US3861058A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluidized bed grain processor
Assignee: California Pellet Mill Co
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Filing: 1972-12-18
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Granted: 1975-01-21
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Expires: 1992-12-18
Abstract
Abstract A grain processor has an enclosure with top, side and end walls and a bottom wall having a number of perforated areas spaced by an imperforate zone. A weir extends between the side walls and is located above the imperforate zone. The weir is variably spaced from the top and bottom walls. A heater supplies hot air to the enclosure through the perforations. There is an air return from the enclosure to the heater. Grain is supplied to one end of the enclosure just above the bottom and is released from the other end of the enclosure.
Inventors
- 👤 John C Whelan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:13
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B3/00; F26B3/02; F26B3/06; F26B3/08; F26B17/00; F26B17/10; F26B17/106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A grain processor comprising side, end and top walls partially defining an elongated enclosure; means for supplying untreated grain to one end of said enclosure; means for releasing treated grain from the other end of said enclosure; a stationary bottom wall for said enclosure having disposed therein a plurality of perforated areas spaced by at least one imperforate zone disposed between said ends; means for regulating the average depth of grain above said bottom wall including a vertically moveable weir located above each of said imperforate zones, said weir extending between said side walls and spaced from said top and bottom walls; and means for supplying fluidizing hot air to said enclosure through said perforated areas.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A grain processor comprising side, end and top walls partially defining an elongated enclosure; means for supplying untreated grain to one end of said enclosure; means for releasing treated grain from the other end of said enclosure; a stationary bottom wall for said enclosure having disposed therein a plurality of perforated areas spaced by at least one imperforate zone disposed between said ends; means for regulating the average depth of grain above said bottom wall including a vertically moveable weir located above each of said imperforate zones, said weir extending between said side walls and spaced from said top and bottom walls; and means for supplying fluidizing hot air to said enclosure through said perforated areas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The grain processor of claim 1 wherein the means for supplying fluidizing hot air to said enclosure includes means for recycling the hot fluidizing air which has been used to treat the grain.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The grain processor of claim 1 wherein said stationary bottom wall includes at least two imperforate zones and attendant weirs for regulating the depth of the grain.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The grain processor of claim 1 wherein the openings of said perforated areas include lips or air deflectors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The grain processor of claim 4 wherein said lips or air deflectors are inclined upwardly and in a direction to deflect air toward the grain release means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The grain processor of claim 4 wherein the weirs are spaced approximately 2 feet apart.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The grain processor of claim 6 wherein the end weirs are spaced approximately 2 feet from the end walls.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
180 words
A grain processor comprising side, end, and top walls partially defining an elongated enclosure, means for supply untreated grain to one end of said enclosure means for releasing treated grain from the other end of said enclosure, a stationary bottom wall for said enclosure having disposed therein a plurality of perforated areas spaced by at least two imperforate zones disposed between the ends of said enclosure, the openings of said perforated areas including lips or air deflectors which are inclined upwardly and in a direction to deflect air toward the grain release means, means for regulating the average depth of grain above said stationary bottom wall including vertically movable weirs located above each of said imperforate zones, said weirs extending between said side walls and spaced from said top and stationary bottom walls, said weirs being disposed approximately 2 feet apart and approximately 2 feet from each of the end walls, and means for supplying fluidizing hot air to said enclosure through said perforated areas for treating the grain and for recycling the hot air which has treated said grain.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
180 words
A grain processor comprising side, end, and top walls partially defining an elongated enclosure, means for supply untreated grain to one end of said enclosure means for releasing treated grain from the other end of said enclosure, a stationary bottom wall for said enclosure having disposed therein a plurality of perforated areas spaced by at least two imperforate zones disposed between the ends of said enclosure, the openings of said perforated areas including lips or air deflectors which are inclined upwardly and in a direction to deflect air toward the grain release means, means for regulating the average depth of grain above said stationary bottom wall including vertically movable weirs located above each of said imperforate zones, said weirs extending between said side walls and spaced from said top and stationary bottom walls, said weirs being disposed approximately 2 feet apart and approximately 2 feet from each of the end walls, and means for supplying fluidizing hot air to said enclosure through said perforated areas for treating the grain and for recycling the hot air which has treated said grain.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2797908A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-20 | 1978-07-22 | 1979-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-20 | 1982-07-22 | 1983-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-20 | 1986-07-22 | 1987-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |