Patent Publication Number: US-10788265-B2

Title: Mobile veneer dryer

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/358,013 filed Nov. 21, 2016, titled “MOBILE VENEER DRYER,” which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/070,228, filed Nov. 1, 2013, titled “MOBILE VENEER DRYER,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,500,408, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments herein relate to the field of wood products machinery, and, more specifically, to veneer dryers and other large industrial machinery and methods of installing, translocating, and/or replacing veneer dryers and other large industrial machinery. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Veneer dryers are commonly used in the wood products industry to make products such as plywood and wood veneers. A typical veneer dryer is approximately 64-200 feet in length and about 25-30 feet in width, with four to six levels for conveying wood products to be dried. Conventional veneer dryers are constructed from mild steel and mounted on a concrete slab. Some modern veneer dryers have improvements such as insulated floors/walls, and may be mounted on expansion rollers to allow the dryers to expand in response to heating. 
     Veneer dryers are constructed in place. The construction window is typically at least 18-20 weeks. When the veneer dryer is constructed to replace an existing dryer at the same site, the existing dryer must be removed before construction of the new dryer begins. This leaves the facility without an operable dryer on the site for the duration of the disassembly and construction phases. Therefore, replacing an existing dryer can have a dramatic impact on the output and profitability of the facility. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate perspective and bottom views of a veneer dryer and movers, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 1C-1H  illustrate examples of movers, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a veneer dryer system and details thereof, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a construction zone portion of a track system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3C-3E  illustrate further details of the track system of  FIGS. 3A-3B , in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a destination zone portion of a track system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4C-4G  illustrate further details of the track system of  FIGS. 4A-4B , in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic plan view of a veneer dryer coupled with a destination zone of a track system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate a sectional view of a track system taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 5  and corresponding front and top views, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a sectional view of a track system taken along lines B-B of  FIG. 5  and corresponding front and top views, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate a sectional view of an anchor pedestal taken along lines C-C of  FIG. 5  and corresponding front and top views, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate schematic diagrams of a tow bar assembly, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic view of a veneer dryer system, in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for installing, translocating, and/or replacing a veneer dryer, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
     The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. 
     The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. 
     For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B” means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional element. 
     The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous. 
     Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to veneer dryers are described herein. In exemplary embodiments, a computing device may be endowed with one or more components of the disclosed apparatuses and/or systems and may be employed to perform one or more methods as disclosed herein. 
     In an exemplary plywood mill, the output of one veneer dryer may represent about 20% of the mill&#39;s weekly revenue. This can mean a loss of revenue on the order of $1-2 million dollars per week in some mills. As veneer dryers have become larger and more time-consuming to build, the loss of revenue due to downtime has also increased. Currently, lost revenue can be approximately one to three times the actual cost of the new veneer dryer. 
     Embodiments described herein provide movable veneer dryers that are configured to be moved intact from an initial construction site to a desired location of use. Other embodiments provide veneer dryer systems, veneer dryer installation systems, and methods for constructing, moving, and/or replacing a veneer dryer. 
     In some embodiments, a veneer dryer may be built at a construction site some distance away from the desired installation site. The veneer dryer may be a replacement for some or all of a pre-existing dryer, which may continue to be operated during the construction. When the new veneer dryer is constructed, the pre-existing dryer or portion thereof may be removed and the new veneer dryer may be towed to the installation site. This may be the same site that was occupied by the pre-existing dryer. Optionally, an infeed/outfeed section or other sections of the pre-existing dryer may be coupled with the new veneer dryer for further use. Constructing the veneer dryer offsite and towing it into place may reduce the time required for replacement of the pre-existing dryer from 18-20 weeks to 3 weeks or less, with a corresponding reduction in loss of revenue. In addition, embodiments described herein may allow the facility to choose the best time for replacing all or part of a pre-existing dryer. Such embodiments may also allow the facility to re-use an installation site or foundation, and to upgrade, retrofit, and/or elongate the pre-existing dryer at lower cost than was formerly possible. 
     In some embodiments, a veneer dryer may have an input end, an output end, and one or more decks extending between the input end and the output end. The veneer dryer may be modified/reinforced with one or more supports (e.g., braces) configured to increase the resistance of the veneer dryer to distortion or physical separation of components in response to the application of force (e.g., pushing/pulling). In some embodiments, a veneer dryer may be provided with one or more coupling members configured to be coupled with a source of motive force, such as a winch, pulley, motor vehicle, or the like. Optionally, a plurality of connectors (e.g., pull lugs) may be provided along the front, back, and/or side(s) of the veneer dryer and configured to be coupled with the source of motive force. The connectors may be arranged in a configuration designed to distribute push/pull forces among desired portions of the veneer dryer. 
     In some embodiments, the veneer dryer may further include a plurality of movers coupled with a bottom portion of the veneer dryer. The movers may be arranged on the bottom portion at locations that correspond to portions of a track (e.g., a pair of rails). The movers may include a frame and a track engaging portion. The frame may define a dryer engaging portion configured to be coupled with the veneer dryer (e.g., by bolts, welding, or the like). The track engaging portion may be configured to roll or slide along the track (e.g., on an upper surface of a rail). In some embodiments, the track engaging portion may include one or more rollers movably and/or rotatably coupled with the frame. For example, a track engaging portion may be a roller assembly having a plurality of rollers linked by a roller chain. Other examples of track engaging portions may include, but are not limited to, continuous tracks, low-friction surfaces, roller bearings, wheels, and the like. Optionally, some or all of the movers may further include a guide portion configured to limit lateral movement of the movers on portions of the track/rails. For example, guide portions may be rollers, pins, or other suitable structures coupled with the frame, or projecting portions of the frame. 
     Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may include one or more rails that extend between an installation site (e.g., the desired location of the veneer dryer) and a construction site (e.g., the location at which the veneer dryer is built), and the veneer dryer may be constructed on the rails at the construction site. In some embodiments, a plurality of movers may be provided between the track and the veneer dryer. The movers may have a movable portion configured to moveably engage a corresponding one of the rails and a frame configured to engage the veneer dryer. In some embodiments, the movers may be distributed along the rails and the veneer dryer may be constructed on the movers. 
     In some embodiments, a method for constructing a veneer dryer and/or replacing an existing dryer may include installing a track that extends between a construction site and an installation site, constructing the veneer dryer on the track at the construction site, and moving the veneer dryer along the track to the installation site. The installation site may be a site at which the veneer dryer is to be used, such as within an existing facility. In some embodiments, the installation site may be, or may overlap, the site of the existing dryer. The construction site may be a location at which the construction of the veneer dryer is more convenient or less disruptive to operations of the existing facility, such as an outdoor area and/or another area within the facility. In some embodiments, the method may further include removing the existing dryer from the installation site before moving the veneer dryer to the installation site. Optionally, the veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed before removing the existing dryer from the installation site (e.g., to allow use of the existing dryer during construction of the new veneer dryer). In some embodiments, the track may be fully constructed before constructing the veneer dryer at the construction site. In other embodiments, a first portion of the track may be constructed at the construction site, the veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the first portion of the track, and the remaining portion(s) of the track may be constructed before, during, or after the construction of the veneer dryer. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling the veneer dryer to a foundation (e.g., a concrete pad). Optionally, the veneer dryer may remain coupled with the track at the installation site, allowing the veneer dryer to be moved again as desired. In some embodiments, one or more anchor assemblies may be provided between the foundation and the veneer dryer. The anchor assemblies may be configured to inhibit forward/rearward movement of corresponding portions of the veneer dryer along the track. In some embodiments, the anchor assemblies may be configured to prevent such movement while permitting lateral expansion and contraction of the veneer dryer. Optionally, one or more portions of the rail may be tapered to accommodate lateral movement of the movers on the rail in response to lateral expansion of the veneer dryer. In some embodiments, the method may include fixedly coupling one or more of the movers with a portion of the track (e.g., by welding). Optionally, some or all of the other movers may remain movably coupled with corresponding portions of the track to accommodate axial expansion and contraction of the dryer. 
     While embodiments are described herein with regard to a veneer dryer  100  by way of explanation, persons with skill in the art will readily recognize that the systems and methods described herein may be used to construct, relocate, and/or replace veneer dryers of various types, dimensions, and configurations, as well as various other constructs (e.g., lumber kilns, processing lines or portions thereof, machinery/enclosures, etc.). Therefore, the substitution of other types of veneer dryers, lumber kilns, processing lines or portion(s) thereof, machines, and/or other constructs in place of the referenced “veneer dryer” in the described systems and methods is specifically contemplated, and such embodiments are disclosed and encompassed by the present description. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate perspective and bottom views of a veneer dryer  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring first to  FIG. 1A , veneer dryer  100  may include a plurality of consecutive drying sections  104  arranged between an input end and an output end of the veneer dryer. Veneer dryer  100  may further include a heating system configured to heat the drying sections  104  with natural gas, propane, light oil, wood residue, saturated steam, circulated oil, or other heat sources. 
     Optionally, veneer dryer  100  may include one or more cooling sections  106  arranged between a last one of the drying sections  104  and the output end of the veneer dryer. Collectively, drying sections  104  and cooling sections  106  (if any) form the main body  102  of veneer dryer  100 . Thus, the axial length of the main body of veneer dryer  100  is the distance from the proximal wall of the first drying section  104  to the distal wall of the last cooling section  106 . In some embodiments, the main body of veneer dryer  100  may have an axial length of 40-80 feet, 60-100 feet, 80-120 feet, 100-140 feet, 120-160 feet, 140-180 feet, 160-200 feet, 180-220 feet, 200-300 feet, 150-180 feet, 160-180 feet, or 168-178 feet. 
     In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may have one or more conventional conveyors/decks (not shown) that extend through the drying sections  104  and cooling sections  106  to convey sheets of material (e.g., veneer) from the input end to the output end of veneer dryer  100 . In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may be a jet veneer dryer. As is readily understood by those with skill in the art, a “jet veneer dryer” is a type of dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material such as wood veneers, pulp board, plasterboard, fiberboard, perlite board, and the like. 
     In various embodiments, some or all of the drying sections may be provided with corresponding axial-type fans  108 . Optionally, veneer dryer  100  may include pressurized fan shaft seals (not shown) coupled with a fan shaft seal air fan  114 , which may help to provide a cleaner local environment. Fans  108  may be arranged to circulate air in a circular path within the drying sections  104 , with the circulating air flowing transverse to the path of sheet material movement. In some embodiments, fans  108  may be configured to force air through a heat source (not shown) and into jet veneer dryer nozzles (not shown) positioned above and below the sheet material in the drying section, as is conventional. In some embodiments, some or all of drying sections  104  may share a common fan inlet plenum (not shown) through which the air is returned to fans  108 . 
     An exhaust  110  may be coupled with one or more of the drying sections  104 . In some embodiments, exhaust  110  may be a single point exhaust, and gases from drying sections  104  may be exhausted primarily or solely through exhaust  110 . Optionally, exhaust  110  may be coupled to a first one of the drying sections  104  at the upstream end of veneer dryer  100 . 
     One or more of the cooling sections  106  may be provided with an intake  116  and an exhaust  118 . Intake  116  may be configured to draw ambient air into impinging contact with the sheet material traveling through the cooling section, and exhaust  118  may be configured to exhaust the air after the air has circulated around the sheets of material. The number and dimensions of drying sections  104  and cooling section(s)  106  may vary among embodiments. While the illustrated embodiment includes eighteen drying sections  104 , other embodiments may have 8-12 drying sections, 12-18 drying sections, or 18-24 drying sections. Likewise, while the illustrated embodiment includes three cooling sections  106 , other embodiments may include one, two, four, or more than four cooling sections. 
     In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may include an infeed section  112  operatively coupled with a first one of the drying sections  104 . Infeed section  112  may be a conventional veneer dryer infeed with one or more levels/decks configured to feed sheets of material into the veneer dryer. Veneer dryer  100  may further include a conventional conveyor system (not shown) with pinch rollers/conveyors configured to transport sheets of material from infeed section  112  through the drying sections  104  and cooling sections  106  to an output end of the veneer dryer. Optionally, veneer dryer  100  may include an outfeed section  120 , which may be positioned at the output end of the veneer dryer. In some embodiments, outfeed section  120  may include a drive unit configured to drive the conveyor system (not shown). In various embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may include a chain tightener  122  at the input end to adjust tension in the deck drive chains. 
     In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may be provided with a control system (not shown) configured to automatically control various operations of drying sections  104  and/or cooling sections  106  (e.g., pressure, exhaust volume, exhaust rate, veneer temperature). 
     In various embodiments, the veneer dryer may include a plurality of movers coupled to a bottom portion of the veneer dryer. The movers may be configured to roll/slide along a support surface (e.g., rail, track, ground/floor, foundation), allowing the veneer dryer to be pulled/pushed from one site/location to another. Therefore, in various embodiments, the veneer dryer may have structural reinforcements not present in conventional veneer dryers. For example, the veneer dryer may have supports that are arranged/configured to reduce or minimize damage such as distortion or physical separation of panels, beams, and other components as force is applied to veneer dryer  100  (e.g., pushing/pulling forces, gravitational force). Optionally, the veneer dryer may have one or more design features configured to enhance resistance to distortion or physical separation of components in response to the application of force. For example, the veneer dryer may include larger/additional fasteners (e.g., bolts, welds, rivets, etc.), additional panels, beams, and/or other components, larger/additional areas of overlap between components (e.g., panels, beams, supports), and/or more supports that connect multiple components than conventional veneer dryers. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom view of a veneer dryer  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, a bottom portion of veneer dryer  100  may include transverse supports  128 . In some embodiments, one or more transverse supports  128  may be positioned between two heating/cooling sections. In other embodiments, transverse supports  128  may be spaced apart at intervals of 1-40 feet, 2-30 feet, 4-20 feet, or 5-10 feet. 
     In some embodiments, transverse supports  128  may be connected by one or more additional supports. For example, the first ends of transverse supports  128  may be connected by a longitudinal support  124 , and the opposite second ends of transverse supports  128  may be connected by another longitudinal support  124 . Optionally, one or more longitudinal supports  126  may be coupled with two or more transverse supports  128  between the first and second ends of transverse supports  128  (e.g., proximal to the rails). In some embodiments, transverse supports  128 , longitudinal supports  124 , and/or longitudinal supports  126  may be provided along the length of veneer dryer  100  and/or body  102 . In other embodiments, transverse/longitudinal supports may be provided along the portion of the veneer dryer that will bear a push/pull force (e.g., a leading end, a side, and/or a lagging end of the veneer dryer). In other embodiments, the veneer dryer may have a bottom portion that includes one or more supports (e.g., beams, braces, plates) arranged in any other suitable manner. 
     In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may include one or more connectors  130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , connectors  130  may be pull lugs positioned along an exterior surface of an end-most transverse support  128 . In other embodiments, connectors  130  may be rings, hooks, apertures, or other features disposed along an exterior surface of the veneer dryer (e.g., a support, a wall) and configured to be coupled with one or more cables of a winch, pulley, motor vehicle, and/or other source of motive force. Optionally, a plurality of connectors  130  may be provided along the front, back, and/or side(s) of the veneer dryer. In various embodiments, connectors  130  may be arranged in a configuration designed to distribute push/pull forces among desired portions of the veneer dryer. Some embodiments may lack connectors  130 . 
     A plurality of movers  170  may be coupled with transverse supports  128 , longitudinal supports  124 / 126 , and/or other parts of the bottom portion of the veneer dryer. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , movers  170  may be coupled with transverse supports  128 . Alternatively, movers  170  may be coupled with one or more longitudinal supports  124 / 126 . While the number, size, length, and orientation of transverse/longitudinal supports may vary among embodiments, movers  170  will typically be positioned between the bottom portion of the veneer dryer and an underlying surface, such as a rail or track. In some embodiments, the movers may be distributed along the rails and/or bottom of the veneer dryer at predetermined intervals, such as at intervals of 5-10 feet, 5-15 feet, 10-20 feet, 15-30 feet, or 20-40 feet. 
     Movers  170  may be configured to roll/slide along the underlying surface. In some embodiments, movers  170  may have one or more rollers. In some embodiments, movers  170  may be load moving skates.  FIG. 1C  illustrates a bottom view of a mover, in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, a mover  170  may include rollers  176  coupled with a frame  174 . Optionally, frame  174  may have one or more coupling features  182 , such as bolts, other fasteners, and/or threaded openings for bolts or other fasteners. 
     Optionally, rollers  176  may be coupled by links  180  to form an endless loop.  FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1  F illustrate side, front, and perspective views, respectively, of a mover  170   a , in accordance with various embodiments. Mover  170   a  may have a frame  174  with a load bearing platform  178 . Rollers  176  may be coupled together by links  180  to form an endless loop. The endless loop may be rotatable around the load bearing platform  178  in a first direction (arrow). As shown in  FIG. 1D , the frame  174  may be coupled with a bottom portion of the veneer dryer, such as a transverse support  128 . 
     In some embodiments, the veneer dryer and/or track may be provided with two groups of movers having different configurations. For example, one group of movers may have one or more guide features configured to restrict lateral movement of the mover on the track/rail.  FIGS. 1G and 1H  illustrate front and perspective views, respectively, of a mover with guides in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, a mover  170   b  may have rollers  176 , a frame  174 , coupling features  182 , and/or other features substantially as described above with respect to movers  170   a . In addition, movers  170   b  may include one or more guides  172 . In some embodiments, guides  172  may be coupled with frame  174 . Guides  272  may be configured to engage a side surface of the corresponding rail. In various embodiments, guides  172  may be rolls, pins, and/or protruding portions of frame  174 . For example, guides  172  may be rolls that are rotatably coupled with frame  172 . Optionally, guides  172  may be arranged in pairs and spaced apart by a gap. The size of the gap may be selected based on the width of an underlying rail and a desired degree of lateral mobility of mover  170   b  on the underlying rail. 
     Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a veneer dryer (e.g., veneer dryer  100 ) and a track. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the track and subsequently pushed/pulled along the track to a desired location at the other end of the track (e.g., the installation site). In some embodiments, the veneer dryer may be connected to a winch, pulley, motor vehicle, or other source of motive force operable to push/pull the veneer dryer along the track in the direction of travel.  FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a veneer dryer system  200  that includes a veneer dryer  100  movably coupled with a track  240 . In some embodiments, as shown for example in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the veneer dryer may be constructed such that the output end of the veneer dryer is downstream of the input end in the direction of travel (see  FIG. 2A , arrow). Alternatively, the veneer dryer may be constructed in the opposite orientation, such that the input end of the veneer dryer is downstream of the output end. In other embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed on the track in a transverse orientation, such that the long axis of the veneer dryer extends generally perpendicular to the tracks (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     Track  240  may have a first end disposed at an installation site  236  and a second end disposed at a construction site  238 . Installation site  236  may be the desired final location of veneer dryer  100 . In some embodiments, installation site  236  may be a location within a building, such as a plywood mill or other wood processing facility. Optionally, installation site  236  may be the location of a pre-existing veneer dryer. Construction site  238  may be an indoor or outdoor construction location (i.e., where veneer dryer  100  is to be fully or partially assembled prior to the relocation of veneer dryer  100  to installation site  236 . Optionally, construction site  238  may be a location within the same or different building/enclosure as installation site  236 . Alternatively, construction site  238  may be an outdoor location or other location. In some embodiments, installation site  236  and/or construction site  238  may have substantially the same dimensions (e.g., length/width) as the corresponding dimensions of veneer dryer  100  and/or the body of veneer dryer  100 . 
     In some embodiments, track  240  may also have a middle portion  246  between the opposite first and second ends. In various embodiments, middle portion  246  of track  240  may have a length of up to 50 feet, 50-100 feet, 100-200 feet, 200-300 feet, 300-500 feet, or more than 500 feet. Other embodiments may lack a middle portion  246 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B , track  240  may extend generally parallel to the long axis of veneer dryer  100 . In other embodiments, track  240  may be oriented transverse to the long axis of the veneer dryer (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, track  240  may include a first rail  252  and a second rail  254  that is generally parallel to first rail  252 . In other embodiments, track  240  may include three, four, or more than four rails. A plurality of rail sections may be joined together to form one or both of first and second rails  252 / 254 . In various embodiments, rail sections may be joined together by conventional means, such as by plates/bolts. 
