Patents by Inventor Stephen N. Smitherman

Stephen N. Smitherman 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).

  • Method for bundling firewood
    Patent number: 4072094
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for bundling firewood. Relatively large pieces of wood, preferably first split and cut into convenient lengths, are compressed and while compressed have a strap applied therearound after which the applied pressure is released to form a bundle of firewood that is tightly banded. The apparatus includes a base section having a pair of spaced upwardly opening U-shaped members upon which the pieces of firewood are stacked with the end portions of the firewood supported by the U-shaped members. A pressure platen section is mounted above the base section and includes a second pair of U-shaped members that are downwardly directed and aligned with the U-shaped members of the base section so that, as the pressure platen is moved downwardly, the pieces of wood therebetween are compressed. The pressure platen section is moved upwardly and downwardly by a hydraulic ram and about eight tons of pressure is preferably exerted to compress and contour the wood into a cylindrical bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Big Elk Wood Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Smitherman, Lemuel A. Dougherty
  • Apparatus for bundling firewood
    Patent number: 3939762
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for bundling firewood. Relatively large pieces of wood, preferably first split and cut into convenient lengths, are compressed and while compressed have a strap applied therearound after which the applied pressure is released to form a bundle of firewood that is tightly banded. The apparatus includes a base section having a pair of spaced upwardly opening U-shaped members upon which the pieces of firewood are stacked with the end portions of the firewood supported by the U-shaped members. A pressure platen section is mounted above the base section and includes a second pair of U-shaped members that are downwardly directed and aligned with the U-shaped members of the base section so that, as the pressure platen is moved downwardly, the pieces of wood therebetween are compressed. The pressure platen section is moved upwardly and downwardly by a hydraulic ram and about eight tons of pressure is preferably exerted to compress and contour the wood into a cylindrical bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Assignee: Big Elk Wood Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Smitherman, Lemuel A. Dougherty