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WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY

WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY Patent applications
Patent application numberTitlePublished
20120076977REINFORCED WOOD PRODUCT AND REINFORCEMENT COMPONENT - The present disclosure relates to reinforced wood products and reinforcement components for use with wood products. In some embodiments, reinforced wood products according to the disclosure include a wood component and a reinforcement component. The reinforcement component may include one or more metal plates and one or more fixation mechanisms. The metal plates may be attached to at least one reinforced surface of the wood component so that the reinforcement component extends over less than about 35% of the length of the wood component. In some embodiments, reinforcement components according to the disclosure may also include one or more buckling resistance notches.03-29-2012
20120073194METHODS OF PREVENTING FLOODING IN MANUFACTURED SEED - The invention provides methods of preventing flooding of a cavity within a shoot restraint of a manufactured seed by lowering the water potential of the nutritive media relative to the water potential of a plant embryo disposed within the cavity.03-29-2012
20120070265MULTIPURPOSE TRANSPORT SYSTEM HAVING A ROOF ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING FOREST BIOMASS AND WOOD RESIDUALS - The present disclosure generally relates to a multipurpose transport system, a roof assembly, and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals. Roof assemblies according to the disclosure are mountable on a top portion of a transport system. In some embodiments, roof assemblies include two or more panels, one or more panel movements assemblies operably connected each of the two or more panels, and one or more actuation assemblies. The two or more panels extend from a first side of the roof assembly to and second side of the roof assembly in a louvered configuration. Each of the two or more panels are moveable between a first position and a second position. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards multipurpose transport systems and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals using systems according to the disclosure.03-22-2012
20120043038Dried Highly Fibrillated Cellulose Fiber - A mixture of lyocell fiber and low DP or standard DP cellulose pulp fiber having a Canadian Standard Freeness of 250 mL CSF or less is dried and has a Canadian Standard Freeness of 250 mL CSF or less. The pulp is 10% to 75% of the total weight of fibers in the mixture. Both the dried product and the process of making it are disclosed.02-23-2012
20120031314METHODS OF MANAGING TIMBERLAND - A method of managing timberland to optimize the combined revenue of a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes planting a softwood tree crop in adjacent first and second rows, wherein the softwood tree crop has a tree spacing between adjacent trees and a row spacing in the range of about 15 to about 25 feet between the first and second rows, planting an energy crop in the row spacing, wherein the energy crop is a regenerating lignocellulosic energy crop, and periodically harvesting the energy crop. Methods of managing timberland to optimize the plot growth rate for a plot including a softwood tree crop and an energy crop, and to optimize the total plot volume of a softwood tree crop and an energy crop are also provided.02-09-2012
20120004847SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING TREES IN LIDAR DATA USING VIEWS - A method and apparatus for identifying individual trees in LiDAR data based on the view of a LiDAR data point. In one embodiment, the number of trees represented by a LiDAR data point cluster is estimated based on a calculated value related to the exposure to the sky of a LiDAR data point in the LiDAR data point cluster.01-05-2012
20120004406CELLULOSE CROSSLINKED FIBERS WITH REDUCED FIBER KNOTS MANUFACTURED FROM PLASMA TREATED PULPSHEETS - An intrafiber crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber manufactured from plasma-treated pulp sheet. The crosslinked fiber can have lower sonic knots than an untreated pulp sheet.01-05-2012
20120003471LIGNIN/POLYACRYLONITRILE-CONTAINING DOPES, FIBERS, AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - The invention relates to a process for preparing a composition comprising 10 to 45% of the total solids weight lignin, polyacrylonitrile or a polyacrylonitrile copolymer, and a solvent to form a lignin-based polyacrylonitrile-containing dope and the resulting products. The dope can be processed to produce fibers, including precursor, oxidized and carbonized fibers. The oxidized fibers are of value for their flame resistant properties and carbonized fibers are suitable for use in applications requiring high strength fibers, or to be used to form composite materials.01-05-2012
20120003074Pick-up and Delivery System and Associated Methods - The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.01-05-2012
20120000618REDUCTION OF FIBER KNOTS OF CELLULOSE CROSSLINKED FIBERS BY USING PLASMA PRE-TREATED PULPSHEETS - The process of making crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber comprising plasma treating a sheet of cellulose pulp fiber before the sheet is impregnated with a crosslinking formulation which comprises a crosslinking agent and a catalyst, then defiberizing the treated cellulose pulp sheet to form treated defiberized cellulose pulp, then heating and curing the treated defiberized cellulose pulp to form intrafiber crosslinked cellulose pulp fibers.01-05-2012
20120000125Pick-up and Delivery System and Associated Methods - The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device. The insertion device may include an insertion member having a tip and a release assistance piston arranged inside the insertion member. The release piston is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance piston is in the extended position, a proximal end of is substantially flush with an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.01-05-2012
20110314690METHOD FOR REDUCING OVERALL VARIABILITY OF MOISTURE CONTENT IN WOOD PRODUCTS - The present disclosure includes a method for quantifying contribution to overall variability of moisture content in wood products and associated computer software. The method comprises the steps of obtaining moisture content data for the wood products and identifying one or more sources of variability in the moisture content data. A contribution to overall variability from each of the one or more sources of variability is then quantified. One or more opportunities to impact the overall variability are then quantified, each of the one or more opportunities being associated with one or more executable steps.12-29-2011
20110308695SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE WOOD PRODUCTS TO REDUCE BOWING - The present disclosure includes systems and methods for manufacturing a composite wood product. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a mat from a plurality of wood elements and an adhesive, the mat having a width W measured substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mat and an initial thickness T12-22-2011
20110270430METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING VALUE OF WOOD PRODUCTS DRIED IN A DRYING PROCESS - The present disclosure includes a method for optimizing value of current wood products dried in one or more current drying processes and associated computer software. The method comprises the steps of obtaining prior wood product data for prior wood products dried in one or more prior drying processes and generating a value function based on the prior wood product data. The method further includes identifying one or more sources of variability in the prior wood product data and quantifying a contribution to overall variability from each of the sources. The value function and the contributions to overall variability may be used to quantify one or more value opportunities associated with each the one or more sources, each value opportunity being associated with one or more executable steps for improving the one or more current drying processes.11-03-2011
20110246073SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING TREES IN LIDAR DATA USING VIEWS - A method and apparatus for identifying individual trees in LiDAR data based on the view of a LiDAR data point. In one embodiment, those LiDAR data points that do not have neighboring LiDAR data points that block the local view at a defined angle are considered to be in a central part of a tree canopy. In one embodiment, those LiDAR data points that are in a central part of a tree canopy are added to an output file that stores clusters of data points for each tree canopy detected. The central part of the tree canopy area can be analyzed to predict one or more characteristics of the tree.10-06-2011
20110245381UTILIZATION OF KRAFT LIGNIN IN PHENOL/FORMALDEHYDE BONDING RESINS FOR OSB - A resin for OSB comprising an aqueous resole reaction product of phenol, formaldehyde, alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate, urea and a degraded lignin polymer having 35-65% solids, a pH of 8-13 and a viscosity 50-1000 centipoises. The phenol and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of 1.5 to 3.4 moles formaldehyde to 1 mole phenol and are 40 to 85% of the total solids added to the mixture. In one embodiment they are 50 to 75% of the total solids added to the mixture. The alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate are 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. Urea is 5 to 35% of the total solids added to the mixture. The degraded lignin is 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture.10-06-2011
20110244444METHODS OF MULTIPLYING PLANT EMBRYOGENIC TISSUE IN A BIOREACTOR - The present invention provides methods of multiplying plant embryogenic tissue in a bioreactor.10-06-2011
20110242521SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUAL TREES IN LIDAR DATA USING LOCAL VIEW - A method and apparatus for identifying individual trees and its canopy shape in LiDAR data determines if the view of each LiDAR data point is blocked by one or more neighboring LiDAR data points. LiDAR data points that do not have neighboring LiDAR data points that block the view are considered to be a central part of a tree canopy. In one embodiment, those LiDAR data points that are central part of a canopy are added to an output file that stores clusters of data points for each canopy detected. The central part of the canopy area can be analyzed to predict one or more characteristics of the tree.10-06-2011
20110239607COMBINATION BIOMASS HARVESTER AND BALER - The present disclosure relates to a combination biomass harvester and baler. In some embodiments, the combination biomass harvest and baler includes a self-propelled vehicle base, an engine compartment, a fuel and radiator compartment, a movement mechanism operably connected to the self-propelled vehicle base, a cutting head assembly, a transfer assembly, and a baler assembly. The baler assembly may be configured to consolidate the biomass into one or more bales. A bale carrying platform is provided to store the bales while the combination biomass harvester and baler continues to move.10-06-2011
