This paper concerns the scanning, and grading of kiln-dried hardwood lumber. A prototype system is described that uses laser sources and a video camera to scan boards. The system automatically detects defects and wane, grades the boards, and then searches for higher value boards within the original board. The goal is to derive maximum commercial value based on current market lumber prices. This...

Objectives: To evaluate the demographic characteristics, surgical safety in addition to highlighting major complications in 1525 consecutive patients who underwent microscopic inter-laminar discectomy electively at King Hussein Medical Center. Methods: A series of 1525 consecutive patients underwent elective inter-laminar lumbar discectomy, during a 5year period (January 2009 to January 2014) i...

The aim of this study was to understand the microscopic characteristics of the bamboo bonding interface with phenol formaldehyde resin modified with larch thanaka and urea (PTUF) and its effect on the shear strength of two-ply bamboo laminated lumber. Bleached and carbonized bamboo strips were used, and two assembly patterns (outer-to-outer and inner-to-inner) were adopted to make two-ply bambo...

Despite the importance of improving lumber processing early in manufacturing, scanning of unplaned, green hardwood lumber has received relatively little attention in the research community. This has been due in part to the difficulty of clearly imaging fresh-cut boards whose fibrous surfaces mask many wood features. This paper describes a prototype system that scans rough, green lumber and auto...

To enforce laws and treaties that protect endangered tree species, federal agents first have to recognize those species when they come across wood suspect came from illegal logging operations. A US Fish Wildlife Service lab has spent a decade developing mass spectrometry approach rapidly identify by species. Now the scientists are taking it on road. Some years ago, David Gehl made an unusual tr...

A single loblolly pine tree approximately 45 years in age was harvested for use in this study. Increment core samples from throughout the length of the tree bole were analyzed for terpenes. Lumber samples from different locations within the tree were tested for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in a pilot-scale kiln. The concentration of terpenes was also determined in samples from lumb...

Background & Aim: To assess functionality status and surgical outcome of fenestration versus laminotomy technique based on Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in patients with lumbar disc hernia (LDH). Methods & Materials/Patients: A cross-sectional study was performed between January 2007 and April 2012. A total of 108 patients with a single-level disc herniation were asked to respond to the...

Increased interest in the export of machine graded lumber from Europe to the United States has required European lumber producers to address the requirements of the American Softwood Lumber Standard (ALS). Grade selection, grade qualification, quality control and process control settings are all mill-specific and test-based. Each producer is required to have a third-party, ALSapproved agency to...