Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LUMBER POSITIONER WITH
VERTICALLY ROTATABLE LATERAL DISPLACEMENT MEANS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of lumber positioning or feeding
systems to be used in
saw mills, planing mills and the like in order to laterally displace lumber as
it is being
simultaneously advanced in the forward direction. In particular, the present
invention is
concerned with a lumber positioner apparatus for advancing lumber, which
positioner comprises
a vertically displaceable angling mechanism which may be selectively activated
to cause lumber
to be simultaneously displaced in a lateral direction, resulting in a
vectorized movement of the
lumber in order that the position of the lumber may be quickly and accurately
controlled for
further processing, such as cutting or trimming.
In general, feeding or positioning systems in the saw mill industry are known
in the art, for
example U.S. Patent no. 2,657,784 to Stoker, U.S. Patent no. 4,386,641 to
Horn, U.S. Patent no.
5,419,425 to Goater, U.S. Patent no. 4,413,662 to Gregoire, et al., and U.S.
Patent no. 1,789,570
to Wahl. In addition, positioning systems which lateraly displace pieces of
lumber as they are
simultaneously being moved forward are also known. These positioning systems
however use
mechanical means disposed along the lateral edges of the system, which
mechanical means
physically push (i.e. mechanically act) against an end portions of the lumber.
For example
moveable gates may be disposed along the lateral edges of said systems, which
movable gates
may be, for example, hydraulicly driven to push against a side end of a piece
of lumber, such that
the lumber is simultaneously displaced sideways as it is being moved in a
forward direction.
However, the use of mechanical gates which act on the side ends of lumber is
inefficient and
slow, and may potentially be damaging to the lumber. Further, the speed at
which lumber may
be fed by such systems is dependant on the speed at which the mechanical gates
can operate,
meaning that a piece of lumber must be fully laterally displaced before the
next piece of lumber
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can be introduced into the system. As a result, the overall speed and
efficiency of such systems
is not very high. Further, the use of mechanical (moveable) gates acting on
the side ends of the
lumber may result in jamming of the lumber and the gates, which may cause
damage to the
lumber and/or to the gates, which may result in wastage of lumber or downtime
of the machine.
In addition, the moveable gates, in order to be efficient, require complex
control systems and
driving systems, therefore increasing the manufacturing, operational and
maintenance costs of
such systems. Finally, such systems are unsuitable for lateral displacement of
curved or warped
pieces of lumber, as the gate may pass underneath the warped end, which may
cause the piece
of lumber to fly up and over the machine, and may therefore create a safety
problem.
Prior attempt have been made at developing a positioning system for
simultaneous lateral and
forward displacement of lumber without the use of positioning gates. For
example, U.S. Patent
no. 4,753,335 to Goater discloses a positioner comprising a straight deck and
an angled deck,
which positioner comprises various mechanisms for first lowering, then raising
the straight deck.
Said positioner further comprises dual driving means for advancing the lumber
forward, namely
one associated with the angled deck and one associated with the straight deck.
The dual driving
means have the disadvantage that they must always be perfectly synchronized in
order that a
piece of lumber may be advanced at the same rate along the angled deck and
along the straight
deck. As the angled deck comprises a straight section and an angled section,
this means that the
relative forward speeds of a piece of lumber on the angled section and on the
straight portions
of the angle deck are not always the same, and further, not always the same in
relation to the
forward speed of the straight deck. If at any time the synchronization between
the advancing
means of the angled deck and that of the straight deck is upset, the
positioning system of Goater
may not function. Further, dual advancing means result in needless additional
purchasing,
operating and maintenance costs, and needlessly complicate the aparatus.
A further major disadvantage of this patent is the fact that, in order to
effect the lateral
displacement of a piece of lumber, each piece of lumber must be imparted with
two sudden
vertical impulses, i.e. each piece of lumber must be subjected to two (quick)
vertically
displacements. Namely, the lumber is displaced vertically (downwardly) when
the straight deck
which initially carries the lumber is lowered below the level of the angled
deck, such that the
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lumber is no longer carned by the straight deck, but rather is carried only by
the angled deck.
This therefore causes the lumber to be suddenly dropped. Once on the angled
deck, the lumber
is displaced laterally as needed. Following the lateral displacement of the
lumber, the straight
deck is raised once again above the level of the angled deck, and in the
process raises (i.e.
vertically displaces) the lumber off of the angled deck, to be supported by
the straight deck. This
therefore causes the lumber to be suddenly raised.
The positioner of Goater therefore causes each individual piece of lumber to
be vertically
displaced twice, therefore doubling the potential forpositional innacuracy of
the lumber. Further,
the use of a movable straight deck which may be raised upwardly to come into
contact with a
piece of lumber from underneath creates operational constraints as the impact
of said movable
deck hitting up against a piece of lumber from below may impart an impact
force and an
acceleration to said piece of lumber, and therefore can cause the piece of
lumber to jump up. As
a result, the speed at which the straight deck moves up may be limited, so as
to reduce said
impact force, and therefore may reduce the accuracy of the lateral positioning
of the piece of
lumber. The upward displacement of the straight deck may therefore be done
slowly and
smoothly, which naturally is ill-suited for an industrial application where
speed and efficiency
is vital. The positioner of US 4,753,335 has not met with commercial or
operational success.
A further disadvantage of US 4,753,335 is the fact that two advancing means
are required. In
addition to needlessly duplicating the number of advancing mechanisms, (i. e.
one in relation with
the angled deck and one in relation with the straight deck), the advancing
mechanism in relation
to the straight deck must be specially adapted to allow for the straight deck
to be lowered, then
raised, while the advancing mechanism continues to operate (i.e. to turn)
uninterruptedly. A
further disadvantage of the '335 patent is the fact that the positioner
comprises a number of long
(i.e. along the whole length of the positioner) heavy straight decks, which
have to be be fully
lowered, then raised. The use of long straight decks needlessly increase the
weight of the straight
deck to be displaced, with a corresponding decrease in the speed and
efficiency of the positioner.
Further, the long and heavy straight deck also necessitates the use of
powerful raising means,
increasing costs.
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It would be therefore advantageous to provide a lumber positioner having a
vertically fixed
forward displacement mechanism (means) and a vertically rotatable
(displaceable) mechanism
(means) for selective lateral displacement of lumber being advanced thereon.
It would be further advantageous to provide a lumber positioner wherein,
during the lateral
displacement phase of each piece of lumber, the piece of lumber is subj ected
to only one sudden
vertical displacement.
It would be further advantageous to provide a lumber positioner wherein the
pieces of lumber are
first fed into the lumber positioned by placing them on the vertically
rotatable angling
mechanism, and wherein once the lumber has been laterally displaced the
required or desired
amount, a portion of the vertically rotatable angling mechanism is rotated
downwardly such that
the lumber is displaced downwardly and supported on the advancing means for
further forward
displacement.
It would be further advantageous to provide a lumber positioner which
comprises only one drive
means, namely a drive means associated with the vertically fixed lumber
advancing means.
It would be further advantageous to provide a lumber positioner which
comprises a non
motorized vertically rotatable lateral displacement means.
It would be further advantageous to provide a lumber positioner which allows
for a very high
sped of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in accordance with a general aspect provides for a
A lumber positioner for selectively forwardly advancing and laterally
displacing lumber
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therethrough comprising
a vertically fixed lumber advancing means for forwardly advancing lumber
through the
positioner, said advancing means comprising a plurality of spaced apart
straight chain means,
each of said chain means comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting
attachments affixed
thereon for imparting said lumber with motion through the positioner,
a vertically rotatable lateral displacement guiding means for selectively
laterally
displacing and guiding said lumber, said lateral displacement guiding means
comprising a
plurality of spaced apart rotatable shafts, said rotatable shafts being
rotatable between a first and
a second rotated position, each said rotatable shaft comprising a plurality of
angled plates affixed
thereon, wherein said angled plates are configured and disposed such that when
a rotatable shaft
is in its first position, the uppermost surface of the angled plates affixed
thereon are disposed
above said chain means, and when said rotatable shaft is in its second rotated
position, the
uppermost surface of the angled plates affixed thereon are disposed below said
chain means
a drive means for forwardly driving said chain means
rotation means for selectively rotating said vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means
the positioner being configured and disposed such that when said lumber is to
be laterally
displaced, at least one rotatable shaft is disposed in its first position such
that the lumber is
simultaneously
vertically supported and laterally guided in the direction of said angled
plate by
said upper surface of said angled plates,
and
advanced by said attachments,
and wherein when said piece of lumber has been forwardly and laterally
displaced as required,
a selected rotatable shaft is rotated to its second rotated position such that
its said angled plates
are downwardly displaced such that said upper surfaces of said angled plates
are disposed below
the chain means and such that said lumber is vertically supported by said
chain means and only
forwardly advanced by said attachments
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided
for a
A lumber positioner for selectively forwardly advancing and laterally
displacing lumber
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therethrough comprising
a vertically fixed, motorized, lumber advancing means for imparting motion to
said
lumber being advanced through said positioner, said lumber advancing means
being configured
and disposed such that it is in contact with said lumber irrespective of
whether the lumber is
being laterally displaced or not
a vertically rotatable, non motorized, lateral displacement means for
selectively laterally
displacing said lumber, said lateral displacement means comprising a plurality
of spaced apart
rotatable shafts, said rotatable shafts being rotatable between a first and a
second rotated position,
said rotatable shaft comprising a plurality of angled plates affixed thereon,
wherein said angled
plates are configured and disposed such that when a rotatable shaft is in its
first position, the
uppermost surface of the angled plates affixed thereon are disposed above the
lumber advancing
means, and when a rotatable shaft is in its second rotated position, the
uppermost surface of the
angled plates affixed thereon are disposed below the lumber advancing means
rotation means for vertically displacing said vertically rotatable lateral
1 S displacement means
the positioner being configured and disposed such that when said lumber is to
be laterally
displaced, at least one rotatable shaft is in its first position such that the
lumber is
simultaneously
vertically supported and laterally guided in the direction of said angled
plate by
said upper surface of said angled plates,
and
imparted with motion by said lumber advancing means,
and wherein when said piece of lumber has been forwardly and laterally
displaced as required,
a selected rotatable shaft is rotated to its second rotated position such that
its said angled plates
are downwardly displaced such that said upper surfaces of said angled plates
are disposed below
said lumber advancing means and such that said lumber is vertically supported
by said lumber
advancing means and only forwardly advanced by said lumber advancing means.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided for a:
A lumber positioner for selectively forwardly advancing and laterally
displacing lumber
comprising
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a lumber advancing means for advancing the lumber through the positioner, said
advancing means comprising a plurality of spaced apart straight endless
chains, each of said
chain having an upper run and a lower run, and further comprising a plurality
of outwardly
projecting attachments affixed thereon for imparting said lumber with motion
throughout the
positioner,
a plurality of a spaced apart rotatable shafts disposed intermediate said
upper and lower
run of said endless chains, each said shaft comprising a plurality of spaced
apart angled plates
affixed along the length thereof, said angled plates each comprising a wear
surface disposed on
the upper surface thereof,
a single drive means associated with said lumber advancing means
each said rotatable shaft being individually rotatable from a first to a
second rotated
position,
said angled plates being configured and disposed such that when each of said
rotatable shaft is
in said first position, said wear surface is disposed above said upper run and
said lumber rest on
1 S said wear surface,
and wherein said lumber advancing means advances said lumber simultaneously
forwardly
through the positioner and in the direction of said angled plates,
wherein when in said second position, said shaft has been rotated such that
said angled
plates disposed along the length thereof have been rotated downwardly such
that said
lumber rest on said fixed deck and is advanced by the continuous lumber
advancing
means solely in the direction of the positioner.
In order to profitably operate a modern saw mill operation, a very large
quantity of lumber must
be processed, i.e. cut, trimmed etc... Accordingly, a very large number of
pieces of lumber must
be moved, i.e. advanced towards the cutting or trimming operation, while at
the same time, the
pieces of lumber may be sorted, and thus may require accurate, selective,
lateral displacement.
This simultaneous forward and lateral displacement of the lumber must
preferably be effected
as quickly and efficiently as possible. Typically, a saw mill operation may
feed onto a positioner
a continuous stream of rough lumber, for example 2x4's, 4x4's, 2x8's and so
on, which pieces of
lumber may be made to advance through the positioner in a direction
perpendicular to the major
longitudinal axis of the lumber. Each piece of lumber fed to (i.e. brought to)
the positioner may
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be of a different length and cross-sectional area and may have one or two
rough (i.e. uneven or
uncut) side ends. Depending on the intended end-use of the lumber, said one or
two rough ends
may need to be trimmed in order to sell finished cut lumber. In addition, the
lumber piece itself
may need to be cut to appropriate lengths at one or more locations along its
length, for example
a rough 12 foot long piece of lumber may be cut into two 6 foot sections, or
into one 8 foot
section and one 4 foot section, or into a 12 foot section with a six inches
piece of scrap and so
on.
In order to maximise the efficiency of a saw mill, the individual pieces of
lumber may not be
sorted prior to their being fed to the positioner. Thus the lumber positioner
of the present
invention may be provided with various control systems, optical scanners,
etc... which detect the
arnval of rough lumber at one end i.e the feed end of the positioner and which
control system
may select, in accordance with pre-determined selection criteria, the most
efficient use of a given
particular piece of lumber. The control systems may be part of (i.e. integral
with) the positioner
or may be part of the overall control system of the saw mill. Therefore, each
individual piece of
lumber may be graded and selected to be cut in accordance with individual
requirements, or in
accordance with the most efficient utilization of the piece. Therefore, in
accordance with various
criterion, such as the position of the saw or saws at the exit end of the
positioner, in accordance
with the position of the lumber as it is deposited on the positioner, and in
accordance with the
cutting option as selected by the control system of the positioner, the
positoner may advance each
individual piece of lumber in one direction while at the same time be able to
selectively, laterally
displace each individual piece of lumber in accordance with the selected
cutting pattern assigned
to each individual piece of lumber. Further, the positioner may
simultaneously, selectively
laterally displace a plurality of pieces of lumber, wherein each piece of
lumber may be selectively
laterally displaced a different distance. For instance, the first piece of
lumber may be selected to
be laterally displaced six (6) inches, the following piece of lumber may be
selected to be laterally
displaced twelve (12) inches, the following piece of lumber may be selected to
be laterally
displaced eight (8) inches. All of, or part of, the lateral displacement of
each of the successive
pieces of lumber may occur at the same time, or successively. It is understood
that some pieces
of lumber may be selected to not be laterally displaced at all.
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Therefore, in accordance with a general embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided
for a lumber positioner apparatus wherein, said positioner may advance pieces
of lumber in a first
(i.e. forward) direction, while at the same time allowing for selective,
lateral displacement of
each individual piece of lumber such that each may be positioned as required
or desired. For
example, the positioner may be configured and disposed such that simultaneous
forward and
lateral movement of individual pieces of lumber may be effected, i. e. for
example in the direction
of further sawmill processing steps, such as trimming of rough ends or cutting
to suit. In
particular, the positioner in accordance with a general embodiment of the
present invention may
allow for the simultaneous (i.e. contemporaneous) positioning of a plurality
ofpieces of lumber,
i.e. simultaneously laterally and forwardly displacing a plurality of
individual pieces of lumber
at the same time, yet wherein each piece of lumber may be laterally displaced
a different distance
(or alternatively, the same distance). As may be understood, the positioner
may have three, four,
five or more pieces of lumber thereon, disposed end to end or parallel to each
other. For example,
a piece of lumber may be laterally displaced 6 inches, while the next piece of
lumber may be
simultaneously laterally displaced 14 inches, the third piece of lumber may be
simultaneously
laterally displaced 3 inches, etc... In order to accomplish this simultaneous
displacement, a piece
of lumber may not be subj ected to its lateral displacement until it is, for
example, halfway down
the positioner, at which point it may be laterally displaced, while a
following piece of lumber
which may only be a quarter of the way into the positioner may be
simultaneously subjected to
its own lateral displacement. Alternatively, the individual pieces of lumber
may be laterally
displaced sequentially, i.e. after one piece of lumber has been displaced
laterally its required
distance, the next piece of lumber may be laterally displaced its own required
distance, then the
third piece, etc...
In order to provide a fast, efficient and accurate positioning of the
individual pieces of lumber,
it may be advantageous to handle the individual pieces of lumber as little as
possible, i.e. as few
times as possible. For example, it may be preferable that each piece of lumber
may be displaced
in one direction (for example, forwardly) while minimizing the number of
vertical displacements
which may be required for selective lateral displacements thereof. In
particular, it may be
advantageous to minimize the number of times that a piece of lumber is
subjected to a quick,
pulse-like vertical displacement. Thus in accordance with a particular
embodiment of the present
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invention, there is provided for a lumber positioning apparatus (or
positioner) wherein the lumber
to be selectively, laterally displaced is, once it is disposed on the
vertically rotatable angling
mechanism, may be subjected to only one vertical displacement.
Thus in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided for
a lumber positioner comprising a vertically fixed advancing means, and a
vertically rotatable (i.e.
displaceable) lateral displacement mechanism (i.e. means) for selective
lateral displacement of
each piece of lumber. The advancing means may be a fixed advancing means (i.e.
vertically
fixed), wherein said advancing means provides forward displacement of the
lumber, without
providing lateral displacement, or vertical displacement of the lumber. In
accordance with its
simplest form, the advancing means may, for example, comprise one or more
spaced apart chain
means, which chain means, may comprise an endless chain, endless belt,
conveyor or any other
means adapted to provide a continuous, returning motion about two spaced apart
pulleys. The
chain means, i.e. the endless chain may, in accordance with a particular
embodiment of the
present invention, may be a straight chain. The expression "straight chain" is
understood to mean
that the chain may not be curved or angled in the horizontal plane. This may
be so in order to
ensure that the forward speed of the chain may always be constant, i.e. the
speed of the chain in
the direction of movement of the positioner.
Each chain means may be fitted with a plurality of attachments thereon. The
attachments may
be fixed to each of said chains through known means, such as for example,
welded, bolted, etc...
and are configured such that they extend outwardly from the chain about its
periphery. The
chains may be supported along their lengths in any manner, such as for
example, by a beam, rail
or other support means, may be spaced apart by opposed pulleys, gears etc..
and may be rotatably
driven by a sprocket, gear wheel, or other means. The positioner may comprise
a drive means,
such as an electric motor to forwardly drive the chain means. As may be
understood, in
acordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the
positioner may comprise
a motorized, i.e. driven advancing means, which motorized advancing means is
the sole means
of imparting motion to the pieces of lumber disposed on the positioner. The
chains being
continuous (i.e. endless), once the forward displacement of their upper side
has occurred, the
chains, are made to come back, i.e. their lower side is displaced back to the
beginning of the
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
positioner.
In accordance with a particular embodiment, the advancing means may comprise a
plurality of
(substantially) parallel, spaced apart continuous (endless) chains, spaced
apart from each other
a distance sufficient to allow for the forward displacement of lumber, yet
close enough to allow
for small pieces of lumber to be advanced as well. As may be understood, the
advancing means
may alternatively or in addition to the endless chains comprise belts,
conveyors, etc... The
advancing means may be supported on the frame of the positioner and may be
provided with the
required bushings, bearings, supports, fixations and control mechanisms etc...
to accomplish its
intended purpose. As mentioned above, each of the spaced apart continuous
chains may be
provided with a plurality of spaced apart attachments thereon, the
longitudinal spacing of the
attachments to be determined in accordance with the requirements of the
positioner, such as rate
of feed of the lumber, speed, type of lumber to be sorted, etc... As may be
undertood, the spacing
of the attachments on each of the spaced apart chains may be identical.
