University of California

North Carolina State University

Richard Len Lemaster

David A Dornfeld

Frank Carroll Beall

Jacek Marek Biernacki

A system for evaluating integrity of a cutting blade includes at least one stress wave generator for generating at least one stress wave in a cutting blade under test. A sensor detects a signal generated by the at least one stress wave. An integrity analyzer coupled to the sensor determines an indication of integrity of the cutting blade based on at least one characteristic of the signal.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for testing cutting blade integrity

A method and apparatus for detecting internal bio-deterioration in round wood used in various applications (e.g. utility poles, pier pilings, round wood beams, posts and poles in structures, and living trees). The method includes the steps of securing a pulsing transducer adjacent one point on the surface of the round wood and securing a receiving transducer substantially diametrically opposite to the pulsing transducer. The pulsing transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the round wood, which propagate through possibly deteriorated areas within the round wood. The receiving transducer receives the propagating ultrasonic signals, and a plurality of acousto-ultrasonic parameters contained in the received ultrasonic signals are processed and analyzed. The processing step includes the step of storing the averaged signals, and processing the stored signals on a real time basis to determine the acousto-ultrasonic parameters in the time and frequency domains. Optionally, the averaged signals are windowed and then stored before the AU parameters are processed and analyzed. The processing step further includes the step of generating at least one fixed frequency to cause the pulsing transducer to resonate and to inject ultrasonic signals at fixed frequencies. The pulsing and receiving transducers are secured to the round wood with a variety of coupling apparatus.

Method and apparatus for non-intrusively detecting hidden defects caused

Method and apparatus for non-destructively detecting hidden defects

Method and apparatus for evaluating the density profile of a wood-derived specimen. A sample of the material is mounted on a lathe and rotated at high speed. An acoustic emission transducer is coupled to a cutting tool, brought into contact with the specimen to produce an AE signal, as the tool is moved across the thickness of the rotating sample. The acoustic emission signal is then transformed into an electrical signal and the resultant electrical signal is amplified and transmitted to a second amplifier for further amplification and analysis of the signal.

Method and apparatus for measurement of density profiles in wood

Method and apparatus for determining vertical density profiles in wood composites. A fly cutter is rotated across the edge of a wood composite panel to produce acoustic emissions that themselves produce an RMS voltage. The changes is RMS voltage so produced are recorded and thereby the acoustic emission is recorded. The detected signal is transformed into electrical signals, amplified and transmitted to a suitable detecting transducer.

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Richard Len Lemaster