Process for Eradicating Insects, Semi Sterilizing, and Reducing Aflatoxin and Fumonisin in Dry Commodities, and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 12302916 Grant Date: 2025-05-20 Filing Date: 2021-10-08
Overview
This patent, filed on October 8, 2021 and granted on May 20, 2025, describes a mechanically robust system for treating dry commodities to eradicate insects and reduce aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination. Developed by inventors based in Muleshoe, TX and assigned to CK the inventor, Inc. (Muleshoe, TX), the system combines controlled combustion, airflow management, and mechanical agitation to deliver a non-chemical hygiene process suitable for organic and conventional supply chains. Our firm secured claims that emphasize coordinated exterior burner assemblies, interior strip burners, and adjustable fuel delivery to create a variable flame profile, while integrated air blower assemblies and an auger slow and disperse falling grain to maximize heat exposure and pathogen/insect kill rates. The specification and claims reflect careful drafting to protect both apparatus and method steps for continuous treatment and downstream conveyance.
Key Features
- Variable flame architecture (exterior burner assemblies and interior strip burners) for tunable thermal exposure
- Air blower assemblies and nozzles that disperse and suspend grains to extend treatment dwell time
- Auger and variable plugging assembly to regulate flow rate and throughput
- Conveyor collection and system integration for post-treatment handling
By protecting a heat‑based, non-chemical cleaning approach, this patent supports safer grain export and processing workflows and addresses growing regulatory and market demands for contaminant control in pulse and grain supply chains.
Invention Details
Abstract: A pulse cleaning system for disinfecting untreated grains and pulses. The pulse cleaning system comprises an outer body, a top end, a top outer edge, a bottom end, and a conveyor. The pulse cleaning system is useful in cleaning a dry commodity by inserting the dry commodity into the top end, cleaning the dry commodity within the outer body, releasing the dry commodity at the bottom end, and collecting the dry commodity on the conveyor. The outer body comprises a top opening at the top end, and a bottom opening at the bottom end. each among one or more exterior burner assemblies and an interior chamber strip burner is configured to create variable flame according to an end user’s preference, or according to amounts of a fuel provided. after treatment by the pulse cleaning system, the dry commodity is referred to as a treated grains and pulses.
Summary of the Invention: A pulse cleaning system for disinfecting untreated grains and pulses. Said pulse cleaning system comprises an outer body, a top end, a top outer edge, a bottom end, and a conveyor. Said pulse cleaning system is useful in cleaning a dry commodity by inserting said dry commodity into said top end, cleaning said dry commodity within said outer body, releasing said dry commodity at said bottom end, and collecting said dry commodity on said conveyor. Said outer body comprises a top opening at said top end, and a bottom opening at said bottom end. each among one or more exterior burner assemblies and an interior chamber strip burner is configured to create variable flame according to an end user’s preference, or according to amounts of a fuel provided. after treatment by said pulse cleaning system, said dry commodity is referred to as a treated grains and pulses.
Patent Document
Related: Agriculture | Mechanical Engineering | Cotton Ginning | Food Processing | Thermal Systems | Muleshoe, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney