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 lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves laser scanning the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles and the size of the boards, the method determines and displays the number of boards at each station. In some examples, the system provides a calibration mode that automatically determines the discrete locations of multiple stacks of lumber and compensates for a nonparallel relationship between the track and the floor. In some examples, the scanning and calibration process help determine the quantity of boards at each station.

A firewood processor, comprising a saw, means for feeding wood for the saw, a splitting chute, a splitting wedge arranged to split a log, of which at least part is arranged in the splitting chute, into pieces, a pressure plate arranged to support the log, and means for moving the pressure plate and/or the splitting wedge towards each other in such a way that the log is configured to be split by said movement. In the firewood processor, the splitting wedge is arranged to split the log into an intermediate split log and at least one firewood-ready piece. The firewood processor further comprises a returning element for returning the intermediate split log back to the splitting chute for further splitting and a protector for protecting the user of the firewood processor. The firewood processor is configured to automatically return the intermediate split log, using the returning element, to the splitting chute.

Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.

An automated lumber handling system laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the system determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to proper size and in the proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the system lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

A pickup and alignment mechanism for logs is disclosed along with a method of using the mechanism. The pickup and alignment mechanism includes a frame, a connector and a plurality of L-shaped tines secured to the frame. The plurality of L-shaped tines is grouped into pairs. The pickup and alignment mechanism also includes a pair of side tines. The pickup and alignment mechanism is designed to be removably mounted to a motorized vehicle. All of the L-shaped tines can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated to remove from between one to six logs from a stacked pile of logs. The one to six logs are then raised above ground level and are aligned relative to one another so that they can be easily cut into smaller piece of firewood by a person with a chain saw.