Patents Assigned to Weyerhaeuser NR Company
  • Systems and methods for manufacturing composite wood products to reduce bowing
    Patent number: 8973638
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for manufacturing a composite wood product. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a mat from a plurality of wood elements and an adhesive, the mat having a width W measured substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mat and an initial thickness T1. The mat is then moved in a machine direction, the machine direction being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the temperature across the width W of the mat is adjusted. The mat is then compressed into a billet having a final thickness T2. In some embodiments, the system includes a continuous movement mechanism, a side preheat assembly, and a press assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Tekamul M. Buber
  • FIRE RESISTANT COATING AND WOOD PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20150020476
    Abstract: A fire-resistant coating for a wood product which includes a polyurethane matrix. The polyurethane matrix includes an aromatic isocyanate which is present in a quantity ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the formulation, castor oil which is present in a quantity ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the formulation, intumescent particles, and a fire retardant present in a quantity ranging from 1% to 40% by weight of the formulation. The fire retardant is selected from the group consisting of disodium ocataborate tetrahydrate, Colemanite (CaB3O4(OH)3.H2O), Ulexite (NaCaB5O6(OH)6.5(H2O)), Aluminum trihydrate, Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), Hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2.4H2O), and Hunitite (Mg3Ca(CO3)4). Fire-resistant wood products incorporating the fire-resistant coating are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jack G. Winterowd, Erik M. Parker, Glen Robak
  • METHOD FOR INTERPLANTING ENERGY CROPS
    Publication number: 20150013580
    Abstract: In methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure for interplanting a primary crop and an energy crop, the present disclosure includes methods for preparing a plantation site for planting the energy crop. Plantation sites according to the disclosure may include a primary crop planted in a first row and in a second row, the first row being separated by an intermediate area. The intermediate area is divided into a center portion and two side portions (a first side portion and a second side portion). Methods according to embodiments of the disclosure include lifting a soil and plantation debris mixture from the intermediate area, and redepositing a soil component of the soil and plantation debris mixture primarily in the intermediate area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Howard Duzan, James R. Leist
  • Automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos
    Patent number: 8931208
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Anthony P. Swanda, Robert A. Starr, Amy M. Jamruszka-Lewis
  • Pick-up and delivery system and associated methods
    Patent number: 8931207
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device. The insertion device may include an insertion member having a tip and a release assistance piston arranged inside the insertion member. The release piston is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance piston is in the extended position, a proximal end of is substantially flush with an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Fredrick T. Rubatino, Michael W. Teodoro
  • Methods for removing liquid from a porous substrate in plant somatic embryogenesis
    Patent number: 8925245
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of removing liquid from a porous substrate on which plant embryos are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Patrick M. Brownell, Robert A. Starr, Ramon C. Dezutter
  • Cellulose fibrillation
    Patent number: 8915457
    Abstract: A process for making a fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers in which a blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers is provided. The lyocell is from 25% to 75% of the total weight of the blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers. The blend is refined in a high shear field device to provide a blend of fibrillated lyocell and pulp fibers having a diameter of 10 to 500 nanometers and a fiber length of 50 to 500 ?m. The high shear field device can be a homogenizer or colloid mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Dodd, Andre S. Hajnal
  • Manufactured seed having a treated end seal assembly
    Patent number: 8893429
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal being coated, at least partially, with a paraffin oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hartle, William C. Carlson, Craig N. Cootsona, Russell T. Barham, Katie A. Brinkerhoff, Jessica M. King
  • Fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulosic low DP pulp
    Patent number: 8894812
    Abstract: A fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulosic pulp having a degree of polymerization of 200 to 1000 as measured by ASTM Test 1975-96, a method of making the blend and materials which incorporate the blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: John A. Westland, Andrew J. Dodd, Mengkui Luo, Noriko Suzuki, S. Ananda Weerawarna
  • System and method for drying wood products with recovered flue gas
    Patent number: 8881425
    Abstract: Systems and methods are used for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Philip Latos
  • Methods of preparing nutritive media for growth and/or germination of plant embryos
    Patent number: 8871514
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for producing an improved nutritive medium comprising an adsorbent material for culturing plant embryos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hartle, William C. Carlson
  • CLEAN SUGAR AND LIGNIN FROM NON-CHEMICALLY PRETREATED LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS
    Publication number: 20140315254
    Abstract: Methods of producing clean (e.g., low sulfur and metal ion content, and free of fermentation inhibitors) sugar and lignin-rich streams, and downstream conversion products, from lignocellulosic biomass, may include obtaining non-chemically pretreated, milled lignocellulosic biomass, reacting the milled lignocellulosic biomass with an enzymatic agent to produce a slurry that includes converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and lignin-rich residuals, and separating the slurry into a sugar stream that includes the converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and a lignin-rich stream that includes the lignin-rich residuals. The sugar stream, not including water, includes at least 75% monomeric lignocellulosic sugar, less than 0.20% sulfur, and less than 3.0% metal ion content, and the lignin-rich stream includes at least 35% lignin and less than 0.50% sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Johnway Gao, Amar N. Neogi
  • CLEAN SUGAR AND LIGNIN FROM NON-CHEMICALLY PRETREATED LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS
    Publication number: 20140316162
    Abstract: Methods of producing clean (e.g., low sulfur and metal ion content, and free of fermentation inhibitors) sugar and lignin-rich streams, and downstream conversion products, from lignocellulosic biomass, may include obtaining non-chemically pretreated, milled lignocellulosic biomass, reacting the milled lignocellulosic biomass with an enzymatic agent to produce a slurry that includes converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and lignin-rich residuals, and separating the slurry into a sugar stream that includes the converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and a lignin-rich stream that includes the lignin-rich residuals. The sugar stream, not including water, includes at least 75% monomeric lignocellulosic sugar, less than 0.20% sulfur, and less than 3.0% metal ion content, and the lignin-rich stream includes at least 35% lignin and less than 0.50% sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Johnway Gao, Amar N. Neogi
  • Shoot restraint for use with manufactured seeds
    Patent number: 8863437
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shoot restraint for use with manufactured seeds comprising. In some embodiments, the shoot restraint includes a substantially porous material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substantially porous material is formed to define a substantially cylindrical upper portion having an upper diameter; and a substantially cylindrical lower portion having a lower diameter. The upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. A parabolic cavity extends from the top surface to the bottom surface through the upper portion and at least partially into the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hartle, William C. Carlson, Michael W. Teodoro
  • LIGNIN/POLYACRYLONITRILE-CONTAINING DOPES, FIBERS, AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20140302315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a composition comprising 10 to 45% of the total solids weight lignin, polyacrylonitrile or a polyacrylonitrile copolymer, and a solvent to form a lignin-based polyacrylonitrile-containing dope and the resulting products. The dope can be processed to produce fibers, including precursor, oxidized and carbonized fibers. The oxidized fibers are of value for their flame resistant properties and carbonized fibers are suitable for use in applications requiring high strength fibers, or to be used to form composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul J. Bissett, Carole W. Herriott
  • WATER RESISTANT LOW FLAME-SPREAD INTUMESCENT FIRE RETARDANT COATING
    Publication number: 20140295164
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions formulated to provide water resistant and low flame spread properties when applied as a coating to a surface (e.g., the surface of a wood product). Wood products treated with the composition, as well as methods for applying the composition to a surface are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Erik M. Parker, Jack G. Winterowd, Glen Robak
  • MULTI-STAGE CATALYTIC CARBOXYLATION OF MERCERIZED CELLULOSE FIBERS
    Publication number: 20140290882
    Abstract: Carboxylated, mercerized cellulose fiber having at least 12 meq/100 g of carboxyl substitution at the C-6 position of the anhydroglucose units, which includes at least 20% cellulose II, may be produced by catalytically carboxylating mercerized cellulose fiber in at least two catalytic carboxylation stages in a continuous series in which the pH is adjusted, and a primary oxoammonium salt catalyst (or precursor thereof) and secondary oxidant is added, at the beginning of each stage. Optionally, the carboxylated, mercerized cellulose may be made substantially free of aldehyde groups by means of a stabilizing step following the final carboxylation stage, in which aldehyde groups present in the fibers are converted to carboxyl groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventor: S. Ananda Weerawarna
  • LIQUID KRAFT LIGNIN COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140296429
    Abstract: Liquid kraft lignin compositions, methods of their production, and various methods of their use, including in preparing kraft lignin-containing LPF resins, which may in turn be used in producing OSB or other wood-based composites, and methods of assaying lignin content in such compositions, are disclosed. In an illustrative and non-exclusive embodiment, a liquid kraft lignin composition includes water in the amount of about 60-95% by weight, urea about 5-30% by weight, a group 1 alkaline metal hydroxide about 0.5-3.0% by weight, and kraft about 5-25% by weight on a dry basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jack G. Winterowd
  • MOISTURE INDICATOR FOR WOOD SUBSTRATES
    Publication number: 20140295561
    Abstract: A moisture content indicator for visually indicating the moisture content of a wood substrate and methods of making the moisture content indicator are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jack G. Winterowd, Erik M. Parker, Malinda J. De Lashmutt, Wayne Lindell, Tri Tran
  • Foamed binder and associated systems and methods for producing a wood product
    Patent number: 8840820
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to foamed binders for wood strand products and methods and systems for producing wood strand products using foamed binders. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a method for producing a wood strand product from cellulosic particles, the method comprising the steps of foaming a phenol formaldehyde binder to produce a foam, tumbling the cellulosic particles in a rotary blender, applying the foam to the cellulosic particles in the rotary blender, blending the cellulosic particles and the foam so that the foam covers the cellulosic particles, and consolidating the cellulosic particles under heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Yancey, Travis E. Bjorkman, Jack G. Winterowd