Patent Publication Number: US-2023136737-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for detecting and removing sap wood and rays

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/273,590, filed on Oct. 29, 2021; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automated rip saws. More particularly, in one example, the present disclosure relates to an automated inline rip saw with a wood scanning system to optimize cuts in a piece of wood. Specifically, in another example, the present disclosure relates to an automated inline rip saw utilizing a dual scanning system and skewing device to optimize rip cuts in a particular piece of wood to remove defects or flaws and methods of use therefor. Further, the present disclosure relates to an automated inline rip saw system with the ability to detect, identify, and remove sap wood from green lumber. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current automated inline rip saw systems generally are used to scan and remove defects from lumber in processing the wood for further applications. One particular industry where automated scanning and rip saw systems are commonly used is in the barrel stave industry wherein coopers, particularly those making barrels for producing alcohol for consumer consumption, tend to have strict requirements for the staves making up the barrel or cask used in the production of spirits. These requirements tend to relate to the length and/or width of the barrel staves and are further tied to the quality and/or density of the wood, as lower quality and less dense staves are prone to seepage or leakage when exposed to liquids for an extended period of time. Often, these barrels may be used to age spirits sometimes for periods extending over multiple years, therefore any leakage or seepage can be problematic. 
     Accordingly, current automated rip saw systems tend to scan lumber to be utilized in the production of staves for flaws such as cracks and/or for density variation in the wood which may indicate additional weak points or potential failure points. 
     Current systems tend to utilize x-rays and/or surface scans to seek such flaws before removing those flaws utilizing a rip saw. These rip saws tend to include multiple blades for variation in width and/or location of flaws to be removed. Further, current systems commonly utilize a skewer or skewing device to angle the wood to further enhance the removal of unwanted portions thereof. 
     Most commonly, current automated rip saw and scanning systems are typically employed towards the end of the processing cycle wherein the wood exiting the automated rip saw systems may then be processed and used for their intended purpose, for example, for forming barrels or casks when the wood product is stave wood. 
     Current systems, as they are employed later in the process, tend to be successful in scanning for surface variation and/or physical flaws such as knots, cracks, split sections of the wood and the like. Further, current systems may utilize x-rays to scan for density variation in an attempt to identify areas of lower density and remove the same. However, current systems are not typically adept at identifying areas of sap wood which are prone to leakage or seepage when utilized in barrel staves. Further, current systems cannot reliably detect wood rays which, if steeper than 45 degrees, can cause leakage and seepage, as well. Therefore, current systems tend to error on the side of over removal of suspect sections, resulting in less usable wood and more wood waste, further increasing the cost of such systems. 
     Additionally, current rip saw systems utilizing a skewer or skewing device typically employ skewing devices that are not precise and can sometimes result in portions of a board being removed when not intended or alternatively portions of the board intended to be removed being left with the end product. Neither situation is ideal as the former can increase cost and waste, while the latter can increase the number of flaws included in the end product. 
     Further, current rip saw systems typically employ multiple saw blades to perform specific tasks and/or provide multiple rip cuts in a single piece of wood. While these multiple blades are effective, it is most commonly found that a single motor may control multiple saw blades within a rip saw system which may be effective but may limit the ability of the saw system to make precision cuts and/or reduce the ability of the system to adjust to variations in the wood stock. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure addresses these and other issues by providing an automated inline rip saw system utilizing x-ray and optical scanning techniques to identify and detect flaws within a piece of wood. The present system may further utilize a precision skewing unit which may reduce or eliminate errors while allowing for precision rip cuts to be performed. Further, the present automated inline rip saw system may utilize multiple independently controlled saw blades to perform precision cuts. Finally, the present inline rip saw system may allow for more accurate detection of flaws or undesirable inclusions within the wood earlier in the wood production process, including the ability to scan for, identify, and remove sap wood from green lumber. 
     In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an automated rip saw system comprising: a first scanner operable to scan a piece of wood with x-rays; a second scanner operable to optically scan the piece of wood; a skewing unit operable to skew the piece of wood; a cutting unit having at least one saw assembly therein operable to cut the piece of wood; and a continuous path defined through the first scanner, the second scanner, the skewing unit, and the cutting unit; wherein the piece of wood is skewed by the skewing unit to an angle relative to the path such that at least one saw assembly of the cutting unit is aligned with the piece of wood to remove one or more of a knot, a ray, and an area of sapwood detected by at least one of the first and second scanners. 
     In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of cutting a piece of wood comprising: inserting a piece of wood into a first scanner of a rip saw system; performing an x-ray scan of the piece of wood with the first scanner; moving the piece of wood from the first scanner to a second scanner with at least one roller assembly; performing an optical scan of the piece of wood with the second scanner; detecting and identifying at least one flaw in the piece of wood; moving the piece of wood from the second scanner to a skewing unit; skewing the piece of wood relative to a path defined through the first scanner, the second scanner, and the skewing unit; moving the skewed piece of wood from the skewing unit to a cutting unit having at least one saw assembly therein; and cutting the piece of wood with the at least one saw assembly to remove the at least one flaw therefrom. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an automated rip saw system comprising: a scanning unit operable to scan a piece of wood with at least one of an x-ray scanner and an optical scanner; a skewing unit operable to skew the piece of wood; a cutting unit having a saw assembly including a first saw blade with a first dedicated motor and a second saw blade with a second dedicated motor within the cutting unit; and a continuous path defined through the scanning unit, the skewing unit, and the cutting unit; wherein the saw assembly is operable to make a first cut in the piece of wood with the first saw blade and a second cut in the piece of wood with the second saw blade. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of making multiple rip cuts in a piece of wood comprising: inserting a piece of wood into a scanning unit of a rip saw system; performing at least one of an x-ray scan and an optical scan of the piece of wood with at least one scanner of the scanning unit; identifying at least one flaw in the piece of wood based a result of the scanning of the piece of wood; skewing the piece of wood relative to a path defined through the rip saw system; cutting the piece of wood with at least one saw blade of a first saw assembly to remove at least a portion of the piece of wood; and cutting the piece of wood with at least one other saw blade of a second saw assembly after cutting the wood with the first saw assembly. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a saw system comprising: a first scanner operable to scan a piece of wood with x-rays; a second scanner operable to optically scan the piece of wood, the first and second scanner defining a scanning unit operable to detect at least one flaw being at least one of a ray and an area of sapwood within the piece of wood; a skewing unit operable to skew the piece of wood; a cutting unit having at least one saw assembly including at least one saw blade with a dedicated motor in operable connection therewith; the scanning unit, the skewing unit, and the cutting unit defining a continuous path by which the piece of wood may move therethrough; wherein the piece of wood is skewed by the skewing unit to an angle relative to the path such that at least one saw assembly of the cutting unit is aligned with the piece of wood to remove at least one detected flaw from the piece of wood. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of detecting and removing rays in a piece of wood comprising: scanning a piece of wood with an x-ray scanner to detect an internal grain pattern thereof; scanning the piece of wood with an optical scanner to detect a surface grain pattern thereof; comparing the internal and the surface grain patterns to locate one or more rays in the piece of wood; determine the angle of any located rays relative to a direction of the grain patterns in the piece of wood; skew the piece of wood with a skewing unit of a saw system to align the piece of wood with at least one saw assembly of the saw system; and cutting out any located rays angled at 45° or greater relative to the direction of the grain pattern with the at least one saw assembly. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of detecting and removing sapwood in a piece of wood comprising: scanning a piece of green wood with an x-ray scanner to detect at least one density variation within the piece of wood; scanning the piece of green wood with an optical scanner; comparing an x-ray image from the x-ray scanner with an optical image from the optical scanner to locate at least one area of sapwood within the piece of wood; skew the piece of wood with a skewing unit of a saw system to align the piece of wood with at least one saw assembly of the saw system; and cutting out any detected areas of sapwood with the at least one saw assembly. 
     In yet another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a rip saw assembly comprising: a first dust hood at least partially enclosing a first saw blade therein; a second dust hood at least partially enclosing a second saw blade therein; a frame having at least one rail; a first mounting sled engaged with the at least one rail of the frame and carrying the first dust hood and saw blade thereon; and a second mounting sled engaged with the at least one rail of the frame and carrying the second dust hood and saw blade thereon; wherein the first and second dust hoods are vertically movable relative to the first and second saw blades. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG.  1    ( FIG.  1   ) is a front elevation view of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    ( FIG.  2   ) is a front elevation partial cross section view of a scanning unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    ( FIG.  3   ) is a front elevation view of a skewing unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    ( FIG.  4   ) is a rear elevation view of the skewing unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    ( FIG.  5   ) is a front elevation cross section view of the skewing unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    ( FIG.  6   ) is a front elevation view of the skewing unit of  FIG.  3    with the skewing mechanism distinguished therein, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    ( FIG.  7   ) is a top perspective isometric view of a skewing system of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    ( FIG.  8   ) is a top plan view of the skewing system of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    ( FIG.  9   ) is a front elevation view of a cutting unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    ( FIG.  10   ) is a rear elevation view of the cutting unit of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    ( FIG.  11   ) is a front elevation cross section view of the cutting unit, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    ( FIG.  12   ) is a front elevation view of the cutting unit of  FIG.  10    with the saw assemblies distinguished of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    ( FIG.  13   ) is a top perspective isometric view of an exemplary saw assembly of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    ( FIG.  14   ) is a side elevation partial cross section view of the cutting unit showing the saw assembly installed therein, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    ( FIG.  15   ) is a side elevation operational view of a saw assembly of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    ( FIG.  16   ) is a side elevation operational view of a saw assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    ( FIG.  17   ) is a side elevation cross section view of a saw assembly of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    ( FIG.  18   ) is a side elevation cross section view of a second saw assembly of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    ( FIG.  19   ) is an overhead plan view of an exemplary board prior to scanning and cutting, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19 A  ( FIG.  19 A ) is a front elevation partial cross section operational view of a scanning unit of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19 B  ( FIG.  19 B ) is a front elevation partial cross section operational view of a scanning unit of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    ( FIG.  20   ) is a front elevation partial cross section operational view of a skewing unit of the automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 A  ( FIG.  21 A ) is an operational view of a skewing assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 B  ( FIG.  21 B ) is an operational view of a skewing assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 C  ( FIG.  21 C ) is an operational view of a skewing assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 D  ( FIG.  21 D ) is an operational view of a skewing assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  22    ( FIG.  22   ) is an operational view of a cutting unit, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  23 A  ( FIG.  23 A ) is a front elevation cross section operational view of a cutting unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  23 B  ( FIG.  23 B ) is a front elevation cross section operational view of a cutting unit of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  24 A  ( FIG.  24 A ) is an operational view of a cutting unit, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  24 B  ( FIG.  24 B ) is an operational view of a cutting unit, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  24 C  ( FIG.  24 C ) is an operational view of a cutting unit, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  25    ( FIG.  25   ) is an exemplary operational view of an automated inline rip saw system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the figures generally but with specific reference to  FIG.  1   , an automated inline rip saw system is shown and generally indicated at reference  10  and will be further referred to herein as rip saw system  10  or simply system  10 . Rip saw system  10  may generally include three main sections, namely, a scanning unit  12 , a skewing unit  14 , and a cutting unit  16 , each of which will be described in further detail below. As shown in the figures and discussed throughout, saw system  10  is oriented with scanning unit  12  to the right and cutting unit  16  to the left with skewing unit  14  therebetween; however, it will be understood that the relative position may be reversed as desired or as dictated by the desired implementation. For example, with reference to  FIG.  1   , the scanning unit  12  is depicted to the right of the skewing unit  14  but in practice, the scanning unit  12  may be on either the right or the left of the skewing unit  14 . Similarly, the cutting unit  16  may be on either the right or the left of skewing unit  14  and opposite scanning unit  12 . As contemplated and as discussed further herein, it is anticipated that wood will travel through saw system  10  by first encountering scanning unit  12 , then into skewing unit  14 , before ultimately reaching cutting unit  16 . 
     Rip saw system  10  may be electrically controlled and may include appropriate electrical connections, including one or more power connections. Rip saw system  10  may also include any suitable connections to various external components, such as pneumatic connections, hydraulic connections, or any other required connections as dictated by the desired implementation. It will be understood that these connections may be made using industry standard materials suitable for the desired purpose. It will be further understood that these systems and/or connections may or may not be present in all units of rip saw system  10 , or alternatively may or may not be present in rip saw system  10  at all, depending on the desired implementation. Therefore, these connections and the particulars of the associated systems therewith are omitted from further discussion herein for purposes of clarity and brevity in the disclosure. 
     Similarly, rip saw system  10  and the various components thereof may further include additional elements such as braces, flanges, mounting points, mounting brackets, structural members, linkages, pulleys, belts, electronic components, optical components, pneumatic components, hydraulic components, data connections, communications components, wiring, hoses, hardware, or the like that may be utilized to connect mount support and/or control rip saw system  10  and its components thereof. These additional elements and components may vary depending on the specific implementation parameters of rip saw system  10  and may be included or excluded, as necessary, to allow for the configuration and operation of saw system  10 . It will be further understood that these components and elements are presumed present within saw system  10  unless specifically stated to the contrary, but are otherwise hereinafter excluded from discussion for purposes of brevity and clarity in the disclosure. 
     In addition to the elements and components mentioned above or the specific aspects of rip saw system  10  discussed further below, rip saw system  10  may further include a safety shut off system that may include one or more manual and/or automatic shut off and safety devices. The safety system is contemplated to be included anywhere on or within rip saw system  10  provided it does not interfere with other components thereof. Any such safety system may comport with industry standards and/or safety regulations and may be any suitable safety system, as dictated by the desired implementation. Accordingly, any safety system or systems present in rip saw system  10  will be understood to operate according to its expected function and may include any and all necessary parts to accomplish such operation unless specifically stated otherwise. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , scanning unit  12  may generally include one or more roller assemblies  18 , a first scanner  20 , and a second scanner. As depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , scanning unit  12  is shown having three roller assemblies  18 ; however, it will be understood that any suitable number of roller assemblies  18  may be provided, as desired. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , roller assemblies  18  may generally be units operable to move a piece or pieces of wood through scanning unit  12 , as discussed further below. Roller assemblies  18  may generally include a housing  24 , which may enclose the elements and components of roller assembly  18  therein. Housing  24  of roller assemblies  18  may be constructed of any suitable material and may include one or more removable panels, viewing windows, access doors, or the like to allow an operator access to the components contained therein for maintenance, repair, or other similar activities. Housing  24  may further include any and all mounting hardware, fasteners, or the like as well as any necessary additional components including wiring switches or other similar such elements, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Roller assemblies  18  may further include one or more upper rollers  26  and one or more lower rollers  28 , which may be in operable communication with suitable drive mechanisms such as servo motors or the like (not shown), as dictated by the desired implementation. Upper rollers  26  may be so named as they may be above lower rollers  28  and may interact with a top surface of a piece of wood moving through scanning unit  12 , as discussed further herein. 
     A path  30  may be defined between upper and lower rollers  26 ,  28  and may generally be the path through scanning unit  12  (and may further form a portion of path  200  through system  10 , as discussed below). Path  30  may be configured to accept a piece of wood therein, as discussed further below. 
     Upper rollers  26  may be arranged in groups or sets  32 , which may be commonly controlled. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , groups of three upper rollers  26  may form an individual upper roller set  32 . These sets may be commonly controlled in that each roller  26  within each upper roller set  32  may be operationally connected to the same control device and may operate in unison. Each upper roller set  32  may further include an actuator and piston assembly  34  which may serve to move upper rollers  26  vertically to accommodate pieces of wood of varying thickness. Actuator and piston assemblies  34  may further allow upper rollers  26  to interact with a top surface of a piece of wood as it moves down path  30  to prevent slipping or other such issues. 
     Lower rollers  28  may likewise be operationally connected into a lower roller set  36 , which may be stationary relative to upper roller sets  32 , or alternatively may be moveable relative thereto, as desired. Rollers  28  of lower roller set  36  may be operationally connected to a shared control unit, as desired, or may be alternatively connected to a plurality of drive units, as desired or as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Upper and lower rollers  26  and  28  of roller assemblies  18  may be formed of any suitable material, including steel or other metals, polymers, plastics, or the like and may include a surface texture to aid in gripping or otherwise moving wood down path  30  in scanning unit  12 . Rollers  26  and  28  may be mounted in a sufficient manner as to permit them to rotate about a longitudinal axis running through each individual roller  26 ,  28 . Rollers  26 ,  28  may further include a projection, extension, flange, groove, channel, or similar feature to permit interaction between rollers  26 ,  28  and any drive components including drive belts or the like associated therewith and/or with any drive motor, as discussed further below. 
