The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of

United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Michigan Technological University

Michael A Wehr

James A Mattson

Robert L Sajdak

Robert J Ross

John R Erickson

Xiping Wang

Earl A Geske

John W Forsman

A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

System for and method of performing evaluation techniques on a log or round timber

A self-powered spraying device for dispensing a metered amount or a continuous amount of chemical. A valve is connected through conduits to a cavity in front of a piston, to a cavity in the rear of the piston, to a fluid pressure source and to a nozzle. In the open position of the valve the rear cavity is connected to the fluid pressure source, and the front cavity to the nozzle. In the closed position of the valve the front and rear cavities are connected so that a spring within the front cavity drives the piston to the rear, thereby transferring chemical from the rear cavity to the front cavity. A second valve is also provided which in an opened position permits the metered dispensing of chemical when the first valve is operated and when in a closed position permits the continuous release of chemical when the first valve is operated.

Portable, self-powered, adjustable herbicide dispensing system

A piston-operated spraying device dispenses a metered amount of liquid. A valve is connected through conduits to a cavity in front of the piston, to a cavity in the rear of the piston, to a pressure supply, to a supply of liquid to be sprayed, to a nozzle, and to a vent for releasing the pressure. In the open position the valve connects the rear cavity to the pressure supply, and the front cavity to a nozzle so that any liquid in the front cavity will be dispensed. In the closed position the valve connects the rear cavity to the vent for releasing the pressure, and the front cavity to the supply of liquid so that a spring can drive the piston to the rear, thereby allowing the front cavity to be filled by the liquid and preparing the device for another delivery.

A tree harvesting device which continuously severs and collects trees in a motion which is not governed by the motion of the carrier vehicle is described. The carrier vehicle moves from tree to tree in a continuous motion while the severing mechanism severs each tree in turn and then loads the cut trees into containment means within the harvester. Once the harvester is fully loaded, the containment mechanism releases and the harvester deposits the load in a bunched pile ready for subsequent handling and processing.

Growing community of inventors

Hancock, MI, United States of America

Michael A Wehr