US5992048A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar drying process and apparatus
Assignee: University of Arkansas
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Filing: 1997-09-30
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Granted: 1999-11-30
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Expires: 2017-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A drier with a curvalinear chamber having a heat transfer surface at one end and baffles at the other end. A fan is provided to circulate air within the chamber. In the process for drying, the product to be dried is positioned within the chamber and air circulated across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back to the heat transfer surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack B. DeVore
- 👤 James E. Snow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:11
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B19/00; F26B19/005; F26B3/00; F26B3/28; F26B3/283; F26B3/286; F26B2210/00; F26B2210/16; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B40/00; Y02B40/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A drying apparatus comprising: (a) a frame defining a chamber suitable for holding an item to be dried, said chamber comprising curvalinear surfaces for facilitating air circulation, and further comprising a warm end with a heat transfer surface and a cool end; (b) a heater positioned to provide heat to the heat transfer surface; (c) a fan positioned to provide air flow across the heat transfer surface; and (d) a baffle positioned within the chamber at the cold end to receive air flow from the heat transfer surface and direct it toward the warm end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A drying apparatus comprising: (a) a frame defining a chamber suitable for holding an item to be dried, said chamber comprising curvalinear surfaces for facilitating air circulation, and further comprising a warm end with a heat transfer surface and a cool end; (b) a heater positioned to provide heat to the heat transfer surface; (c) a fan positioned to provide air flow across the heat transfer surface; and (d) a baffle positioned within the chamber at the cold end to receive air flow from the heat transfer surface and direct it toward the warm end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heater comprises a solar collector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the solar collector is a parabolic-shaped solar collector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fan is powered by a photo voltaic cell.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of drying a product comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber comprising curvalinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface within and at one end of the chamber and a baffle within and at the other end of the chamber; and (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back across the heat transfer surface.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of drying a product comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber comprising curvalinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface within and at one end of the chamber and a baffle within and at the other end of the chamber; and (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back across the heat transfer surface.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of transporting a product from a first point to a second point, the method comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber comprising curvalinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface at one end of the chamber and a baffle positioned near the heat transfer surface; (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, to beneath the heat transfer surface; and (c) transporting the chamber between the first and second points, during operation of step (b).
Claim 9
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of transporting a product from a first point to a second point, the method comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber comprising curvalinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface at one end of the chamber and a baffle positioned near the heat transfer surface; (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, to beneath the heat transfer surface; and (c) transporting the chamber between the first and second points, during operation of step (b).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6 further including providing heat to the heat transfer surface by a solar collector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 further including providing heat to the heat transfer surface by a parabolic-shaped solar collector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 further including circulating air in step (b) with a photo voltaic cell powered blower.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the chamber further comprises a cool end opposite the one end, and circulate air in step (b) upwardly at the one end and downwardly at the cool end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the chamber comprises a non-rectangular cross-section.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the chamber is egg shaped.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 2002-11-29 | 2003-05-31 | 2003-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-29 | 2007-05-31 | 2007-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-29 | 2011-05-31 | 2011-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |