Abstract: A method of can be used to make a wood composite material. The method includes forming a panel having wood fibers and additives, sanding a main surface of the panel, applying a polymer to the sanded main surface of the panel, and curing the polymer by irradiating the main surface of the panel. After the curing, the main surface has a solid discontinuous composite including a mixture of the wood fibers and cured polymer micro-islands.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for cutting a chamfer into the edge of a material while simultaneously making another cut in the material. The chamfer provides the cut material with reduced susceptibility to top surface edge swell.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of manufacturing wood-based composite products, articles of manufacture employed in the manufacturing of wood-based products (e.g., PTFE sheet configured to be attached to platen and/or platen configured to attach to PTFE sheet), systems used in the manufacturing of wood-based products (e.g., platens having PTFE sheet attached thereto), methods of using such articles of manufacture, methods of using such systems, and wood-based products (e.g., OSB, PB, MDF and/or HDF) obtained from such methods.

Abstract: A system for orienting strands (e.g., wood strands) includes multiple rotatable shafts that extend perpendicular to a travel direction of a mat of aligned strands. Each shaft can include axially spaced agitation members that extend radially away from the shaft, such as in a direction parallel to the travel direction. A vane set can be positioned vertically below the shafts. The vane set can include multiple partitions that define inter-partition spacings parallel to the travel direction. In an example, an inter-partition spacing of the vane set can be greater along a bottom portion of adjacent partitions than along a top portion of the same adjacent partitions. In an example, an upper edge thickness of a partition can be greater than a lower edge thickness of the same partition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood-based composite panel that is not susceptible to top surface edge swell, and methods of making the panel.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for oriented strand boards that utilize a 3-layer, sandwich-type structural panel. The two outer faces are preferably made of wood flakes and the inner core preferably is made out of compression resistant products such as wood chips, paper mill sludge or recycled paper. The core is either a continuous perforated mat or a plurality of individual chunks of compression resistant materials, and preferably contains voids to provide for a reduction in weight of the board.