Automatic log processing apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus for processing a log after scanning dimensionally by feeding the log along a longitudinal axis through a cutting means mounted adjacent the axis. The apparatus has a carriage mounted on rails for movement along the rails parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a clamp on the carriage which clamps the log on side faces thereof for feeding into the cutting means. The apparatus has orienting structure cooperating with the carriage and clamp to move the clamp relative to the longitudinal axis to re-position the log in a desired orientation relative to the axis and in accordance with the scanned dimensions. The cutting device initially cuts a lower datum face of the log which supports a forward end of the log when released from a respective clamp, and then cuts two side datum faces which engage guides to prevent rotation of the log after release by the clamp.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.