Patents by Inventor Charles G. McBee

Charles G. McBee has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus and method for drying relatively small lots of products
    Patent number: 6230419
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying small lots of product, for example ear corn. The method includes simultaneously directing air flow through the product while weighing the product from time to time to derive moisture content to the product. Air temperature and flow can be adjusted to desired levels for controlling the drying process. The apparatus includes an air permeable product bin and a docking station for receiving the bin. A scale is associated with the docking station to obtain weight measurements during the drying process. An air plenum supplies controlled air flow to the docking station. The structure allows monitoring of moisture content during drying and control of air flow. The temperature can also be controlled through control of an air gate from a main hot and cold air plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hinter, Charles G. McBee
  • Apparatus and method for drying relatively small lots of products
    Patent number: 6085443
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying small lots of product, for example ear corn. The method includes simultaneously directing air flow through the product while weighing the product from time to time to derive moisture content to the product. Air temperature and flow can be adjusted to desired levels for controlling the drying process. The apparatus includes an air permeable product bin and a docking station for receiving the bin. A scale is associated with the docking station to obtain weight measurements during the drying process. An air plenum supplies controlled air flow to the docking station. The structure allows monitoring of moisture content during drying and control of air flow. The temperature can also be controlled through control of an air gate from a main hot and cold air plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Charles G. McBee