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:
Aug. 31, 2004
Filed:
Jun. 17, 2002
Philip Steele, Starkville, MS (US);
Jerome Cooper, Starkville, MS (US);
William Lionheart, High Peak, GB;
Mississippi State University, Mississippi, MS (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting areas of differential density in logs, cants, timbers, poles or trees comprises applying a signal to one or more pairs of electrodes and measuring the magnitude and phase shift of the voltage, current or impedance at an output electrode. Electrodes may be arranged in a circumferential or opposed configuration depending on scanned product shape, and may be stationary or move freely but are preferably in direct contact with wood surface. Wire brush electrodes are used in some embodiments. Measurements are taken in both directions between an electrode pair. Multiple frequencies may be employed. Different electrode sizes may be used for different measurements.