FWRC Patents

Implant and forget mechanism to interact with biota, in particular fauna that may outgrow available habitat and method of use thereof

James A. Evans, Leandro E. Miranda, James P. Kirk

Patent #8,156,897 B2 - - - 2012

An "implant and forget" device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing an apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Termite control system, method and apparatus

Kevin W. Ragon, Patrick Donohoe, Terry Amburgey, Michael Sanders

Patent #7,707,767 B2 - - - 2010

The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for controlling the movement of insects such as termites by using a vibration device that produces mechanical vibrations within a certain frequency range. The frequency range may be chosen to attract or repel. The source may be coupled with insect food sources or other attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

Termite control methods and apparatus

Kevin W. Ragon, Patrick Donohoe, Terry Amburgey, Michael Sanders

Patent #7,698,853 B2 - - - 2010

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling insect population or activity by using electromagnetic field source of certain frequency and intensity coupled with insect food sources/attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

System and method for controlling growth of aquatic plants utilizing bio-eroding means implanted in triploid grass carp

James L. Evans, Steve Miranda, James P. Kirk

Patent #7,350,479 B2 - - - 2008

An "implant and forget" device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Release mechanism to interact with biota, in particular fauna that may outgrow available habitat

James L. Evans, James P. Kirk, Steve Miranda

Patent #7,156,049 B2 - - - 2007

A device for interacting with biota either on a pre-specified schedule or via actuation by remote signal. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In selected embodiments, it comprises frangible packaging enclosing means for timing interaction, at least part of the means for programming the device and means for opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is inserted in fish. Specific examples of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-specified period or, alternatively, long enough to effectively control the target aquatic plants, toxins in the device are dispensed to kill them. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life.

Delivery system for supplemental wood preservative and/or metal corrosion inhibition treatment

Michael G. Sanders, Terry L. Amburgey, H. Michael Barnes

Patent #7,195,823 - - - 2007

The present invention comprises a porous pad impregnated with wood preservative(s) and/or metal corrosion inhibitor(s) to which future maintenance treatments can be applied. These pads are designed to be placed within joints of wood, metal or combinations thereof for protection against biotic and/or abiotic deterioration. The pad can be placed between joints of wood and/or metal members.

Moisture and Density Detector

Philip H. Steele, Jerome E. Cooper

Patent #7,068,050 - - - 2006

Patent #6,784,671 - - - 2004

A Moisture and Density Detector (MDD) that provides a method and apparatus to determine the moisture content and/or density of any dielectric material for various purposes. This device is very useful in detecting the moisture content of wood and wood-based materials, such as that of lumber in a dry kiln prior to, during and/or following drying. The MDD passes a radio frequency signal between opposed or adjacent capacitance electrodes and measures the signal strength and phase shift of the signal. The addition of phase shift and multiple frequencies improves the accuracy of the results.

Method to control off-flavor in water and aquaculture products

Anita M. Kelly, Tor P. Schultz

Patent #6,902,675 - - - 2005

This invention relates to a method to extract terpenoids in aquatic environments by using a hydrophobic absorbent, thus reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water and aquaculture products which is caused by cyanobacteria-produced terpenoids.

Positive Directed Movement of Termites by Radio Waves as a Basis for Control Procedures

Terry L. Amburgey, Michael G. Sanders, Craig D. Bell

Patent #6,837,001 - - - 2005

A novel method of positively directing termite activity by the use of radio waves. Also provided is a method of protecting a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation based on termite attractancy of specific radio waves.

Through-Log Density Detector

Philip H. Steele, Jerome E. Cooper, William Lionheart

Patent #6,784,672 - - - 2004

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 impendance 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.

Modified wood with surface coatings

Darrel D. Nicholas, Eugene Michael Ivankoe, Moon G. Kim, Charles U. Pittman, Lichang Wang, Ahmed Kabir, Tor P. Schultz, Leonard L. Ingram

Patent #6,602,605 - - - 2003

A method and process for treating wood. The steps include preparing isocyanate-based reactive prepolymer resins for impregnation, impregnating wood with these impregnation resins, curing the impregnated wood ate elevated temperatures, preparing isocyanate resin-based coating materials and applying these coating materials on the cured impregnated wood and curing the coatings at room or elevated temperatures. The resulting treated wood has substantially improved de-contaminability of the chemical warfare agent VX both initially and after long exposure to degradation effects from sunlight.

