Method for determining warp potential in wood
US6305224A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/543
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood--such as trees, logs, or lumber--then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises providing a piece of wood having at least one major planar surface, positioning the piece of wood adjacent to a device for imparting energy through the piece of wood …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.