     Track  240  may be assembled on an underlying support surface  256 . Support surface  256  may be a floor/ground surface that is continuous (e.g., a concrete surface) or discontinuous (e.g., floor/ground surface within a lumber processing facility and a floor/ground surface outside of the lumber processing facility). In some embodiments, one or more portions of support surface  256  may be elevated relative to other portions of support surface  256 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C , support surface  256  may include a foundation at installation site  236 . The foundation may be a new or pre-existing veneer dryer foundation, a raised concrete pad, or other type of raised support. Thus, in some embodiments, support surface  256  may have a greater height at installation site  236  than at construction site  238 . Optionally, support surface  256  may include one or more anchor pedestals at installation site  236  and/or one or more corresponding pedestals at construction site  238 , as described further below. 
     In some embodiments, veneer dryer  100  may be constructed on track  240  at a construction location (e.g., construction site  238 ) and moved along track  240  to a desired location (e.g., installation site  236 ).  FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a construction zone portion of a track system, and  FIGS. 3C-3E  illustrate additional details of the construction zone portion of the track system of  FIGS. 3A-3B , all in accordance with various embodiments. Views of a destination zone portion of are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4G  and the accompanying description below. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 3A-3B , the veneer dryer (or other construct) may be constructed at construction site  238  on rails  252 / 254 . In some embodiments, when substantially completed (e.g., at the time the veneer dryer or other construct is moved from construction site  238  to installation site  236 ), the veneer dryer or other construct may have a weight of 300,000-600,000 lbs, 500,000-750,000 lbs, 700,000-900,000 lbs, 800,000-1,000,000 lbs, 800,000-1,200,000 lbs, 900,000-1,100,000 lbs, 1,000,000-1,500,000 lbs, or 1,500,000-2,000,000 lbs. Therefore, the number, sizes, and types of various structural supports may vary among embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, one or more pedestals  262  may be provided at construction site  238  (e.g., on support surface  256 ). Pedestals  262  may be constructed from concrete, metal, and/or other materials and positioned between the rails and/or along one or both sides of track  240 . In some embodiments, pedestals  262  may be configured to engage or support a portion of veneer dryer  100  without a mover  270  between the pedestal and the veneer dryer. Pedestals  262  may be positioned to engage and/or support a particular section of veneer dryer  100 . Optionally, pedestals  262  at construction site  238  and corresponding anchor pedestals at installation site  236  may be positioned to engage substantially the same section of the veneer dryer (e.g., a middle section/portion). For example, for a veneer dryer with eighteen heating sections  104 , pedestals  262  may be positioned on one or both sides of rails  252 / 254  at a location that coincides with the ninth and/or tenth heating section  104 . Alternatively, pedestals  262  and may be positioned to support or engage a different portion of the veneer dryer (e.g., another heating section  104 , a transverse support  230 , a middle portion of body  102 , a particular heating section  104  or cooling section  106 ) than the anchor pedestals at installation site  236 . Some embodiments may lack pedestals  262 . 
     In various embodiments, one or more portions of first rail  252  and/or second rail  254  may be mounted on legs  250 . Legs  250  may be provided to adjust rail elevation and/or for structural support. For example, first rail  252  and second rail  254  may be mounted on legs  250  at construction site  238  and along the middle portion  246  of track  240  to accommodate an elevational change between construction site  238  and installation site  236  (e.g., due to a raised foundation at installation site  236 ). Alternatively, the difference in elevation may be reduced by raising a portion of underlying support surface  256  (e.g., by adding a layer of concrete) or lowering the elevated portion of underlying support surface  256  (e.g., by removing material to the desired depth) before track  240  is assembled. In some embodiments, rails  252 / 254  may be formed by joining rail sections (e.g., steel beams) together. Optionally, rail sections of different heights/dimensions may be used to reduce differences in elevation along support surface  256 . In various embodiments, legs  250  may be spaced apart at predetermined distances along the corresponding portions of first rail  252  and/or second rail  254 . 
     As shown for example in  FIG. 3C , track  240  may be provided with one or more supports that extend between first and second rails  252  and  254 . In various embodiments, supports  258  may be coupled with first rail  252 , second rail  254 , and/or legs  250  to provide structural reinforcement. For example, supports  258  may be cross-braces formed by coupling (e.g., welding or bolting) opposite ends of a support member  260  to first rail  252  and a leg  250  of second rail  254 , respectively, and coupling opposite ends of another support member  260  to second rail  252  and a leg  250  of first rail  254 , respectively. Optionally, the cross-brace may be reinforced by welding, bolting, or otherwise fastening the support members  260  together where the support members  260  cross one another. 
     In some embodiments, supports  258  may be formed at intervals along one or more portions of track  240 . In a particular embodiment, supports  258  may be provided at intervals of 5-20 feet, 15-30 feet, or 20-50 feet along track  240  or portion(s) thereof, such as middle portion  246  and/or second end  244 . Supports  258  may be provided at intervals corresponding to legs  250  (e.g., a support  258  at each leg  250 , at each second leg  250 , or at other multiples of legs  250 ). In a particular embodiment, supports  258  may be provided along portions of track  240  that are mounted on legs  250  or are otherwise elevated above underlying support  256 . Other embodiments may have supports  258  that include only one support member  260  or more than two support members  260 . Support members  260  may be elongate bars, beams, or other suitable structures. Some embodiments may lack supports  258  and/or support members  260 . 
     Optionally, legs  250  may have one or more members  242  configured to provide support/stability (e.g., a pad or pedestal;  FIG. 3D ) and/or to adjust the vertical height of legs  250 . In some embodiments, legs  250  and/or members  242  may include leveling nuts or other mechanisms for adjusting the vertical height of legs  250 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3C , movers (e.g., movers  170 / 170   a / 170   b ) may be positioned along the rails  252 / 254 , and a bottom portion of the veneer dryer (e.g., lateral supports  128 ) may be coupled with the movers. Lateral supports  128  may be coupled with other portions of the veneer dryer, such as longitudinal supports  124 , by connectors  184  (e.g., steel plates/brackets). Thus, the veneer dryer may be supported on rails  152 / 154  by movers  170 . Again, some movers may include one or more guides  272  (see also  FIG. 3E ). In other embodiments, all of the movers may have guides  272  or other guide features. In still other embodiments, all of the movers may lack guides  272  or other guide features. 
