Patent Description:
By way of background, certain conventional peripheral constraint have rigid supports for supporting a log during cutting. A conventional peripheral constraint of a rigid type is disclosed in <CIT>. A limitation of this peripheral constraint is the range of log diameters for which it can be adjusted, which is approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>) between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter. At the small end of the diameter range, the side links contact one another, preventing further adjustment. Beyond the large end of the diameter range, the side links lose contact with the right and left top product guides. On the other end of the spectrum, certain conventional peripheral constraints have flexible supports for supporting the log during cutting. Conventional peripheral constraints of a flexible type are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Pending <CIT> (<CIT>) describes some of the limitations of these types of prior art flexible peripheral constraints. To summarize the limitations, these types of flexible peripheral constraints have a limited range of log diameters to which they can be adjusted, which is such that the diameter at large end of the range is approximately twice the diameter at the small end of the range. This approximate range can be derived by simplifying the equation for the arc covered by each of the flexible strips at the large end of the diameter range to π*D1/<NUM>, where D1 is the large diameter; and by simplifying the equation for the arc covered by each of the flexible strips at the small end of the range to π*D2, where D2 is the small diameter. Because the length of the flexible strip is constant, setting the two arc lengths equal to one another simplifies to D1 = <NUM>*D2. Beyond the small end of the diameter range, one or both flexible strips curl around the log's circumference and encroach on the opening for the log advancement member, while beyond the large end of the diameter range, the flexible strips lose contact with one another. Change parts are required to expand the diameter range, which take time to install resulting in lost productivity. Another limitation of these peripheral constraints is that they are bent sharply near the location at which they are connected to their supports. The sharp bend increases stress in the flexible strip. The sharp bend distorts the flexible strip from the preferred circular arc shape. Another limitation of these peripheral constraints is that they are not rigid beneath the log where support of the log's weight is needed; or they are flexible or have discontinuities in locations where support to oppose the force of the blade entering and exiting the log is needed.

A peripheral constraint which combined rigid elements and prior art flexible elements was disclosed in <CIT>. During testing of a log saw with a peripheral constraint of that embodiment, it was discovered that, with some logs, as the blade exited the log after completing the cutting of a roll, the paper on the roll tended to be pushed by the force of the blade into the void between the side support link and the flexible member, resulting in decreased roll quality. The flexible member was also mounted such that its shape was not a continuous circular arc, which is the preferred shape for enveloping and supporting a log. That document discloses an apparatus for supporting a convolutely wound log of web material during cutting of the convolutely wound log, the apparatus comprising: a support frame, a bottom support link being operatively coupled to the support frame, the bottom support link having a guide surface adapted to engage a region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus, and a side support link being operatively pivotally coupled to the support frame via the bottom support link, the side support link having a guide surface adapted to engage a further region of the periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus; and a flexible member operatively coupled to a distal end of the side support link, curving away from the side support link and the bottom support link so that a portion of the flexible member is spaced away from the guide surface of the side support link and the guide surface of the bottom support link, the spaced away portion of the flexible member being adapted to engage a second further region of the periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus, the spaced away portion of the flexible member together with the guide surface of the side support link and the guide surface of the bottom support link at least in part defining a support surface for supporting the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus.

As will become evident from the description that follows, the peripheral constraints disclosed herein address the issues found in these conventional peripheral constraints. The invention is defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

The log saw may comprise a conveyor with at least one lane, each of which may be provided with at least one log advancement member; a saw blade (for instance, an orbital circular saw blade disposed on an arm); at least one peripheral constraint; and a saw house that encloses a cutting area within an interior of the saw house. The conveyor may be in accordance with <CIT>. The arm and the saw house may be in accordance with pending <CIT>.

