co) 5) © ey ~ 6), 2) 8) 66) United States Patent Anderson AIR SUSPENSION GRAIN CLEANER SYSTEM Inventor: Notice: Appl. No. 10/623,007 File: Int. € v, sess. 1.50594 3750-105 A38i953 440,128 4980997 4840727 Ss7411 Dean R. Anderson, 11066 8st St. NE, IND (US) 58229 Suibject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis patent is extended or adjusted under 35 USC. 154(b) by 56 days, Field of Search 200/139. 17, 2003 OTB 7/00 ‘209/146; 209/143; 209/154 209/134-138, 1142, 143,146, 154, 715, 18, References Cited US. PATENT A iss As wi A Snore A s/083 a) A ees A 6/1989 A 10/1980 200/038 DOCUMENTS was 2391 yews 2wi1s7 Khan Chistian Fisher Hoppe Humphrey Swart tal Carll 66 0 Patent No: US 6,951,285 BL ‘US006951 28581 (45) Date of Patent Oct. 4, 2005 5919282 8 $1991 Donon Shoes? A i902 Mince et Sibnsi A lon Hoppe S2I83H A 911903 Hoppe S766 A 12/1904 Shaknecht tl 67405405 BL* 62002 Have 1510.2 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS on 2310s 1997 * cited by examiner Primary Esaminer—Donald P. Walsh Assistant Examiner-—Joseph C, Rodrigues 6 ABSTRACT. An it suspension grain cleaner system for efficiently clean: ing grain in small applications. The air suspension cleaner system includes a frame, a cleaning chamber, a blower unit Muidly connected to’ a lower portion of the cleaning chamber, a grain inlet fluidly connected to the ‘leaning chamber, a exhaust chamber fluidly connected to ‘an upper portion ofthe cleaning chamber, a cleaning damper ‘within the cleaning chamber, and an exhaust damper within the exhaust chamber. A first control member is preferably positioned between the grain inlet and the cleaning chamber fe present presurzd a rom psig though he gin 20 Claims, $ Drawing Sheets Se Lo 12U.S. Patent Oct. 4, 2005 Sheet 1 of 5U.S. Patent Oct. 4, 2005 Sheet 2 of 5 US 6,951,285 B1 FIG. 2U.S. Patent Oct. 4, 2005 Sheet 3 of 5 US 6,951,285 B1 10 rIGaS 20U.S. Patent Oct. 4, 2005 Sheet 4 of 5 US 6,951,285 B1 10 FIG. 4 FIG ° ™m Q —™] | Y | + 20U.S. Patent Oct. 4, 2005 Sheet 5 of 5 US 6,951,285 B1US 6,951,285 BL 1 AIR SUSPENSION GRAIN CLEANER. ‘SYSTEM, CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS. [Not applicable to this aplication, STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [Not applicable to this application, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The preseat invention relates generally to grain cleaners and more specifically it relates (© an ait suspeasion grain ‘leaner sysiem for efficiently leaning grain in small appl 2, Deseription of the Related Art Grain cleaners have been in use for years for cleaning debris and undesirable seeds from grain. Impure grain ca result in lowered price per bushel when sol, hence, many ‘individuals attempt to clean thee gran before selling i o the open mark. ‘There are two main types of grain cleaners utilized: large-scale commercial grain cleaners and small-scale non- ‘commercial grin cleaners, There are varios types of lege scale grain cleaners, however their application to small-scale ‘operations (eg. a Fam) are oot feasible. In addition, lege Scale grain cleaners are aot suitable for transporting. 40 different locations, ‘Small-scale grain cleaners ase typically comprised of aa auger unit with a sereen within for “sereening” owt debris and undesirable seeds fom the grain. However, small-scale ‘erin cleaners are noteficient in the removal of debris oF Undesirable seeds thereby resulting in an impure. gra product Examples of patented devices which maybe related to the present inveation include U.S. Pat, No. 4,384,953 to Chris- tiang Patent GB2,310582 to Ryan; US. Pat, No. 5,019,242 to Donelson; US. Pat. No. 4840,727 to Humphrey; US. Pat, No. 3.756408 to Khan US. Pat. No, 5,123,542 t0 Hoppe; US. Pat. No. 5,181,616 to Le Gigan; U'S. Pat. No. 5,248,344 to Hoppes U.S. Pat, No. 5,376,046 to Shuknecht eC al; US. Pat, No, 5,098,557 to Hirschler etal; US. Pat No. 4,887,400 to Carroll; US. Pat. No. 48744411 to Snau- waert etal: US. Pat No. 4,750,997 to Hoppe; an U'S. Pat. No, 4401,128 to Fisher ‘While these devices may be suitable for the partiul purpese 10 which they address, they are not as suitable for ‘efficiently cleaning grain in small applications. Conven- tional grain cleaners are dot eficent and suitable for stall applications such as upon farms. In these respects, the air suspension grain cleaner system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs ofthe prior at, and jn $0 doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of efficiently cleaning grain in small applic [BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of grain cleaners now present in the prior art the present invention provides a new air suspension gral % o 2 cleaner system construction wherein the same cat be ut lized for efficiently cleaning grain in small applications ‘The general purpose of the present invention, which will be dleseribed subsequently in greater detail, i to provide & ‘ew air suspension gain cleaner system that has many ofthe advantages of the grain cleaners mentioned heretofore and ay novel features that resull ina new ai suspension gr cleaner system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior ar grain cleaners, either alone or in any combination thereof “To attain this, te present invention generally comprises 3 frame, a cleaning chamber, a blower unit fluidly connected to 4 lower portion of the cleaning chamber, a grain ilet ‘Duidly connected tothe cleaning chamber, an exhaust cham- ber fluidly connected to an upper portion of the cleaning chamber, 2 cleaning damper within the cleaning chamber, and an exhaust damper within the exhaust chamber. first ‘cnrol member is preferably positioned between the grain inlet and the eleaning chamber to prevent pressurized air from passing through the grain inlet ‘There has thus heen outlined, rather broadly, the mone ‘important features of the invention in order thatthe detailed escripton thereof may be better understond, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appre- ciated, There are additional features of the invention that will be deseribed hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended bereto. Tn tis spect, befor explaining atleast one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis 10 be understood that the invention isnot limited in is applieation to the details of ‘constuction and tothe arrangements of the components set {orth in the following description or illustrated inthe draw ings. The invention i eapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, i is to be understood that the phrascology and terminology ‘employed herein ate for the purpose ofthe description and should not he regarded as limiting. ‘Apprimary object of the present invention i to provide an air suspension gain cleaner system that will overcome the Shortcomings ofthe prio art devices, ‘A second object is to provide an air suspension grain ‘leaner system for efficiently cleaning geain in small app Another object is to provide an air suspension grain cleaner system that may be utilized in small applications. ‘An additions object is © provide an air suspension grain cleaner system thai may be easily transported. ‘A further object is to provide an air suspension grain leaner system that uilizes pressurized airto clean the gain ‘Another object i 10 provide an air suspension grain cleaner system that is easily controlled to accommodate Various types of grain. A further object is 1o provide an air suspension grain cleaner system that is economical for Taam usage Other objects and advantages ofthe present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the seope ofthe present ‘To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, ‘his invention may be embodied inthe form ilusteated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called tothe fact, however, thatthe drawings are illustrative only, and that cchinges may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope ofthe appended claims.US 6,951,285 BL 7 [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various oiber objects, features and attendant advantages ‘of the present invention will become fully appreciated asthe ‘same Becomes better understood when consered in con= jnetion with the accompanying drawings, in which like feference characters designate the same oc similar parts throughout the several views, anc wherein: FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present FIG, 2is 4 side view of the preseat invention. FIG. 3 isa side cutaway view of the present invention istrating operation thereo. FIG. 4's a side cutaway view of the present invention iustrating operation thereof with increased air velocity FIG, Sa is a rear partial cutaway view of the present invention with the second baffle completely open. FIG, 8b is a sear partial cutaway view of the prescal invention with the second baffle partially closed TIG, Se is a rear partial cutaway view of the present invention with the second baffle partially closed DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview ‘Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar clements, throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through Sb iluseate an sir suspension gran cleaner system 10, which comprises 4 frame 20, «cleaning chamber 40, blosveruait 30 Tuidly ‘connected io lower portion ofthe cleaning chamber 40,3 train ilet 42 Duidly connected wo the cleaning chamber 40, an exhaust chamber 41 ful connected to an upper portion ‘of the cleaning chamber 40, cleaning damper 60 within the ‘leaning chamber 40, and an exhaust damper 62 within the ‘exhaust chamber 41, firs contol member 44s peeferably Positioned between the grain inlet 42 and the cleaning ‘chamber 40 to prevent pressurized air from passing through the grain inlet 42 B Frame ‘The frame 20 may be comprised of any siricture capable ‘of supporting and transporting the present invention. The frame 20 preferably includes a plurality of whecls and a hiteh structure for allowing easy transportation to remote locations. FIGS. 1 through Se of the drawings illustrate an ‘exemplary frame 20, however various other structures and designs may be uilized to construct the frame 20. C. Cleaning Chamber ‘The cleaning chamber 40 preferably has a vertically aligned tubule structure as shown in FIGS. I through 4 of the drawings. The cleaning chamber 40 may have various lengths, wid, eross sectional shapes and sizes as ean be appreciated. The cleaning chamber 40 preferably extends in A vertcal manger, however the cleaning chamber 40 may ‘extend al various angles as can be appreciated ‘Agrain chute 70s fuidly connected o a lower portion of the cleaning chamber 40 as shown in FIG, 40 the drawings. “The grain chute 70 allows the heavier grain tobe dispensed and collected outside ofthe cleaning chamber 40, The grain ‘chute 70 preferably has a second control member 72 similae to the fmt contol member 4 within the grain inlet 42 as discussed below for maintaining ait pressure within the ‘leaning chamber 40. . Blower Unit ‘The blower wnt 30 is Muidly connected to slower portion ‘of the cleaning chamber 40 to provide pressurized air into % o 4 the lower portion of the cleaning chamber 40. The blower unit 30 may be comprised of any structure capable of roving 4 pressurized volume of ait into the clesaing chamber 40, ‘The blower unit 30 may be powered electr- cally, hydraulically or mechanically ftom a tractor. E. Graig Talet ‘The eran inet 42 is uidly connected to central portion of the cleaning chamber 40 as shown in FIG. 4 of the ‘ravings. The gran inlet 42 allows a conventional auger 12 {o inpal contaminated grain int the cleaning chamber 40 ‘As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4of the drawings, a frst contol 44 is positioned between the grain inlet 42 and the cleaning chamber 40 to prevent pressurized air from passing ‘rough the grain inlet 42. The rst contol member 44 is @ tubular member rotated by a motor unit that has a longity- inal slot for receiving grain and for dispensing grin into the cleaning chamber 40 without significantly reducing ressuce Within the cleaning chamber 40, F, Exhaust Chamber "The exhaust chamber 41 is Duidly connected to an upper portion of the clesning chamber 40 as shown ia FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings. The exhaust chamber 41 may have a Similar eress section and size to the cleaning chamber 40, however diferent cross sections anl sizes may be utilize ‘A material chute $0 is fluidly connected to the exhaust ‘chumber 41 for dispersing the waste material ilo a separate container external ofthe exhaust chamber 1. G., Exhaust Damper ‘As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 86 and Sc of the drawings, a9 exhaust damper 62 is positioned within the exhavst chamber 441 The exhausé damper 62 is preferably comprised ofa plate ‘member pivotally attached within the exhaust chamber 41 ‘and is preferably positioned near an exhaust opening withia the exhaust chamber 41 "The exhaust damper 62 controls the air velocity and air pressure Within the cleaning chamber 40 as desied. An Adjustment handle 64 is mechanically connected to the exlaust damper 62 for contcolling a postion of the exhaust ‘damper 62 as shown in FIGS, 2 through 4 of the drawings, Various other contol structures may be utilized 10 control the exhaust damper 62 1H. Cleaning Damper As shown in FIG, 4of the drawings cleaning damper 60 is preferably positioned within the elesning chamber 40, The cleaning damper 60 is comprised ofa vertical wall memiber that extends inwardly to reduce the eros sectional sizeof the cleaning chamber 40 and outwardly to increase the cross sectional size ofthe cleaning chamber 40. As shown in FIG. 4of the drawings, a cap member 66 is hed tothe upper portion of the wall member and a wall ofthe cleaning chamber 40 ro prevent debris from collecting behind the cleaning damper 60. The cap member 66 may be atched directly by the user or the eap member 66 may be ‘comprised of an elastic or Nexible material permanently atached. 1. Operation of the Invention Tn use, contaminated grain is input into the grain inlet 42 and then enters the fist eontrol member 44 theovgh the ‘pening within the first control member 44. As the first control member 44 rotates within the gran inlet 42, the ‘opening is then exposed tothe cleaning chamber 40 where ler the grain enters the cleaning chamber 40 ‘As the grain enters the cleaning chamber 4, the ar low ‘rom the blower unit 80 elevates the lighier material within the grain upwardly within the cleaning chamber 40 as shown in FIGS. 3and 4 of the drawings. The lighter material is theaUS 6,951,285 BL ‘exhausted through the exhaust ch ‘chute 50 as shown in FIG. 1 ofthe drawings “The beavier grain falls to the lower portion ofthe cleaning ‘chamber 40 tothe grin ehute 70, second contol member ‘2 within the grain chute 70 receives the cleaned grain and dispenses the cleaned grain without significantly reducing aie pressure within the cleaning chamber 40. This process ‘continues until the desired amount of grin is cleaned. The cleaning damper 60 allows the user to contol the volume of the cleaning chamber 40 and air flow velocity Within the cleaning chamber 40 by reducing the effective ‘ross sectional sie of the cleaning chamiver 40, Te clean ing damper 60 may be extendal via conventional mechani ‘al means. By closing the exhaust damper €2, the user isable to reduce the volume of airflow, reduce the velocity of aleflow, and increase the air pressure (ie. eduees the tur bulence within the eeaning chamber 40) thereby removing Jess material. By opening the exhaust damper 62, the user is able to inerease the volume of alow, inrease the velocity fof airflow, and reduce the air pressure (ie. increases the turfulence within the eleaning chamber 40) thereby remov= jing more material, ‘As to 4 further discussion of the manner of usage and ‘operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no furthee “discussion eating to tbe manner of usage and operation will, be provided. With respect to the above deseripton thea, i is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the pars ofthe invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, ace deemed to be within the expertise of those stalled inthe ar, and all equivalent strctural variations and relationships t© those illustrated inthe drawings and ‘described in the specification are intended to be encom= passed by te present invention, “Therelore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ‘of the principles of the invention, Further, since numerous, ‘modifications and changes will eadily occu to those skilled inthe ar it isnot desired to limit the invention tothe exact ‘construction and operation shown and descrined, and accordingly, al suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the seope ofthe invention. Tela 1 ir sspension pain cle sem, comprising 4 cleaning chamber attached to said frame; blower unit fluidly connected 1 a lower portion of said cleaning chamber; 4 grin inlet Muidly connected to said cleaning chamber; an exhaust chamber idly connected to an upper portion of said cleaning ehamber, 4 clesning damper within ssi cleaning chamber, wherein ‘said cleaning damper is comprised of a wall member that extend inwardly ta rece the cross sectional size of said cleaning chamber; and 4 cap member atlached tothe upper portion of said wall ‘member and a Wall of ssid cleaning chamnber 2. The sir suspension grain cleaner system of claim 1, Jncluding an exhaust damper within said exhaust chamber: 3. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 2, wherein said exhaust damper is comprised of a plate mem” ber 4. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 2, ‘wherein sid exhiust damper is positioned acer an exhaust ‘opening within said exhaust chamber. s % 6 ‘5. The air suspension grain cleaner system of cl ‘wherein said exhaust damper controls the wclow wi cleaning ehamber. 6. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 2, including an adjustment handle mechanically connected 40 said exhaust damper for contolling a position of said exhaust damper 7. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 1, including a first contol member positioned between ssid grain inlet and said cleaning chamber to prevent pressurized fir from passing through said gran ile. 8. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 7, wherein stid fist control member is a tubular member rolated by 4 motor unit that bas. longitudinal slot for receiving grain and for dispensing grain into sail cleanin bamber without significantly reducing air pressure with Said cleaning chamber, 9. An air suspension grain cleaner system, comprising: 4 cleaning chamber having a vertically aligned tubular 4 blower unit Muidly connected to 3 lower portion of ssid cleaning chamber; 4 grain inlet idly connected to said cleaning chambers an exhaust chamber fuidly connected fo an upper portion of sad cleaning chamber, an exhaust damper within sad exhaust chamber; and ‘first contol member positioned between suid grain inlet and said cleaning chamber to prevent pressurized from passing through ssid grain inlet, wherein said fst ‘contol member i tubular member rotated by a motor ‘it that has longitudinal slot for receiving grain and for dispensing grain into said cleaning chamber without significantly reducing air pressure within sad cleaning chamber, 10. The aie suspension grain cleaner system of claim 9, Jneluding a cleaning damper within said cleaning chamber, 11. The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 10, ‘wherein sad cleaning damper is comprised of wall mem ber that extends inwardly lo reduce the ross sectional size of said cleaning chamber. 12. The air suspension gran cleaner system of claim I, including eap member attached tothe upper portion of said wall member and a wall of said cleaning chamber 13. The aie suspension grain cleaner systcm of claim 9, ‘wherein sad exhaust damper is comprised ofa plate mem- ber 14. The air suspension gran cleaner system of laim 9, ‘wherein said exhaust damper is positioned near an exhaust ‘pening within said exhaust chamber 15, The aie suspension gran cleaner system of claim 9, ‘wherein said exhaust damper controls the arllow within said cleaning chamber. 16. The air suspension grain cleaner sysiem of claim 9, including an adjustment handle mechanically connected 10 said exhaust damper for contclling a position of said exhaust damper 17. An air suspension grain leaner system, comprising: a frame; 4 cleaning chamber attached to said frame; blower unit Muidly connected 10 a lower postion of said ‘leaning chamber; 4 grain inlet Muidly connected to sad cleaning chamber; fan exhaust chamber filly connected to an upper portion of said cleaning chamber,US 6,951,285 BL 7 4 cleaning damper within sad cleaning camber; and {first contol member positioned between said grain inlet ‘and said cleaning chamber to prevent pressurized ait from passing through sai grain inlet, wherein sai first. canta member tubular member reated by a motor ‘uit that has a longitudinal slot for receiving grain and For dispensing grain into said cleaning chamber without significantly seshicing ir pressure within sad cleaning chamber. 18. The air suspension gs ‘including an exhaust damper within said exhaust chamber. cleaner system of claim 17, 1 8 19. The sir suspeasion grain cleaner system of claim 18, ‘wherein said exhaust damper controls the wrllow within ssid cleaning chamber. 20, The air suspension grain cleaner system of claim 17, ‘wherin said cleaning damper is comprised of a wall mem- ber that extends inwardly to reduce the cross sectional size of sid cleaning chamber.