Patent Description:
Large commercial sawmills cut logs into boards in stages. In some sawmills, the logs are transported through a series of machine centers along a primary breakdown line to cut the log into a center cant and one or more sideboards. Some primary breakdown lines have a chipper that opens a flat face along the log and a downstream saw center that cuts longitudinally through the log, parallel to the flat face, to release a flitch with planar faces and wane edges. The flitch is then diverted to an edger along a secondary breakdown line to be cut into the desired sideboard. In this scenario, the edger forms the longitudinal edges of the sideboard.

Edgers typically require at least one human operator. Edgers can also be significantly more expensive to purchase and maintain than profilers. Thus, some mills have reduced operating costs by installing a profiler along the primary breakdown line between the chipper and the saw and eliminating the edger along the secondary breakdown line. In these processing lines, the profiler chips the log or cant to form the longitudinal edges of the desired sideboard, thereby forming a profile of the sideboard, and the downstream saw center cuts the sideboard from the remaining cant.

While eliminating the edger may eliminate some costs, it may also reduce the number of board combinations that can be obtained from the log.

<CIT> describes a telescopic arbor assembly for a gang of ripping saws disposed between a pair of edgers and secured to the adjacent ends of telescopic shafts of progressively inward increasing length supported by and having slidable driving connection with a longer rotatable axle. One of the edgers is relatively fixed and mounted on a cup-shaped member adapted to contain the saws when the latter are retracted out of operative position whereby the number of saws exposed to the lumber to be ripped may be varied. The other edger is movable with and/or relative to the saws as well as relative to the relatively fixed edger.

<CIT> discloses a splitter profiler module for forming a board profile along a workpiece, wherein the workpiece is a log or a cant, the splitter profiler module comprising a frame; an arbor rotatably coupled with the frame; a first profiler assembly mounted to the arbor, wherein the first profiler assembly is configured to retain a first profiler head in axial alignment with the arbor and to transmit rotational motion of the arbor to the first profiler head; and a first saw assembly mounted to the arbor, wherein the first saw assembly is configured to retain a first circular saw blade in axial alignment with the arbor and to transmit rotational motion of the arbor to the first circular saw blade, wherein the first saw assembly is selectively axially moveable along the arbor, to a profiling position in which the first circular saw blade is in contact with or close proximity to a corresponding side of the first profiler head, and to a first splitting position in which the circular saw blade is spaced apart from said side of the first profiler head by a distance that corresponds to a desired width of the board profile.

This document also describes a precut module with one or more profiling heads and/or circular saws, which may be provided upstream of a saw module. The precut module may be used to implement a portion of a cut that would otherwise be made by the saw module, thereby reducing the depth of cut required at the saw module. Profiling heads may be used to profile a block that is wider than a desired side board. The block may be cut from the workpiece and sent to the edger. This may provide the same or better wood volume recovery and/or throughput speed than profiling the side board or cutting the side board from a flitch. Cut patterns for the precut module and other machine centers may be calculated and/or selected based on a desired depth of cut at the saw module, desired throughput speed, wood volume recovery, and/or other parameters.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a splitter profiler module according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of converting a profiler module to a splitter profiler module for forming a board profile along a side of a workpiece according to claim <NUM>.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim <NUM>.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of obtaining coplanar sideboards from a primary workpiece, according to claim <NUM>.

Further preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.

The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The description may use the terms "embodiment" or "embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous.

In the description below, the term "circular saw blade" encompasses generally annular saw blades and 'split' circular/annular saw blades (e.g., blades having multiple sections that can be combined to form a generally annular saw blade).

The present disclosure describes embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems for forming multiple sideboards simultaneously along a primary workpiece, such as a log or a cant. In exemplary embodiments, a computing device may be endowed with one or more components of the disclosed apparatuses and/or systems and may be employed to perform one or more methods as disclosed herein.

In various embodiments, a splitter saw includes a saw arm assembly. The saw arm assembly includes a saw arm and a saw sleeve assembly. The saw sleeve assembly includes a first portion configured to slideably engage an arbor such that the first portion is rotatable with, and movable axially along, the arbor. The saw sleeve assembly and/or the first portion thereof may be configured to be coupled to a circular saw blade. A second portion of the saw sleeve assembly may be configured to retain the first portion while permitting rotation of the first portion with the arbor. Optionally, the first portion may be a bushing or sleeve bearing, and the second portion may be a rotary bearing (e.g., a rolling-element bearing). The saw arm may be configured to retain the second portion of the sleeve assembly. Optionally, the saw arm may have one or more guides configured to moveably engage a corresponding one or more guide members. The guide member(s) may help to guide the saw arm along a path of movement generally parallel to the arbor as the saw sleeve assembly moves axially along the arbor.

In various embodiments, a splitter profiler apparatus for forming multiple sideboards may include a pair of splitter profiler modules. Each of the splitter profiler modules may include a frame, a first profiler assembly, and a first saw assembly. The frame may be configured to accommodate an arbor rotatably mounted to the frame. The first profiler assembly may include a profiler arm assembly configured to removably retain a first profiler head rotatably mounted thereto. Likewise, the first saw assembly may include a saw arm assembly configured to removably retain a first circular saw rotatably mounted thereto. The first circular saw assembly may be configured to be movably coupled with the frame and the arbor, such that it is movable along the arbor. In some embodiments, the first profiler arm assembly may also be configured to be movably coupled with the frame and arbor such that it is movable along the arbor.

In some embodiments, the splitter profiler module may further include a second profiler assembly that includes a second profiler arm assembly configured to removably retain a second profiler head rotatably mounted thereto. In such embodiments, the second profiler arm assembly may optionally be configured to be movably coupled with the frame and the arbor, such that it is also movable along the arbor. In other embodiments the second profiler assembly may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the first saw arm assembly may be coupled with a corresponding actuator that is selectively operable to move the saw arm assembly in opposite directions along the arbor. The actuator may be coupled with the frame in some embodiments. Alternatively, the actuator may be coupled with the first profiler arm assembly. In some embodiments, the first and/or second profiler arm assembly may also be coupled with a corresponding actuator that is selectively operable to move the profiler arm assembly in opposite directions along the arbor.

In various embodiments, the first saw arm assembly may be movable along the arbor between a profiling position and one or more splitting positions to thereby move the first circular saw between corresponding saw positions. With the first saw arm assembly in the profiling position, the first circular saw may be in contact with, or in close proximity to (e.g., within <NUM> millimeters of), the corresponding side of the first profiler head. In each of the splitting positions, the first circular saw may be spaced apart from the profiler head along the arbor by a corresponding distance. In some embodiments the splitting position(s) may be fixed relative to the frame or arbor or may be at fixed increments relative to the first profiler head/arm. In other embodiments, the first saw arm assembly (and thus the position of the circular saw) may have a range of motion along the arbor and may be positionable at any location within that range. In embodiments in which the position of the first profiler arm assembly along the arbor is variable, the profiling position and the range of motion of the first saw arm assembly may also be variable.

In operation, a splitter profiler module may be used to form the profile of a sideboard along one side of a primary workpiece, such as a log or a cant. The profiler head and the circular saw may be used with the circular saw in the splitting position to collectively form one of the longitudinal edges of the sideboard. In this configuration the circular saw may produce a sawn finish along that longitudinal edge. Alternatively, the circular saw may be used in a splitting position. In that case, as the profiler head chips material from the primary workpiece to form a longitudinal edge of the sideboard, the circular saw may cut longitudinally along the primary workpiece to thereby divide the profile into two sideboard profiles. In other words, while the profiler head forms the outer longitudinal edge of a first sideboard, the circular saw forms the inner longitudinal edge of the first sideboard and the inner longitudinal edge of a second sideboard that is coplanar with the first sideboard. In either case, a second profiler head may form the remaining longitudinal edge, and a downstream saw may cut through the workpiece to sever the sideboard(s) from the remaining cant.

In some embodiments the diameter of the first circular saw may be substantially equal to the diameter of the first profiler head. In other embodiments the diameter of the first circular saw may be slightly less than the diameter of the first profiler head, and the difference in diameters may be less than or equal to the width of the kerf produced by the downstream saw.

In various embodiments, one splitter profiler module of the pair may be substantially the mirror image of the other with respect to the frame, first profiler assembly, first saw assembly, and arbor. However, those with ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the modules of a pair may differ in some respects to accommodate surrounding machinery, walkways, safety or maintenance requirements, and the like. Such embodiments are contemplated and encompassed herein.

The splitter profiler modules may be positionable on opposite sides of a workpiece feed axis to thereby chip/cut opposite sides of workpieces traveling along the flow path. Optionally, the splitter profiler modules of the pair may be operatively coupled with a control system configured to control both modules.

In some embodiments, an existing profiler module may be converted to a splitter profiler module by coupling at least one saw arm assembly with the frame and/or arbor of the existing profiler module. The saw arm assembly may also be operatively coupled with an actuator system and/or a control system configured to move the saw arm assembly to a desired position along the arbor. Likewise, an existing profiler apparatus or system may be converted to a splitter profiler apparatus by coupling at least one saw arm assembly with the frame and/or arbor of at least one of the profiler modules. Again, the saw arm assembly may also be operatively coupled with an actuator system and/or or a control system. Optionally, a second profiler module of the same profiler apparatus/system may also be modified in the same manner.

In some embodiments, a splitter profiler module may have two or more circular saws and saw arm assemblies. Such embodiments may be operable to form the profiles of three or more coplanar sideboards along the primary workpiece. For example, in some embodiments a saw arm assembly or some portion thereof may be configured to nest at least partially within or next to a corresponding portion of a profiler arm assembly or second saw arm assembly. This may decrease the minimum distance between the corresponding circular saw and the profiler head or second circular saw, thereby enabling the formation of relatively narrow sideboards along the primary workpiece.

Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for profiling sideboards along a primary workpiece are described in further detail below with reference to the Figures.

