Steve Woods

Title: Steve Woods: Innovator in Wood Strength and Stiffness Prediction

Introduction

Steve Woods is a notable inventor based in Salmon Arm, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of wood science, particularly in the areas of wood strength and stiffness prediction. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Woods has developed innovative methods that enhance the understanding and quality of wood materials.

Latest Patents

One of Woods' latest patents is a method of wood strength and stiffness prediction. This method involves non-destructive testing of a wood piece using multiple sensors. The process includes sensing the wood piece, collecting information from the sensors, and integrating this information into a physical model that predicts strength and stiffness. The collected data pertains to various material characteristics, such as growth ring thickness, grain angle deviation, and knot characteristics. Additionally, the method assesses fiber quality characteristics, including microfibril angle and manufacturing defects.

Another significant patent by Woods is the displacement method of knot sizing. This method estimates the displaced size of a knot in a lumber piece by translating the lumber downstream between a radiation source and a sensor. The process involves collecting radiation intensity data, processing it to create density profiles, and computing a ratio to determine the knot size. This innovative approach provides valuable insights into the quality of lumber.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Steve Woods has worked with several companies, including Coe Newnes/mcgehee, ULC, and Coe Newnes/mcgettee Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in wood science and technology.

Collaborations

Woods has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including Michael McGuire and Harry Ogloff. These partnerships have furthered his research and development efforts in wood strength and quality assessment.

Conclusion

Steve Woods is a pioneering inventor whose work in wood strength and stiffness prediction has made a significant impact on the industry. His innovative patents and collaborations reflect his dedication to advancing wood science.