Further, each of the
chains may be driven by its own sprocket, gear wheel, etc... which sprockets
may be in turn
rotatably driven by a common shaft or other drive means, such that the rate of
forward movement
of each chain, of each attachment, and consequently of each piece of lumber
advanced thereon
may be the same.
As may be understood, the advancing means is vertically fixed (i.e. it is not
vertically
displaceable) and therefore may cause no vertical displacement of the pieces
of lumber being
advanced thereon, or thereby. Further, in accordance with the present
invention, the advancing
means may provide the forward displacement of each of the pieces of lumber,
regardless of
whether the pieces of lumber are being only forwardly advanced, or
alternatively, whether they
are simultaneously being forwardly advanced and laterally displaced. As may be
understood,
there may be no second advancing means, for example, associated with the
vertically rotatable
advancing means, and a piece of lumber being simultaneously forwardly advanced
and laterally
displaced, may be driven (i.e. imparted with motion) only by the advancing
means, even though
it may be forwardly and laterally displaced. As may be further understood, the
rate of forward
displacement of a piece of lumber may therefore always be constant, from the
feed end to the exit
end of the positioner, regardless if lateral displacement is also imparted on
a piece of lumber.
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In addition to the advancing means, the lumber positioning apparatus of the
present invention
may further comprise a vertically rotatable (i.e. displaceable) lateral
displacement means, or
angling mechanism. It is understood that the expression angling mechanism
means the means by
which the pieces of lumber may be made to be laterally displaced, i.e. wherein
in addition to
being advanced, they may be "angled", i.e. directed to move in a lateral
direction. The vertically
rotatable lateral displacement means may selectively provide for the lateral
displacement of
individual pieces of lumber as each piece of lumber is being simultaneously
advanced by the
advancing means. It is understood that the expression "selectively" means that
each piece of
lumber may or may not be laterally displaced, and further, that each
successive piece of lumber,
if displaced, may be laterally displaced a different distance. In accordance
with a general
embodiment, the vertically rotatable lateral displacement means comprises a
plurality of spaced
apart, rotatable shafts, which shafts may be disposed transversaly to the
direction of the
advancing means, i.e. transversaly to the direction of the continuous chains.
Each rotatable shaft
may be supported on the frame of the positioner and may be provided with the
required bushings,
1 S bearings, supports, fixations etc... to accomplish its intended purpose.
Each rotatable shaft may
have affixed thereon a plurality of spaced apart, (short) angled plates, which
angled plates may
be disposed generally at right angle to the rotatable shafts, and oriented so
as to generally point
in the direction that the pieces of lumber are to be displaced. The angled
plates may comprise two
sections, namely a straight section (i.e. through which the angled plate may
be affixed to the
rotatable shaft), followed by an angled section, which angled section is
connected to the straight
section at an angle thereto. The angle between the straight section and the
angled section of the
angled plates may for example be 15°, however it is understood that the
angle between the
straight section and the angled section may be greater or smaller. It is
further understood that the
angle between the straight section and the angled section of the angled
plates, may be (in part)
determinative of the rate of lateral displacement of the lumber being
laterally displaced thereon.
Thus, if the plate is angled at a steeper angle, say 25°, then the
lateral displacement rate may be
greater, and if the angle is lower, i.e. 10°, then the lateral
displacement rate may be lower.
The plurality of rotatable shafts of the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means may each
be disposed bellow the level of the upper run of the chains of the (vertically
fixed) advancing
means, i.e. the rotatable shaft may be disposed intermediate the upper run and
the lower run of
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the continuous (i.e. endless) chains. In accordance with a general embodiment
of the present
invention, the vertically rotatable lateral displacement means may be
displaceable between a first
position and a second rotated position, namely wherein each of the rotatable
shafts may
individually and independently of each other be displaceable between a first
position and a
second rotated position. The angled plates affixed onto each of the plurality
of rotatable shafts
may correspondingly be configured such that when a rotatable shaft is in its
first position, the
angled plates affixed thereon may be in a first (or raised) position, such
that the top surface of
each of the angled plates is disposed above the upper surface of the chain (or
chains) of the
advancing means. When in said first position, the angled plates may be
disposed such that a piece
of lumber disposed (i.e. resting) on the top surface of the angled plates may
not be in contact with
the chains of the advancing means. Thus as may be understood, when the angled
plate is in the
first position, the lumber may only be in contact with the top surface of the
angled plate, and its
vertically disposition (i.e. height) may only be determined by the vertically
rotatable lateral
displacement means, i.e. the angled plates of one or more rotatable shafts.
Further in accordance with this general embodiment, the angled plates affixed
onto the rotatable
shafts may be configured and disposed such that, when the rotatable shafts are
disposed in the
second rotated position, the angled plates affixed thereon may also be in a
second rotated (i.e.
lower) position, such that the top surface of the angled plates may be
disposed below the level
of the upper surface of the chains of the advancing means. Thus, when the
angled plates are being
rotated to their second rotated position, a piece of lumber which may have
been carried on the
upper surface of the angled plates, may be vertically displaced downwardly,
such that after a
sufficient rotation of the angled plate (i.e. to the point where the angled
plate are disposed below
the upper level of the chains), the piece of lumber may now be Supported only
by the upper
surface of the chains of the advancing means.
As may be understood, due to the fact that the angled plates may, when the
lateral displacement
means is in the first (or raised) position, be disposed above the chain of the
advancing means, it
may therefore be necessary for the attachments of the advancing means (which
are affixed to the
chains) to be configured such that they are long enough so that they extend
upwardly well above
the upper surface of the angled plates. Therefore, as mentioned above, when a
piece of lumber
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is disposed on and supported by the top surface of the angled plates (i.e. and
therefore not in
contact with the chains of the advancing means) the (long) attachments
extending from the chains
may nevertheless be of sufficient length so as to come into contact with the
lumber and provide
for a continuous advancement thereof in a forward direction. As described
above, the vertically
rotatable lateral displacement means may not be provided with or associated
with an advancing
means, and therefore the displacement of the lumber through the positioner may
only be
accomplished by the action of the attachments of the advancing means pushing
on the lumber.
Therefore, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention, the positioner
may comprise only one means for imparting motion to the lumber, that being the
advancing
means. Thus as may be understood, the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means is not
associated with and is not provided with any form or manner of movement (i.e.
forward or
lateral) inducing mechanism, it simply performs a supporting and a guiding
function. If a piece
of lumber is not otherwise imparted with motion (i.e. by the advancing means),
the guiding
function (i.e. horizontal guiding function) of the vertically rotatable
lateral displacement means
would be ineffective, i.e. unused.
When in use, the positioner of the present invention may therefore be
configured and disposed
such that the vertically rotatable displacement means (i.e. angling mechanism)
may impart
selective, lateral displacement of each of the pieces of lumber, and further,
that the vertically
rotatable angling means may, once the lateral displacement of the lumber has
taken place, effect
a downwardly vertical displacement of the lumber onto the advancing means. As
may be
understood, the individual pieces of lumber may be fed to or brought to the
position in any
known manner, such as a conveyor belt, etc. The lumber may be scanned through
an optical
scanner or other means of a known type, which together with appropriate
computer hardware
andlor software connected thereto, ascertains what, if any, lateral movement
of the individual
pieces of lumber will be require for maximum efficient utilization thereof.
The scanning
mechanism may be part of (i.e. integrated with) the positioner, or
alternatively, may be integrated
with of other equipment. The positioner may be configured and disposed such
that the individual
pieces of lumber being advanced thereon do not have to be aligned along one
edge of the
positioner. For example, if the positioner is 1 S feet wide, two (2) pieces of
lumber each having
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CA 02276119 1999-06-21
6 feet in length, may be axially aligned and advanced through the positioner
simultaneously,
wherein each piece of lumber may be individually, and independently of the
other, be laterally
displaced its required or desired distance, i.e the first piece 6 inches and
the second piece 18
inches. Further, a single piece of 12 foot lumber may be introduced such that
it is disposed
completely to the left of the positioner, i.e. wherein there is, for example,
a three (3) foot gap
between the right side end of the lumber and the right end of the positioner.
Alternatively, a piece
of lumber may be placed completely to the right of the positioner, or in the
middle of the
positioner.
Thus when a piece of lumber is introduced into the positioner, it has either
already been
determined what lateral displacement, if any, is required, or such
determination may be
accomplished early into the displacement of the lumber in the positioner. As
described above,
the vertically rotatable lateral displacement means is displaceable from a
first or raised position
to a second or lowered position. If the optimizer determines that a particular
piece of lumber
requires lateral displacement, the piece of lumber may be advanced such that
it is disposed onto
the rotatable lateral displacement means, i.e. the rotatable lateral
displacement means may be
in its first (i.e. raised) position. Thus, upon the introduction of the
particular piece of lumber onto
the positioner, the lumber may be made to rest on, and be supported by the
upper surface of the
angled plates of the first rotatable shaft of the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means.
At this point, (i.e. at the feed end of the positioner), if the piece of
lumber has been selected for
lateral displacement, the lumber may be supported only on the upper surfaces
of the angled plates
and not by the chains of the advancing means. The displacement (i.e. the
imparting of motion
to the lumber) is accomplished by the advancing means, namely the attachments
which are
disposed on the chains of the advancing means, which cause the piece of lumber
to be advanced
forward, i.e. the attachments push the piece of lumber from behind and make it
advance down
the positioner. As may be understood, the vertically rotatable mechanism does
not provide any
displacement force, it simply supports and directs the movement of the piece
of lumber, while
the imparting motion to the pieces of lumber may be accomplished by the
advancing means.
As the vertically rotatable lateral displacement means is in its first or
raised position, the lumber
may be made to advance in the direction of the angled plated on which it is
supported. Thus if
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
the angled plate has an angled section which is at a 15° from the
perpendicular, the lumber may
also advance at a 15° from the perpendicular. In other words, the piece
of lumber may move
forwardly, but also laterally at an angle substantially the same as the angle
of the angled plate,
in this example, 15° from the forward direction.
Each successive set of angled plates affixed on successive rotatable shafts
may therefore laterally
displace a piece of lumber a further distance. For example, if an angled plate
is angled such that
it causes a piece of lumber to be laterally displaced two inches, then a piece
of lumber requiring
a total lateral displacement of 12 inches may need to be advanced on and
supported by, for
example, six (consecutive or not) rotatable shafts having angled plates
affixed thereto. It will be
readily apparent that when small lateral displacements are required, there is
an advantage to
having a positioner with a plurality of rotatable shafts each with small
angled plates affixed
thereon, wherein only some of the rotatable shafts need be rotated, rather
than one single large
piece of equipment, or the whole deck, as per the teachings of the prior art.
Once the optimizer, or any other control and instrumentation device,
determines that a piece of
lumber has been laterally displaced the required distance, part of the
vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means may be activated, i.e. one or more rotatable shafts may be
rotated, causing
the angled plates affixed thereon to be rotated downwardly, i.e. from their
first to their second
rotated (or lower) position, such that the lumber which was previously resting
thereon may be
brought down onto and rests upon the advancing means. Typically the rotatable
shaft to be
rotated would be the next rotatable shaft after the last rotatable shaft which
effected a lateral
displacement of the lumber. Thereafter, the lumber may be displaced in the
forward direction
while being supported on the chains of the advancing means. As may be
understood, only a small
number of rotatable shafts, i.e. one, two or three out of a total of, for
example, 12 or 15, may be
needed to be rotated in order to end the lateral displacement of a piece of
lumber.
For example, a positioner in accordance with the present embodiment may
comprise a number
of spaced apart parallel rotatable shafts disposed perpendicularly to the
direction of motion of
the lumber to be advanced through the positioner. The pieces of lumber are
introduced onto the
positioner, such that they may roughly be paxallel to said rotatable shafts.
When the vertically
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CA 02276119 1999-06-21
rotatable advancing mechanism is in its first or raised position, one or more,
or all of said
rotatable shafts may be in their first or raised position, such that the top
surface of each of the
angled plates attached thereon may be disposed above the upper level of the
advancing means.
Thus, the lumber, when it is first introduced in the positioner, is first
supported by the plurality
of angled plate disposed on the first rotatable shaft, i. e. the rotatable
shaft adj acent to the feed end
of the positioner. The lumber may also simultaneously be supported on the
angled plates affixed
to the second or third rotatable shaft, if for example there is overlap
between the angled plates
affixed to the first, second, third rotatable shafts. As the lumber is
vertically supported by the
angled plates, yet advanced by the advancing means, the configuration of the
angled plates, will
cause the piece of lumber to be guided or angled, i.e. advanced forwardly and
also
simultaneously laterally displaced. As may be understood, the lumber may be
moved, i.e. guided
in a manner which may generally follow the shape of the angled plates on which
it is supported.
For example, if an angled plate is angled at 15° and its angled portion
measures 6 inches, the
forwardmost end of the angled plate may be laterally offset by 1.55 inches.
Therefore, a piece
of lumber resting on and being guided by an angled plate may be forwardly
displaced 6 inches,
and laterally displaced a distance of 1.55 inches.
Once said lateral displacement and forward displacement are accomplished, the
lumber may now
be supported by the next series of angled plates which may be affixed to the
second rotatable
shaft, and said second rotatable shaft may further cause the simultaneous
forward and lateral
displacement of the lumber, for example a further forward movement of 6 inches
and a further
lateral displacement of 1.55 inches. These steps are repeated until the
optimizer or other
controlled mechanism determines that the required or desired lateral
displacement of the lumber
has been accomplished. Once this has been done, the vertically rotatable
lateral displacement
means may be activated, such that one or more of the rotatable shafts may be
rotated to its second
rotated (or lowered) position. Said rotation of said rotatable shaft may cause
the lumber to drop,
for example haft an inch, the distance necessary for said lumber now be
supported by the upper
surface of the andvancing means, i.e. for example, the endless chains.
As may be understood, the angled plates may be configured and disposed such
that they comprise
a ramp up portion onto which the lumber may be made to ramp up. Therefore, as
may be
17
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
understood, this may constitute a preliminary vertical displacement of the
lumber onto the
vertically rotatable advancing mechanism. However it is understood that this
vertical
displacement may be a smooth and gradual displacement, without jerks, impacts
or impulses.
This vertical displacement or ramping up may therefore not negatively impact
the positioning
accuracy of the lumber. However, in accordance with a further embodiment of
the present
invention, the lumber may be deposited directly onto the vertically
displacement advancing
means, therefore, avoiding the need for the lumber to be ramped up thereon.
Therefore, as may be understood, if the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means comprises,
for example 12 spaced apart parallel rotatable shafts, the vertical
displacement of a piece of
lumber may be effected by the rotation of one (or more) of said 12 rotatable
shafts. This may
mean that a rotatable shaft may be in its second rotated position, while a
previous rotatable shaft
may still be in its first or raised position accomplishing a lateral
displacement of a following
piece of lumber. As may be understood, said vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means is
therefore advantageous in that not all of the rotatable shafts need to be
activated (i.e. rotated from
a raised to a lowered position and vice versa) at the same time, each of
individual piece of lumber
may be caused to be vertically displaced independently of the next one at any
point along the
positioner.
Thus by minimizing the number of vertical movements which may be imparted on a
piece of
lumber, the accuracy, (i.e. the lateral positioning accuracy) of each piece of
individual lumber
may not be compromised by unnecessary movements. As may be understood, each
time that a
piece of lumber is displaced from one moving surface to another surface,
whether fixed or
moving, there may always be a possibility of said piece of lumber being
imparted with an
acceleration or deceleration force, which may caused it to bounce, skip, move,
etc... and therefore
introduce inaccuracy into its positioning. This may especially be the case in
fast moving
machines. The present invention overcomes this shortcoming of the prior art.
Thus as may be
understood, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention, the individual
pieces of lumbers undergoing lateral displacement may be subjected to a single
vertical
movement, namely from a first position to a second rotated (lowered) position.
There is therefore
no up and down or vertically cyclical movement of the lumber.
18
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
Thus as may be understood, by multiplying the number of (short) angled plates,
the positioner
may at the same time be displacing a number of piece of lumber wherein each
piece of lumber
may be laterally displaced a different length. This may be accomplished by
having the control
system of the positioned select a piece of lumber for a given lateral
displacement, but may order
the positioner to start lateraly displacing that piece of lumber only when
that piece of lumber is
already, for example, half way down the positioner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention will be further understood from the following
description with reference
to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of the lumber positioner in accordance with a
general embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a right side elevation view of the positioner Figure 1 showing in
addition thereto a
number of pieces of lumber being advanced on the positioner.
Figure 3 is a partial close up view of the side elevation of the positioner as
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a further close up of the side elevation view of the positioner as
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a close up view of a plan view of the positioner as shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 6 is a close up view of a side elevation of an angled plate.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the angled plate of Figure 6.
19
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of an angled
plate.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the angled plate of Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The lumber positioner 1 in accordance with a general embodiment of the present
invention is
shown in Figures 1 to S. Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of a lumber
positioned with a
vertically rotatable lateral displacement means designated generally by
reference number 4. The
positioner 1 comprises a frame 3, which frame is supported on legs 2. The
vertically rotatable
lateral displacement means 4 comprises aplurality of spaced apart,
substantially parallel rotatable
shafts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 l, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, wherein each of
said rotatable shafts 5 to
17 is supported on elements of the frame 3 with appropriate bearings,
bushings, supports, etc....
As shown, each of said rotatable shafts 5 to 17 is disposed roughly parallel
to each other, and also
transversely to the direction of travel of the lumber, denoted by motion arrow
50. It is understood
that the number of parallel shaft may be greater or smaller than that shown,
in accordance with
the customized requirements of the particular positioner. For reasons of
clarity, the positioner
1 shown in Figure 1 does not have any lumber thereon, but it is understood
that the lumber is to
be introduced from the feed end 51 of the positioner 1, and is to exit from
the exit end 52 thereof,
and that the forward direction of the lumber referred to herein is indicated
by motion arrow S0.
It is further understood that the lateral displacement of the lumber referred
to herein is indicated
by motion arrow 53, but it is understood that if the positioner 1 is
configured differently, the
lateral displacement of the lumber referred to herein could be indicated by
motion arrow 54. It
is further understood that a lumber positioner could be adapted such that
lateral displacement of
lumber could be effected, for example, in the direction of motion arrow 53 and
later in the
direction of motion arrow 54. For example, if a given piece of lumber is
laterally displaced (in
the direction of motion arrow 53) a greater distance than was required, then a
corrective
displacement in the direction of motion arrow 54 could be effected, for
example, with the last
rotatable shaft 5.
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
The vertically rotatable lateral displacement means 4, in addition to
comprising rotatable shafts
to 17, further comprises a plurality of angled plates 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 26, 27, 28, 29,
30, and 31 respectively affixed along the length of each of said rotatable
shafts 5 to 17. As
shown in the present embodiment, rotatable shaft 5 comprises, for example, six
(6) angled plates,
5 identified by the reference number 20, wherein each of said five angled
plates 20 is spaced apart
along the length of said rotatable shaft 5. As illustrated in Figure l, each
rotatable shaft 5 to 17
comprises an identical number of angled plates, respectively 20 to 31 affixed
along the length
thereof. It is understood that the number of angled plates which may be
affixed along the length
of each of said rotatable shafts may vary in accordance with the customized
design of a particular
positioner 1, and further, the disposition of the angled plates may be varied,
for example, they
may be staggered, or disposed in an alternating or offset manner.
The configuration of each of the angled plates 20 to 31 affixed respectively
onto rotatable shafts
5 to 17, is such that the distal end of each said angled plates (as further
seen in Figures 7 and 9)
is angled towards the right as seen from above, i.e. in the direction of
motion arrow 53 as seen
in Figure 1. As mentioned above, the displacement of the individual pieces of
lumber as they
are advanced in the direction of motion arrow 50 is therefore to be in the
right hand direction as
denoted by motion arrow 53. It is understood however, that in accordance with
an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided for a vertically
rotatable lateral
displacement means wherein the angled plate (20 to 31 may be configured such
that the distal
end thereof is pointed toward the left as seen from above, i.e. in the general
direction of motion
arrow 54).
The vertically rotatable lateral displacement means 4 comprising rotatable
shafts 5 to 17, may
be rotatably displaced from a first to a second rotated position (as further
shown in Figures 3 and
4), and each of said rotatable shaft may be powered by motor means designated
by reference
numerals 60 to 71. As shown, the motor means 60 to 71 may comprise pneumatic
activators
which may be air driven, and which action causes the rotatable shaft to push
against a resistance
mechanism such that the default setting of each of said rotatable shaft may be
its first or raised
position. Alternatively, the default position of the rotatable shafts may be
in the second rotated
position. It is understood that motor means 60 to 71 may alternatively
comprise hydraulic levers,
21
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
electro-magnetic means or other types of motors or drive means wherein the
angled plates of the
rotatable shafts are rotatable from a first to a second position. It is
understood that motor means
60 to 71 do not impart the pieces of lumber being advanced on the positioner 1
with any
displacement in the direction of motion arrows 50 53 and 54, but will only
serve to vertically
rotate the rotatable shafts 5 to 17.
As further illustrated in Figure 1, there is shown the advancing means shown
by continuous (i.e.
endless) chains 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45. Disposed along the length of each
of said continuous
chains 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45, there is shown attachments 81, 82, 83, 84
and 85. As may be
understood, the series of attachments 81 may for example, accomplish the
displacement of one
or more pieces of lumber, not shown.
Figure 2 illustrates a side end elevation view of the positioner 1 as shown in
Figure 1. In addition
to the positioner 1 illustrated in the plan view of Figure 1, Figure 2
comprises a number of pieces
of lumber designated by reference number 90, 91 and 92, each shown being
advanced in the
direction of motion arrow 50, from the feed end 51 to the exit end 52 of the
positioner 1. As may
further be seen, the exit end 52 of the positioner 1 is operationally coupled
to a sawing station
100, while the feed end 51 includes a prior step in the manufacturing chain,
i.e. a feeding means.
Lumber piece 90 is shown being advanced by attachment 81, which attachment 81
is affixed to
one of the chains of advancing means (i.e. chain 45 as shown in Figure 1, or
as further illustrated
in Figures 3 and 4). As may be further seen in figure 1, there may be a number
of attachments
81 each one of which are affixed to a different chain of the advancing means
4. Lumber pieces
91 and 92 are shown as being advanced by attachments 82 and 83, while
attachments 84 and 85
are, for illustration purposes, shown not to be advancing any lumber.
As may be further seen, the positioner 1 comprises a number rotatable shafts 5
to 17, onto which
there are affixed angled plates 20 to 31 (as also seen in Figure 1). As
illustrated, each of the
angled plates is positioned in its first (i.e. raised) position. The advancing
means of the postioner
1 further comprises a gear or sprocket 70 which may be operably connected to
chain 45, which
sprocket is mounted on a transmission shaft, and which rotation causes the
advancement of upper
run 45(a) of chain 45 in the direction of motion arrow 50 and further, causes
the advancement
22
CA 02276119 2005-09-06
of the lower run 45(b) of chain 45 in the opposite direction. As may be
understood, each
of the other chains 35, 37, 39, 41 and 43 (as shown in FIG. 1) may be
similarly
operationally connected with a sprocket, and each of the sprockets may be
mounted on a
common transmission shaft such that they may each have the same displacement
in the
direction of motion arrow 50.
FIG. 3 illustrates a close up of a portion of the positioner 1 of Figure. 2,
wherein only a
portion of the advancing means and of the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement means
4 are shown. Angled plates 30 and 31 of the vertically rotatable lateral
displacement
means 4 are shown to be disposed in their first (raised) position, wherein
piece of lumber
91 is shown to be disposed and resting on the upper surfaces of said angled
plates 30 and
31. As may be seen, the upper surface of angled plates 30 and 31 are disposed
such that
they are higher than the upper surface of chain 45, and therefore, when the
angled plates
30 and 31 are in their first or raised positions, piece of lumber 91 is not
supported by the
upper surface of chain 45 of the advancing means. Attachments 82 which is
affixed on
advancing means (i.e. onto chain 45) is shown to be high enough, such that
even when the
lumber 91 is not supported by the chain 45, it can push against the piece of
lumber 91 and
cause it to be advanced in the direction of motion arrow 50. Further,
attachment 82 is
rotationally free (i.e. free-turning), such that it can turn about its axis
unimpededly,
meaning that as it is pushing lumber 91 forward in the direction of motion
arrow 50, it
does not offer any resistance to the lateral movement of lumber 91, for
example in the
direction out of the page, or to the right as depicted by motion arrow 53 of
Figure 1.
As may be seen in Figure 3, the piece of lumber 91 is only imparted with
movement
through attachment 82, (i.e. through chain 45 of the advancing means) but it
is guided in
its direction of travel by the configuration and disposition of angled plates
30 and 31.
Thus, as may be understood, when the angled plates 30 and 31 are in their
first or raised
position, lumber 91 is caused to move (it is imparted with motion) by one
mechanism,
namely the advancing means, but it is guided in its direction of travel by the
angled plates
of the vertically rotatable lateral displacement means.
Figure 4 is a further close up of the side elevation view of the positioner 1
shown in
Figures 2 and 3 again showing a further displacement of lumber 91 in the
direction of
motion arrow 50.
23
CA 02276119 2005-09-06
As may be understood attachments 82 which abuts the trailing end of lumber 91
has
caused lumber 91 to advance in the direction of motion arrow 50 from the
position shown
in Figure 3. Further, the optical scanner or control system of the positioner
1 (not shown)
having determined that lumber 91 has been sufficiently laterally displaced,
signals the
appropriate rotatable shaft of the lateral displacement means to rotate from
its first (or
raised) position to its second rotated (or lowered) position. For example, as
illustrated in
Figure 4, rotational shaft 13 has been selected by the control system of the
positioner for
rotation in the direction of motion arrow 98, therefore causing a
corresponding rotation of
angled plate 28 also in the direction of motion arrow 98. As a result of said
rotational
displacement of shaft 13 and of angled plate 28, lumber 91 is no longer
supported by the
upper surface of said angled plate 28, and has therefore been caused to be
vertically
displaced downwardly in the direction of motion arrow 55, i.e it is made to
move
downwardly. The piece of lumber 91 will therefore be displaced downwardly a
distance
denoted by reference numeral 97, which may for example be approximately '/4 to
'/2 of an
inch. Once angled plate 28 has been displaced to its second rotated position
as denoted in
Figure 4, lumber 91 only rests on the advancing means 4, namely chain 45. As
the
advancing means 4 (i.e. chain 45) only imparts a displacement in the direction
of the
motion arrow 50, lumber 91 will from now on only be displaced in the direction
motion
arrow 50, and will therefore no longer be laterally displaced.
Figure 5 is a close up plan view of the positioner 1 of Figure 1, showing in
addition
thereto, pieces of lumber 91 and 92 being forwardly advanced in the direction
of motion
arrow 50 and laterally displaced in the direction of motion arrow 53. Piece of
lumber 91
as shown is the same as the piece of lumber 91 of Figures 3 and 4. As may be
seen, the
positioner 1 is shown as having advancing means represented by endless chains
45 and 43
comprising thereon attachments 82 and 83. In addition, there is shown a
portion of the
rotatable lateral displacement means comprising rotatable shafts 14, 1 S, and
16 each of
which comprises a number of angled plates 29, 30 and 31 respectively attached
thereon.
As may be seen, rotatable shafts 14, 15 and 16 are disposed beneath the
endless chains 41
and 43 of the advancing means.
As may be understood, pieces of lumber 91 and 92 are disposed on and supported
by the
upper surface of angled plates 31 and 29 respectively, and are therefore, not
vertically
supported by
24
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
endless chains 43 and 45. However, pieces of lumber 91 and 92 are being pushed
forwardly in
the direction of motion arrow 50 by attachments 82 and 83 respectively, which
attachments 82
and 83 are affixed to endless chains 43 and 45. However, as may be understood,
as the pieces
of lumber 91 and 92 are supported by angled plates 31 and 29, the direction of
travel of said
pieces of lumber 91 and 92 may substantially follow the direction of angled
plates 31, 30 and 29.
Thus, for example, as lumber 91 is being pushed forwardly by attachments 82,
it will be caused
to follow the direction of angled plates 31 (i.e. it will be directed by) and
will therefore be
laterally displaced in the direction of motion arrow 53, such that there is a
resultant vectorized
direction represented by motion arrow S5. Motion arrow 55 is substantially
parallel to the angle
of the angled plates 31, 30 and 29.
As may be understood, piece of lumber 92 is shown to have been laterally
displaced in
accordance with the requirements selected by the optical scanner or control
system (not shown)
of the positioner 1. For illustration purposes, it is understood that piece of
lumber 92 was
positioned in the same position as piece of lumber 91, and after having been
advanced the
distance indicated by reference number 71, it has been laterally displaced a
distance indicated by
reference number 72.
As may further be seen, angled plates 29, 30, 31 are short angled plates,
meaning that they barely
long enough to overlap the next rotatable shaft, i.e. shaft 15 in the case of
angled plate 31, and
shaft 14 in the case of angled plated 30. Thus as may be understood, due to
the short length, and
therefore small mass of the angled plates, the energy required to effect the
rotation of each of the
rotatable shafts is kept to a minimum, therefore minimizing the size of the
motor means required
to rotate the shafts, and ensuring a a rapid rate of displacement of the
rotatable shafts.
Figure 6 illustrates a close up of a side elevation view of a typical angled
plate 28. Said angled
plate 28 is shown not affixed on its respective rotatable shaft 13. Angled
plate 28 comprises
adjacent its upper surfaces 110 a plurality of wheels or rollers 111, 112 and
113, which rollers
are free turning and which may facilitate the displacement of lumber along the
top surface 110
of said angled plate 28. As may be seen, rollers 111, 112 and 113 are not
powered or motorised
in any way, they are simply free turning about their axes. Angled plate 28
further comprises a
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
stiffening member 115. As may be understood, in accordance with a general
embodiment, a
piece of lumber may be made to rest on rollers 111, 112, 113 and may therefore
be more easily
guided in the direction of the angled plate, as further illustrated in figure
7. Angled plate 28
further comprises cut out sections 131 and 130 which purpose is to reduce the
mass of angled
plate, and therefore increase the speed at which it may be rotated.
Figure 7 illustrates a top plan view of the angled plate 28 of Figure 5. As
may be seen, angled
plate 28 is angled or bent about point 121, and its distal end 116 is
therefore at an angle denoted
by reference number 120. As may further be seen, angled plate 28 comprises a
straight section
100 and angled section 101. As may be understood, straight section 100 may be
configured so
as to be affixed to its respective rotatable shaft, i.e. for example rotatable
shaft 13. Further,
angled section 101 projects from the straight section 100, and may be for
example fabricated
from a single piece of steel, for example through stamping. It is understood
however that the
straight section 100 and angled section 1 O 1 may be connected to each other
through other mean,
for example through welding. Angle 120 may vary in accordance with various
design parameters
and in accordance with the customized or requirements of each positioner. In
accordance with
a general embodiment, each of the plurality of angled plates affixed to a
rotatable shaft may have
the same angle 120 such that a piece of lumber disposed on the top surface of
the angled plate
of one rotatable shaft may be laterally displaced an equal distance. However,
it is understood that
successive rotatable shafts, for example rotatable shafts 16, 15, 14, 13
etc... may each be affixed
with angled plates whose angle 120 is different from one rotatable shaft to
the next. For
example, the angle of the angled plates may be progressively greater depending
on their position
further away from the feed and 51 of the positioner, thus creating a condition
wherein the rate
of lateral displacement of a piece of lumber is increased as the lumber is
advanced through the
positioner.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a plan and elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of angled plate
28 of figures 6 and 7. As may be seen, said embodiment does not comprises any
rollers or
wheels thereon. However, as may be understood, a piece of lumber may
nonetheless be supported
on upper surface 135 of angled plate 28, and therefore, may be guided by the
angle and
configuration thereof. As a further aide in the displacement of a piece of
lumber supported on
26
CA 02276119 1999-06-21
said angled plate 28, the upper surface 135 may be narrowed such that it may
come to a thin or
thinner point, i.e. akin to a knife, thus facilitating the guiding of lumber
thereon.
27