In various embodiments a cut solution for a primary workpiece (e.g., a log or a cant) may define one or more desired sideboards to be cut from a side of the primary workpiece. Some cut solutions may also define other cut products such as an additional sideboard(s), a center cant, and/or center boards. Typically, a cut solution defines cut products by defining a group of predicted cut lines along which the primary workpiece is to be cut (e.g., chipped and/or sawn) to obtain the cut products.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a cut solution for a log <NUM>. In this example, the cut solution defines predicted cuts (dashed lines) required to cut log <NUM> into outer sideboards <NUM>, 14a, and 14b, inner sideboards 16a, 16b, and <NUM>, and center boards <NUM>. Outer sideboards 14a and 14b are coplanar, and inner sideboards 16a and 16b are also coplanar. In a mill with an edger but no profiler, this cut solution would be implemented by cutting flitches from the log and cutting the flitches into the desired boards. A mill with a profiler and no edger might be unable to implement this cut solution, and might instead profile only a single sideboard in place of sideboards 14a and 14b, and another single sideboard in place of sideboards 16a and 16b.

However, providing at least one splitter profiler module or splitter profiler apparatus along a primary breakdown line may enable the production of coplanar sideboards along the primary breakdown line without the use of an edger. In some embodiments, a primary breakdown line may be provided with two splitter profiler apparatuses (see e.g., <FIG>) to form the outer and inner sideboards, respectively, along opposite sides of a cant. In other embodiments, a primary breakdown line may be provided with only one splitter profiler apparatus (see e.g., <FIG>). For example, one splitter profiler apparatus may be provided along a primary breakdown line if only outer sideboards are desired, or if the primary breakdown line has (or is modified to have) means for sending the cant through the splitter profiler apparatus multiple times. In some embodiments a primary breakdown line may be provided with a splitter profiler module, as opposed to a splitter profiler apparatus. For example, if the primary breakdown line includes a log carriage that is used to move the cant through cutting equipment multiple times, a splitter profiler module may be provided along one side of the flow path. The splitter profiler module may be used to form the desired sideboard(s) along the primary workpiece as the primary workpiece is moved back and forth on the carriage. In that case, if the primary breakdown line includes means for turning the log on the carriage, the splitter profiler module may be used to form the desired sideboard(s) on multiple sides of the primary workpiece. Similarly, in other embodiments the primary workpiece may remain stationary as the splitter profiler module is moved along the primary workpiece, or the primary workpiece and the splitter profiler module may be moved simultaneously in opposite directions.

As shown by way of example in <FIG>, in various embodiments a primary breakdown processing line may include a splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> and other machinery arranged along a conveyor system <NUM>. For example, a processing line may include one or more sensors <NUM>, a log rotator <NUM> downstream of at least one sensor <NUM>, a first chipper <NUM> downstream of log rotator <NUM>, a first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> downstream of first chipper <NUM>, and a first saw center <NUM> downstream of first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>. Some embodiments may also include a computer system <NUM> operatively coupled with the splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>. Optionally, computer system <NUM> may also be coupled with sensor(s) <NUM>, log rotator <NUM>, first chipper <NUM>, and/or first saw center <NUM>). In some embodiments, the processing line may also include a first sideboard conveyor <NUM> downstream of first saw center <NUM>.

As shown for example in <FIG>, some embodiments of a processing line may further include a second chipper <NUM> downstream of first saw center <NUM>, a second splitter profiler apparatus 100b downstream of second chipper <NUM>, and a second saw center <NUM> downstream of second splitter profiler apparatus 100b. In such embodiments, computer system <NUM> may also be operatively coupled with the second splitter profiler module (and optionally, second chipper <NUM> and/or second saw center <NUM>). Some embodiments may further include a second sideboard conveyor <NUM> downstream of the second saw center <NUM> and/or a cant turner <NUM> between first saw center <NUM> and second chipper <NUM>.

As shown for example in <FIG>, other embodiments may lack second chipper <NUM>, second splitter profiler apparatus 100b, and/or second saw center <NUM>. Optionally, some such embodiments may have means for returning cants to a portion of conveyor system <NUM> upstream of the first chipper <NUM> (and optionally, upstream of log turner <NUM> and/or sensor(s) <NUM>), such as recirculating conveyor <NUM> or conveyor system <NUM> (e.g., if an upstream portion of the conveyor system includes a log/cant carriage or a conveyor that is operable in opposite directions). This may enable the mill to send the primary workpiece through the first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> twice to obtain outer and inner sideboards, respectively. Alternatively, means for returning cants to an upstream location for a second pass through the first splitter profiler apparatus may be omitted (e.g., if the mill does not wish to cut inner sideboards). Similarly, in some embodiments the conveyor system <NUM> may include a log carriage, and the first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may instead be a splitter profiler module positioned along one side of the log carriage/conveyor system.

Regardless, some processing lines may further include other features, such as one or more log infeed conveyors <NUM> along an upstream end of conveyor system <NUM>, a gang saw <NUM> downstream of the sideboard conveyor(s), a center board conveyor <NUM> downstream of gang saw <NUM>, and/or one or more additional scanners <NUM>. Scanner(s) <NUM> may be positioned between the first saw center <NUM> and the gang saw <NUM>, or positioned elsewhere along conveyor system <NUM> (e.g., between chipper <NUM> and first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>).

Optionally, additional equipment may be provided along the processing line, or along a secondary processing line. For example, in some embodiments a secondary processing line may include a trimmer infeed <NUM> positioned to accept sideboards from the sideboard conveyor(s) and/or center board conveyor, and a trimmer <NUM> downstream of trimmer infeed <NUM>. Processing lines may further include other machinery such as feed/positioning rolls, skid bars, lift skids, and other devices for moving or positioning the workpieces and/or portions of the processing line (e.g., cutting devices, conveyors, etc.).

With the exception of splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>, 100b, and computer system <NUM>, any or all of the machine centers and other equipment may be conventional machines. For example, conveyor system <NUM> may include a flighted chain conveyor followed by a sharp chain conveyor (e.g., with the conveyor interface near the log turner <NUM>), or may be or include a log carriage. Sensor(s) <NUM> may include laser triangulation sensors and/or vision sensors (and optionally, x-ray sensors or other types of sensors). Log turner <NUM> may be a dual or quad roll, ring-type, or chain log turner. Each of the chippers <NUM> and <NUM> may be a conventional chipper canter with conical or drum chip heads, or a conventional slabber or saw, that is operable to open one or more flat faces along the log. Each of the saw centers <NUM> and <NUM> may be a band saw, a twin or quad bandmill, one or more circular saws (e.g., a quad arbor saw with circular saws mounted on corresponding saw arbors), or any other suitable type of saw.

Computer system <NUM> may include one or more computers (e.g., personal computers and/or programmable logic controllers (PLCs)) programmed to perform various operations as described further below. Optionally, computer system <NUM> may further include other devices such as position sensors (e.g., encoders, resolvers, magnetic/probe-type position sensors, light curtains, photo-eyes, vision cameras, etc.), motion controllers, and/or other devices known for use to detect or control the position of a workpiece, a machine, or a component of a machine.

In some embodiments, portions of the splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may also be conventional. For example, an existing profiler apparatus may be modified to form a splitter profiler apparatus. The existing profiler apparatus may have a pair of profiler modules mounted to a base (e.g., a track or rail), with each of the profiler modules having a frame, and arbor rotatably mounted to the frame, and one or more profiler heads mounted along the arbor such that they are driven in rotation by the rotation of the arbor. Each of the profiler modules may be selectively movable along the track or rail, and one or more (or all) of the profiler heads may be selectively movable along the respective arbors. The profiler heads may be driven in rotation and selectively repositioned during operation to remove portions of wood from a primary workpiece, such as a log or a cant, to thereby form the profile of a sideboard along the primary workpiece. In various embodiments, the existing profiler apparatus may be modified to form a splitter profiler apparatus by movably coupling a saw arm assembly with the existing frame and/or arbor of one of the profiler modules. The saw arm assembly may also be coupled with an actuator/controller configured to reposition the saw arm assembly along the arbor. Optionally, the other profiler module may be modified in the same manner.

In various embodiments, a processing line with a splitter profiler apparatus may be used to implement a cut solution that defines coplanar sideboards. For example, a processing line as shown in <FIG>may be used to implement the cut solution shown in <FIG> generally as follows.

Log <NUM> may be transported on log infeed conveyor <NUM> to an upstream end of conveyor system <NUM>, which may convey log <NUM> through sensors <NUM>. Computer system <NUM> may use scan data from sensors <NUM> to determine a cut solution and a corresponding rotational (and optionally, skew/slew) position for log <NUM>. Log turner <NUM> may turn (and optionally, skew/slew) the log to the desired position. To cut the log <NUM> according to the cut solution shown in <FIG>, first chipper <NUM> may chip opposite sides of the log along planes 6a and 6b to open flat faces along the log.

Referring now to <FIG>, the resulting cant may be conveyed through first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>. Splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may include two splitter profiler modules 101a and 101b positioned on opposite sides of the workpiece feed path. (Alternatively, a single splitter profiler module may be provided along one side of the feed path instead. ) Examples of splitter profiler modules are described in further detail below.

Splitter profiler module 101a may include a first arbor 122a, means for mounting a first pair of profiler heads 132a and 152a along first arbor 122a, and means for mounting a first circular saw 172a along first arbor 122a between profiler heads 132a and 152a. Splitter profiler module 101b may include a second arbor 122b, means for mounting a second pair of profiler heads 132b and 152b along the second arbor 122b, and means for mounting a second circular saw 172b along second arbor 122b between profiler heads 132b and 152b. Preferably, the means for mounting the profiler heads and circular saws are configured to be axially movable along the arbor. Optionally, one or both of the circular saw blades may be a split saw blade with multiple segments (e.g., halves, thirds, quarters, etc.) that collectively form an annular blade. Using split saw blades may allow the operator to replace worn or damaged blades or segments without removing the arbor, profiler head(s), or other large components of the splitter profiler module. Although the Figures show the arbors in a vertical orientation, in other embodiments one or both of the arbors may be in a horizontal orientation or angled relative to the vertical/horizontal.

First splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may be used to form the profile of the outer sideboards <NUM>, 14a, and 14b along the open faces of the cant as the cant is moved along the flow path. Because outer sideboard <NUM> is a single sideboard, circular saw 172a may be used in the profiling position, cooperating with profiler head 132a to form one longitudinal edge of outer sideboard <NUM> while profiler head 152a forms the other longitudinal edge of that sideboard. In contrast, because outer sideboards 14a and 14b are coplanar, circular saw 172b may be used in a splitting position to form the inner longitudinal edges of outer sideboards 14a and 14b (along the plane of predicted cut line 14c) while the corresponding profiler heads 132b and 152b form the remaining outer longitudinal edges of the outer sideboards 14a and 14b (along the planes of predicted cut lines 14d and 14e), respectively. First saw center <NUM> may cut through the cant along the planes of predicted cut lines 8a and 8b to sever the outer sideboard <NUM> and outer sideboards 14a and 14b, respectively, from the remaining portion of the cant.

Referring now to <FIG>, the remaining portion of the cant may be conveyed through the second splitter profiler apparatus 100b, or conveyed again through the first splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>, to form the profile of the inner sideboards 16a, 16b, and <NUM> along the open faces of the cant. Because inner sideboards 16a and 16b are coplanar, circular saw 172a may be used in a splitting position to form the inner longitudinal edges of inner sideboards 16a and 16b while profiler heads 132a and 152a form the outer longitudinal edges of inner sideboard 16a and 16b, respectively. And because inner sideboard <NUM> is a single sideboard, circular saw 172b may be used in the profiling position, such that circular saw 172b and profiler head 132b collectively form one longitudinal edge of inner sideboard <NUM> while profiler head 152b forms the other longitudinal edge of that sideboard. Second saw center <NUM> (or first saw center <NUM>, if the cant was conveyed through the first splitter profiler apparatus again) may cut the cant along the planes of predicted cut lines 10a and 10b to sever the inner sideboards 16a and 16b and inner sideboard <NUM>, respectively, from the remaining center cant. The remaining center cant may be conveyed through gang saw <NUM> to be sawn into center boards <NUM>, and the sideboards and center boards may be conveyed to trimmer <NUM> to be trimmed to the desired lengths.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of splitter profiler module <NUM>. Other embodiments of a splitter profiler module are illustrated in <FIG>D and 14A-G, respectively. Again, a splitter profiler apparatus may include a pair of splitter profiler modules that are substantially mirror images of one another with respect to their frames, profiler and saw assemblies, and arbors. Thus, for ease of description only one splitter profiler module is illustrated in those figures. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a splitter profiler apparatus and system.

Referring first to <FIG>, splitter profiler module <NUM> may include a frame <NUM>, an arbor <NUM> rotatably mounted to the frame <NUM>, a first profiler assembly <NUM>, a second profiler assembly <NUM>, and a first circular saw assembly <NUM> mounted along the arbor <NUM>. Splitter profiler module <NUM> may further include an actuator assembly <NUM> coupled with the frame <NUM>.

First profiler assembly <NUM> may include a first profiler arm assembly <NUM> configured to be movably coupled with the frame <NUM> and arbor <NUM>. Optionally, first profiler assembly <NUM> may further include first profiler head <NUM>, which may be rotatably coupled to first profiler arm assembly <NUM>. Likewise, second profiler assembly <NUM> may include a second profiler arm assembly <NUM> configured to be movably coupled with frame <NUM> and arbor <NUM>. Optionally, second profiler assembly <NUM> may further include second profiler head <NUM>, which may be rotatably coupled to second profiler arm assembly <NUM>. First circular saw assembly <NUM> may include a first saw arm assembly <NUM> configured to be movably coupled with frame <NUM> and arbor <NUM>. In some embodiments, first saw arm assembly <NUM> may be disposed substantially between first and second profiler arm assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. Optionally, first circular saw assembly <NUM> may further include first circular saw <NUM>, which may be rotatably coupled to first saw arm assembly <NUM>.

Saw arm assembly <NUM> may be movable in opposite directions relative to the frame <NUM>, along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the rotational axis of arbor <NUM>, between a profiling position (<FIG>) and one or more splitting positions (<FIG>) to thereby move first circular saw <NUM> along arbor <NUM> between corresponding saw positions. As best shown in <FIG>, when saw arm assembly <NUM> is in the profiling position, first circular saw <NUM> may be in contact with, or in close proximity to (e.g., within <NUM> millimeters of), a surface of first profiler head <NUM>. In some embodiments, either or both of the profiler arm assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may also be movable in opposite directions along the same or parallel paths of travel as saw arm assembly <NUM> to thereby move the corresponding profiler head(s) <NUM>/<NUM> along arbor <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the profiler arm assemblies may be movable independently of one another. Alternatively, in other embodiments the profiler arm assemblies may be coupled or controlled to move synchronously toward and away from a reference location, such as a feed axis or a longitudinal centerline of a profile to be formed. As another alternative, one of the profiler arm assemblies may be fixed in position relative to the frame and the other profiler arm assembly may be movable independently of the fixed profiler arm assembly.

Referring now to <FIG>, in various embodiments the frame <NUM> may have opposite side walls <NUM> and <NUM> with corresponding openings <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Frame <NUM> may further include a panel <NUM> configured to be removably coupled to side wall <NUM> over opening <NUM>. One or more guide members <NUM>, such as linear bearings, may be removably coupled to panel <NUM> to extend at least partially across opening <NUM>. Optionally, frame <NUM> may include a second panel <NUM> configured to be removably coupled to side wall <NUM> to cover opening <NUM>. If present, the second panel <NUM> may optionally have one or more guide members <NUM>; alternatively, second panel <NUM> may lack guide members.

Frame <NUM> may also have additional walls <NUM> and <NUM> coupled to corresponding opposite edges of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> and oriented transverse thereto. Collectively, walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may form a foursided, open-ended enclosure. An end portion of walls <NUM> and <NUM> that extends beyond the open-ended enclosure may have corresponding openings 119a and 119b, respectively, dimensioned to accommodate arbor <NUM> and corresponding arbor bearings <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>). Optionally, arbor bearing <NUM> may be a fixed bearing and bearing <NUM> may be a floating bearing, or vice versa. Regardless, in some embodiments frame <NUM> may be configured to accommodate arbor <NUM> in an orientation that is generally parallel to walls <NUM> and <NUM> and transverse or substantially perpendicular to walls <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments frame <NUM> may be configured to support the arbor at one end of the frame and a motor at the other end of the frame to drive the arbor (see e.g., <FIG>, motor 199a or 199b). Of course, those with ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other frame configurations are also possible.

In some embodiments, frame <NUM> may further include one or more features configured for use to reposition the frame relative to the workpiece flow path. For example, frame <NUM> may optionally include one or more pivot shaft clamps <NUM> disposed along at least one of the walls. The pivot shaft clamps <NUM> may have corresponding openings through which a shaft can be inserted to thereby enable pivoting of the frame around a pivot axis that extends through the center of the shaft. This may enable the use of the splitter profiler module for curve profiling. Likewise, frame <NUM> may include one or more pivot pin clamps <NUM> with corresponding openings. Pivot pin clamps <NUM> may be configured to retain a pivot pin for connection to a pivot actuator, as described further below with regard to <FIG>.

First profiler arm assembly <NUM> may include an arbor sleeve assembly <NUM>, and second profiler arm assembly <NUM> may include a corresponding arbor sleeve assembly <NUM> (<FIG>). Each of the arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may have a center annulus. The arbor sleeve assemblies may be mounted in opposite orientations along the arbor <NUM> with the arbor extending through the center annulus of each assembly.

First saw arm assembly <NUM> may include a saw sleeve assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) and a saw arm <NUM>. The saw sleeve assembly <NUM> may be mounted along the arbor and coupled to saw arm <NUM>. Preferably, the saw sleeve assembly <NUM> is mounted along the arbor between the arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>).

In various embodiments, the saw sleeve assembly may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be configured to slideably engage the arbor such that the first portion is rotatable with, and movable axially along, the arbor. The second portion may be configured to retain the first portion while allowing the first portion to rotate with the arbor. In some embodiments, the first portion may be (or may include) a bushing, an annular bearing, or a bearing housing, and the second portion may be (or may include) a rotary bearing. Optionally, the second portion may include a rolling-element bearing having annular inner and outer races and rolling elements (e.g., balls, cylindrical rollers, spherical rollers, tapered rollers, or needle rollers) disposed between the races, such that the inner race is rotatable relative to the outer race.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first portion may be a bearing housing <NUM> and the second portion may be a roller bearing <NUM>. Bearing housing <NUM> may have an interior surface 163a configured to slideably engage the arbor. In some embodiments, bearing housing <NUM> may have a flange portion 163c at one or both ends thereof. Optionally, through-holes 163d may extend through the flange portion 163c. If present, through-holes 163d may be arranged to align with corresponding through-holes of a circular saw blade. In that case, the circular saw blade may be mounted to bearing housing <NUM> by bolts, screws, or other fasteners disposed through the respective through-holes. In some embodiments an annular collar member with corresponding through-holes may be coupled to one or both faces of the circular saw blade by the fasteners. However, this feature is not essential and may be omitted in other embodiments.

Roller bearing <NUM> may have an inner race 165a, an outer race 165c, and a plurality of balls or rollers 165b disposed between the inner and outer races. Inner race 165a may dimensioned to accommodate a portion 163b of the bearing housing <NUM> therein. Optionally, the bearing housing <NUM> and/or roller bearing <NUM> may have one or more coupling features. For example, bearing housing <NUM> may optionally have a keyway 163e through which a respective key member (not shown) can be inserted to secure the bearing housing <NUM> to the roller bearing <NUM>.

Similarly, in some embodiments one or both of the arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> may include a bearing housing and a rotary bearing disposed around a portion of the bearing housing. Optionally, additional components may also be included. For example, referring again to <FIG>, in some embodiments the arbor sleeve assembly <NUM> may include an outer bearing housing 136a, an inner bearing housing 136b, a rotary bearing 136c, and a bearing clamp 136d. Inner bearing housing 136b may be configured to slideably engage the arbor, such that it is rotatable with the arbor and axially movable along the arbor. In embodiments with a splined arbor, inner bearing housing 136b may be a splined bearing housing. Rotary bearing 136c may be a rolling-element bearing (e.g., a spherical roller bearing) with an inner annulus dimensioned to accommodate a portion of inner bearing housing 136b. Outer bearing housing 136a may have an inner annulus dimensioned to accommodate rotary bearing 136c. Optionally, outer bearing housing 136a may also have through-holes or other features adapted for use to mount bearing housing 136a to a corresponding profiler arm. Similarly, bearing clamp 136d may have through-holes or other features adapted for use to mount bearing clamp 136d to outer bearing housing 136a and/or the corresponding profiler arm. Arbor sleeve assembly <NUM> may have the same or similar components and configuration.

In some embodiments, arbor <NUM> may be a splined arbor, and the bearing housing <NUM> may be a splined bearing housing (i.e., the interior surface 163a may be splined) configured to engage the arbor <NUM> to permit axial movement of the saw sleeve assembly along the arbor, and the roller bearing <NUM> may be a spherical roller bearing with a center annulus through which a portion of the splined bearing housing is disposed (<FIG>). Similarly, bearing housing 136b and/or 156b may be a splined bearing housing configured to permit axial movement of the respective arbor sleeve assembly(ies) along arbor <NUM>. Alternatively, one of the arbor sleeve assemblies may be configured to permit axial movement of the respective arbor sleeve assembly along arbor <NUM> and the other arbor sleeve assembly may be configured for use in a fixed axial position along arbor <NUM>.

Each of the arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with coupling features configured for use to attach profiler heads thereto. For example, in some embodiments splined bearing housings 136b and 156b may have a flange with multiple holes that are arranged circumferentially around the center annulus and configured to retain bolts or other such fasteners. Optionally, the bearing housings 136b and 156b may also have a groove dimensioned to fit a protrusion on the profiler head, or vice versa, or any other suitable type(s) of coupling mechanism(s). Again, saw sleeve assembly <NUM> may be provided with coupling features (e.g., bolt holes) configured for use to attach circular saw <NUM> to saw sleeve assembly <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments through-holes 163d may be provided in a flange 163cof bearing housing <NUM>. Thus, as shown for example in <FIG>, first and second profiler heads <NUM> and <NUM> may be mounted to arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, and first circular saw <NUM> may be mounted to saw sleeve assembly <NUM>.

Additional features of the first and second profiler arm assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, and first saw arm assembly <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and 11A-F, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring first to <FIG>, in addition to arbor sleeve assembly <NUM>, first profiler arm assembly <NUM> may further include a frame <NUM> (<FIG>). Frame <NUM> may include a first arm <NUM> that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of arbor <NUM> and one or more carriages <NUM> coupled to arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, arm <NUM> may be a plate of steel or other rigid durable material. Alternatively, arm <NUM> may be a steel tube, or a combination of plates/tubes, or the like. First arm <NUM> may have an aperture <NUM> dimensioned to accommodate a portion of arbor sleeve assembly <NUM>, which may be disposed through the aperture <NUM>. Carriages <NUM> may be oriented such that they are generally parallel to the rotational axis of the arbor <NUM> when arm <NUM> is mounted to the arbor. Optionally, frame <NUM> may further include another arm <NUM>, which may be generally parallel to arm <NUM>. If present, arm <NUM> may be connected to arm <NUM> by one or more walls <NUM> that are transverse to arms <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, arm <NUM> may be omitted, and walls <NUM> may be gussets, plates, or other such features configured to provide additional support to arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more additional apertures <NUM> may be provided through arm <NUM> (and arm <NUM>, if present). For example, as shown in <FIG>, a pair of apertures <NUM> may be provided through arm <NUM> in alignment with a corresponding pair of apertures <NUM> provided through arm <NUM>. Optionally, first profiler arm assembly <NUM> may further include a chip chute <NUM> coupled with the frame <NUM> and configured to divert chips in a desired direction, and/or a profiler anvil <NUM> coupled to frame <NUM>.

Referring next to <FIG>, in addition to arbor sleeve assembly <NUM>, second profiler arm assembly <NUM> may further include a frame <NUM>. Frame <NUM> may include an arm <NUM>. Optionally, frame <NUM> may further include one or more carriages <NUM> coupled with arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, arm <NUM> may be a plate of steel or other rigid durable material. Alternatively, arm <NUM> may be a steel tube, or a combination of plates/tubes, or the like. Arm <NUM> may have an aperture <NUM> dimensioned to accommodate a portion of arbor sleeve assembly <NUM>, which may be disposed through the aperture <NUM>. Carriages <NUM> may be oriented such that they are generally parallel to the rotational axis of the arbor <NUM> when arm <NUM> is mounted to the arbor. Optionally, frame <NUM> may further include another arm <NUM> that is generally parallel to arm <NUM>. Arm <NUM> may be connected to arm <NUM> by one or more walls <NUM> that are transverse to arms <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, second profiler arm assembly <NUM> may include a chip chute <NUM> coupled with the frame <NUM> and configured to divert chips in a desired direction, and/or a profiler anvil <NUM> coupled to frame <NUM>. Optionally, second profiler arm assembly <NUM> may further include a coupler <NUM> (e.g., an annular plate) affixed to an outer surface of arm <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or one or more apertures <NUM> (<FIG>).

Optionally, arm <NUM> and/or arm <NUM> (if present) may be curved or angled at one end to extend partially around the outer circumference of the corresponding profiler head and/or the circular saw. Other embodiments may omit arm <NUM> and/or arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, portions of frame <NUM> and frame <NUM> may be substantially similar to one another, but mounted in opposite orientations along arbor <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>).

Referring now to Figs. 11A-F, in some embodiments first saw assembly <NUM> may further include a corresponding saw arm <NUM> that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of arbor <NUM> and one or more carriages <NUM> coupled with saw arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, saw arm <NUM> may be a plate of steel or other rigid durable material. Alternatively, saw arm <NUM> may be a steel tube, or a combination of plates/tubes, or the like. Saw arm <NUM> may have an aperture <NUM> dimensioned to accommodate a portion of saw sleeve assembly <NUM>, which may be disposed through the aperture <NUM>. Carriages <NUM> may be oriented such that they are generally parallel to the rotational axis of the arbor <NUM> when saw arm <NUM> is mounted to the arbor. One or more additional apertures <NUM> may be provided through arm <NUM> Optionally, saw arm assembly <NUM> may further include one or more walls 173a and/or 173b coupled with saw arm <NUM>. If present, wall(s) 173a/173b may be oriented transverse to saw arm <NUM>. For example, as shown in Figs. 11A-Fwall 173a may be an elongated plate that is substantially perpendicular to saw arm <NUM> and walls 173b may be gussets coupled to both saw arm <NUM> and wall 173a.

In various embodiments, any or all of the arms <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the respective sleeve assemblies (<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>) by bolts, keys and keyways, and/or any other suitable means. For example, in some embodiments some or all of the arms may have through-holes arranged around the respective aperture(s)<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> to align with through-holes in the corresponding sleeve assembly(ies), and the arm(s) and the corresponding sleeve assembly(ies) may be coupled together by bolts disposed through the respective through-holes. Optionally, the aperture of the arm may be surrounded by a coaxial recessed portion (e.g., counterbore or countersink) dimensioned to accommodate a portion of the respective sleeve assembly. For example, referring to <FIG>, arm <NUM> may have a recessed portion 158b surrounding aperture <NUM> and dimensioned to accommodate outer bearing housing 156a. In this example, sleeve assembly <NUM> may be coupled to arm <NUM> by bolts 158c disposed through holes 158b that extend through the recessed portion 158b and corresponding through-holes 156b that extend through outer bearing housing 156a. Likewise, sleeve assembly <NUM> may be coupled to arm <NUM> by bolts 138c disposed through holes 138b that extend through a recessed portion in arm <NUM> and corresponding through-holes 136b that extend through the outer bearing housing 136a (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate side elevational views of an example of a splitter profiler module <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a side elevational view of an actuator, with some parts removed or made transparent for clarity. Beginning with <FIG>, in various embodiments first profiler arm assembly <NUM>, second profiler arm assembly <NUM>, and first saw arm assembly <NUM> may be coupled with frame <NUM> and arbor <NUM>. The carriages <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be movably coupled with corresponding guide members <NUM>, and panel <NUM> may be fastened to wall <NUM> of frame <NUM>. For example, some embodiments may include two guide members <NUM> spaced laterally apart on panel <NUM>, and each of the arm assemblies may have two carriages arranged to engage the guide members <NUM>. Guide members <NUM> may be linear bearing rails, and the carriages may be recirculating roller bearings configured to slideably engage the guide members <NUM>. Alternatively, other types of linear motion bearings or linear slides may be used instead (e.g., other rolling element bearings, plain bearings, etc.).

Profiler heads <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the respective arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, and first circular saw <NUM> may be coupled to saw sleeve assembly <NUM>. The arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> and saw sleeve assembly <NUM> may be placed onto the arbor <NUM> such that the arbor extends through the center annulus of each. Arbor sleeve assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the respective profiler arms <NUM> and <NUM>, and saw sleeve assembly <NUM> may be coupled to saw arm <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an actuator assembly <NUM> may be coupled with the profiler arm assemblies and the saw arm assembly. Actuator assembly <NUM> may include one or more actuators operable to move the arm assemblies in opposite directions along a path of travel to thereby move the profiling heads and circular saw along arbor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the actuators may be hydraulic cylinder actuators, such as actuator <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring briefly to that Figure, in various embodiments actuator <NUM> may include a linear actuator <NUM>. In some embodiments, linear actuator <NUM> may further include a housing <NUM> and a shaft <NUM> disposed at least partially within the housing <NUM>. Optionally, a linear position sensor <NUM> may be operatively coupled to the linear actuator <NUM>. If present, linear position sensor <NUM> may be any type of sensor suitable for sensing the position of shaft <NUM> or an item attached thereto. For example, linear position sensor <NUM> may be a magnetostrictive, absolute, non-contact linear position sensor. Optionally, a transducer cable <NUM> may be connected to linear position sensor <NUM>. In some embodiments linear actuator <NUM> may further include a blocking valve <NUM> operatively coupled with cylinder <NUM> by a conduit, pipe, or other such means, and optionally a servo valve <NUM> coupled with blocking valve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the linear actuator <NUM> may be a hydraulic cylinder (e.g., a Parker <NUM> series hydraulic cylinder), and shaft <NUM> may be a piston, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, actuator <NUM> may be (or may include) a pneumatic cylinder, a screw actuator, or another type of mechanical/electro-mechanical linear actuator instead of a hydraulic cylinder.

In some embodiments, actuator assembly <NUM> may include an actuator for each arm assembly. For example, as shown in <FIG>, some embodiments of a splitter profiler module may have two profiler arm assemblies and one saw arm assembly, and the actuator assembly <NUM> may include three actuators 182a, 182b, and 182c. Actuator 182a may be operatively coupled with profiler arm assembly <NUM>, actuator 182b maybe operatively coupled with profiler arm assembly <NUM>, and actuator 182c may be operatively coupled with saw arm assembly <NUM>.

Referring first to <FIG>, actuator 182a may be mechanically coupled to profiler arm assembly <NUM>, and actuator 182b may be mechanically coupled to profiler arm assembly <NUM>. For example, the distal end of the shaft 185a may be connected to an alignment cylinder 190a, which may in turn be connected to arm <NUM> by one or more nuts or other fasteners. Because profiler arm assembly <NUM> is more distal to the actuators than profiler arm assembly <NUM>, an extension shaft 192b may be coupled to the distal end of the shaft 185b. The distal end of extension shaft 192b may be connected to an alignment cylinder 190b, which may in turn be connected to arm <NUM> by one or more nuts or other fasteners. An aperture <NUM> through first profiler arm <NUM> (and optionally through profiler arm <NUM>, if present) may be dimensioned to allow extension shaft 192b and alignment cylinder 190b to pass through the first profiler arm assembly, and a corresponding aperture <NUM> through first saw arm <NUM> may be dimensioned to allow extension shaft 192b and alignment cylinder 190b to pass through the first saw arm assembly.

Likewise, actuator 182c may be mechanically coupled to saw arm assembly <NUM>. Again, an extension shaft 192c may be coupled to the distal end of the shaft 185c. The distal end of extension shaft 192c may be connected to an alignment cylinder 190c, which may in turn be connected to saw arm <NUM> by one or more nuts or other fasteners. Another aperture <NUM> through first profiler arm <NUM> (and optionally through profiler arm <NUM>, if present) may be dimensioned to allow extension shaft 192c and alignment cylinder 190c to pass through the first profiler arm assembly.

Thus, the shaft <NUM> of each actuator <NUM> may be extended and retracted to move the corresponding arm assembly in opposite directions along arbor <NUM>. The range of motion of a given profiler arm assembly may be defined by a pair of terminal positions at opposite ends of that range. For example, the terminal positions of a profiler arm assembly may be the positions within the range of motion of that profiler arm assembly that are nearest to one end of the arbor <NUM> and nearest to the opposite end of the arbor <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>, respectively).

In some embodiments, the range of motion of each of the profiler arm assemblies may be limited by the corresponding shaft <NUM>. However, because the profiling position of the saw arm assembly depends on the position of the first profiler arm assembly, the range of motion of the saw arm assembly may depend in part on the position of the first profiler arm assembly. For example, saw arm assembly <NUM> may have a wider range of motion when the shaft 185a connected to profiler arm assembly <NUM> is fully retracted (as shown in <FIG>C) than when shaft 185a is at least partly extended. Regardless, actuator 182c may be actuated to move saw arm assembly <NUM> in opposite directions along arbor <NUM> between a profiling position, in which the circular saw <NUM> abuts or nearly abuts (e.g., is within <NUM> of) the first profiler head (<FIG>), and one or more splitting positions, in which the circular saw <NUM> is spaced apart from the first profiler head along the arbor (<FIG>).

Additional embodiments of a saw arm assembly for a splitter profiler module are shown <FIG>. In some embodiments, saw arm assembly <NUM> may include a stiffening ring <NUM> (<FIG>). Stiffening ring <NUM> may have a center annulus 177a and a plurality of holes 177b arranged circumferentially around the annulus. Optionally, stiffening ring <NUM> may be provided in two halves for ease of installation and/or maintenance. The holes 177b may align with corresponding holes in circular saw <NUM> and saw sleeve assembly <NUM> (e.g., in an outer rim or flange 163c of bearing housing <NUM>), such that circular saw <NUM> may be retained between stiffening ring <NUM> and saw sleeve assembly <NUM> by screws, bolts, or other fasteners inserted through the holes. Optionally, a corresponding recess <NUM> may be provided in the corresponding end of first profiler head <NUM> (<FIG>). Recess <NUM> may be dimensioned to accommodate stiffening ring <NUM> therein, allowing saw <NUM> to be moved into contact with the profiler head.

While the profiling position of the first saw arm assembly <NUM> has been described above with reference to first profiler arm assembly <NUM>, the first saw arm assembly may instead be configured to cooperate with the second profiler head assembly <NUM> in the profiling position. For example, the saw arm <NUM> and saw sleeve assembly <NUM> may be mounted on the arbor in the opposite orientation (i.e., turned <NUM> degrees about the longitudinal axis of the saw arm), such that circular saw <NUM> is between the saw arm <NUM> and second profiler head <NUM>. In that case, other portions of saw arm assembly may be omitted or rearranged accordingly. For example, walls 173a/173b (if present) may be connected to saw arm <NUM> such that they are between saw arm <NUM> and first profiler arm assembly <NUM>.

Other arm assembly configurations are also possible. In some embodiments, one arm assembly may nest at least partially within another arm assembly. For example, saw arm assembly <NUM> may be configured to nest at least partially within first profiler arm assembly <NUM>.

Some embodiments of a splitter profiler module may have two saw arm assemblies. Optionally, such embodiments may also have an additional actuator operatively coupled to the second saw arm assembly. An example of such an embodiment is shown in <FIG>. In this example, splitter profiler module <NUM> includes a second saw arm assembly 174b in addition to the first saw arm assembly 174a, and further includes an actuator 182d in addition to actuators 182a-c. (For clarity, the components of actuators 182a and 182b are shown in grey except for the respective shafts <NUM>. ) First saw arm assembly 174a may have a saw arm 178a, and second saw arm assembly 174b may have a corresponding saw arm 178b. First saw arm assembly 174a may be coupled to actuator 182c as described above. Second saw arm assembly 174b may be coupled to actuator 182d in a similar manner. For example, a distal end of the shaft of actuator 182d may be connected to an extension shaft 192d, which may be connected to a corresponding alignment cylinder 190d, which may in turn be connected to saw arm 178b by one or more nuts or other fasteners. Again, first saw arm 178a may have an aperture 171a dimensioned to allow passage of alignment cylinder 190b and extension shaft 192d through the first saw arm. Similarly, second saw arm 178b may have a corresponding aperture 171b that is aligned with aperture 171a. However, in embodiments with two circular saws, first saw arm 178a may have an additional aperture 171c dimensioned to allow passage of the alignment cylinder 190d and extension shaft 192d through first saw arm 178a. Like first saw arm assembly 174a, second saw arm assembly 174b may have a corresponding saw sleeve assembly and a corresponding one or more (e.g. a pair) of carriages positioned to engage guide members <NUM>. However, the sleeve assemblies (and optionally, other components) saw arms 178a and 178b may be in opposite orientations, such that the saw arms 178a and 178b are between the corresponding circular saws 172a and 172b when mounted on arbor <NUM>. In that case, circular saw 172a may abut the first profiler head <NUM> when the corresponding first saw arm assembly is in the profiling position, and circular saw 172b may abut the second profiler head <NUM> when the corresponding second circular saw arm assembly is in the profiling position.

Again, other arm assembly configurations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, saw arm assembly 174a may be configured to nest at least partially within first profiler arm assembly <NUM> and saw arm assembly 174b may be configured to nest at least partially within second profiler arm assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, one of the saw arm assemblies may be configured to nest at least partially within the other saw arm assembly.

A splitter profiler module/apparatus may be used in any suitable orientation relative to the feed path. For example, a single splitter profiler module may be positioned above or below the feed path with the arbor in a generally horizontal orientation, or positioned to one side of the feed path with the arbor in a generally vertical position. Similarly, a splitter profiler apparatus may include a pair of splitter profiler modules 101a and 101b with respective actuator assemblies 180a and 180b. In some embodiments, the splitter profiler modules may be configured for use along opposite sides of a feed path with the respective arbors in a generally vertical orientation (<FIG>). In other embodiments, the splitter profiler modules may be configured for use above and below the feed path with the respective arbors in a generally horizontal orientation (<FIG>). In still other embodiments, the splitter profiler module(s) may be configured for use above, below, or beside the feed path with the arbor(s) tilted relative to the horizontal/vertical.

Optionally, a splitter profiler module may include a tilt assembly that is operable to tilt the arbor and other components during curve/shape profiling operations. The splitter profiler module may have a reference position in which the arbor is in a given orientation, such as a generally vertical orientation (<FIG>), a generally horizontal orientation (<FIG>), or other known orientation, and the tilt assembly may be selectively operable to tilt the frame, arbor, profiler heads, and circular saw(s) relative to that reference position.

<FIG> show side elevational views and a plan view, respectively, of a splitter profiler module from a vantage point along the feed path. In the configuration of <FIG>, the splitter profiler module is configured to tilt relative to vertical (e.g., relative to a reference position in which the arbor is generally vertical), and in the configuration of <FIG>, the splitter profiler module is configured to tilt relative to horizontal (e.g., relative to a reference position in which the arbor is generally horizontal).

Referring first to <FIG>, in some embodiments the tilt system (if present) may include a pivot actuator <NUM>. Pivot actuator <NUM> may be, or may include, a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, the linear actuator may be a pneumatic cylinder, a screw actuator, or another type of mechanical/electro-mechanical linear actuator. Regardless, pivot actuator <NUM> may include a shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the linear actuator may be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, and shaft <NUM> may be a piston. Optionally, shaft <NUM> may include an extension rod coupled to the distal end of the piston. In some embodiments, pivot actuator <NUM> or portions thereof may be similar or identical to actuator <NUM>.

Pivot actuator <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to the frame of the splitter profiler module. For example, pivot actuator <NUM> may be coupled to a pivot pin 196a which is in turn coupled to a wall of the frame (e.g., wall <NUM> of frame <NUM>) by brackets (e.g., pivot pin brackets <NUM>) or other suitable means. The distal end of the shaft <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to an underlying support. In some embodiments, the underlying support may be a carriage upon which the frame, arbor, arm assemblies, and various other components of the splitter profiler module are supported, and the distal end of the shaft may be pivotably coupled to the carriage. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the distal end of shaft <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to an underlying carriage <NUM> by a second pivot pin 196b. In other embodiments, the distal end of the shaft may be coupled to an underlying carriage by other means, or coupled to a different type of support (e.g., a foundation, a wall, a frame of another machine center, etc.).

Pivot actuator <NUM> may be selectively operable to tilt the frame and various other components about a pivot axis. In some embodiments, the pivot axis may be defined by a pivot shaft coupled to the frame. For example, a pivot shaft <NUM> may be coupled with frame <NUM> by brackets (e.g., pivot shaft brackets <NUM>) attached to the frame and/or the underlying support (e.g., carriage <NUM>). Actuation of pivot actuator <NUM> to extend the shaft <NUM> may tilt the frame <NUM> and other components around the pivot shaft <NUM> in a first direction relative to the underlying support (e.g., carriage <NUM>). Similarly, retraction of the shaft <NUM> may tilt the frame and other components about the pivot shaft <NUM> in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the splitter profiler module may have a reference position in which the arbor is in a generally vertical orientation and the pivot shaft <NUM> is in a generally horizontal orientation (see e.g., <FIG>). This configuration may enable tilting of the arbor relative to vertical (<FIG>), thereby allowing the profiler heads and circular saw(s) to follow the curvature of a primary workpiece (shown schematically in broken lines, <FIG>) that is being fed in a flow direction (arrow) past the module in a 'horns down' or 'horns up' orientation, or in any orientation in which the curvature rises and falls relative to the feed path.

In other embodiments the splitter profiler module(s) may have a reference position in which the arbor is positioned above or below the feed path in a generally horizontal orientation and the pivot shaft <NUM> is in a generally vertical orientation (see e.g., <FIG>). This configuration may enable tilting of the arbor relative to horizontal (<FIG>), thereby allowing the profiler heads and circular saw(s) to follow the curvature of a primary workpiece (shown schematically in broken lines, <FIG>) that is being fed in a flow direction (arrow) past the module in a 'horns sideways' orientation, or other orientation in which the curvature is primarily lateral.

Other embodiments may lack a tilt assembly. For example, a tilt assembly may be omitted from a splitter profiler module that is intended for use downstream of a feed system that skews/slews the primary workpiece to offset the curvature while moving the primary workpiece through the splitter profiler module.

In various embodiments, carriage <NUM> (if present) may include a support platform 197a and bearing carriages 197b coupled to support platform 197a. The bearing carriages <NUM> may be configured to engage an underlying rail or track to allow movement of the carriage <NUM> (and the other components of the splitter profiler module supported thereon) along the rail or track. Optionally, bearing carriages 197b may be bearing blocks.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>, and a corresponding splitter profiler system, in accordance with various embodiments.

Splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may include a pair of splitter profiler modules <NUM> (101a and 101b, respectively). Each of the splitter profiler modules may have a corresponding actuator assembly <NUM> (180a and 180b, respectively).

In some embodiments, splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may further include a base <NUM> with tracks 202a and 202b mounted to the base on opposite sides of the feed path. Each of the tracks 202a and 202b may be, or may include, a corresponding pair of linear rails oriented transverse to the feed path. The splitter profiler modules 101a and 101b may be movably coupled to the respective tracks and positioned on opposite sides of the feed path. For example, each of the splitter profiler modules may include a corresponding carriage (e.g., carriage <NUM>) that is slideably mounted to the corresponding track (e.g., via bearing carriages 197b).

Optionally, splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may include drives 203a and 203b configured to move the modules 101a and 101b, respectively, along the respective tracks to thereby move the profiler modules toward and away from the flow path. Drives 203a and 203b may be hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, mechanical/electro-mechanical linear actuators, or any other suitable type of drive.

In some embodiments the splitter profiler modules may have respective tilt assemblies with actuators <NUM> (194a and 194b, respectively). The tilt assemblies may be selectively operable, independently of one another, to tilt the frames of the respective splitter profiler modules about a pivot axis (e.g., around respective pivot shafts <NUM>). Other embodiments may have other means for tilting the respective splitter profiler modules, or may lack means for tilting the splitter profiler modules.

In some embodiments each of the splitter profiler modules may have a corresponding motor (motors 199a and 199b, respectively) that is operatively coupled with the respective arbor. Collectively, the motors may be operable to drive the arbors of the splitter profiler modules in opposite rotational directions. Optionally, motor 199a may be attached to the frame of splitter profiler module 101a, and motor 199b may be attached to the frame of splitter profiler module 101b. In some embodiments, motors 199a and 199b may be electric motors (e.g., <NUM> horsepower electric motors). Power may be transmitted by the motors to the respective arbors by V-belts, poly chain, or other suitable means (not shown).

Other components of splitter profiler apparatus <NUM> may vary among embodiments. For example, embodiments with one or more hydraulic actuators may include a hydraulic system with hoses, manifolds, filters, valves, and other such items collectively configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuators of each of the splitter profiler modules as needed. Similarly, embodiments with one or more pneumatic actuators may include a pneumatic system with components collectively configured to supply pressurized air to both splitter profiler modules as needed. Embodiments with one or more mechanical or electro-mechanical actuators may include corresponding electrical systems.

In various embodiments, a splitter profiler system may include at least one splitter profiler module (e.g., splitter profiler module <NUM>, 101a, or 101b). Optionally, in some embodiments the splitter profiler system may further include a control system (e.g., computer system <NUM>) operatively coupled with the splitter profiler module.

The splitter profiler module may include a frame (e.g., frame <NUM>), an arbor rotatably coupled to the frame, and a first saw arm assembly (e.g., saw arm assembly <NUM>) movably coupled to the frame and the arbor. The splitter profiler module may further include a first actuator (e.g., actuator <NUM>) coupled to the first saw arm assembly and the frame.

The control system may be operatively coupled with the first actuator. In some embodiments, the first actuator may include a linear positioner (e.g., linear positioner 182c). The linear positioner may be operable to move the first saw arm assembly along the arbor. The linear positioner may be a hydraulic cylinder linear positioner, a pneumatic cylinder linear positioner, or a mechanical or electro-mechanical linear positioner. Optionally, the actuator may further include a linear position sensor (e.g., linear position sensor <NUM>) configured to detect a current position of the first saw arm assembly and/or an item attached thereto (e.g., the distal end of piston/shaft 185c or extension shaft 192c).

In some embodiments, the splitter profiler module may include both the first saw arm assembly and a second saw arm assembly (e.g., saw arm assemblies 174a and 174b). In that case, the splitter profiler module may include both the first actuator and a second actuator (e.g., actuators 182a and 182b) operatively coupled to the first and second saw arm assemblies, respectively, and the control system may be operatively coupled with the first and second actuators.

Regardless, the splitter profiler module may further include a profiler arm assembly (e.g., profiler arm assembly <NUM> or <NUM>) movably coupled to the frame/arbor, and an additional actuator (e.g., actuator 182a or 182b) operatively coupled to the frame and the profiler arm assembly. In some embodiments the splitter profiler module may include two profiler arm assemblies (e.g., profiler arm assembles <NUM> and <NUM>) movably coupled to the frame and the arbor, and two additional actuators (e.g., actuators 182a and/or 182b), each operatively coupled with a respective profiler arm assembly. In either case, the control system may be coupled with the additional actuator(s).

Optionally, the control system may be operatively coupled with one or more additional components of the splitter profiler module. For example, in some embodiments the splitter profiler module may further include a motor (e.g., motor 199a or 199b) coupled to the arbor, and the control system may be operatively coupled to the motor. Some splitter profiler modules may include a tilt assembly with a corresponding additional actuator (e.g., actuator 194a/<NUM>), and the control system may be operatively coupled to the additional actuator.

In some embodiments, the splitter profile module may be one of a pair of modules of a splitter profiler system (e.g., splitter profiler system <NUM>). In that case, each of the two splitter profiler modules (e.g., splitter profiler modules 101a and 101b) may have a corresponding frame, arbor, first saw arm, and first actuator as described above, and the control system may be operatively coupled with both of the first actuators. Optionally, each of the splitter profiler modules may have a second saw arm and second actuator, first/second profiler arm(s) and corresponding additional actuator(s), a motor, and/or a tilt assembly with a corresponding additional actuator, as described above. In that case, the control system may be operatively coupled with some or all of the additional actuators.

In addition, in some embodiments the computer system may be operatively coupled with other components of the splitter profiler apparatus. For example, the splitter profiler apparatus may include a base (e.g., base <NUM>) with tracks mounted thereon (e.g., tracks 202a, 202b) and a pair of drives (e.g., drives 203a and 203b) operable to move the splitter profiler modules along the tracks toward and away from the flow path. In such embodiments the control system may optionally be operatively coupled with the drives. Alternatively, the drives may be controlled by other means.

In some embodiments the splitter profiler system may further include a sensor <NUM> positioned upstream of the splitter profiler modules and operatively coupled with computer system <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may include one or more laser triangulation sensors and/or vision sensors. For example, in some embodiments sensor <NUM> may include a pair of vision sensors positioned on opposite sides of the feed path, and/or a pair of triangulation sensors positioned on opposite sides of the feed path, between the splitter profiler apparatus/module and an upstream chipper (e.g., chipper <NUM> or <NUM>), such that the sensors are positioned to view the cut/chipped faces of the primary workpiece upstream of the splitter profiler apparatus/module. In various embodiments, the splitter profiler system may include one or more sensors <NUM> and/or other sensors located upstream, downstream, or both upstream and downstream of the splitter profiler apparatus/module (see e.g., <FIG>). Alternatively, the splitter profiler system may lack sensors <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the first saw arm assembly to cut a primary workpiece according to a cut pattern for the primary workpiece. <FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of a corresponding computer-implemented method <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments.

Optionally, at block <NUM> the control system (e.g., computer system <NUM>) may receive a scan of a primary workpiece, such as a log or a cant. The scan may be received from one or more sensors (e.g., sensor(s) <NUM>) in the form of scan data. The scan data may include vision image data and/or 3D geometric data (e.g., from laser triangulation sensors).

Optionally, at block <NUM> the control system may generate a virtual model of the primary workpiece based on the received scan data. For example, the control system may combine multiple vision images into a single image, or assemble received dimension coordinates/data points into a 3D model, or both.

Optionally, at block <NUM>, the control system may determine a cut solution for the primary workpiece based on the scan data and/or virtual model. In some embodiments, the control system may compare the model with a group of predetermined cut solutions to identify the cut solution that best fits the model or is the most profitable. In other embodiments, the control system may determine a cut solution according to a set of rules entered by the operator, with or without the use of predetermined cut solutions. In some embodiments the control system may identify a desired position (e.g., rotational position, lateral offset, and/or skew) for the primary workpiece on a conveyor (e.g., a sharp chain), and the control system may select or determine a cut pattern for the primary workpiece in that position. The desired position may be chosen based at least in part on various factors such as a predicted stability of the primary workpiece on the conveyor (e.g., a 'horns down' orientation may be more stable than a 'horns up' orientation), the configuration/layout of downstream processing equipment (e.g., whether the downstream saw center cuts vertically or horizontally), desired cut products, predicted value of cut products, processing speed through various machine centers, and/or other such factors.

In other embodiments, blocks <NUM>-<NUM> may be omitted, and method <NUM> may begin at block <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments the control system may be configured to receive the cut pattern from another computer system, and to control the saw arm assembly(ies) based at least in part on the received cut pattern. This may decrease the processing load on the control system. In either case, the cut solution may define predicted cut lines along which the primary workpiece is to be cut to obtain desired cut products. In some cases, one or more of the cut products may be sideboards.

At block <NUM>, the control system may reposition a saw arm assembly (e.g., saw arm assembly <NUM>, 174a, or 174b) of a splitter profiler module to cut the primary workpiece according to the cut solution. A corresponding process <NUM> is shown by way of example in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, process <NUM> may begin at block <NUM>. In some embodiments, the control system may proceed from block <NUM> to <NUM> in response to receiving (or determining, or selecting) a cut solution for the primary workpiece.

At block <NUM>, the control system may identify the portion of the cut solution that is to be implemented by the splitter profiler module. In some embodiments, the control system may receive this information from another computer system as part of the cut solution, or with the cut solution. Alternatively, the control system may be programmed to identify the corresponding portion of the cut solution based on factors such as the location of the splitter profiler module relative to the feed path (e.g., whether it is to the right or left, or above or below, the feed path) and/or relative to other equipment along the same primary breakdown line (e.g., whether it is part of a first splitter profiler apparatus that is used to form outer sideboards or part of a second splitter profiler apparatus that is used to form inner sideboards).

For example, if the splitter profiler module is positioned along the left side of the flow path and no other splitter profiler modules are upstream of it along that side of the flow path, the control system may identify the left outer sideboard portion of the cut solution as the corresponding portion. As another example, if the splitter profiler module is positioned along the right side of the flow path and another splitter profiler module is upstream of it along the flow path, the control system may identify the right inner sideboard portion of the cut solution as the corresponding portion.

At block <NUM>, the control system may determine whether the corresponding portion of the cut solution defines coplanar sideboards. In some embodiments, the computer system may identify coplanar sideboards by determining whether the corresponding portion of the cut solution includes one side board or more than one side board. If the splitter profiler module includes two saw arm assemblies with respective circular saws, the computer system may also determine whether the corresponding portion of the cut solution includes three sideboards. If the cut solution defines only one side board, the method may proceed to block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the control system may send instructions to the corresponding actuator (e.g., actuator 182c or 182d) to move the saw arm assembly to a profiling position in which the circular saw (e.g., circular saw <NUM>, 172a, or 172b) coupled to the saw arm assembly is in contact with, or nearly in contact with (e.g., within <NUM> away from) a corresponding surface of the corresponding profiler head. If the splitter profiler module includes two saw arm assemblies (e.g., saw arm assemblies 174a and 174b), the control system may send instructions to both corresponding actuators (e.g., actuators 182c and 182d) to move the respective saw arm assemblies to the respective profiling positions, such that both of the circular saws are in contact with, or nearly in contact with, the corresponding profiling heads.

In some embodiments, the control system may instruct the corresponding actuator to move the saw arm assembly toward the corresponding profiler head until a predetermined amount of resistance is detected (as the result of contact between the circular saw and profiler head, or contact between the saw arm assembly and the profiler arm assembly). Alternatively, the control system may determine the profiling position based on the cut solution, an actual or predicted position of the corresponding profiler arm assembly, and/or a lookup table. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the profiling position in the same or similar manner as the desired positions for the profiler arm assemblies/profiler heads. The control system may then return to block <NUM> until the next cut pattern is received, determined, or selected.

If the control system determines at block <NUM> that the corresponding portion of the cut solution defines two sideboards, and the splitter profiler apparatus has only one saw arm assembly, the method may proceed from block <NUM> to block <NUM>. Likewise, if the splitter profiler apparatus has two saw arm assemblies and the control system determines at block <NUM> that the corresponding portion of the cut solution defines three sideboards, the method may proceed to block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the control system may determine the splitting position(s) for the saw arm assembly(ies). Again, the control system may determine a splitting position based on the cut solution, an actual or predicted position of the corresponding profiler arm assembly, and/or a lookup table. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the splitting position in the same or similar manner as the desired positions for the profiler arm assemblies/profiler heads. The control system may send the splitting position(s) to the corresponding actuator(s) at block <NUM>. The control system may then return to block <NUM>.

If the splitter profiler module includes two saw arm assemblies, and the control system determines at block <NUM> that the corresponding portion of the cut solution defines only two sideboards, the control system may send a profiling position for one of the saw arm assemblies to the corresponding actuator, and send a splitting position for the other saw arm assembly to that corresponding actuator. Thus, in some embodiments the control system may perform blocks <NUM> and blocks <NUM>/<NUM>, either simultaneously or in succession, and then return to block <NUM>. Likewise, if the control system is controlling multiple splitter profiler modules, or multiple splitter profiler apparatuses, the control system may perform any or all of these operations for each of the saw arm assemblies simultaneously and/or in succession.

Optionally, the control system may be programmed to receive position data from the linear position sensor(s). The control system may also be programmed to implement a corrective action based at least in part on data received from the linear position sensor. For example, the control system may be programmed to instruct motor 199a/199b to shut down in response to a determination that the actual position of the saw arm assembly is incorrect, or has not changed in response to prior repositioning instructions.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a computer system <NUM> suitable for performing some or all of the operations/methods described herein, in accordance with various embodiments.

As illustrated, computer system <NUM> may include system control logic <NUM> coupled to at least one of the processor(s) <NUM>, memory <NUM> coupled to system control logic <NUM>, non-volatile memory (NVM)/storage <NUM> coupled to system control logic <NUM>, and one or more communications interface(s) <NUM> coupled to system control logic <NUM>. In various embodiments, system control logic <NUM> may be operatively coupled with sensors (e.g., sensor(s) <NUM>) and/or an output device (e.g., a user interface, display, another computer, etc.). In various embodiments the processor(s) <NUM> may be a processor core.

System control logic <NUM> may include any suitable interface controller(s) to provide for any suitable interface to at least one of the processor(s) <NUM> and/or any suitable device or component in communication with system control logic <NUM>. System control logic <NUM> may also interoperate with the sensors and/or the output device(s).

System control logic <NUM> may include one or more memory controller(s) to provide an interface to memory <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for various operations of a splitter profiler module (e.g., splitter profiler module <NUM>, 101a, or 101b) or splitter profiler apparatus (e.g., splitter profiler apparatus <NUM>/<NUM>). In one embodiment, system memory <NUM> may include any suitable volatile memory, such as suitable dynamic random access memory ("DRAM").

System control logic <NUM>, in one embodiment, may include one or more input/output ("I/O") controller(s) to provide an interface to NVM/storage <NUM> and communications interface(s) <NUM>.

NVM/storage <NUM> may be used to store data and/or instructions, for example. NVM/storage <NUM> may include any suitable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, for example, and/or any suitable non-volatile storage device(s), such as one or more hard disk drive(s) ("HDD(s)"), one or more solid-state drive(s), one or more compact disc ("CD") drive(s), and/or one or more digital versatile disc ("DVD") drive(s), for example.

The NVM/storage <NUM> may include a storage resource that may physically be a part of a device on which computer system <NUM> is installed, or it may be accessible by, but not necessarily a part of, the device. For example, the NVM/storage <NUM> may be accessed over a network via the communications interface(s) <NUM>.