20110220311REDUCTION OF THE ADSORPTION OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALTS ONTO CELLULOSIC FIBERS - A product comprising cellulosic fibers, 0.0001 to 0.03 moles of a water soluble metal salt per 100 grams of cellulosic fiber, based on the oven dry weight of the cellulosic fiber, water and a quantity quaternary ammonium salt to provide 100 to 3000 ppm of quaternary ammonium salt in solution. A process for making the product.09-15-2011
20110220271SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE WOOD PRODUCTS - The present disclosure is directed generally towards systems and methods for manufacturing composite wood products. In some embodiments, the method includes performing an initial manufacturing step and performing a subsequent manufacturing step before residual heat from the initial manufacturing step completely dissipates. The initial manufacturing step includes combining veneers with an adhesive and heating and consolidating the veneers to form a core laminate. The one or more subsequent manufacturing steps each include applying one or more layers to the core laminate. The one or more layers each include a veneer component and an adhesive component. The core laminate and the one or more layers are sequentially heated and pressed to form a composite wood product. The disclosure also relates to systems for manufacturing composite wood products.09-15-2011
20110219640SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRYING WOOD PRODUCTS WITH RECOVERED FLUE GAS - The present disclosure is directed generally to systems and methods for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns.09-15-2011
20110186481BIOMASS CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING - The disclosure is directed generally a biomass conditioning system and methods for conditioning biomass to remove undesirable material for further processing and applications. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a biomass conditioning system including a conditioning tank, a water input device, a biomass input device, a containment device, a spillway, and a moving separation device. In some embodiments, methods according to the disclosure include pumping water into a conditioning tank, depositing biomass into the conditioning tank, allowing the biomass to soak in the water and separate into a bark portion and a non-bark portion, allowing the bark portion to float to a water line, containing the bark portion to one side of the conditioning tank, moving the bark portion into a bark storage area, separating the non-bark portion into a biomass portion and a debris portion, and moving the conditioned biomass portion into a storage area.08-04-2011
20110168296METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING LUMBER DERIVED FROM A LOG - In some embodiments, the disclosure includes method for optimizing lumber derived from a log. The method may include the steps of debarking the log and cutting the log to provide a plurality of boards. The plurality of boards are then scanned to determine knot properties and/or warp stability for each of the plurality of boards and a lumber upgrade process is selected based on the knot properties and/or warp stability. Finally, one or more of the plurality of boards are planed after being subjected to the lumber upgrade process.07-14-2011
20110155283COMBINATION FOREST BIOMASS AND TREE HARVESTER, HARVESTING HEAD ASSEMBLY, AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING - The disclosure relates to a combination forest biomass and tree harvester, a harvesting head assembly, and methods for harvesting trees and forest biomass. In some embodiments, the combination forest biomass and tree harvester includes a self-propelled vehicle base, a moveable arm, and a harvesting head assembly. The harvesting head assembly may include a frame member, a grabbing assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may include a primary cutting mechanism and a secondary cutting mechanism. As the combination forest biomass and tree harvester moves through a forest area, the cutting assembly may be used to cut trees and mow biomass.06-30-2011
20110150290METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING INFORMATION ABOUT TREES IN IMAGES - A system for predicting a metric for trees in a forest area analyzes a spatial variation in pixel intensities in or more spectral bands in an image of the trees. The variation in pixel intensities is related to the predicted metric for the trees by a relationship determined from images of trees having ground truth data. In one embodiment, a linear regression determines the relationship between the spatial variation in pixel intensities and the metric. In one embodiment, the spatial variation in the pixel intensities in an image is determined in a frequency domain with a two-dimensional Fourier transform of the pixel intensity values.06-23-2011
20110149267METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING TREE CANOPIES WITH LiDAR DATA - A system and method for analyzing a canopy of a forest by analyzing the spatial uniformity of LiDAR data point heights in a number of areas surrounding a tree top, where the areas are smaller than the expected size of the crown of the tree. In one embodiment, the spatial uniformity is quantified as a canopy closure vector based on an analysis of the LiDAR data point heights in a frequency domain. In one particular embodiment, the standard deviation of the frequency components in the cells of a number of rings centered around the average value in an FFT output matrix is used to quantify the spatial uniformity.06-23-2011
