Abstract: A system for minimizing manual handling of tobacco leaves for bulk cure comprises a container for use in forced air curing of tobacco in bulk, a kiln having a floor arrangement to effect better control of air flow in achieving forced air cure in such containers and apparatus to facilitate handling of containers from the field, placement in and removal from a kiln. The bulk cure container sidewalls have a plurality of projections to define internally of the container a plurality of obstructions which impede the flow of air along container sidewall interior filled with tobacco in bulk form. The kiln has a floor arrangement which provides a plurality of cavities adapted to sealingly engage container bottoms. The apparatus for handling the containers includes a mobile frame supporting a pair of spaced-apart rails. Such rails cooperate with corresponding pairs of rails in kiln so as to be interconnectable therewith.

Abstract: A push-pull air movement apparatus for enhancing the movement of air through grain stored within the apparatus including a grain storage bin, an intake fan for pushing air through the grain and an exhaust fan. The intake fan is connected to the bin and is in fluid communication with the stored grain. An exhaust fan is also provided and is connected to the bin for pulling and exhausting at least as much air volume from the stored grain as the intake fan means inserts.

Abstract: A low-temperature grain drying/aeration system includes a controller having an initialization circuit which is programmed on the basis of long term computer simulation of the low-temperature drying process to respond to inputs representing initial conditions such as harvest date, harvest moisture and air flow rate, and control a dry down indicator to indicate the probability of drying success and the time of completion of the drying. The controller responds to control outputs provided by the initialization circuit to provide humidistatic control of fan and heater operation during the drying operation, and to permit heater operation only when supplemental heat is desirable. At the end of the normal drying season, the controller automatically transfers operation from the drying mode to an aeration mode to provide periodic ventilation of the stored grain, and effects shut down of the system when conditioning of the grain is completed.

Abstract: A convertible barn for grain or tobacco curing formed from a structural rail-like frame supporting metallic walls and roof made of corrugated sheets and the like and providing a floorless base frame arrangement that includes a longitudinally extending center beam for housing an auger element rotatable through its longitudinal length by a detachable power unit positioned externally of the barn.The structure includes at one end a furnace room for supplying heat through its base area. The base area of the barn may be covered by a removable perforated flooring when the barn is used for curing grain and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for field drying harvested crops, particularly peanuts, in the form of an open-topped container having sides, ends and a bottom of wire mesh fine enough to retain the crops. Tubular wire mesh conduits extend inwardly from opposite side walls and terminate inside the container. Pivoted legs support the container above the ground, oriented in a direction to direct natural currents of ambient air into the conduits and through the contained crops. Selectively usable shades and shutters permit shading from direct sunlight and exclusion of air flow or inclement weather.

Abstract: A seed corn dryer apparatus comprising an exterior shell secured to a foundation. The exterior shell includes a pair of side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a roof. A pair of interior walls are secured to the foundation within the exterior shell in a generally parallel and spaced-apart fashion from the side walls. A plenum, divided into upper and lower plenums, is contained between the interior walls. A storage area is contained between the interior walls and side walls. Air can circulate between the upper and lower plenums only through the storage area.

Abstract: A rectangular building contains a pair of light permeable panels which face in a southerly direction in order to receive as much solar radiation as possible. One of the panels constitutes one section of the building's sloping roof and the other a vertical wall of the building. The remainder of the building panels are mainly of sheet metal. Inside the building and spaced from both the light permeable panels are a pair of circular grain storage bins, each being open at the top but protected or covered by the overlying roof. Air heated by the radiation transmitted through the light permeable panels is induced to flow through each bin so as to dry grain or other crops contained in the bin. The air then passes through a gravel bed at the bottom of each bin into ducts having fans which exhaust the air and the moisture it has picked up to atmosphere.

Abstract: A heat cycling apparatus and method is provided for a bulk tobacco curing barn having at least two chambers in which the tobacco is cured in bulk utilizing a pressurized heat source. The heated curing air is directed first to one chamber and then to the other on a predetermined repetitive time cycle. Crops other than tobacco may be cured or dryed with the same apparatus and method on an appropriate time cycle.

