Hardwood grading and tallYing gets a computer look

'l'O SPEED the handling of hardI wood lumber, PenberthY Lumber Co. has installed a new conveyor' ized sorting, grading and tallying system which utilizes a computer to collect data as the lumber passes by the operator.

The information is automaticallY recorded when the operator punches a button at the control station based upon visual inspection for grade as the lumber comes down the chain.

0PERAT0R (in background) stands at computer terminal station to imput information regarding grade and dimensions of lumber as it comes down chain. Operator in foreground presses button to move each layer of lumber to the automatic stick placement section.

Story at a Glance

Use of a computerized conveyor system results in major handling efficiencies for hardwood wholesaler .. handwork is greatly reduced . tally sheet from computer is used as lumber is sold for automatic inventory control and re-order projections.

C0MPUTER display provides accurate data regarding grade, dimensions and tally. This information is placed with each stack' As the lumber is sold. the tally sheet is then used for automatic inventory control and re-order projections.

Sensors read the lumber for width. length and thickness dimensions. Each is given a lot number, which is recorded at the computer read out station. An automatic printer provides a hard copy print-out.

The system, in addition to grading and tallying is designed to automatically stack the lumber as it comes to the end of the chain.

Sticks are accurately placed by the machine as each board comes off until a load is complete. Each load is then shuttled on tracks to a lift truck pick-up station.

This new computerized system, installed at Penberthy's Carson, Ca., yard, has not only speeded the operation but also provides more accurate grading and tallying.