DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates generally to agriculture devices and/or apparatuses. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for reducing moisture content from food grains.

BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] In order to get stored for extended periods of time, paddy and comestible material must be dried to a moisture content much less than that is present at harvesting. Typically, freshly harvested or rough/paddy rice will have a moisture content of approximately 15-25% by weight. This moisture content level must be reduced prior to storing the paddy otherwise the paddy will mold or ferment. In order for the paddy to be storage stable, it must have a moisture content no higher than 14% by weight and more preferably between about 12-14%. For other forms of comestible material specifically herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, the moisture content immediately following harvest will be such so as to render the material unsuitable for extended storage. More specifically, the moisture content of rosemary immediately following harvest will be about 58% by weight. Again, unless the moisture content level is reduced, the rosemary will degrade upon storage for extended periods of time. In order to be storage stable, the rosemary must be dried to a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight and more preferably between about 8-9%.
[004] Currently, the conventional process for drying-paddy involves placing the paddy in column driers that are approximately 12-18 inches in diameter and, using ventilation ports at various locations in the column wall, blowing hot air across the paddy. The paddy moves vertically through the column beginning at the top and is drawn from the bottom of the column by an auger, with the paddy becoming drier as it approaches the bottom. However, it has been discovered that the paddy nearer the column wall will be heated to a higher temperature than the paddy nearer the column centre. For this reason, paddy cannot be dried continuously, instead, the paddy must be allowed to intermittently cool down, rest or temper before further drying. It is important that the temperature of the paddy not exceed 110° F. during the drying process or else the escaping moisture will cause the rice kernel to fracture, thus making the rice of a lower grade or quality. Typically, it takes about 3-5 days to dry paddy according to this process.
[005] The most widely used process for drying other comestible material consists of blowing warm air over the material on a multistage conveyor. For those other materials, care must be exercised during the drying process so that the materials are not damaged. For example, rosemary is typically dried in this fashion and while the temperature of the rosemary during the drying process is not as critical as that of paddy, care must be exercised in heating the rosemary so as not to scorch it or cause degradation. The conventional process for drying rosemary is also time consuming as it can take up to 24 hours to dry rosemary to the required moisture content.
[006] The basic approach to drying has remained essentially the same since the 1840's: blowing heated air through the grain followed by ventilation just for cooling. It has been assumed that heating the grain was the only method for accelerating drying. In those instances where researchers did cool their grain to aid drying, they only did so as a one-time procedure.
[007] Relative humidity (RH) and its companions—Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) and Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH)—have remained the principal control variables. On occasions, grain moisture sampling is used for direct feedback. On the surface, these concepts appear quite reasonable; however, our drying research has uncovered the following:
1) Relative Humidity, as a control in itself, is fundamentally flawed.
2) Grain Moisture feedback, as commonly used, is also flawed.
3) The use of constant heat does not produce drying optimization.
4) The standard methods for solar heating are often counter-productive.
5) The ‘wet warming’ of grain during warm fronts followed by the planned use of cooling during the nights of cold fronts, is much more efficient than continuous heating.
[008] There is therefore a need in the art to develop an apparatus that allows efficient heating of food grains in real-time and to provide moisture-reducingapparatus that is cost effective, time efficient and easy to implement.
[009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0010] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0011] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0012] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0013] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0014] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that is cost effective and time efficient and easy to implement.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that enables temperature control based on moisture content in the food grains.
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that can be implemented with minimal moving parts, hence cost of repairs is minimized.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that is thermally insulated, thereby increasing efficiency of the apparatus.

SUMMARY
[0020] The present disclosure relates generally to agriculture devices and/or apparatuses. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for reducing moisture content from food grains.
[0021] This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of a system for time bound availability check of an entity, which are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining/limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0022] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for reducing moisture from food grains. The apparatus can include: a hopper coupled with a housing that can be configured to receive the food grains from inlet of the hopper and hold the food grains; a set of sensors that can be operatively coupled with the hopper, and the set of sensors can be configured to measure moisture content in the food grains; a plurality of hot plates that can be operatively coupled to the hopper, the plurality of hot plates can be configured to allow flow of the food grains to an outlet; a plurality of heating rods such that at least one of the plurality of heating rods can be operatively coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of hot plates; and a control unit that can be operatively coupled to the plurality of heating rods. The control unit can be configured to control heating, using the plurality of heating rods, of the food grains, based on the measured moisture content in the food grains, flowing via the plurality of hot plates to reduce the moisture from the food grains.
[0023] In an aspect, the apparatus can include a plurality of vibration elements that can be configured to make the food grains travel on the plurality of hot plates at a desired speed.
[0024] In another aspect, each of the plurality of hot plates can include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end can be supported with a spring and a second end can be supported with a roller.
[0025] In another aspect, a cam follower mechanism can be provided such that a follower can be adapted to hit any of the plurality of hot plates on the first end and a cam is attached to a motor shaft on top of which a rod reciprocates.
[0026] In another aspect, the housing can be thermally insulated.
[0027] In another aspect, each of the plurality of hot plates can be inclined downwards at an angle of 15 degrees and the plurality of hot plates can be placed in zig-zag pattern to corresponding adjacent hot plate.
[0028] In another aspect, the plurality of hot plates are corrugated and perforated to facilitate transmission of heat from the plurality of heating rods to the food grains and conveying of food grains to the outlet.
[0029] In another aspect, the plurality of hot plates can be made of galvanized iron.
[0030] In another aspect, the set of sensors can include at least one temperature sensor.
[0031] In an embodiment, the system within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
[0032] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of apparatus for reducing moisture from food grains in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a heating chamber of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary isometric rotated inside representation of heating chamber with frame and heating plates in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary planar representation of heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged planar representation of travel paths and holes in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 4C illustrates an isometric representation of heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric representation of travel paths (P)in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 4E illustrates an enlarged representation of travel paths (E) in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 4F illustrates an exemplary representation of wave profile of the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross section representation of insulated covering of a frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary layout of a cross section of insulated wall of heating chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of frame with heating rods beneath the hot plates in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary enlarged representation of frame with rod without hot plates at the top in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of cam follower mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric representation of a frame without plates and heating rods in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged representation of frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of the plurality of hot plates in a single pass with supports in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged side view representation of the frame for vibrating support mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged side view representation of frame with plate on top in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary isometric representation of hopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary top view representation of hopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary representation of guides at hopper outlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] FIGs. 16A to 16D illustrate exemplary layout representations of PLC circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 17A to 17C illustrate exemplary representations of heating chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0059] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0060] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[0061] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.
[0062] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0063] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0064] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0065] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[0066] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data may be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
[0067] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
[0068] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
[0069] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0070] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0071] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0072] The present disclosure relates generally to agriculture devices and/or apparatuses. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for reducing moisture content from food grains.
[0073] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for reducing moisture from food grains. The apparatus can include: a hopper coupled with a housing that can be configured to receive the food grains from inlet of the hopper and hold the food grains; a set of sensors that can be operatively coupled with the hopper, and the set of sensors can be configured to measure moisture content in the food grains; a plurality of hot plates that can be operatively coupled to the hopper, the plurality of hot plates can be configured to allow flow of the food grains to an outlet; a plurality of heating rods such that at least one of the plurality of heating rods can be operatively coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of hot plates; and a control unit that can be operatively coupled to the plurality of heating rods. The control unit can be configured to control heating, using the plurality of heating rods, of the food grains, based on the measured moisture content in the food grains, flowing via the plurality of hot plates to reduce the moisture from the food grains.
[0074] In an aspect, the apparatus can include a plurality of vibration elements that can be configured to make the food grains travel on the plurality of hot plates at a desired speed.
[0075] In another aspect, each of the plurality of hot plates can include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end can be supported with a spring and a second end can be supported with a roller.
[0076] In another aspect, a cam follower mechanism can be provided such that a follower can be adapted to hit any of the plurality of hot plates on the first end and a cam is attached to a motor shaft on top of which a rod reciprocates.
[0077] In another aspect, the housing can be thermally insulated.
[0078] In another aspect, each of the plurality of hot plates can be inclined downwards at an angle of 15 degrees and the plurality of hot plates can be placed in zig-zag pattern to corresponding adjacent hot plate.
[0079] In another aspect, the plurality of hot plates are corrugated and perforated to facilitate transmission of heat from the plurality of heating rods to the food grains and conveying of food grains to the outlet.
[0080] In another aspect, the plurality of hot plates can be made of galvanized iron.
[0081] In another aspect, the set of sensors can include at least one temperature sensor.
[0082] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of apparatus for reducing moisture from food grains in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0083] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 for reducing moisture from food grains 104 is disclosed. The apparatus 100 can include a hopper 102 coupled with a housing and the hopper 102 can be configured to receive the food grains 104 from inlet of the hopper 102 and hold the food grains 104; and a set of sensors(106-1, 106-2 & 106-3) that can be operatively coupled with the hopper 102, and the set of sensors (herein, collectively referred as 106) can be configured to measure moisture content in the food grains 104; a plurality of hot plates (108-1, 108-2 & 108-3)operatively coupled to the hopper 102, the plurality of hot plates (herein, collectively referred as 108) can be configured to allow flow of the food grains 104 to an outlet or container 110.
[0084] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a plurality of heating rods (112-1, 112-2 & 112-3)such that at least one of the plurality of heating rods (herein, collectively referred as 112)can be operatively coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of hot plates 108.
[0085] In an embodiment, the control unit can be operatively coupled to the plurality of heating rods 112 and the control unit can be configured to control heating, using the plurality of heating rods 112, of the food grains 104, based on the measured moisture content in the food grains 104, flowing via the plurality of hot plates 108 to reduce the moisture from the food grains 104.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the food grains 104 with higher moisture content can slide past through a metal path in a closed heating chamber to enable reduction of moisture content from food grains 104. The rate of reduction of moisture can depend on flow rate of food grains 104, flow rate of air, heat present inside the heating chamber and travel time of food grains 104 inside the heating chamber. A desired percentage of moisture required in food grains 104 can be achieved through combine control and monitoring of above-mentioned parameters.
[0087] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a plurality of vibration elements (114-1, 114-2 & 114-3)that can be configured to make the food grains travel on the plurality of hot plates 108 at a desired speed.
[0088] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include an exhaust fan 116 to remove excess air, moisture, humidity etc. present inside the apparatus 100.
[0089] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include an inlet 118 for allowing entering of air inside the apparatus 100 and an air outlet 120.
[0090] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include insulated walls 122 and frame 124.
[0091] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of hot plates 108can include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is supported with a spring and a second end is supported with a roller.
[0092] In an embodiment, a cam follower mechanism is provided such that a follower can be adapted to hit any of the plurality of hot plates on the first end and a cam can be attached to a motor shaft on top of which any of the plurality of heating rods 112 reciprocates.
[0093] In an embodiment, the housing is thermally insulated. Each of the plurality of hot plates 108 can be inclined downwards at an angle of 15 degrees and the plurality of hot plates 108 are placed in zig-zag pattern to corresponding adjacent hot plate 108.
[0094] In an embodiment, the plurality of hot plates 108 are corrugated and perforated to facilitate transmission of heat from the plurality of heating rods 112 to the food grains 104 and conveying of food grains 104 to the outlet 110.
[0095] In an embodiment, the plurality of hot plates 112 can be made of galvanized iron.
[0096] In an embodiment, the set of sensors 106 can include at least one temperature sensor.
[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the set of sensors 106 can be connected to PID temperature controllers.
[0098] It would be appreciated that although the proposed apparatus 100 has been elaborated as above to include all the main units, it is conceivable that actual implementations are well within the scope of the present disclosure, which can include without any limitation, only a part of the proposed units or a combination of those or a division of those into sub-units in various combinations across multiple devices that can be operatively coupled with each other, including in the cloud. Further, the units can be configured in any sequence to achieve objectives elaborated. Also, it can be appreciated that proposed apparatus 100 can be configured in a computing device or across a plurality of computing devices operatively connected with each other, wherein the computing devices can be any of a computer, a laptop, a smart phone, an Internet enabled mobile device and the like. Therefore, all possible modifications, implementations and embodiments of where and how the proposed apparatus 100 is configured are well within the scope of the present invention.
