Patents Assigned to Weyerhaeuser NR Company
  • Methods for classification of somatic embryos comprising hyperspectral line imaging
    Patent number: 8744775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus, and imaging systems for using near-infrared spectroscopy imaging of plant embryos for classifying plant embryos. In one embodiment, a method is provided for classifying a plant embryo of an unknown type based on near infrared spectroscopy imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Roger Timmis, Paul R. Spencer
  • Manufactured seed having parabolic cavity
    Patent number: 8739463
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hartle, William C. Carlson, Craig N. Cootsona, Margaret E. Nartea
  • METHODS OF MANAGING TIMBERLAND
    Publication number: 20140137470
    Abstract: A method of managing timberland to optimize the plot growth rate for a plot including 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 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 measuring the plot growth of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop. A method of managing timberland to optimize the total plot volume of a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes periodically measuring the total plot volume of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Fred H. Bigelow, Howard Duzan, Venkatesh H. Kumar, Robert F. Lowery
  • Polymeric composites
    Patent number: 8722773
    Abstract: A composition comprising 65 to 90 weight percent kraft chemical wood pulp fibers and a thermoplastic polymer and a method of making the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Hamilton, Harshadkumar M. Shah, Jeffrey Jacob Cernohous, Neil R. Granlund, David E. Fish
  • Cellulose fibers crosslinked with low molecular weight phosphorous containing polyacrylic acid and method
    Patent number: 8722797
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Angel Stoyanov, Charles E. Miller
  • Meterable fiberous material
    Patent number: 8715463
    Abstract: A particle or particles of cellulosic wood pulp fibers having a top and bottom face and a hexagonal perimeter, and methods of using it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Christopher A Mann, David G Marsh, Robert T Hamilton, Charles E Miller, Harshadkumar Shah
  • Method and apparatus for filling in or replacing image pixel data
    Patent number: 8705887
    Abstract: A system for filling in and/or replacing pixel data in a target image uses pixel data from a source image. In one embodiment, the pixel data in the source image are classified and boundaries of local class areas or groups of similarly classified pixels are determined. The pixel data in the local class areas are compared to determine one or more scaling factors. The missing pixel data or data to be replaced in the target image is obtained from the source image and scaled with the one or more scaling factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Zhenkui Ma, Guy McWethy
  • SYSTEM FOR DETECTING PLANTED TREES WITH LIDAR DATA
    Publication number: 20140107927
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for processing LiDAR return data prior to analyzing the data to detect planted trees. LiDAR return data for an area in question is filtered to remove data that are not within a predetermined area of where trees have been planted. Planting data such as GPS data that is collected by tractors or other equipment records the location of where trees are planted. The planting data is used to filter the LiDAR return data by eliminating or ignoring LiDAR return data that are not within a buffer zone around the location where the trees have been planted. Once filtered, the LiDAR return data can be analyzed to detect trees or other items of interest in the LiDAR return data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventor: Julio C. Rojas
  • General method of classifying plant embryos using a generalized Lorenz-Bayes classifier
    Patent number: 8691575
    Abstract: A method of classifying plant embryos according to their quality based on a general form of Lorenz-Bayes classifier is disclosed. First, image or spectral data of plant embryos of known quality are acquired, and the data are divided into two classes according to the embryos' known quality. Second, metrics are calculated from the acquired image or spectral data in each class. Third, multi-dimensional histograms of multiple metrics are prepared for both classes. Fourth, the difference or some other measure of comparison between the two multi-dimensional histograms is obtained. Fifth, image or spectral data of a plant embryo of unknown quality are obtained and metrics are calculated therefrom. Sixth, the embryo of unknown quality is assigned to a class based on its calculated metrics and the result of the comparison as calculated in the fourth step above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Mitchell R. Toland
  • METHOD OF SINGULATING EMBRYOS
    Publication number: 20140093904
    Abstract: A method of sinuglating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventor: Anthony P. Swanda
  • Methods for modulating strobili development in gymnosperm trees
    Patent number: 8677681
    Abstract: A method of modulating the development stage of strobili growing on a gymnosperm tree comprises: (a) installing a protective covering over one or more strobili bud(s), wherein the type of protective covering is selected to delay or advance strobili development; and (b) maintaining the protective covering over the strobili bud(s) for a time period sufficient to delay or advance the development stage of the covered strobili buds in comparison to the development stage of naturally growing, uncovered, control strobili.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Purnell, Daniel F. Morrow, Leon C. Burris
  • Method for reducing warp potential within lumber derived from a raw material
    Patent number: 8662121
    Abstract: Methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. 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 determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In another embodiment, these characteristics determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber. In the case of a stem, these characteristics determine how the stem will be bucked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Mark A. Stanish
  • Methods of managing timberland
    Patent number: 8656639
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Fred H. Bigelow, Howard Duzan, Venkatesh H. Kumar, Robert H. Lowery
  • THERMALLY INSULATING LOW DENSITY STRUCTURAL WOODEN COMPOSITE
    Publication number: 20140044916
    Abstract: Wood-based composites, and methods for their manufacture, are provided. The composites include oriented wooden strands and cured bonding resin connecting adjacent strands. The composites are relatively low-density, having an average dry density of the wooden composites of about 15-28 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). The unique composition of the composites provide improved structural and insulating (thermal and acoustic) properties when compared to traditional engineered wood products (e.g., oriented strandboard).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jack G. Winterowd, Glen Robak, Travis E. Bjorkman
  • Method for making biodegradable superabsorbent particles
    Patent number: 8641869
    Abstract: A method for making particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch in water to provide an aqueous gel; treating the aqueous gel with a crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; drying the crosslinked gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: S Ananda Weerawarna
  • Catalytic carboxylation of cellulose fibers in a continuous process with multiple additions of catalyst, secondary oxidant and base to a moving slurry of cellulose fibers
    Patent number: 8641863
    Abstract: Manufacturing carboxylated fiber by catalytically carboxylating cellulose fiber in at least two catalytic carboxylation stages in series in which a primary catalyst and secondary oxidizing agent and, if necessary, pH adjustment agent is added at the beginning of each stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: S. Ananda Weerawarna
  • System and Method for Forest Management Using Stand Development Performance as Measured by Leaf Area Index
    Publication number: 20140025305
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying stands or portions thereof that are not growing as expected. In one embodiment, a computer system compares a measured leaf area index of a stand that is determined from remotely sensed data to an expected leaf area index. The computer system identifies stands or portions of stands where the measured leaf area index is greater than the expected leaf area index and/or stands or portions of stands where the measured leaf area index is less than the expected leaf area index. In one embodiment, the comparison is used to identify stands or portions thereof where silviculture treatments may be necessary. In another embodiment, measured vegetation index or leaf area index values are used to manage the growth of secondary crops in a stand. VI or leaf area index values are compared with expected values to determine if silviculture treatments should be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventor: Julio C. Rojas
  • Method of singulating embryos
    Patent number: 8621943
    Abstract: A method of singulating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Anthony P. Swanda
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DERIVING STREAM NETWORK VECTORS FROM DIGITAL ELECATION MAP DATA
    Publication number: 20140003672
    Abstract: A processor-based apparatus for computing stream vectors for an area of interest divides the area of interest into a number of hydrologic unit code (HUC) areas. The processor calculates stream vectors from lower resolution digital elevation map (DEM) data. For those HUC areas where higher resolution DEM data is available, the processor merges the lower resolution and higher resolution DEM data. Stream vectors are calculated from the merged DEM data and used to replace those stream vectors calculated from the lower resolution DEM data. Attributes of stream vectors that receive upstream flow from an adjacent HUC area are corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Leslie G. McWethy, Zhenkui Ma
  • PULP AND FIBRILLATED FIBER COMPOSITE
    Publication number: 20140004326
    Abstract: A cellulose pulp sheet is provided that is formed from never-dried kraft pulp and fibrillated fibers, such as lyocell. The pulp sheet provides several beneficial features as a result of both the use of fibrillated fibers and never-dried kraft pulp, particularly when the pulp sheet is used to form air-laid absorbent materials that include superabsorbent polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent A. Petersen, Andrew J. Dodd, Andre S. Hajnal, Noriko Suzuki