Patents by Inventor Tim Staal

Tim Staal 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).

  • Patent number: 11772905
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Publication number: 20210316948
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: TIM STAAL, Thomas Congdon
  • Patent number: 11072499
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Publication number: 20200189857
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Patent number: 10569970
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Publication number: 20190291295
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Geoffrey D.H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Patent number: 10357894
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Publication number: 20190152718
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Patent number: 10239703
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Publication number: 20170157792
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey D.H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Publication number: 20170137231
    Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Tim Staal, Thomas Congdon
  • Patent number: 9573770
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: USNR, LLC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Publication number: 20140209433
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D.H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Patent number: 8714341
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Publication number: 20130277173
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Geoffrey D.H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Patent number: 8490777
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. H. Wight, Thomas W. Congdon, Tim Staal
  • Publication number: 20100307890
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: USNR/Kockums Cancar Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. H. Wight, Thomas Congdon, Tim Staal