US4020565A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Draft inducing roof for storage structures
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-10-28
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Granted: 1977-05-03
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Expires: 1995-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A grain bin of a type having side walls and a perforated floor therein. A drying fan is connected to the bin below the perforated floor and a roof is rotatably attached to the grain bin. The roof has vanes thereon for catching wind and causing circulation of air through the bin, thereby causing ventilation of the bin. Means for rotating the roof when the wind is not blowing is also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Sylvester L. Steffen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:27
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B9/00; F26B9/06; F26B9/063; F26B25/00; F26B25/06; F26B25/08; F26B25/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A seed grain storage structure comprising: a circular grain bin having side walls and a space therein for storing grain; a circular roof, said roof including a substantially horizontally disposed fluid impervious central plate member for substantially preventing precipitation from entering the bin and a plurality of turbine-shaped vanes having openings formed therebetween in communication with said space and with ambient air, whereby rotation of said roof causes air to pass through the openings between the vanes; and means for rotatably mounting said roof to said grain bin including a plurality of circular members rotatably attached to one of the lower periphery of said roof and the upper periphery of said grain bin, and guide means attached to the other of said lower periphery of said roof and the upper periphery of said bin for guiding contact with said circular members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A seed grain storage structure comprising: a circular grain bin having side walls and a space therein for storing grain; a circular roof, said roof including a substantially horizontally disposed fluid impervious central plate member for substantially preventing precipitation from entering the bin and a plurality of turbine-shaped vanes having openings formed therebetween in communication with said space and with ambient air, whereby rotation of said roof causes air to pass through the openings between the vanes; and means for rotatably mounting said roof to said grain bin including a plurality of circular members rotatably attached to one of the lower periphery of said roof and the upper periphery of said grain bin, and guide means attached to the other of said lower periphery of said roof and the upper periphery of said bin for guiding contact with said circular members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said vanes are arcuate in shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 2 wherein a continuous row of said vanes extends completely around the outer periphery of said roof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1 having means for catching wind currents to thereby rotate said roof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1 having means for rotating said roof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 5 wherein said rotating means comprises an electric motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said motor includes means for generating electrical power.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said rotating means further comprises a circular member connected to said electric motor in frictional engagement with said roof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 8 including a clutch means for selectively disengaging said circular member from said motor whereby said circular member can turn when said motor is stopped.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1, said bin including a perforated floor and having fan means attached to said side walls below the level of said perforated floor for supplying air to grain in the bin.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1 including means for varying the pitch of the vanes and the distance between vanes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
A seed grain storage structure as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of said roof is made of a transparent material to allow infrared rays from the sun to enter the bin.
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) | 1980-05-02 | 1980-11-01 | 1981-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-02 | 1984-11-01 | 1985-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-02 | 1988-11-01 | 1989-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |