Log merchandiser

Details Log merchandiser Log merchandiser

1999-08-17

2001-10-23

Rada, Rinaldi I. (Department: 3724)

Cutting

Processes

With subsequent handling

C083S076800, C083S113000, C083S155000, C083S365000, C083S368000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305259

ABSTRACT:

FIELD
This invention relates to a method of scanning and cutting tree-length logs or stems, by means of an automatic log-cutting apparatus which is designed to rapidly process the logs into segments of optimum character—that is, segments of varying lengths such that maximum value is derived from each log.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional systems which have been developed for the purpose of achieving optimum value from a tree stem are often unnecessarily complex, thereby making them relatively expensive to both construct and maintain. In addition, traditional systems often suffer from slow processing and handling times, the times required to initially determine the optimum cut locations in the stem and subsequently perform those cuts to produce the optimum segments.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,993 issued Sep. 4, 1984 to McCown et al., discloses a small log bucking system where a log is scanned to obtain data to select cut locations. A computer selects cut locations based on the data obtained during the scan and shows the locations on the log through the use of lasers projected onto the log. An operator has the choice of accepting or rejecting the cut locations. If the cut locations are accepted then the operator issues the command to have the log brought into the cutting position. If the cut locations are rejected by the operator then the operator issues a command to alter the cut locations and the computer recalculates the cut locations and again projects them onto the log. If the cut locations are accepted then the operator issues the command to have the log brought into the cutting position otherwise the cut positions are altered once again. When the log has been brought into the cutting position by placement on the cutting bed, the log is clamped into place, the log cutting saws are moved to the cutting locations previously specified and the log is cut. This process is slow and unduly complex because it involves the use of only two saws and it requires an operator to verify each of the computer calculated cut locations before the log can be cut. Also, this process is slowed further as a result of the log cutting saws being moved only after the log has been placed in the cutting bed and the need to clamp the log. The number of cut locations is also limited as a log can not be cut in a location where there is a cutting bed support.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,671 issued Dec. 3, 1996 to Bowlin, discloses an automatic stem cutting apparatus comprising one fixed and multiple linearly adjustable saws. A log is scanned and the information from the scan is fed to a computer which in turn calculates the cut locations for the log. The adjustable saws are then positioned in accordance with the computer determined cut locations. A stem loader then transfers the log to the saw carriages. Once on the saw carriages, the log is positioned and clamped into place where it is then cut by the saws as the saw blades swing forward. The cut segments of the log are then pushed from the saw carriage by a segment ejector to fall to an output conveyor. This systems too suffers from slow processing time and unnecessary complexity. The handling time for a log is unnecessarily long and complex due to the use of the segment loader and segment ejectors. The system is also limited in that all the saws are not linearly adjustable.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved means of automatically scanning and cutting a log into segments of optimum value. A further object of the invention is to provide a log-cutting apparatus which is both less complex and requires less processing and handling time than other known systems, thereby allowing for greater cost effectiveness and efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the invention are provided in a new and improved log-cutting apparatus, or log merchandiser, which includes a loading apparatus and a plurality of movable, rail-mounted log-cutting assemblies with each assembly having two cradle arms and a log-cutting saw. The log-cutting assemblies can be positioned prior to the loading of a log. The pre-positioning of the log-cutting assemblies is achieved in accordance with scanning data, which yields the characteristics (e.g., length, diameter, location of knots, etc.) of the log, and with the aid of computer program information, which determines the optimum cut locations and positions the log-cutting assemblies accordingly.
A series of conveyors receive and transport a log to a log singulator which separates the logs to ensure only one log enters the saw gallery at a time. Once singulated, each log is passed to a second conveyor, where the log is scanned and the information fed to a computer which positions the log-cutting assemblies to achieve the optimum cuts. After scanning, the second conveyor transports the log onto the hydraulically-operated log-support arms, or cradle arms, of each log-cutting assembly. There is one cradle arm on either side of each log-cutting saw blade. Once a log is conveyed onto the cradle arms of the log-cutting assemblies, the saw blade of each of the log-cutting assemblies are pivoted down in concert to cut the log at the optimum locations. Each saw blade is located at one end of the log-cutting saw beam, which is pivotally connected to the log-cutting saw box. The log-cutting saw beam is pivoted by a hydraulic piston cylinder unit located at the opposite end of the log-cutting saw beam. Once the cuts are made, the cradle arms pivot down and away, dropping the cut segments onto the output conveyer for transport and further processing.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which is presented by way of illustration only and without limiting the scope of the invention to the details thereof.


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patent: 4468993 (1984-09-01), McCown et al.
patent: 4485861 (1984-12-01), Nilsson
patent: 4907294 (1990-03-01), Bolton et al.
patent: 4977805 (1990-12-01), Corley, III
patent: 5201258 (1993-04-01), Cremona
patent: 5544558 (1996-08-01), Hughes
patent: 5579671 (1996-12-01), Bowlin
patent: 5785102 (1998-07-01), Hamel

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