Method and apparatus for optimizing edge cut of boards from cants and the like

摘要

Cants from logs are conveyed transversely to their length to measure the cant thickness and position of the upper surface by passing under a thickness detector that directs the vertical positioning of a plurality of linearly spaced proximity edge sensors. The cant passing a sensor causes a series of pulses related to the conveyor speed to be introduced into a computer to measure the width of the cant at each of the sensor positions. The computer determines the alignment of the linear axis of the cant to yield the maximum board volume and directs the positioning of the cant relative to edging saws and transfer of the cant to a longitudinal conveyor for feed into the edging saws. The apparatus employed comprises a frame supporting a conveyor having its travel transverse to the length of the cant to be transported and a plurality of upper and lower proximity edge sensors linearly spaced parallel to the length of the cant. The upper sensors are adapted to be vertically positioned relative to the upper surface of the cant as established by a thickness detector positioned upstream of the edge sensors. As the leading edge of the cant passes a sensor a series of electrical pulses is initiated to a computer for that sensor and as the trailing edge passes the sensor terminates the pulses, thereby establishing the cant width at each sensor position. The computer determines maximum cant yield and directs positioning heads to position the cant in relation to edging saws for transfer to a longitudinal conveyor for feeding into the edging saws.