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.

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.

An edger feeding apparatus and method of placing flitches in position to be fed into an edger with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches oriented and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feeding apparatus may include a scanning system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch. The apparatus and method may also include a control computer and its use for determining the optimum position for feeding each flitch into the edger to produce the most valuable yield of lumber from the flitch.

An edger feeding apparatus and method of placing flitches in position to be fed into an edger with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches oriented and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feeding apparatus may include a scanning system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch. The apparatus and method may also include a control computer and its use for determining the optimum position for feeding each flitch into the edger to produce the most valuable yield of lumber from the flitch.

A system including a lumber-pickup arm having a plurality of suction cups in a staggered configuration to pick up a piece of lumber that may be cracked, crooked or askew on the pile of lumber from which it is to be picked. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes locating a selected piece of lumber to be picked up; lowering the pickup arm so that at least some of the plurality of suction cups are seated on a first surface of the selected piece of lumber; reducing air pressure within the at least some of the plurality of suction cups; raising and moving the pickup arm to move the piece of lumber to a first destination; and increasing air pressure within the at least some of the plurality of suction cups to release the piece of lumber at the first destination Cups not holding vacuum are deactivated.

An edger feed apparatus and method of feeding flitches into an edger are disclosed. The flitches are positioned with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches positioned and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feed apparatus may include a fetcher assembly to hold a second flitch in an edger ready position while a portion of the first flitch is directed below on an edger infeed mechanism being transported to the edger. The fetcher assembly releases the second flitch on to the edger infeed mechanism when the first flitch has moved clear from beneath the edger ready position. The edger feed apparatus additionally includes a scanner system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch for determining a sawing solution to be implemented by the edger.

An edger feeding apparatus and method of placing flitches in position to be fed into an edger with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches oriented and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feeding apparatus may include a scanning system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch. The apparatus and method may also include a control computer and its use for determining the optimum position for feeding each flitch into the edger to produce the most valuable yield of lumber from the flitch.

An edger feeding apparatus and method of placing flitches in position to be fed into an edger with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches oriented and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feeding apparatus may include a scanning system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch. The apparatus and method may also include a control computer and its use for determining the optimum position for feeding each flitch into the edger to produce the most valuable yield of lumber from the flitch.

In a method for operating a sawline for logs, the sawline including a conveyor for conveying a log in the sawline, and a processing apparatus for processing the log, the log is fed into the sawline, the log is conveyed onwards in the longitudinal direction in the sawline, the overall length of the log is determined, and the log is guided into the processing apparatus, with which the log is processed at the same time, when the log is conveyed onwards in the sawline. The length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus is determined with a camera apparatus, and the location of the end of the log in the processing apparatus is determined on the basis of the overall length of the log and on the basis of the length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus.

In a method for operating a sawline for logs, the sawline including a conveyor for conveying a log in the sawline, and a processing apparatus for processing the log, the log is fed into the sawline, the log is conveyed onwards in the longitudinal direction in the sawline, the overall length of the log is determined, and the log is guided into the processing apparatus, with which the log is processed at the same time, when the log is conveyed onwards in the sawline. The length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus is determined with a camera apparatus, and the location of the end of the log in the processing apparatus is determined on the basis of the overall length of the log and on the basis of the length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus.