasably locked together for operation of the gangsaw, and an open position wherein the sections are linearly separated from one another to open a gap within which a workman may stand for maintenance of the gangsaw.
B27B 3/28 - Scies alternatives à lames multiplesAutres machines à scies à lames de scie alternatives, spécialement conçues pour le sciage en long des troncs Parties constitutives
A device for selectively inverting a workpiece about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a single lug space of a lugged transfer without impeding lumber flow along a flow path on the lugged transfer, wherein the device includes a workpiece speed-up for urging the workpiece at an increased translation speed along the flow path, a selectively operable workpiece brake to inhibit accelerated translation of the workpiece by the workpiece speed-up so as to selectively at least momentarily delay translation of the workpiece at the increased translation speed of the workpiece speed-up, and a workpiece turning arm mounted downstream along the workpiece speed-up. The board turning arm is selectively actuable into the flow path so as to invert the workpiece about its longitudinal axis within a corresponding lug space of the lugged transfer once the workpiece has been translated by the speed-up to a downstream end of the corresponding lug space.
B65G 47/248 - Dispositifs pour influencer la position relative ou l'orientation des objets pendant le transport par transporteurs présentant les objets selon un orientement donné en les retournant ou en les intervertissant
A lumber trimmer is disclosed wherein at least one pair of parallel spaced- apart trim saws is mounted on a shaft. The pair of trim saws is laterally movable along the shaft parallel to the longitudinal axis of lumber in the lumber trimmer. Each saw of the pair of trim saws is operably coupled with an actuator such that each saw is selectively vertically movable to trim the lumber. The pair of trim saws may be mounted to a carriage. A second actuator is operably coupled with the pair of trim saws for selectively laterally translating the pair of trim saws along the shaft.
B27B 5/04 - Machines à scier travaillant avec des lames de scie circulairesOrganes ou équipements ad hoc ayant la particularité de n'avoir qu'une seule utilisation pour le délignage
B23D 45/00 - Machines à scier ou dispositifs de sciage à lames circulaires ou à disques à friction
brevets