Abstract: A mobile surface inspection system having a base, at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, a hollow tubular member coupled to the base, and a processor, and a method of using the same. The base has at least one front leg, at least one back leg, and at least one wheel. The extendable arm has four extension members and there is a pivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member. A light fixture is removably connected to the pivotable joint. The processor is configured to receive an image of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture, apply a high-pass filter to the image, identify surface imperfections from the filtered image. and output a position for each of the surface imperfections.

Abstract: A mobile surface inspection system having a base, at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, a hollow tubular member coupled to the base, and a processor, and a method of using the same. The base has at least one front leg, at least one back leg, and at least one wheel. The extendable arm has four extension members and there is a pivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member. A light fixture is removably connected to the pivotable joint. The processor is configured to receive an image of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture, apply a high-pass filter to the image, identify surface imperfections from the filtered image. and output a position for each of the surface imperfections.

Abstract: A mobile surface inspection system having a base, at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, a hollow tubular member coupled to the base, and a processor, and a method of using the same. The base has at least one front leg, at least one back leg, and at least one wheel. The extendable arm has four extension members and there is a pivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member. A light fixture is removably connected to the pivotable joint. The processor is configured to receive an image of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture, apply a high-pass filter to the image, identify surface imperfections from the filtered image. and output a position for each of the surface imperfections.

Abstract: A sawing process and apparatus cuts a log longitudinally along a radius curve to produce boards. The sawing apparatus includes a continuous flexible band saw blade, provided with teeth at one or both edges. A support exposes a section of saw blade that is curved and stabilized by the use of electromagnetic fields in cooperation with rollers. The saw is then configured to make a cut of a desired thickness in a curve parallel the growth rings of a log, in an arc which minimizes the number of knot defects in the board. With each pass of the log through the saw, or vice-versa, a new arc section is cut, and the log or the saw is rotated and positioned for the next arc section cut. Plural sawing stations may be used in series, and the process may be run bi-directionally when using double-edged saw blades. Once the board sections are cut, they are flattened under pressure in a kiln.

Abstract: An electric motor in which concentricity between stator and rotor is maintained solely by frictional forces between radial faces of the motor's end shields and radial faces of the stator. The motor is assembled by positioning the rotor in the stator by shims in the air gap. End shields are mounted on the rotor shaft, with radial portions of the end shield in face-to-face abutment with a face of the stator. Short through-bolts extending through the radial faces of the end shields and through the stator are tightened sufficiently to maintain the air gap between stator and rotor during shipment and use of the motor. Self-aligning bearings compensate for any lack of squareness between the stator's bore and its end faces. Special patterns on the end shield faces abutting the stator facilitate repair and reassembly of the motor.

Abstract: An electric motor in which concentricity between stator and rotor is maintained solely by frictional forces between radial faces of the motor's end shields and radial faces of the stator. The motor is assembled by positioning the rotor in the stator by shims in the air gap. End shields are mounted on the rotor shaft, with radial portions of the end shield in face-to-face abutment with a face of the stator. Short through-bolts extending through the radial faces of the end shields and through the stator are tightened sufficiently to maintain the air gap between stator and rotor during shipment and use of the motor. Self-aligning bearings compensate for any lack of squareness between the stator's bore and its end faces. Special patterns on the end shield faces abutting the stator facilitate repair and reassembly of the motor.