US3849901A

US3849901A - Apparatus for drying grain

Info

Publication number: US3849901A
Application number: US00364955A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Smith; L Keese; V Sietmann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-05-29
Filing date: 1973-05-29
Publication date: 1974-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-26
Also published as: CA1017559A

Abstract

An apparatus for drying grain comprising a 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 adjacent the outer ends thereof, each of which are selectively closed by a trap door valve means. Power means is provided for moving the valve means between opened and closed positions responsive to the temperature of the grain positioned on the floor. A pair of spaced apart upstanding wall members are positioned above the floor to maintain the grain thereon in a predetermined manner. A sensing means is provided above the floor to actuate the material conveyor means and the means for introducing drying air into the interior of the bin.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Sietmann et a1.

[451 Nov. 26, 1974 1 APPARATUS FOR DRYING GRAIN [76] Inventors: Vernon H. Sietmann; Raymond L.

Smith, both of Laurel; Larry S. Keese, Gilman, all of Iowa 22 Filed: May 29,1973

211 Appl. No.: 364,955

[52] U.S. Cl 34/44, 34/52, 34/56,

34/167 [51] Int. Cl. F26b 19/00 [58] Field of Search 34/44, 52, 56, 167, 174

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,479,748 11/1969 Sietmann 34/174 3,501,845 3/1970 Sietmann l i 4 4 34/174 3,634,949 1/1972 Louks 34/174 Primary Examiner-Carroll B. Dority, Jr.

Assistant ExaminerLarry l. Schwartz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Zarley, McKee, Thomte & Voorhees [5 7 ABSTRACT An apparatus for drying grain comprising a 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 adjacent the outer ends thereof, each of which are selectively closed by a trap door valve means. Power means is provided for moving the valve means between opened and closed positions responsive to the temperature of the grain positioned on thefloor. A pair of spaced apart upstanding wall members are positioned above the floor to maintain the grain thereon in a predetermined manner. A sensing means is provided above the floor to actuate the material conveyor means and the means for introducing drying air into the interior of the bin.

19 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures lllllllllllll llhllllllull PATENTEL HUVZB I974 SHEET 3 OF 3 APPARATUS FOR DRYING GRAIN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the drying of granular material and more particularly to the drying of grain. Many attempts have been made to provide a means for satisfactorily drying grain. One method utilizes a grain drying bin while another method utilizes a portable batch dryer. A still further method utilizes a grain drying bin which dries one batch at a time but which then requires that the batch be transferred to another bin for storage purposes. A disadvantage of the first method referred to above is primarily in subjecting several lower levels of the grain in the bin to the drying process several times. Also, in introducing the grain to be dried into this type of bin, it must be leveled by mechanical means, and in some instances stirring auger type devices are used to aid aeration of the grain. The second and third methods require additional equipment and time for handling the grain with respect to moving it from the drying equipment to the storage equipment, all of which increase the drying costs andthe possible damage to the grain by over-handling.

Another method of grain drying, not as well known as the former methods, is that of batch drying grain within the upper portion of a conventional grain drying bin. This latter method uses a substantially horizontal floor with trap door or gate means formed therein, and with drying air being forced beneaththe upper floor, passing therethrough to dry the grain thereabove. After drying, the grain is dumped onto the base floor of the bin for storage purposes. Disadvantages of this method are believed to include an excess of equipment such as a grain leveler mounted above the upper floor for distributing grain in a level manner thereon, and the provision of a sweep auger also directlyabove the upper floor for aiding in the dumping of the grain after drying through the doors or gate.

Applicant's earlier apparatus for drying grain as disclosed in US. Letters Pat. No. 3,501,845, represented a substantial improvement in an apparatus for drying grain and the apparatus of this invention represents a significant improvement over applicants earlier apparatus.

