US4004352A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Grain drying apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-01-16
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Granted: 1977-01-25
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Expires: 1995-01-16
Abstract
Abstract A grain bin having a roof, a perforated floor, a grain storage chamber above the floor, a plenum chamber below the floor and a fan for forcing air into the plenum chamber, through the floor and ultimately through the grain storage chamber. A ventilation structure is attached to the roof of the bin in direct communication with the top of the grain storage chamber and has a plurality of turbine shaped blades fixed together and mounted for free-spinning rotation with respect to the roof.
Inventors
- 👤 Vincent B. Steffen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:52
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B9/00; F26B9/06; F26B9/063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
Grain bin apparatus comprising: a bin; a perforated floor in said bin; a chamber on each side of said floor; air circulating means connected to said bin for forcing air under pressure to enter one of said chambers and exhaust from an opening in the other of said chambers; and means rotatably attached to said bin and encompassing said opening for modulating the flow of air exhausting out of said other chamber, said modulating means having a substantially horizontally disposed fluid impervious central plate member for substantially preventing precipitation from entering the bin and a plurality of spaced turbine-shaped blades connected to said central portion and extending downwardly therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
Grain bin apparatus comprising: a bin; a perforated floor in said bin; a chamber on each side of said floor; air circulating means connected to said bin for forcing air under pressure to enter one of said chambers and exhaust from an opening in the other of said chambers; and means rotatably attached to said bin and encompassing said opening for modulating the flow of air exhausting out of said other chamber, said modulating means having a substantially horizontally disposed fluid impervious central plate member for substantially preventing precipitation from entering the bin and a plurality of spaced turbine-shaped blades connected to said central portion and extending downwardly therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said blade means is also rotatable in response to atmospheric wind currents.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said modulating means comprises a framework having a circular portion thereon; and a plurality of arcuately shaped blades connected to a circular band, said circular band slideably contacting said circular portion to allow free rotation of said circular band and arcuately shaped blades.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said air circulating means comprises a fan.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said modulating means further comprises a circular band having said blades connected at the lower ends thereof to said circular band.
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) | 1980-01-25 | 1980-07-26 | 1981-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-25 | 1984-07-26 | 1985-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-25 | 1988-07-26 | 1989-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |