Abstract: A data reader derives a signal on reading a data holding medium. The data reader has processing circuitry to process the signal. The processing circuitry includes a filter having a variable cut-off frequency, a velocity signal generator that produces a signal corresponding to the velocity of the data holding medium, and a processor. The reads the velocity signal and sets the filter cut-off frequency. Calibration data derived during a calibration operation of only the particular data reader determines the filter cut-off frequency for different speeds of the medium during normal read operations of the medium.

Abstract: A data reader arranged to produce a signal on reading a data holding medium (4), said data reader comprising processing circuitry (8) arranged to process said signal, said processing circuitry including a filter (14) having a variable cut-off frequency (Fc), a velocity signal generator (23) arranged to produce a signal (21) corresponding to the velocity of the data holding medium (4), and a processor (22), said processor (22) being arranged to read the velocity signal (21) and set the cut-off frequency (Fc) of the filter (14). The data reader is generally arranged to be incorporated into a tape drive (2) arranged to be used as a computer data storage device.

Abstract: Fibrous composite articles and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The preferred fibrous materials have average fiber lengths of less than about 2 millimeters, and are obtained from industrial hemp hurd, kenaf hurd, and/or the culms of various species of vegetable bamboo. The fibers are combined with a binder resin and, optionally, a sizing agent to form a mat that is consolidated under heat and pressure to form the composite articles. The formed articles exhibit strength and durability characteristics at least roughly equivalent, if not superior, to those of conventional wood-based fibrous composite articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of molding a plywood board, and plywood board manufactured therefrom, comprising the steps of: providing a plywood board; conditioning the plywood board with water; disposing the conditioned plywood board in a contoured mold press having first and second platens; and deforming the plywood board in the mold press using sufficient heat and pressure to form a molded plywood door skin having contoured portions simulating panels.

Abstract: Apparatus responsive to a signal derived by a magnetic transducer includes a variable gain amplifier arrangement having an input responsive to the signal and an output terminal. An analog gain control circuit responds to the signal at the output terminal. An analog to digital converter responds to the signal at the output terminal. Circuitry responsive to an output signal of the analog gain control circuit and an output signal of the analog to digital converter causes the gain of the variable gain amplifier to be simultaneously controlled in response to gain control output signals resulting from the output signals of the analog gain control circuit and the analog to digital converter. Both gain control output signals are derived in response to the same instantaneous value of the output signal at the output terminal of the variable gain amplifier arrangement.

Abstract: A core component is molded to include surface depressions to compensate for varying widths and depths of the shell or framing of a building or structural member. The component includes two major surfaces defining respective front and rear sides of the component, and the rear side of the component is preferably the mirror image of the front side. The core component is preferably pre-formed and the surface layers are wetted to contain at least 2%, preferably about 4% to 20%, more moisture than at the thickness center of the mat to provide surfaces capable of adhesive coating for adherence to surrounding structural members, preferably two prefabricated molded doorskins. The core component is preferably made from a composite soft board material.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article is disclosed that involves providing a press having first and second platens, a cellulosic fiber substrate having a first thickness, and a layer of material such as a wood veneer, foil, or non-creped paper, where the layer of material has a thickness less than the thickness of the cellulosic fiber substrate. A layer of bonding material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate or the layer of material, and the layer of material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate so that the bonding material is between the layer of material and the cellulosic fiber substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a coated, molded cellulosic fiber board, including the steps of: applying a primer composition comprising a polymer to a surface of an already-compressed cellulosic fiber board, the composition formulated to form a chemically crosslinked polymer matrix when applied to the board; treating the board with steam; heating the board to its thermal softening point, wherein the wood fiber material of the board is plastically deformable; and pressing the treated, primed board into a desired shape, is disclosed.

Abstract: A core component is molded to include surface depressions to compensate for varying widths and depths of the shell or framing of a building or structural member. The component includes two major surfaces defining respective front and rear sides of the component, and the rear side of the component is preferably the mirror image of the front side. The core component is preferably pre-formed and the surface layers are wetted to contain at least 2%, preferably about 4% to 20%, more moisture than at the thickness center of the mat to provide surfaces capable of adhesive coating for adherence to surrounding structural members, preferably two prefabricated molded doorskins. The core component is preferably made from a composite soft board material.