Therefore, it is a principal object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for drying grain.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for drying grain which can be added to conventional grain bins in an economical manner.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a grain drying apparatus for use in conventional grain bins wherein storage space therein is used to the utmost.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a grain drying apparatus including means for precisely controlling the operation of the supply auger and the gas dryer.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for drying grain including means for controlling the flow of the dried grain from a perforated drying floor.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a grain drying apparatus including means for more evenly drying the grain.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a grain drying apparatus which is economical of manufacture and durable in use.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This invention consists in the construction, arrangements and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth, specifically pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the grain drying apparatus of this invention shown and installed in an assembled relationship within a grain bin:

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view seen on lines 2-2 of FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view seen on lines 33 of FIG. 2:

7 FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view seen on lines 44 of FIG. 2:

FIG. 5 is a sectional view seen on lines 5-5 of FIG. 4:

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one form of the trap door of this invention:

FIG. 7 is a-partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship of the trap door of FIG. 6 and the perforated drying floor:

, FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but which illustrates the trap door in'its raised position:

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modified fonn of the trap door:

FIG. 10 is a viewsimilar to FIG. 7 except that the modified form of the trap door ofFIG. 9 is illustrated:

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8except that the trap door of FIGS. 9 and l0is shown in its raised position:

FIG. 12 is a side view of the apparatus for controlling the operation of the conveyor auger, gas valve and dryer blower:

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. l2exceptthat the grain is shown in a somewhat lower position:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The numeral 10 generally designates a conventional grain bin which houses the grain drying apparatus indi cated generally at 12 which is capable of drying granular material 14 for subsequent storage in the lower part of the bin 10.

The grain bin 10 comprises a side wall l6 and a conical shaped roof 18 mounted thereon. An opening 20 is formed in .the apex of the roof 1 8, and therebelow is found a foundation or base floor 22. The base floor 22 has an X-shaped trough 24 formed therein, and spaced above the surface of the base floor 22 is a perforated plate 26 capable of holding granular material while enabling air from therebelow to pass upwardly therethrough.

One leg of the trough 26 communicates to the exterior of the bin through a passage 28 formed on the side wall 16. A blower system 30 is fluidly connected with the trough 24 through a duct 32, and upon energizing the blower 30, air is forced into the trough 24 whereupon it circulates upwardly through the perforated floor plate 26 and through granular materials stored thereon for aeration purposes.

At the center of the lower floor 22, a sump opening 34 is formed therein which fluidly communicates with a tunnel 36 formed in the lower floor 22. The tunnel 36 leads from the sump opening 34 to an area 38 immediately outside the bin 10. An auger 40 is axially mounted in the tunnel 36, with one end thereof secured to a gear housing 42 mounted in the base of the sump opening 34, with the other end extending to the area 38. A motor 44 is mounted on the outside of the bin 10 and is belt connected to the auger 40 for rotating the same.

The gear housing 42 has a vertically disposed shaft 46 rotatably mounted therein which extends upwardly therefrom. Secured to the upper part of the shaft 46 is a second gear housing 48. A sweep auger is rotatably attached to the gear housing 48 and is operated thereby. The motor 44 is operable to rotate the auger 36 which in turn causes the sweep auger 50 to rotate about its horizontal axis and to rotate about the shaft 46. The purpose of the auger 36 and the sweep auger 50 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The drying apparatus 12 of this invention comprises generally an overhead floor structure indicated generally at 52, a grain discharge apparatus indicated generally at 54 and a grain leveling control apparatus indicated generally at 56 in FIG. 1. A drying apparatus indicated generally at 58 is also utilized with the invention and of course is necessary for the entire drying process to occur.

The overhead floor structure 52 comprises specifi cally a conical shaped perforated floor 60 with the slope of the floor 50 being generally parallel to the slope of the roof 18, although this is not critical.

The numeral 62 generally comprises a storage bin having a conveyor auger 64 extending from the lower end thereof which is in communication with the opening 20. Conveyor auger 64 is driven by the electric motor 66.

Grain discharge apparatus 54 generally comprises a housing 68 which is secured to the central portion of the overhead floor structure 52 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Housing 68 has an intake opening 70 formed at one end thereof and a discharge opening 72 formed at the other end thereof as also seen in FIG. 4. Electric motor 74 is mounted in the housing 68 and drives a fan means 76. Shaft 78 is rotatably mounted in

bearings

80 and 82 and has a fan means84 mounted thereon which is positioned closely adjacent the fan means 76. Sprocket 86 is mounted on the outer end of shaft 78 and drives a chain 88 extending therearound. Chain 88 extends around a sprocket 90 mounted on one end of a shaft 92 which is secured to the underside of the housing 68 by

bearings

94 and 96.

The numeral 98 refers to a flexible cable or the like which is wound upon the shaft 92 so that rotation of the shaft 92 in one direction will cause the cable length 100 to move upwardly while the cable length 102 will move downwardly. Rotation of the shaft 92 in an opposite direction will cause the cable length 100 to move downwardly while the cable length 102 moves upwardly. A counter weight 104 is secured to the lower end of cable length 100 while a support 106 is secured to the lower end of cable length 102.

A plurality of cables 108 are secured to the support 106 and extend radially therefrom as illustrated in the drawings. Each of the cables 108 are secured to one end of a trap door generally referred to by the reference numeral 110. Each of the trap doors 110 are pivotally connected at 112 to the overhead floor structure 52 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The perforated floor 60 is provided with an opening 114 which is positioned above the outer end of each of the trap doors 110. Each of the trap doors 110 are channel or U-shaped generally comprising a bottom 116 and

upstanding sides

118 and 120. Each of the trap doors 110 are provided with an arcuate lip 122 which extends upwardly from bottom 116 as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The numeral 110 refers generally to a modified form of the trap door which is seen in FIGS. 9-11. Trap door 110' is identical to trap door 110 except that the lip 122 has been omitted from trap door 110. In trap door 110, a channel 124 is pivotally connected to sides 118' and by pin 126. Chain 128 extends from the overhead floor structure 52 to the channel 124 as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. When the trap door 110' is in the position of FIG. 11, the outer end of the channel 124 is in engagement with the bottom 116' of the trap door 110. When the trap door 110' has been moved to the position of FIG. 10, the outer end of the channel 124 is out of engagement with the bottom 116 to permit the material to flow therebeneath.

Grain leveling apparatus 56 generally comprises a first circular wall means 130 extending between the roof 18 and the overhead floor structure 52 and positioned centrally with respect thereto as seen in FIG. 1. Wall means 130 is provided with a plurality of closely spaced perforations 132 formed therein adjacent the upper end thereof extending therearound to permit the passage of air therethrough as illustrated in FIG. 3. Wall means 130 is also provided with a plurality of

openings

134 and 136 formed therein adjacent the lower end thereof as seen in FIG. 12. As also seen in FIG. 12, the lower end of the wall means 130 terminates above the perforated floor 60. An outer wall means 136 is positioned above the overhead floor structure 52 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and extends around the wall means 130. FIG. 3 illustrates the fact that the upper end of the wall means 136 is spaced below the roof 18 to permit the passage of air therebetween.

Wall means 136 is provided with a plurality of openings 138 formed therein to permit the grain to flow therethrough. For purposes of description, the wall means 130 and 136 define

grain cells

140, 142 and 144. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the grain flows through the openings 138 so as to achieve a predetermined level in the grain cell 144 generally indicated at 146. Likewise, the grain will flow through the openings 134 in wall means 130 so as to achieve a predetermined grain level in cell 142 generally indicated at 148. The level of the grain in grain cell is controlled by a sensing appara tus referred to generally by the reference numeral which is best illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. Sensing apparatus 150 comprises a ratchet arm 152 pivotally connected to the upper end of wall means 130 at 154 and extending inwardly therefrom. Ratchet arm 152 is provided with a plurality of sawtooth-like notches 156 formed in the underside thereof. Arm 158 is pivotally connected to roof 18 at 160 and extends downwardly therefrom as seen in the drawings. Arm 158 is provided with a plate 162 at its lower end and is provided with a transversely extending arm member 164 intermediate the ends thereof. As seen in FIG. 15, ratchet arm 152 is adapted to slidably engage the arm member 164 at times.

Arm 166 is pivotally connected to roof 18 at 168 and extends downwardly therefrom as illustrated in FIG. 15. Arm 166 is provided with plate 170 at its lower end. As illustrated in the drawings, the upper end of plate 170 is adapted to engage the notches 156 at times. The

numeral 172 refers to a mercury switch connected to arm 166. When arm 166 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 14, the switch is closed upon contact 174 to actuate the auger motor 66 which is electrically connected thereto as illustrated in FIG. 16. When the mercury switch 172 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 13, contact 174 is open. The numeral 182 refers to a thermostatically controlled switch which controls the operation of the motor 74. When a grain temperature of approximately l20F. is sensed by the thermostat 182, electric motor 74 is actuated as is the motor 44. The circuitry is controlled by master switches 184 and 185. The dryer blower and auger motor 44 are on separate circuits (not shown).

