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.

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.

A rotary timber charger including a charging assembly and a stiffness measuring mechanism. The charging assembly includes a continuously rotating main rotatable shaft with at least two transfer wheels mounted thereto and each having a timber piece grasping assembly grasping, retaining and releasing a piece of timber continuously moved between a grasping position and a release position. The stiffness measuring mechanism includes a load application wheel positioned between consecutive transfer wheels and momentarily applying a load on the piece of timber during rotation of the piece of timber between the grasping position and the release position and a deformation measuring system measuring a deformation of the transferred piece of timber following the application of the load thereon.

A rotary timber charger including a charging assembly and a stiffness measuring mechanism. The charging assembly includes a continuously rotating main rotatable shaft with at least two transfer wheels mounted thereto and each having a timber piece grasping assembly grasping, retaining and releasing a piece of timber continuously moved between a grasping position and a release position. The stiffness measuring mechanism includes a load application wheel positioned between consecutive transfer wheels and momentarily applying a load on the piece of timber during rotation of the piece of timber between the grasping position and the release position and a deformation measuring system measuring a deformation of the transferred piece of timber following the application of the load thereon.

An apparatus is provided for cutting a plurality of workpieces that is arranged relative to first, second, and third reference axes that are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and an input assembly. The cutting assembly includes a chassis, and first and second saw blades movably coupled to the chassis that are configured to respectively cut along first and second cutting planes that are transverse to each other. The input assembly includes a tabletop and first and second clamping mechanisms for clamping the workpieces collectively. The first clamping mechanism includes a first counterpart and a first movable member that is translatable along the first reference axis and translatable relative to the first counterpart. The second clamping mechanism includes a second counterpart and a plurality of second movable members that are each translatable along the second reference axis relative to the second counterpart.

A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for cutting wood workpieces, such as logs and cants, into desired products. In various embodiments, after a log is chipped into a cant, the cant may be scanned and re-optimized based on the new scan data and information about the source log, such as simulated orientation parameters, a 3D model, and/or potential cut solutions. In other embodiments, data from multiple sensor types may be used in combination to detect splits in logs, cants, or both. Optionally, re-optimization and split detection techniques may be used in combination to improve wood volume recovery, value, and/or throughput speed.

A method of preparing wood for packing comprises: loading wood lengthwise into a conveyor system; conveying the wood pieces one-by-one onto a loading hatch in a predetermined orientation; when a wood piece is fully on the loading hatch, opening the loading hatch and dropping the wood piece in the predetermined orientation into a measuring compartment; repeating the conveying and dropping process so that multiple wood pieces are stacked in the same orientation in the measuring compartment; and, when a required amount of stacked wood is within the measuring compartment, dropping the stacked wood pieces into a packing area.

A sensor mount for use with a timber-working device includes a monolithic structure having a base portion configured to be secured to a frame of a timber-working device, and a sensor mounting portion including a cavity configured to receive a contactless sensor. The cavity has a sensor mounting surface for securing the contactless sensor thereto.

A sensor mount for use with a timber-working device includes a monolithic structure having a base portion configured to be secured to a frame of a timber-working device, and a sensor mounting portion including a cavity configured to receive a contactless sensor. The cavity has a sensor mounting surface for securing the contactless sensor thereto.