Patents by Inventor Ernie R. Gillam

Ernie R. Gillam 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: 5687704
    Abstract: A portable and nestable grill having two generally conical shaped sections forming inverted conical housings removably joined together at the smaller ends forming a midsection or waist of reduced diameter. The upper conical shaped housing defines an upper grilling section for supporting a cooking grate near the upper end and a means for supporting charcoal or other solid fuel at the lower end of the upper housing forming the waist section. The lower conical shaped housing defines a charcoal starter/ash catcher base section. A plurality of apertures are sized, shaped, and positioned to provide sufficient draft to create a venturi effect at the position of the fuel support means to provide fast pre-ignition of the solid charcoal fuel and superior convective heat transfer for cooking. A vent ring having a plurality of apertures formed therein is sized and conically shaped to cover a portion of the charcoal starter/ash catcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Porcelain Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Allan C. Lerch, John H. Waugh, Ernie R. Gillam, Calvin F. Sprinkle, Richard H. Bird