     Rollers  26  and  28  may be of any suitable size and rip saw system  10  may generally include multiple rollers of varying sizes depending upon their placement and/or function within rip saw system  10 . As discussed further below, rollers in skewing unit  14  and cutting unit  16  may be substantially the same size and/or material as rollers  26  and  28  in roller assemblies  18  or may vary, as dictated by the desired implementation. According to another aspect, rollers throughout rip saw system  10  may vary within units or even within the same roller sets, as desired or dictated by the desired implementation. Rip saw system  10  may optionally include additional rollers that are not part of any particular roller set or unit. For example, rip saw system  10  may include exit rollers, guide rollers or the like. These additional rollers, where present, may be supplemental to the rollers discussed herein and may be freely spinning or may be included with or excluded from rip saw system  10 , as needed or desired, to help facilitate movement of wood through the system  10 . 
     As used herein, directional and positional terms, such as “ahead of” or “behind” will be understood to refer to the relative position of components based on when such components may be encountered by a piece of wood moving through rip saw system  10 . Therefore, as best seen in  FIG.  2    and according to one example, three roller assemblies  18  may be utilized with a first roller assembly  18 A placed ahead of first scanner  20 , a second roller assembly  18 B may be positioned between first scanner  20  and second scanner  22 , and a third roller assembly  18 C may be placed behind second scanner  22  and ahead of skewing unit  14 , as discussed further below. 
     First scanner  20 , as mentioned above, may be an x-ray scanner or the like and may be operable to scan a piece of wood for various flaws, defects, and/or density variations therein. First scanner  20  may be any suitable size or shape and may be a commercially available x-ray scanning or other similar scanning device. According to one non-limiting example, first scanner  20  may be a WoodEye x-ray scanner available commercially from WoodEye AB (Sweden). 
     Where first scanner  20  is an x-ray scanner, it may be any suitable x-ray scanner or scanning device utilizing any suitable x-ray scanning protocol including traditional x-ray scans and/or backscatter x-ray detection, or the like. First scanner  20  may be further operable to switch between multiple x-ray techniques. 
     First scanner  20  may be placed within scanning unit  12  between a first roller assembly  18 A and a second roller assembly  18 B such that roller assemblies  18 A and  18 B may move a piece of wood through first scanner  20 . First scanner  20  may omit any rollers or similar devices to move wood therethrough as those devices would be detected and/or present in any scan results and could therefore introduce error into the scanning results. 
     First scanner  20  may include a housing  40  which may be separate from housing  24  of roller assemblies  18 . Alternatively, housing  40  of first scanner  20  may be continuous and form part of the same housing unit with roller assembly  18  housings  24 . Similar to housing  24 , housing  40  of first scanner  20  may include one or more removable panels, viewing windows, access doors, or the like to allow an operator access to the components contained therein for maintenance, repair, or other similar activities. Housing  40  may further include any and all mounting hardware, fasteners, or the like as well as any necessary additional components including wiring switches or other similar such elements, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Where first scanner  20  is an x-ray scanner, housing  40  thereof may further include or otherwise be constructed out of x-ray resistant material such as lead or the like. According to one aspect, housing  40  may be lined with an x-ray resistant material such as lead as to prevent x-rays from exiting housing  40  thereof. It is contemplated that housing  40  may only include x-ray impermeable material where the scanning device contained therein is an x-ray scanner. Where first scanner  20  is a scanner other than an x-ray scanner, housing may omit such x-ray impermeable materials. 
     First scanner  20  will be discussed and better understood through the operation and use thereof discussed further herein; however, it will be understood that first scanner  20  may be operated or otherwise used in a manner discussed below to identify specific defects and/or wood properties for removal from a piece of wood. First scanner  20  may be in communication with one or more computers or processors within the skewing unit  14  and/or cutting unit  16 , as discussed further herein. Various other aspects and components of first scanner  20  may be discussed further below with the relation to the operation thereof. 
     Second scanner  22 , as mentioned previously herein, may be an optical scanner or the like and may include one or more optical scanning devices  38 . These optical scanning devices  38  may include an upper scanner  38 A and a lower scanner  38 B, which collectively may be operable to visualize both the top and bottom of a piece of wood. Optical scanning devices  38  may further include one or more side scanners (not shown) or other similar devices utilized to visualize the sides of a piece of wood moving through second scanner  22 . 
     The optical scanning devices  38  may be commercially available high frame rate cameras, or any other suitable cameras, as dictated by the desired implementation. According to one aspect, optical scanning devices  38  may be WoodEye cameras available commercially from WoodEye AB (Sweden). According to another aspect, rip saw system  10  may further include additional optical scanning devices  38 , as desired or dictated by the desired implementation. 
     As with first scanner  20 , second scanner  22  may omit rollers or other similar devices to move wood through the scanner  22  as those structures would appear within the scanned images and may therefore introduce error therein. Accordingly, second scanner  22  may be located between two roller assemblies  18 , such as second roller assembly  18 B and third roller assembly  18 C, for the effective transfer of wood therethrough, as discussed further herein. 
     First and second scanners  20  and  22  may have an open area defined in the middle thereof which may correspond to path  30  through scanning unit  12 , which may allow free passage of wood therethrough. For purposes of scanning, it is contemplated that this open area between or within first and second scanners  20  and  22  may be sized such that at least one end of a piece of wood may be in contact with at least upper and/or lower rollers  26  and  28  of adjacent roller assemblies  18  as to prevent wood from falling into first and second scanners  20  and  22 . Accordingly, first and second scanners  20  and  22  may further include additional supports or other similar structures (not shown) that are not within the scanning zone of first and second scanners  20  and  22  but may further support wood as it moves along path  30  through scanning unit  12 . These additional structures may be included as necessary or as desired or dictated by the desired implementation. 
     As with first scanner  20 , second scanner  22  may further include or may otherwise be enclosed within a housing  40  which may likewise be separate from housing  24  of roller assemblies  18 . Alternatively, housing  40  of second scanner  22  may be continuous and form part of the same housing unit with scanner housings  40  and roller assembly  18  housings  24 . Similar to housing  40  of the first scanner  20 , housing  40  of second scanner  22  may include one or more removable panels, viewing windows, access doors, or the like to allow an operator access to the components contained therein for maintenance, repair, or other similar activities. Housing  40  may further include any and all mounting hardware, fasteners, or the like as well as any necessary additional components including wiring switches or other similar such elements, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Although shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    with the first scanner  20  (being the x-ray scanner) ahead of second scanner  22  (being the optical scanner), it will be understood that first and second scanners  20  and  22  may be provided in any suitable order and may similarly perform their respective scanning operations in any suitable order, as desired. For example, a piece of wood moving down path  30  through scanning unit  12 , as depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , would first encounter first scanner  20  and may be x-rayed before being moved through second scanner  22  for optical scanning. Alternatively, a piece of wood moving down path  30  may encounter an optical scanner first and then may be transferred through an x-ray scanner second. 
     First scanner  20  and/or second scanner  22  may further include other types of scanning devices and/or scanning sensors such as laser scanning devices or the like to supplement the scanning abilities of first and/or second scanner  20 ,  22 . Laser scanning devices (not shown) may be any suitable laser types and may further include a laser generator and/or a receiver optic that are operable to produce a suitable laser to detect surface variations on the wood as it moves down path  30  through scanning unit  12 . Any such scanning lasers included with scanners  20  and  22  may be in any suitable position and may be adjustable in position, angle, wavelength, and or type as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Scanning unit  12 , including roller assemblies  18 , first scanner  20 , and/or second scanner  22  may further include any other suitable sensors (such as sensors  64 , discussed below) for the detection of the presence of wood therein. It is contemplated that sensors may be included to allow scanning unit  12  (and rip saw system  10  generally) to be automated to perform the desired functions and/or move wood therethrough based on the detection of the presence of a piece of wood, as discussed further below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , skewing unit  14  is shown and will now be described in more detail. Skewing unit  14  may generally have a frame  42 , having a first end  44  defined as the end adjacent to or oriented towards scanning unit  12 , and a second end  46  longitudinally opposite therefrom. Skewing unit  14  may be operationally connected to, or in operational contact with, scanning unit  12  (and cutting unit  16 , discussed below) or may be placed adjacent to or in close proximity thereto, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Frame  42  may generally be a support frame which may include any suitable connections, mounts, brackets, supports, or the like to carry or otherwise connect to the various components of skewing unit  14  and will be understood to further include any necessary mounting surfaces, hardware, and the like, as well as all necessary or desired components for the proper operation thereof. For example, frame  42  may support each element of skewing unit  14  and may further support electrical wiring, electrical systems, and the like, as desired. 
