Patents by Inventor Van Woodham

Van Woodham 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: 7448532
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20080017276
    Abstract: A apparatus, system, and method are provided for positioning a log for cutting. The apparatus includes a plurality of log-transferring members having a common rotational axis and each having a plurality of log positioner arms extending generally about the rotational axis. The log positioner arms include a lifting surface and a supporting surface circumferentially spaced from the lifting surface such that the lifting and supporting surfaces define a cradle therebetween. The apparatus also includes a drive shaft operable to rotate the plurality of log-transferring members such that a log is retained within the cradle during rotation of the log from a first position adjacent to the lifting surface to a stationary position adjacent to the supporting surface. The log is operable to be cut while supported in the stationary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20070044699
    Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus is provided for a vessel having a center helm console supported by a deck, wherein the console is disposed between and separated from opposing port and starboard gunwales of the vessel. The apparatus comprises a rigid panel member operably engaged with each of the port and starboard sides of the console. Each panel member has fore and aft ends, wherein the fore end of each panel member is pivotably attached to the starboard and port sides, respectively, of the console such that the aft side of each panel member is pivotable between an inboard position adjacent to the respective port and starboard sides of the console, and an outboard position adjacent to the respective port and starboard gunwales of the vessel. The panel members in the outboard position protect the occupant from wind and/or water spray produced by the vessel moving through water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Donald Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 7152728
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20060118204
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20060113004
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 7025251
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 7021451
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 6978879
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20050274434
    Abstract: A appartus, system, and method are provided for positioning a log for cutting. The apparatus includes a plurality of log-transferring members having a common rotational axis and each having a plurality of log positioner arms extending generally about the rotational axis. The log positioner arms include a lifting surface and a supporting surface circumferentially spaced from the lifting surface such that the lifting and supporting surfaces define a cradle therebetween. The apparatus also includes a drive shaft operable to rotate the plurality of log-transferring members such that a log is retained within the cradle during rotation of the log from a first position adjacent to the lifting surface to a stationary position adjacent to the supporting surface. The log is operable to be cut while supported in the stationary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20050166999
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20050022903
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 6779649
    Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 6779648
    Abstract: A device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20030205444
    Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20030115999
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 6543498
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20020046924
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The present invention discloses a log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm of the present invention will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 5947174
    Abstract: An apparatus for debarking roundwood is provided which has a rotary drum debarker having conveyor means to move roundwood into and through the drum debarker, and, furthermore, has a rotable outfeed spool located at the outlet of the drum debarker to contact portions of the roundwood and help remove the roundwood from the drum debarker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Donald Van Woodham