Patents by Inventor Paul A. Kaeb

Paul A. Kaeb 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).

  • Patent number: 11805722
    Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Patent number: 11758834
    Abstract: An inclined belt conveyor capable of mixing particulate material, such as agricultural seed or fertilizer. Inserting a plurality of mixing baffles into the stream of the particulate material induces a backflow of the particulate material. In the case of wet, freshly treated plant seed, this backflow causes a mixing, polishing, and drying of the plant seed. The mixing distributes the seed treatment into an even coat by rubbing the individual seeds of the seed flow stream together. The inclined belt conveyor may also be used to blend multiple varieties or types of particulate material. The mixing baffles are oriented to induce backflow and sideways lateral movement and may incorporate a passage to allow increase particulate material flow rate. The mixing baffles can selectively deploy between an angle of 20 degrees to 70 degrees to enable the mixing inclined belt conveyor to have a transfer-speed-maximizing mode and a mixing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20230148467
    Abstract: A stream of seed may be maintained at a metered flow rate through multiple stages of a treatment process. These multiple stages include dispensing, first application of fluid, second application of fluid, and seed transport. Seed transport may be accomplished through a conveyor configured to maintain the metered flow rate while providing static mixing, drying, and conditioning of the treated seed. The metered stream of seed may be treated within a first treatment applicator where a first wet treatment is applied, transferred through the incline conveyor, and treated again within a second treatment applicator where a second wet treatment is applied. Overtreating in multiple stages may layer consecutive seed treatments around the treated seed. A predetermined amount of seed treatment may be applied to the coated seed based on the metered flow rate established. Maintaining the metered flow rate through multiple stages eliminates the need for multiple metering steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Jason P. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Publication number: 20230068629
    Abstract: An agricultural incline conveyor having belt guards extending longitudinally through a curvilinear portion from a tail inlet to a head outlet. The belt guards protect linear edges of a belt within the curvilinear portion during mixing operations. A plurality of mixing baffles positioned within the curvilinear portion induce turbulent backflow of a metered stream of seed being transported through the curvilinear portion. The longitudinal guards prevent the loss of transported seed from entering between the belt and a trough of the curvilinear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Publication number: 20220400601
    Abstract: A liquid treating conveyor system that can apply a metered liquid treatment to a metered stream of seed within the conveyor, with either the rate of the seed or treatment fluid regulated. The conveyor has a curved structure. A belt conformed to the curved structure carries a bed of seed through the conveyor. A liquid dispenser distributes a treatment across the seed bed. The liquid may enter the liquid dispenser at low pressure for low shear applications. Liquid dispensers may be spaced apart along a portion of the conveyor. Gas outlet ports and mixing baffles may be disposed within the conveyor. A liquid channel may be disposed within a mixing baffle to direct flow of treatment from the liquid port to an outlet port in contact with the seed bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic E. Meyer, Jason P. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Patent number: 11483961
    Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyance structure, mixing components, belt, and gas manifold. The gas manifold disposed within or on an exterior portion of the structure. The gas manifold having one or more manifold outlet ports to dry, condition, or treat a metered stream of seed within the conveyor. The manifold may be operably connected to a recirculating air system providing the vacuum source and pressurized air source of atmospheric or conditioned air. A filter and vacuum port may extract debris or humidity from the metered stream of seed within the conveyor. A plurality of mixing baffles may be longitudinally spaced apart through the conveyor in a laterally alternating manner to mix the metered stream of seed. The conveyor may be used to transfer, mix, dry, condition and treat the metered stream of seed between multiple stages of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20220201925
    Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyance structure, mixing components, belt, and gas manifold. The gas manifold disposed within or on an exterior portion of the structure. The gas manifold having one or more manifold outlet ports to dry, condition, or treat a metered stream of seed within the conveyor. The manifold may be operably connected to a recirculating air system providing the vacuum source and pressurized air source of atmospheric or conditioned air. A filter and vacuum port may extract debris or humidity from the metered stream of seed within the conveyor. A plurality of mixing baffles may be longitudinally spaced apart through the conveyor in a laterally alternating manner to mix the metered stream of seed. The conveyor may be used to transfer, mix, dry, condition and treat the metered stream of seed between multiple stages of treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20220072900
    Abstract: A traction sleeve roller featuring an inner roller and a secured outer traction sleeve that may be rotatably powered when operable to a motor. The outer traction sleeve may be radially offset from the inner roller by a plurality of supporting members positioned between the outer traction sleeve and the inner roller. The plurality of supporting members may secure a plurality of traction members about the inner roller. The plurality of traction members may have a plurality of traction points. A plurality of outer passages pass between the plurality of traction members. A plurality of inner passages pass between an interior surface of the outer traction sleeve and a surface of the inner roller. A foulant may be directed through the plurality of outer passages into the plurality of inner passages when the traction sleeve roller is engaged with a surface having fouling conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar F. Francisco, JR., Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20210031156
    Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyance structure, belt, and gas manifold. The gas manifold disposed within or on an exterior portion of the structure. The gas manifold having one or more manifold outlet ports to dry, condition, or treat a metered stream of seed within the conveyor. The manifold may be operably connected to a recirculating air system providing the vacuum source and pressurized air source of atmospheric or conditioned air. A filter and vacuum port may extract debris or humidity from the metered stream of seed within the conveyor. A plurality of mixing baffles may be longitudinally spaced apart through the conveyor in a laterally alternating manner to mix the metered stream of seed. The conveyor may be used to transfer, mix, dry, condition and treat the metered stream of seed between multiple stages of treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20210029867
    Abstract: A mixing inclined belt conveyor capable of mixing particulate material, specifically wet, freshly treated plant seeds for agricultural purposes. Inserting a plurality of mixing baffles into the stream of the particulate material induces a backflow of the particulate material. In the case of wet, freshly treated plant seed, this backflow causes a mixing, polishing, and drying of the plant seed. The mixing distributes the seed treatment into an even coat by rubbing the individual seeds of the seed flow stream together. The mixing baffles are oriented to induce backflow and sideways lateral movement and may incorporate a passage to allow increase material flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Jason P. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20200323125
    Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Patent number: 10729060
    Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Patent number: 10729061
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Arthur Kaeb, Bradley S Strahm, Jason Paul Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20180124994
    Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Matthew J. Edelman
  • Patent number: 9957109
    Abstract: A cleated belt tube conveyor for conveying granular material, such as seed and grain commodities. The conveyor comprising a cleat row profile incorporating one or more of the following aspects: taller central cleat member and a slanted or clipped peripheral cleat. A cleated belt conveyor guide element, comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs that extend from an inner surface of the belt is also disclosed. A cogged roller, having a plurality of channel segments divided by drive bars, complements the guide element. Also a baffle assembly can be disposed within the conveyor tube to limit material back flow. The baffle assembly can be configured with a belt passage aperture that corresponds to the cleat row profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A Kaeb, Steven R Walder, Terry N Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20170355527
    Abstract: A cleated belt tube conveyor for conveying granular material, such as seed and grain commodities. The conveyor comprising a cleat row profile that is optimized for maximizing transfer capacity and minimizing wear. The cleat row profile may incorporate one or more of the following aspects: taller central cleat member and a slanted or clipped peripheral cleat. A cleated belt conveyor guide element, comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs that extend from an inner surface of the belt is also disclosed. A cogged roller, having a plurality of channel segments divided by drive bars, complements the guide element, increasing the power transfer and tracking ability over a cleated belt lacking a guide element. Also a baffle assembly can be disposed within the conveyor tube to limit material back flow. The baffle assembly can be configured with a belt passage aperture that corresponds to the cleat row profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc
    Inventors: Paul A Kaeb, Steven R Walder, Terry N Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20170274331
    Abstract: A horizontal fluent material dispenser for the even dispensing of a metered quantity of powder. A hopper holds the powder. The hopper has a mixing portion with rotating beaters. A horizontal conduit is coupled to the hopper and receives powder from the hopper. A screw conveyor—or auger—within the conduit transfers the material through the horizontal conduit. A knife assembly, disposed at the distal longitudinal end of the screw conveyor, breaks off a continuous and even flow of powdered material out the discharge opening. A modular screw conveyor assembly is disclosed for changing the material dispensing rate range without changing the conduit diameter. A dual drive mechanism is also disclosed for independent adjustment of the rotating beater speed and the screw conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Edelman, Duane A. Kaeb, Paul A. Kaeb
  • Publication number: 20170164550
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Arthur Kaeb, Bradley S. Strahm, Jason Paul Kaeb
  • Patent number: 9675001
    Abstract: Existing seed treatment applicators distribute seed into an uneven annular veil and results in wasted seed treatment fluid and unnecessarily long mixing/drying times. We developed a seed distribution apparatus comprising a partially porous, frustoconical restricting assembly that is mounted above and partially receives a conical distributing assembly. The orientation of the distributor and restricting assemblies provides three different seed flow paths to provide a substantially even annular veil of seed to the seed treatment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic E Meyer, Jason P Kaeb, Bradley S Strahm, Paul A Kaeb
  • Patent number: 9630779
    Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is disclosed for conveying granular material through a curvilinear structure at operating incline angles of at least 30 degrees. The belt has a first surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a plurality of cleat members extending from the first surface of the belt. The cleat members are arranged to cooperate together to form a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart cleat walls during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. In this way, the cleat wall supports at least a portion of the granular material during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. The longitudinal space between subsequent cleat walls is between 4.5 inches and 5.5 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Kaeb, Steven R. Walden