[0099] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a heating chamber of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00100] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary isometric rotated inside representation of heating chamber with frame and heating plates in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00101] In an embodiment, the capacity of the apparatus or drier 100 can be half (1/2) quintal per hour. The moisture content can be reduced from 24 percent to 12 percent in a time duration of 17 minutes. Flow speed of grains can be 9.9 mm/sec. Travel path length can be 10.2 m. Number of plates in the chamber can be nine. Number of travel paths can be 25. Mass flow rate of paddy in one travel path can be 540 grams per 15 minutes. Mass flow rate of paddy in 25 travel paths can be 540*25 = 13,500 grams per 15 minutes. Moisture content evaporated in a given time can be (24% -12%)*13,500 grams = 0.12*13,500 grams = 1620 grams = 1.62 kilograms.
[00102] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary planar representation of heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00103] FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged planar representation of travel paths and holes in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00104] FIG. 4C illustrates an isometric representation of heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00105] FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric representation of travel paths (P) in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00106] FIG. 4E illustrates an enlarged representation of travel paths (E) in the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00107] FIG. 4F illustrates an exemplary representation of wave profile of the heating plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Psychrometric calculations:
[00108] In an exemplary embodiment, following data is considered assuming climatic condition prevailed in the month of November in a given region (here in India).
Relative Humidity,??=????%
Ambient Air temperature, ????=????????
Corresponding to ?? and ????, we get Specific humidity, ??= ??.????????????/????????????????????
Temperature of air to be raised to ????=????????
Corresponding to ?? and ????, we get ????=????%
Maximum relative humidity, ???????? at ????=???????? is 42%
Corresponding to ??????????????????, ????????=??.??????????/????????????????????
???=????????- ??=??.??????-??.????????=??.????????????/????????????????????
Weight of moisture evaporated, M = 1.62 kg
1 kg of dry air added for ?? moisture content
For ??? unit moisture content, dry air added = 1kg
For 1 unit moisture content, dry air added = ??????
For 1.62 kg moisture content, dry air added =??.??????.????????????=????.??????????
So, 72.973 kg of dry air per 15 min. is required to reduce the moisture content in paddy from 24% to 12%
So, ????=????.??????????/??????????
Assuming losses, ????=??×????.??????????/??????????=??????.??????????/??????????
Mass of air required per second, ?? =??????.??????????×????????/??=??.??????????/??
Specific Volume, ??=??.????????/????
Volume flow rate of air =??×??=??.????????/????× ??.??????????/?? = ??.??????????/??

Heat Calculations:
a) Assume, heat required to raise temperature of air = ????
Specific heat capacity of air =????????.????/??????
Air temperature, ????=????????. ????=?????(????-????)?????=??????.??????×(????-????)×????????.??=??,??????,??????.?????? — (??)

b) Heat required to raise the temperature of moisture present in paddy =??m
Specific heat of water, Cw =??.??×????????/??????
Latent heat of water, QL=????????×????????/????
Assuming ambient temperature = Paddy temperature = ????.
???? =????????(??????-????)+???????
=??.????????×??.??×??????????/??????×????+ ????????×????????/????×??.????????= =??,??????,???????? — (??)

c) Heat required to raise the temperature of paddy, ????=?????(????-????)?????
Assuming the temperature of paddy goes high up to 50?. So, ????=?????
Specific heat of paddy, ????=??.??×????????/??????
Mass of paddy, ????=????.??????.
So, ????=????.??????×(????-????)×??.??×????????/?????? = ??????,???????? — (??)

[00109] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 124 of apparatus 100can be enclosed in a hollow insulated cuboidal body.An insulation material that is used for the cuboidal body is glass wool with thermal conductivity, ??0 = 0.04 W/mK. The insulation material can be stuffed in between mild steel walls, which are held together by riveting.
[00110] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross section representation of insulated covering of a frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00111] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary layout of a cross section of insulated wall of heating chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, ????1,????2??????????3represent thermal resistances for walls A, B and C respectively.
[00112] For wall A:
The dimensions of ?????????? = 4.053 ?? × 4.000 ?? ×0.980 ??
Thermal conductivity of mild steel, ??0= 46 ??/????
Thickness, ????=??.????????
Face 1
Resistance, ????1?? =????/??????2??=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.????×????-????/??
Face 2
Resistance, ????????=????/??????????=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.????×????-????/??
Face 3
Resistance, ????????=????/??????????=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.????×????-????/??
[00113] For wall B:
The dimensions of ?????????? = 4.055 ?? ×4.002 ?? ×0.982 ??
Thermal conductivity of wall B, ??1 = 0.04 W/mK.
Thickness, ????=??.????????
Face 1
Resistance, ????1??=????/??????????=??.??????/(??.????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.????????/??
Face 2
Resistance, ????2??=????/??????????=??.??????/(??.????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.????????/??
Face 3
Resistance, ????3??=????/??????????=??.??????/(??.????×??.??????×??.??????)=??.??????????/??
[00114] For wall C:
The dimensions of ?????????? = 4.155??×4.102??×1.082??
Thermal conductivity of wall C, ??0 = 46 W/mK.
Thickness, ????=??.????????
Face 1
Resistance, ????1??=????/??0??1??=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????) =??.??????×????-????/??
Face 2
Resistance, ????2??=????/??0??2??=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????) =??.????×????-????/??
Face 3
Resistance, ????3??=????/??0??3??=??.??????/(????×??.??????×??.??????) =??.??????×????-????/??

So, Heat flow through face 1, =(??1-??2)/(????1??+????2??+????3??)=(500??-200??)/(??.????×????-??+??.??????+??.??????×????-??) = 389.6 ??.
Heat flow through face 2, =(??1-??2)/(????1??+????2??+????3??)=(500??-200??)/(??.????×????-?? +??.??????+??.????×????-??) =94.34 ??.
Heat flow through face 3, = (??1-??2)/(????1??+????2??+????3??)= (500??-200??)/(??.????×????-??+??.????????+??.??????×????-??) =95.6 ??.
Total heat loss =2×(389.6 ??+94.34 ??+95.6 ??)=1159.08 ??.
Adding equations (1), (2) and (3), total heat input in 15 minutes =4,199,040 ??+ 769,500 ??+4,405,088.12 ??=9,373,628.12 ??.
Heat input per second =9373628.12/(15×60)??= 10,415.14 ??.
Heat to be supplied =10,415.14+1159.08=11,574.22 ??
Assuming Losses =10%.
So, heat to be supplied to keep the system running in steady state conditions =10%× 11,574.22 ??+11,574.22 ??=12,731.642 ??.
Note: If 4 heating rods are added beneath each plate, then total no. of heating rods = 4×9=36.
Power of each heating rod should be =12731.642/36 ??= 353.66??.
[00115] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of frame with heating rods beneath the hot plates in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00116] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary enlarged representation of frame with rod without hot plates at the top (R) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, (X) represents the pipes to which the heating rods are attached. The pipes are attached to the frame and carry the wires from the heating rods to the outside of the chamber for electrical connections.
[00117] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of cam follower mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the vibrating mechanism can be incorporated in the model to make the food grain travel on the path at desired speed. Thus, enabling increase or decrease of time of travel inside the heating chamber. One end of the plate along the travel path is spring supported and the other end has roller support. Cam-follower mechanism can be used to provide the required vibration to the plate, as the reciprocating part (follower) hits the plate from the beneath (on the end with spring support).The cam is attached to the motor shaft on top of which a rod reciprocates. A hitting frequency can be varied by changing RPM of motor and amplitude of vibration can be changed by changing off-set distance from the motor shaft. Both of these methods can be used to control the flow speed of the grain on the hot plate, which helps in varying the amount of heat transfer to the grains.
[00118] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric representation of a frame without plates and heating rods in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00119] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged representation of frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00120] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of the plurality of hot plates in a single pass with supports in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, V1 represents cam follower mechanism for providing vibration to first plate. S1 represents a spring support for first plate. There is another spring for first plate but is hidden in the image due to the view. R1 (plural) represents the bearing housings. A circular rod passes through the bearings in them on which an end of plate can be supported. This constitutes the roller support for the first plate. As the follower hits the spring supported end, the plate bounces about its roller support. Only 2-5 mm deflection is allowed for the plate. Right after the first plate ends, with a minimal gap, second plate starts. Spring supports for second plate are shown in the image as S2. Vibration mechanism for the second plate is shown as V2.
