Abstract: Method and apparatus for conditioning and preserving living seeds in a bin of the type having means for forcing air into a plenum chamber in the lower part of the bin, a floor pervious to gas flow forming the top of the chamber, and heating means. Electrical heating means such as heat lamps are utilized to introduce energy into the plenum air. A variation is disclosed wherein the heating means and plenum chamber are located in the upper part of the bin, and the air flow is from top to bottom.The process involves measuring the temperature of drying air in the plenum chamber, measuring the temperature of exhaust air leaving the bin, and inactivating the heating means when the difference between the two temperatures exceeds a predetermined level.

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: The field of the instant invention pertains to identifying levels of vital activity in stored seeds. The instant invention teaches a method employing infrared sensors for determining the level of stability of stored grains, for detecting instability in grains, for detecting levels of preservation and/or deterioration of grain, as well as controlling means for restoring the grain environment to a stable condition.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided for use in monitoring and controlling the curing of live food products, specifically grain, in a storage environment. The device includes a first temperature sensing unit, a second temperature sensing unit, a comparator unit, a temperature differential comparator unit and a load switch responsive thereto, and a digital display unit for displaying the monitored temperatures and temperature differentials.

Abstract: A process for optimum usage of energy in the CURING of grain in a bin using free energy of atmospheric air. Optimum utilization of energy in the operation of ventilation fans and dehumidification of atmospheric air without waste of energy is achieved by operating fans and infrared emitters only when required as dictated by the measured temperature differential between the air entering and the air exhausting from the bin. As physiological activity and metabolic processes of the freshly harvested seeds decrease, as indicated by exchanges of heat and moisture between the seeds and the environment, the energy needed to maintain a biologically safe environment also decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing grain wherein improved and efficient ventilation is achieved and internal ventilation is practiced without subjecting the stored grain to overdrying and overheating.

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: A process for storing and preserving grain once it has been cured by promoting hydrolysis of the grain starches and proteins to thereby alter the grain composition to a more usable state and to effect and increase in the dry weight of the grain.

Abstract: A grain storage bin utilizing solar energy to heat air that is circulated through stored grain, having an outside sidewall constructed of heat absorbing material and forming a closed structure. A roof is disposed over the outside sidewalls. An inside sidewall forming a second closed structure is disposed inwardly from the outside sidewall, thereby forming a solar plenum between the outside and inside sidewalls. Air intakes are disposed within the outside sidewalls, thereby permitting ambient air to pass into the solar plenum. An air pervious floor is attached to the inside surface of the inside sidewalls and a grain chamber is formed by the inside sidewalls and the air pervious floor. An air circulating device is disposed within the grain bin for circulating ambient air through the air intakes, the solar plenum, the air pervious floor, the stored grain, and out of the grain bin.

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.