Apparatus for detecting markings on opposite end faces of a wood block

摘要

A peeler block is formed previously on its opposite end faces with markings the centers of which define an optimum axis about which the block should be rotated for achieving maximum yield in peeling veneer from the block in a rotary veneer lathe. An apparatus is disclosed herein which is designed to detecting such markings at two different detecting stations and finally positioning the block such that its optimum axis is set parallel to the axes of spindles of a rotary veneer lathe is disclosed. At the first station, the markings are detected by a first pair of image sensors such as CCD cameras having lenses with a short focal length hence wide-angle viewing capability. After the detection, the block P is transferred to the second detecting station under the control by a computer control in such a way that the detected respective markings may reach predetermined positions at the second detecting station, where the markings are detected by a second pair of image sensors having lenses with a long focal length for high resolution capability so that the markings are detected with increased accuracy. The block P is further transferred to a third station under the control of the computer control so that it can be positioned at the third station with the optimum axis of the block P expending substantially in parallel to the axes of the lathe spindles.