Nathan L Higginbotham

US Patent:

40153410, Apr 5, 1977

Filed:

Dec 22, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/643507

Inventors:

Howard F. McKinney - Florissant MO
Nathan L. Higginbotham - Chesterfield MO
Dick Q. Durant - Manchester MO

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

F26B 328
F26B 504

US Classification:

34 4

Abstract:

Seed is dried with no impairment of its germinating capabilities by subjecting the seed to microwave energy in an atmosphere of reduced pressure. The microwave energy elevates the temperature of the water within the seed to its boiling point, which is quite low because of the reduced pressure, and the water vapor which is released is condensed within the atmosphere of reduced pressure. An apparatus for practicing the process includes an upright pressure vessel, hoppers at each end of the pressure vessel, a perforated processing chute connecting the hoppers, and a control wheel at the lower end of the chute for controlling the speed at which the seed moves through the chute. It also includes a vertical wave guide surrounding the chute and external microwave power units which direct microwave energy into the wave guide and the chute within it. A condenser surrounds the wave guide within the pressure vessel.