Patent ID: 6305259
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B23D,B27B,Y10T

Abstract:
A log-cutting apparatus for cutting a log into segments of optimal length, comprising:(a) a scanning assembly operative to determine the characteristics of said log;(b) a central processor operative to receive information regarding said characteristics of said log and generate cut position information and cut position signals;(c) a transverse conveyor operative to transport said log in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of said log;(d) a guide track assembly; and(e) a plurality of log-cutting assemblies, each of said log-cutting assemblies independently moveably mounted onto said guide track assembly and comprising:(i) a saw box;(ii) a saw assembly pivotally mounted to said saw box to saw said log;(iii) a cradle assembly pivotally mounted to said saw box adjacent said saw assembly and operative to receive said log from said transverse conveyor and to support said log for cutting; and(iv) a drive means coupled to said saw box responsive to cut position signals from said central processor, said drive means operative to reversibly move together said saw box, said saw assembly and said cradle assembly along said guide track assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of said log to a position determined by said cut position information;wherein each of said log-cutting assemblies is independently and reversibly positionable.