The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 16, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 29, 1999
Annette T. Kruepke, Jackson, WI (US);
William C. Dobson, West Bend, WI (US);
Premark WB Holdings, Inc., Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A roaster and method for roasting utilizing a tangential flow reducing structure which directs and guides airflow from a blower device into a roasting vessel with minimal swirl and circular flow. The tangential flow reducing structure is preferably one or more baffles, and is preferably located within a plenum in the base of the roaster. More preferably, the roaster has a number of substantially vertical baffles channeling airflow into a vertical and reduced-swirl flow entering the roasting vessel. The roaster also preferably has a unique connection between the roasting vessel and a base upon which the roasting vessel rests, with a flat washer-shaped gasket maintaining a fluid tight seal between the roasting vessel and the base. To tighten the seal, the roaster also preferably includes a cover which is pivotably attached to a support structure supporting the cover in position over the roasting vessel when the roasting vessel is on top of the base. When the cover is in position covering the open top of the roasting vessel, it preferably exerts a light compressive force upon the roasting vessel, which in turn exerts a compressive force upon the gasket to create a better seal between the roasting vessel and the base. Preferably, both the roasting vessel and the roaster base have screens to prevent debris, coffee bean hulls, and other foreign matter from falling into the base. Also, the roaster is preferably provided with a chaff receptacle connected to the cover to collect such matter.