Patent ID: 6220423
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B27B,B65G

Abstract:
A control system for sensing laterally conveyed lumber pieces of varying dimensions, including length whereby said lumber pieces are subject to skewing as a result of lateral pressure between lumber pieces of varying lengths, and for regulating their movement laterally towards a loading station of a lumber separating device making a parallel engagement along the length of individual lumber pieces to deposit said pieces at a controlled rate on a process feeding apparatus, said system comprising:an individually driven first transfer section following a controlled lumber supply transfer; said first transfer section having first lumber conveying means and a first driving unit possessing instantaneous speed modulation and reversal capability;an individually driven second transfer section downstream of said first transfer section and upstream of said separating device; said second transfer section having second lumber conveying means and a second driving unit possessing instantaneous speed modulation and reversal capability;first lumber detecting means located along said first transfer section for assessing lumber flow conditions along said first section, said first detecting means comprising at least two parallel banks of sensor means located opposite from one another;second lumber detecting means located along said second transfer section for assessing lumber flow conditions along said second transfer section and for monitoring position of the leading lumber pieces in front of said loading section, said second detecting means comprising at least two Parallel banks of sensor means;wherein said first and second detecting means on said first and second transfer sections are longitudinally disposed so as to perceive gaps between lumber pieces and skewing of lumber pieces; and computer means responsive to said first and second detecting means and associative with said first and second drive units to command acceleration, or reversal on said first and second conveying means to correct gaps and skewing.