Weyerhaeuser Company Limited

Weyerhaeuser Nr Company

Stanley L Floyd

Chih-Lin Huang

Mark A Stanish

David N Bogue

Steven L Washburn

John E Jones

Y Carol Miltimore

Susan K Kaluzny

Amar N Neogi

Jack G Winterowd

Thomas J Taylor

Michael James Yancey

David C Slaughter

William D Snyder

Roland E Kreibich

Elmer Christensen

Tom J Taylor

Calvin K Kendall

Harvey H Cox

Hans Gross

Charles F Horn

Larry H Jones

Billy B Pearce

Everette Shaw

Methods are provided for predicting warp of a lumber product at a given condition, such as relative humidity, temperature, moisture content, or the like. Note that this methodology may apply to any of crook, bow, twist, cup, or combinations of these quantities. The method involves measuring an original warp of a first wood product at a known condition; changing the condition of the first wood product to a new condition; measuring a second warp of the first wood product at the new condition; developing a prediction model based on data from the original warp and condition and the second warp; measuring an original warp and condition of the given wood product; and inputting data from the original warp and condition of the given wood product to the prediction model to determine warp at a given condition.

Methods for predicting warp at a given condition

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

A method for determining potential uptake and/or potential penetration of a liquid and/or chemical within a wood product is provided. The methods involve the use of single and/or multiple sensor group systems to provide qualitative and/or quantitative estimates of uptake and/or penetration. Properties measured and/or detected by the sensor groups are inputted to an algorithm for determining treatability of the wood product.

Method for determining treatability of a wood product

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

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

Embodiments of the present invention quantify lengthwise shrinkage to a higher degree of accuracy over currently known methods by employing reactive force values, such as stiffness measurements, in conjunction with motive force values, such as chemical composition, of the wood product.

Methods for quantitatively determining lengthwise shrinkage in wood products

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.

Method of evaluating logs to predict properties of lumber or veneer produced from the logs

A method of predicting warp of lumber that might be sawn from any given log is disclosed. The method involves measurement of stress wave velocity in the tree stem. A scan is then made to define the exterior geometric configuration of the log. In particular, measurements relating to lack of longitudinal axis linearity (sweep) or irregularity of cross sections of the log are important. Stress wave values and selected geometric parameters are entered into a multivariate regression equation to predict warp propensity of lumber that might be sawn from the log. The equations are originally derived by examination of a representative population of logs of the particular species and locale and measurement of warp in lumber sawn from the logs. Logs determined to produce warp prone lumber can be isolated and used to produce other products such as timbers or plywood where warp is not as critical.

Method of evaluating logs to predict warp propensity of lumber sawn from the logs

The invention is based on the discovery that the wood of certain trees having genetically modified lignins has plastic properties far greater than that of trees of the general population of the same species. In particular, trees have been found to have significantly increased plasticity in which the lignin is of a less crosslinked or more linear type, of lower molecular weight, of a relatively higher content of lignin precursor monomers or oligomers, or is more readily extractable by the usual methods. Wood from these trees can be readily molded by pressure and heat into two or three dimensional articles. The ability to be molded can be significantly enhanced by the addition of plasticizers.

Plastic wood, method of processing plastic wood, and resulting products

A system for estimating a velocity of a stress wave induced in a log or tree stem is used to maximize the value of wood products produced. An accelerometer is placed against the log while the log is struck with a pneumatic hammer. By monitoring the signals received at the accelerometer, the velocity of stress wave can be determined. Based on the velocity, an estimate of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the wood in the log is made. A price table is selected that relates different sizes of lumber having the determined modulus of elasticity to a current market value. The log is then cut such that the value of the lumber produced is maximized.

Log cutting optimization system

A rapid curing adhesive for wood finger jointing and laminating and a method of its use are disclosed. The adhesive consists of two parts that are used as a honeymoon system. One part is used on one side of the joint being formed and the other part on the other side. When the parts are joined under pressure a very rapid reaction occurs resulting in a durable weather resistant joint. Wood finger joints bonded with the adhesive can be handled for further processing within as little time as 15 seconds. The first part of the adhesive is a conventional resorcinol-formaldehyde or phenol-resorcinol formaldehyde resin containing a hardener such as an alkylene group donor. The second part is a similar resin lacking any hardener but containing a modifier which is a heterocyclic oxygen and nitrogen containing compound. Morpholine has proved to serve well as the modifier. The hardener in the first part is used in a sufficient amount to effect a thermosetting cure for the resin used in both parts. Despite the rapid reaction when the two parts are combined, the adhesive has a significant closed assembly time tolerance before application of full pressure to the joint.

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Enumclaw, WA, United States of America

Stanley L Floyd