Abstract: According to the invention, the installation for treating a product in a gaseous medium, particularly a heat treatment or drying installation, comprises at least one blowing box provided with at least one blowing wall opposite which is located the product to be treated, this blowing wall being supplied with treatment gas by supply means. The supply means comprises at least one fan disposed on one of the sides of the blowing box called "blowing side", this fan feeding a central duct supplying the central part of the blowing wall and extending perpendicularly to this blowing side as far as the opposite side called "open side", and two end ducts supplying respectively the two end parts of the blowing wall and extending parallel to the central duct from the open side as far as the blowing side, these two end ducts being fed by the central duct through two bends causing the treatment gas to make a half-turn.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying small laundered garments, such as women's pantyhose, characterized by a box-like compartment through which hot air may be delivered by a conventional portable hair dryer. Its walls are connected by hinges so that it may be folded to flat configuration when not in use. It may be constructed of inexpensive cardboard, utilizing conventional paper processing machines.

Abstract: A cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall of a washroom or similar facility is provided with a conventional hand-held hair dryer secured within the cabinet and positioned so that the output of the hair dryer is projected through a vent opening in the cabinet. The hair dryer is controlled by a push-button time switch and the push button of the switch is operable from the outside of the cabinet. A suitable vaporizing substance is disposed within the cabinet adjacent to the inlet of the hair dryer so that the fumes are expelled through the vent together with the heated air. Additional electrical circuitry can be provided to override the time switch and to provide power outlets for washroom accessories such as electric shavers or lighting.

Abstract: A machine for dehydrating food, as an aid toward preservation of food for extended periods of time. Intake air may be obtained from either the exterior of the machine or a combination of exterior and recycled air. Intake air is electrically heated and pressurized in a plenum chamber by a fan. The pressurized and heated air is released in a uniform laminer flow through a set of small openings, thence along horizontally disposed shelves containing the food to be dried. The air is then selectively discharged into the atmosphere or a portion thereof is recycled and combined with new intake air and again passed over the food to be dehydrated. The percentage of recycled air is selectively variable over a wide range. Removable frames support either solid sheets or screens having mesh openings of desired sizes which support the food to be dried. The choice of a solid sheet or the mesh size depends upon the type of food to be dried.

Abstract: A method of kiln drying timber in a kiln chamber by directing a restricted jet of hot air or gas over timbers in the stack and cyclically varying the direction of the jet in order to play the heated air or gas over the whole of the stack. A kiln for performing the method comprises a generally cylindrical kiln chamber having an elongate nozzle along one wall parallel to the axis of the cylinder and pivotable about an axis parallel to the axis of the cylinder; a group of fans arranged in a row parallel to the axis of the chamber draws gas or air from within the chamber and directs it along conduits one surface of which is a heat exchange surface to the nozzle where it is directed back into the kiln chamber. The heat exchange surface of the conduits may be heated in any known way, by means of heaters or by forming it as one surface of a water jacket.

Abstract: Particulate treatment apparatus includes structure defining a particle treatment zone including a conveyor defining an imperforate lower particle treatment zone boundary. A chamber above the particle treatment zone receives a body of liquid, and means are provided for creating a zone of vapor within the chamber above the body of liquid. Nozzle tubes extend through the lower wall of the chamber and are disposed along the length and across the width of the treatment zone. The upper ends of the nozzle tubes extend above the level of liquid in the chamber while the lower ends of the tubes are disposed adjacent the imperforate transport surface of the conveyor. Vapor flows from the vapor zone through the tubes downwardly against the conveyor surface and fluidizes particles on the conveyor with concurrent vapor exchange so that the particulate material entrains a substantial amount of vapor as it is transported through the treatment zone.

Abstract: A cooling container vessel, comprises a vessel hull with spaced apart bulkheads which define a storage space therebetween and which includes substantially vertically arranged guide frames disposed in the space at spaced locations from the bulkheads alongside a vertically elongated manifold for the supply of cooling air. A plurality of horizontally extending double-walled cargo supporting structures are engaged with the frames and are supported thereby in a horizontal position. The double-walled cargo supporting structures are provided with an interior cavity which is supplied with cooling air by a connection carried thereby which may be engaged with a connection to the manifold and include at least one wall which has openings for the flow of cooling air into the cavity of the double-walled supporting structures and outwardly through the openings in the wall thereof.

