Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991-1993
Title: Innovations by Roger Sutcliffe in Wood Decay Detection and Species Identification
Introduction
Roger Sutcliffe is an accomplished inventor based in Nepean, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of wood testing through his innovative patents. With a total of two patents to his name, Sutcliffe's work focuses on the detection of decay in wood and the identification of wood species.
Latest Patents
Sutcliffe's latest patents include a method for decay detection in wood. This method determines the presence of decay by testing wood samples, which can be standing timber, cut timber, or wood coated in building structures. The testing is designed to occur in very short time intervals, allowing for efficient testing in timber mills. The process involves heating a portion of the wood sample at temperatures ranging from 220 to 350 degrees Celsius to evaporate analytes. These analytes are then conveyed into an ion mobility spectrometer detector, where they are ionized, generating a drift time signature that is compared to predetermined signatures representing decay.
Another notable patent by Sutcliffe is a method and apparatus for identifying wood species. This innovation produces an ion mobility signature for a wood sample, allowing for the comparison of signatures to identify the species. The method involves heating a portion of the wood sample to desorb trace vapors, ionizing these vapors, and measuring the time of arrival of the ions to create an ionic signal. This signal is then amplified and averaged to provide an ion drift time signature for the wood sample.
Career Highlights
Roger Sutcliffe is associated with Forintek Canada Corporation, where he applies his expertise in wood testing and analysis. His work has contributed to advancements in the field, particularly in improving methods for assessing wood quality and integrity.
Collaborations
Sutcliffe has collaborated with notable colleagues, including R James Barbour and Ludmila L Danylewych-May. These collaborations have further enhanced the research and development of innovative solutions in wood testing.
Conclusion
Roger Sutcliffe's contributions to the field of wood testing through his patents on decay detection and species identification demonstrate his commitment to innovation. His work not only advances the understanding of wood integrity but also provides practical solutions for the timber industry.