US3685431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Machine for killing insects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-10-29
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Granted: 1972-08-22
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Expires: 1989-10-29
Abstract
Abstract Machine for killing insects in a stream of grain or finely divided food, the grain flowing down into the machine onto a distributor for even spreading over a plurality of angle deflectors, and by them directed downwardly and forwardly onto a plurality of angularly disposed grids. In flowing over the electrified grids, insects are electrocuted. From the grids the material flows into a hopper and back into the stream. Antiexplosive atmosphere is maintained in the machine by a sequencing control, to feed in non-combustible gas in regulated quantities to maintain the oxygen content within 5-10 percent, preventing starting and electrification of the machine until a test arrangement finds the oxygen content reduced below 10 percent, and thereafter feeding CO2 at rates to continue reduction to 5 percent, and then maintain it between 5 and 10 percent oxygen.
Inventors
- 👤 Obed W Stone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 07:22
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B9/00; A23B9/06; A23B2/00; A23B2/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In an insect electrocuting machine: a housing cabinet; a plurality of sloping grids in the cabinet, all sloping in the same direction downwardly and laterally in parallel spaced relation one behind another; grain distribution means above the tops of the grids, to deliver grain to the upper ends of the grids, and a collecting means below all of the grids to accumulate the grain descending from them; each of the grids providing oppositely charged conductors that can provide electrical energy to kill insects in the spaces adjacent the conductors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an insect electrocuting machine: a housing cabinet; a plurality of sloping grids in the cabinet, all sloping in the same direction downwardly and laterally in parallel spaced relation one behind another; grain distribution means above the tops of the grids, to deliver grain to the upper ends of the grids, and a collecting means below all of the grids to accumulate the grain descending from them; each of the grids providing oppositely charged conductors that can provide electrical energy to kill insects in the spaces adjacent the conductors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
In the machine of claim 1: the grids having a rockable mounting on the housing at one of their ends to permit their slope to be changed, means to swing the other ends of the grids about the mountings, and means to hold the grids in selected positions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
In the machine of claim 1, the grain distribution means including a plurality of baffles in the housinG across the tops of the grids affording slots, one above the top of each grid, through which grain may pass to the grids; and distribution means above the baffles incorporating grain spreading means to receive grain from a stream and spread it over the baffles and to deliver grain downwardly onto the baffles and through the several slots.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
In the machine of claim 1, means in the housing to support the baffles removably in the cabinet; and a means in the cabinet wall removable to give access to the grids for their removal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
In the machine of claim 1: the grain distribution means including a plurality of flange elements arranged in spaced relationship across the housing in an inverted V-like disposition, comprising first flanges extending downwardly and in the direction of one of the grids and second flanges extending downwardly and oppositely to deflect material downward and toward the first flanges of an adjacent grid, the lower edges of the first flanges extending lower than the second flanges and over the upper ends of the grids.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
83 words
In the machine of claim 1: the housing cabinet having two side rails in the grid area, one along each side of the housing, and the grids have elements adjacent to their upper ends at their sides and removably interengaging with the two side rails, the several grids being connected to the two side rails in sequence along the rails from the rear toward the front of the rails, and releasable means to secure the lower ends of the grids to the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
In the machine of claim 1: each grid having the conductors spaced by solid material molded between them, non-conducting side rails and a non-conducting bottom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
In the machine of claim 1: the housing cabinet having sheet sides and top to enclose the interior, and hinged doors adjacent the upper end openable to give access to the interior for servicing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-22 | 1976-02-21 | 1976-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-22 | 1980-02-21 | 1980-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-22 | 1984-02-21 | 1984-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |