Michael Scott Sprague

US Patent:

7571554, Aug 11, 2009

Filed:

Dec 6, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/296039

Inventors:

Michael M. Sprague - Portland OR, US

International Classification:

F26B 3/00

US Classification:

34497, 34558, 34210

Abstract:

According to one embodiment, a ventilation system includes a heat-recovery device for pre-heating make-up air with exhaust air from multiple drying chambers (e. g. , dry kilns for drying lumber). The ventilation system includes ductwork connecting the drying chambers to the heat-recovery device in a parallel arrangement. Supply ductwork for supplying pre-heated make-up air from the heat-recovery device to the drying chambers includes a main supply duct, or conduit, in fluid communication with the heat-recovery device and plural branch supply conduits, each of which establishes fluid communication with the main supply conduit and a respective drying chamber. Return ductwork for delivering exhaust air from the drying chambers to the heat-recovery device includes a main exhaust duct, or conduit, in fluid communication with the heat-recovery device and plural branch exhaust conduits, each of which establishes fluid communication with the main exhaust conduit and a respective drying chamber.

US Patent:

52769801, Jan 11, 1994

Filed:

Nov 12, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/974614

Inventors:

John L. Carter - Portland OR
Michael M. Sprague - Tigard OR

International Classification:

F26B 2106

US Classification:

34191

Abstract:

A direct-fired kiln for drying lumber having a reversible powered air-mover mechanism for producing air circulation within the interior of the kiln in either of opposite directions. Selectively controlled air withdrawal conduits returning air to a fuel burner outside the kiln are adjusted so that air is always withdrawn from the side of a load within the kiln where circulated air is exiting from the load.

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.

US Patent:

46620834, May 5, 1987

Filed:

Sep 18, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/908917

Inventors:

John L. Carter - Portland OR
Michael M. Sprague - Tigard OR

International Classification:

F26B 2108

US Classification:

34 86

Abstract:

First and second ported ducts are associated with a drying chamber. A flow control housing has first and second compartments communicating respectively with the first and second ducts. These compartments also have openings which communicate with atmosphere. A fan is employed which draws air from the drying chamber into one of the ducts and through one of the compartments to atmosphere. At the same time a fan on a common shaft draws in make-up air from the atmosphere and forces it through the other of the compartments and into the other duct for discharge into the dryer. The fans are reversible, and the flow control housing is combined with a double acting heat exchanger which extracts heat from exhaust air in one compartment and transfers it to the other compartment for preheating make-up air. A damper is provided in the flow control housing on the atmosphere side thereof for precise control of exhaust and make-up air.

US Patent:

52262448, Jul 13, 1993

Filed:

Jan 3, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/816655

Inventors:

John L. Carter - Portland OR
Michael M. Sprague - Tigard OR

International Classification:

F26B 2106

US Classification:

34191

Abstract:

A drier which has a reversible power operated air mover for circulating air through multiple loads in either of opposite directions. An exhaust duct means is provided for removing moisture-laden air in a region between the loads, and a dilution air means is provided for introducing dilution air into this region. Means is provided for heating the dilution air introduced. The means for introducing air and with drawing air and for heating the air have the same operating characteristics irrespective of the direction of air movement.