公开(公告)号：US11731303B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-22

申请号：US17493050

申请日：2021-10-04

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Christopher W. Blomquist

IPC: B26D5/00 ,  B27B1/00 ,  B26D11/00 ,  G05B19/19

CPC classification number: B26D5/005 ,  B26D5/007 ,  B26D11/00 ,  B27B1/002 ,  G05B19/19 ,  G05B2219/36515 ,  G05B2219/45229 ,  G05B2219/49372

Abstract: A precut module with one or more profiling heads and/or circular saws may be provided upstream of a saw module. The precut module may be used to implement a portion of a cut that would otherwise be made by the saw module, thereby reducing the depth of cut required at the saw module. In some embodiments, profiling heads may be used to profile a block that is wider than a desired side board. The block may be cut from the workpiece and sent to the edger. This may provide the same or better wood volume recovery and/or throughput speed than profiling the side board or cutting the side board from a flitch. In some embodiments, cut patterns for the precut module and other machine centers may be calculated and/or selected based on a desired depth of cut at the saw module, desired throughput speed, wood volume recovery, and/or other parameters.

公开(公告)号：US11420356B2

公开(公告)日：2022-08-23

申请号：US16574057

申请日：2019-09-17

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Christopher W. Blomquist ,  Benjamin Owen Whitaker

IPC: B27B5/08 ,  B27B5/06 ,  B27B5/34 ,  B27B33/08 ,  B27B31/00

Abstract: In various embodiments, a splitter profiler apparatus may include at least one profiler head and at least one circular saw mounted to a common arbor. The circular saw may be mounted to a saw arm, and the saw arm may be coupled with an actuator that is selectively operable to move the circular saw along the arbor. The circular saw may be used in a profiling position, in which the circular saw and profiler head are in close proximity, such that the profiler head and circular saw function collectively to form a sideboard edge with a sawn finish. The circular saw may also be used in a splitting position, in which the circular saw is at a distance from the profiler, to divide the sideboard into narrower sideboards before the sideboards are sawn from the primary workpiece. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.

公开(公告)号：US20220075644A1

公开(公告)日：2022-03-10

申请号：US17530881

申请日：2021-11-19

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Douglas Strasky ,  Erik W. Kalf ,  Brian Walts

IPC: G06F9/455 ,  G06F9/445

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for virtually calibrating geometric sensors with overlapping fields of view. In some embodiments, a geometric sensor may be virtually calibrated by applying a correction value to profile data obtained by the geometric sensor to generate adjusted profile data. The correction factor may be determined based at least in part on X-Y offsets and/or rotational offsets of prior profile data obtained by the geometric sensor relative to corresponding profile data obtained by a reference geometric sensor, and may be recalculated or updated as new sets of profile data are obtained. The adjusted profile data may be used in place of the original profile data in various data processing operations to functionally offset a positional error of the geometric sensor.

公开(公告)号：US20210268684A1

公开(公告)日：2021-09-02

申请号：US17321376

申请日：2021-05-14

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Tim Dezellem ,  Kevin K. MC'CONNELL ,  Frederick Reeder BRIDGES, III

IPC: B27L5/02 ,  F16H25/22 ,  B23Q15/013

Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

公开(公告)号：US20210222952A1

公开(公告)日：2021-07-22

申请号：US17222865

申请日：2021-04-05

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Christopher W. BLOMQUIST

IPC: F26B15/14 ,  F26B25/08 ,  F26B3/04 ,  F26B15/10 ,  F26B15/00 ,  F26B25/06

Abstract: Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.

公开(公告)号：US11007669B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-18

申请号：US16563748

申请日：2019-09-06

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Tim Dezellem ,  Kevin K. O'Connell ,  Frederick Reeder Bridges, III

IPC: B27L5/02 ,  F16H25/22 ,  B23Q15/013 ,  F16H25/20 ,  B27L5/00

Abstract: Embodiments of an electric linear actuator may include a roller screw assembly, an electric motor coupled to the roller screw assembly, and a linear transducer operatively coupled with the roller screw assembly. The motor may be configured to drive the roller screw assembly to extend and retract another component, such as a rod. In some embodiments, the linear transducer may be configured to detect a position of the rod. The roller screw assembly may be coupled directly to the motor via a gear coupling, with the motor disposed generally in axial alignment with the roller screw assembly. Other embodiments disclosed herein include a veneer lathe carriage with electric linear actuators and corresponding apparatuses, methods, and systems.

公开(公告)号：US10994438B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-04

申请号：US15907257

申请日：2018-02-27

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Green ,  Dwayne Seawai Fujima

IPC: B27B1/00 ,  G05B19/4097 ,  B27B31/06

Abstract: In various embodiments, a scanner optimizer system may generate a virtual model of a predicted flitch based on a 3D model of a log/cant and a cut solution for the log/cant. The scanner optimizer system may compare a virtual model of an actual flitch to virtual models of predicted flitches by comparing data points at a fixed elevation relative to one or both faces of the models. Based on the comparisons, the scanner optimizer system may identify the source log from which the actual flitch was cut. In addition, the scanner optimizer system may identify the saw used to cut the actual flitch, and/or other relevant information, and use the additional information to monitor and adjust the saws and other equipment. Embodiments of corresponding apparatuses and methods are also described.

公开(公告)号：US20210072627A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-11

申请号：US17102203

申请日：2020-11-23

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Christopher W. BLOMQUIST ,  Carl FLATMAN ,  Carl WAHLSTROM ,  Mike O'HERON ,  Nick SUNDER

IPC: G03B21/14 ,  B27B31/06

Abstract: Embodiments provide grade annunciator systems that allow a lumber workpiece traveling in a workflow path to be labeled with a projected image that conveys information about the grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. In some embodiments, the system includes a conveyor configured to convey lumber workpieces in a workflow path, and a projector or series of projectors configured to project an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece, wherein the image or symbol indicates grade, a cut line, and/or the location of a defect in the workpiece. Other embodiments are methods of labeling a lumber workpiece in a workflow path, the methods includes conveying the lumber workpiece along the workflow path, and projecting an image or symbol onto a surface of the workpiece as it is conveyed along the workflow path.

公开(公告)号：US10569970B2

公开(公告)日：2020-02-25

申请号：US16258470

申请日：2019-01-25

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Tim Staal ,  Thomas Congdon

IPC: B65G47/248 ,  B65G17/16 ,  B65G19/26

Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

公开(公告)号：US10357894B2

公开(公告)日：2019-07-23

申请号：US15437314

申请日：2017-02-20

Applicant: USNR, LLC

Inventor： Geoffrey D. H. Wight ,  Thomas W. Congdon ,  Tim Staal

IPC: B27B31/00 ,  B65G47/22 ,  B65G47/68 ,  B65G47/24 ,  B65G47/26

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.