Patent ID: 7171738
Filing Date: 2007-02-06
Classification: B27M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a workpiece, comprising providing a supply of wood workpieces for processing into suitable dimensions specified in a cut list for carrying out one or more construction projects, an apparatus configured to cut and drill workpieces from the supply, and a computer connected to the apparatus, the apparatus having a pusher for engaging a trailing end of a workpiece and driving the workpiece down a linear processing path, and a plurality of processing stations arranged along the processing path, at least one of the stations including a saw for cutting, and at least one of the stations including a drill for boring, programming the computer with an optimization program configured to calculate an optimum processing plan for a workpiece based on a starting length of the workpiece, location of one or more defects in the workpiece, and current requirements specified in a cut list stored in the computer, entering a cut list into the computer, the cut list specifying length dimensions of pieces required for one or more construction projects, the number of each length dimension required, and drill list data corresponding to positions on workpieces where holes should be drilled, selecting a work piece from the supply, inputting data into the computer including the length of the workpiece, and the location of one or more defects including knots, cracks, or discoloration within the workpiece, automatically calculating an optimum plan for processing the workpiece to satisfy current cut list requirements, and removing the one or more defects, automatically driving the pusher to push the trailing end of the workpiece down the processing path toward the processing stations, and automatically cutting and drilling the workpiece at the processing stations according to the optimum plan determined in the calculating step.