US 4,170,911 A · Log cutting apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed and claimed herein for cutting logs into predetermined lengths with primary use in a hardwood veneer plant. A log conveyor is provided, preferably in two sections, with a cutting station located therebetween. The cutting station is equipped with a pivotally operated chain saw or circular saw which cuts the logs as desired. A log clamp means is provided immediately adjacent the cutting station to engage the log on two sides, preferably top and bottom, with the diameter of the log being irrelevant within wide ranges. When a log is first clamped, the cutting saw passes to square off the forward end of same. Located downstream of the cutting station are a plurality of individually operated log stops that are located in the path of travel of the log moving along the conveyor. A particular stop, depending upon the length of log cut desired, is actuated to move into the path of log travel. Upon engaging the stop, log travel ceases, the clamp means are actuated to hold the log, and the cutting saw makes a pass to cut the log. A cut block of a predetermined length is produced. A graduated scale which automatically indicates the diameter of the log being cut may be associated with the clamp means to determine the board feet of cut blocks in a given period of time. A further preferred embodiment includes kick members adjacent the cutting station to forceably remove waste thereat. Downstream of the cutting station is a cut block kick member which is actuated by impact of the cut block at a second stop means. A method of cutting blocks of a predetermined length is also described and claimed herein.

Claims21

Dependent claims

Improved log cutting apparatus comprising:

(a) first conveyor means for transporting logs to be cut;
(b) log clamp means located adjacent an end of said first conveyor means, said clamp means comprising a first bifurcated member located below a log to be cut and a second befurcated member located above a log to be cut, said first and second bifurcated members being moveable to clamp a portion of a log therebetween;
(c) power cutting means located adjacent said clamp means, said cutting means being moveable across said log to sever same;
(d) pivotal waste removal means located adjacent said power cutting means;
said waste removal means lying beneath a log path of travel and being pivotal upwardly to remove cut log waste from the apparatus;
(e) second conveyor means located on an opposite side of said power cutting means to said first conveyor means;
and
(f) a plurality of individual log stop means located along said second conveyor means and being individually actuatable to stop a log moving along said second conveyor means at a predetermined location to cut a predetermined length of log.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Log cutting apparatus

Life of this patent

Log cutting apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21