Abstract: A flame-intumescent coating is provided for a wood-based building product, the coating being adapted to expand to form an expanded coating when exposed to heat from a fire. The coating comprises a polymeric binder, at least one blowing agent dispersed in the binder, and at least one intumescent compound dispersed in the binder. The blowing agent and intumescent compound are adapted to expand the coating when the coating is exposed to heat from a fire. The polymeric binder is formed from a mixture including castor oil and an isocyanate, wherein the castor oil is present in the mixture in a quantity of 9-36% of the total weight of the coating. A flame-retardant building product is also provided.

Abstract: The resistant to biological degradation of composite wood products is improved by applying a suitable aqueous dispersion of zinc borate onto the fibers to uniformly distribute and to adhere the zinc borate to the strands of the wood composite, applying a suitable adhesive to the wood strands, forming a strand lay-up and consolidating a lay-up under heat and pressure to form a consolidated product with zinc borate uniformly distributed therethrough.

Abstract: A control for delivery system made up of a plurality of variable output feed sources each with an independently variable input of material defines the capability of each of the feed sources based on the level of material and combines these capabilities to define a total capability of the delivery system. An output setpoint for each source is determined based on its capability and a required setpoint is set based on a desired end product characteristic which is used to define a production rate based on total capacity, required setpoint and the production line characteristics. The process is iterative so that the production rate, e.g. speed of the line is varied iteratively depending on the then current capabilities of the feed sources of the system and the footprint of the feed sources are adjusted based on their sensed capabilities thereby to maximize production line speed based on capability.

Abstract: A generally triangular truss, comprising a horizontal chord and a pair of inclined chords. The inclined chords are joined at an apex, and the horizontal chord extends between the inclined chords to form a base of the generally triangular truss. A pair of vertical ties extends between the inclined chords and the horizontal chord, and a horizontal tie extends between the two inclined chords. The chords and ties define therebetween a space in which to construct a living area. The joints between the chords and ties are defined by holes extending through the chords and ties, with the pins extending through adjacent ones of the holes to create pinned joints.

Abstract: A composite wood product made from discrete wood particles secured together by a cured bisphenol A formaldehyde resin cured from an A-stage bisphenol A formaldehyde resin having an A-stage bisphenol A to formaldehyde mole ratio of 1 to between 2.5 and 4 and between 3 and 11% of caustic measured as sodium hydroxide based on the weight of resin solids. Preferably the resin will include 2 to 10% urea based on the resin solids. The cured bisphenol A formaldehyde resin secures the wood particles together to form a composite wood product having light colored glue lines that substantially corresponds in color with the wood so that the glue lines tend to be unnoticeable.

Abstract: A system for the simultaneous application of pressure and microwaves to a thick mat of curable assemblies. As the curable assemblies are conveyed through a belt press, microwaves are applied to them through an adjacent, rapidly expanding applicator horn. A microwave-transparent ceramic dam or window across the outlet of the horn blocks the compressed assemblies from entering the horn. To minimize any heat cracking of the window it is formed of a number of pieces. These pieces are held in place at the horn outlet by one or more fins secured within the horn and extending into the window. The fins extend across the interior of the horn and divide it into a number of different microwave paths. The ceramic window pieces at the ends of the paths are carefully shaped, with a cylindrical rear surface, to act as lenses and to act on the microwave energy from each of the different paths so that the microwaves from all of the paths are in phase at the product interface.