[00121] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged side view representation of the frame for vibrating support mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00122] FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged side view representation of frame with plate on top in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00123] FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary isometric representation of hopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00124] FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary top view representation of hopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00125] FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary representation of guides at hopper outlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00126] As shown in FIG. 15A to 15C, food grains can enter the drier or apparatus through the hopper. The flow rate of grains can be controlled by turning the handle that turn the small guides increasing or decreasing the area between them thus increasing or decreasing the flow rate of grain.
[00127] FIGs. 16A to 16D illustrate exemplary layout representations of PLC circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat added to the grains is to be varied depending on the moisture content to be reduced. This is controlled with the help of the logic circuit based on PLC programming. The circuit works according to the circuit diagram shown in the FIG. 16A.
[00128] As shown in FIG. 16D, R’, R’’ and R’’’ represent NC contacts, which are connected to temperature controllers. The connection of R’ has been shown in Fig. 16D. R’’ and R’’’ are also connected in a similar way. The above circuit helps in controlling the speed of motors using a variable frequency drive and the number of heating elements to be switched on/off during the drying process can be dependent on the moisture content. Further, the temperature of the plates is not to be raised above 490??. This can be achieved by using temperature sensors and temperature controllers. Hence, controlled heat can be added to the grains to prevent its overheating and to prevent heat loss.
[00129] FIG. 17A to 17C illustrate exemplary representations of heating chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, exhaust fans can be provided at the top to extract the humid air from the heating chamber to the outside and to suck the air from outside into the heating chamber. Three 6’ duct vent fans are added at the top. The volume flow rate through the fans can be set to desired (??.??????????/??????) by changing the RPM of fan (which changes the air velocity through the duct). The air velocity through the fans can be measured using Anemometer. The air may enter through the inlet at the bottom and flow through the holes provided in the plates reaching the top and exiting through the fans. In case, the fans are unable to overcome the system resistance, two fans at the side walls have also been provided represented as air outlets 4 & 5 in the image. The inlet for each fan is on the opposite wall. The inlets are such that the direction of air flow is against the direction of grain flow in aparallel direction. The volume flow rate through each of these fans is one-third of the total volume flow rate through the fans provided at the top, i.e., 0.159/3=0.053??3/??????. Valves are provided at each air outlet.
[00130] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[00131] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[00132] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention.
[00133] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other)and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[00134] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[00135] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skillin the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[00136] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains.
[00137] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that is cost effective and time efficient and easy to implement.
[00138] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that enables temperature control based on moisture content in the food grains.
[00139] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that can be implemented with minimal moving parts, hence cost of repairs is minimized.
[00140] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing moisture content from the food grains that is thermally insulated, thereby increasing efficiency of the apparatus.
,CLAIMS:1. An apparatus for reducing moisture from food grains, the apparatus comprising:
a hopper coupled with a housing configured to receive the food grains from inlet of the hopper and hold the food grains;
a set of sensors, operatively coupled with the hopper, configured to measure moisture content in the food grains;
a plurality of hot plates operatively coupled to the hopper, the plurality of hot plates configured to allow flow of the food grains to an outlet;
a plurality of heating rods such that at least one of the plurality of heating rods is operatively coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of hot plates; and
a control unit operatively coupled to the plurality of heating rods, the control unit configured to control heating, using the plurality of heating rods, of the food grains, based on the measured moisture content in the food grains, flowing via the plurality of hot plates to reduce the moisture from the food grains.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vibration elements configured to make the food grains travel on the plurality of hot plates at a desired speed.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hot plates comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is supported with a spring and a second end is supported with a roller.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein a cam follower mechanism is provided such that a follower is adapted to hit any of the plurality of hot plates on the first end and a cam is attached to a motor shaft on top of which any of the plurality of heating rods reciprocates.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is thermally insulated.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hot plates is inclined downwards at an angle of 15 degrees and the plurality of hot plates are placed in zig-zag pattern to corresponding adjacent hot plate.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of hot plates are corrugated and perforated to facilitate transmission of heat from the plurality of heating rods to the food grains and conveying of food grains to the outlet.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of hot plates are made of galvanized iron.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of sensors comprises at least one temperature sensor.