     Skewing unit  14  may be fully or partially enclosed in a housing  48  (as best seen in  FIG.  1    but removed in whole or in part in  FIGS.  3 - 8    for clarity). Housing  48  may be constructed of any suitable material and may include one or more removable panels, viewing windows, access doors, or the like to allow an operator access to the components contained therein for maintenance, repair, or other similar activities. Housing  40  may further include any and all mounting hardware, fasteners, or the like as well as any necessary additional components including wiring switches or other similar such elements, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Skewing unit  14  may include a plurality of upper rollers  50 , which may be substantially similar to upper rollers  26  of scanning unit  12  but for their location and function within skewing unit  14 , as discussed further herein. Skewing unit  14  may further include a plurality of lower rollers  52 , which likewise may be substantially similar to lower rollers  28  of scanning unit  12  but for their placement and function within skewing unit  14 , as discussed further herein. As with upper rollers  26 , upper rollers  50  of skewing unit  14  may be vertically movable utilizing one or more actuator and piston assemblies  54 , which may allow upper rollers  50  to adjust to permit wood of varying thickness to be processed through skewing unit  14 , as discussed further herein. According to one aspect, upper rollers  50  may be arranged in one or more sets, similar to roller sets  32 , and may be moved as a single unit, or as smaller units having more than one roller  50  therein. 
     Upper rollers  50  may be non-powered rollers in that they may roll via contact with a piece of wood moving down a path  56  (which, along with path  30 , may further form a portion of path  200  through system  10 , as discussed below) defined through skewing unit  14  between upper rollers  50  and lower rollers  52 . Alternatively, as desired, upper rollers  50  may be powered through any suitable or desired means including servo motors or the like. 
     Both upper and lower rollers  50  and  52  (and skewing rollers  70 , discussed below) may be formed of any suitable material, including steel or other metals, polymers, plastics, or the like and may include a surface texture to aid in gripping or otherwise moving wood down path  56  in skewing unit  14 . Rollers  50  and  52  may be mounted in a sufficient manner as to permit them to rotate about a longitudinal axis running through each individual roller  50 ,  52 . Rollers  50 ,  52  may further include a projection, extension, flange, groove, channel, or similar feature to permit interaction between rollers  50 ,  52  and any drive components including drive belts  60  or the like associated therewith and/or with any drive motor  62 , as discussed further below. 
     Lower rollers  52  may correspond to upper rollers  50  and may be considered powered rollers in that they may include one or more drive rollers  58  and one or more drive belts  60 , which may be operable to connect rollers  52  to a drive motor  62 . Drive motor  62  may be any suitable motor, including but not limited to servo motors or the like. Drive motor  62  may operable to power drive rollers  58  and belts  60  which in turn may further drive lower rollers  52 . 
     Lower rollers  52  may be operationally connected in that they may all be driven via the same motor  62  and may therefore rotate in unison. Alternatively, one or more lower rollers  52  may have separate dedicated motors  62  to allow multiple modes of operation, as dictated by the desired implementation and discussed further herein. 
     Skewing unit  14  may further include one or more additional sensors  64 , which may detect the presence, placement, and/or orientation of a piece of wood moving down path  56 , as discussed further herein. Sensors  64  may be any suitable sensors including optical sensors, laser sensors, mechanical sensors, magnetic sensors, or the like, or any suitable combination thereof, as desired. 
     Skewing unit  14  may further include a skewing assembly  66 , which may perform the operational skewing of a piece of wood traveling down path  56 . Skewing assembly  66 , as best seen in  FIGS.  6 - 8   , may be positioned towards second end  46  of skewing unit  14  and may further include one or more upper skewing roller assemblies  68 , including one or more upper skewing rollers  70  therein. These rollers  70  may be substantially similar or identical to upper rollers  50  but for their placement, operation, and function in the skewing process, as discussed further herein. Further, as best seen in  FIG.  5   , these upper skewing rollers  70  and roller assemblies  68  may be controlled by actuator and piston assemblies  72 , which may allow skewing rollers  70  to move vertically. According to one aspect, skewing assembly  66  may have two upper skewing roller assemblies  68 ; however, it will be understood that any suitable number of skewing roller assemblies  68  and skewing rollers  70  may be utilized, as dictated by the desired implementation. Similarly, skewing unit  14  and skewing assembly  66  may be scaled up or down in size, as dictated by the desired implementation and use thereof. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , but with particular reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the skewing assembly  66  will now be described in further detail. Skewing assembly  66  may generally extend transversely across the path  56  wood would take through the skewing unit  14 . Skewing assembly  66  may therefore have a first end  74  spaced transversely opposite a second end  76 , and a first side  78  spaced longitudinally across from a second side  80 . As oriented in skewing unit  14 , skewing assembly  66  may be generally positioned such that path  56  through skewing unit  14  passes from first side  78  to second side  80 , as best seen in  FIG.  7    and discussed further herein. 
     Skewing assembly  66  may have two main sections, with a first section at first end  74  being adjustable relative to frame  42 . This first section is indicated at reference  82  and may include a sled  84  carrying a first skewing actuator  86  and first skewing piston  88  and a second skewing actuator  90  and second skewing piston  92 . First and second skewing actuators  86  and  90  may be secured to sled  84  via actuator mounts  94  while first and second skewing pistons  88  and  92  may be secured thereto through piston mounts  96 . As discussed further below, these actuators  86 ,  90  and pistons  88 ,  92  may allow skewing assembly  66  to skew a board (such as board  202 ) or piece of wood moving down path  56 , as discussed further below. 
     Sled  84  may be adjustable, utilizing a centrally mounted coarse adjustment actuator  98  and coarse adjustment piston  100 . Coarse adjustment actuator  98  may be supported to frame  42  of skewing unit  14  by brackets  131  at one end, while piston  100  may be connected to sled  84  via piston mount  102  on an opposite end. Each of first skewing actuator  86 , first piston  88 , second skewing actuator  90 , second piston  92 , coarse adjustment actuator  98 , and coarse adjustment piston  100  (collectively referred to as actuator assemblies, which may further include third and fourth skewing actuators and pistons  122 - 128 , discussed below) may be any suitable actuator and piston assembly, including pneumatic, hydraulic, worm gear, or screw type actuators and piston assemblies, or any suitable combination thereof. These actuator assemblies may be automatically controlled by a computer or processor in communication with other components of rip saw system  10  including scanning unit  12 , skewing unit  14 , and/or cutting unit  16 . For example, actuator assemblies may be controlled by a processor based on the scan data collected and processed by first and second scanners  20  and  22 , as discussed herein. 
     Sled  84  may be mounted on rails  104  via sliders  106 , which may allow slidable engagement therewith. Sliders  106  may further include an anti-friction coating or insert (not shown) which may reduce friction between sliders  106  and rails  104 . According to one aspect, sliders  106  may be polished or coated to reduce friction, or alternatively may include a separate insert formed of any suitable material such as polished or coated metal, plastic, high density polyethylene or other polymers, or the like, or suitable combinations thereon. Sled  84  may further include side plates  108  and base plates  110 , which may form the body and/or mounting surfaces for actuator mounts  94  and coarse adjustment piston mount  102 . 
     Sled  84  may further support skewing arms  116 , which may include sliders  112  and side rails  114 , as well as skewing pins  118  and support plates  120 . Sliders  112  and rails  114  may be substantially similar to rails  104  and sliders  106 , but for their placement and orientation in skewing arms  116 . In particular, skewing arms  116  may be slidably engaged with sled  84  to allow skewing arms  116  to move independently of sled  84  for fine adjustments, as discussed further in regards to the operation of skewing assembly  66  below. Skewing pins  118  may be operationally connected to and supported support plates  120 , and may be the portion of skewing arms  116  which may interact with a piece of wood to be skewed, as discussed further herein. 
     Opposite first section  82  is second side  76  of skewing assembly  66  which may include a third skewing actuator  122 , a third skewing piston  124 , a fourth skewing actuator  126 , and a fourth skewing piston  128 . As with first and second skewing actuators  86 ,  90  and pistons  88 ,  92 , third and fourth skewing actuators  122 ,  126  and pistons  124 ,  128  may be any suitable actuator and piston assemblies, including pneumatic, hydraulic, worm gear, screw type or the like. As mentioned above, references to actuator assemblies generally will be understood to include third and fourth skewing actuators  122 ,  126  and pistons  124 ,  128  unless specifically stated otherwise. 