     The number, configuration, and type of movers  170 , track  240 , and other components may vary among embodiments. For example, in some embodiments movers  170  may have rollers that are rotatably coupled with the frame in a fixed arrangement (e.g., in a row). In other embodiments, movers  170  may be rollers without frames. In still other embodiments, track  240  or some portion thereof may be recessed in the underlying support surface, such as one or more grooves or tracks formed in a concrete pad/foundation. In still other embodiments, track  240  may be defined along the underlying support surface by paired rails or tracks that serve as guides, and the movers  170  may be configured to roll or slide along the underlying support surface between the rails/tracks. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate top and side elevational views, respectively, of a destination zone portion of a track system, and  FIGS. 4C-4G  illustrate additional details of the destination zone portion of the track system of  FIGS. 4A-4B , all in accordance with various embodiments. 
     As discussed above, the veneer dryer (or other construct) may be partially or fully constructed at construction site  238  and subsequently pushed/pulled on track  240  to a desired location (e.g., installation site  236 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , one or more anchor pedestals  264  may be provided at installation site  236  (e.g., on support surface  256  and/or a raised foundation). Anchor pedestals  264  may be constructed from concrete, metal, and/or other materials and positioned between the rails and/or along one or both sides of track  240 . In some embodiments, anchor pedestals  264  may be configured to engage or support a portion of veneer dryer  100  without a mover  270  between the anchor pedestal and the veneer dryer. Anchor pedestals  264  may be positioned to engage or support a particular section of veneer dryer  100 . For example, anchor pedestals  264  may be positioned to engage a middle portion of the veneer dryer. Optionally, anchor pedestals  264  may be configured to accommodate lateral expansion of the veneer dryer while restricting longitudinal movement of the veneer dryer (e.g., along the long axis of the veneer dryer). Some embodiments may lack anchor pedestals  264 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the track portion of  FIG. 4A , and  FIGS. 4F and 4G  illustrate views along sections A-A and B-B of  FIG. 4B , respectively. As shown for example in  FIG. 4G , rails  252 / 254  may be positioned on support surface  256  and/or on foundation  234  at installation site  236 . Again, portions of rails  252 / 254  upstream of installation site  236  may be elevated (e.g., on legs  250 ) to match the height of the support surface/foundation at installation site  236  ( FIG. 4F ). 
     In some embodiments, at installation site  236  the rails  252 / 254  may include a plurality of rail sections joined end-to-end. Some or all of the rail sections may be positioned on supports, such as pads  244 , which may in turn be coupled with support surface  256  with bolts or by other conventional means ( FIG. 4C ). Optionally, the upper portion of one or more of first and second rails  252 / 254  may be narrowed or tapered in one or more locations. For example, one or more of rails  252 / 254  may be tapered at locations that coincide with desired locations of one or more movers  170  at installation site  236  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4D ). As another example, one or more of rails  252 / 254  may be tapered at a transition between rail sections (e.g., between middle portion  236  of the track and installation site  236 ;  FIG. 4C ). Narrowing/tapering one or both rails may provide the movers (e.g., movers  170   b ) greater lateral mobility to accommodate lateral expansion of the veneer dryer during operation and/or aid in moving the veneer dryer over the transitions between rail sections. 
     In some embodiments, rail sections forming this and/or other portions of first and second rails  252 / 254  may be permanently joined together. In other embodiments, first and second rails  252 / 254  may include a combination of permanent and temporary rail sections. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4E , temporary rail sections  248  may be removably coupled with permanent rail sections  266  using bolts, welds, or other conventional fasteners. Optionally, rail sections  266  may be positioned such that they engage movers  270  when veneer dryer  100  is in the desired position at installation site  236 . Once veneer dryer  100  is in the desired position, temporary rail sections  248  may be removed or left in place as desired. In some embodiments, permanent rail sections  266  may be positioned on pads  244 . Pads  244  may be coupled with support surface  256  with bolts or other conventional fasteners. Optionally, shims (not shown) may be positioned below rail sections  248 / 266  where necessary in order to reduce variations in rail height. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic view of a lower portion of a veneer dryer coupled with the destination zone portion of a track system, in accordance with various embodiments. Once the veneer dryer has been moved to the desired location (e.g., at installation site  236 ), the movers (e.g., movers  170 / 170   a / 170   b ) may be positioned on corresponding rail sections of the track, and the veneer dryer may remain coupled with the movers. For example, movers  170   a  may be disposed on rail  254  and coupled with a first end of lateral supports  128 , and movers  170   b  may be disposed on rail  252  and coupled with an opposite end of lateral supports  128 . Other embodiments may have different configurations/combinations of movers, and/or the movers may be coupled with other portions of the veneer dryer. 
     At installation site  236 , the veneer dryer may be coupled with one or more of track  240  ( FIGS. 6A-6C and 7A-7C ), foundation  234 , anchor pedestal(s)  264  ( FIGS. 8A-8C ), and/or a portion of underlying support surface  256 . The veneer dryer may also be coupled with a power/electricity source, a fuel source, a sensor, a computer system, and/or various other resources used for operation of the veneer dryer at installation site  236 . 
     The movers may remain in position between the track and the veneer dryer to accommodate axial expansion of the veneer dryer during operation. In some embodiments, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be coupled with the bottom portion of the veneer dryer. Optionally, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be coupled with a lateral support  128  located approximately halfway between the opposite ends of the veneer dryer and/or main body of the veneer dryer. Anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be configured to restrict axial/longitudinal movement of the corresponding portion of the veneer dryer along the track. As a result, the axial expansion may occur in opposite directions from the anchor pedestal(s)  264  toward the ends of the veneer dryer (see arrows,  FIG. 5C ). Movers  170  located upstream and downstream of the anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be configured to slide or roll along the corresponding rails or rail sections toward the opposite ends of the veneer dryer in response to the axial expansion/contraction of the veneer dryer. Optionally, one or more movers  170  may be positioned in lateral alignment with anchor pedestal(s)  264  (e.g., coupled with the same lateral support  128 ) and may be rigidly coupled with the corresponding rail or rail section by welding or other conventional means. 
     In various embodiments, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be configured to allow lateral movement of the corresponding portion of the veneer dryer while restricting longitudinal movement of that portion of the veneer dryer on the track/rails. This may accommodate lateral expansion of the veneer dryer. In some embodiments, a corresponding portion of one or more of the rails or rail sections may be tapered or narrowed to accommodate lateral expansion of the veneer dryer. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , one mover may be coupled with rail  252  at position  268   a , and another mover may be disposed coupled with rail  254  at position  268   b , such that both of the movers are in lateral alignment with anchor pedestal(s)  264 . In some examples, the two movers and the anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be coupled with the same lateral support  128 . The mover at one of the positions  268   a / 268   b  may be welded or otherwise rigidly coupled with the corresponding rail, and the other mover may be left movably coupled with the other rail. This configuration may allow lateral expansion of the veneer dryer to proceed in opposite directions from the mover that is rigidly coupled with the rail toward the opposite sides of the veneer dryer. Therefore, in some embodiments, a first mover may be rigidly coupled with one of the rails to define a fixed position (e.g., at position  268   a  or  268   b ), and both axial and lateral expansion of the veneer dryer may proceed outwardly from that fixed position. 
     In various embodiments, one or both of rails  252 / 254  may include temporary rail sections between permanent rail sections. Optionally, the temporary rail sections may be removed after the veneer dryer has been moved into the desired position at installation site  236  and the movers are positioned on the corresponding permanent rail sections (e.g., rail sections  266 ).  FIGS. 6A and 7A  illustrate sectional views of rail sections taken along lines A-A and B-B of  FIG. 5 , respectively, with corresponding front and top views shown in  FIGS. 6B-6C and 7B-7C , all in accordance with various embodiments. 
     As illustrated, in various embodiments one or more permanent rail sections  266  may be positioned on pads  244 . Movers  170   a  ( FIGS. 6A-6B ) and  170   b  ( FIGS. 7A-7B ) may be positioned on permanent rail sections  266 . Lateral supports  128  may be coupled with movers  170   a / 170   b . In some embodiments, lateral supports  128  may also be coupled with other portions of the veneer dryer (e.g., longitudinal supports  124 ) by one or more connectors  184 , such as steel plates/brackets ( FIG. 6A ). 
     Optionally, permanent rail sections  266  may include one or more plates  286 . In some embodiments, plates  286  may be configured to provide additional structural support to permanent rail sections  266 . In other embodiments, plates  286  may be configured for use to couple permanent rail sections  266  with other rail sections (e.g., temporary rail sections). For example, plates  286  may be provided with one or more bolts or other fasteners, and/or holes or other features designed to accommodate bolts or other fasteners. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a sectional view of an anchor pedestal taken along lines C-C of  FIG. 5 , with corresponding front and top views shown in  FIGS. 8B-8C , all in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, anchor pedestal  264  may include a base  290 , an anchor block  294  disposed on base  290 , and an adjustment assembly  294  coupled with base  290 . 
     In various embodiments, base  290  may be constructed from concrete, metal, and/or other materials. For example, base  290  may include a concrete block or steel beam coupled at the top/sides with one or more structural reinforcements such as steel plates. In some embodiments, base  290  may be mounted on a pad  244  or other such structure. Pad  244  may be coupled with an underlying support surface, such as a foundation and/or concrete surface. In some embodiments, one or more shims  288  may be provided between pad  244  and the underlying support surface to adjust the vertical height of anchor pedestal  264 . For example, shims  288  may be used to adjust the vertical height of anchor pedestal  264  such that the upper surface of the anchor block  294  matches the vertical height of the upper surfaces of movers  170 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , anchor block  294  may be coupled with a portion of the veneer dryer, such as a lateral support  128  and/or a longitudinal support  124 / 126 . In some embodiments, anchor block(s)  294  may be coupled with a lateral support  128  at or near the longitudinal center of the veneer dryer. For example, in a veneer dryer with eighteen heating/cooling sections, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be positioned between the eighth and eleventh heating/cooling sections, and anchor block(s)  294  may be coupled with a corresponding one of the lateral supports  128 . 
     Adjustment assembly  294  may be configured to restrict movement of anchor block  294  in one or more directions along base  290 . For example, adjustment assembly  294  may be configured to restrict axial/longitudinal movement of anchor block  294  (e.g., in a direction parallel to the long axis of the veneer dryer; Arrow A,  FIGS. 8A-8C ). Optionally, adjustment assembly  294  may be configured to restrict axial/longitudinal movement of anchor block  294  while permitting lateral movement of anchor block  294  (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the veneer dryer; Arrow B,  FIGS. 8A-8C ). 
     In some embodiments, adjustment assembly  294  may include adjustable members  296  and retaining members  298 . Retaining members  298  may be configured to movably couple adjustable members  296  to base  290 . For example, retaining members  298  may be brackets/plates that are rigidly coupled with base  290  and have one or more openings configured to movably retain adjustable members  296 . Adjustable members  296  may be disposed in/through the opening(s). In various embodiments, adjustable members  296  may be bolts, screws, or other suitable types of fasteners/connectors. In other embodiments, adjustment assembly  294  may include a linear positioner or other such mechanism. 
     The anchor pedestal configuration shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C  may allow lateral expansion of the veneer dryer during operation while restricting longitudinal movement of the corresponding portion of the veneer dryer. In other embodiments, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may have various other configurations designed to accommodate lateral expansion while restricting axial expansion. In still other embodiments, anchor pedestal(s)  264  may be positioned on one side of the track and configured to restrict both axial and lateral expansion. 
     In various embodiments, a source of motive force may be used to push/pull the veneer dryer (or other construct) along the track from the construction site to the desired location. Examples of sources of motive force may include, but are not limited to, a vehicle (e.g., a truck, an excavator), a driven conveyor, a winch, a pulley, animals (e.g., horses, oxen), one or more linear actuators, and other suitable means or mechanisms known for use in moving large or heavy objects. Optionally, the veneer dryer may be coupled with the source of motive force by a tow assembly configured to distribute the push/pull forces along a desired portion of the veneer dryer. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate an example of a tow assembly and components thereof, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 9A , in some embodiments a tow assembly  300  may include a primary tow bar  302  and two or more secondary tow bars  308 .  FIGS. 9B and 9C  illustrate additional views of primary tow bar  302  and secondary tow bar  308 , respectively. Primary tow bar  302  may include one or more connectors  304  on one side/end and one or more connectors  306  on the other side/end. In some embodiments, connectors  306  may be spaced apart at various intervals. Secondary tow bars  308  may include one or more connectors  310  on one side/end and one or more connectors  312  on another side/end. In some embodiments, connectors  312  may be spaced apart at intervals. For example, the distance between two connectors  312  on secondary tow bar(s)  308  may be substantially the same as the distance between two connectors  130  on an exterior portion of veneer dryer  100 . Similarly, the distance between two connectors  306  on primary tow bar(s)  302  may be substantially the same as the distance between two connectors  310  on corresponding secondary tow bars  308 , when secondary tow bars  308  are aligned with connectors  130  of veneer dryer  100 . Such a configuration may help to distribute push/pull forces generally evenly along an end/side of veneer dryer  100 , with the direction of the force remaining generally parallel to the direction of movement of the veneer dryer along the track. 