Abstract: A tobacco bulk curing barn construction including a furnace section and a plurality of portable barn sections each having imperforate side walls and top wall that form substantially complete exterior walls and roof of an integral transverse section of a composite curing part of the barn construction. Flanges and sealing gaskets are provided along edges of each section to provide sealing engagement of adjacent sections in a series row formation. A screen is secured across one end of the barn section to define with the side walls a full section open curing space for receiving tobacco filled in bulk therein when the section is disposed flat on the screened end. A pair of open frames is mounted between the side walls for movement from open positions after an initial amount of tobacco has been filled into position on top of the leaves to limit the amount of compression which can subsequently be applied to the initial tobacco by virture of the subsequent full loading of leaves into the curing space.

Abstract: A portable grain drying apparatus comprising a wheeled frame having a cylindrical housing mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom. The housing is provided with a perforated wall portion to permit the escape of air therethrough. An inverted conical-shaped perforated lower floor is provided in the housing above the lower end thereof. The lower floor is provided with a plurality of diamond-shaped air passageways positioned thereon around a centrally disposed grain discharge opening formed in the lower floor. The air passageways also define radially extending grain passageways therebetween to facilitate the even flow of the grain on the lower floor towards the grain discharge opening.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus has a vessel with a floor on which is provided a support lining defining with the floor a generally closed space and constituted as a gas-impervious foil formed with a multiplicity of throughgoing holes and a gas-pervious textile sheet bonded to the foil over the holes. A blower serves to inject gas into the space and suck it therefrom and means is provided for withdrawing fluent particulate material from the vessel adjacent the lining. The gas injected under the lining serves partially to fluidize the bed and also to flex the lining so that the bed of particulate material thereon is loosened and can be withdrawn from the vessel.

Abstract: An anti-pollution grain drying apparatus comprising: a grain drying bin having a perforated floor through which hot air is blown upwardly for drying purposes; a rotary sweep mounted in the bin for counter-clockwise (CCW) sweep movement along the floor, during which its lag side continuously deposits wet grain as it rotates over the floor to form thereon a circular layer extending about 345.degree. clockwise (CW) from the lag side of the sweep to the lead side thereof while its lead side continuously retrieves dried grain from the adjacent end of said circular layer on the floor; and an anti-pollution suction system operative to remove air-borne dust, from the dried grain being retrieved along the lead side of the sweep, and direct it into outside equipment which separates the air and dust, captures the dust and discharges the clean air into the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating materials such as aluminum billets to a temperature suitable for extrusion is disclosed. The apparatus has at least two zones arranged in tandem, a preheat zone and one or more primary heating zones. Every zone has inner and outer chambers. The outer chamber is supplied with high temperature gas at a pressure in excess of that of the inner chamber. The chambers are separated by baffles which define narrow slot-like aspirating throats through which secondary gases from a secondary source are jetted after entraining high temperature gases from the primary chamber. The secondary gases are at a lower temperature to provide efficient impingement of the gases on a target such as a billet with the primary gases providing the principle heat source. The apparatus is of the closed type utilizing rapid recycling of gases for efficient use of thermal energy.

Abstract: A drying installation for the drying of molded blanks, such as plank bricks, large surface structural members of ceramic material and the like, having a substantially closed drying chamber separated into a plurality of adjacently arranged parallel drying channels, an air supply coupled to each of the parallel drying channels for supplying dry air having a different temperature, humidity and flow rate, and a conveyor for moving the molded blanks through the drying chamber, the conveyor being guided perpendicularly with respect to the flow of the dry air through the adjacently arranged drying channels.

Abstract: A furnace for heating one or more bodies in which heated gas is introduced into the furnace chamber through one or more injectors and are conveyed to the bodies in a manner involving appreciable resistance to gas flow. In a preferred arrangement a continuous metal strip is conveyed through the furnace on a gaseous support cushion, the gas being introduced into the furnace under pressure through injectors which communicate with the lower portion of the furnace. The injectors generate a substantial recirculation of gas within the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an equilibrium of temperature and moisture between grain stored in a grain bin and the surrounding atmospheric air. A grain temperature sensor and an air temperature sensor are connected to a comparator circuit which compares the relative temperatures. When a predetermined temperature differential between the grain and the atmospheric air is exceeded, the comparator circuit switches on an activating circuit which, in turn, completes an electrical circuit to the fan motor. When the fan is running, outside air is circulated through the grain to bring the temperature and moisture of the grain and the outside air back into an approximately equilibrium condition, plus or minus an allowable temperature differential. When the temperature differential between the grain and the atmospheric air is reached, the fan motor is turned off.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for simultaneously subjecting the inside and outside surfaces of a procession of containers to a gaseous treatment, such as the hardening by heating of a previously applied liquid coating. The containers each provide a closed end and another open end by which it rests on a conveyor which carries a procession of the cans through a treatment region. Structure is provided for the creation of a difference in air pressure as applied to different portions of the open ends of the containers to induce air currents interiorly of thereof.

Abstract: An improved method for batch drying grain and the like utilizes a plurality of separate batch bins having hot, drying air inlets, transfer air outlets and inlets, and return air outlets. The hot, drying air inlets are connected by a common duct as are the transfer air outlets and inlets. The return air outlets are also connected with a common duct or ducts. The common return duct or ducts connect the outlets to a fan chamber. Air in the fan chamber is dehydrated and heated by a heat pump before being directed into the common hot, drying air supply duct. Air is circulated among the batch bins by arranging various combinations and permutations of supply, transfer and return inlet and outlet openings before it is recycled through the fan chamber and heat pump coils.

Abstract: One or more infrared heat lamps provide radiant heat at the top of a laboratory oven structure having a permanently open front and ventilation openings rearwardly thereof, so air will be drawn across a mass of discrete matter constituting a test sample being exposed to radiant heat within the oven. The interior of the oven structure is lined with a heat-resistant material, such as sheet asbestos, and a height-adjustable shelf arrangement within the oven provides for placing the test sample to be dried either closer or farther away from the infrared lamp or lamps. The oven is especially useful for drying samples of asphaltic road-building materials for highway construction or maintenance.

Abstract: Grain drying apparatus of a type having a grain bin having a grain receiving chamber, a plenum chamber for receiving air from an air circulating mechanism, and a perforated floor separating the plenum chamber from the grain receiving chamber. An opening in the side wall of the grain bin is located partially above and partially below the perforated floor in order to eliminate the cold spot due to a lack of air flow normally found above grain drying fans. An annular flanged connection device is provided for facilitating easy connection and disconnection of the air circulating mechanism to and from the grain bin.

Abstract: A portable dryer for drying articles of clothing includes a rigid housing formed with openings near its bottom, attachment means located near the top of the housing for securing at least one external drying means thereto for operatively supplying heated air into the housing. Heated air operatively received from the hair dryer in the housing and passing therethrough is expelled from the housing through the openings.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inverted frusto-conical shaped perforated floor which is mounted in a conventional grain drying bin in a raised position relative to the base floor thereof. The perforated floor has a plurality of grain discharge openings formed therein, each of which are selectively closed by a trough-like valve. The valves have varying lengths to obtain better grain distribution on the base floor. The valves are controlled by a manually operated means. A tube tensioner is provided on the bottom surface of the perforated floor to stiffen and strengthen the perforated floor. A series of bands are mounted above the perforated floor to maintain the level of the grain being dried substantially parallel to the upper surface of the perforated floor for evenness of drying. The grain is dumped on the perforated floor and the dried air is passed upwardly through the perforated floor to dry the grain.

Abstract: A food dryer cabinet closed at one end by a door offset from the cabinet end providing an air space therebetween through which an exhaust flow passes. Hinge elements and a latch assembly cooperate to offset the door from the cabinet end. An electrical component housing of noncombustible material occupies the opposite end of the cabinet and isolates dryer electrical components from the cabinet for safety purposes. A plate member constitutes the back wall of the cabinet while additionally serving to secure the noncombustible component housing within the cabinet. A metal mesh member closes the housing and supports a baffle for desired air flow over the food articles being dried.