Assuming that the

grain cells

140, 142 and 144 are initially empty, the normal method of operation is as follows. Initially, the trap doors l10 will be in their hor izontal or closed position such as illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 1. The sensing mechanism 150 will be in the position illustrated in FIG. 14 when grain cell 140 is empty. Mercury switch 172 will normally be closed upon contact 174 when the arm 166 is hanging in its vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 14. The master switch 184 is initially closed when it is desired to begin the drying operation. The closing of the switch 184 causes auger motor 66 to be energized so that the grain will be conveyed from the storage bin 62 to the upper open end of the bin. The grain will be deposited in the grain cell 140 and the grain will flow downwardly and outwardly into the

grain cells

142 and 144 to achieve the levels illustrated in FIG. 3. The construction of the wall means 130 and 136 and the perforations formed therein is such that the-desired level of grain is maintained without avalanching the same. Since the trap doors 110 are closed, the grain will dam up on the outer ends of the trap doors to prevent the grain from flowing through the openings 114 in the perforated floor 60.

Auger motor 66 continuesto operate to supply grain to the grain cell 140 and the grain in the grain cell 140 will cause plate 162 and arm 158 to pivotally move outwardly as the grain level rises in the grain cell 140. As the grain level rises in grain cell 140, the grain will engage the plate 170 to cause the arm 166 to be pivotally moved outwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 13. 4 With the arm 166 in the position illustrated in FIG. 13,

the mercury switch 172 will deactivate the auger motor 66. As the arm 166 pivotally moves outwardly, the upper end of plate 170 will engage the notches 156 and will be maintained therein until the level of the grain in the grain cell 140 is lowered to a predetermined level. Thus, heated air is passed upwardly through the perforated floor 60 by the dryer apparatus 58 and the blower apparatus 30. Blower apparatus 30 cools the heated dry corn. The heated air will be passed through the grain in the grain cells until the thermostat 182 senses a grain temperature of approximately F. When thermostat 182 senses 120 F., the motor 74 is actuated to cause the rotation of the fan means 76. Rotation of the fan means 76 causes the fan means 84 to be rotated which in turn causes shaft 78 and shaft 92 to be rotated. Rotation of the shaft 92 causes cable length 104 to be effectively shortened as it wraps around the shaft 92 so that the counterweight 104 is moved] from the maximum upper position illustrated by broken lines in FIG. I to the lower position illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 1. The motor 74 operates longer than necessary to lift the counterweight to its maximum upper position, but the torque converter means (fans 76 and 84 and related structure) prevents any damage from occurring to the components as motor 74 and fan 76 continue to run and fan 84 stops.

As the grain flows from grain cell 144 outwardly through the openings 114, the grain in grain cell 142 will tend to flow into the grain cell 144. The grain in grain cell will also flow into the grain cell 142 as the grain is discharged through the openings 114. FIGS. 12l4 illustrate the manner in which the sensing means sense the lowering of the grain level in cell 140. As the grain level in cell 140 lowers, the sensing apparatus 150 will remain in the position illustrated in FIG. 12 until such time as the level of the grain is substantially at the lower end of the plate 162. The continued lowering of the grain level in cell 140 causes the arm 158 to pivot from the position of FIG. 13 to the position of FIG. '14. The ratchet arm 152 maintains the arm 166 in the position of FIG. 13 until such time as arm 158 has been pivotally moved to its vertical position so that the member 164 engages the inner end of the ratchet arm 152 to pivotally move the same upwardly thereby releasing the upper end of the plate from the notch 156 so that the arm 166 may pivot to the vertical position illustrated in FIG. 14. The pivotal movement of the arm 166 to the position of FIG. 14 activates the auger motor 66 to supply additional grain to grain cell 140.

As the cool wet grain is introduced into the bin 10, the thermostat 182 will again open which causes the motor 74 to be deactivated. When motor 74 is deacti vated, the counterweight 104 causes the shaft 92 to be rotated which causes the support 106 to move upwardly so that the cables 108 move the trap doors from their open position (solid lines, FIG. 1) to their closed position (dotted lines, FIG. 1) so that the grain will be maintained on the perforated floor 60 until the predetermined drying temperature is achieved.

It is during the initial movement of the trap doors 110 from their open position to their closed position that the arcuate lip 122 thereon becomes important. If lips 122 were not present, the grain would tend to flow over the bottom 116 which would require that counterweight 104 not only overcome the weight of the doors themselves but the weight of the grain on the trap doors. The counterweight 140 will initially move the trap doors 110 slightly upwardly and the lips 122 will dam the grain thereabove to prevent additional grain from flowing downwardly on the trap door. The lips 122 do not interfere with the normal flow of the grain when the doors are in their open position but provide the necessary damming effect when the doors moved upwardly.

The channels 124 on the trap doors 110 serve the same purpose as the lips 122 on trap doors 110. FIG. 10 illustrates the trap door 110 in its open position and it can be seen that the grain will flow beneath the channel 124 which has been pivotally moved upwardly by the chain 128. As counterweight 104 initially moves the door 110' upwardly, the channel 124 will pivot downwardly so as to dam the grain in a manner similar to the lips 122 on trap doors 110.

Thus it can be seen that a novel apparatus for drying grain has been provided which dries the grain in a continuous manner rather than in a batch type manner. The thermostat 182 constantly senses the temperature of the grain to permit the flow of grain from the perforated floor 60 when the grain has reached a predetermined temperature and to cause additional grain to be supplied to the bin when the thermostat 182 senses a temperature less than the temperature which would indicate that the grain is dry. The sensing apparatus 150 provides a means for automatically supplying additional grain to the bin whenever the level of the grain within grain cell 140 lowers to a predetermined level. The manner in which the trap doors are opened by the electric motor through the fan means 76 and 84 provides an economical and efficient manner of controlling the operation of the trap doors. it should be understood that the fan means 76 and 84 could be replaced by an air or hydraulic torque converter if so desired.

Thus it can be seen that the apparatus accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising:

a floor mounted in the upper part of the bin, said floor being inclined and sloping downwardly from the center of the bin toward and in contacting relation with the wall whereby granular material disposed on said floor is normally prevented from falling onto said base floor, said floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein adjacent said wall through which the granular material can fall,

a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respective,

means for opening and closing said valve means,

means for supplying drying air within the bin and below said floor,

a thermostat means on said floor for sending the temperature of the granular material thereon,

said thermostat means being operatively connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means so that said valve means will be opened when said thermostat means senses a first predetermined temperature and so that said valve means will be closed when said thermostat means senses a second predetermined temperature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an are electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaftdisposed in a parallel, and spaced apart end-toend relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaft and said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible members, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said valve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaft disposed in a parallel, and spaced end-to-end relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaft and said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom,

a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible member, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said valve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member, said torque convertor means comprising a first fan means mounted on said output shaft and a second fan means mounted on said second shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaft disposed in a parallel, and spaced apart end-to-end relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaftand said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible member, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said valve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member, said valve means comprising a channel shaped member having inner and outer ends and being pivotally secured at its outer end to said bin and extending radially inwardly therefrom, the outer end of said channel shaped mem ber being disposed below one of said openings, the inner end of said channel shaped member being connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means, and means on said channel shaped member for restricting the flow of material thereover as said chan nel shaped member is moved from its open position to its closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cylindrical wall member is positioned above said floor to define a central granular material cell, said wall mem ber permitting the granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom in a predetermined manner, a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times, and a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell, said sensing means comprising a first arm pivotally connected at its upper end to said roof and extending downwardly therefrom, the lower end of said first arm being normally disposed adjacent said floor, a second arm pivotally secured at its upper end to said roof and extending downwardly therefrom, outwardly of said first arm, the lower end of said second arm terminating above the lower end of said first arm, a horizontally disposed cross arm operatively connected to said first arm between the ends thereof, a first plate means on the lower end of said first arm, a second plate on the lower end of said second arm and having an upper edge, said first arm being pivotally moved outwardly by the material entering said central cell from a normal vertical position to an inclined second position, said second arm being pivotally moved outwardly by the material entering said central cell from a normal vertical position to an inclined second position, a third arm operatively pivotally secured at one end to said bin and extending inwardly over said upper edge of said second plate and extending inwardly over said cross arm, said third arm having a plurality of notches formed in its lower surface adapted to engage the upper edge of said second plate at times to maintain said second arm in said second position at times, said cross arm causing said third arm to release said second arm when said first arm moves from its second position to its normal position, and a mercury switch means on said second arm for activating said conveyor means when said second arm is in its normal vertical position and for deactivating said conveyor means when said second arm is in its inclined position.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and third flexible members are wound upon said third shaft in opposite directions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said valve means comprises a channel shaped member having inner and outer ends and being pivotally secured at its outer end to said bin and extending radially inwardly therefrom, the outer end of said channel shaped member being disposed below one of said openings, the inner end of said channel shaped member being connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means, and means on said channel shaped member for restricting the flow of material thereover as said channel shaped member is moved from its open position to its closed position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprises an arcuate lip extending upwardly from the bottom surface thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprising a plate means having inner and outer ends, said plate means being pivotally secured at its outer end to said channel shaped member and being movable from a first position wherein the outer end of said plate means is disposed above the bottom thereof to a second position wherein the outer end of said plate means engages the bottom of said channel shaped member, and a flexible means connected to said plate means for moving said plate means to its first position when said channel shaped member is moved to its open position and for moving said plate means to its second position when said channel shaped member is moved to its closed position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein horizontally disposed wall members are mounted above said floor to define a central granular material cell and outer granular material cells, said wall members having openings formed therein to permit the granular material in the central cell to flow outwardly and downwardly to the outer cells in a predetermined manner.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cylindrical wall member is positioned above said floor to define a central granular material cell, said wall member permitting the granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom in a predetermined man ner, a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times, and a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a power means is operatively connected to said valve means and said thermostat means, said power means comprising a motor and a torque convertor means.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a counterweight is connected to said torque convertor means whereby the operation of said power means and said torque convertor means will open said valve means, and said counterweight will close said valve means when said power means and said torque convertor means are inoperative.

14. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprises an arcuate lip extending upwardly from the bottom surface thereof.

15. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprises a plate means having inner and outer ends, said plate means being pivotally secured at its outer end to said channel shaped member and being movable from a first position wherein the outer end of said plate means is disposed above the bottom thereof to a second position wherein the outer end of said plate means engages the bottom of said channel shaped member, and a flexible means connected to said plate means for moving said plate means to its first position when said channel shaped member is moved to its open position and for moving said plate means to its second position when said channel shaped member is moved to its closed position.

16. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising:

a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respectively, said valve means comprising a channel shaped member having inner and outer ends and being pivotally secured at its outer end to said bin and extending radially inwardly therefrom, the outer end of said channel shaped member being disposed below one of said openings, the inner end of said channel shaped member being connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means, and means on said channel shaped member for restricting the flow of material thereover as said channel shaped member is moved from its open position to its closed position, means for opening and closing said valve means, and means for suppying drying air within the bin and below said floor.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprises an arcuate lip extending upwardly from the bottom surface thereof.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means on said channel shaped member comprising a plate means having inner and outer ends, said plate means being pivotally secured at its outer end to said channel shaped member and being movable from a first position wherein the outer end of said plate means is disposed above the bottom thereof to a second position wherein the outer end of said plate means engages the bottom of said channel shaped member, and a flexible means connected to said plate means for moving said plate means to its first position when said channel shaped member is moved to its open position and for moving said plate means to its second position when said channel shaped member is moved to its closed position.

19. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising:

a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respectively.

means for opening and closing said valve means,

means for supplying drying air within the bin and below said floor,

a central granular material cell positioned above said floor and adapted to permit granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom,

a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times,

a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell,

said sensing means comprising a pivotal ratchet arm assembly, a nonnally closed switch means on said ratchet arm assembly which is electrically connected to said conveyor means adapted to open and to deactivate said conveyor means when the granular material in said central cell has pivotally moved said ratchet arm assembly to a first position, and means on said ratchet arm assembly for maintaining said switch means in its open position until the level of the granular material in said central cell has lowered to a predetermined level.

