US4247989A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for identifying and maintaining a dormancy index in stored grain
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-12-26
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Granted: 1981-02-03
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Expires: 1998-12-26
Abstract
Abstract The field of the instant invention pertains to identifying levels of vital activity in stored seeds. The instant invention teaches a method employing infrared sensors for determining the level of stability of stored grains, for detecting instability in grains, for detecting levels of preservation and/or deterioration of grain, as well as controlling means for restoring the grain environment to a stable condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Sylvester L. Steffen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:22
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B25/00; F26B25/22; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S250/00; Y10S250/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A process which preserves maximum energy in live stored grain which includes: a storage structure having means for supplying throughputs of atmospheric air to the grain; comprising the monitoring of infrared radiation from the grain as the result of respiration of the grain irrespective of ambient temperatures; and controlling throughputs of air in response to conditions of infrared radiation so monitored.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
A process which preserves maximum energy in live stored grain which includes: a storage structure having means for supplying throughputs of atmospheric air to the grain; comprising the monitoring of infrared radiation from the grain as the result of respiration of the grain irrespective of ambient temperatures; and controlling throughputs of air in response to conditions of infrared radiation so monitored.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the exchange of energy between grain and its environment is constantly monitored, including: sensing the expenditure of heat from the air passing through the grain and continuing a throughput so long as an increasing state of stability continues within the grain as indicated by a decrease of infrared radiation from the grain mass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 1 wherein an equilibrium condition of temperature and moisture is achieved, which includes: identifying the optimum moisture level in grain consistent with its specific temperature as indicated by the level of energy radiation from the grain.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1, characterized in monitoring infrared radiation in the wavelength ranges of those absorbed by water.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of determining the state of stability and preservation of live stored grain by sensing energy emission therefrom that occurs as a result of respiration of the grain, and correlating its emission to specific conditions of grain temperature/moisture.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
39 words
A method of determining the state of stability and preservation of live stored grain by sensing energy emission therefrom that occurs as a result of respiration of the grain, and correlating its emission to specific conditions of grain temperature/moisture.
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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) | 1984-02-03 | 1984-08-04 | 1985-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-03 | 1988-08-04 | 1989-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-03 | 1992-08-04 | 1993-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |