Patents Assigned to Willamette Valley Company
  • Publication number: 20220332959
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved product and method of applying a product to remedy any deficiencies of wood and wood products while maintaining the quality of current processing and increasing efficiency. In one aspect of the present invention, a method of repairing wood or wood products comprises analyzing a wood or wood product for a defect, the wood or wood product having a surface; identifying the defect in the wood or wood product; identifying a location of the defect in said wood or wood product; preparing for repair the surface of the wood or wood product in the location of said defect; applying a two-component urethane to the surface of said wood or wood product in the location of the defect, said two-component urethane comprising a polyol mixture and an isocyanate; and, curing the two-component urethane for a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: The Willamette Valley Company LLC
    Inventors: J. Evan Davis, Nicklas Polizzi
  • Patent number: 11046860
    Abstract: A multi-component, chemically-curing, non-cellular, polymeric composition includes a resin component having a resin density, a reactive component having a reactive component density, and an aggregate component having a spherical shape, a diameter of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm and an aggregate density. The density of the aggregate component is within 2 lbs/gallon of the density of at least one of the resin component or the reactive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: The Willamette Valley Company LLC
    Inventor: Nathan E. Werst
  • Patent number: 9920228
    Abstract: The disclosed composite wood particulate products, adhesives contained in such wood particulate products, and methods of making the adhesive and the wood particulate products employ an aldehyde-free adhesive, and more specifically a formaldehyde-free adhesive. The aldehyde-free adhesive includes an inert additive that extends a resin, such as an isocyanate resin, and forms an evenly dispersed, less expensive polymeric adhesive admixture. The extender-filler of the resin is mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry can then be mixed with a resin, like the isocyanate resin, to form the adhesive. Various rheology modifiers can be added, if desired, to the extender-filler or the slurry. The adhesive can be blended with wood particles to form a mat that is then pressed into a composite wood particulate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Willamette Valley Company LLC
    Inventors: Philip N. Cote, Omar Tiba, Wallace K. Rowland, Robert J. Rubash, Randall C. Zenke, Sudip Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 9816237
    Abstract: A device for reinstatement of a micro-trench that includes a hopper. The hopper includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening being larger than the bottom opening. The device also includes a valve portion connected to the bottom opening of the hopper and a tube connected to the valve portion. The device also includes a dynamic plate portion including a top opening, a bottom opening, and a conduit between the top and bottom openings. The top opening of the plate portion is connected to the tube, and the bottom opening includes a length and a width. The dynamic plate portion allows the device to maintain positive contact with the pavement even when the surface of the pavement is angled or uneven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Robert Loomis, Jacob Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20170268183
    Abstract: A device for reinstatement of a micro-trench that includes a hopper. The hopper includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening being larger than the bottom opening. The device also includes a valve portion connected to the bottom opening of the hopper and a tube connected to the valve portion. The device also includes a dynamic plate portion including a top opening, a bottom opening, and a conduit between the top and bottom openings. The top opening of the plate portion is connected to the tube, and the bottom opening includes a length and a width. The dynamic plate portion allows the device to maintain positive contact with the pavement even when the surface of the pavement is angled or uneven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Robert Loomis, Jacob Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20170268184
    Abstract: A device for reinstatement of a micro-trench that includes a hopper. The hopper includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening being larger than the bottom opening. The device also includes a valve portion connected to the bottom opening of the hopper and a tube connected to the valve portion. The device also includes a dynamic plate portion including a top opening, a bottom opening, and a conduit between the top and bottom openings. The top opening of the plate portion is connected to the tube, and the bottom opening includes a length and a width. The dynamic plate portion allows the device to maintain positive contact with the pavement even when the surface of the pavement is angled or uneven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Robert Loomis, Jacob Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9631058
    Abstract: The disclosed composite wood particulate products, adhesives contained in such wood particulate products, and methods of making the adhesive and the wood particulate products employ an aldehyde-free adhesive, and more specifically a formaldehyde-free adhesive. The aldehyde-free adhesive includes an inert additive that extends a resin, such as an isocyanate resin, and forms an evenly dispersed, less expensive polymeric adhesive admixture. The extender-filler of the resin is mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry can then be mixed with a resin, like the isocyanate resin, to form the adhesive. Various rheology modifiers can be added, if desired, to the extender-filler or the slurry. The adhesive can be blended with wood particles to form a mat that is then pressed into a composite wood particulate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: The Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Philip N. Cote, Omar Tiba, Wallace K. Rowland, Robert J. Rubash, Randall C. Zenke, Sudip Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 8277705
    Abstract: A method for restoring a damaged rail seat located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material comprising a poly(urethane-urea) material to the damaged rail seat located on the concrete rail tie; and restoring the damaged rail seat by curing the polymeric material under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the damage rail seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Robert M. Loomis, Paul D. Rogers, Omar Tiba
  • Publication number: 20100022687
    Abstract: A method for producing a lignocellulosic board product is provided. The method comprises providing lignocellulosic material. Furthermore, an adhesive binder system is provided comprising (a) an adhesive binder resin and (b) an extender and/or filler material comprising particularized bran material. The extender and/or filler material does not have an undesirable effect on the chemical and/or the physical properties of the adhesive binder resin to which the extender and/or filler material is added. It also does not impede the performance of the adhesive binder system during subsequent use in producing the lignocellulosic board product. Substantially no flour balling is present in the extender and/or filler material and in the adhesive binder system, respectively. Then, the lignocellulosic material and the adhesive binder system are combined. Finally, the combined lignocellulosic material and adhesive binder system are formed into the lignocellulosic board product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMPANY
    Inventors: Wally Rowland, Tim C. Ayers, Robert J. Rubash, Scott Rowland, Philip N. Cote, Randall C. Zenke
  • Publication number: 20090212452
    Abstract: A method for restoring a worn rail clip shoulder located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material to the worn rail clip shoulder located on the concrete rail tie; and restoring the worn rail clip shoulder by curing the polymeric material. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the worn rail clip shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Paul D. Rogers, Alan Pagni
  • Publication number: 20080251594
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a polymeric plug formed of a polymeric material including a plurality of flexible, readily deformable micro-inclusions which allow the formation of spike insertion pathways that track the insertion forces of the railroad spike as it is driven into a material thereby facilitating introduction of the railroad spike into said polymeric plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Paul D. Rogers, Philip N. Cote
  • Publication number: 20080235929
    Abstract: A method for restoring a damaged rail seat located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material comprising a poly(urethaneurea) material to the damaged rail seat located in the concrete rail tie; and restoring the damaged rail seat by cursing the polymeric material under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the damage rail seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Robert M. Loomis, Paul D. Rogers, Omar Tiba
  • Patent number: 7399798
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing lignocellulosic board panels. The process comprises providing lignocellulosic material and an adhesive system. The adhesive system comprises (a) a base adhesive resin and (b) an extender and/or filler material comprising sugar beet material. The adhesive system (i) retains substantial moisture in the lignocellulosic material, and/or (ii) creates a relatively higher initial viscosity, and/or (iii) maintains a substantially stable viscosity thereof over time. The lignocellulosic material is combined with adhesive system. The combined lignocellulosic material and adhesive is then formed into the lignocellulosic board panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Tim C. Ayers, Philip N. Cote, Wally K. Rowland, Robert Joe Rubash
  • Publication number: 20070051071
    Abstract: A system and method for installing a protective covering onto at least one substantially entire side portion of a stack of products. The system includes an apparatus for automatically, and preferably continuously, robotically moving, positioning and fastening a protective covering to at least one side portion of a stack of products. The side portions of the stack of products can vary in dimensions. The protective covering can also protect a top portion of the stack of products. The stack of products can include stacks of plywood, particleboard, OSB, lumber or other bundles of predetermined sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Eldon Owen, Asa DeForest, Brian Clark, Robert Pitts, Dwayne Schwake
  • Publication number: 20060168911
    Abstract: A system and method for installing a protective covering onto at least one substantially entire side portion of a stack of products. The system includes an apparatus for automatically, and preferably continuously, robotically moving, positioning and fastening a protective covering to at least one side portion of a stack of products. The side portions of the stack of products can vary in dimensions. The protective covering can also protect a top portion of the stack of products. The stack of products can include stacks of plywood, particleboard, OSB, lumber or other bundles of predetermined sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Eldon Owen, Asa DeForest, Brian Clark, Robert Pitts, Dwayne Schwake
  • Patent number: 5952053
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing filled polyurethane elastomers, and more particularly to a process for producing highly filled polyurethane elastomers in which resin solid separation is substantially reduced. The separation rate of the solid particulate fillers contained in a filled polyol resin is significantly reduced, and the subject process can be optimized to lower the viscosity of the uncured liquid reaction mixture prior to curing same to form a solid, thereby substantially non-cellular filled polyurethane elastomer. The above-described benefits can be accomplished by reacting together a three-component polyurethane system comprising (a) a filled polyether polyol resin having a particulate filler material dispersed therein, (b) a polyisocyanate, and (c) a catalyst solution for reacting (a) and (b) to form said filled polyurethane elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventor: Scott A. Colby
  • Patent number: 5952072
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a substantially non-foaming, non-cellular polymeric material. The polymeric material preferably comprises a polyurethane. The polymeric plug infiltrates and tightly bonds with the railroad spike hole to prevent moisture infiltration. Thus, substantial tie rot due to moisture is impeded, and the leaky railroad spike hole is effectively and efficiently dammed to enable complete filling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Scott Adams Colby, Robert Mark Loomis, Amy Laverne Clement
  • Patent number: 5733596
    Abstract: A process is provided for continuously applying a substantially uniform and smooth filler of a water-based filler material to underlying wood substrates. The process comprises introducing the underlying wood substrates into a filler application area. Then, the initial temperature of the outer surface of the underlying wood substrates is determined. Prior to applying the water-based filler material, the initial temperature of said water-based filler material is determined. Prior to applying same to said underlying wood substrates, the initial temperature of the water-based filler material is continuously adjusted, based on the initial temperature of the underlying wood substrate, so that the final temperature of the water-based filler material of the outer surface of the underlying substrate is maintained. The water-based filler material is continuously applied to the outer surface of the underlying wood substrates in the filler application area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventor: Donald L. Arrington
  • Patent number: 4002271
    Abstract: Pistons of one pair of double-acting cylinders are connected to opposite sides of one point of a lever, one being driven by one chemical and the other supplying the chemical to a mixing and applying gun. A second pair of pistons of a second pair of double-acting cylinders are connected to the lever at a second point on the lever, a distance from the pivot point of the lever either the same or a predetermined fraction of the distance of the first-mentioned point from the pivot point of the lever, and are driven by a second chemical and supplying the second chemical to the gun, the cylinders all being of the same diameter. Valving actuated by the lever reverses the drives of the pistons automatically. In an alternate embodiment, supplies of the chemicals to the gun may be cut off and a solvent supplied to the gun to prevent the chemicals in the gun from setting up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The Willamette Valley Company
    Inventor: Erville C. Buck