Other

Ralph W Bennett

Alan Ray Smith

Robert William Mayer

Harold F Qualls

Steven F Bellenot

A fastener and associated lock washer having an integral anti-rotation mechanism. The head of the fastener includes a plurality of saw teeth&#x2014;arranged in a radial array. A lock washer is configured to interact with the head of the fastener. The lock washer includes one or more spring tabs positioned to bear against the radial array of saw teeth. As the fastener is rotated in a first direction, the saw teeth depress and pass over the spring tab(s). However, if the user attempts to rotate the fastener in the opposite direction, the spring tab snaps up into the saw teeth and arrests the motion&#x2014;in the manner of a ratchet and pawl mechanism. The invention preferably includes a second means for selectively defeating the anti-rotation mechanism.

Fastener with unidirectional latch

A method for creating a full surface model of a log using optical scanners mounted on an existing infeed assembly. The method recognizes that a log is only stable for a portion of its travel along the infeed assembly, meaning that only portions of the log may be accurately scanned for both cross-sectional and positional data. The balance of the log can only be scanned for cross-sectional data. The method uses the regions of the log for which both cross-sectional and positional data are known to create a theoretical centerline for the entire log. The cross-sections for the regions without positional data are then placed along the theoretical centerline and all the cross sections are blended together to create a full surface model. The full surface model is then used to determine the optimum configuration of dimensioned lumber which may be sawn from the log.

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Eugene, OR, United States of America

Ralph W Bennett