     As with first and second skewing actuators  86 ,  90  and pistons  88 ,  92 , third and fourth skewing actuators  122 ,  126  and pistons  124 ,  128  may further provide for fine adjustment of a board  202  as it moves through skewing unit  14 , as discussed further below. Third skewing actuator  122  and fourth skewing actuator  126  may be fixedly attached to frame  42  via mounting brackets  131  while third and fourth skewing pistons  124  and  128  may be operationally connected to additional skewing arms  116  via piston mounts  96 . These skewing arms  116  may be substantially identical to skewing arms  116  of first and second skewing actuators  86 ,  90  and pistons  88 ,  92  except that the skewing arms  116  of third and fourth skewing actuator assemblies may include sliders  130 , which may be substantially similar or identical to sliders  106  in that they may slidably interact with rails  104  to allow the longitudinal movement thereof. 
     Further discussion of skewing unit may be best provided through the discussion of the operation and use thereof. Accordingly, skewing assembly  66  may be further described below with regards to the operation of rip saw system  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9 - 15   , cutting unit  16  will now be described. Cutting unit  16  may have a frame  132  which may generally be a support frame and may include any suitable connections, mounts, brackets, supports, or the like to carry or otherwise connect to the various components of cutting unit  16  and will be understood to further include any necessary mounting surfaces, hardware, and the like, as well as all necessary or desired components for the proper operation thereof. For example, frame  132  may support each element of cutting unit  16  and may further support electrical wiring, electrical systems, and the like, as desired. 
     Cutting unit  16  may have a first end  134  defined as the end oriented towards or adjacent to skewing unit  14  and a second end  136  opposite therefrom. Cutting unit  16  may further define a path  138  from first end  134  to second end  136  thereof (which, along with paths  30  and  56 , may further complete the path  200  through system  10 , as discussed below). 
     Cutting unit  16  may further include a housing  140  fully or partially enclosing the components of cutting unit therein. Housing  140  (best seen in  FIG.  1    but removed in whole or in part in  FIGS.  9 - 15    for clarity). Housing  48  may be constructed of any suitable material and may include one or more removable panels, viewing windows, access doors, or the like to allow an operator access to the components contained therein for maintenance, repair, or other similar activities. Housing  40  may further include any and all mounting hardware, fasteners, or the like as well as any necessary additional components including wiring switches or other similar such elements, as dictated by the desired implementation. 
     Cutting unit  16  may include one or more saw assemblies  142  which may be operable to cut a piece of wood moving on path  138  through cutting unit  16 , as discussed further below. As shown and described herein, cutting unit  16  may have as many as three saw assemblies  142  having a total of six saw blades  162 ; however, cutting unit  16  may be scaled up or down to include any number of suitable saw blades  162  and saw assemblies  142  as desired or dictated by the desired implementation thereof. For purposes of clarity in the disclosure as discussed further herein, saw assemblies  142  may be substantially identical unless specifically stated otherwise; however, it will be further understood that saw assemblies  142  may vary within a single cutting unit  16 , as discussed below. 
     Cutting unit  16  may further include a plurality of upper rollers  144  and lower rollers  146  which may be substantially similar to upper and lower rollers  26 ,  28 ,  50 , and  52  but for their placement and function within rip saw system  10 . Both upper and lower rollers  144  and  146  (and saw rollers  148 , discussed below) may be formed of any suitable material, including steel or other metals, polymers, plastics, or the like and may include a surface texture to aid in gripping or otherwise moving wood down path  138  in cutting unit  16 . Rollers  144 ,  146 , and  148  may be mounted in a sufficient manner as to permit them to rotate about a longitudinal axis running through each individual roller  144 ,  146 , and  148 . Rollers  144 ,  146 , and  148  may further include a projection, extension, flange, groove, channel, or similar feature to permit interaction between rollers  144 ,  146 , and  148  and any drive components including any drive belts  152  or the like associated therewith and/or with any drive motor  154 , as discussed further below. 
     Upper rollers  144  may be powered or unpowered, and may be arranged in sets, as discussed above with respect to rollers  26  and  50 . Further, upper rollers  144  may include one or more actuator and piston assemblies which may be identical to actuator and piston assemblies  54 , and are therefore referenced at  54  in cutting unit as well. These actuator and piston assemblies  54  may allow vertical movement of upper rollers  144  as desired. 
     Lower rollers  146  may correspond to upper rollers  144  and may be considered powered rollers in that they may include one or more drive rollers  150  and one or more drive belts  152 , which may be operable to connect rollers  146  to a drive motor  154 . Drive motor  154  may be any suitable motor, including but not limited to servo motors or the like. Drive motor  154  may operable to power drive rollers  150  and belts  152  which in turn may further drive lower rollers  146 . 
     Upper and lower rollers  144 ,  146  may be operationally connected in that they may all be driven via the same motor  154  and may therefore rotate in unison. Alternatively, one or more upper and/or lower rollers  144 ,  146  may have separate dedicated motors  154  to allow multiple modes of operation, as dictated by the desired implementation thereof. 
     Saw unit  16  may further include one or more sets of saw rollers  148 , which may be substantially identical to lower rollers  146  but may be oriented or positioned in a way to provide clearance for saw blades  162 , as discussed further below. According to one example, saw rollers  148  may have a groove or indentation therein to allow clearance for a saw blade  162 . According to another aspect, saw rollers  148  may be shorter in transverse length to allow clearance for saw blades  162 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 - 15   , but particular reference to  FIG.  10   , one or more of drive belts  152  may be a serpentine belt which may connect to all or substantially all upper, lower, and saw rollers  144 ,  146 , and  148 , or any suitable or desired combination thereof. Collectively, whether driven in unison, in separate sets, or individually, it will be understood that upper rollers  144 , lower rollers  146 , and saw rollers  148  may be generally operable to move wood down path  138  and through cutting unit  16 , similar to the manner in which wood is moved through scanning unit  12  and skewing unit  14 . 
     Cutting unit  16  may further include a dust removal system having a vacuum or the like including dust removal conduits  158 , which may be in operable communication with saw assemblies  142 , as discussed further herein. This dust removal system may be an industry standard dust removal vacuum, HVAC system, or the like, and may operate according to known and expected principles to manage or otherwise control dust buildup within cutting unit  16 . Similarly, as discussed below, wherein hogging saw blades may be employed, cutting unit  16  may further include a collection assembly and/or device to collect wood chips or particles hogged from a piece of wood as it moves through cutting unit  16 , as dictated by the desired implementation and discussed further herein. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 - 15   , but particular reference to  FIGS.  11 - 15   , saw assemblies  142  will now be described in further detail. As mentioned above, multiple illustrated saw assemblies  142  may be substantially identical unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, it will be understood that discussion of saw assemblies  142  and their various components is equally applicable to any suitable number of saw assemblies  142  included or otherwise present within cutting unit  16 . 
     Saw assembly  142  may include a dust hood  160 , which may partially enclose a saw blade  162  therein. Dust hood  160  may be in operable communication with the dust removal conduits  158  via a coupling sleeve  198  to allow the vacuum system to be applied above each saw blade  162  for dust collection therefrom. Each dust hood  160  may further include a foot portion or foot  164 . Dust hood  160  and foot  164  are discussed in more detail below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 - 15   , but particular reference to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , saw assemblies  142  may be provided such that each saw blade  162  is operably connected to a separate dedicated motor  166  such that there is one saw blade  162  per motor  166 . As shown and described herein, motor  166  may be a dedicated arbor motor, or may be any other suitable motor type operable to power saw blades  162 . Accordingly, where cutting unit  16  includes three saw assemblies  142  (as shown), each saw assembly  142  is contemplated to have two blades  162  with two arbor motors  166 , providing six total blades  162  and six total arbor motors  166  in the illustrated and discussed example. Further, as each blade  162  has its own dedicated dust hood  160  in the exemplary configuration shown and described herein, saw assemblies  142  would likewise include a total of six dust hoods  160 . 
     Saw assemblies  142 , an example of which is shown isolated in  FIG.  13    for clarity, may be mounted on a saw assembly frame  168 , which may generally be a support frame and may include any suitable connections, mounts, brackets, supports, or the like to carry or otherwise connect to the various components of saw assemblies  142  and will be understood to further include any necessary mounting surfaces, hardware, and the like, as well as all necessary or desired components for the proper operation thereof. For example, saw assembly frame  168  may support each element of saw assemblies  142  and may further support electrical wiring, electrical systems, and the like, as desired. 
     Saw assembly frame  168  may further include a pair of rails  170  which may extend transversely to path  138  through cutting unit  16  to allow saw blades  162  to be positioned for longitudinal rip cuts on a piece of wood moving through cutting unit  16 , as discussed further below with regards to the operation of rip saw assembly  10 . Each individual saw assembly  142 , having two blades  162  and two arbor motors  166 , may likewise have two mounting sleds  172  which may slidably engage rails  170  via sliders  182 . Sliders  182  may include an anti-friction coating or insert (not shown) which may reduce friction between sliders  182  and rails  170 . According to one aspect, sliders  182  may be polished or coated to reduce friction, or alternatively may include a separate insert formed of any suitable material such as polished or coated metal, plastic, high density polyethylene or other polymers, or the like, or suitable combinations thereon. 
     Sleds  172  may each support one arbor motor  166 , saw blade  162 , and dust hood  160 , and the related components thereon. As discussed further below and as best seen in  FIG.  15   , the slidable engagement of mounting sleds  172  with rails  170  via sliders  182  may allow each saw blade  162  and arbor motor  166  to move transversely relative to path  138  to position saw blades relative to a piece of wood to remove defects therefrom, but also to provide easy and quick access for changing out saw blades  162  or other maintenance activities, as necessary. 
     Saw blades  162  may be any suitable style blade and may include one or more hogging blades for rough removal of large sections of a piece of wood or any other suitable rip saw blade, including fine edging blades or the like. Saw blades  162  may be commercially available blades and may be scaled to any suitable size, as dictated by the desired implementation and may similarly include any suitable or desired features thereof. 
     Saw assemblies  142  may further include longitudinal adjustment mechanism  176 , which may be a mechanical screw having a shaft  178  and threaded receivers  180 . This adjustment mechanism  176  may be operable to move sleds  172 , arbor motors  166 , dust hoods  160 , and saw blades  162  longitudinally along rails  170 , as described further herein. According to another aspect, adjustment mechanism  176  may be any suitable adjustment type mechanism operable to move mounting sleds  172  longitudinally along rails  170 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 - 15   , but particular reference to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , saw assembly  142  may further include one or more vertical rails  184 , which may engage with vertical sliders  186  to allow vertical movement of dust hoods  160 , as discussed further below. Vertical rails  184  and sliders  186  may be substantially similar to slides  182  and rails  170  in that they may interact and operate in a substantially similar way, but may otherwise vary in size, placement, and purpose within saw assemblies  142 . Saw assemblies  142  may likewise include one or more stop members (not shown) that may define the limit to which sliders  182  and/or vertical sliders  186  may travel. 
     With reference to  FIG.  15    and as discussed further herein, saw assembly  142  may be slidable to a position wherein saw blades  162  and hoods  160  may be accessed through access panels in housing  140  of cutting unit  16 . This may allow for ease of maintenance and replacement of saw blades and other parts, as desired. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  16 - 18   , dust hood  160  may be any suitable dust hood operable to enclose or partially enclose saw blades  162  therein while simultaneously removing saw dust particles from cutting unit  16  via a vacuum system, as mentioned above. Dust hood may be constructed of any suitable material and may be scaled in size to accommodate saw blades  162  of varying size and/or function therein. Dust hoods  160  may be removable attached to conduits  158  through coupling sleeve  198  or other similar mechanism which may allow dust hood  160  to be disconnected from conduit  158  when saw assemblies  142  are moved for maintenance. Similarly, dust hood  160 , coupling sleeve  198 , and conduit  158  may be flexible in that they may bend, flex, or otherwise move with saw assemblies  142  during the operation thereof, discussed below. 
     Dust hoods  160  may further interact with saw blades  162  and sleds  172  in a vertically adjustable manner. In particular, dust hoods  160  may adjust vertically relative to saw blades  162  and arbor motors  166 . To accommodate such vertical movement, dust hoods  160 , may further include an elongated slot or opening  190  to allow clearance for the saw blade  162  when dust hood  160  moves. Further, dust hood  160  may include one or more actuator and piston assemblies  192 , which may be attached to the mounting sled  172  via a piston mount  194  and attached to the dust hood  160  via an actuator mount  196  to effectuate the vertical movement thereof. Actuator and piston assemblies  192  may be any suitable actuator and piston assemblies, including pneumatic, hydraulic, or the like. These actuator and piston assemblies  192  may operably cause the vertical movement of the dust hood  160 , as discussed with reference to the operation of rip saw system  10  below. 
     Foot  164  may be constructed of any suitable material and may generally be the portion of the dust hood  160  that is closest to and interacts with a piece of wood within cutting unit  16 . Foot  164  may extend around saw blade  162  and may form at least a partial seal between the dust hood  160  and the piece of wood and around saw blade  162  for efficient dust removal during the cutting process. Foot  164  may be further operable to secure the piece of wood within cutting unit  16  during the cutting process. 
     Having generally discussed the elements and components of rip saw assembly  10 , the method and manner of use therefore will now be described. For purposes of this operational section, path  30  through scanning unit  12 , path  56  through skewing unit  14 , and path  138  through cutting unit  16  will be collectively referred to as path  200 , which will be understood to be a reference to the entire path a piece of wood  202  may take through rip saw system  10 . Where references to path  200  is intended to refer to only a portion of the path and not the entire path  200 , the specific reference numbers for the portion of the path will still be utilized (i.e. paths  30 ,  56 , and/or  138 ). 
     The operation and methods of use for rip saw system  10  will be described with general reference to  FIGS.  19 - 24   . Accordingly, solely for purposes of clarity in the discussion of the operation, several reference numbers have been omitted from these figures. 
     With reference to  FIG.  19   , an exemplary piece of wood  202  is shown and will be generally referred to as board  202 ; however, it will be understood that board  202  is an example and could be interchanged with any suitable piece of wood having any suitable size, shape, or orientation. Accordingly, board  202  may have a first end  204  spaced apart from a second end  206  and defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. The distance between first and second ends  204  and  206  may generally define the length of board  202 . First end  204  and second end  206  may be oriented such that first end  204  may be the end of board  202  that is first inserted into path  200  for processing. Thus, the longitudinal direction is contemplated to be parallel to the path  200  through rip saw system  10  at the point of insertion into path  200 . Board  202  may further have a first side  208  spaced apart from a second side  210  and defining a lateral or transverse direction therebetween, with the distance therebetween further defining the width of board  202 . Board  202  may have a top surface  212  (defined as the surface facing upwards when board  202  is in rip saw system  10 ) and a bottom surface (not shown) vertically opposite therefrom and defining the thickness of board  202 . 
     Board  202  may further include one or more flaws or features to be scanned and accounted for and/or removed from board  202 . These flaws or features are shown as knots  214 , rays  216 , and sapwood  218 . These knots  214 , rays  216 , and sapwood  218  are shown as examples and may or may not be present in each board  202  being processed by rip saw system  10 . Similarly, these features may not be identical within a single board  202  or across multiple boards  202 . Accordingly, it will be understood that these features are merely representative of some of the types of features that may be detected and/or removed by rip saw system  10  and are not limiting examples thereof. 
     Knots  214  are generally compressed areas formed in wood that are greater in density than the surrounding wood. Accordingly, knots  214  can be less desirable in high quality wood as the transition and variation in density can lead to cracks, breakage, or in the use as a barrel stave, permeability of liquid. In particular, the boundaries of a knot  214  where it meets the heartwood are prone to separation and leakage when utilized in applications where water permeability is not desired. Knots  214  are relatively easy to locate and identify as compared to rays  216  and sapwood  218 . 
     Rays  216  are features found in wood formed from vascular tissue in the tree and can likewise be liquid permeable, particularly when an individual ray  216  runs at an angle 45° or greater to the direction of the grain of the wood. Examples of potentially problematic rays  216  on board  202  are indicated at the references marked with an X. Rays  216  are relatively difficult to detect with any reliable scans as the depth of rays  216  in any particular piece of wood cannot be determined by an optical surface scan and the rays themselves do not show up or are not differentiated from surrounding wood in x-ray scans. 
     As mentioned above, detecting rays  216  within a board  202  is difficult. While optical surface scans can detect exposed rays  216  visually, there is no indication of the depth of visible rays  216  in the board. Further, optical surface scans cannot detect rays  216  that are present inside a board  202  but do not reach the surface thereof. Again, rays  216  likewise do not show up in x-rays; however, the grain pattern of the wood can be detected by both surface scanning and x-rays, allowing for the detection of rays  216  based on the patterns and variations in the grain of the wood. In particular, certain grain patterns and variations are recognized and indicative of rays  216 , and these patterns and variations in the grain can be visualized, analyzed, and used to predict where rays  216  would be found, but may also be used to determine an approximate angle of these rays  216  relative to the direction of the grain. Again, rays  216  running 45° or greater relative thereto are not desirable. Using the combination of x-ray scanning and optical surface scanning to visualize the grain of the wood allows these problematic rays  216  to be located and removed from the board  202 . 
     Sapwood  218  is an area of wood that is less dense than the surrounding wood, and tends to be located towards the outer portions of a piece of wood as sapwood typically indicates areas of growth for a tree. Sapwood  218  has a high moisture content and is therefore more permeable to liquids and is less durable than adjacent heartwood. Reliably detecting sapwood  218  in dry wood is difficult as surface scans rarely can differentiate the sapwood  218  from the more desirable heartwood. Detection via x-ray is somewhat more successful than surface scanning because the density variation provides a different x-ray image; however, the differences are subtle and can vary depending on the age and moisture content of the wood. In particular, the older and drier the wood stock, the more difficult it becomes to differentiate sapwood  218  from heartwood with x-ray scanners. Accordingly, as discussed in further detail below, the earlier in the process the wood can be scanned, the more reliable and precise the detection of sapwood  218  can be. According to one aspect, scanning green wood shortly after it is sawn into slats or boards  202  may provide the most accurate detection and removal of sapwood  218 , as discussed below. 
     Accordingly, these features, namely knots  214 , rays  216 , and sapwood  218  are less desirable for certain wood making applications, including the use of wood in making barrel staves, and it is desirable to accurately and precisely identify and remove these from a board  202  prior to its end use. In doing so, the combination of using both x-ray scanning in first scanner  20  and optical scanning in second scanner  22  allows for a more precise detection, identification, and removal of these flaws. In turn, less waste is produced and the yield is higher as a result. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B , boards  202  may be delivered to rip saw system  10  through any suitable means, including automated feeders, manual feeding, or any other feeding method, or any suitable combination thereof. According to one aspect, boards  202  may be supplied by an automated queueing feeder that can detect, track, and communicate the position of a board  202  to rip saw system  10  as a board  202  approaches the first roller assembly  18 A. 
     A first board  202 A may then be inserted into a first roller assembly  18 A where one or more sensors in scanning unit  12  May detect the presence and position of the first board  202 A. As rip saw system  10  can track the position of a board  202 , it can various components, for example, scanners  20  and  22  and roller assemblies  18 , to prepare and/or take an action in response to the presence of a board  202 . Such reactive responses may include powering on, tracking, or the like. In addition, first roller assembly  18 A may move upper roller sets  32  down into position wherein one or more upper rollers  26  may contact the top surface  212  of the first board  202 A. This arrangement may allow for boards  202  of varying thickness to be securely moved through scanning unit  12  while being held steady by upper rollers  26 . As first board  202 A moves through the first roller assembly  18 A, upper roller sets can retract once the board  202 A passes. 
     Next, the first board  202 A may be moved into the first scanner  20 . Where first scanner  20  is an x-ray scanner, first board  202 A may be x-rayed for internal structure to identify density variation therein, which may be indicative of one or more flaws in the board  202 A. As the first board  202 A is scanned, image data may be collected and evaluated to locate any flaws or features in the board  202 A and these findings may be transmitted on to skewing unit  14  and cutting unit  16 . 
     First end  204  of board  202 A may then move into the second roller assembly  18 B while the first scanner  20  continues scanning the second end  206  of first board  202 A. As the first board  202 A continues to move through second roller assembly  18 B, the first end  204  thereof will move into the second scanner  22 . Where second scanner  22  is an optical scanner, first board  202 A may then be scanned for surface imperfections, variations, or other such features. This optical scan may reveal additional items that did not show up or were otherwise undetected by the first scanner  20 , but may further confirm the features that were detected by the first scanner  20 , provided those features show on an exterior surface of the board  202 . 
     As first board  202 A continues to move down path  200  though second roller assembly  18 B and second scanner  22 , a second board  202 B can be prepared and delivered into the first roller assembly  18 A, as best seen in  FIG.  19 B . Thus, while second scanner  22  is scanning the first board  202 A, the first scanner  20  can be simultaneously scanning the second board  202 B. Subsequent boards  202  may be fed into system  10  on a continuous or semi-continuous basis, with a minimal gap between boards  202 . 
     Continuing in the same fashion, first board  202 A may then move into third roller assembly  18 C and towards skewing unit  14  while second board  202 B moves through first scanner  20  and into second roller assembly  18 B. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  20 - 21 D , the operation of skewing unit  14  will now be discussed.  FIG.  20    shows a side elevation view of first board  202 A moving down path  200  through skewing unit  14 . As discussed herein, the skewing assembly  66  may be located towards the second end  46  of skewing unit  14 . Accordingly, as first board  202 A moves into skewing unit  14  at the first end  44  thereof, the operation is substantially similar to the roller assemblies  18  of scanning unit  12 . In particular, upper rollers  50  may be lowered to contact the top surface  212  of the first board  202 A. while upper and lower rollers  50  and  52  move first board  202 A towards and into skewing assembly  66 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  21 A- 21 D , first board  202 A is shown in an overhead view as it moves through and is skewed by skewing assembly  66 . As seen in  FIG.  21 A , first board  202 A may be guided into skewing assembly  66  by a guide rail  220 . Guide rail  220  may contact second side  210  of first board  202 A to align the second side  210  with the skewing pins  118  on the fixed second side  76  of skewing assembly  66 . Since the third and fourth skewing actuators  122  and  126  on the second side  76  of skewing assembly  66  are fixed to the frame  42 , the skewing pins  118  on that side may serve as an alignment reference point to ensure first board  202 A is properly positioned within skewing assembly  66 . At this point, first board  202 A has not entered the skewing assembly  66 , so the sled  84  is moved away from board  202 A to allow clearance therefor. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  21 B , as first board  202 A moves into skewing assembly  66 , sled  84  may move towards first board  202 A by operation of coarse adjustment actuator  98  and piston  100 . This will draw skewing pins  118  of first and second skewing actuators  86  and  90  into close proximity with first side  208  of first board  202 A. Simultaneously, or in rapid succession, first through fourth skewing actuators  86 ,  90 ,  122 , and  126  may extend the respective pistons  88 ,  92 ,  124 , and  128  to bring skewing pins  118  into contact with first and second sides  208  and  210  of first board  202 A. At this point, board  202 A is held in place momentarily by all four skewing pins  118  on the sides, and by skewing rollers  70  on the top surface  212  and lower rollers  52  on the bottom. In actual operation, these actions occur in fractions of a second as rip saw system  10  may be operable to scan, skew, and cut as many as approximately 60-70 boards  202  per minute, as discussed further herein. 
     With reference to  FIG.  21 C- 21 D , as skewing pins  118  come into contact with sides  208  and  210  of first board  202 A, skewing pistons  88 ,  92 ,  124 , and  128  may be extended or retracted to skew first board  202 A relative to the longitudinal axis defined by path  200 . This skewing amount may and will vary for each board  202  processed as the location and type of cuts to be made in each board  200  are not identical. The amount or degree to which a board  202  may be skewed may be determined by the data previously collected by first and second scanners  20  and  22 . 
     The act of skewing a board  202  itself is performed with one of the four skewing pins  118  serving as a fixed reference point, which, once determined, will remain the same for all boards  202  processed by rip saw system  10  in a given production run. Put another way, while the reference point may be defined by any of the four skewing pins  118 , once an individual skewing pin  118  is selected, it remains the reference point and does not change on a board to board basis. Instead, it may be changed between runs, but it is not necessary to do so. This fixed reference point helps facilitate consistent and precise skewing of each board  202  being processed by rip saw system  10 . 
     Once the first board  202 A is skewed to the desired position, the skewing pistons  88 ,  92 ,  124 , and  128  may be retracted and sled  84  may be moved away from first board  202 A to allow clearance for first board  202 A to be moved out of skewing unit  14  and towards cutting unit  16  and to allow second board  202 B to enter the skewing assembly  66 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  22 - 24 C , first board  202 A is shown in an overhead view as it moves through and is cut within cutting unit  16 . As mentioned previously herein, cutting unit  16  may include multiple saw assemblies  142  having multiple saw blades  162 . In particular, as shown and described herein, each saw assembly  142  may have a pair of saw blades  162  with each blade  162  having its own dedicated arbor motor  166 . Each blade  162  may therefore be operated and move independently of all other blades  162  within cutting unit  16 . Further, every blade  162  may be provided as any suitable blade type. As shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24 C , six blades  162  are used and described; however, it will be reiterated that any suitable number of blades  162  can be used, as desired, and cutting unit  16  may be scaled according to the desired implementation. 