20110120618SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING FEATURES ON A LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER BILLET - The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.05-26-2011
20110120593Method for Optimizing Stem Merchandizing - The present disclosure relates to methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve examining the log or stem for shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain. The location of the shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain may be used to determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In some embodiments, these characteristics may determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber or how a stem is bucked.05-26-2011
20110077354CELLULOSE FIBERS CROSSLINKED WITH LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT PHOSPHOROUS CONTAINING POLYACRYLIC ACID AND METHOD - A crosslinked cellulose fiber that has been crosslinked with a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid crosslinking agent, having phosphorous incorporated into the polymer chain and a method of crosslinking the fiber.03-31-2011
20110076772METHODS OF PREPARING NUTRITIVE MEDIA FOR GROWTH AND/OR GERMINATION OF PLANT EMBRYOS - In one aspect, a method is provided for producing an improved nutritive medium comprising an adsorbent material for culturing plant embryos.03-31-2011
20110076715METHOD OF SINGULATING EMBRYOS - A method of singulating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (03-31-2011
20110076507GAS BARRIER PACKAGING BOARD - A paperboard structure having a three layer product side construction of a gas barrier layer comprising a blend of a semi-aromatic semi-crystalline nylon and amorphous nylon, a tie layer and a low density polyethylene layer.03-31-2011
20110073015INTERNALLY CURING CEMENT BASED MATERIALS - A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a carboxylated bleached wood pulp fiber to the material during mixing. The fiber has a carboxyl content of from 10 to 70 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibers are 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced.03-31-2011
20110072903PORTABLE DEVICE FOR ASSESSING WARP STABILITY - The present disclosure includes a portable device for assessing warp stability of a wood element having two or more planar surfaces. In some embodiments, the portable device includes a sensor housing positioned adjacent to the wood element, a first sensor group configured to sense one or more first measurements on a first planar surface, and a second sensor group configured to sense one or more second measurements on a second planar surface. The first measurements and the second measurements are inputted into an algorithm for assessing warp stability of the wood element. In some embodiments the model is based at least partially on measurement of compression wave velocity. In some embodiments, the model is based on the tracheid effect.03-31-2011
20110072872NUTRITIVE MEDIA FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED SEEDS - In one aspect, an improved nutritive media is provided that comprises from 10 g/L to 100 g/L of an adsorbent material, from 350 mg/L to 450 mg/L of NH03-31-2011
20110072716METHOD TO IMPROVE GERMINATION OF EMBRYOS FROM MANUFACTURED SEED - The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. The manufactured seed of the invention comprises a seed coat, nutritive media comprising an adsorbent material in a concentration from about 30 g/L to about 100 g/L, and a shoot restraint comprising a cavity. The manufactured seed further comprises a plant embryo. The adsorbent material may be nutrient-treated or non-nutrient-treated charcoal. The manufactured seed may optionally contain an adsorbent material in the cavity of the shoot restraint.03-31-2011
20110067346PREFABRITCATED FRAMING MEMBER SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING A PREFABRICATED FRAMING MEMBER SUPPORT SYSTEM IN A CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION - The disclosure relates to a prefabricated framing member support system and methods for installing such a system with a horizontal framing member, the horizontal framing member having a top chord, a bottom chord, a web connecting the top chord to the bottom chord and a framing member cross sectional end profile. The prefabricated support system includes an integrated rim board component having a substantially L-shaped cross sectional end profile. The integrated rim board component includes a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion.03-24-2011
20110054154LIGNOTHERMOPLASTIC - A thermoplastic material made from lignin, polyol and a melting point reducer where the melting point reducer is miscible in the specific polyol employed and where the lignin, polyol and melting point reducer are all miscible when in their melted state.03-03-2011
20110047865ARTIFICIAL FIRE LOG - Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.03-03-2011
20100332438Methods for Predicting Warp of a Wood Product Produced from a Log - The present disclosure relates to methods for predicting warp of a wood product produced from a log. Some embodiments include performing a three dimensional scan of the log to obtain geometric data, using the geometric data to construct a log profile, partitioning the geometric data into geometric components, removing one or more selected geometric components to create one or more residual grid profiles, deriving geometric statistics from the one or more residual grid profiles or from the log profile, and entering the geometric statistics into a model for predicting warp of the wood product. The geometric statistics may include orientation dependent and orientation independent statistics.12-30-2010
