Other

Saab-scania Aktiebolag

U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.

Automation Research Technology, Inc.

James N Horn

Jack Horn

Clive Scott

Gordon L Mitchell

Jon F Soest

Thomas E Lock

Lorne J Garden

A distance measuring device is disclosed which can measure the distance to an object located within a known range. The device uses beam splitters and lenses to focus and direct energy reflected from an object onto at least two bi-sensors. The bi-sensors each have an inner sensing area and an outer sensing area. When the device has been properly calibrated, the reflected energy will be focused such that almost all of it will fall into the inner sensing area of one be-sensor when the object is at the minimum distance in the known range and when the object it at the maximum distance almost all of the energy will fall onto the inner sensing area of the other sensor. The distance to an object is calculated by comparing the ratio of the energy on the inner sensing areas of the two sensors with a table of known ratio verses distance values.

Distance measuring device

The present invention relates to solid panel window shutters having both high strength and structural stability. More particularly, an exterior window shutter made of a solid panel of polyvinyl chloride with at least one support member affixed in the panel. The shutter includes a solid panel having front and back surfaces and side edges, support member, impact resistant member and slats having a channel to receive the support member; wherein the support member is embedded between the panel and the slats. Also contemplated by this invention are: a method to manufacture high strength and structurally stable exterior window shutters and a method to protect windows from extreme weather.

Exterior window shutters

The present invention provides an exterior window shutter that is made of thermoplastic resin, has functional louvers, but is still hurricane resistant. The shutter includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a transparent impact resistant member. This impact resistant member is permanently affixed to the perimeter framework to increase structural stability. Additionally, this invention provides a method to make a high strength and structurally stable hurricane resistant louvered shutter.

Exterior louvered hurricane window shutters

The present invention provides an exterior window shutter that is made of PVC, has functional louvers, but is still hurricane resistant. The shutter includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a transparent impact resistant member. This impact resistant member is permanently affixed to the perimeter framework to increase structural stability. Additionally, this invention provides a method to make a high strength and structurally stable hurricane resistant louvered shutter.

A scanning system for wood products to detect grain defects and product geometry simultaneously. Multiple scanner sets cast parallel beams of light at an angle of incidence in a plane that is normal to the surface of the wood product. Scanner sets are provided to scan both the top and bottom surfaces of the wood product. The scanner sets include detector arrays to detect the reflected light of the beams off the surface of the product. One array of each set is positioned strategic to the angle of incidence and another is positioned strategic to the angle of specular reflection. The magnitudes of the detector are compared to determine clear wood or grain defect. The time of detection is used to calculate thickness/geometry.

Scanning system for lumber

The invention relates to the field of non-contact surface contour measurement by triangulation of reflected radiation from the surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for gathering x, y, z data points with respect to the surface contour of an object by means of time based triangulation methods.

Contour measurement using time-based triangulation methods

A method and apparatus for retractably supporting lumber cants above feed chains in a cant positioner-feeder for locating the cant in a position to optimize lumber yield. The cants are supported with retractable cant supports interpositioned between the feed chains. The retractable cant supports may be movably mounted so that longitudinal motion is imparted to the cant as the cant supports are retracted, thereby reducing the relative velocity between the cant and feed chains.

Retractable cant supports for lumber cant positioner-feeders

A movable support assembly for supporting a chain-drive board infeed system. The chain-drive board infeed system feeds a board into a board edger or other similar woodworking apparatus. The movable support assembly includes a pair of frame rails for supporting the chain drive infeed system. Bearings are provided for moving the mounting frame in a lateral direction perpendicular to a predetermined infeed line of direction. This enables the mounting frame to be laterally positioned to position a board in a predetermined relationship with respect to a fixed position board edger. The frame rails are maintained in a generally parallel relationship with respect to the given infeed direction by a torque tube and linkage assembly. Both rollway and slide bearings are provided.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

James N Horn