Abstract: A panel tester and grader includes a main frame including a plurality of rollers and defining a substantially S-shaped testing path. A substantially linear bypass path extends below the testing path and a bypass assembly is coupled to the main frame and is operable to move the main frame between a testing position in which panels are received by the testing path, and a bypass position in which panels are received by the bypass path. A load cell providing a load output is coupled to a deflector roller to measure a load applied to the panel by the deflector roller. The load output is monitored as the panels are guided through the panel tester and the load output is selectively recorded based upon the monitored load output.

Abstract: A panel tester and grader includes a main frame including a plurality of rollers and defining a substantially S-shaped testing path. A substantially linear bypass path extends below the testing path and a bypass assembly is coupled to the main frame and is operable to move the main frame between a testing position in which panels are received by the testing path, and a bypass position in which panels are received by the bypass path. A load cell providing a load output is coupled to a deflector roller to measure a load applied to the panel by the deflector roller. The load output is monitored as the panels are guided through the panel tester and the load output is selectively recorded based upon the monitored load output.

Abstract: There is provided an improved panel tester and grader which is used for determining the strength and stiffness values for individually tested panels. In one aspect of the present invention, an improvement resides in providing an apparatus and method which more accurately determines when a panel is properly located within a test load zone such that certain measurements regarding the panels characteristics may be properly measured. These variables ultimately contribute to the calculated overall strength and stiffness values. Pairs of opposing rolls are provided to process the panels therebetween along a processing line. The opposing rolls each include a groove extending completely around their outer surfaces. The grooves of the opposing rolls are aligned so as to define respective channels extending between the pairs of opposing rolls. Individual location sensors are positioned relative to the channels to determine where the panels are located along the processing line at any given moment.

Abstract: The invention is a performance testing system for wood-based panels. The testing includes performance of a material under a load concentrated in a single area, performance of edge support systems under a concentrated load and performance of a material under static bending conditions. The system is computerized and automatically applies a load to a panel to be tested, reads and records deflection of the panel without operator involvement, and provides a printed test report.

Abstract: The invention is a performance testing system, i.e., performance of a material under a load concentrated in a single area. The system is computerized and automatically applies a load to a panel to be tested, reads and records deflection of the panel without operator involvement, and provides a printed test report.