By way of example and not in any limiting sense, <FIG> and <FIG> show a peripheral constraint that may be used on a conveyor with one or more lanes, and <FIG> show peripheral constraints that may be used on a conveyor with four lanes. Each peripheral constraint may engage the tissue log outer circumference or cylindrical surface area of the tissue log to help secure the tissue log during cutting by the saw. In addition, the peripheral constraint may provide contact friction with the tissue log outer circumference or cylindrical surface thereby providing drag force on the tissue log to counter the force of acceleration and deceleration during the log advancement motion. The drag force assists with control of the tissue log advancement and provides accurate log advancement for each index movement or incremental advancement. A peripheral constraint may be disposed on a log entry side of the cutting arm, and a companion peripheral constraint may be disposed at the roll exit side of the cutting arm. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the peripheral constraint may include a leading peripheral constraint unit and a trailing peripheral constraint unit.

Making reference to <FIG>, the depicted peripheral constraint <NUM> may be a single peripheral constraint of a one lane conveyor, or one of a plurality of peripheral constraints of a multilane conveyor. The depicted peripheral constraint <NUM> may be used as a leading peripheral constraint unit or a trailing peripheral constraint unit of a one lane or multilane conveyor. The peripheral constraint may have right and left bottom support links <NUM> and may have right and left side support links <NUM>. The bottom support link has a guide surface adapted to engage a region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the peripheral constraint. The guide surface of the bottom support link may be curved in a manner to approximate the average diameter (or a typical or a common diameter) of convolutely wound log to be conveyed in the conveyor. The side support link may has a guide surface adapted to engage another region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the peripheral constraint. The guide surface of the side support link may be curved in a manner to approximate the average diameter of convolutely wound log to be conveyed in the conveyor. The guide support surfaces may be textured to provide friction and drag to assist in controlling the log advancement motion. The right and left side support links <NUM> may be operatively mounted to a vertical portion of a lower support frame <NUM>. The bottom support links <NUM> are operatively pivotally connected to the lower support frame <NUM>. The side support links <NUM> is operatively pivotally connected to the bottom support links, and may be operatively slideably connected to the lower support frame, for example, via a linkage <NUM> that has a pin which cooperates in a curved slot of the vertical portion of the lower support frame. Each of the bottom and side support link pairs <NUM>,<NUM> may be pivotally connected with one another. While <FIG> show right and left bottom support links and right and left side support links and linkages, the peripheral constraint may be constructed with one bottom support link and one side support link, or may be constructed with two bottom support links and one side support link depending upon the construction of the conveyor, the pusher, and the manner of advancement of the log in the conveyor.

A push/pull rod <NUM> may be connected to the linkage <NUM> and may be used to move the bottom and side support links <NUM>,<NUM>, for example, with a linkage actuation assembly as described below in reference to <FIG>, to accommodate a range of product diameters. These support links and linkages <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> comprise the rigid portion of the peripheral constraint. Moving the linkage <NUM> upwards in the drawings decreases the diameter setting of the rigid portion peripheral constraint, while moving the linkage <NUM> downwards in the drawings increases the diameter setting. The bottom support links <NUM> and side support links <NUM> may be provided with a flare or lead-in at the log inlet side to allow for variation in the diameter or compressibility of the logs being cut, and to prevent damage to the log as it transitions into the peripheral constraint, particularly if the peripheral constraint is configured for use as a leading peripheral constraint unit in the conveyor lane.

The peripheral constraint side support link <NUM> has a flexible member <NUM>,<NUM>' extending substantially tangentially from the guide surface of the side support link <NUM> and curving away from the side support link <NUM> and the bottom support link <NUM> so that a portion of the flexible member is spaced away from the guide surface of the side support link and the guide surface of the bottom support link. Depending upon the configuration of the conveyor lane and the manner of advancement of the log in the conveyor, the flexible member <NUM>,<NUM>' may curve around the log and engage a majority of the surface area of the log. For instance, the flexible member may extend from the distal end of the side support link, curve around the top of the log and extend along the outer surface of the log in a region diametrically opposite of the side support link, as may be the case in a peripheral constraint configured with one side support link and one or two bottom support links. <FIG> and <FIG> show an embodiment of peripheral constraint with two flexible members <NUM>,<NUM>' extending from a distal end of each side support link, substantially tangential to the surface thereof. The flexible member may include resilient banding overlapping and/or connected with the flexible member, or alternatively, the flexible member may be constructed with sufficient resiliency to maintain a curved shape to accommodate, engage and support the log advanced into the peripheral constraint. Accordingly, the flexible member together with the guide surface of the side support link and the guide surface of the bottom support link at least in part define a support surface for supporting the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the peripheral constraint.

