Food Dehydrator

US6085442A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• THE METAL WARE CORPORATION · US

Inventor

• Chad S. Erickson · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 11, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F26B9/066
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular food dehydrator utilizing a heater blower assembly located on a top surface of a dehydrator module is disclosed. The heater blower assembly includes a motor driven fan, a heating element and an air distribution portion for directing heated air across the support surfaces. The heater blower assembly is preferably releasably attachable to the dehydrator module. In a first embodiment, the dehydrator module has a central opening extending generally vertically through the support surfaces in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing heated air radially outward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module preferably includes outlet vents on an outer perimeter surface for exhausting the heated air. At least one outlet vent is preferably located between each of the plurality of support surfaces. In a second embodiment, the dehydrator module includes air ducts on an outer perimeter surface in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing pressurized, heated air radially inward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module includes a central opening extending generally vertically through the support su…