Bulk food processor with angled axial flow fan
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorsChristopher G. Greve, Robert S. Lapeyre, Kyle J. Sedlacek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for bulk processing items on a conveyor belt using an angled axial fan that extends obliquely into a processing chamber and includes a curved back wall forming an air flow chamber. The angled axial fan enhances air flow around a product being processed on the conveyor belt. A heater employs shrouds and a series of baffle plates held together using a connecting pin to heat circulated air in a low-pressure area below the conveyor belt. Baffles in an upper chamber mix and direct heated, circulated air over the conveyed product.
Claims20
A bulk processor for a product, comprising:
- a processing chamber having a product inlet and a product outlet;
- a conveyor for conveying product through the processing chamber from the product inlet to the product outlet;
- a fan for pulling air from below the conveyor and directing the air to a region above the conveyor;
- and
- a heater for heating air circulated by the fan, the heater comprising:
- a housing mounted outside of the processing chamber,
- a flame tube extending from the housing through a side wall of the processing chamber into an interior of the processing chamber,
- openings to allow air intake to the flame tube from outside the processing chamber,
- an inner shroud surrounding the flame tube and having peripheral openings, and
- an outer shroud surrounding the inner shroud.
A heater for heating air, comprising:
- a flame tube extending from a housing for combusting fuel to generate heat;
- an inner shroud surrounding a first end of the flame tube and having peripheral openings;
- an outer shroud surrounding the inner shroud;
- and
- a series of baffle plates between an outlet of the inner shroud and an outlet of the outer shroud for mixing air heated by the flame tube.
A bulk processor for a product, comprising:
- a processing chamber having a product inlet and a product outlet;
- a conveyor for conveying product through the processing chamber from the product inlet to the product outlet;
- an axial fan extending into the processing chamber below the conveyor for pulling air from below the conveyor and directing the air to a region above the conveyor;
- and
- a heater for heating air circulated by the axial fan, the heater comprising a natural gas burner with flow distributers mounted in a side wall of the processing chamber opposite an inlet to the axial fan.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.