Woodworking – Process – Mechanical cutting or shaping
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-06
2002-10-01
Bray, W. Donald (Department: 3725)
Woodworking
Process
Mechanical cutting or shaping
C144S162100, C144S172000, C144S174000, C144S242100, C144S245100, C144S241000, C144S230000, C144S180000, C241S282000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06457500
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates in general to materials processing, particularly relates to wood processing, and most particularly relates to the processing of relatively flat pan-shaped “cut-off” members sometimes known in the industry as “lilypads”, which are provided when the ends of logs are “squared off” prior to further log processing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wood and other material processing apparatuses and methods have been used for many years. In the instance of wood processing, methods and apparatuses including my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,444,234, 4,569,380, 4,697,626, 4,776,375, 4,785,860, 4,874,024, (incorporated herein by reference) have been used for great benefit in both debarking, cutting, and “hogging” various wood elements, ranging from rock-laden wood processing “hogs” to specialized “knives” used to provide particular wood shavings.
Although such methods and apparatuses have been generally suitable for the tasks with which they are assigned, a new need in the industry has arisen for a suitable means for handling wood “lilypads”, which in certain instances can be provided in large quantities, such as in the case of large wood processing facilities.
Due to the scarcity and cost of timber, wood processing facilities (“mills”) have reduced waste by cutting logs more accurately. This is reflected in the creation of much shorter “trim-ends” than were previously cut. These trim-ends are approximately 3 inches and shorter, and have been come to be known as “lilypads”.
These lilypads are created when the ends of logs are trimmed to provide an end cut which is substantially “square”. These “lilypads” get their names from their appearances, which are substantially flat and disclike, and include lengths being substantially shorter than their diameters.
Prior art apparatuses have not been able to suitably process such wood elements, and tend to “shatter” them due to misalignment of the wood grain relative to the cutting edge as discussed in further detail below. Therefore the mills have instead used the lilypads for fuel by burning. However, there is a surplus of such matter, and burning has been found to pollute the atmosphere. Many scientists claim such burning has reached a critical level and certain governments have correspondingly placed restrictions or controls on such burning.
Therefore there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for handling bulk quantities of lilypads, which will process the lilypad members in an efficient yet effective manner, providing wood chips having desirable characteristics for pulp and paper chip use. Methods and apparatuses are always needed which produce a high quality wood chip, with lower power requirements, which convert waste product to a high dollar item which is recyclable and non-polluting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for processing lilypad wood members which can handle a large number of lilypad members either sequentially or in batches, with the lilypad members being processed by cutting members to provide wood chips having desired and consistent characteristics.
Generally described, the present invention provides an apparatus for reducing the size of wood members, the apparatus comprising a drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a cutting member attached to the drum, a hopper including a floor and at least one side wall, a lower reciprocating pusher member configured for reciprocating movement from a retracted position to an extended position, and an upper pusher member configured for movement relative to the lower member and the frame such that the upper member extends above and overhangs the lower member to define a moving cavity.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved material processing apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved wood processing apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for processing disclike wood members, sometimes referred to as “lilypads”.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a chipping action on a disclike “lilypad” member which is similar to the desired chipping action as if a log was parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chipper drum.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for processing wood members which includes a “moving pocket”, which retains the wood members in a desired orientation as the wood members are consumed by a cutting drum.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for processing disclike wood members having a wood grain substantially shorter than the longest dimension of said wood members.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for processing wood.
It is further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for processing disclike wood members.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3195594 (1965-07-01), Bloomquist et al.
patent: 3688997 (1972-09-01), Ullner
patent: 3690568 (1972-09-01), Alexander
patent: 4305590 (1981-12-01), Haikkala et al.
patent: 4444234 (1984-04-01), Arasmith
patent: 4569380 (1986-02-01), Arasmith
patent: 4595150 (1986-06-01), Aario
patent: 4697626 (1987-10-01), Arasmith
patent: 4776375 (1988-10-01), Arasmith
patent: 4785860 (1988-11-01), Arasmith
patent: 4874024 (1989-10-01), Arasmith
patent: 5070918 (1991-12-01), Pallmann
patent: 5957178 (1999-09-01), Arasmith
patent: 6125897 (2000-10-01), Arasmith
patent: 16931 (1890-10-01), None
Alston & Bird LLP
Bray W. Donald
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for processing pan-shaped wood members does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for processing pan-shaped wood members, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for processing pan-shaped wood members will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2998498