Steven L Washburn

Title: Innovations of Steven L Washburn in Lumber Grading

Introduction

Steven L Washburn is an accomplished inventor based in Federal Way, WA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of lumber grading through his innovative methods and technologies. With a total of 3 patents, his work has greatly impacted the efficiency and accuracy of lumber assessment.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method for the determination of pith location relative to lumber surfaces. This invention utilizes an electro-optical scanning system to assist in lumber grading. A critical aspect of this method is determining the pith position of the log from which the lumber was cut, relative to the scanned faces. This information is essential for indicating knot orientation. Once the knot orientation is established, the scanning system can also determine knot size and position data, which can be used to accurately estimate the cross-sectional area of the knots. Consequently, a tentative lumber grade can be readily assigned. The pith position is indicated by various factors, including wane, knot counts on each face, and the presence or absence of spiky faces. A preferred form of the scanner measures localized wood fiber angles relative to three orthogonal axes. These fiber angle measurements reveal grain slope disturbances on the lumber, which are indicative of various defects, including knots. The system has demonstrated the capability of grading lumber at speeds as high as 350 m/min with considerable accuracy.

Career Highlights

Steven L Washburn has been instrumental in advancing lumber grading technologies. His innovative approaches have not only improved grading accuracy but have also enhanced the speed of the grading process. His work at Weyerhaeuser Company Limited has positioned him as a key figure in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Steven has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Stanley L Floyd and David N Bogue. These collaborations have further enriched his contributions to the field of lumber grading.

Conclusion

Steven L Washburn's innovations in lumber grading reflect his dedication to improving industry standards. His patented methods and technologies continue to influence the efficiency and accuracy of lumber assessment processes.