     In other embodiments, one tow bar (e.g., tow bar  302 ) may be used without secondary tow bars. For example, a single tow bar may be configured to distribute push/pull forces in a radiating or fan-like pattern, such as by having connectors  312  that are spaced at smaller intervals than corresponding connectors  130  on veneer dryer  100 . Alternatively, the single tow bar may have connectors  312  spaced apart by the same intervals as corresponding connectors  130  on veneer dryer  100 . In some embodiments, connectors  304 / 306  may extend partially or fully through primary tow bar  302 . Likewise, connectors  310 / 312  may extend partially or fully through secondary tow bar(s)  308 . In some embodiments, one or more additional supports  314  may also extend through primary tow bar  302  and/or secondary tow bar(s)  308  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     Still other embodiments may lack a tow assembly  300  and/or tow bars. For example, in some embodiments the veneer dryer may be pushed along the track by a vehicle such as an excavator or powered railcar. In other embodiments, gravity may be the source of motive force, either alone or in combination with another source of motive force. For example, the elevation of rails  252 / 254  at the construction site (e.g., construction site  238 ) and/or at middle portion  246  may be greater than the elevation of rails  252 / 254  at the desired location (e.g., installation site  236 ). One or more of the movers  170  may be blocked from moving along the track during construction, and subsequently unblocked when the construction is substantially complete. At that time, the veneer dryer may be moved along the track to the desired location by gravitational force, alone or in combination with another source of motive force. For example, legs  250  may be used to raise the track upstream of the desired location. As another example, the underlying ground/support surface at the construction site may be at a higher elevation than the desired site, and the track may be positioned on the ground/support surface without legs  250 . 
     In some embodiments, a braking system and/or a source of opposing force may be provided to slow, stop, or reverse the motion of the veneer dryer along the track. For example, the veneer dryer may be provided with a braking system (e.g., hydraulic brakes, friction brakes) that is operable to engage the track to slow or stop the motion of the veneer dryer along the track. Alternatively, one or more chocks may be provided at intervals along the track. Optionally, as the veneer dryer approaches a chock, the chock may be uncoupled from the track (e.g., if the veneer dryer is moving at an acceptable speed) or left coupled to the track to engage and slow/stop the veneer dryer (e.g., if the veneer dryer is moving at a greater than desired speed). In other embodiments, one source of motive force may be used to move the veneer dryer along the track toward the installation site, and another source of motive force (e.g., a winch, a vehicle, linear positioners) may be used to exert force against the veneer dryer in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, some or all of the movers may be provided with a braking/locking mechanism. 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a schematic view of tow assembly  300  in use, in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, a source of motive force  320  may be coupled with primary tow bar  302  by a tow line  318 . In some embodiments, the source of motive force  320  may be a winch. Optionally, the winch may be anchored to an underlying support, such as the foundation of installation site  236 . The type of source of motive force  320  and corresponding tow line(s)  318  may vary among embodiments, as described elsewhere herein with regard to sources of motive force. Examples of suitable tow lines  318  may include, but are not limited to, a cable, a chain, an elongate bar, and similar items known for use in towing large/heavy objects. Some embodiments may lack a tow line  318 . 
     In some embodiments, tow line  318  may be coupled with connector  304  of primary tow bar  302 . Connectors  306  of primary tow bar  302  may be coupled with connectors  310  of corresponding secondary tow bars  308 , and connectors  312  of secondary tow bars  308  may be coupled with corresponding connectors  130  of veneer dryer  100 . In various embodiments, corresponding connectors  304 / 306 / 310 / 312 / 130  may be coupled together with one or more shackles, rings, pins, or other fasteners. For example, corresponding connectors  304 / 306 / 310 / 312 / 130  may be coupled together with shackles or other fasteners that allow tow bar  302 / 308  to move with respect to the other tow bar and/or veneer dryer. 
     The source of motive force  320  may be operated to pull tow line  318  toward the desired location of the veneer dryer (e.g., installation site  236 ). As a result, veneer dryer  100  may be moved on/along rails  252 / 254  toward the desired location. Once veneer dryer  100  has reached the desired location, one or more of tow line  318 , tow assembly  300 , and/or source of motive force  300  may be uncoupled from veneer dryer  100 . In some embodiments, a second winch may be provided upstream of the veneer dryer and coupled to the lagging end/side of the veneer dryer. The second winch may be used to slow or stop the veneer dryer on the tracks. 
     In some embodiments, a veneer dryer may be constructed on a track that extends generally parallel to the long axis of the veneer dryer (see e.g.,  FIGS. 2A-2B ). In other embodiments, a veneer dryer may be constructed on a track that extends transverse or perpendicular to the long axis of the veneer dryer. Referring now to  FIG. 10 , movers  470  may be positioned on rails  452 . Optionally, three, four, five, or more than five rails  452  may be provided. In some embodiments, a rail  452  may be provided below/between some or all of the drying/cooling sections, below/between every second drying/cooling section, below/between every third drying/cooling section, at or near the opposite ends and middle of the veneer dryer, or in various other arrangements. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , veneer dryer  400  may have the same or similar features/configuration as described herein for veneer dryer  100 . Similarly, movers  470  may have the same or similar features/configuration as described herein for any of movers  170 ,  170   a , and/or  170   b . Aside from directionality/orientation, rails  452  may have the same or similar features/configuration as described herein for rails  452 / 454 , and installation site  436  and/or construction site  438  may have the same or similar features/configurations as described herein for installation site  136  and/or construction site  138 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart for a method  500  of installing, replacing, and/or moving a veneer dryer, in accordance with various embodiments. In embodiments of method  500 , the veneer dryer may be located at a construction site and may be movably coupled with a track. The track may extend in a first direction from the construction site to the installation site. In various embodiments, method  500  may begin at any of blocks  501  to  515 . 
     In some embodiments, at block  501  a track system may be provided. The track system may have a first end at an installation site (e.g., a desired location for the veneer dryer) and a second end at a construction site (e.g., a location at which the veneer dryer is built). In various embodiments, the track system may have any or all of the same or similar features as described herein for track system  240 . For example, in some embodiments the track system may include two or more rails (e.g., rail  252 / 254 , rail  452 , permanent rails  266 ). Again, the desired location may be within an existing facility. Optionally, the desired location may be a site that is occupied by a pre-existing dryer, which may continue to be operated while a new veneer dryer is constructed at the construction site. Optionally, the construction site and the installation site may be spaced apart by a distance of at least 10 feet (e.g., 10-500 feet). 
     At block  503 , one or more movers (e.g., movers  170 ,  170   a ,  170   b , and/or  470 ) may be coupled with the second end of the track. In various embodiments, the movers may include one or more rotatable members movably coupled with a frame. In some embodiments, the frame may be rigidly coupled with a bottom portion of a veneer dryer, and the rotatable member(s) may be slideable/rotatable along the track. In other embodiments, the frame may be rigidly coupled with the track, and the veneer dryer may be slideable along the rotatable members. 
