Abstract: An air conditioning system and methods of use regulate a moisture content of an agricultural product in a grain bin. The system receives headspace air from the headspace of the grain bin, which generally has a higher moisture content than ambient air. The system further receives ambient air and mixes the headspace air and the ambient air into a ratio comprising a target moisture content. The air mixture is provided into a grain bin plenum, where it then permeates through to agricultural product, thereby regulating the moisture. The system and method can be used to bring the agricultural product to a target moisture content that is preferred when storing the agricultural product.

Abstract: A grain storage bin includes a cylindrical wall formed by a plurality of panels arranged in rows with a bottom edge of a first row bolted to a top edge of a second lower row. At each joint the bottom edge of the first upper row is overlapped with and outside of the outer surface of top edge of the second lower row and the bottom edge is fastened to the top edge by bolts carrying spacers as to define a first channel along the joint for passage of air. A central air injection duct is formed of a series of generally frustoconical duct pieces arranged in a row suspended on a cable from the roof with a tube portion into which the air is injected fixed on legs at a hopper bottom standing upwardly therefrom. The cable is connected by a spring at the bottom to maintain tension.

Abstract: A vehicle including a storage bin and a restraint control system. An actuation assembly is configured to activate in response to a signal from the restraint control system. A tether is operable between undeployed and deployed positions and the actuation assembly is configured to deploy the tether over an opening defined by the storage bin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a demountable silo (10) comprising a series of interconnected silo modules (12A to 12F) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. The silo modules such as (12A) are each of a substantially identical configuration and interconnected in a side-by-side and end-to-end relationship. The demountable silo (10) is designed to contain particulate material and configured depending on the nature of the material and its storage requirements. It will be appreciated that the provision of multiple silo modules such as (12A to 12F) together contains significantly more particulate material in a heap than a single silo module. The maximum storage capacity for the demountable silo (10) is determined largely by the angle of repose of the heaped particulate material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic receiver comprising an elongated structure bearing a plurality of photovoltaic cells. Said structure carries a plurality of finned dissipators, mounted on which are said photovoltaic cells, and ventilating means, designed to convey a flow of cooling air towards said dissipators.

Abstract: Aeration drying and disinfecting grain crops in bulk and pretreating seeds includes passing through a bulk of grain crops and seeds disinfecting and drying agents including an ozone and air mixture and surrounding air, subdividing the disinfecting and drying agents into a plurality of streams spaced from one another in a vertical direction, and passing the streams at different heights through levels located at corresponding heights of the bulk of grain crops and seeds transversely in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: An air duct for installation in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes duct walls defining the cross-section of the air duct, such as a top duct wall and a bottom duct wall. The bottom duct wall may contain a fixing hole, whereas the top duct wall may contain an access hole. The air duct may be fixed directly to the vehicle body by a fastener, such as a screw, through the fixing hole in the bottom duct wall. To prevent air from escaping through the fixing hole, an outer wall of the bottom duct wall may be shaped at least in the area of the fixing hole so that it lies flush with and essentially air-tight against the vehicle body. After attachment, the access hole may be suitably sealed to prevent air from escaping.

Abstract: A roof ventilation system for efficiently allowing air to flow through the peak of a grain bin year round. The roof ventilation system generally includes a frame extending from the upper opening, wherein the frame defines a passageway extending through an interior of the frame adapted to communicate air flow between an interior of the grain bin and ambient air. A shell at least partially surrounding the frame to at least partially seal the interior of the frame. A screen is interconnected between the frame and the shell, wherein the screen includes a plurality of outlets extending therethrough in communication with the passageway. A heating element is in communication with the screen, wherein the heating element dissipates heat to the screen to prevent ice buildup upon the screen.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel. The support having an upper flange or rail that extends upwardly from an upper shelf and is interposed between notches. A plurality of columns that extend downwardly from the upper shelf to a base to provide added stability to the support. A bend in the support which allows the support to stand upright without the need for additional supports.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A high capacity grain aeration apparatus (10) is provided which includes opposed, upright, tubular, ported inlet and outlet ducts (24,26) positioned within a grain bin (12) and having inlet and outlet fans (28, 30) adjacent the upper ends of the ducts (24, 26). The ducts (24, 26) preferably present smooth, uncorrugated walls (40, 44). In use, aeration air is directed through the inlet duct (24) and then transversely through the ports (42) to the interior (20) of grain bin (12). Such air flows transversely through the grain within bin (12) and is pulled upwardly through outlet duct (26) by means of outlet fan (30). Additional aeration air enters through vents (50) or the grain inlet port (47) and enters the outlet duct ports (46) by passing through the grain.