System memory <NUM>, NVM/storage <NUM>, and/or system control logic <NUM> may include, in particular, temporal and persistent copies of workpiece processing logic <NUM>. The workpiece processing logic <NUM> may include instructions operable, upon execution by at least one of the processor(s) <NUM>, to cause computer system <NUM> to practice one or more aspects of operations described herein (e.g., receive and process scan data, generate a 3D model of a primary workpiece, determine a desired rotational position/skew/offset position, determine/select/receive a cut solution, determine actual and/or desired positions of the saw arm assembly(ies), determine profiling positions and splitting positions for the saw arm assembly(ies), generate and send positioning instructions to actuators to reposition saw arm assembly(ies), profiler arm assembly(ies), and/or splitter profiler modules, monitor/analyze performance of saw arm assembly positioners and other equipment, etc.).

Communications interface(s) <NUM> may provide an interface for computer system <NUM> to communicate over one or more network(s) and/or with any other suitable device. Communications interface(s) <NUM> may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware, such as a network adapter, one or more antennas, a wireless interface, and so forth. In various embodiments, communication interface(s) <NUM> may include an interface for computer system <NUM> to use NFC, optical communications (e.g., barcodes), BlueTooth or other similar technologies to communicate directly (e.g., without an intermediary) with another device. In various embodiments, the wireless interface may interoperate with radio communications technologies such as, for example, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, and the like.

The capabilities and/or performance characteristics of processors <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and so forth may vary. In various embodiments, computer system <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a computing tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and/or a server. In various embodiments computer system <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, one or more servers known in the art.

In one embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) <NUM> may be packaged together with system control logic <NUM> and/or workpiece processing logic <NUM>. For example, at least one of the processor(s) <NUM> may be packaged together with system control logic <NUM> and/or workpiece processing logic <NUM> to form a System in Package ("SiP"). In another embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) <NUM> may be integrated on the same die with system control logic <NUM> and/or workpiece processing logic <NUM>. For example, at least one of the processor(s) <NUM> may be integrated on the same die with system control logic <NUM> and/or workpiece processing logic <NUM> to form a System on Chip ("SoC").

The computer system <NUM> may be configured to perform any or all of the calculations, operations, and/or functions described above and/or in <FIG> or other Figures.

In some embodiments, an existing profiler module, apparatus, or system may be upgraded to a splitter profiler module, apparatus, or system. An example of such a method is illustrated in <FIG>, in accordance with various embodiments.

Some or all of the operations of method <NUM> may be performed to modify a profiler module to form a splitter profiler module. For example, the method may be used to modify a single, stand-alone profiler module intended for use along a primary breakdown line that cuts sideboards from only one side of the primary workpiece, or a primary breakdown line that sends the primary workpiece through the profiler module multiple times to cut outer and inner sideboards from one side, or turns the primary workpiece before returning the workpiece through the profiler module to cut sideboards from multiple sides in succession.

A profiler apparatus that includes a pair of profiler modules may be modified to form a splitter profiler apparatus by performing some or all of the operations of method <NUM> to modify one of the profiler modules and repeating at least some of those operations to modify the other profiler module of the pair. Likewise, a second splitter profiler apparatus may be modified in the same or similar manner. Alternatively, the method may be used to modify only one of the profiler modules of a pair. For example, if the mill wishes to cut coplanar sideboards from one side of the primary workpieces, and the primary workpieces are to be turned upstream of the profiler module to position the coplanar sideboards on a particular side (e.g., the left side, the right side, the top, the bottom, etc.), the profiler module on that side may be modified without modifying the other profiler module of the pair.

While various operations of method <NUM> are described below in a particular order by way of example, the operations may be performed in any order. Various operations may be omitted, repeated, or performed simultaneously.

In various embodiments, method <NUM> may begin at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, a first saw arm assembly (e.g., saw arm assembly <NUM>/174a) may be coupled with the existing profiler module. The existing profiler module may be a stand-alone profiler module or one of a pair of the profiler modules of a profiler apparatus/system. Regardless, the existing profiler module may have a frame (e.g., frame <NUM>) configured to support an arbor (e.g., arbor <NUM>), and one or more profiler heads (e.g., profiler heads <NUM>/<NUM>) configured to be mounted along the arbor to be driven in rotation by the arbor. Optionally, the existing profiler module may further include various drives, guards, guides, and other such components.

The first saw arm assembly may be configured to be coupled with a circular saw (e.g., circular saw <NUM>). In various embodiments, the first saw arm assembly may be coupled with the existing profiler module by coupling the saw sleeve assembly to the frame, or to the arbor, or to both the frame and the arbor, of the existing profiler module. For example, the first saw sleeve assembly may include a saw arm (e.g., first saw arm <NUM>) with one or more carriages (e.g., carriages <NUM>), and the saw arm may be coupled with the existing frame by movably coupling the carriage(s) to corresponding guide member(s) of the existing frame (e.g., guide members <NUM>). If the frame does not include the guide member(s), the method may further include coupling the guide member(s) with the frame.

As another example, the first saw arm assembly may include the saw arm and a saw sleeve assembly (e.g., saw sleeve assembly <NUM>/174a), and the first saw arm assembly may be coupled with the existing profiler module by coupling the saw sleeve assembly to the arbor (e.g., arbor <NUM>) and coupling the first saw arm to the saw sleeve assembly. Optionally, coupling the first saw arm assembly with the frame may further include rotatably coupling the arbor to the frame.

In some embodiments, the first saw arm assembly may include a saw arm, a saw sleeve assembly coupled to the saw arm, and one or more guide members coupled to the saw arm, and the first saw arm assembly may be coupled with the existing profiler module by movably coupling the first saw arm assembly to the frame and coupling the saw sleeve assembly with the arbor generally as described above.

At block <NUM>, a first actuator (e.g., actuator 182c) may be operatively coupled with the first saw arm assembly. In some embodiments, a first portion of the first actuator (e.g., a cylinder) may be attached to the frame of the existing profiler module, and a second portion of the first actuator (e.g., shaft 185a) may be connected to the first saw arm. The second portion of the first actuator may be connected to the first saw arm directly or indirectly via an extension shaft, an alignment cylinder, and/or fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, etc.).

Optionally, at block <NUM>, a second saw arm assembly (e.g., saw arm assembly 174b) may be coupled with the existing profiler apparatus in the same or similar manner as described above with regard to block <NUM>. If so, at block <NUM> a second actuator (e.g., actuator 182d) may be coupled with the existing profiler apparatus and the second saw arm assembly in the same or similar manner as described above with regard to block <NUM>. In other embodiments, blocks <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted.

Optionally, at block <NUM>, the actuator(s) may be operatively coupled with a control system (e.g., computer system <NUM>). The control system may be programmed to determine a desired position for the saw arm assembly based on a cut solution for the primary workpiece, and to send positioning instructions to the respective actuator to thereby cause the saw arm assembly to be moved to the desired position. In various embodiments, the computer system may be programmed to perform any or all of the operations described above with regard to <FIG>.

Optionally, at block <NUM>, a first circular saw (e.g., circular saw <NUM>) may be coupled to the first saw arm assembly. In some embodiments, the circular saw may be coupled to the first saw arm assembly with fasteners such as bolts, screws, or other such items. In some embodiments, the fasteners may extend through the circular saw into a portion of the first saw arm assembly. If a second saw arm assembly was coupled with the existing profiler module at block <NUM>, at block <NUM> a second circular saw may be coupled to the first saw assembly in the same or similar manner.

Optionally, at block <NUM>, the control system may be operatively coupled with one or more sensors (e.g., sensor(s) <NUM>). In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to receive data from the sensor(s) and to determine or modify the desired saw position based at least on part on the received data. Similarly, in some embodiments the control system may be operatively coupled with other sensors and/or computer systems along the primary breakdown line or other processing lines. This may be done, for example, to enable the control system to receive scan data, cut patterns, models of workpieces, and other useful information, and/or to decrease processing load on the control system by allocating processing tasks among multiple computers.

Again, some of the above operations may be omitted in some embodiments. For example, some embodiments of method <NUM> may include only block <NUM>, or only blocks <NUM> and <NUM>, or only blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Other embodiments may include only block <NUM>, or only blocks <NUM> and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A splitter profiler module (<NUM>; 101a; 101b) for forming a board profile along a workpiece, wherein the workpiece is a log or a cant, the splitter profiler module (<NUM>; 101a; 101b) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
an arbor (<NUM>) rotatably coupled with the frame (<NUM>);
a first profiler arm assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) mounted to the arbor (<NUM>), wherein the first profiler arm assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to retain a first profiler head (<NUM>; <NUM>) in axial alignment with the arbor (<NUM>) and to transmit rotational motion of the arbor (<NUM>) to the first profiler head (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a first saw arm assembly (<NUM>) mounted to the arbor, wherein the first saw arm assembly (<NUM>) is configured to retain a first circular saw blade (172a) in axial alignment with the arbor (<NUM>) and to transmit rotational motion of the arbor (<NUM>) to the first circular saw blade (172a), wherein the first saw arm assembly (<NUM>) is selectively axially moveable along the arbor (<NUM>), while the arbor (<NUM>) is in rotation, to a profiling position in which the first circular saw blade (172a) is in contact with or close proximity to a corresponding side of the first profiler head (<NUM>; <NUM>), and to a first splitting position in which the circular saw blade (172a) is spaced apart from said side of the first profiler head (<NUM>; <NUM>) by a distance that corresponds to a desired width of the board profile, and wherein the first saw arm assembly (<NUM>) includes a saw arm (<NUM>) and a saw sleeve assembly (<NUM>), and the saw sleeve assembly (<NUM>) has a first portion with a center annulus configured to slideably engage the arbor (<NUM>) and a second portion fixedly connected to the saw arm (<NUM>); and
a carriage (<NUM>) coupled to the saw arm (<NUM>) and a guide member (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>), wherein the guide member (<NUM>) is oriented substantially parallel to the arbor (<NUM>) and the carriage (<NUM>) is configured to movably engage the guide member (<NUM>).