Patents Assigned to Weyerhaeuser
  • Publication number: 20090087909
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for increasing germination vigor of conifer somatic embryos produced in vitro. The method comprises (a) culturing a plurality of immature conifer somatic embryos for a first incubation period in, or on, a first development medium that comprises less than 0.1% trehalose; and (b) culturing the plurality of immature conifer somatic embryos treated in accordance with step (a) for a second incubation period in, or on, a second development medium that comprises at least 0.1% trehalose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Carolyn V. Carpenter, Mayumi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20090083884
    Abstract: A method of separating an embryo suspension mass is provided. The method includes supplying an embryo suspension mass culture having a plurality of first particles of a first size and a plurality of second particles of a second size different at least in part from the first size of the first particles. The method also includes suspending the embryo suspension mass culture in a fluid to create a mixture and forcing the mixture through a filter while maintaining the mixture in the fluid to separate the first particles from the second particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Judith N. Zucati, Robert A. Starr
  • Publication number: 20090082903
    Abstract: Provided is a system for cutting and sorting of engineered wood products. Using appropriate software, a designer may model an entire house's structural frame. The dimensions and labeling for individual members of the structure are extracted from the model and captured by the software. The software may batch and optimize the products to be cut on the saw and develop sawing control instructions. The instructions are used by the saw to process the parts according to the house structure design. As the parts are processed by the saw, they are discharged and sent to an outfeed system that will stack the engineered wood products according to the parameters defined by the workstation operator. The system can handle the multiple lengths and widths of engineered wood parts from the saw and stack them in the order the software may specify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventor: George H. Sander
  • Patent number: 7499171
    Abstract: Methods are provided for using light reflection patterns to determine various properties of fibrous materials, such as wood. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for determining a dive angle for grain. Further, the present invention relates to methods for using information in T2 plots, combined with knowledge of the microstructure of a wood sample surface, to find pith location and/or ring curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Chih-Lin Huang, Stanley L Floyd, Mark A Stanish, David N Bogue
  • Patent number: 7474964
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that allocates points to individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Welty, Earl T Birdsall, Robert K McKinney
  • Publication number: 20090001629
    Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: William R. Newson, Alkiviadis G. Dimakis
  • Publication number: 20090004473
    Abstract: Meltblown lyocell fibers incorporating polyolefinic hydrophobic polymers are disclosed. The polymer is distributed fairly uniformly within the fiber and exists as approximately one to two micron diameter domains. The fibers have a high hemicellulose level, show reduced water retention values and have varying diameters depending on processing conditions. The fibers have a brightness of at least 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventor: Mengkui Luo
  • Publication number: 20090007303
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for increasing germination vigor of conifer somatic embryos produced in vitro. The method comprises (a) singulating a plurality of individual immature conifer somatic embryos from a first culture of embryos after a first incubation period in a first development media; and (b) contacting the plurality of singulated immature conifer somatic embryos with a second development media for a second incubation period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Roger Timmis, James A. Grob, Pramod K. Gupta, Susan D. Rayfield
  • Publication number: 20090004474
    Abstract: Meltblown lyocell fibers are disclosed which show a high degree of antimicrobial activity against E. coli and C. albicans. The fibers are prepared by adding inorganic and organic compounds to the NMNO dope prior to spinning. The additives are uniformly distributed throughout the fiber cross section and longitudinal sections show relatively smooth or grainy, rough surfaces depending on the additive used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventor: Mengkui Luo
  • Publication number: 20090004368
    Abstract: Curing systems are provided that include a planar support surface for supporting a substrate having at least one layer deposited thereon, at least one curing device for curing the at least one deposited layer, and a control system for controlling the overall curing process. The curing device includes at least one laser, a lens module, and an optional modulator. During curing, the beam of light emitted from the laser may be directed onto the deposited layer by 1) controlling the position of an X-Y beam deflecting module to direct the focused beam of laser light onto a desired illumination area of the deposited layer; 2) controlling the position of the laser via an X-Y table, or 3) controlling the position of the substrate via an X-Y table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Edwin Hirahara, David L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20090001625
    Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: William R. Newson, Alkiviadis G. Dimakis
  • Publication number: 20090005245
    Abstract: An artificial seed is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell having a cavity sized and configured to receive an embryo. The artificial seeds also includes a live end seal and a tertiary seal. The live end seal is attached to the seed shell and is positioned to substantially seal the embryo within the seed shell. The tertiary seal is attached to the live end seal and includes a pesticide additive to inhibit at least bacterial growth on the tertiary seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: William C. Carlson, Antony R. Shoaf
  • Publication number: 20090001635
    Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: William R. Newson, Alkiviadis G. Dimakis
  • Publication number: 20080314537
    Abstract: A mixed polymer fiber, comprising a crosslinked polymer fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and cellulose fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: S. Ananda Weerawarna, Su Bing
  • Publication number: 20080318772
    Abstract: A mixed polymer composite fiber, comprising second cellulose fiber and a crosslinked mixed polymer composite fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and first cellulose fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: S. Ananda Weerawarna, Su Bing
  • Publication number: 20080319107
    Abstract: A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: S. Ananda Weerawarna, Su Bing
  • Publication number: 20080319668
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies the location of individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jay Welty, Earl T. Birdsall, Robert K. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20080319673
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that allocates points to individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jay Welty, Earl T. Birdsall, Robert K. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20080318043
    Abstract: An acetylated softwood lignin fiber having a diameter of 5 to 100 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Robert C. Eckert, Zia Abdullah
  • Publication number: 20080317661
    Abstract: A method of making a carbon fiber from softwood alkaline black liquor lignin by acetylating the lignin to provide a meltable and drawable lignin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Co.
    Inventors: Robert C. Eckert, Zia Abdullah