Drying apparatus for coated objects
US6023852A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF26B17/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A drying apparatus is provided for drying objects such as citrus fruit that has been coated with an aqueous coating such as wax. The apparatus includes a housing that is divided into four distinct zones, two each above and below a conveyor for conveying fruit through the dryer. An indirect fired heater is provided, and fans that circulate drying air at high velocity in a reverse air flow pattern. The housing of the dryer is constructed in a unique shape so each successive zone is alternately converging and diverging. With this arrangement, air is balanced in the treatment zones and passes over the fruit twice, first in one direction, and then in the other, to achieve even and complete drying.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.