Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a microstrand interface layer (MIL) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing, add rigidity and strength, and provide an improved surface appearance. The MIL comprises microstrands applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat during production, prior to deposition of a fines layer. The MIL prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, and helps prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing.

Abstract: An improved blending apparatus for manufactured wood products with a rotating blending drum or cylinder with a pattern of alternating flights of different configurations extending from the interior of the drum. The flights lift the strands as the drum rotates to different heights before the strands free-fall back to the bottom of the drum. One flight is shorter, and may be trapezoidal in cross-section. The second flight is taller, and may have a “bull-nose” configuration with substantially vertical sides. During operation, the design of the bull-nose flight tends to hold more strands and to carry them closer to the top of the drum before the strands drop and fall. In contrast, the shorter height and angled sides of the trapezoidal flight tends to hold fewer strands and to not carry them as high along the side before strands drop and fall.

Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips, ridges, or wedges, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.

Abstract: An integrated joint sealing system that is incorporated into the edges of a sheathing panel, which also may have a factory bonded weather resistive barrier. The edges of each panel are configured as a shiplap joint, or similarly functioning joint, that is present as either an overlap or underlap on each of the four panel edges. The arrangement of the joints are such that one edge will have an overlap and the opposite edge will have an underlap. A flexible gasket material (or materials) is factory applied to one or both sides (underlap and/or overlap) of the shiplap joint. This flexible gasket material, when overlapped with adjacent shiplap panels, provides a weather resistive seal to limit both water and air penetration.

Abstract: A process for producing a smooth-sided strand-based siding or wood structural panel using a secondary pressing process. The secondary pressing process is performed after the primary process completes pressing and consolidation of the substrate/board. The secondary process applies and cures the overlay after applying a water spray on the hot board immediately out of the primary process press, and before overlay application. The application of the water spray causes the surface of the board to swell and cure. A settling period follows to allow the top surface particles and strands to swell along with absorption and evaporation of the moisture. This is followed by surface sanding to remove the telegraphing and produce a smooth surface, which is then followed by lamination of the overlay(s). The process is completed by post-lamination treatment and coating of the board.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a durable, smooth-sided, multi-layer integral, composite engineered panel. The method typically is directed to first forming a mat comprising a plurality of layers of lignocellulosic strands or wafers. The plurality of layers of lignocellulosic strands or wafers are bonded together by an adhesive material. Then, at least one layer of smaller particles of lignocellulosic material is formed on the mat. This layer of smaller particles is blended together with an adhesive material thereby joining the layer of smaller particles to at least one outer surface of the mat. Next, at least one sheet of paper is joined to an outer layer of smaller particles of lignocellulosic material. This step takes place during the formation of the multi-layer integral, composite engineered panel. Finally, a substantially smooth outer surface is formed, upon pressing, in at least one surfaces of the multi-layer integral, composite engineered panel.

Abstract: A tumble-coating system involving the coating of wood particles with binder resin featuring, within a tumble drum, baffle structure creating selective curtain flows of particles to promote better coating operation. The preferred embodiment baffle structure includes a long stationary baffle extending through all coating zones in the drum and two additional baffle structures associated with changing particle flow in the vicinity of the resin distribution apparatus.