Method and apparatus for processing logs
AssigneeBilber Brothers Inc.
InventorDavid R. Bibler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method, and apparatus operating in accordance therewith, for processing logs prior to their being processed by a saw mill. The logs are cut to length and then sorted and stored according to their diameters and wood types. Undersized logs and other scrap or waste pieces are processed to be sold as material either for fuel or paper pulp.
Claims13
A method for processing incoming logs to a mill, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first processing line, a second processing line and a third processing line;
- separating the incoming logs into a first group having greater than a predetermined diameter and a second group of lesser than said predetermined diameter;
- transporting said first group to said first processing line;
- transporting said second group to said second processing line;
- processing said first group of logs in said first processing line by the steps of:
- cutting the logs in said first group to desired lengths;
- transporting short pieces to said third processing line;
- and
- sorting the logs of desired lengths according to a first group of predetermined characteristics;
- transporting undesirable pieces from said second group to said third processing line;
- and
- processing the pieces in said third processing line to form material suitable for use as fuel and paper pulp.
Apparatus for processing incoming logs to a mill to sort usable logs according to size and to form from unusable logs and pieces thereof scrap material suitable for fuel and paper pulp, comprising in combination:
- a first processing line and a second processing line;
- means for separating the incoming logs into a first group of larger than a predetermined diameter and a second group of the remainder and transporting said first group to said first processing line and transporting said second group to said second processing line;
- scrap processing means positioned for receiving scrap material from said first and second processing lines for breaking down material presented thereto into material suitable for fuel and paper pulp;
- said first processing line including:
- first saw means for cutting the logs of said first group into desired lengths;
- first rejection means down stream of said first saw means for presenting to said scrap processing means logs and pieces of said first group unsuitable as lumber;
- and
- first sorting means in said first processing line downstream of said first rejection means for sorting the cut logs of said first group according to log diameter groupings;
- and
- said second processing line including:
- second saw means in said second processing line for cutting the logs of said second group into desired lengths;
- and
- second rejection means downstream of said second saw means for presenting to said scrap processing means all log pieces not having predetermined characteristics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.