Abstract: A density detection system uses a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner to maintain a precise selected pressure between transducer wheels and the surface of a sheet of material as the sheet of material moves through a position between transducer wheel and lift wheel. Consequently, the antiquated mechanical/pneumatic springs/airbags of prior art ultrasonic density detection systems are replaced with a highly responsive magnetic force feedback actuator positioner capable of providing a precise and relatively constant force that can react to the introduction of a sheet of material, and/or variations in the surface of a sheet of material, extremely rapidly without the bounce/recovery oscillations associated with prior art ultrasonic density detection systems. Consequently, precise density measurements of an entire sheet of material can be obtained with unprecedented accuracy.

Abstract: A density detection system uses a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner to maintain a precise selected pressure between transducer wheels and the surface of a sheet of material as the sheet of material moves through a position between transducer wheel and lift wheel. Consequently, the antiquated mechanical/pneumatic springs/airbags of prior art ultrasonic density detection systems are replaced with a highly responsive magnetic force feedback actuator positioner capable of providing a precise and relatively constant force that can react to the introduction of a sheet of material, and/or variations in the surface of a sheet of material, extremely rapidly without the bounce/recovery oscillations associated with prior art ultrasonic density detection systems. Consequently, precise density measurements of an entire sheet of material can be obtained with unprecedented accuracy.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately determine the strength of the green veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the determined strength for a given green veneer sheet or other wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to green veneer sheet or other wood product to ensure the green veneer sheet or other wood product is put the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: A method and system for production of layered wood products employs local and independently operating robotic panel assembly cells including one or more veneer handling robots, one or more core handling robots, and one or more glue application robots to produce stacks of layered wood product panels locally near the pressing stations. Consequently, the stacks of layered wood product panels are independently built at, or near, the location of the pressing stations. This eliminates the need for traditional panel conveyors, traditional layered wood product panel assembly layup lines, and stack press delivery lines. This, in turn, eliminates thousands of moving parts and dozens of people from the layered wood product production process.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, and one or more visual cameras are used to generate superimposed image data representing a visual/NIR composite image of wood product and correlating moisture levels with physical features of the surfaces of the wood product. By analyzing the visual/NIR composite image represented by superimposed image data, moisture pockets near an open physical feature that, absent the presence open physical feature would be a problem, can be identified and ignored. Based on the identified moisture levels at various locations in a given wood product, and the proximity of physical features to the identified moisture locations, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, and machine learning methods and systems, including one or more Machine Learning (ML) based moisture level detection models, are used to accurately identify moisture content and the specific locations of the moisture on an entire surface of a veneer sheet or other wood product and provide moisture level prediction data for the veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the moisture level prediction data for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing includes cutting a first natural or non-composite veneer sheet to a first length, cutting a second natural or non-composite veneer sheet to the first length, coating an inner surface of the first natural or non-composite veneer sheet with an adhering means, coating an inner surface of the second natural or non-composite veneer sheet with an adhering means, coating a plurality of veneer strands with an adhering means, placing the plurality of veneer strands on the inner surface of the first natural or non-composite veneer sheet, placing the second natural or non-composite veneer sheet on top of the plurality of veneer strands to create a mat, compressing the mat in an unheated pre-press, and compressing the mat in a hot press at an elevated temperature to create a panel.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify moisture content, the specific locations of the moisture on an entire surface of a dry veneer sheet or other wood product, and the strength of the dry veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the identified moisture content and/or predicted strength for a dry veneer sheet or other wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to dry veneer sheet or other wood product to ensure the dry veneer sheet or other wood product is put the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: A method and system for production of layered wood products employs local and independently operating robotic panel assembly cells including one or more veneer handling robots, one or more core handling robots, and one or more glue application robots to produce stacks of layered wood product panels locally near the pressing stations. Consequently, the stacks of layered wood product panels are independently built at, or near, the location of the pressing stations. This eliminates the need for traditional panel conveyors, traditional layered wood product panel assembly layup lines, and stack press delivery lines. This, in turn, eliminates thousands of moving parts and dozens of people from the layered wood product production process.

Abstract: A method and system for production of layered wood products employs local and independently operating robotic panel assembly cells including one or more veneer handling robots, one or more core handling robots, and one or more glue application robots to produce stacks of layered wood product panels locally near the pressing stations. Consequently, the stacks of layered wood product panels are independently built at, or near, the location of the pressing stations. This eliminates the need for traditional panel conveyors, traditional layered wood product panel assembly layup lines, and stack press delivery lines. This, in turn, eliminates thousands of moving parts and dozens of people from the layered wood product production process.

Abstract: A method and system for a veneer grading and stacking uses one or more vision systems to generate images of the individual full or partial sheets of veneer and accurately determine the dimensions of each individual full or partial sheet of veneer. The one or more vision systems are also used to analyze the surface of each individual full or partial sheet of veneer quickly and automatically and assign a grade to each individual full or partial sheet of veneer. One or more veneer selection and stacking robots are then used to move each individual full or partial sheet of veneer from a veneer analysis and selection conveyor system to an appropriate veneer stack based on the grade assigned to the individual full or partial sheet by the one or more vision systems.

Abstract: Irregularities on the surfaces of veneer, such as full veneer sheets and/or veneer core material are detected using Near InfraRed (NIR) technology, including Near InfraRed/Short Wave InfraRed (NIR/SWIR) cameras and detectors. A grade is then assigned to the veneer based, at least in part, on the detected irregularities. The graded veneer is then stacked based, at least in part, on the grade assigned to the veneer. The graded veneer stacks are then provided to local robotic panel assembly and pressing systems that include one or more local robotic panel assembly cells for processing the veneer into layered wood product panels.

Abstract: Irregularities on the surfaces of veneer, such as full veneer sheets and/or veneer core material are detected using Near InfraRed (NIR) technology, including Near InfraRed/Short Wave InfraRed (NIR/SWIR) cameras and detectors. A grade is then assigned to the veneer based, at least in part, on the detected irregularities. The graded veneer is then stacked based, at least in part, on the grade assigned to the veneer. The graded veneer stacks are then provided to local robotic panel assembly and pressing systems that include one or more local robotic panel assembly cells for processing the veneer into layered wood product panels.

Abstract: A method and system for production of layered wood products employs local and independently operating robotic panel assembly cells including a vison system for inspecting and grading veneer sheets, one or more veneer handling robots, one or more core handling robots, and one or more glue application robots to produce stacks of layered wood product panels locally near the pressing stations. Consequently, the stacks of layered wood product panels are independently built at, or near, the location of the pressing stations using inspected and graded veneer sheets. This eliminates the need for traditional panel conveyors, traditional layered wood product panel assembly layup lines, and stack press delivery lines. This, in turn, eliminates thousands of moving parts and dozens of people from the layered wood product production process.

Abstract: An LVL structure is a rectangular cell suitable for weight bearing uses such as floor trusses. The LVL structure includes one or more LVL beams having first surfaces that are a single outer layer of a veneer stack. Fastening plates/devices having penetrating members are used to attach the one or more LVL beams to the LVL structure with the penetrating members penetrating the single veneer layer first surface of the LVL beams substantially perpendicular to the first surfaces. In this way, the penetrating members do not split/separate the layers of veneer making up the LVL beams and tend to secure the penetrated layers of the veneer making up the one or more LVL beams together in a nail like fashion.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a veneer surface. A grade is then assigned to the veneer based, at least in part, on the detected irregularities. In one embodiment, the veneer is then provided to an improved veneer stacking system that produces more consistently graded veneer stacks and safer veneer stacks, is less expensive to operate, and is far safer than currently available methods and systems for full veneer sheet, veneer strip, and partial veneer sheet stacking.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a veneer surface. A grade is then assigned to the veneer based, at least in part, on the detected irregularities. In one embodiment, the veneer is then provided to an improved veneer stacking system that produces more consistently graded veneer stacks and safer veneer stacks, is less expensive to operate, and is far safer than currently available methods and systems for full veneer sheet, veneer strip, and partial veneer sheet stacking.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a surface of a veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the identified surface irregularities for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product or production process to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, and machine learning methods and systems, including one or more Machine Learning (ML) based surface irregularity prediction models, are used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a surface of a wood product, such as a veneer sheet or ribbon, and provide irregularity prediction data for the wood product. Based on the irregularity prediction data for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product or the production process to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, are used to detect irregularity in the surface of a wood product. Based on the detected irregularities at various locations in a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to a production process used to produce the wood product to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.