Method, apparatus, and system for controlling a timber-working device

Abstract

Method, apparatus, and system for operation of a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone. At least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working head may indicate whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working head. Operation of the timber-working head can be controlled based on the signal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operation of a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving at least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working device;   determining the orientation of the timber-working device based at least in part on the signal from the orientation sensor;   determining whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hazard zone is determined based on the likely path of an object being propelled from the timber-working device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising determining at least one recommended operation of the timber-working device based at least in part on whether the predetermined location is within the hazard zone. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising controlling operation of the timber-working device according to the recommended operation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the recommended operation of the timber-working device includes disabling operation of a cutting tool when the predetermined location is within the at least one hazard zone associated with the cutting tool. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the recommended operation of the timber-working device includes controlling a drive mechanism when the predetermined location is within the at least one hazard zone associated with the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein controlling the drive mechanism includes adjusting the speed of the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein controlling the drive mechanism includes limiting the direction in which the drive mechanism may operate. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the at least one hazard zone based at least in part on the current configuration of the timber-working device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one orientation sensor includes at least one rotation sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein determining the orientation of the timber-working device includes determining at least one angle of rotation of an arm, to which the timber-working device is connected, relative to a carrier. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising transmitting notification of the predetermined location being within the hazard zone to an operator device. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for use with a timber-working device, the timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one processor configured to:
 receive at least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working device; 
 determine the orientation of the timber-working device based at least in part on the signal from the orientation sensor; 
 determine whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working device. 
   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a cutting tool configured to cut through a stem being processed by the timber-working device. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one hazard zone projects from the cutting tool. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the cutting tool includes at least one chainsaw. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the chainsaw includes a saw chain, a saw bar around which the saw chain moves, and a saw drive gear for driving the saw chain around the saw bar. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one hazard zone centers about the saw drive gear. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one hazard zone extends through substantially 90° in a plane aligning with the saw bar. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one hazard zone extends through substantially 30° in a plane substantially lateral to a plane aligning with the saw bar. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one hazard zone includes a hazard zone projecting from either side of the cutting tool. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the timber-working device includes a drive mechanism including at least one driven roller configured to control the position of a stem held by the timber-working device relative to the timber-working device. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one hazard zone includes a hazard zone projecting from the timber-working device in at least one direction in which a stem is configured to be driven by the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         24 . A timber-working system, comprising:
 a timber-working device configured to perform at least one operation having an associated hazard zone;   at least one orientation sensor configured to output a signal indicating the orientation of the timber-working device; and   at least one processor configured to:
 receive at least one signal from at least one orientation sensor associated with the timber-working device; 
 determine the orientation of the timber-working device based at least in part on the signal from the orientation sensor; 
 determine whether a predetermined location is within the hazard zone based on the orientation of the timber-working device. 
   
     
     
         25 . The system of claim  claim 24 , wherein the orientation sensor is configured to transmit a signal only when the timber-working device is in a particular orientation. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the orientation sensor includes at least one proximity switch aligned with the predetermined location, and at least one trigger aligned with at least one hazard zone, such that proximity of the trigger to the proximity switch causes the proximity switch to transmit a signal indicative of the predetermined location being within the hazard zone.