Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing wetwood content in green lumber by a treatment with a selected fungal species, such as Phlebiopsis gigantea or Gliocladium roseum, prior to kiln drying. In the laboratory conditions, the biological treated boards reduced wood moisture content (MC) by 22-37% more than untreated boards. The time required for drying biological treated boards was approximately reduced by 10% compared with untreated controls, and by 33% compared with freshly-saw lumber. After drying, the biological treated boards reduced the total deformation with stain, warping and checking by 14-25%.

Abstract: A method for machining a molding core from an aggregate material block, comprising: positioning the aggregate material block on a rotative base member; and rotating the base member and simultaneously machining the aggregate material block into the molding core. There is also provided a method for forming a casting mold including a molding core and a foundry casting core comprising: a core body having at least one convex shaped core print. The method comprises: providing at least one molding element having a mold cavity with at least one core-print pocket defined in a top side of the molding element; forming the molding core having at least one convex shaped core print; and inserting the molding core in the mold cavity with the at least one convex shaped core print engaged in a respective one of the at least one core-print pocket.

Abstract: A method for machining a sand molding element, comprising: inserting at least one hollow center body having an internal cavity in a predetermined position in a casting flask; filling the internal cavity of the hollow center body with unbonded sand; filling the casting flask with bonded sand to obtain a sand block; machining a mold cavity in the sand block; and emptying the internal cavity from the unbounded sand. There is also provided a method for machining a molding core from a sand block, comprising: providing a core base member having a concave upper surface; forming a sand block on the core base member with a lower surface of the sand block resting on the concave upper surface; and machining the molding core into the sand block, the molding core having a convex lower surface complementary to the concave upper surface of the core base member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing wetwood content in green lumber by a treatment with a selected fungal species, such as Phlebiopsis gigantea or Gliocladium roseum, prior to kiln drying. In the laboratory conditions, the biological treated boards reduced wood moisture content (MC) by 22-37% more than untreated boards. The time required for drying biological treated boards was approximately reduced by 10% compared with untreated controls, and by 33% compared with freshly-saw lumber. After drying, the biological treated boards reduced the total deformation with stain, warping and checking by 14-25%.

Abstract: A method for machining a sand molding element, comprising: inserting at least one hollow center body having an internal cavity in a predetermined position in a casting flask; filling the internal cavity of the hollow center body with unbonded sand; filling the casting flask with bonded sand to obtain a sand block; machining a mold cavity in the sand block; and emptying the internal cavity from the unbounded sand. There is also provided a method for machining a molding core from a sand block, comprising: providing a core base member having a concave upper surface; forming a sand block on the core base member with a lower surface of the sand block resting on the concave upper surface; and machining the molding core into the sand block, the molding core having a convex lower surface complementary to the concave upper surface of the core base member.

Abstract: To facilitate separation of lumber pieces that are of different species, an indicator liquid is sprayed on to a fresh cut end of each lumber piece to produce a characteristic reaction, e.g. based upon pH. After a suitable interval the coated ends of the lumber pieces are optically scanned, the scanned image being analyzed spectrographically to identify the species of the lumber piece, e.g. as between spruce and fir. The lumber pieces are separated accordingly so that further processing thereof, e.g. kiln drying can be done under optimal conditions for that species.