Patents by Inventor Rodney C. DeGroot

Rodney C. DeGroot has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6276209
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across from the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignees: Perceptron, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Mark E. Schafer, Robert J. Ross, John R. Erickson, Rodney C. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 5185214
    Abstract: A one step process for imparting both decay resistance and fire retardancy to wood and cellulosic materials by impregnating the products with a treatment solution composed of a water soluble mixture of a tertiary and quaternary ammonium preservative compound and an organic phosphate fire retardant compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: Susan L. LeVan, Rodney C. DeGroot