     At block  505 , one or more supports (e.g., lateral supports  128  and/or longitudinal supports  124 / 126 ) may be coupled with the movers. In various embodiments, constructing the veneer dryer may include coupling an elongate support member with corresponding ones of the movers, and coupling additional components of the veneer dryer to the elongate support member to form a bottom portion of the veneer dryer. In some embodiments, the track may include two or more rails, and the elongate support member may include a plurality of lateral supports oriented transverse to the rails. In some embodiments, coupling the elongate support member with corresponding ones of the movers may include coupling a first end of the lateral supports with corresponding ones of the movers disposed on a first one of the rails, and coupling a second end of the lateral supports with corresponding ones of the movers disposed on a second one of the rails. In various embodiments, lateral supports  128 , longitudinal supports  124 / 126 , and/or other support members may be coupled with the movers substantially as described above. 
     At block  507 , a veneer dryer (e.g., veneer dryer  100 / 400 ) may be partially or fully constructed on the one or more supports and/or on the movers. Again, the one or more supports (e.g., lateral supports  128  and/or longitudinal supports  124 / 126 ) may form part of the bottom portion of the veneer dryer. 
     At block  509 , the veneer dryer (e.g., veneer dryer  100 / 400 ) may be coupled with a source of motive force. In various embodiments, the veneer dryer may be coupled with the source of motive force by a tow assembly (e.g., tow assembly  300 ). In some embodiments, coupling the veneer dryer with a source of motive force may include connecting two or more first tow bars with the veneer dryer, connecting the two or more first tow bars to a second tow bar, and coupling the second tow bar with the source of motive force. 
     The source of motive force may include, but is not limited to, a vehicle (e.g., a truck, an excavator), a driven conveyor, a winch, a pulley, animals (e.g., horses, oxen), one or more linear actuators, and/or gravity. 
     At block  5011 , a pre-existing veneer dryer apparatus or portion thereof may be removed from the installation site. In some embodiments, the pre-existing dryer apparatus may be removed from the installation site before moving the veneer dryer to the installation site and/or after constructing the veneer dryer on the movers. For example, the pre-existing dryer apparatus or other construct may be demolished. Alternatively, the pre-existing dryer apparatus may have previously been constructed on the track and moved into position substantially as described herein, and the new veneer dryer may have been built on the track at a later time. Therefore, the pre-existing dryer apparatus may be removed from the installation site by providing a new track that extends beyond the installation site, or that merges with the original track at the installation site, and moving the pre-existing dryer apparatus from the existing track onto the new track. Optionally, an infeed section and/or outfeed section of the pre-existing dryer apparatus may be retained at the installation site for use with the new veneer dryer. 
     At block  5013 , force may be applied to the veneer dryer to move the veneer dryer along the track from the construction site to the installation site. Applying force to the veneer dryer may include operating a source of motive force, such as a winch or a vehicle, to push/pull the veneer dryer along the track in the first direction. Depending on the initial orientation of the veneer dryer relative to the tracks and the installation site, the veneer dryer may be moved in a lineal orientation (input-end-first or output-end-first) or in a transverse orientation (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, the veneer dryer may be coupled with an infeed section (e.g., infeed section  112 ) and/or an outfeed section (e.g., outfeed section  120 ) before the veneer dryer is moved. In other embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed and moved without one or both of those sections. Optionally, one or both of those sections may be coupled with the veneer dryer after the veneer dryer is positioned at the installation site. 
     At block  5015 , the veneer dryer may be coupled with an underlying support at the installation site. In some embodiments, the underlying support may include one an anchor assembly (e.g., anchor pedestal  264 ) at the installation site, and coupling the veneer dryer to the underlying support at the installation site may include coupling the veneer dryer with the anchor assembly. Optionally, the anchor assembly may be configured to restrict movement of the veneer dryer in the first direction without restricting movement of the veneer dryer in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. In various embodiments, the veneer dryer may be coupled with one or more anchor pedestal(s) substantially as described elsewhere herein. In other embodiments, the underlying support may include two or more rails (e.g., rail  252 / 254 , rail  452 , permanent rails  266 ), and coupling the veneer dryer with an underlying support at the installation site may further include fixedly coupling one or more of the movers to a corresponding one of the two or more rails after moving the veneer dryer to the installation site. For example, the mover(s) may be fixedly coupled with a corresponding one of the two or more rails by welding the mover(s) to the rail(s). 
     In some embodiments, the veneer dryer may also be coupled with some portion of the pre-existing dryer. For example, where the veneer dryer is constructed and moved in an output-end-first orientation (with the output end downstream of the input end), the veneer dryer may be coupled with an outfeed section of the pre-existing dryer. Where the veneer dryer is constructed in the opposite orientation and moved in an input-end-first orientation, the veneer dryer may be coupled with an infeed section of the pre-existing dryer. In other embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed and moved in a transverse orientation relative to the tracks and coupled with an infeed section of the pre-existing dryer, an outfeed section of the pre-existing dryer, or both. 
     In various embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed as an addition to, or a replacement for, a portion of the pre-existing dryer. In some embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed as an addition to increase the length of the pre-existing dryer and/or the number of heating or cooling sections. In other embodiments, the veneer dryer may be constructed as a replacement for part of the pre-existing dryer. In either case, instead of removing all or substantially the entire pre-existing dryer, an upstream portion (e.g., an end wall, an infeed/outfeed section, a heating/cooling chamber, two or more heating/cooling chambers) of the pre-existing dryer may be removed. The veneer dryer may be moved along the tracks and coupled with the remainder of the pre-existing dryer. For example, the new dryer may have a substantially complete input end and one or more heating sections, and the pre-existing dryer may have a substantially complete output end, or vice versa. As another example, the new dryer may be constructed as a plurality of heating sections and moved into place and coupled with an upstream-most heating section of the pre-existing dryer to elongate the heating zone. The newly created input end of the combined veneer dryer may be coupled with either the pre-existing infeed section or a new infeed section. 
     In various embodiments, any one or more of blocks  501 - 513  may be omitted, duplicated, and/or performed concurrently with another of blocks  501 - 503 . Likewise, the order of any one or more of blocks  501 - 513  may vary among embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, operations of block  505  may be performed before, or concurrently with, block  503 . 
     In summary, a veneer dryer (or other construct) may be constructed on a track at a construction site. During the construction, a pre-existing dryer may continue to be operated. When the new veneer dryer is partially or fully constructed, the pre-existing dryer may be removed before the new veneer dryer is towed into the desired location. Optionally, the new veneer dryer may be moved into place on the same site formerly occupied by the pre-existing dryer. This may reduce the time required for replacement of the pre-existing dryer from 18-20 weeks to 2 weeks, 12 days, 10 days, or less than 10 days. In some embodiments, the time required for replacement of a pre-existing dryer may be reduced by 80-95% as compared to prior methods. In addition, embodiments described herein may allow the facility to choose the most advantageous time for disrupting a production schedule for the replacement/installation, and allow the facility to re-use the same site and/or building structure to house the new veneer dryer. 
     Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.