Abstract: An environmentally-controlled crop storage building consisting of: a floor having a length and a width, the floor resting on compacted soil; an air-carrying plenum extending the length of the floor within the compacted soil, the plenum having a bottom, plenum side walls, and an open plenum top communicating with the building's interior; a fan adapted to force air through the plenum; a plurality of air-carrying flumes extending the width of the floor within the compacted soil and intersecting the plenum; a plurality of flume covers having a number of apertures adapted to allow air forced through the flumes by the fan to enter the building; and a plurality of plenum covers adapted to close off the plenum from the building's interior.

Abstract: A method of forming a grain pile by pushing grain into a buried insertion point. A screw conveyor grain at ground level from a receiving point to the buried insertion point. The screw conveyor creates a pile core at the insertion point and forcibly enlarges the pile core into a large pile against forces of natural resistance. Piles as large as 2,000,000 bushels can be formed by a conveyor having a drive motor of less than 50 horsepower. Grains of different properties may be formed into a pile and become blended as a consequence thereof.

Abstract: A grain bin structure for storing, conditioning, and drying grain having a floor, side walls, and a roof. The side walls are formed with a plurality of horizontal and vertical corrugations formed integrally therein and within a common circumferential plane. The vertical corrugations function as stiffeners and as vertical air conduits to dispense pressurized air about the periphery of the bin. Optionally, conduit tubes may be located within the vertically disposed corrugations to further channel air flow. These conduits are formed with an inner wall substantially flush with the interior of the horizontal corrugation, thereby maintaining a low silhouette while maximizing a cross-sectional area within each conduit to avoid undue restriction of air flow.

Abstract: A storage vessel for storing grain or other natural products comprises a gas-impermeable enclosure having a water-vapour-permeable membrane to allow the grain to breath and dry, and to prevent condensation and mould growth. The membrane is impermeable to oxygen gas to allow a reduced oxygen atmosphere (e.g. 3 to 7%) to be established as oxygen is used up by insect pests within the grain. The insects are unable to survive at such low levels of oxygen. Thus the grain is protected against pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

Abstract: A roof vent for a grain bin communicates air flow from within the grain bin to ambient air, especially when air is forced through the bin for the purpose of drying the grain therein. The vent includes a housing with a flap closure member in the shape of an airfoil pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis above the center of gravity of the flap member. When sufficient air pressure is developed within the bin, the force of gravity on the flap member is overcome and the flap member pivots to an open position. As air flows over and under the flap member, the airfoil shape of the flap member creates a decreased pressure over the member and a lift force causes the flap member to position itself in an open position with minimal obstruction to air flow through the vent housing providing many operational advantages.

Abstract: A structural arrangement in which a fan house is constructed to accommodate an evaporative cell fan and other related equipment which may be used to provide conditioned air with the fan house being oriented internally of or within the confines of a curvet potato storage building to reduce the overall cost of the building and to provide an assembly that is easier to design from an engineering standpoint than an external fan house for a curvet (Quonset) building or air plenum. The fan and evaporative cell may be arranged in various relationships to each other and with an air plenum and vent pipe arrangement with the essential arrangement being the provision of the fan house being oriented within the interior of the curvet style building.

Abstract: A storage vessel for storing grain or other natural products comprises a gas-impermeable enclosure having a water-vapour-permeable membrane to allow the grain to breath and dry, and to prevent condensation and mould growth. The membrane is impermeable to oxygen gas to allow a reduced oxygen atmosphere (e.g. 3 to 7%) to be established as oxygen is used up by insect pests within the grain. The insects are unable to survive at such low levels of oxygen. Thus the grain is protected against pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing grain in a conical pile that is aerated by means of a centrally located aeration tower. The apparatus is broken down for shipment into components which are readily erected in a site area without construction equipment which include a loading conveyor supported by a mast mounted in the site area and which is removable after filling of in site area with grain.