     With reference to  FIG.  22   , saw blades  162  may be aligned according to the scan data collected from scanners  20  and  22 , which may dictate which portions of first board  202 A are to be removed and where the cuts should be made. Where, as in this example, the first saw blades  162  (shown as  162 A) may be hogging blades while second and third blades,  162 B and  162 C, respectively, may be cutting blades. According to one aspect, in order to prevent miscut sections or misaligned portions of the board  202 , blades  162  may be moved into position to work from the outside edges  208  and  210  of a board  202  towards the center thereof, such that each cut is progressively closer to the midline of path  200 . Where blades  162  are arranged in pairs, the blades  162  may be moved to parallel and narrower positions as a board  202  is moved down path  200 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  23 A , as first board  202 A then moves into the cutting unit  16  and towards the first saw blades  162 A, the first dust hood  160 A and foot  164 A associated with first blades  162 A may be in an upward or raised position to allow first board  202 A sufficient clearance. As shown in  FIG.  23 B , as first board  202 A then approaches the blade  162 A, first hood  160 A and foot  164 A may be moved into a lowered position such that the foot  164 A contacts the top surface  212  of first board  202 A. This contact may facilitate a cleaner and more precise cut as light pressure may be applied to first board  202 A by hood  160 A and foot  164 A to help prevent kickback or other movement of board  202 A during the cutting process. Simultaneously, hood  160 A, which may be operationally connected to a dust removal vacuum system via conduit  158  and coupling sleeve  198 , may serve to vacuum or otherwise remove cut portions of board  202 A and the saw dust created from the cutting process from the cutting unit  16 . 
     As first board  202 A moves through the cutting unit  16 , once it is clear of the first saw blades  162 A, the first hood  160 A may be moved back to the raised position, which may trigger a signal to the other units of rip saw system  10  that cutting unit  16  is ready for the next board  202 B. This may also provide a momentary break in operation to allow first saw blades  162 A to reset and move into the next position for the next board  202 B. This process may repeat for all saw blades  162  and hoods  160  as discussed further below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  24 A- 24 C , as first board  202 A moves through cutting unit  16 , it will be cut down to the determined size and defects may be removed therefrom. For example, the edges, which may be sapwood  218 , may be hogged and removed ( FIG.  24 A ) by first saw blades  162 A. Then, second saw blades  162 B may make a cut through board  202 A to trim the board  202 A or to otherwise remove a portion of the board  202 A ( FIG.  24 B ). Then, third saw blades  162 C may make a second cut through the board  202 A to trim the board  202 A further, or to remove additional portions of the board  202 A, as desired ( FIG.  24 C ). As shown, board  202 A may be cut into staves  222 . Alternatively, boards  202  processed through rip saw system  10  may be cut and utilized for any suitable purpose. 
     As described herein, rip saw system  10  may process multiple boards  202  in rapid succession, reaching averages of nearly 60-70 boards per minute. According to one aspect, this is enabled by the ability of rip saw system  10  to simultaneously scan, skew, and cut boards. For example, reference has been made herein to first board  202 A and second board  202 B; however, rip saw system  10  may handle a third board and fourth board (not shown) simultaneously. In particular, rip saw system  10  may be actively cutting first board  202 A, while skewing second board  202 B, optically scanning a third board with second scanner  22 , and x-raying a fourth board with first scanner  20 . When connected to an automated feeding system, boards  202  may be fed into rip saw system  10  on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. Further, the elimination of secondary queues between the scanning unit  12  and skewing unit  14 , and between the skewing unit  14  and cutting unit  16  can allow for faster processing of boards through rip saw system  10  with fewer errors or interruptions as boards  202  are scanned and processed on a near real-time scale. 
     One key element and advantage provided by rip saw system  10  is the ability to detect and remove sapwood  218 . In particular, as discussed previously herein, present systems often process wood in a dry state, i.e. after it has been milled and dried. Often this wood may sit for days or weeks between stages, and is not usually scanned or cut to size until late in the process. At this point, sapwood  218  is difficult to reliably detect as the drying process tends to darken sapwood  218  in both optical scans and x-rays, making it hard to distinguish from surrounding heartwood. Accordingly, present systems tend to produce lower usable yields and further tend to produce wood products with a higher chance of flaws or defects included therein. In certain industries, particularly the barrel stave industry, the end product can suffer if too many flaws are included, or is too much sapwood  218  is left behind. Specifically, barrel staves that are used in making, distilling, storing, and/or aging spirits have a low tolerance for such flaws as the inclusion thereof tends to lead to seepage or leakage from the barrels which can change the flavor profile, alcohol content, quality, and ultimately the value of the liquor in the barrel. Thus, when processing wood for barrel staves, current systems tend to over-process the staves, leading to more waste, a lower yield of usable wood, and a higher cost. 
     With reference to  FIG.  25   , rip saw system  10  may be employed much earlier in the wood processing cycle, and the configuration and operation thereof may provide a significantly higher level of precision in barrel stave production, thus reducing waste and cost, while maximizing the usable yields. In particular, rip saw system  10  may scan green lumber, i.e. lumber that is freshly cut, and may detect and remove a higher percentage of sapwood  218  and other flaws without over-processing the wood. As shown in  FIG.  25   , a tree or stand of trees  224  may be harvested and directed to a milling facility or mill  226 . At the mill  226 , they may be processed quickly, by first being half sawn, then quarter sawn, and then sawn into slats or boards  202 , which may then be immediately transferred into scanning unit  12 . The ideal would be to go from the mill  226  to the scanning unit in approximately five minutes or less, but benefits of this early processing may be realized within the first few hours after the trees  224  are half and quarter sawn. 
     In particular, in green wood, sapwood  218  is significantly lighter in color and more easily and readily identified and removed. By scanning freshly sawn wood, rip saw system  10  is able to more precisely locate and remove sapwood  218 . Additionally, having a single saw blade  162  per arbor motor  166  may further provide benefits as cutting green wood itself introduces challenges into a rip saw system. One such challenge is the presence of excess moisture and sap, which is at least partially alleviated by having single saw blades  162  with dedicated motors  166  which may provide less opportunity for moisture and sap to collect and cause issues in the processing. 
     Further, the sliding arrangement of mounting sleds  172  in saw assemblies  142  allows for fast, safe, and easy access to saw blades  162  and to the other components of saw assemblies  142  for cleaning and maintenance thereof. This may likewise reduce the effect of excess moisture and sap within rip saw system  10  as it can be more readily removed or cleaned. 
     Although shown and described herein as a rip saw system  10 , additional elements or components may be provided or otherwise utilized in conjunction therewith. By way of one non limiting example, a crosscut saw unit may be provided downstream of the cutting unit  16  for additional cuts to finished boards. According to another example, as mentioned herein, automated feeding or material handling systems may be employed at either end of rip saw system  10  to feed or remove boards  202  and/or staves  222  into or from rip saw system  10 . 
     Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. 
     While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. 
     The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, embodiments of technology disclosed herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code or instructions can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. Furthermore, the instructions or software code can be stored in at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium. 
     Also, a computer or smartphone utilized to execute the software code or instructions via its processors may have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible format. 
     Such computers or smartphones may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks. 
     The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software/instructions that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine. 
     In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, USB flash drives, SD cards, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments of the disclosure discussed above. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above. 
     The terms “program” or “software” or “instructions” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure. 
     Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. 
     Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to have fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. 
     “Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic like a processor (e.g., microprocessor), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, an electric device having a memory, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple physical logics. 
     Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for accomplishing various methods of this system may be directed towards improvements in existing computer-centric or internet-centric technology that may not have previous analog versions. The logic(s) may provide specific functionality directly related to structure that addresses and resolves some problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also provide significantly more advantages to solve these problems by providing an exemplary inventive concept as specific logic structure and concordant functionality of the method and system. Furthermore, the logic(s) may also provide specific computer implemented rules that improve on existing technological processes. The logic(s) provided herein extends beyond merely gathering data, analyzing the information, and displaying the results. Further, portions or all of the present disclosure may rely on underlying equations that are derived from the specific arrangement of the equipment or components as recited herein. Thus, portions of the present disclosure as it relates to the specific arrangement of the components are not directed to abstract ideas. Furthermore, the present disclosure and the appended claims present teachings that involve more than performance of well-understood, routine, and conventional activities previously known to the industry. In some of the method or process of the present disclosure, which may incorporate some aspects of natural phenomenon, the process or method steps are additional features that are new and useful. 
     The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated  90  degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise. 
     Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. 
     If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
     As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. 
     Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result. 
     In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.