Crosby Stone

US Patent:

49532987, Sep 4, 1990

Filed:

Feb 24, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/315153

Inventors:

John L. Carter - Portland OR
Michael M. Sprague - Tigard OR
Crosby Stone - Eugene OR
James A. Felsheim - Rogue River OR

Assignee:

Wagner Electronic Products, Inc. - Rogue River OR

International Classification:

F26B 1112

US Classification:

34 44

Abstract:

A kiln controller controls the drying of lumber in a kiln by executing a drying schedule and adjusting the drying schedule in response to actual measured conditions in the kiln. A computer within the controller controls heating coils, spray nozzles and vents in the kiln to achieve the conditions prescribed in the drying schedule. The computer first executes a routine whereby the kiln temperature is brought up to a desired initial temperature. Then the computer concurrently executes the drying schedule and a routine wherein it monitors the temperature, vent load and spray nozzle activity, and automatically adjusts the duration of the current step in the drying schedule.