Through-log density detector
AssigneeMississippi State University
InventorsPhilip Steele, Jerome Cooper, William Lionheart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting areas of differential density in logs, cants, timbers, poles or trees comprises applying a signal to one or more pairs of electrodes and measuring the magnitude and phase shift of the voltage, current or impedance at an output electrode. Electrodes may be arranged in a circumferential or opposed configuration depending on scanned product shape, and may be stationary or move freely but are preferably in direct contact with wood surface. Wire brush electrodes are used in some embodiments. Measurements are taken in both directions between an electrode pair. Multiple frequencies may be employed. Different electrode sizes may be used for different measurements.
Claims84
An apparatus for detecting an anomaly in wood, the apparatus comprising:
- a signal generator;
- a first non-penetrating electrode connected to the signal generator, the first electrode being adapted to be placed in contact with the wood;
- a second non-penetrating electrode, the second electrode being adapted to be placed in contact with the wood, such that the first electrode and the second electrode are peripherally arranged around the wood;
- and
- a measurement device connected to the second electrode, the measurement device being configured to measure a parameter of a signal at different cross-sections the second electrode, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood piece is detected based on the parameter.
A method for detecting a knot an anomaly an wood, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing a first non-penetrating electrode in contact with the wood;
- placing a second non-penetrating electrode in contact with the wood;
- applying a first signal to the first electrode, such that the first electrode and the second electrode are peripherally arranged around the wood;
- and
- connecting a first measuring device to the second electrode to measure a first parameter at different cross-sections to detect a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood.
A method for detecting a knot an anomaly in wood, the method comprising the steps of:
- arranging a plurality of non-penetrating electrodes peripherally around of the wood piece, the plurality of electrodes placed in contact with the wood and forming a first series of electrodes;
- applying a first signal to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
- connecting a measurement device to each of the other electrodes;
- and
- repeating the applying and measuring steps at a different cross-section for each of the other electrodes such that the first parameter is measured in both directions for each possible pair of electrodes, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood is detected based on the first parameter.
A method for detecting an anomaly in wood, the method comprising the steps of:
- arranging a plurality of ungrounded non-penetrating electrodes peripherally around the wood, the plurality of electrodes placed in contact with the wood and forming a first series of electrodes;
- applying a first signal to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
- connecting a measurement device to each remaining electrode of the plurality of electrodes, to measure a first parameter;
- and
- repeating the connecting step at a different cross-section whereby each remaining electrode becomes the first electrode such that the first parameter is measured at each remaining electrode, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood is detected based on the first parameter.
A method for detecting an anomaly in wood, the method comprising:
- arranging a plurality of non-penetrating electrodes peripherally around the wood, the plurality of electrodes placed in contact with the wood and forming a first series of electrodes;
- applying a first signal to a first ungrounded electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
- connecting a measurement device to each remaining grounded electrode of the plurality of electrodes to measure a first parameter with electrodes other than the first ungrounded electrode;
- and
- repeating the connecting step at a different cross-section whereby each remaining grounded electrode becomes the first ungrounded electrode such that the first parameter is measured at each remaining grounded electrode, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood is detected based on the first parameter.
A method for detecting an anomaly in wood, the method comprising the steps of;
- arranging a plurality of ungrounded non-penetrating electrodes peripherally around the wood, the plurality of electrodes placed in contact with the wood and forming a first series of electrodes;
- applying a first signal to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
- grounding a second electrode opposite to the first electrode;
- connecting a measurement device to each of the electrodes other than the first and second electrodes, to measure a first parameter;
- repeating the signal application to a first electrode and grounding of a second adjacent electrode to all possible remaining adjacent electrode pairs;
- and
- measuring a first parameter at a different cross-section at all electrodes other than each adjacent first and second electrodes comprising the electrode pairs, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly In the wood is detected based on the first parameter.
A method for detecting an anomaly in wood, the method comprising:
- arranging a plurality of non-penetrating electrodes peripherally around the wood, the plurality of electrodes placed in contact with the wood and forming a first series of electrodes;
- applying a first signal to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
- grounding a second electrode opposite to the first electrode;
- connecting a measurement device to each of the electrodes other than the first and second electrodes, to measure a first parameter;
- repeating the signal application to a first electrode and grounding of a second opposite electrode to all possible remaining opposite electrode pairs;
- and
- measuring a first parameter at a different cross-section at all electrodes other than each opposite first and second electrodes comprising the electrode pairs, whereby a three-dimensional location of an anomaly in the wood is detected based on the first parameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.