Abstract: A method for relating multiple independent databases uses a graphical interface allowing market researchers to conveniently model different prototype forecast scenarios based on specific choices for ad campaign portfolio distributions among specific types of advertising vehicles, media vehicles or advertising media such as television or magazine print, for example. The method solves the classic regression-to-mean problem associated with the prior art fusion approach and requires less computer processing time and/or user expertise.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cellulosic composite article and steam injection press methods of making the same by combining a phenolic resin with cellulosic material to form a mixture and, thereafter, providing a catalyzing agent, such as aluminum chloride, to the mixture. As an alternative, the method may include the steps of combining a catalyzing agent with a cellulosic material to form a mixture and, thereafter, providing a phenolic resin to the mixture. The method further includes the steps of forming a mat from the catalyzing agent-containing mixture and consolidating the catalyzing agent-containing mat in a pressing apparatus under heat, steam, and pressure to form the consolidated cellulosic product.

Abstract: A data reader arranged to produce a signal on reading a data holding medium (4), said data reader comprising processing circuitry (8) arranged to process said signal, said processing circuitry including a filter (14) having a variable cut-off frequency (FC), a velocity signal generator (23) arranged to produce a signal (21) corresponding to the velocity of the data holding medium (4), and a processor (22), said processor (22) being arranged to read the velocity signal (21) and set the cut-off frequency (FC) of the filter (14) The data reader is generally arranged to be incorporated into a tape drive (2) arranged to be used as a computer data storage device.

Abstract: A data reader arranged to produce an output signal on reading a data signal (1), processing circuitry (5) being arranged to produce said output signal, said processing circuitry (5) including at least a first (14) and a second (23) feedback loop, each of the feedback loops (14,23) being arranged to produce a feedback signal, said first feedback loop (14) having a first characteristic and said second feedback loop (23) having a second characteristic, the processing circuitry (5) being arranged to apply more weight to the feedback signal of the feedback loop (14,23) having the appropriate characteristic to control processing of said data signal (1) at a particular instance. The data reader is suitable for any device that is arranged to receive data but is envisaged to have application in tape drives, hard disk drives, mobile telephones, IRDA links, etc.

Abstract: A method of forming a consolidated wood product is disclosed wherein zinc borate and resin are mixed with cellulosic material to form treated cellulosic material, followed by applying heat and pressure to form a consolidated cellulosic product. A consolidated product comprises zinc borate, resin, and cellulosic material, wherein the zinc borate is distributed throughout the lignocellulosic material. A steam injection process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oriented strand board (OSB)-fiberboard composite structure is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wood strands comprising each adjacent OSB layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB-fiberboard composite product is clad with a wood fiber overlay on one major surface of the baseboard. The composite board is manufactured without warping, by providing particular OSB layer thicknesses, such that the lower OSB layer is about 25% to about 35% thicker than the OSB layer bonded to the fiberboard.

Abstract: A method for the production of a material or article, e.g., an exterior building product such as wood composite siding, having improved weatherability properties. The material or article preferably has improved resistance to migration of wax sizing and moisture. The method preferably includes the use of salts of aluminum, calcium, zinc, and/or lithium cations, including salts of stearic acid and/or palmitic acid.

Abstract: An oriented strand board product is provided. The board is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board-forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction and wherein the wood strands comprising each adjacent layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB board product is clad with a dry felted wood fiber overlay on one planar surface of the baseboard.

Abstract: An oriented strand board (OSB)-fiberboard composite structure is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wood strands comprising each adjacent OSB layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB-fiberboard composite product is clad with a wood fiber overlay on one major surface of the baseboard. The composite board is manufactured without warping, by providing particular OSB layer thicknesses, such that the lower OSB layer is about 25% to about 35% thicker than the OSB layer bonded to the fiberboard.

Abstract: An oriented strand board product is provided. The board is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction and wherein the wood strands comprising each adjacent layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB board product is clad with a dry felted wood fiber overlay on one planar surface of the baseboard.

Abstract: A method of encoding alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals defining those characters to a computer includes the use of a keyboard having five individual alpha input keys, one alpha input key being operatively associated with an operator's thumb and the remaining keys each being dedicated for operation by one finger of the operator's hand. The keys are actuable either individually or in chord combinations for encoding the alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals to the computer. Each of the alpha input keys are designated to represent one of the five vowels. Therefore, when these keys are actuated individually they generate electrical signals corresponding to the vowels. The consonants of the alphabet are designated to correspond to chord combinations of key actuations. Unique electrical signals are generated in response to the actuation of one or more of the alpha keys to selectively input the electrical signals defining the alphabetic characters to the computer.