Method of and means for flash drying naturally occurring oilseeds
Abstract
Abstract Oil and protein bearing naturally occurring seeds, beans, such as cottonseeds, rapeseeds, soybeans, high in moisture content and not suitable for storage, are subjected to a process which involves the reduction in the surface moisture and absorbed water content of the solids material to the desired moisture content at an accelerated drying rate, utilizing flash drying, which is suit-able, and safe, for storage and for future processing of the afore-mentioned Earth produced materials. The method and means involves specially designed equipment employing heated gases, at very minimal retention time, cocurrent contact gases-oilseeds, to effect the efficient vaporization and removal of the moisture to the desired level, dependent on the particular material. The process is conducted on a continuous basis, utilizing the naturally occurring material without denaturation of the protein content. A consequential advantage and benefit of this drying process is the cleaning of the oil and protein bearing naturally occurring seeds, beans, as mentioned heretofore, prior to the drying method, to separate undesirable materials, such as stems, sticks, leaves, dirt, dust, dockage, from the whole seeds, beans, as received, in specially designed attendant equipment as an integral portion of the process.
Inventors
- 👤 N Engelhart
- 👤 D Engelhart
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-27 | 1977-11-26 | 1978-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-27 | 1981-11-26 | 1982-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-27 | 1985-11-26 | 1986-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |