Gerald J Ware

US Patent:

8257767, Sep 4, 2012

Filed:

Jan 17, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/016137

Inventors:

Gerald J. Ware - Vacaville CA, US

International Classification:

A23B 7/02

US Classification:

426238, 426465, 426471, 426520, 34279, 34334, 34347, 34431, 34434

Abstract:

A desiccating device and method providing variable drying conditions allowing the desiccated material to substantially maintain its natural characteristics upon rehydration as well as have a low microbial content. The method provides a process of subjecting the material to ultrasound and flowing hot air or gas for a defined period of time. The ultrasonic frequency, temperature, air flow and time of exposure can be varied to produce the most efficient drying conditions depending on the material to be dried. The apparatus has plurality of drying chambers with forced heated air or gas input and output ducts and ultrasonic emitter. The material passes through each chamber at a pre-determined rate on a perforated conveyor belt in one embodiment of the invention. Optionally, the material may be placed on a drying bed or substrate comprising a number of spheres.

US Patent:

20020040643, Apr 11, 2002

Filed:

Sep 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/963360

Inventors:

Gerald Ware - Vacaville CA, US

International Classification:

A23C003/07
A23C003/02

US Classification:

099/467000, 099/483000, 099/451000

Abstract:

A desiccating device and method providing variable drying conditions allowing the desiccated material to substantially maintain its natural characteristics upon rehydration as well as have a low microbial content. The method provides a process of subjecting the material to ultrasound and flowing hot air or gas for a defined period of time. The ultrasonic frequency, temperature, air flow and time of exposure can be varied to produce the most efficient drying conditions depending on the material to be dried. The apparatus has plurality of drying chambers with forced heated air or gas input and output ducts and ultrasonic emitter. The material passes through each chamber at a pre-determined rate on a perforated conveyor belt in one embodiment of the invention. Optionally, the material may be placed on a drying bed or substrate comprising a number of spheres.

US Patent:

55221564, Jun 4, 1996

Filed:

Apr 26, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/233378

Inventors:

Gerald J. Ware - Vacaville CA

International Classification:

E02F 506

US Classification:

34356

Abstract:

An apparatus for drying solid and liquified products using heating gas and a plurality of spherical balls having contacting surfaces. A drying chamber is established between a housing and a central body which is coaxially positioned through the center of the housing. Located within the drying chamber are a plurality of balls which form a drying bed. A screw auger is coaxially positioned through the center of the central body to circulate the balls through the drying chamber by moving them from the bottom to the top of the drying chamber where they are redeposited into the bed. A rotatable balls dispersing chute is coupled to the screw auger at the upper end of the central body to evenly distribute balls over the top of the bed of balls as it rotates. The central body includes an annular skirt toward its lower end to deflect balls which are moving downward through the drying chamber and to create a restriction in the lower end of the drying chamber so that the balls recirculate at an even rate in relation to each other rather than having some balls move downward more quickly than others. The auger shaft includes a hollow upper end which serves as a product inlet and through which a product dispersing tube extends outward and over the bed of balls.