To facilitate replacement of the flexible member, the flexible member <NUM>,<NUM>' may be a separate part from the side support link. In the alternative, one flexible member may be of unitary construction with a side support link, or both flexible members may be of unitary construction with the side support links. In the embodiment in which the flexible members <NUM>,<NUM>' are separate parts, the mounting may be accomplished by providing a plate <NUM> with threaded studs which protrude through holes in the flexible member and the side support link, and securing the plate with nuts. The side support links may be provided with a relief <NUM> for mounting the flexible member with the plate <NUM>. The plate may be of thickness such that the combined thickness of the flexible member and the plate is equal to the depth of the relief, so that the surface of the plate <NUM> is substantially flush with the surface of the side support link <NUM> with the flexible member <NUM>,<NUM>' positioned in the relief <NUM>. The edge of the plate <NUM> may be adjacent to the edge of the relief <NUM>, so as to minimize any gap at the transition between the surface of the side support link and the surface of the flexible member. The plate <NUM> may be provided with rounded corners so as to minimize damage to the log.

The flexible members <NUM>,<NUM>' extending from the side support links may overlap one another, forming a circular arc. The flexible member <NUM>' which is on top of the other flexible member <NUM> in the drawings when the flexible members overlap may be longer than the other flexible member <NUM> (the bottom flexible member). The flexible members <NUM>,<NUM>' may have a flare or lead-in at the log inlet side to allow for variation in the diameter or compressibility of the logs being cut, particularly, when the peripheral constraint is configured as a leading peripheral constraint unit. The longer flexible member <NUM>' may be mounted at the blade exit side, to maximize the consistency of log support where the blade exits the log. In the alternative, the shorter flexible member <NUM> may be mounted at the blade exit side, to provide additional support to resist the force of the blade exiting the log. A plurality of flexible members may be provided in an overlapping arrangement with a longer flexible member <NUM> overlapping the shorter flexible members <NUM>,<NUM>'. The flexible members may include resilient banding or may be formed or constructed with sufficient resiliency to maintain a curved shape to accommodate, engage and support the log advanced into the peripheral constraint. The outer most overlapping flexible member may include resilient banding or may be formed or constructed with sufficient resiliency so that the underlying flexible members conform to the shape of the outer most overlapping flexible member. One or more of the flexible members may be of sufficient stiffness to resist being forced into an arc so that when not under control, one or more of the flexible members return to a flat or mostly flat shape. The surface of the flexible material should be such that contact with the log does not cause tearing or scuffing of the log. The flexible member may be a sheet of plastic, for example ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) thick, rubber, thin gauge metal, or belting material. When under control, the flexible members are forced into the shape of a circular arc. This circular arc shape conforms to the cylindrical surface of the log for firm and consistent support to tissue logs during the cutting process.

The diameter of the flexible portion of the peripheral constraint may be controlled by directly controlling an end <NUM> of the flexible member <NUM>', which is opposite the end connected to the side support link <NUM>, and an end <NUM> of the top flexible member <NUM>, for example, by operative connection to a frame or linkage <NUM> which is operatively connected to an actuator <NUM>, for example a pneumatic cylinder or a motor, for moving (e.g., linearly/rotatably) the frame or linkage up and down. Moving the frame or linkage <NUM> (e.g., linearly/rotatably) down decreases the diameter setting of the flexible portion <NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM> of the peripheral constraint, while moving the frame or linkage (e.g., linearly/rotatably) up increases the diameter setting. The actuator may comprise a servo motor provided with a torque limit setting, such that if a log larger or firmer than expected entered the peripheral constraint, the flexible portion of the peripheral constraint would be permitted to open until the torque reduced below the torque limit. In the alternative, the diameter of the upper portion of the peripheral constraint may be controlled by applying force to an area near top of the overlapping flexible members with an additional flexible member; this additional flexible member may be of a less stiff material than the overlapping flexible members.

