Automated material classification apparatus and method
US4852029A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/46
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated method and apparatus for grading pre-cut lumber products according to selected physical properties thereof such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are disclosed. A conveyor transports boards to be graded to an automated lumber feeding mechanism which sequentially rotates each board from a loading to a grading position. In the grading position, an impactor impacts one longitudinal end of the board to generate a compression force and a detector at the opposite longitudinal end converts the compression force to an electrical signal. Data acquisition circuitry samples and stores at least one cycle of the signal and a computer analyzes the samples and assigns values to predetermined parameters which characterize the signal. The computer utilizes the parameter values in one or more predetermined formulas which are optimum statistical predictors of the selected physical properties as a function of the parameters to obtain values for the selected physical parameters. The computer assigns a grade classification to each board according to the grading criteria based upon the calculated values of the physical parameters and a marking mechanism applies appr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.