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.

Abstract: In a grain drying bin, drying conduit members are attached to the inside wall and extend to and rest on the foundation to supportively reinforce the bin wall and thereby permit use of lighter gauge wall panels, while also serving the air distribution function of such conduits.

Abstract: An oven for treating food including a well of sheet metal material that is open at the top, a removable insert open at the top end located in the well, the side walls and bottom of the insert being spaced from the side walls and bottom of the well to define air circulating passages therebetween with the top of the circulating passages being open. The insert also includes a plurality of gill openings formed in the side walls of the insert, the gill openings having the open portion thereof facing upwards on the outer side of the insert to divert air from the air passages into the interior of the insert. The insert further includes openings at the bottom thereof for communicating the air passages with the interior of the insert. The oven further includes a removably fitted lid which forms the top thereof, and an air circulating fan depending from the lower side of the lid for drawing air upwardly out of the insert.

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.

Abstract: An oven for drying an applied coating material having volatile properties characterized by an arrangement of components which minimize the effects of air pollution and, at the same time, satisfies governmental regulations in this regard.

Abstract: A unitary drier for use in drying the under portion of an automotive vehicle having a vertically disposed forced air inlet duct, a source of forced air in cooperative association with the air inlet duct, means for heating the source of forced air to a predetermined temperature, and a horizontally disposed forced air dispersing duct connected to the air inlet duct that is capable of being placed underneath the automotive vehicle. The dispersing duct has a plurality of uniformly arranged forced air discharge means to discharge a uniform array of heated air to the under portion of the automotive vehicle whereby moisture is removed from the under portion of the automotive vehicle by the force of the heated air impinging on the under portion and by evaporation.

Abstract: A subatmospheric air pressure is applied to the bottom of a grain bin so that the air flows down through the grain from a top opening in the bin. Heated air, at atmospheric pressure or above, is introduced into the bin above the top of the grain. This air may be distributed above the grain to flow down through it.

Abstract: A device for tempering and/or sterilizing objects which must be kept free of contamination by foreign particles, such as for example, ampules sterilized in pharmaceutical preparations, has a housing and means for supporting the objects in the housing. A pair of gas distribution plates are mounted in the housing in spaced relationship to each other, on either side of the support means, and cooperate with means for supplying conditioned air to produce a laminar flow of the conditioned air downwardly over the objects being treated. The conditioned air has a substantially different temperature than the objects being treated and can be either heated or cooled depending upon whether the device is used for sterilizing or tempering. Because of the maintenance of laminar flow in the housing, the number of contaminating particles per space unit which can come into contact with the objects being treated is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of drying crops, the apparatus having a central heating system in which air is forced in a vertical path, downwardly, by a blower, across a heater and into a lower plenum chamber. A flapper valve in the plenum chamber regulates the ratio of heated air to be distributed to the flexible heated air ducts. A plurality of barns radially disposed, around the heater are respctively connected to the heated air ducts and are also connected to the upper plenum chamber of the heating system, via return air ducts. Fresh air is introduced through the upper plenum chamber. Each barn has a carriage consisting of wheels and axles and a tongue by means of which the barn is pulled by a tractor or other prime mover. The housing of each barn is mounted on the carriage and has a front door and a removable top. The crop to be collected and dried, if tobacco, is placed on racks and, if, peanuts or a grain, is through the open top, after the roof has been removed.

Abstract: This dryer unit includes a housing having an inclined belt conveyor assembly mounted therein for transporting a previously washed printing plate through a drying system. The continuous belt is formed from an open mesh material to facilitate the circulation of drying air through the belt and over and above the plate.

Abstract: .Iadd.Apparatus for method of vacuum freeze-drying frozen granular material in spaced, substantially vertical product beds is provided by vertical cell units designed for this purpose. Sublimed water vapors are conveyed from the product beds to the condensing area by open spaces between said product beds. The open spaces contain heating means for supplying heat of sublimation to the frozen material within the product beds..Iaddend.