Woodworking – Process – Timber harvesting or processing
Utility Patent
1998-05-26
2001-01-02
Bray, W. Donald (Department: 3725)
Woodworking
Process
Timber harvesting or processing
C144S004100, C144S034100, C144S335000, C294S137000
Utility Patent
active
06167928
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a systems for logging using helicopters and, in particular, selectively logging relatively large trees by helicopter.
The most common method of logging today is probably clear-cut logging where a large area of forest is completely cleared. Commercially useful trees are removed, while remaining debris is usually burned. However, there are situations where clear-cut logging is not feasible or desirable. For one thin, it has become increasingly unpopular amongst environmental groups. Clear cuts can have a high visual impact to the public and, unless carefully controlled, can lead to a loss of adjacent trees due to windfall. Helicopter logging, that is logging where the trees are removed initially by helicopter, is a well-known technique. For example, one system of lifting and transporting felled timber is disclosed in my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,019.
Soviet Union Patent 1074432 discloses a system of logging by blasting tree roots loose by explosives while a helicopter yards them upwards.
Another procedure is disclosed in Russian Patent 2014776. This procedure is used when clearing paths through forest for roads or the like. Air flow from the helicopter rotor is directed onto the crowns of the trees so that they are blown downwards toward a clearing.
Despite these earlier methods, there remains a need for an improved method for selectively logging relatively large trees without requiring, for example, the construction of environmentally damaging roads through the forest.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved system for logging which permits selective, relatively large trees to be initially removed by helicopter without adversely affecting adjacent growth.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved system for helicopter logging which is economical to utilize for many different situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided, according to one aspect of the invention, a helicopter logging tool which comprises a body having first means thereon for connecting the body to a lifting device. An elongated guide is connected to the body by a hinge and extends vertically away from the body when the tool is connected only to the lifting device by the first means. There is second means on the body to one side of the guide for engaging an object. When the second means engages an object and the body is then lifted by the lifting device, the body rotates and the guide rotates about the hinge so that the guide continues to extend vertically.
There is provided, according to another aspect of the invention, a method of logging a tree having a trunk with a top and bottom. The method comprises the step of cutting the tree part way through the trunk with a cut near the bottom thereof, leaving a connecting portion of the trunk connecting an upper portion of the trunk above the cut to a lower portion of the trunk below the cut. A helicopter above the tree is connected to a point near the top of the trunk. The helicopter moves away from the tree, thereby breaking the connecting portion and allowing the upper portion of the trunk to be carried away by helicopter.
There is provided, according to a further aspect of the invention, a jig apparatus for cutting a tree having a trunk. The apparatus includes two guide bars, at least one of the guide bars having a stop mechanism. There is means for connecting the guide bars to the trunk of the tree in horizontal, parallel positions on opposite sides thereof. A chain saw mount is slidingly received on each of the guide bars. When the chain saw is placed on the chain saw mounts and moved towards the trunk of the tree along the guide bars, the tree is cut to a position determined by the stop mechanism on the guide bars.
There is provided, according to a still further aspect of the invention, a helicopter logging apparatus which includes a helicopter having a pilot's seating position, a center of gravity, a first attachment point below the helicopter to one side of the pilot's seating position and a second attachment point below the center of gravity. A first cable is connected to the first attachment point and a second cable is connected to the second attachment point. There is means for lengthening the first cable. A grapple has a body with a top, a bottom and a side. There is a first attachment means on the top and a second attachment means on the top spaced apart from the first attachment means. The first cable is connected to the first attachment means of the grapple and the second cable is connected to the second attachment means of the grapple. An elongated guide is connected to the body at the bottom thereof by a hinge. There is hook means on the side of the body for engaging an object.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3667515 (1972-06-01), Corey
patent: 4152019 (1979-05-01), Jarman et al.
patent: 4662414 (1987-05-01), Fandrich
patent: 4815263 (1989-03-01), Hartung et al.
patent: 4848703 (1989-07-01), Coulson et al.
patent: 4881582 (1989-11-01), Ketonen
patent: 5305972 (1994-04-01), Hancocks
patent: 2014776 (1994-06-01), None
patent: 1074432 (1984-02-01), None
Barrigar Robert H.
Bray W. Donald
LandOfFree
Helicopter logging system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Helicopter logging system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Helicopter logging system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2555678