Grain metering system for a grain dryer having improved grain flow angle configuration at grain column discharge opening

A grain dryer, comprising:

• a grain column through which grain may flow, said grain column having (i) a lower column wall, and (ii) a discharge opening through which said grain flows in a grain flow direction;
• a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of said discharge opening of said grain column, said metering roll having a vane diameter equal to VD;
• and
• a grain support member extending from said lower column wall, said grain support member defining a substantially planar top surface which extends for a distance A1 in said grain flow direction, and said distance A1 is greater than VD;
• wherein rotation of said metering roll causes grain to advance (i) out of said discharge opening, (ii) over said substantially planar top surface, and (iii) into contact with said metering roll, and
• wherein an angle .THETA. is defined between a line L1 defined by said substantially planar top surface and a horizontal line HL which intersects said line L1, and
• wherein 0.ltoreq..THETA..ltoreq.30.degree..