Patent ID: 8875414
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: F26B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of heat treating lumber using an elongated enclosure comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, first and second charge entry portals at a proximal end of the elongated enclosure, first and second charge exit portals at an opposite distal end of the elongated enclosure, a first flow path extending through a first side of the elongated enclosure from the first charge entry portal to the first charge exit portal, and a second flow path extending through an opposite second side of the elongated enclosure from the second charge entry portal to the second charge exit portal, the method comprising: moving a first plurality of lumber charges along the first flow path in a first direction of travel and a second plurality of lumber charges along the second flow path in said first direction of travel, such that at least some of the lumber charges are positioned within the first chamber while others of the lumber charges are positioned within the second chamber; supplying heated air to the interior of the second chamber, wherein supplying the heated air causes a pressure differential between the second chamber and the first chamber; recirculating heated air received from the second chamber across the first and second flow paths within the first chamber; and reducing airflow through the first and second charge exit portals from the second chamber.