Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the potential of a wood sample, such as a board, to stay on grade, i.e., resist warp, after it is put into service and/or its moisture has re-equilibrated with the surrounding environment. The systems and methods include various sensor technologies and subjection of obtained data to various models, algorithms, and/or other mathematical formulas.

Abstract: Methods are provided for estimating the dimensional stability of a wood product from simple algebraic functions of moisture, shrinkage rates and grain angles observed on outer surfaces. The methods may employ single or multiple sensor group measurements. The quantitative relationship between crook or bow stability and lengthwise shrinkage can be established using mathematical operations, rather than sophisticated and complicated finite-element modeling methods. In particular, the curvature of any board length-segment or section, expressed as the second derivative of the crook or bow profile, can be determined from a linear combination of the shrinkage values of the coupons including that segment or section. The overall crook or bow profile of the board can be determined from a section-by-section double-integration of those second derivative values.

Abstract: Methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. The methods involve examining the log or stem for shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain. The location of the shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In another embodiment, these characteristics determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber. In the case of a stem, these characteristics determine how the stem will be bucked.

Abstract: Methods are provided for estimating the dimensional stability of a wood product from simple algebraic functions of moisture, shrinkage rates and grain angles observed on outer surfaces. The methods may employ single or multiple sensor group measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the potential of a wood sample, such as a board, to stay on grade, i.e., resist warp, after it is put into service and/or its moisture has re-equilibrated with the surrounding environment. The systems and methods include various sensor technologies and subjection of obtained data to various models, algorithms, and/or other mathematical formulas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention quantify lengthwise shrinkage to a higher degree of accuracy over currently known methods by employing reactive force values, such as stiffness measurements, in conjunction with motive force values, such as chemical composition, of the wood product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention quantify lengthwise shrinkage to a higher degree of accuracy over currently known methods by employing reactive force values, such as stiffness measurements, in conjunction with motive force values, such as chemical composition, of the wood product.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood—such as trees, logs, or lumber—then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles.

Abstract: A method for determining twist potential of wood is described. One embodiment of the method comprises nondestructively obtaining a grain angle of wood, such as trees or lumber, and then determining twist potential of the wood based on the grain angle. Where the wood comprises lumber, grain angle determinations typically are made on at least one major surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining grain angle at at least two measuring locations separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the board. The method also can further comprise obtaining at least one fiber dive angle. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine grain angle using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, light energy (such as by using a laser), electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method used light energy and ultrasound energy to determine grain angle.

Abstract: An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by placing the container in contact with a cooling element partially surrounding the container. The cooling element may hold liquid which is evaporated to enhance the cooling. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein.

Abstract: An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle.

Abstract: A process for packing, cooling and shipping fresh produce incorporates a standard corrugated paperboard, stackable container without utilizing any water resistant chemical compounds, together with a moisture-impervious plastic bag which is inserted into the paperboard container. The free ends of the plastic bag extend upwardly and above the top plane of the paperboard container as produce is packed and thereafter allows an opening for a preselected amount of free water to be applied over the fresh-packed produce. Thereafter, the top of the bag is tucked in providing a loose closure and the package is palletized and inserted into a cooling chamber having a relatively low humidity where the temperature of the produce is rapidly brought down to its storage and shipping temperature. By having the paperboard container avoid the presence of any high humidity environment, the basis weights of the paperboard components can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved method is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by heat transfer to a cooling element, which may involve the evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein.

Abstract: An improved method is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle.

Abstract: A process for packing, cooling and shipping fresh produce incorporates a standard corrugated paperboard, stackable container without utilizing any water resistant chemical compounds, together with a moisture-impervious plastic bag which is inserted into the paperboard container. The free ends of the plastic bag extend upwardly and above the top plane of the paperboard container as produce is packed and thereafter allows an opening for a preselected amount of free water to be applied over the fresh-packed produce. Thereafter, the top of the bag is tucked in providing a loose closure and the package is palletized and inserted into a vacuum chamber where the temperature of the produce is rapidly brought down to its storage and shipping temperature.

Abstract: Products are placed in proximity to a liquid holding cooling element containing a volatile liquid and are subjected to a vacuum. The evaporation of the liquid from the cooling element enhances cooling while reducing the evaporation of liquid from the product.