The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 22, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 25, 1998
William D Snyder, Nashville, AR (US);
Elmer Christensen, Kent, WA (US);
Stanley L Floyd, Enumclaw, WA (US);
Larry H Jones, DeQueen, AR (US);
Calvin K Kendall, Auburn, WA (US);
Billy B Pearce, DeQueen, AR (US);
Everette Shaw, Auburn, WA (US);
Michael J Yancey, Puyallup, WA (US);
Weyerhaeuser Company, Federal Way, WA (US);
Abstract
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.