In various embodiments, a scanner optimizer system may generate a virtual model of a predicted flitch based on a 3D model of a log/cant and a cut solution for the log/cant. The scanner optimizer system may compare a virtual model of an actual flitch to virtual models of predicted flitches by comparing data points at a fixed elevation relative to one or both faces of the models. Based on the comparisons, the scanner optimizer system may identify the source log from which the actual flitch was cut. In addition, the scanner optimizer system may identify the saw used to cut the actual flitch, and/or other relevant information, and use the additional information to monitor and adjust the saws and other equipment. Embodiments of corresponding apparatuses and methods are also described.

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 system (100A) to track logs in a wood processing chain, includes a database arrangement (102) that includes pre-recorded image of a given log, wherein the given log is associated with log identification information. The system further includes a plurality of imaging devices implemented at a sorting station. The plurality of imaging devices (104) is configured to capture a first set of images from at least a first prespecified oblique angle. The system further includes a data processing arrangement (106) that is configured to: identify the given log at the sorting station; compare the at least one pre-recorded image with the captured first set of images at the sorting station in order to find an optimum image from the compared images for identification of the given log; determine a plurality of physical characteristics; and append the log identification information with the determined physical characteristics of the given log.

An apparatus for separating a sawn timber package cut from a log into main and side products during longitudinal transport thereof, having at least one separating device positioned such that, during a feed motion of the sawn timber package, it engages in a sawing gap between single- or multi-cut main product and side product and deflects the side product in a direction leading away from the main product. Two rotatably mounted conical rollers form the separating device, each having a circumferential separating edge formed by two surfaces of revolution enclosing an acute angle, and the two conical rollers are arranged on both sides of the sawn timber package and oriented such that they engage laterally into the sawing gap with respective separating edges and roll on the main product with their first surface of revolution, while deflecting the side product from the main product with their second surface of revolution.

An integrated approach to the production and supply chain from forest to end use products, including growing trees, logging trees, and processing logs that maximises production of higher value products and minimises costs and 5 waste is critical to a sustainable timber industry.

A milling head for profiling logs has two rotating machining tools, the axes of rotation of which extend parallel to one another apart from possibly deviating inclination angles of the machining tools. The machining tools are designed to each create a circumferential and an end-side machining face and the position of the circumferential machining faces of the two machining tools is settable in relation to a log to be machined independently of the respective other machining tool. With such a settable milling head, a variable double step for the subsequent detachment of two side boards can be produced on each log side, which can be optimized independently of one another on account of the log contour.

A method for producing lumber from a tree trunk, where a machining surface is produced on the trunk by removing a slab region, and where, during a feed movement in a feed direction, the trunk moves toward at least two milling tools, which are each feedable along an infeed axis, whereby two waney regions adjacent to the machining surface are milled out and at least one side product board is profiled, and the side product board is separated from the trunk by a saw cut. During feeding and before profiling the side product board, the trunk is brought from a transport to a machining position by moving the trunk around and/or along an adjustment axis, which runs orthogonally to the feed direction, and, as a result, at least one leading region of the trunk is shifted transversely to the feed direction in the direction of at least one milling tool.

In order to increase the obtainable sawn timber volume in the side board region during the production of sawn timber from a tree trunk, in a method in which the tree trunk is canted at at least two sides, preferably four sides, a remaining wane region is milled out at at least two mutually opposite corner regions by milling tools, and a side product board is cut off by a saw cut along a plane bounded by the corner regions, it is provided that, to mill out the corner regions, the milling tools are moved relative to the tree trunk in an arc, predefined on the basis of a measurement of the tree trunk, by virtue of the fact that, during a feed movement of the tree trunk relative to the milling tools, said milling tools are adjusted so as to follow the arc.