20100329539SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A COMPOSITE COMPONENT - The present disclosure includes a system for inspecting a manufactured composite component. In some embodiments, the system includes an inspection assembly having master camera assembly and a slave camera assembly. The master camera assembly and the slave camera assembly each include a machine vision camera and a lighting system. The lighting assembly may include back lights and spot lights. In some embodiments, the master camera and the slave camera are each connected to a telecentric lens. The composite component is inspected by moving it through the inspection assembly, taking images, and processing the images to measure features on the component.12-30-2010
20100326005TRUSS AND METHOD FOR SELECTING COMPONENTS FOR CONSTRUCTING A TRUSS - The present disclosure includes a truss and a method for selecting components to construct a truss. The truss includes three or more chord elements (two or more upper chord elements and one or more lower chord elements) and one or more web elements. Embodiments of methods according to the disclosure include estimating a first change in length for each of the two or more upper chord elements and estimating a second change in length of each of the one or more lower chord elements, the first change in length and the second change in conditions to which the truss is exposed. The method may also include selecting the one or more web elements from the plurality of wood members such that it compensates for deformation caused by the first change in length and the second change in length.12-30-2010
20100319865Pulp for Odor Control - A wood pulp useful for odor control in absorbent products. It incorporates a biocide or a biocide and essential oils.12-23-2010
20100318296IDENTIFYING VEGETATION ATTRIBUTES FROM LIDAR DATA - Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies the location of individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.12-16-2010
20100307702Meterable Fiberous Material - A particle or particles of cellulosic wood pulp fibers having a top and bottom face and a hexagonal perimeter, and methods of using it.12-09-2010
20100307396METHOD OF TIMBERLAND MANAGEMENT - A method of managing timberland generally includes planting within a plot a first genetic tree crop of a first tree species that is selected for at least a first tree trait in a substantially linear pattern defining a first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing between adjacent substantially linear beds. The method further includes interplanting a second genetic tree crop of the first tree species that is selected for at least a second tree trait in the first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, such that adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops.12-09-2010
20100305735METHOD FOR AUTOMATED STACKING OF WOOD PRODUCTS - The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for stacking wood products. In some embodiments, the disclosure the steps of designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin. The at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber.12-02-2010
20100300330FIBER CEMENT BOARD WITH MODIFIED FIBER - A building material product comprising a cementitious binder, an aggregate and cellulose reinforcing fibers wherein the cellulose reinforcing fibers have been treated with oil which is bound to the fiber by a retention aid. The resulting fiber when included in a fiber cement composite results in improved deflection of the composite at peak loading as well as improved impact strength while maintaining overall board strength.12-02-2010
20100300329FIBER CEMENT BOARD WITH MODIFIED FIBER - A building material product comprising a cementitious binder, an aggregate and cellulose reinforcing fibers wherein the cellulose reinforcing fibers have been treated with cationic or nonionic oil. The resulting fiber when included in a fiber cement composite results in improved deflection of the composite at peak loading as well as improved impact strength while maintaining overall board strength.12-02-2010
20100288456FIBRILLATED BLEND OF LYOCELL LOW DP PULP - A fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulosic pulp having a degree of polymerization of 200 to 1000 as measured by ASTM Test 1975-96, a method of making the blend and materials which incorporate the blend.11-18-2010
20100250482SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING TREES USING LIDAR TREE MODELS - A computer system creates and stores a library of LiDAR models for standard trees that have measured characteristics. A point cloud of LiDAR data from an unidentified tree in a forest is compared against a point cloud defined by a LiDAR model of a standard tree in the library to find a match. If a match is found, one or more characteristics of the matching standard tree are associated with the unidentified tree.09-30-2010
20100249283WOOD COMPOSITE WITH WATER-REPELLING AGENT - The present disclosure includes a wood composite made from cellulosic particles, a binder, and a water-repelling agent. In some embodiments, the water repelling agent includes aliphatic compounds having a molecular distribution between about 16 and about 36 carbon atoms per molecule. In some embodiments, the water-repelling agent has an average molecular weight of about 220 to about 350 Daltons (solids portion). The water-repelling agent may be applied as a wax emulsion or in neat wax form. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a wood composite as described above.09-30-2010