Alternative embodiments of the peripheral constraints may be contemplated. By way of example and not in any limiting sense, the peripheral constraint may be provided with bottom support links, from the end of each of which a flexible member extends substantially tangential to the surface. Also, the peripheral constraint may be provided with two bottom and one side support links, with one flexible member extending substantially tangential to the surface of the side support link. The peripheral constraint may include a second flexible member extending substantially tangential to the surface of the bottom support link which does not have a side support link connected to it. The peripheral constraint may be provided with one bottom and one side support link on one side, with various combinations of flexible members of the prior art or of the present disclosure on that side and/or the other side. By way of example and not in any limiting sense, the longer flexible member may be connected to the actuator with a compliant member or be provided with a compliant section, such that if a log larger or firmer than expected entered the peripheral constraint, the flexible portion of the peripheral constraint would be permitted to open to a diameter larger than its current diameter setting. By way of example and not in any limiting sense, the longer flexible member may comprise a compliant material, such that if a log larger or firmer than expected entered the peripheral constraint, the flexible portion of the peripheral constraint would be permitted to open to a diameter larger than its current diameter setting.

By way of example and not in any limiting sense, <FIG> show another embodiment of a peripheral constraint <NUM> as used in connection with a four lane conveyor. The peripheral constraint <NUM> includes a leading constraint unit <NUM> and trailing constraint unit <NUM> for each lane of the conveyor. The leading constraint unit <NUM> may be spaced from the trailing constraint unit by a distance <NUM> sufficient to allow a saw blade of the log saw to pass between the leading and trailing constraint units for cutting each log. The leading and trailing constraint units <NUM>,<NUM> may be similar in construction. Each constraint unit <NUM>,<NUM> may have right and left bottom support links <NUM> and right and left side support links <NUM>. The right and left bottom support links and the right and left side support links may be mounted to a vertical portion 186a of a lower support frame <NUM>. The bottom support links <NUM> may be pivotally connected to an arm 186b extending from vertical portion 186a of a lower support frame <NUM>, while the side support links <NUM> are pivotally connected to the bottom support links <NUM>, respectively, and slideably connected to the lower support frame via a linkage <NUM> that may have a pin that cooperates with a curved slot of vertical portion 186a of the lower support frame <NUM>. The leading constraint unit may have a lead-in chamfer formed at its forward face to receive an incoming log along the lane. The bottom support has a guide surface adapted to engage a region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the peripheral constraint. The guide surface of the bottom support link may be curved in a manner to approximate the average diameter of convolutely wound log to be conveyed in the conveyor. The side support link has a guide surface adapted to engage another region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the peripheral constraint. The guide surface of the side support link may be curved in a manner to approximate the average diameter of convolutely wound log to be conveyed in the conveyor. While <FIG> show right and left bottom support links and right and left side support links and linkages, the peripheral constraint may be constructed with one bottom support link and one side support link, or may be constructed with two bottom support links and one side support link depending upon the construction of the conveyor, the pusher, and the manner of advancement of the log in the conveyor.

A push/pull rod <NUM> may be connected to the linkage <NUM> and may be used to move the bottom and side support links <NUM>,<NUM>, with a linkage actuation assembly as will be described below in greater detail. The support links <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> comprise the rigid portion of the peripheral constraint. Moving the linkage <NUM> upwards in the drawings decreases the diameter setting of the rigid portion peripheral constraint, while moving the linkage <NUM> downwards in the drawings increases the diameter setting. The surfaces of the bottom support links <NUM> and side support links <NUM> may be curved so as to approximate the cylindrical outer surface of the log.

<FIG> show an embodiment of a peripheral restraint with two flexible members 192a,192b. A shorter arcuate segment flexible member 192a may extend from a distal end of right side support link (right side in <FIG>), substantially tangential to the surface thereof. To facilitate eventual replacement, the shorter flexible member 192a may be a separate part from the side support link as described above in reference to flexible member <NUM> and <FIG> and <FIG>. A longer flexible member 192b may extend from a distal end of the left side support link (left side in <FIG>) and overlap with the shorter flexible member to form a bounded circular arc. The longer flexible member 192b which is on top of the shorter flexible member 192a in the drawings when the flexible members overlap may extend along the vertical portion 186a of the lower support frame <NUM> and through a slot 186c formed in the horizontal portion 186d of the lower support frame <NUM>. The distal end of the longer flexible member 192b may be operatively connected to a flexible member actuation assembly as will be described in greater detail below.

The outer flexible members 192b may include a resilient banding <NUM>. The resilient banding may be provided with the flexible member 192b to provide the flexible member with additional resistance to being forced into an arc shape. The resilient banding may comprise steel banding, for example, steel banding : <NUM>,<NUM> ( <NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM> inches) wide by <NUM>,<NUM> ( <NUM> inches) thick. The resilient banding <NUM> may aid in changing the diameter setting of the clamps and cause the flexible member to spring to a desired shape when the diameter of the incoming log changes. The outer flexible member 192b and the resilient banding <NUM> may have a flare or lead-in at the log inlet side to allow for variation in the diameter or compressibility of the logs being cut. The resilient banding <NUM> may be placed over axially opposite extends of the outer flexible member 192b. The resilient banding may have a pre-formed arcuate shape the diameter of which may be altered by moving the flexible member actuation assembly as described below. The resilient banding may also be omitted on one or more of the constraint units <NUM>,<NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the push pull control rod actuation assembly <NUM> includes a transverse drive linkage <NUM> and a lane linkage <NUM> for each respective lane of the conveyor. The transverse drive linkage <NUM> may be driven by a servo motor <NUM> with a right angle head <NUM>. The transverse drive linkage <NUM> may be supported for rotational motion by one or more pillow block bearings <NUM> mounted to an underside of the horizontal portion of the lower support frame. The servo motor <NUM> and the right angle head <NUM> may be mounted to an underside of the horizontal portion 186d of the lower support frame <NUM>. Each lane linkage <NUM> may include a drive arm <NUM> keyed to the transverse drive linkage <NUM> so that rotation of the transverse drive linkage creates rotation of the drive arm <NUM> and the lane linkage <NUM>. The lane linkage <NUM> may include first and second primary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM> that are respectively keyed to shafts <NUM>,<NUM> associated with the leading constraint unit <NUM> and the trailing constraint unit <NUM>. The first and second primary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM> may be attached at generally the center of each their respective shafts <NUM>,<NUM>, and each of the shafts may be supported for rotational motion by pillow block bearings <NUM> arranged generally adjacent to ends of the shaft. The pillow block bearings <NUM> may be mounted on the underside of the horizontal portion 186c of the lower support frame <NUM>. The shaft <NUM>,<NUM> associated with the leading and trailing constraint units <NUM>,<NUM> may be keyed with first and second secondary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM> arranged on axial opposite ends of each shaft (e.g., the leading constraint unit shaft and the trailing constraint unit shaft) outboard of the pillow block bearings <NUM>. The first and second secondary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM> may be operatively connected to the distal end of the push pull control rod <NUM>. Thus, one lane linkage <NUM> may operatively drive the push pull control rods <NUM> and thus the left and right side linkages <NUM> of both the leading and trailing constraint units <NUM>,<NUM>.

Making reference to <FIG>, clockwise rotation of the transverse drive linkage <NUM> in turn causes clockwise rotation of the drive arm <NUM>, the first and second primary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM>, clockwise rotation of the lane linkages <NUM>, clockwise rotation of the shafts <NUM>,<NUM>, and clockwise rotation of the first and second secondary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM>, which in turn causes upward motion of the push pull control rods <NUM> and an enlargement in the diameter defined by the linkages <NUM>,<NUM>. Counter-clockwise rotation of the transverse linkage <NUM> causes counter-clockwise rotation of the drive arm <NUM>, the first and second primary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM>, counter-clockwise rotation of the lane linkages <NUM>, counter clockwise rotation of the shafts <NUM>,<NUM>, and counter clockwise rotation of the first and second secondary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM>, which in turn causes downward motion of the push pull control rods <NUM> and a reduction of the diameter defined by the linkages <NUM>,<NUM>. The motion of the lane linkages <NUM> and the drive arm, the primary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM> causes synchronous rotation of the shafts <NUM>,<NUM>, and the secondary rocker arms <NUM>,<NUM>, and synchronous motion of the push pull control rods <NUM> of the leading and trailing constraint units <NUM>,<NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the flexible member actuation assembly <NUM> may include first and second transverse drive bars 312a,312b, and a lane riser <NUM> for each respective lane of the conveyor driven. One of the transverse drive bars 312a may be operatively connected to and driven by a servo motor <NUM>. The opposite transverse drive bar 312b may be driven by the first transverse drive bar 312a via a cross drive bar 312c. The transverse drive bars 312a,312b and the cross drive bar 312c may be supported on the underside of the horizontal portion 186d of the lower frame support <NUM> by pillow block bearings <NUM> and swing arms <NUM>. Each lane riser <NUM> extends between the first and second transverse drive bars 312a,312b. Each lane riser <NUM> may include a first set of two pivot arms <NUM>,<NUM> with an edging attachment <NUM> extending between the two pivot arms (for the leading constraint unit <NUM>), and a second set of two pivot arms <NUM>,<NUM> with an edging attachment <NUM> extending between the two pivot arms (for the trailing constraint unit <NUM>). The edging attachment <NUM>,<NUM> may be operatively connected to the distal end of the flexible member 192b, and the distal end of the resilient banding <NUM>, if used.

Making reference to <FIG>, clockwise rotation of the transverse drive bars 312a,312b causes clockwise rotation of the lane riser <NUM>, which in turn causes upward motion of the edging attachment <NUM>,<NUM>, the flexible member 192b, and the resilient banding <NUM> (if used), and thus, an enlargement in the diameter defined by the flexible member 192b, and the resilient banding <NUM>. Counter-clockwise rotation of the transverse drive bars 312a,312b in turn causes counter-clockwise rotation of the lane risers <NUM>, which in turn cause downward motion of the edging attachments <NUM>,<NUM>, the flexible member 192b and the resilient banding <NUM>, and thus, a reduction of the diameter defined by the flexible member and the resilient banding. The motion of the transverse drive bars 312a,312b and the lane risers <NUM> causes synchronous rotation of the pivot arms <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>, and the edging attachments <NUM>,<NUM>, and synchronous motion of the flexible member 192b and resilient banding <NUM> for each lane.

The flexible member 192b (and resilient banding <NUM> if used) of each of the leading constraint unit <NUM> and trailing constraint unit <NUM> may be drawn through an arcuate guide <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The edging attachment <NUM>,<NUM>, and the flexible member 192b (and the resilient banding <NUM>) may be disposed between top and bottom rails <NUM>,<NUM> of the arcuate guides. Movement of the lane riser <NUM> and rotation of the pivot arms <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> allows the edging attachment <NUM>,<NUM>, and the flexible member 192b (and the resilient banding <NUM>) to slide along the arcuate guides <NUM> as the diameter of the resilient banding and the flexible member is changed. The arcuate guides <NUM> may extend between the horizontal portion 186d of the lower support frame <NUM> and a base portion 186e of the lower support frame. Two arcuate guides <NUM> may be provided for each of the leading constraint unit <NUM> and the trailing constraint unit <NUM>. The pivot arms of each of the lane risers <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may be arranged outboard of the arcuate guides <NUM> to allow the pivot arms to pivot during motion of the lane riser <NUM> and transverse drive bars 312a,312b thereby drawing the flexible member (and the resilient banding) in an arcuate path below the horizontal portion of the lower support frame. The lane risers <NUM> may have cut-outs to accommodate the guides <NUM> during travel of the lane risers.

