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).
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Patent number: 7448532Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20080017276Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20070044699Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventor: Donald Van Woodham
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Patent number: 7152728Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20060118204Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2005Publication date: June 8, 2006Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20060113004Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 7025251Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 7021451Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 6978879Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20050274434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: December 15, 2005Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20050166999Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2005Publication date: August 4, 2005Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20050022903Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 6779649Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 6779648Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20030205444Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20030115999Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2003Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 6543498Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.Inventor: Van Woodham
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Publication number: 20020046924Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: Van Woodham
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Patent number: 5947174Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Donald Van Woodham