Abstract: A rules-based expert analysis system for networks includes a combination of algorithmic and heuristic rules which are grouped in hierarchies in one or more related categories of network performance criteria. Each rule is interdependent in a prioritized manner with one or more other rules, and although the interdependencies are fixed the rule priorities are adaptable based on the user entered objective of the analysis.

Abstract: Engineered structural wood products particularly useful in critical applications such as joists, headers, and beams where longer lengths, greater widths, and higher and predictable stress ratings may be required and to a method for making the wood products. Most logs by nature are radially anisotropic, having wood of higher density and stiffness in their outer portion adjacent the bark than is found in the inner portion. The logs are machined to segregate the denser, stiffer outer wood. A first generally rectangular component is formed from the less dense inner wood. Second generally rectangular components are formed from the stiffer outer wood. Second components are adhesively bonded to at least one edge of the first component, more usually to opposite edges. The stiffer wood is thus specifically placed where it will contribute most effectively to the properties of the product.

Abstract: The invention comprises engineered structural wood products particularly useful in critical applications such as joists, headers, and beams where longer lengths, greater widths, and higher and predictable stress ratings may be required. The invention is also directed to a method for making the wood products. Most logs by nature are radially anisotropic, having wood of higher density and stiffness in their outer portion adjacent the bark than is found in the inner portion. The logs are machined to segregate the denser, stiffer outer wood. A first generally rectangular component is formed from the less dense inner wood. Second generally rectangular components are formed from the stiffer outer wood. Second components are adhesively bonded to at least one edge of the first component, more usually to opposite edges. The stiffer wood is thus specifically placed where it will contribute most effectively to the properties of the product.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing flitches prepared from roundwood logs, a method for the manufacture of wood slices or slats from the flitches, and methods of combining the strips into composite lumber products. The methods are based in part on the concept of preparing flitches that retain the sweep or natural longitudinal curvature of the log and slicing or sawing around the sweep to prepare the slats for further conversion into composite lumber products. An opening cut is made in the log essentially following or parallel to the curve of any sweep to divide it into two approximately equal volume pieces. An opposing surfaces is machined parallel to the surface generated by the opening cut to produce a flitch. The flitches are then flattened so that the sweep curvature is made planar. They are then sliced or sawn parallel to the now planar surface to produce slats. The natural surface of the log is preferably retained on the sides of the flitches.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods and systems for measuring the dielectric constant of an earth formation. In a preferred embodiment, an alternating current is passed through a portion of the formation and a reference resistor in series with the portion. The capacitance and the dielectric constant of the portion may be determined from the phase difference between the voltage across the reference resistor and the voltage across the portion. This phase difference may be obtained by generating a voltage which is in phase with the voltage across the reference resistor, but which has the magnitude of the voltage across the portion. To obtain the phase difference by an alternate digital method, the voltage across the referenced resistor and the voltage across the portion are each transformed into a square wave signal. The two square wave signals are then compared to obtain the sign and the magnitude of the phase difference between the two square waves.