Weyerhaeuser Company Limited

Weyerhaeuser Nr Company

Chih-Lin Huang

Stanley L Floyd

Mark A Stanish

David N Bogue

John E Jones

David C Slaughter

Y Carol Miltimore

Clements C Lambeth

Susan K Kaluzny

Tom J Taylor

Greg J Leaf

Methods are described for predicting the percentage of latewood and specific gravity of lumber independent of moisture content using image analysis of the lumber surfaces.

Determining wood characteristics using annual ring images from lumber faces

Methods are provided for determining a location of a pith along a length of a wood sample. The methods may comprise the steps of: determining pith direction; selecting two areas of the wood sample at which two or more chords of a ring can be defined; bisecting the chords to define a line perpendicular to the chords; and locating at least one intersection point for two or more of the bisecting perpendicular lines.

Method for grading a wood sample based on pith direction and/or pith location

Methods are provided for using light reflection patterns to determine various properties of fibrous materials, such as wood. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for determining a dive angle for grain. Further, the present invention relates to methods for using information in Tplots, combined with knowledge of the microstructure of a wood sample surface, to find pith location and/or ring curvature.

Methods for using light reflection patterns to determine location of pith and curvature of the annual ring

Methods are provided for rapidly simulating 'in-service' warp distortion of a wood product. Methods are also provided for rapidly estimating shrinkage properties of a wood product by using electromagnetic energy to dry and redistribute absorbed water in the wood product.

Methods of rapidly simulating in-service warp distortion of a wood product and/or rapidly estimating shrinkage properties using electromagnetic energy

Methods are provided for using light reflection patterns to determine various properties of fibrous materials, such as wood. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for determining a dive angle for grain. Further, the present invention relates to methods for using information in T2 plots, combined with knowledge of the microstructure of a wood sample surface, to find pith location and/or ring curvature.

Methods for using light reflection patterns to determine diving angle of grain

Methods for evaluating properties of a material are provided. In a first method, the velocity of a stress or sound wave is calculated by measuring the time of flight of the stress/sound wave induced into the material. The resonance of the material is also measured after the wood product is contacted. A separate velocity of the sound wave within the material is calculated using the resonance measurements. A comparison of the individual velocities provides an indication of the homogeneity of properties of the material. The properties may be, for example, stiffness, strength, various gradients or the like. In a second method of the present invention, the velocity calculated using the time of flight method may be used as a guide in determining a fundamental frequency for the stress wave within a material and resultant velocity. The material may be, for example, wood, metal, plastic or the like.

Methods for determining velocity of a stress wave within a material and homogeneity of properties within the material

Methods are provided for using stress wave velocity measurements taken of a specimen at an early age to determine potential characteristics at a later age. The data may be used to, for example, evaluate specimens and/or families and/or clones at early ages to cut costs and/or to increase a rate of genetic gains. The specimens may be, for example, seedlings and/or explants of forestry and/or agricultural and/or horticultural species. The stress wave measurements may be obtained using conventional devices and/or systems and/or methods.

Methods for determining potential characteristics of a specimen based on stress wave velocity measurements

Systems and methods are provided for detecting the potential of a wood sample, such as a board, to stay on grade, i.e., resist warp, after it is put into service and/or its moisture has re-equilibrated with the surrounding environment. The systems and methods include various sensor technologies and subjection of obtained data to various models, algorithms, and/or other mathematical formulas.

Methods for determining dimensional stability of wood products utilizing single and multiple sensor groups

Methods are provided for estimating the dimensional stability of a wood product from simple algebraic functions of moisture, shrinkage rates and grain angles observed on outer surfaces. The methods may employ single or multiple sensor group measurements. The quantitative relationship between crook or bow stability and lengthwise shrinkage can be established using mathematical operations, rather than sophisticated and complicated finite-element modeling methods. In particular, the curvature of any board length-segment or section, expressed as the second derivative of the crook or bow profile, can be determined from a linear combination of the shrinkage values of the coupons including that segment or section. The overall crook or bow profile of the board can be determined from a section-by-section double-integration of those second derivative values.

Methods of estimating the dimensional stability of a wood product from simple algebraic functions of moisture, shrinkage rates and grain angles

Methods are provided for predicting properties based on stress wave velocity measurements, such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and/or warp potential of trees and/or logs from a timber-based raw material group ('TBRMG'). The methods provide a formula allowing compensation for growth rate differences between stands. Accordingly, the present invention prevents underestimation or overestimation of MOE and/or warp potential.

Methods for adjusting stress wave velocity-based predictions of lumber stiffness and warp propensity of a timber-based raw material group

A method is disclosed for evaluating logs to predict structural properties and/or warp tendency of lumber or veneer that might be produced from a given log. The method can be used in a forest stand, sorting yard or merchandiser, on-line in a sawmill, or at other locations along the route from forest to mill. It enables decisions whether a log should be directed to a sawmill for lumber manufacture or for other applications such as timbers, veneer, or pulp chips. Log taper has been found to correlate with both stiffness and warp propensity of lumber cut from a given log. A high amount of taper leads to warped lumber and low stiffness lumber or veneer. The correlation with taper is highest if it is measured over the full stem length of the harvested log, before it is bucked to sawmill size or veneer blocks. Other geometric features of the log, such as sweep or cross section irregularity, can be combined with taper in a multivariate regression equation to increase accuracy of prediction. This can readily be accomplished in a conventional scanner used in a sort yard or sawmill.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Chih-Lin Huang