Method of processing curved logs

Claim 1

A method of processing a log which in a plane of curvature has a curved center line with the use of apparatus including a computer unit where command signals are generated for operating positioning means by which the relative position of the log with respect to working tools of a working machine can be changed, said method comprising the steps of positioning a crude log ith an essentially circular cross-section in a rotary condition where its plane of curvature is horizontal, measuring the plan view hape of the positioned crude log, transmitting the measurements to the computer unit so as to generate command signals which define a theoretical value of curvature corresponding to the measurements freed from accidental irregularities caused by knots and the like, feeding the log with its plane of curvature horizontal through a working machine and utilizing the command signals to effect a first machining cycle which processes the log along curved working paths defined by said theoretical value of curvature so as to obtain at least a central yield block defined by worked, vertically extending faces curved in accordance with the said theoretical value of curvature, and by horizontally extending upper and lower faces extending essentially straight in the direction of the center line, and feeding said block through a working machine for further division without any change in the rotary condition and before the worked faces established in the first cycle appreciably could have changed their shape due to drying and utilizing the same command signals to effect a second machining cycle which processes the block along working paths having the same theoretical value of curvature.

Claim 2

A method of processing a log which in a plane of curvature has a curved center line with the use of apparatus including a computer unit where command signals are generated for operating positioning means by which the relative position of the log with respect to working tools of a working machine can be changed, said method comprising the steps of positioning a crude log ith an essentially circular cross-section in a rotary condition where its plane of curvature is horizontal, measuring the plan view hape of the positioned crude log, transmitting the measurements to the computer unit so as to generate command signals which define a theoretical value of curvature corresponding to the measurements freed from accidental irregularities caused by knots and the like, feeding the log with its plane of curvature horizontal through a working machine and utilizing the command signals to effect a first machining cycle which processes the log along curved working paths defined by said theoretical value of curvature so as to obtain at least a central yield block defined by worked, vertically extending faces curved in accordance with the said theoretical value of curvature, and by horizontally extending upper and lower faces extending essentially straight in the direction of the center line, and feeding said block through a working machine for further division without any change in the rotary condition and before the worked faces established in the first cycle appreciably could have changed their shape due to drying and utilizing the same command signals to effect a second machining cycle which processes the block along working paths having the same theoretical value of curvature.