20100246762SEEDLING COUNTER - A method and apparatus for counting seedlings. A seedling moves through a seedling counter, which comprises a spectral energy emitter and a spectral energy detector. When the spectral energy detector detects a sufficient attenuation of the spectral energy for a sufficient amount of time, the spectral energy detector indicates the presence of a seedling. The spectral energy detector detects irregularities in the received spectral energy to indicate faults in the apparatus. In one embodiment, the seedling counter is adapted to use X-ray energy.09-30-2010
20100244300FOAMED BINDER AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING A WOOD PRODUCT - The disclosure relates to foamed binders for wood strand products and methods and systems for producing wood strand products using foamed binders. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a method for producing a wood strand product from cellulosic particles, the method comprising the steps of foaming a phenol formaldehyde binder to produce a foam, tumbling the cellulosic particles in a rotary blender, applying the foam to the cellulosic particles in the rotary blender, blending the cellulosic particles and the foam so that the foam covers the cellulosic particles, and consolidating the cellulosic particles under heat and pressure.09-30-2010
20100230310Warp Stable Wood Product Package and Methods for Sorting a Wood Product - The present disclosure includes a wood product package comprising a plurality of wood products having a performance attribute. The performance attribute of the wood products is certified in statistical terms based on a degree to at which at least one of a morphology, microstructure, macrostructure or chemical composition property remains substantially symmetrical about a cross-sectional centroid of each of the wood products. Each of the plurality of wood products have a cross-sectional centroid. The plurality of wood products each have a property that is substantially symmetrical about the cross-sectional centroids. The property is related to morphology, microstructure, macrostructure, and chemical composition. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards methods for sorting wood products.09-16-2010
20100180987Methods for Enhancing Hardness and Dimensional Stability of a Wood Element and Wood Product Having Enhanced Hardness - The present disclosure includes methods for enhancing hardness and dimensional stability of a wood element. In one embodiment, the method includes placing the wood element in a compression assembly set to a compression temperature between about 365° F. and about 410° F., heating and compressing the wood element without exceeding the species' threshold pressure value to produce a compressed wood product, heating the compressed wood product to a post-compression temperature between about 275° F. and about 350° F., and holding the compressed wood product at the post-compression temperature for about 30 to about 48 hours. The disclosure also includes a wood product having enhanced hardness.07-22-2010
20100104746SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING RAW MATERIALS FOR WOOD PRODUCT INFORMATION - Systems and methods for treating raw materials for formation into a wood product are provided. The raw materials may be, for example, strands, flakes, particles, wafers, or the like. In an embodiment, a first dispensing device dispenses a first liquid component onto raw materials within a chamber. A second dispensing device dispenses a second liquid component onto the raw materials. When the raw materials are mixed together, the first and second liquid components interact to form a bonding agent.04-29-2010
20090320360MANUFACTURED SEED HAVING AN IMPROVED END SEAL - An artificial seed is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell having a live end, a dead end and a perimeter. A nutritive media disposed within the seed shell. The artificial seed also includes a restraint disposed within the seed shell and having a cavity housing an embryo. A primary end seal is attached to the live end of the seed shell. The artificial seed further includes an end seal disposed on the dead end of the seed shell and the end seal has at least three closure axes forming a seal in a direction extending along each one of the closure axes.12-31-2009
20090314381SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING A SEEDCOAT WITH A LIQUID TO A SELECTED LEVEL - A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 12-24-2009
20090280566METHODS FOR INCREASING GERMINATION FREQUENCY AND/OR VIGOR BY COLD SHOCK TREATMENT OF CONIFER SOMATIC EMBRYOS DURING DEVELOPMENT - In one aspect, a method is provided for increasing germination vigor and/or frequency of conifer somatic embryos produced in vitro. The method comprises (a) incubating a plurality of immature conifer somatic embryos for a first incubation period in, or on, a first development media at a temperature in the range of 20° C. to 30° C.; (b) exposing the plurality of immature conifer somatic embryos incubated in accordance with step (a) to a cold temperature in the range of 0° C. to 10° C. for a time period of at least one week; and (c) incubating the plurality of immature conifer somatic embryos treated in accordance with step (b) for a second incubation period in, or on, a second development medium at a temperature in the range of 20° C. to 30° C.11-12-2009

Patent applications by WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY