Abstract: An improved blending apparatus for manufactured wood products with a rotating blending drum or cylinder with a pattern of alternating flights of different configurations extending from the interior of the drum. The flights lift the strands as the drum rotates to different heights before the strands free-fall back to the bottom of the drum. One flight is shorter, and may be trapezoidal in cross-section. The second flight is taller, and may have a “bull-nose” configuration with substantially vertical sides. During operation, the design of the bull-nose flight tends to hold more strands and to carry them closer to the top of the drum before the strands drop and fall. In contrast, the shorter height and angled sides of the trapezoidal flight tends to hold fewer strands and to not carry them as high along the side before strands drop and fall.

Abstract: An improved blending apparatus for manufactured wood products with a rotating blending drum or cylinder with a pattern of alternating flights of different configurations extending from the interior of the drum. The flights lift the strands as the drum rotates to different heights before the strands free-fall back to the bottom of the drum. One flight is shorter, and may be trapezoidal in cross-section. The second flight is taller, and may have a “bull-nose” configuration with substantially vertical sides. During operation, the design of the bull-nose flight tends to hold more strands and to carry them closer to the top of the drum before the strands drop and fall. In contrast, the shorter height and angled sides of the trapezoidal flight tends to hold fewer strands and to not carry them as high along the side before strands drop and fall.

Abstract: An improved wood or engineered wood substrate panel, with one edge of each panel forming a first joint element and the opposing edge forming a complementary second joint element, wherein the first joint element from one panel is configured to mate and form a joint with the second joint element on an adjacent panel. Each panel is provided with complementary sealants or adhesives pre-installed on each joint element, so that the first joint element is joined with the second joint element to form the joint, an adhesive bond is automatically formed by the sealants on contact, or shortly thereafter, and no adhesive need be applied during installation.

Abstract: An improved blending apparatus for blending of wood strands in the manufacture of engineered wood products. The blending process is performed with a rotating blending drum with an internal offset spike/paddle roll. The spike/paddle roll is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum, extends for some, all, or substantially all of the length of the drum, may rotate in either direction, and can rotate independently of or in conjunction with the rotation of the drum. The roll has a central cylinder or rod with a number of paddles, spikes, and/or tines, separately or in combinations, extending from the exterior. The paddles, spikes, and/or tines may extend at various angles and directions, including, but not limited to, substantially right angles. The paddles, spikes, and/or tines may be made of any suitable materials, including, and may be made of different materials. The rod may be driven by an external or internal motor or drive, or powered by the rotation of the drum itself.