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Claims

1. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising: a floor mounted in the upper part of the bin, said floor being inclined and sloping downwardly from the center of the bin toward and in contacting relation with the wall whereby granular material disposed on said floor is normally prevented from falling onto said base floor, said floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein adjacent said wall through which the granular material can fall, a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respectively, means for opening and closing said valve means, means for supplyIng drying air within the bin and below said floor, a thermostat means on said floor for sensing the temperature of the granular material thereon, said thermostat means being operatively connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means so that said valve means will be opened when said thermostat means senses a first predetermined temperature and so that said valve means will be closed when said thermostat means senses a second predetermined temperature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaft disposed in a parallel, and spaced apart end-to-end relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaft and said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible members, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said valve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaft disposed in a parallel, and spaced apart end-to-end relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaft and said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible member, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said valve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member, said torque convertor means comprising a first fan means mounted on said output shaft and a second fan means mounted on said second shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for opening and closing said valve means comprises an electric motor having an output shaft, a second shaft disposed in a parallel, and spaced apart end-to-end relationship with respect to said output shaft, a torque convertor means operatively connecting said output shaft and said second shaft so that rotation of said output shaft will cause the rotation of said second shaft, a third shaft disposed in a parallel relationship to said second shaft, means connecting said second and third shafts so that rotation of said second shaft will cause the rotation of said third shaft, a first flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, a support means secured to the lower end of said first flexible member, a plurality of second flexible members connected to said support and said valve means so that rotation of said third shaft in one direction will cause said vAlve means to open and so that rotation of said third shaft in an opposite direction will cause said valve means to close, a third flexible member wound upon said third shaft and extending downwardly therefrom, and a counter weight means secured to the lower end of said third flexible member, said valve means comprising a channel shaped member having inner and outer ends and being pivotally secured at its outer end to said bin and extending radially inwardly therefrom, the outer end of said channel shaped member being disposed below one of said openings, the inner end of said channel shaped member being connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means, and means on said channel shaped member for restricting the flow of material thereover as said channel shaped member is moved from its open position to its closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cylindrical wall member is positioned above said floor to define a central granular material cell, said wall member permitting the granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom in a predetermined manner, a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times, and a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell, said sensing means comprising a first arm pivotally connected at its upper end to said roof and extending downwardly therefrom, the lower end of said first arm being normally disposed adjacent said floor, a second arm pivotally secured at its upper end to said roof and extending downwardly therefrom, outwardly of said first arm, the lower end of said second arm terminating above the lower end of said first arm, a horizontally disposed cross arm operatively connected to said first arm between the ends thereof, a first plate means on the lower end of said first arm, a second plate on the lower end of said second arm and having an upper edge, said first arm being pivotally moved outwardly by the material entering said central cell from a normal vertical position to an inclined second position, said second arm being pivotally moved outwardly by the material entering said central cell from a normal vertical position to an inclined second position, a third arm operatively pivotally secured at one end to said bin and extending inwardly over said upper edge of said second plate and extending inwardly over said cross arm, said third arm having a plurality of notches formed in its lower surface adapted to engage the upper edge of said second plate at times to maintain said second arm in said second position at times, said cross arm causing said third arm to release said second arm when said first arm moves from its second position to its normal position, and a mercury switch means on said second arm for activating said conveyor means when said second arm is in its normal vertical position and for deactivating said conveyor means when said second arm is in its inclined position.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cylindrical wall member is positioned above said floor to define a central granular material cell, said wall member permitting the granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom in a predetermined manner, a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times, and a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell.

16. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising: a floor mounted in the upper part of the bin, said floor being inclined and sloping downwardly from the center of the bin toward and in contacting relation with the wall whereby granular material disposed on said floor is normally prevented from falling onto said base floor, said floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein adjacent said wall through which the granular material can fall, a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respectively, said valve means comprising a channel shaped member having inner and outer ends and being pivotally secured at its outer end to said bin and extending radiaLly inwardly therefrom, the outer end of said channel shaped member being disposed below one of said openings, the inner end of said channel shaped member being connected to said means for opening and closing said valve means, and means on said channel shaped member for restricting the flow of material thereover as said channel shaped member is moved from its open position to its closed position, means for opening and closing said valve means, and means for suppying drying air within the bin and below said floor.

19. An apparatus for drying granular material in a grain bin having an enclosure forming wall, a roof mounted over the wall, and a base floor for the wall, the apparatus comprising: a floor mounted in the upper part of the bin, said floor being inclined and sloping downwardly from the center of the bin toward and in contacting relation with the wall whereby granular material disposed on said floor is normally prevented from falling onto said base floor, said floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein adjacent said wall through which the granular material can fall, a valve means positioned below each of said openings and being movable between open and closed positions to permit granular material to fall through said openings and to prevent granular material from falling through said openings respectively. means for opening and closing said valve means, means for supplying drying air within the bin and below said floor, a central granular material cell positioned above said floor and adapted to permit granular material to flow outwardly and downwardly therefrom, a material conveyor means in communication with a source of granular material for conveying granular material to said central cell at times, a material sensing means in said central cell for activating and deactivating said conveyor means dependent upon the level of the material in said central cell, said sensing means comprising a pivotal ratchet arm assembly, a normally closed switch means on said ratchet arm assembly which is electrically connected to said conveyor means adapted to open and to deactivate said conveyor means when the granular material in said central cell has pivotally moved said ratchet arm assembly to a first position, and means on said ratchet arm assembly for maintaining said switch means in its open position until the level of the granular material in said central cell has lowered to a predetermined level.