Unidirectional multi-path lumber kilns
AssigneeUsnr, LLC
InventorChristopher W. Blomquist
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.
Claims22
A method of modifying a lumber dying system, wherein the lumber drying system includes an elongated enclosure having a first end, an opposite second end, one or more charge portals at each of said ends, a longitudinal axis that extends through the ends, one or more interior baffles or walls extending transverse to said longitudinal axis and defining at least a first and a second section of the elongated enclosure, a heater operatively coupled to the second section, first and second guide members disposed through the elongated enclosure on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and defining first and second flow paths, respectively, that extend through the first and second sections, and one or more fans positioned to circulate heated air from the second section across at least the first flow path in the first section, the method comprising:
- operatively coupling a transport system with the lumber drying system, wherein the transport system includes one or more transport devices positioned along or between the flow paths and selectively operable to advance a first lumber charge in a first direction along the first flow path and to advance a second lumber charge in the first direction along the second flow path.
A lumber drying system, comprising:
- an elongated enclosure having a first end, an opposite second end, one or more charge portals at each of said ends, a first section at the first end and a second section adjoining the first section, a plurality of baffles dividing the sections into successive subsections, a longitudinal axis that extends through the ends and the subsections, a heater operatively coupled with the second section, and one or more fans positioned to circulate heated air from the second section across the longitudinal axis in the first section;
- and
- a transport system that includes one or more transport devices, the one or more transport devices selectively operable to advance a first and a second lumber charge in a first direction along parallel first and second flow paths, respectively, wherein the first and second flow paths are defined by respective guide members that extend through the ends of the elongated enclosure on opposite sides of, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.