Vertical log singulator with profiled surface

A method for singulating logs having diameters within a range extending from a diameter of a smallest log to a diameter of a largest log, the method comprising:

• elevating a log having a diameter in the range on an arcuately oscillating lifting device against a guiding barrier to an upper station;
• wherein:
• the lifting device has a tipping point such that if a center of gravity of a log on the lifting device is between the tipping point and the guiding barrier then the log tends to stay on the lifting device and if the tipping point is between the guiding barrier and the center of gravity of the log then the log tends to fall off of the lifting device;
• the guiding barrier has a transversely-extending substantially continuous front surface, the front surface having a profile comprising an upper section and a lower section, the front surface having a varying steepness such that at least a portion of the upper section adjoining the lower section is steeper than the lower section;
• and the method comprises:
• allowing the lower section of the guiding barrier to position the log on the lifting device such that any other log on the lifting device having a diameter in the range has its center of gravity outside the tipping point and falls off of the lifting device;
• and
• allowing the log to follow a path which follows the profile of the front surface of the guiding barrier while keeping the center of gravity of the log between the tipping point and the guiding barrier until the log has been lifted sufficiently to reach the upper station.