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.

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.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lumber handling and cutting apparatus, including an incoming material conveyor assembly, a material infeed assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly, a cutting assembly adjacent to the material infeed assembly, a material outfeed assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, an outgoing material conveyor assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, and a printer assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly and the material infeed assembly.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lumber handling and cutting apparatus, including an incoming material conveyor assembly, a material infeed assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly, a cutting assembly adjacent to the material infeed assembly, a material outfeed assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, an outgoing material conveyor assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, and a printer assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly and the material infeed assembly.

An automated saw system and associated components and methods. The saw system includes a saw mounted on a turntable. A method of calibrating the automated saw system includes rotating the turntable by a motor coupled to the turntable. The method can include detecting rotation of the turntable and determining when the turntable touches a mechanical stop as a function of the detected rotation. The method can also include calibrating the automated saw system as a function of a rotational position of the turntable touching the mechanical stop.

An automated saw system and associated components and methods. The saw system includes a saw mounted on a turntable. A method of calibrating the automated saw system includes rotating the turntable by a motor coupled to the turntable. The method can include detecting rotation of the turntable and determining when the turntable touches a mechanical stop as a function of the detected rotation. The method can also include calibrating the automated saw system as a function of a rotational position of the turntable touching the mechanical stop.

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.

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.

A computer-assisted shingle sawing method for recovery optimization using a 0-1 defect relative to the clear line, comprising the steps of taking an image of a next slab to be cut from a wood block; defining from that image, a clear line there-across; and locations of defect on that slab relative to the clear line, determining edge lines of shingles recoverable from the slab according to optimal shingle grade recovery; sawing the next slab along these edge lines, and sawing the next slab from the wood block, thereby releasing an optimum recovery of shingles from the slab. In another aspect there is provided a method for shingle recovery optimization using an optimization by inversion strategy, wherein the inclination of a parting line for cutting the next slab from the wood block is determined for optimal shingle grade recovery. There is also provided an installation for carrying out these methods.