Michael P Knerr

US Patent:

6612210, Sep 2, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/652851

Inventors:

Mike Dockter - Woodland WA
Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA
Glen O. Chambers - Woodland WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B26D 540

US Classification:

83 768, 83368, 83371, 834041, 83407, 83420, 83421, 834253, 83428, 83445, 144 31, 144 39, 144357, 144358

Abstract:

A shape sawing system for sawing lumber pieces from a curved cant. The cant is scanned by scanners and the scan data is input to a computer. The computer determines a curved path for the saw to follow in sawing the cant into lumber pieces. The saw is laterally and pivotally adjustable to follow the determined path established by the computer. The saw is a plurality of circular saw blades having a defined cutting edge portion that is inclined from a leading point at the bottom of the cant to a trailing point at the top of the cant. The point of pivot of the saws is between the leading point and the trailing point of the cutting edge portion. The saw assembly is mounted on pads having a low coefficient of friction. Pressurized air and lubricant are delivered to the pads to reduce the friction.

US Patent:

54353610, Jul 25, 1995

Filed:

Jun 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/259784

Inventors:

Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B27B 100

US Classification:

144378

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.

US Patent:

62025260, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Dec 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/215111

Inventors:

Mike Dockter - Woodland WA
Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA
Glen O. Chambers - Woodland WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B26D 520

US Classification:

83 768

Abstract:

A shape sawing system for sawing lumber pieces from a curved cant. The cant is scanned by scanners and the scan data is input to a computer. The computer determines a curved path for the saw to follow in sawing the cant into lumber pieces. The saw is laterally and pivotally adjustable to follow the determined path established by the computer. The saw is a plurality of circular saw blades having a defined cutting edge portion that is inclined from a leading point at the bottom of the cant to a trailing point at the top of the cant. The point of pivot of the saws is between the leading point and the trailing point of the cutting edge portion. The saw assembly is mounted on pads having a low coefficient of friction. Pressurized air and lubricant are delivered to the pads to reduce the friction.

US Patent:

61788589, Jan 30, 2001

Filed:

Sep 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/921779

Inventors:

Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA
Mike Dockter - Woodland WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B26D 540
B26D 520

US Classification:

83 768

Abstract:

This invention applies to a shape sawing system for sawing lumber pieces from a curved cant portion. A scanner scans the cant portion as it is conveyed on a conveyor system and inputs the scan data into a computer. The computer determines the curvature and position of the cant portion on the conveyor system. The conveyor system conveys the cant portion through side chippers and into a saw. The side chippers are independently laterally adjustable to follow the curvature of the cant portion. Guide members mounted strategic to the saw guide the cant portion into the saw. The saw is pivotally and laterally adjustable to follow the curvature of the cant portion to produce full length and partial length lumber pieces from the cant portion.

US Patent:

60622814, May 16, 2000

Filed:

May 13, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/311604

Inventors:

Mike Dockter - Kelso WA
Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B23Q 100
B27C 900

US Classification:

144357

Abstract:

A processing system for processing logs having a curvature into lumber pieces. The system has a cutting station including a saw box with a chipper and a vertical arbor saw mounted to the saw box. The saw box is movable upwardly and downwardly and angularly for tilting. The movement of the saw box orients the chipper relative to the log and provides the capability of the saw to follow a curved saw path. A scanner scans the log and a computer processes the scan data to determine the optimum saw path.

US Patent:

53201531, Jun 14, 1994

Filed:

Sep 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/949124

Inventors:

Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B27B 100
B27B 3100

US Classification:

144357

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.

US Patent:

52320308, Aug 3, 1993

Filed:

Jun 9, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/895732

Inventors:

Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA
Lloyd R. Booth - Woodland WA
Glenn E. Teague - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B27B 3100
B27C 112

US Classification:

144246D

Abstract:

A cooperative conveyor system for a lumber production line. The production line has a canting station and a sawing station spaced at a distance from each other and interconnected by a powered conveyor system. The cants are fed at a higher rate through the canting station than through the sawing station. The conveyor system is arranged to receive cants from the canting station at a high feed rate and transport the cants to and into a sawing station at a lower feed rate. The cants are fed through the canting station at controlled intervals so that the resulting gap between succeeding cants received on the conveyor are at a desired spacing to maximize the production of the sawing station. The cant exiting from the canting station is forced to overrun the conveyors feed rate and thereby reduces the gap between it and a preceding cant. The conveyor then transports the cant to and into the sawing station at the desired feed rate for the sawing station.

US Patent:

51488477, Sep 22, 1992

Filed:

Oct 28, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/783009

Inventors:

Michael P. Knerr - Ridgefield WA

Assignee:

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

B27B 100
B27B 3100

US Classification:

144357

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for around the curve sawing is shown and described wherein a group of roller assemblies are positionable along a selected semicircular path having a point of tangency relative to lines of cut provided by an assembly of cutting blades whereby each roller assembly provides a transport path normal to the axes of rotation for each roller assembly and tangent to the selected semicircular path. Upon actuation of the roller assemblies, as positioned along the selected semicircular path, the wood product, as captured between rollers of the roller assemblies, moves along the selected semicircular path and into the cutting device for cutting along concentric lines of cut. The method and apparatus is particularly well suited for use with tree species having irregularly shaped protrusions and formations deviating from an idealized curved centerline of the log or cant.