The diameter setting of the peripheral constraint(s) may be constant throughout a production run of a tissue or towel product. If required, the diameter setting of the peripheral constraint(s) may be increased while the log is being advanced, and decreased while the log is being cut. Examples of tissue log products that may necessitate cycling the peripheral constraints open and closed in this manner are: products with a high degree of variability in diameter or compressibility, where there is risk that a log would be too large to fit into the peripheral constraint, or fit too loosely in the peripheral constraint for a quality cut; and very firm products, such that the constraint force required for a quality cut would generate too much resistance to the log advancing through the peripheral constraint between cuts.

Referring to <FIG>, the log saw conveyor may be provided with a clamp diameter measuring system <NUM> upstream of the peripheral constraint. The clamp diameter measuring system <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to one or more lanes of the conveyor to provide a real time measurement of the diameter of the logs being delivered from an accumulator/rewinder to the log saw prior to cutting. By measuring the diameter of the log incoming to the peripheral constraint and log saw, the push pull control rod actuation assembly <NUM> and the flexible member actuation assembly <NUM> may be adjusted as needed to set a diameter to accommodate the incoming log and peripheral restraint and support of the log during the cutting cycle. In one embodiment, the clamp diameter measuring system <NUM> may monitor a moving average of the diameter of the logs prior to entering the peripheral constraint. Thus, the peripheral constraints may be adjusted in real time based upon measurements relative to the moving average. The system <NUM> may be aligned so that there is a certain tolerance threshold or dead band before adjustment of the peripheral constraint may be made so as to limit the amount of adjustment.

The clamp diameter measuring system <NUM> may be configured to measure log diameter in multiple ways including through the use of one or more optical sensors <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or contact gages. Optical sensors <NUM> may be used to measure the diameter while contact gauges may be used to capture a combination of firmness and/or diameter. The contact sensors may include any one or a combination of the left and right side linkages <NUM>, the left and right bottom linkages <NUM>, the flexible member <NUM>,192b, and/or the resilient banding <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the optical sensors <NUM> are mounted on a support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may include passageways <NUM> for each lane of the conveyor to allow the log and the pusher to travel on the conveyor toward the log saw. The support plate <NUM> may arranged across the lanes of the conveyor with the sensors <NUM> in sufficient proximity to the incoming log to sense the diameter of the logs passing in the lane of the conveyor. The sensor output may be directed to a control <NUM> which in turn sends control signals to at least one of the push pull control rod actuation assembly <NUM> and the flexible member actuation assembly <NUM> to change the diameter of the peripheral constraint as needed. More in particular, the control signals may be directed to one or both of the respective servo motors <NUM>,<NUM> associated with the push pull control rod actuation assembly <NUM> and the flexible member actuation assembly <NUM> to change the diameter of the peripheral constraint as needed. The optical sensors may be provided by Banner Engineering Corp. of Minneapolis, MN.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>,<NUM>) for supporting a convolutely wound log of web material during cutting of the convolutely wound log, the apparatus comprising:
a support frame (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a bottom support link (<NUM>,<NUM>) being operatively coupled to the support frame (<NUM>,<NUM>), the bottom support link (<NUM>,<NUM>)_having a guide surface adapted to engage a region of a periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus (<NUM>,<NUM>), and
a flexible member (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',192a,192b) operatively coupled to a distal end of the bottom support link (<NUM>,<NUM>), the flexible member (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',92a,192b) extending tangentially from the guide surface of the bottom support link (<NUM>) and curving away from the bottom support link (<NUM>) so that a portion of the flexible member (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',92a,192b) is spaced away from the guide surface of the bottom support link (<NUM>), the spaced away portion of the flexible member (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>', 192a,192b) being adapted to engage a further region of the periphery of the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus, the spaced away portion of the flexible member (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>', 192a,192b together with the guide surface of the bottom support link (<NUM>,<NUM>) at least in part defining a support surface for supporting the convolutely wound log when the log is directed into the apparatus (<NUM>,<NUM>).