Container for 4-Allylanisole and Analog Scolytid Pesticides

Jane L. Hayes, Brian L. Strom, M. Roton, Leonard L. Ingram Jr., Edgar R. Butts

Patent #6,306,913 - - - 2001

A projectile can be used to administer pesticides such as one or more from the group consisting of 4-allylanisole, anisole, allylbenzene, 4-isopropylanisole, p-anisaldehyde, othylbenzene, cumene, 4-molhoxyacetophonone, 4-methyistyrone, 2-propylphenol, phenetole, and toluene, for scolytid infestation. Conifers, which are a target for scolytids, are protected by the application of the pesticides by use of a projectile containing the compound which explodes upon contact with the conifer thereby emitting the compound.

Method for Preventing and/or Controlling Staining in Lumber, Apparatus Therefore and Non-Stained Lumber

Terry L. Amburgey and Shane C. Kitchens

Patent #5,858,484 - - - 1999

Patent #5,697,414 - - - 1997

The TASK Process Machine incorporates varying levels of compression and vibration to mechanically stress lumber. Development of methods such as the TASK Process Machine that can prevent gray stain will increase the average grade of Mississippi produced hardwood lumber and increase its value for both domestic and export markets. It has been estimated that preventing these sapstains can increase the value of Mississippi hardwoods by about $19 million per year.

Enhanced Wood Preservative Composition

Tor P. Schultz and Darrel D. Nicholas

Patent #6,231,651 - - - 2001

Patent #5,944,880 - - - 1999

Patent #5,730,907 - - - 1998

A wood preservative composition comprising a biocide such as quaternary ammonium compound, e.g., didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), an isothiazolone or an isophthalonitrile, in combination with an antioxidant, which is a flavone or a phenol, is useful as a cost-effective and environmentally safe wood preservative. The invention also provides a method for the use of such composition and compositions so treated.

Scolytid Repellant

Jane L. Hayes, Brian L. Strom, Lawrence Roton, and Leonard Ingram, Jr.

Patent #5,695,807 - - - 1997

Patent #5,518,757 - - - 1996

Patent #5,403,863 - - - 1995

4-allylanisole is demonstrated to be an effective repellant for scolytid infestation. Conifers, a particular target for the scolytids are protected by application of 4-allylanisole, either directly or suspended in a carrier, in concentrations as low as 0.01%. The repellant can be administered in conjunction with other repellants and insecticides. Scolytidae are a large family of insects that include the southern pine beetle and other bark beetles. The repellant will be released from a retrievable device that is attached to trees requiring protection. The initial primary economic impact will be on protecting un-infested individual trees.

Detector for Heterogeneous Materials

Philip H. Steele and Lalit Kumar

Patent #5,585,732 - - - 1996

A system for the detection of knots and voids in wood or lumber employs opposed arrays of capacitor plates. The presence of knots and/or voids is detected based on changes in the dielectric response produced in the electrical fields sensed by the opposed capacitor plate arrays. A software system delineates the specific knot and void defects detected. Wood or lumber strength can also be estimated by comparing a sensed dielectric value in a clear portion of the lumber or wood with an established dielectric response value for wood of known density. Employing an appropriate correlation factor the relative wood density, coupled with sensed knot/void location and size, permits an estimate of overall wood strength.

Synergistic Wood Preservative Compositions

Darrel D. Nicholas and Tor P. Schultz

Patent #5,540,954 - - - 1996

Patent #5,462,589 - - - 1995

This invention is directed to synergistic biocidal compositions that combine a copper salt and an organic biocide selected from the group of tribromophenol, its salts and chelates, and sodium-omadine, its salts and chelates. Wood treated with the preservative compositions have improved fungi resistance. The use of synergistic biocide mixtures greatly improves the cost effectiveness of wood preservatives and will permit the use of more environmentally friendly preservative systems.

Kenaf Core Board Material

Roy D. Seale, Terry Sellers, Jr., and Marty Fuller

Patent #5,492,756 - - - 1996

Low-density composite board material is prepared by particulate kenaf core raw material and a cold-set, thermosetting or thermoplastic binder. The compressed and cured material exhibits dimensional stability, acoustical and thermal insulating properties and related characteristics roughly equivalent to some currently available wood and wood-substitute materials. The surfaces of the kenaf core board can be upgraded with the addition of overlays. Kenaf has the potential to reduce the raw material costs of panel products by 50%. Manufacturing costs (energy, equipment and labor) will be reduced because kenaf will require little or no drying before use. At the same time no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be generated from kenaf because it is not dried as is wood or other fiber sources.

Prevention of Enzyme-Mediated Discoloration of Wood

Terry L. Amburgey and Elmer Schmidt

Patent #5,480,679 - - - 1996

Methods for preventing non-fungal discoloration of logs, wood and wood products that are free of non-fungal discolorations are provided. The wood is treated with a phytotoxic agent to prevent enzyme-mediated discoloration of the wood. The wood subsequently may be monitored to determine viability of parenchyma cells. This invention is also related to unmilled wood that is substantially free of non-fungal discolorations and has been produced from oak, southern hackberry, and maple logs that were treated by this process. This process will permit Mississippi hardwood lumber manufacturers to water-store logs for several months and still produce lumber free of non-microbial sapwood discolorations.

Use of Additives for Preservative Carrier Oils to Improve their Efficacy against Wood Decay

Darrel D. Nicholas

Patent #5,308,858 - - - 1994

This invention describes novel compositions for the treatment of wood. Specifically, compositions containing isothiazolones in petroleum and solvent carriers containing vinsol are produced to treat wood for protection against bacteria and fungi. The use of this additive can greatly reduce the leaching of wood preservatives, resulting in an extended service life of treated wood and less detrimental effect on the environment.

Method for Determining the Presence of Knots or Voids in Wood

Philip H. Steele and Michael Hittmeier

Patent #5,357,112 - - - 1994

This is a method for determining the presence of knots and/or voids in lumber surfaces by uniformly heating the wood and then submitting the wood to an infrared camera, providing a thermal image of the surface of the wood. Knots and voids heat differently than the remaining wood areas, the differential heating being observed by the inspection of the thermal image, or more preferably by conversion of the image to a digital signal which is communicated to a frame grabber and data processor, permitting frame-by-frame inspection of the heat distribution on the surface of the wood. Automation of lumber handling for increased productivity will require accurate machine-vision systems to detect defects and characterize the lumber without human intervention. Accurate knot detection will increase the rate of automation in lumber processing systems and will increase product yield and reduce processing costs. Increased productivity and yields will keep wood a competitive raw material in Mississippi and the United States.

Water Repellant for Wood

Ramesh C. Vasishth and Darrel D. Nicholas

Patent #5,200,451 - - - 1993

A composition and method are described for making wood and other porous articles water repellant. The composition is an aqueous acidic solution or an aqueous acidic emulsion of a polymeric ingredient and an aluminum halohydrate, preferably aluminum chlorohydrate which is dissolved in the solution or emulsion. The polymers which are useful in this invention are glyoxal-urea polymer and self-crosslinking acrylic polymers. The polymers are chemically reactive with the cellulose or other components in the wood under acidic conditions upon drying. Preferably, the composition avoids the presence of toxic chromium compounds and salts which can interfere with the effectiveness of the composition. The composition offers enhanced water repellency and resists leaching due to the combination of the resin with the aluminum halohydrate. Application of this waterborne water repellant to wood greatly reduces the negative aspects of weathering and extends the useful service life.

Treatment of Wood with Water-Borne Preservatives

William C. Kelso, Jr.

Patent #4,303,705 - - - 1981

A process for the treatment of wood is disclosed in which water-borne wood treatment materials, such as CCA salts, are forced into the wood under pressure and the water-borne wood treatment materials are held within the wood under pressure until they are deposited as by precipitation or chemical affixation. The precipitation or chemical affixation step is conducted at elevated temperatures established by heating the wood treatment materials while they are in contact with wood, by draining the wood treatment materials from external contact with the wood, while maintaining a sufficient pressure to prevent kickback and heating the wood as by steaming or by submerging the wood in a heated aqueous bath.