Patents by Inventor Timothy C. Efird

Timothy C. Efird 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).

  • High speed board feeder
    Patent number: 6431345
    Abstract: A high speed board feeder for transferring boards from an infeed conveyor onto a secondary conveyor. The boards on the infeed conveyor are transported in an edge to edge configuration against a fixed stop. Hold down mechanism is provided to secure the boards in the desired orientation. A cam member timed to the secondary conveyor has lobes that engage and lift the board that is against the positive stop. The lobes lift the board upward and over the positive stop. The board is forced onto the secondary conveyor by the conveying force of the preceding boards. The board is placed on the secondary conveyor between successive drive lugs. A pivotal stop arm is provided to interrupt the feeding of boards from the infeed conveyor to the secondary conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry A Burgener, Timothy C. Efird
  • High speed board feeder
    Publication number: 20010001998
    Abstract: A high speed board feeder for transferring boards from an infeed conveyor onto a secondary conveyor. The boards on the infeed conveyor are transported in an edge to edge configuration against a fixed stop. Hold down mechanism is provided to secure the boards in the desired orientation. A cam member timed to the secondary conveyor has lobes that engage and lift the board that is against the positive stop. The lobes lift the board upward and over the positive stop. The board is forced onto the secondary conveyor by the conveying force of the preceding boards. The board is placed on the secondary conveyor between successive drive lugs. A pivotal stop arm is provided to interrupt the feeding of boards from the infeed conveyor to the secondary conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: Jerry A. Burgener, Timothy C. Efird