Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more optimal operating parameters for debarking wood is provided. The apparatus has a scraper and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the scraper toward a sample portion of the wood to scrape a surface of the sample portion of the wood with a scraping force. The apparatus also has a force sensor operatively associated with the scraper for detecting the scraping force. A light source impinges light on a scraped surface of the sample portion. A light detector detects a light image defined by light from the light source reflected by the scraped surface. A controller is operatively associated with the force sensor and the light detector. The controller has processing means to determine the one or more optimal operating parameters based on signals relating to the scraping force and signals relating to the light image. The one or more optimal operating parameters are relevant to debarking wood proximal to the sample portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more optimal operating parameters for debarking wood is provided. The apparatus has a scraper and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the scraper toward a sample portion of the wood to scrape a surface of the sample portion of the wood with a scraping force. The apparatus also has a force sensor operatively associated with the scraper for detecting the scraping force. A light source impinges light on a scraped surface of the sample portion. A light detector detects a light image defined by light from the light source reflected by the scraped surface. A controller is operatively associated with the force sensor and the light detector. The controller has processing means to determine the one or more optimal operating parameters based on signals relating to the scraping force and signals relating to the light image. The one or more optimal operating parameters are relevant to debarking wood proximal to the sample portion.

Abstract: A sonic generator comprises a resonant bar, a housing and magnetic excitation units connected between the resonant bar and the housing. The magnetic excitation units are connected to the bar at highly stressed points using a mounting connection which is a sleeve having an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the bar. A resilient elastomer such as urethane is mounted between the sleeve and the resonant member. The sonic generator may be used for grinding purposes and, in particular, may be used to grind material exceptionally fine with reduced power consumption. The bar is substantially unrestrained so as to allow substantially free vibration.

Abstract: A sonic generator comprises a resonant bar, a housing and magnetic excitation units connected between the resonant bar and the housing. The magnetic excitation units are connected to the bar using a mounting connection which is a sleeve having an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the bar. A resilient elastomer such as urethane is mounted between the sleeve and the resonant member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is particularly adapted for maximizing lateral stiffness of a rotating saw blade. Temperature sensors measure the temperature of a rotating plate or saw blade. A displacement probe measures the degree of lateral displacement of the rotating plate or blade. A heating means heats the rotating plate or blade, so as to control the lateral stiffness of it. The displacement means is preferably an electromagnet, while the heating means is preferably one or more induction heating coils.