Abstract: A method for preparing an overlaid composite product comprises treating a web comprising a functional barrier on one face of the web with a binding agent; placing the treated web directly adjacent an unconsolidated substrate wherein the unconsolidated substrate comprises an uncured first resin; and concurrently consolidating the unconsolidated substrate and curing the binding agent and first resin thereby bonding the web to the substrate without addition of a separate adhesive. An overlaid composite product produced by this method is described. An overlaid composite product can be, e.g., a paper laminated oriented strand board.

Abstract: A load transfer device (LTD) allowing for reliable connection and linkage of composite wood boards is provided. A LTD is configured for containment within openings within peripheral edges of wood boards which are cut into a complementary shape to that of the device. The device, when assembled in panel openings, permits separation of adjacent boards, as well as, sufficient load bearing strength for the overall construction within which such connected wood boards are utilized. The separation of wood boards permits proper sealing therebetween and proper distance for shrinking or swelling during the lifetime of the edifice. The ability to impart increased load bearing strength allows for an increase in construction materials to be carried and kept on such a structure during construction. The method of manufacture of a structure utilizing load transfer devices between boards is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashing device comprising a flange comprising a front surface, back surface, and an opening wherein the opening is essentially centrally located in the flange and wherein the flange is suitable for attachment to a surface of an overlaid structural sheathing panel over a protrusion through the sheathing panel, and a gasket effective to essentially seal the perimeter of the protrusion to water, and an adhesive backing located on a back surface of the flange wherein the backing comprises an adhesive effective to permanently attach the flashing device to the surface of the overlaid structural sheathing panel. A system for flashing can comprise such a flashing device. A kit, building system or structure can comprise a flashing device as described and an overlaid wood composite panel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reinforced wood panel comprising a first lignocellulosic layer, and a prepreg layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making an engineered wood product comprising the following steps: (a) cutting a quantity of strands from wood lumber by use of a 3D stranding process, the strands having a length of about 6 inches to about 12 inches; and (b) forming the quantity of strands into an engineered wood product.

Abstract: A composite wood panel having a first and a second longitudinal edge comprising an essentially parallel first surface and second surface, a core, a spacer integrally formed in or attached in the core on at least the longitudinal edges wherein the spacer extends from an edge a pre-determined distance whereby upon placing one panel adjacent to a second panel a spacer of the first panel will abut a spacer of or an edge of a second panel thereby forming at least a first aperture between the adjacent panels wherein an aperture is located between adjacent edges of the panels. A spacer can push into its panel upon linear expansion of a panel. The spacer can be, e.g., a tongue, edge profile, or separate spacing material. Methods for making and using panels are disclosed.

Abstract: A wood composite board comprising balsam fir strands is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood composite material comprising: wood strands disposed in surface layers and one or more core layers, whereby an intermediate density divides the wood strands so that the two surface layers of strands are more dense than the intermediate density, and the one or more core layers of the strands are less dense than the intermediate density, and wherein the core layer contains at least about 70 wt % of the strands that are less dense than the intermediate density; and the surface layers contain at least about 70 wt % of the strands that are more dense than the intermediate density.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood composite board comprising wood strands, a binder composition and a bicarbonate fungicide.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for facilitating the proper installation and ease of inspection therefor of a sheathed building structure having a sheathing system comprising diverse sheathing units to be used for roofing and sidewalls thereof which incorporates a visual signaling system to ensure proper panel selection and installation.

Abstract: Method of use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of resin-wood composites, and methods of making engineered wood products using calibrated near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic instrumentation for quantitative analysis of resin-wood composites.

Abstract: A method for the production of a wood composite board is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of wood in the form of strands; coating the wood strands with a binder composition to from coated strands; forming a mat from the coated strands; exposing said mat to steam; ventilating steam; and pressing the mat, at a high temperature, to form the wood composite board having a final thickness.

Abstract: A hand-grippable adhesive tape applicator is provided for building construction and other environments. Stabilization brace and pressure feedback features are included which provide improved tape application performance. Static dissipative shield components and slip-resistant nubs for the applicator frame are also provided.

Abstract: Lighweight lignocellulosic board materials, such as oriented strand board and others, having reduced densities while maintaining suitable mechanical properties, and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: A panel testing device, and a method of its use, for flexing and measuring mechanical properties of a panel are provided comprising a panel bending assembly operable to engage a panel and impart a bending force on the engaged panel, and a linear actuator having an output shaft coupled to the panel bending assembly, wherein the output shaft is operable to be movable relative to the panel bending assembly continuously at a constant rate of linear motion regardless of the torque force resisting such motion at the panel testing assembly.

Abstract: A panel performance testing system and method of use is provided for evaluating creep and duration of load (DOL) performance of products, particularly wood-based panels, subjected to bending stress. The panel performance testing system comprises a panel testing support frame assembly; a loading head assembly for applying test load to a panel face; a load transfer assembly for transferring load force from a dead weight to the loading head assembly; a panel deflection sensor; and a mobile loading platform assembly for vertically positioning and supporting dead weight loads, controlling the rate of load transfer of the dead weight loads from the loading platform assembly to the loading head assembly, and an integrated data acquisition system that automatically records and processes the related testing data for the entire course of the testing.

Abstract: Cyclone separator for separating wood pieces and gas that includes a deagglomerator mechanism that prevents wood piece masses, clumps, wads and the like from plugging or clogging up the system.

Abstract: A high-temperature pressing apparatus silica is provided for the manufacture of wood composite boards, in which the temperature of the platens in the pressing apparatus can be effectively regulated to improve energy efficiency, reducing press cycle length, and minimize the possibly of press fires. The apparatus comprises a press having platens for forming the board; and a means for regulating the temperature of the platens. The regulating means includes means for circulating a heating fluid through the platens, means for detecting the temperature of the heating fluids as it exits the platens; and means for responding to the detected temperature for heating the fluid supplied to the platens.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided comprising: a stage, including three or more pads formed on a surface of the stage, the pads forming an invisible plane and capable of supporting a panel to be measured; a movable measuring stylus, having a tip, the measuring stylus being movable between an initial position, through an insertion region, and a measuring position; a spring, the spring being disposed to apply downward force upon the measuring stylus so that the measuring stylus presses against the panel; a lever, movably mounted on said base, capable of moving the measuring stylus between the initial position, through the insertion region, and the measuring position; and a means for measuring the difference between the height of a tip of the measuring stylus in the measuring position and the height of the invisible plane.