US6138379A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar drying process
Assignee: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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Filing: 1999-06-28
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Granted: 2000-10-31
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Expires: 2019-06-28
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 05:53
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B3/00; F26B3/28; F26B3/283; F26B3/286; F26B19/00; F26B19/005; F26B25/00; F26B25/06; F26B25/063; F26B2210/00; F26B2210/16; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/90; Y02A40/924; Y02A40/926; Y02B; Y02B40/00; Y02B40/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of drying a product comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber wherein the product comprises a top, middle and bottom portion and wherein the chamber compromises a warm end, a cool end, curvilinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface at the warm end of the chamber and a baffle positioned at the cool end of the chamber to receive air flow from the heat transfer surface and direct it toward the warm end of the chamber; and (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surfaces toward the baffle, over the top, middle, and bottom portions of the product.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of drying a product comprising: (a) positioning the product within a chamber wherein the product comprises a top, middle and bottom portion and wherein the chamber compromises a warm end, a cool end, curvilinear interior surfaces for facilitating air circulation, a heat transfer surface at the warm end of the chamber and a baffle positioned at the cool end of the chamber to receive air flow from the heat transfer surface and direct it toward the warm end of the chamber; and (b) circulating air within the chamber across the heat transfer surfaces toward the baffle, over the top, middle, and bottom portions of the product.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the chamber is egg-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of lumber, fruits, flowers, and grains.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the product is lumber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein circulating air in step (b) is carried out using at least one fan.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the at least one fan is powered by one or more photo-voltaic cells.
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) | 2003-10-31 | 2004-05-01 | 2004-10-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-31 | 2008-05-01 | 2008-10-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-31 | 2012-05-01 | 2012-10-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |