Drying unit for accommodating a plurality of elongated hollow pelt boards

Abstract

A pelt processing system includes a plurality of pelt boards, each of which is operable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state by moving a connecting element relative to the bottom of the pelt board. The system further includes a holding unit, configured to hold a plurality of pelt boards, that includes a top plate having a number of apertures, each of the apertures accommodating a connecting element of a pelt board; and a blowing unit including a bottom plate spaced from the top plate, a gas inlet configured for receiving a stream of gas, and a sidewall in a fluid-tight connection with the top and bottom plates, whereby an inner space is established between the top plate, the bottom plate, the gas inlet, and the sidewall; and a release mechanism configured for causing the pelt boards held by the holding unit to assume the non-expanded state.

Claims

1. A pelt processing system comprising: a plurality of expandable pelt boards, each of the pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at the pelt board bottom, each of the pelt boards being operable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state by moving the connecting element relative to the pelt board bottom; a holding unit configured for accommodating the plurality of pelt boards, the holding unit defining a top plate having a number of apertures, each of the apertures being configured for accommodating one of the connecting elements; a blowing unit operatively connected to the holding unit and comprising a bottom plate parallel to and spaced apart from the top plate, a gas inlet configured for receiving a stream of gas, and a sidewall interconnecting the top plate and the bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between the top plate, the bottom plate, the gas inlet, and the sidewall; and a release mechanism operable for causing the pelt boards on the holding unit to assume the non-expanded state.

2. The pelt processing system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism forms part of one of the blowing unit and the holding unit.

3. The pelt processing system of claim 1, further comprising a pelt release station comprising the release mechanism, wherein the pelt release station is configured to accommodate the holding unit.

4. The pelt processing system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a gripping member configured to engage the connecting elements when accommodated in one of the apertures of the holding unit and to move the connecting elements relative to the pelt board bottoms of each of the pelt boards.

5. The pelt processing system of claim 4, wherein the gripping member is biased to a non-engaged position in which the gripping member is located adjacent the holding unit and is configured to receive the connecting elements, the release mechanism further comprising an actuator operable for moving the gripping member to an engaged position engaging the connecting elements, and subsequently to a released position in which the connecting elements have moved relative to the pelt board bottoms, and the pelt boards have assumed a non-expanded state.

6. The pelt processing system of claim 5, wherein the actuator is operable to move the gripping member away from the holding unit.

7. The pelt processing system of claim 5, wherein the release mechanism comprises a multitude of gripping members, and wherein the actuator is movable between the gripping members for moving the gripping members in sequence.

8. The pelt processing system of claim 7, wherein the release mechanism is elongated, and wherein the multitude of gripping members corresponds to a row of apertures of the holding unit.

9. The pelt processing system of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism is mounted on a frame, wherein the holding unit comprises a plurality of rows of apertures, and wherein the release mechanism is movable between rows of apertures of the holding unit.

10. The pelt processing system of claim 5, wherein the actuator is driven by a drive selected from the group consisting at least one of a manual drive, an electrical drive, a hydraulic drive, and a pneumatic drive.

11. The pelt processing system of claim 5, wherein the gripping member comprises a first jaw and an opposite second jaw movable within respective guides between the non-engaged position in which the jaws are open, the engaged position in which said jaws are closed, and the release position in which the jaws are moved away from the holding unit.

12. The pelt processing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the holding unit and the blowing unit comprises transportation means including wheels.

13. The pelt processing system of claim 12, wherein the wheels of transportation means are driven by a motor.

14. The pelt processing system of claim 12, wherein the transportation means includes a user interface mounted on one of the holding unit and the blowing unit.

15. The pelt processing system of claim 12, wherein the transportation means are controllable via wireless communication.

16. The pelt processing system of claim 1, wherein the gas inlet includes a central inflow, a circumferential inflow, and a cone adjacent the central inflow configured for directing inflowing gas from the central inflow past the circumferential inflow, thereby generating an entrainment effect at the circumferential inflow.

17. The pelt processing system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the central inflow and the circumferential inflow comprises one or more valves.

18. The pelt processing system of claim 17, wherein the blowing unit includes sensors configured for controlling the one or more valves.

19. A method of drying a pelt, comprising: (a) providing a drying system, comprising: (i) a pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom, and a connecting element at the pelt board bottom configured for adjusting the pelt board between an expanded state and a non-expanded state; (ii) a holding unit defining a top plate having a number of apertures, each of the apertures being configured for accommodating the connecting element; (iii) a blowing unit operatively connected to the holding unit and comprising a bottom plate parallel to and spaced apart from the top plate, a gas inlet configured for receiving a stream of gas, and a sidewall interconnecting the top plate and the bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between the top plate, the bottom plate, the gas inlet, and the sidewall; and (iv) a release mechanism operable for causing the pelt board on the holding unit to assume the non-expanded state; (b) accommodating a pelt on the pelt board with the pelt board in the expanded state; (c) accommodating the connecting element of the pelt board in one of the apertures of the top plate; (d) interconnecting the holding unit and the blowing unit by lifting the holding unit vertically relative to the bottom plate; (e) introducing gas into the inner space, causing the gas to flow into the pelt board via the one of the apertures; (f) disconnecting the holding unit and the blowing unit, and moving the holding unit to a pelt release station including the release mechanism; and (g) operating the release mechanism, thereby causing the pelt board to assume the non-expanded state.

20. A pelt processing system comprising: a plurality of expandable pelt boards, each of the pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom, and a connecting element at the pelt board bottom that is movable relative to the pelt board bottom to adjust the pelt board between an expanded state and a non-expanded state; a drying unit including (a) a top plate having a number of apertures, each of the apertures being configured for holding one of the pelt boards by accommodating the connecting element of the one of the pelt boards; (b) a bottom plate spaced apart from the top plate; (c) a gas inlet configured for receiving a stream of gas, and (d) a sidewall movable between a low position and a high position and interconnecting the top plate and the bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner so as to define a volume-adjustable inner space between the top plate, the bottom plate, the gas inlet, and the sidewall; and a release mechanism operably connected to the connecting element of each of the pelt boards held in the top plate so as to cause the pelt boards held in the top plate to assume the non-expanded state from the expanded state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a drying unit in a first low position.

(2) FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a drying unit in a second high position.

(3) FIG. 2A is a side view of a mechanical drying unit in a first low position.

(4) FIG. 2B is a side view of a mechanical drying unit in a second high position.

(5) FIG. 3A is a side view of a hydraulic drying unit in a first low position.

(6) FIG. 3B is a side view of a hydraulic drying unit in a second high position.

(7) FIG. 3C is a side view of another hydraulic drying unit using a roll-up element.

(8) FIG. 3D is a side close-up view of the roll-up mechanism of the above drying unit.

(9) FIG. 4A is a side view of a drying unit and an external blower.

(10) FIG. 4B is a side view of a drying unit connected to an external blower.

(11) FIG. 5A is a side view of a drying unit having feet and a floor jack.

(12) FIG. 5B is a side view of a drying unit having feed when moved to an external blower.

(13) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drying unit having a fixed height.

(14) FIG. 7A is a perspective exploded view of a drying unit having multiple hoses.

(15) FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the above drying unit having hoses as flow distributor.

(16) FIG. 8A is a perspective cut-out view of the above drying unit having multiple hoses.

(17) FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the above drying unit showing the flow of air.

(18) FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the airflow in a hose as a flow distributor.

(19) FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the airflow in another hose as a flow distributor.

(20) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a drying unit having one large hose as flow distributor.

(21) FIG. 11A is a side view of the above drying unit having one large hose.

(22) FIG. 11B is a side view of a drying unit having a flexible membrane.

(23) FIG. 11C is a side view of a drying unit having a plate and flexible vent members.

(24) FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a drying unit having multiple side inlets.

(25) FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a drying unit having multiple bottom inlets.

(26) FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a drying unit having flow guiding plates.

(27) FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a drying unit having hoses with opposing fixation.

(28) FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a drying unit having tapered hoses.

(29) FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a drying unit having cells and fans.

(30) FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a drying unit having cells, fans and bags.

(31) FIG. 15 is a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a first pantograph.

(32) FIG. 16 is a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a second pantograph.

(33) FIG. 17 is a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a third pantograph.

(34) FIG. 18A is a side/front cut-out view of a high drying unit having a guiding element.

(35) FIG. 18B is a side/front cut-out view of a low drying unit having a guiding element.

(36) FIG. 19A is a perspective exploded view of a drying unit according to the state of art.

(37) FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a drying unit according to the state of the art.

(38) FIG. 19C is a perspective side view of a drying unit according to the state of the art.

(39) FIG. 20A is a perspective exploded view of a drying unit having hoses.

(40) FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a drying unit having hoses.

(41) FIG. 20C is a perspective side view of a drying unit having hoses.

(42) FIG. 21A is a perspective exploded view of a high drying unit.

(43) FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a high drying unit.

(44) FIG. 21C is a perspective side view of a high drying unit.

(45) FIG. 22A is a perspective view of an adapter.

(46) FIG. 22B is a top view of an adapter.

(47) FIG. 22C is a front view of an adapter.

(48) FIG. 22D is a bottom view of an adapter.

(49) FIG. 22E is a side view of an adapter.

(50) FIG. 23A is a side view of an adapter and a large connecting element.

(51) FIG. 23B is a side view of an adapter attached to a large connecting element.

(52) FIG. 23C is a side view of an adapter and a large connecting element when drying.

(53) FIG. 24A is a side view of an adapter and a small connecting element.

(54) FIG. 24B is a side view of an adapter attached to a small connecting element.

(55) FIG. 24C is a side view of an adapter and a small connecting element when drying.

(56) FIG. 25 is a side view of an adapter.

(57) FIG. 26A is a side view of an adapter having a check valve in a closed state.

(58) FIG. 26B is a side view of an adapter having a check valve in an open state.

(59) FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a pelt processing system.

(60) FIG. 28A is a perspective view of an alternative pelt processing system.

(61) FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the alternative system during assembly.

(62) FIG. 28C is a perspective view of the alternative system during operation.

(63) FIG. 29A is a CFD simulation of a low drying unit viewed from the side.

(64) FIG. 29B is a CFD simulation of a low drying unit viewed from the top.

(65) FIG. 29C is a CFD simulation of low interface.

(66) FIG. 29D is a CFD simulation of a high interface.

(67) FIG. 29E is a CFD simulation of a pelt board.

(68) FIG. 29F is a CFD simulation of a high drying unit viewed from the side.

(69) FIG. 29G is a CFD simulation of a high drying unit viewed from the side.

(70) FIG. 30A is a perspective view of an alternative adapter for being fixated in the aperture.

(71) FIG. 30B is a bottom view of the adapter as shown above.

(72) FIG. 30C is a first side view of the adapter.

(73) FIG. 30D is a second side view of the adapter.

(74) FIG. 30E is a top view of the adapter showing the top portion.

(75) FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the pelt board, the top plate and the adapter.

(76) FIG. 31B is a perspective view of a pelt board.

(77) FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a top plate of the drying unit.

(78) FIG. 33A is a perspective view of a secondary top plate.

(79) FIG. 33B is a top view of a secondary top plate.

(80) FIG. 33C is a side view of a secondary top plate.

(81) FIG. 34A is a CFD simulation of a drying unit viewed from the side.

(82) FIG. 34B is another CFD simulation of a drying unit viewed from the side.

(83) FIG. 34C is a CFD simulation showing the suction effect in the aperture.

(84) FIG. 35 shows a flow simulation of an air supply part for a drying unit.

(85) FIG. 36 shows a diagram illustrating the amount of air entering the air supply part.

(86) FIG. 37 shows a perspective and partially transparent view of a drying unit.

(87) FIG. 38A shows a front view of a universal casing for covering the air supply part. FIG. 38B shows a top view of the universal casing.

(88) FIG. 38C shows a perspective view of the universal casing.

(89) FIG. 39 shows a front view of a basic embodiment of the air supply part.

(90) FIG. 40 shows a front view of an embodiment of an air supply part.

(91) FIG. 41 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of an air supply part.

(92) FIGS. 42 to 47 show various designs of the flow distribution cone.

(93) FIG. 48A shows a perspective view of a release mechanism for automatic release.

(94) FIG. 48B shows a full perspective view of a release mechanism.

(95) FIG. 48C shows an alternative embodiment of a release mechanism.

(96) FIG. 49A shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(97) FIG. 49B shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(98) FIG. 49C shows a side view of the gripping member.

(99) FIG. 50A shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(100) FIG. 50B shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(101) FIG. 50C shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(102) FIG. 50D shows a side view of the release mechanism.

(103) FIG. 51A-D show various motorized drying units similar to the previous drying units.

(104) FIG. 52 shows a pelt processing system including a winch.

(105) FIG. 53A shows a holding unit having a towing bar and a mover.

(106) FIG. 53B shows a holding unit having a towing bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(107) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 in a first low position. The drying unit comprise a top plate 12, a flexible sidewall 14 and a bottom wall (not visible) opposite the top wall 12. The top wall 12 is provided with apertures 16. Each of the apertures 16 are adapted for accommodating a pelt board 18. The pelt board 18 has an elongated and convex shape defining a top 20 and a bottom 22, and accommodate a pelt (not shown) stretched onto the outside of the pelt board 18. The pelt board 18 is hollow and adapted for receiving air from the corresponding aperture 16. The air is delivered from an on board blower 24 via an inner space of the drying unit 10. For easy transportation, the drying unit is provided with a handle 26 and wheels 28. The sidewall 14 is flexible and in the present view the drying unit 10 is in the low position suitable such that the top plate 12 has a suitable height for a user placing and removing pelt boards 18 from the top plate 12. The distance between the bottom plate and the top plate 12 is typically below 200 mm, such as 100 mm.

(108) FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the drying unit 10 in a second high position. The flexible sidewall 14 in the present embodiment is telescopic comprising a second sidewall element 14. In this way the volume of the inner space of the drying unit 10 is doubled, allowing the airflow through the inner space of the drying unit 10 to define a lower velocity and thereby a more uniform flow pattern. This position is suitable for the drying operation. The distance between the bottom plate and the top plate is at least 200 mm, such as between 200 mm and 2500 mm, preferably between 250 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 300 mm and 800 mm, most preferably between 400 mm and 600 mm

(109) FIG. 2A shows a side view of a mechanical drying unit 10 in a first low position. The inner space 30 is visible in a cut-through perspective, and it can be seen that a connecting element 32 of the pelt board 18 reaches into the inner space 30 and arrests the pelt board 18. A mechanical lifting device 34 is located in the inner space between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 36. The mechanical lifting device 34 may e.g. be driven by an electrical motor (not shown) or by hand via a gear (not shown).

(110) FIG. 2B shows a side view of the mechanical drying unit 10 in a second high position. The top plate 12 is raised from the bottom plate 36 by using the mechanical lifting device 34 as shown by the arrows thereby increasing the volume of the inner space 30. The flexible wall has two elements 14, 14, which are sealed in a telescopic configuration.

(111) FIG. 3A shows a side view of a hydraulic drying unit 10 in a first low position similar to the previous embodiment, however, the lifting device 34 is hydraulic (or pneumatic) and the flexible sidewall 14 is pleated.

(112) FIG. 3B shows a side view of the hydraulic drying unit in a second high position, similar to the previous embodiment. It should be noted that combinations of the above embodiment 10 and 10 are possible such as a drying unit having a hydraulic lifting device and a telescopic sidewall or a as a drying unit having a mechanical lifting device and a pleated sidewall.

(113) FIG. 3C shows a side view of another hydraulic drying unit using a roll-up element 14 instead of the pleated wall. The roll-up element 14 is resembling a roll-up curtain made of fluid tight flexible material and is fixated between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 36. The top plate 12 comprises a roll-up mechanism 35, which is described in more detail below.

(114) FIG. 3D is a side close-up view of the roll-up mechanism 35 of the above drying unit 10. The roll-up mechanism comprises a cylinder 37, which may either be motor driven or tensioned by a spring or the like so that there is always tension in the roll-up element 14 between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 36.

(115) FIG. 4A shows a side view of a drying unit 10 having a gas inlet 38, which is capable of cooperating with an external blower 40. The external blower receives air from an outside unit 42.

(116) FIG. 4B shows a side view of the drying unit 10 when connected to the external blower 40. The airflows from the outside 42 via the blower 40, the gas inlet 38, the inner space 30 through the apertures 16 in the top plate 12 into the pelt board 18, through the pelt as shown by the arrows.

(117) FIG. 5A shows a side view of a drying unit 10 having feet 44 and a floor jack 46 for moving the drying unit 10. In this way, the drying unit 10 must not have wheels and may be positioned more stable.

(118) FIG. 5B shows a side view of a drying unit 10 having feet 44 when moved to an external blower 40. Of course, a drying unit having feet and an on board blower would be equally feasible.

(119) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having a fixed height. This may be considered an economic solution in which the flow pattern is improved and no lifting device is needed, thus saving some costs, however, in this way the ergonomics will be less optimal compared to the prior art. The distance between the bottom plate adjacent the ground and the top plate will thus be at least 200 mm, such as between 200 mm and 2500 mm, preferably between 250 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 300 mm and 800 mm, most preferably between 400 mm and 600 mm.

(120) FIG. 7A shows a perspective exploded view of a drying unit 10 having multiple hoses 48a-f as flow distributor. The hoses 48a-f are made of a flexible web material of natural or synthetic fibres, and form a flexible textile. The flow inlet 38 corresponds to the hoses 48a-f.

(121) FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the above drying unit 10 in a first low position. The drying unit 10 is assembled and the hoses 48 are inside the inner space of the drying unit and as such visible anymore.

(122) FIG. 8A shows a perspective cut-out view of the above drying unit 10 having multiple hoses 48a-f. As the blower 24 forces air into the flow inlet 38, the air distributes in the hoses 48a-f. The hoses 48a-f extend into the inner space 30 of the drying unit 10 and together cover the bottom plate 36 more or less completely. The air penetrates the gaps in the web structure of the hoses in a substantially uniform way and distributes within the inner space 30. The hoses 48a-f effectively splits the inner space 30 into a lower part, which is in fluid communication with the inlet 38 and an upper part in fluid communication with the apertures 16 of the top plate 12. When air (or gas) is introduced into the hoses 48a-f through the inlet 38, a pressure difference will be established over the hoses 48a-f causing the hoses to 48a-f inflate and expand. The air leaks through the web material of the hoses and the higher the pressure difference, the more the hoses will expand and the gaps in the web material of the hoses 48a-f will be larger, allowing more air to penetrate. In this way, the pressure is uniformly distributed within the hoses 48a-f.

(123) FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the above drying unit 10 showing the flow of air through the apertures 16. The flow originates from the hoses as described in the previous figure and the flow is substantially uniform between the apertures 16.

(124) FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of the airflow in a hose 48 as a flow distributor. The airflow is substantially uniform in all directions since the complete hose 48 is made of a flexible web material.

(125) FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the airflow in another hose 48 as a flow distributor. The airflow is substantially uniform through the upper side of the hose 48, i.e. the part of the hose 48 facing the top plate, whereas there is no flow through the lower side of the hose 48, i.e. the part of the hose 48 facing the bottom plate. The upper part of the hose is thus made of a flexible web material, whereas the lower part of the hose 48 is made of a fluid tight material such as rubber. In this way, most of the flow may be directed towards the upper plate, which may further reduce turbulence and other negative flow effects within the inner space 30.

(126) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having one large hose 48 as flow distributor. The large hose 48, which is made of a flexible web material, may be manufactured to extend into the inner space 30 to cover most of the bottom plate 36 and effectively splits the inner space 30 into a lower part, which is in fluid communication with the inlet 38 and an upper part in fluid communication with the apertures 16 of the top plate 12.

(127) FIG. 11A shows a side view of the above drying unit 10 having one large hose 48. The uniform structure of the large hose yields a uniform flow distribution in the inner space 10 above the large hose 48. The large hose 48 may be manufactured in the same material as the previous hoses and optionally with a fluid tight lower part.

(128) FIG. 11B shows a side view of a drying unit 10 having a flexible membrane 48 made of a web material. The membrane 48 extends between the sidewalls 14 and effectively splits the inner space 30 into a lower part, which is in fluid communication with the inlet 38 and an upper part in fluid communication with the apertures 16 of the top plate 12. The membrane 48 may be manufactured in the same material as the above-mentioned large hose and optionally with a fluid tight lower part. The working principle is similar to the large hose.

(129) FIG. 11C shows a side view of a drying unit 10 having a flow guiding plate 50 comprising flexible vent members 52. The flow guiding plate 50 extends between the sidewalls 14 and effectively splits the inner space 30 into a lower part, which is in fluid communication with the inlet 38 and an upper part in fluid communication with the apertures 16 of the top plate 12. The vent members 52 consist of flexible flaps, which are closed or exhibit a small opening when the pressure difference over the flow guiding plate 50 is low or non existent. At higher pressure differences over the plate the flaps will exhibit a larger opening, thus mimicking the effect of the flexible hoses described above.

(130) FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having multiple side inlets 38a-f. The side inlets 38a-f are distributed on the sidewalls 16 of the drying unit 10 for achieving a uniform flow pattern in the inner space 30.

(131) FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having multiple bottom inlets 38a-f. The bottom inlets 38a-f are distributed on the bottom plate 36 of the drying unit 10 for achieving a uniform flow pattern in the inner space 30. This setup has the advantage that the general flow direction of the air through the inner space 30 must not be redirected.

(132) FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having flow guiding plates 50 in the inner space 30. The flow guiding plates 50 mimic the sidewall inlets of the previous embodiment. Air (or gas) is received through a common inlet 38 in the sidewall 16. The air is led by the plates 50 and through openings 54, which are distributed along the circumference of the inner space for distributing the air within the inner space 30 and achieve a uniform flow pattern.

(133) FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having hoses 48a-c which are fixated on both sides. The hoses are similar to the previously described hoses, however, the hoses 48 do not extend from the gas inlet 38 but from openings 54 in a flow guiding plate 50 within the inner space 30. This configuration may reduce any possible movement of the hoses within the inner space.

(134) FIG. 13C shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having hoses 48a-f which are tapered. The hoses are similar to the previously described hoses but are only fixated on one side. The hoses 48 thus extend from openings 54 in a flow guiding plate 50 within the inner space 30 in an alternating configuration. The hoses may thus be made shorter and the movement of the hoses reduced.

(135) FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having cells and fans 56. The cells are formed by plates 50, which divide the inner space 30 into separate spaces between a common inlet 38 and the top plate (not shown). Each cell is in fluid communication with a number of apertures (not shown) of the top plate (not shown). The number of apertures per cell may vary. In an extreme case each aperture may communicate with a separate cell. Each cell also optimally includes a fan 56 which fans may serve as the sole blowers or in conjunction with an on board or external blower as previously described. In this way, the cells will receive a constant flow of air and recirculation effect may be reduced.

(136) FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having cells, fans and bags 56. The present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments except that the fan in covered by a bag, which may be of the same material as the previously described hoses and thus have the same flow distributing effect.

(137) FIG. 15 shows a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a mechanical lifting device 34 in the form of a first pantograph. The lifting device 34 comprises a first bar 58, which is attached to the bottom plate 36 and contacting the top plate 12 with a roller 60. The first bar 58 is connected to a second bar 58 via an axle 62 in the center of the first bar 58 and the second bar 58 is further attached to the top plate 12 opposite the first bar 58. By moving the roller 60, the distance of the top plate 12 relative to the bottom plate 36 may be adjusted in the vertical direction.

(138) FIG. 16 shows a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a mechanical lifting device 34 in the form of a second pantograph. The lifting device 34 comprises a first bar 58 connected to rollers 60, which in turn contact the bottom plate 36 at opposite locations. Two separate bars 58 are connected between each of the rollers 60 via a respective axle 62 at opposite locations under the top plate 12. By moving the first bar 58 horizontally, the distance of the top plate 12 relative to the bottom plate 36 may be adjusted in the vertical direction.

(139) FIG. 17 shows a side view of a mechanical lifting device using a mechanical lifting device 34 in the form of a third pantograph. The lifting device 34 comprises a first bar 58 attached to the bottom plate 58 at one end and at the opposite end connected to a roller 60, which in turn contacts the bottom plate 36. Two separate bars 58 are connected between each end of the first bar 58 via respective axles 62 and having opposite ends at opposite locations under the top plate 12, whereby the end located adjacent the roller 60 of the first bar 58 has a roller 60 contacting the top plate 12, whereby the end located adjacent the end of the first bar 58, which is attached to the bottom plate 36, is attached to the top plate 12, and whereby the two bars 58 cross at a central location, in which said bars 58 are interconnected by an axle 62. By moving the first bar 58 horizontally, the distance of the top plate 12 relative to the bottom plate 36 may be adjusted in the vertical direction.

(140) FIG. 18A shows a side cut-out view of a high drying unit 10 having a guiding element 64. The sidewalls have been left out in order to visualize the inner space. The present view shows the drying unit 10 in the high position, which is preferably used during drying. The guide elements 64 64 are attached to the bottom plate 36 and extend through the upper plate 12 in order to provide stability in the high position.

(141) Also shown is a front cut-out view of a high drying unit 10 having a guiding element 64. The guide elements form an inverted U.

(142) FIG. 18B shows a side cut-out view of a low drying unit having a guiding element 64. The present view shows the drying unit 10 in the low position, which is preferably used during transport and handling.

(143) Also shown is a front cut-out view of a low drying unit having a guiding element. The guide elements may double as handles for moving the drying unit 10.

(144) FIG. 19A shows a perspective exploded view of a drying unit 10 according to the state of the art. The drying unit 10 is low and without any flow distributor.

(145) FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of a drying unit according to the state of the art. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16 when the flow velocity is increased. As can be seen, the flow distribution is non-uniform as the flow velocity through some apertures 16 is very high, whereas the flow velocity through others even are negative.

(146) FIG. 19C shows a perspective side view of a drying unit according to the state of the art. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air within the inner space 30 in addition to the arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16. As can be seen, the flow velocity and turbulence is very intense close to the gas inlet 38 resulting in Venturi effect suction adjacent the gas inlet 38.

(147) FIG. 20A shows a perspective exploded view of a drying unit 10 having hoses 48.

(148) FIG. 20B shows a perspective view of a drying unit 10 having hoses 48. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16 when the flow velocity is increased. As can be seen, the flow distribution is uniform and the flow velocity through all of the apertures 16 are approximately the same.

(149) FIG. 20C shows a perspective side view of a drying 10 unit having hoses 48. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air within the inner space 30 in addition to the arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16. As can be seen, the presence of the flow distributor constituted by the hoses 48 reduces the turbulence and eliminates the Venturi effect suction adjacent the gas inlet 38.

(150) FIG. 21A shows a perspective exploded view of a high drying unit 10.

(151) FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of a high drying unit. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16 when the flow velocity is increased. As can be seen, the flow distribution is uniform and the flow velocity through all of the apertures 16 are approximately the same.

(152) FIG. 21C shows a perspective side view of a high drying unit 10. The present view shows arrows representing the flow of air within the inner space 30 in addition to the arrows representing the flow of air through the apertures 16. As can be seen, the greater distance between the gas inlet 38 and the apertures 16 reduces the turbulence and eliminates the Venturi effect suction adjacent the gas inlet 38.

(153) FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of an adapter 66 for being fixated in the aperture (not shown) of the top plate (not shown) of the drying unit (not shown). The adapter 66 has an inner shape corresponding to the shape of a pelt board connecting element (not shown) such that the pelt board connecting element may be easier placed in and more stable accommodated in the aperture (not shown). The adapter 66 is preferably made of polymeric material such as plastic. The adapter 66 comprise a clip-on mechanism for attachment to the top plate (not shown) of the drying unit (not shown).

(154) FIG. 22B shows a bottom view of an adapter 66. As can be seen, the adapter 66 is hollow for allowing gas to pass through with little or no flow resistance.

(155) FIG. 22C shows a front view of an adapter 66 when attached to the top plate 12 of the drying aggregate (not shown) at the aperture 16.

(156) FIG. 22D shows a top view of an adapter 66.

(157) FIG. 22E shows a side view of an adapter 66.

(158) FIG. 23A shows a side view of an adapter 66 and a large connecting element 32 of the pelt board (not shown). The adapter 66 is fitted in the aperture 16 between the top plate 12 and a secondary top plate 12, which is similar to the top plate 12 but located below the top plate 12 within the inner space 30 for the purpose of fixating the adapter 66. The clip mechanism attaches to the secondary top plate 12, whereas a top portion 70 of the adapter 66 acts as counter hold.

(159) FIG. 23B shows a side view of an adapter 66 attached to a large connecting element 32 of the pelt board (not shown). As can be seen, the adapter 66 assures a stable position of the pelt board connecting element 32.

(160) FIG. 23C shows a side view of an adapter 66 and a large connecting element 32 when drying. As shown by the arrow, the hollow configuration of the adapter 66 allows air to pass from the inner space 30 through the adapter 66 in the aperture 16 to the pelt board (not shown).

(161) FIG. 24A shows a side view of an adapter 66 and a small connecting element 32 of the pelt board (not shown). The adapter 66 is fitted in the same aperture 16 between the top plate 12 and a secondary top plate 12, which is similar to the top plate 12, but located below the top plate 12 within the inner space 30 for the purpose of fixating the adapter 66. The clip mechanism attaches to the secondary top plate 12 whereas a top portion 70 of the adapter 66 acts as counter hold. Thus, the same drying unit may be used with different adapters for differently sized connecting elements.

(162) FIG. 24B shows a side view of an adapter 66 attached to a small connecting element 32 of the pelt board (not shown). As can be seen, the adapter 66 assures a stable position of the pelt board connecting element 32

(163) FIG. 24C shows a side view of an adapter 66 and a small connecting element 32 when drying. As shown by the arrow, the hollow configuration of the adapter 66 allows air to pass from the inner space 30 through the adapter 66 in the aperture 16 to the pelt board (not shown).

(164) FIG. 25 shows a side view of an adapter 66 for use with a corrugated top plate 12. The present adapter 66 is held at only one location, however, it would be equally feasible to provide a secondary top plate for allowing the adapter to be held at two locations for additional stability as shown above. Further, the present top plate 12 may be non-corrugated and/or used together with adapters of different sizes.

(165) FIG. 26A shows a side view of an adapter 66 having a check valve 72 in a closed state. When no pelt board connecting element is inserted into the adapter 66, the check valve remains closed and thus no air will flow through the adapter 66. In this way, any loss of drying gas/air through an aperture, which has no connecting element/pelt board attached, is prevented. Alternatively or in addition to a check valve a nozzle may be used for similar purposes.

(166) FIG. 26B shows a side view of an adapter having a check valve in an open state. When a pelt board connecting element is inserted into the adapter 66, the check valve 72 will open and permit drying air/gas to pass through.

(167) FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a pelt processing system 74. The pelt processing system comprises different modular stations in the form of a tanning unit 76, a holding unit 78, a blowing unit 80 and a release mechanism 82. The tanning unit 76 is the first station at which the pelt on the pelt board 18 is stretched when the pelt board is in its expanded state. The pelt and pelt board 18 are subsequently put in an holding unit 78 comprising a top plate 12 with apertures 16 for holding the connecting element 32 of the pelt board 18. Then, the holding unit 78 is moved by e.g. a floor conveyor 46 to the blowing unit 80, which includes an external blower 40 and sidewalls 14. Together, the holding unit 78 and the blowing unit 80 form a drying unit for drying the pelts on the pelt boards. Finally, after drying the pelts, the holding unit 78 is moved to a release mechanism 82, at which all pelt boards are collapsed to their non-expanded state. The release mechanism may e.g. be driven by compressed gas via a compressor 84, however, other means such as an electric motor or even a hand lever, are equally feasible.

(168) FIG. 28A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pelt processing system 74. The pelt processing system 74 comprises a holding unit 78 and a blowing unit 80. The holding unit 78 comprises a top plate 12 with apertures for holding the connecting element of the pelt boards 18. The blowing unit 80 comprises a blower 40, sidewalls 12 and a openable port 86. The bottom of the blowing unit 80 is constituted by the surface of the floor of the building in which the blowing unit 80 is situated. Further, a manual release mechanism 82 is provided for collapsing all of the pelt boards 18 simultaneously, however, a motorized release mechanism is equally feasible.

(169) FIG. 28B shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a pelt processing system 74 during assembly. The holding unit 78 has now been inserted into the blowing unit 80 by means of e.g. a floor jack or by wheels mounted on the holding unit 78.

(170) FIG. 28C shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a pelt processing system 74 during operation. In order to seal off the blowing unit 80, the port 86 is closed as shown by the arrow and in order to for an inner space 30 to form, a lifting device 34 is used for elevating the holding device 78. The present lifting device is in the form of a pantograph, however, a hydraulic or pneumatic lifting mechanism is equally feasible. Subsequently, the blower 40 is started for drying the pelts. The lifting device 34 and the blower 40 are controlled by a controller 88. The port 86 and the release mechanism 82 are typically manually operated, but may also be motorized and controlled by the controller 88.

(171) The following FIGS. 29A-G are self-explanatory proof-of-concept CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations made in order to increase the understanding of the present invention.

(172) FIG. 29A shows a CFD simulation of a low drying unit viewed from the side. The simulation shows the flow velocity inside the inner space. As can be seen, the flow velocity is non-uniform.

(173) FIG. 29B shows a CFD simulation of a low drying unit viewed from the top. The simulation shows the flow volume per hour through the apertures. As can be seen, the flow volume per hour through the apertures is non-uniform.

(174) FIG. 29C shows a CFD simulation of low interface/adapter having less amount of air passing through.

(175) FIG. 29D shows a CFD simulation of a high interface/adapter allowing more air to pass from the drying unit to the pelt boards.

(176) FIG. 29E shows a CFD simulation of a pelt board. A large flow channel creates an airflow through the whole pelt board.

(177) FIG. 29F shows a CFD simulation of a high drying unit viewed from the side. The simulation show the flow velocity inside the inner space. As can be seen, the flow velocity is much more uniform than the low drying unit.

(178) FIG. 29G shows a CFD simulation of a high drying unit viewed from the top. The simulation show the flow volume per hour through the apertures. As can be seen, the flow volume per hour through the apertures is much more uniform than the low drying unit.

(179) FIG. 30A shows a perspective view of an alternative adapter 66 for being fixated in the aperture (not shown) of the top plate (not shown) of the drying unit (not shown). The alternative adapter 66 comprises entrainment openings 90 located adjacent an aperture 16. The aperture 16 is adapted for accommodating the connecting element (not shown) of a pelt board. In the present embodiment four entrainment openings 90 are used, however, other numbers such as one, two, three, five, six, seven or more may be used. The entrainment openings 90, which constitute additional openings through the adapter 66, are located adjacent the aperture 16 and surrounds the aperture 16.

(180) The purpose of the entrainment openings 90 is to provide an unobstructed flow path from the drying unit (not shown) into the pelt board (not shown). The air flowing though the entrainment openings 90 will thus be capable of reaching a higher flow velocity compared to the air flowing through the aperture 16, which aperture 16 is partially obstructed by the connecting element (not shown) of the pelt board (not shown) which is held by the aperture 16. Thus, significantly more air per unit of time will be able to flow into the pelt board compared to having only a single aperture 16 which is partially obstructed by the pelt board. A larger amount of air flowing into the pelt board and out through the pelt will allow the pelt to dry faster and more efficiently.

(181) The high velocity flow of air through the entrainment openings 90 will result in an additional flow effect in the adjacent aperture 16 which effect is here referred to as the entrainment effect, which causes the flow in the aperture 16 to be dragged along by the faster flowing air through the entrainment openings 90. The effect which is based on the Bernoulli principle is also known as the ejector effect. The high velocity flow through the entrainment openings will according to the Bernoulli principle cause a pressure drop in and adjacent to the entrainment openings, which pressure drop will in turn cause the flow through the aperture 16 to increase.

(182) It is further contemplated that the present adapter in order to further increase the entrainment effect may also utilize the so called venturi effect which is used in fluid pumps and similar devices

(183) FIG. 30B shows a bottom view of the adapter 66 as described above. The adapter 66 comprises a clip-on mechanism 68 for attachment to the top plate (not shown) of the drying unit (not shown). The aperture 16 as well as the entrainment openings 90 are visible, all being through-going. The aperture 16 will be partially obstructed by the connecting element (not shown) of the pelt board (not shown) which will take up much of the space of the aperture 16 and reduce the effective flow area through the aperture. The entrainment openings 90 provide a direct flow path from the interior of the drying unit (not shown) to the interior of the pelt board (not shown).

(184) FIG. 30C shows a first side view of the adapter 66. The present view explains the working principle of the clip-on mechanism 68, which grasps below the top plate (not shown) as previously described.

(185) FIG. 30D shows a second side view of the adapter 66, illustrating the outer shape of the adapter 66 and also the working principle of the clip-on mechanism 68.

(186) FIG. 30E shows a top view of the adapter 66 showing the top portion 70 and illustrating the through-going aperture 16 as well as the through going entrainment openings 90.

(187) FIG. 31A shows a perspective view of the pelt board 18, the top plate 12 of the drying unit and the adapter 66. The adapter 66 is fixated in the aperture 16 of the top plate 12 of the drying unit. The connecting element 32 of the pelt board is in turn placed in the aperture 16 of the adapter 66. The air, as indicated by the arrows, flows from the interior of the drying unit through the aperture 16 in an unobstructed high velocity stream through each of the entrainment openings 90 and in a partially obstructed lower velocity stream through the aperture 16 into the pelt board 18. The connecting element 32 partially obstruct the flow through the aperture 16 since the connecting element must fit tightly into the aperture 16 for holding the pelt board 18 in a stable position and yet it must contain hollow air passages 92 allowing a sufficient amount of air to flow into the pelt board 18. As explained above, the high velocity flow through the entrainment openings 90 also increases the flow through the aperture 16.

(188) FIG. 31B shows a perspective view of a pelt board 12. The present view clearly illustrates the flow or air from the aperture (not shown) and the entrainment openings (not shown) into the pelt board 18 by arrows. The connecting element 32 is partially obstructing the central flow path originating from the aperture of the drying unit (not shown) whereas the peripheral flow from the entrainment openings remain unobstructed b the connecting element 32.

(189) FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a top plate 12 of the drying unit and an adapter 66, including the pelt board 18. The present embodiment of the drying unit includes cooperating top plates 12, 12, which together accommodates the adapter 66 in cooperating apertures 16, 16. The connecting element 32 of the pelt board 18 is accommodated in the aperture 16 of the adapter 66. The difference with respect to the previous embodiment is that the present adapter does not itself establish the entrainment openings, but the entrainment openings 90 are instead established between the aperture 16 of the top plate 12 and the outer circumference of the top portion 70 of the adapter 66. The secondary top plate 12 includes openings 90 90 which supply air to the entrainment openings 90 established between the aperture 16 of the top plate 12 and the outer circumference of the top portion 70 of the adapter 66. Optionally, additional apertures 16 are provided adjacent the aperture 16 for reducing the effect of the flow obstruction through the apertures 16, 16 and 16.

(190) FIG. 33A shows a perspective view of a secondary top plate 12. The illustration clearly shows the aperture 16 for accommodating the adapter (not shown), the additional aperture 16 for reducing the flow resistance through the other apertures 16 16, and the openings 90 90 which supplies air to the entrainment openings.

(191) FIG. 33B shows a top view of a secondary top plate 12.

(192) FIG. 33C shows a side view of a secondary top plate 12.

(193) The following FIGS. 35A-C are self-explanatory proof-of-concept CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations made in order to increase the understanding of the alternative adapter according to present invention as described above.

(194) FIG. 34A shows a CFD simulation of a drying unit viewed from the side. The simulation shows the flow velocity inside the inner space. As can be seen, the flow velocity is very high in the unobstructed entrainment openings.

(195) FIG. 34B shows a CFD simulation of a drying unit viewed from the side. The simulation is a close-up of the top plate, the adapter, the connecting element and the lower part of the pelt board. As can be seen, the flow velocity is very high in the unobstructed entrainment openings, which in turn increases the velocity of the slower central flow in the aperture.

(196) FIG. 34C shows a CFD simulation showing the suction effect in the aperture generated by the high velocity flow in the entrainment openings.

(197) FIG. 35 shows a flow simulation of an air supply part 94 for a drying unit. The main flow 96 of drying air enters the air supply part 94 of the drying unit through a central inlet 98, whereas an auxiliary flow 100 of drying air is introduced through a circumferential intel 102. In a preferred embodiment, the main flow 96 constitutes conditioned dry air from an air conditioning system, whereas the auxiliary flow 100 constitutes ambient air from the immediate surroundings, which typically have a higher humidity than the conditioned air.

(198) The main flow 96 enters the central intel 98 of the air supply part 94 driven by a fan and attaches to a flow distribution cone 104 which guides the flow outwards past the circumferential inlet 102. In this way, the auxiliary flow 100 is established via the Coanda effect, i.e. the auxiliary flow 100 is automatically sucked into the circumferential inlet 102 from the passing main flow 96, and the main and auxiliary flows will subsequently mix. The flows are shown by the arrows and are intended to be mixed inside the air supply part 94.

(199) FIG. 36 shows a diagram illustrating the amount of air entering the air supply part. The ordinate axis defines the pressure difference in Pa and the abscissa axis defines the flow in m.sup.3/h. The dashed line 106 represents the inflow of air in a prior art drying unit having an internal blower and a single gas inlet, whereas the dotted line represents the inflow of air in the above drying unit having a main inlet and a circumferential inlet utilizing the Coanda effect.

(200) FIG. 37 shows a perspective and partially transparent view of a drying unit 10 in accordance with the present invention. The present drying unit features the air supply part 94 as described above and further an auxiliary blower 110, which as such is optional however contributes to establish an under pressure in the air supply part in order to force even more air into the drying unit 10.

(201) FIG. 38A shows a front view of an universal casing 112 for covering the air supply part as described above. The casing 112 comprise an interface 114 to the gas inlet of the drying unit. Further, the top of the casing 112 defines a removable dome 116, which will be explained in detail below.

(202) FIG. 38B shows a top view of the universal casing 112. The casing defines the dome 116, which is circumferentially enclosed by the circumferential air inlet 102. In case no air conditioning unit is available, all drying air is received from the ambient surroundings and consequently the circumferential air inlet is used for receiving the main flow of drying air, whereas optional side openings (not shown) may be used for receiving the auxiliary flow, if required. One or two internal fans are required for achieving the flow of drying air.

(203) However, in case an air condition unit is available, the dome 116 may be removed and the flow of air is as illustrated above, i.e. the main flow of air thought the central inlet 98 available when the dome 116 is removed, and the auxiliary flow of air thought the circumferential air inlet 102.

(204) FIG. 38C shows a perspective view of the universal casing 112, which is intended to vocer the air supply part as described above.

(205) FIG. 39 shows a front view of a basic embodiment of the air supply part 94, in which the circumferential inlet 102 is used as the sole air inlet, powered by a fan 118. This embodiment is used without any air conditioning unit.

(206) FIG. 40 shows a front view of an embodiment of an air supply part 94, in which no air conditioning unit is used, however, an increased amount of drying air is desired. The main flow 96 of air enters at the central inlet 98, adheres to the flow distributing cone 104, flows past the auxiliary air inlet 102 and thereby causes additional drying air 100 to be sucked in via the circumferential opening 102. An auxiliary fan 110 may be used to establish an under pressure within the air supply part 94 for providing additional suction of air.

(207) FIG. 41 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of an air supply part 94. The present embodiment is used together with an air conditioning unit 120 to add and mix a forced flow of conditioned dry air 96 together with a separate airflow of non conditioned air 100 within the air supply part.

(208) The ambient air is sucked into the air supply part 94 by the means of suction by negative pressure created by a build in speed controlled ventilator/fan 110 in combination with the conditioned air 96, which is forced into the air supply part 94 in a tube 122 with a positive pressure by an external ventilation/air condition system. The air mixing system formed by the flow distribution cone 104 mixes these two separate inflows of air efficiently. The air conditioning system may use air from the outside or inside of the building and may include cooling/heating/humidifier/dehumidifier/filter etc., in order to improve the drying efficiency.

(209) The negative pressure created by the built in fan/ventilator 118 create a sucking force/stream and the air suction sucks the conditioned air 96 into the air supply part 94. The flow distribution cone 104 acts as a flow divider in the air supply part 94 and ensures that the auxiliary airflow from the ambient surrounding the drying unit enters the air stream and efficiently mixes with the conditioned air. The applicant company had the present layout of the air supply part 94 designed and optimized by using computer software and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)/numerical analysis and algorithms.

(210) The present layout makes sure that an equal amount of air is feed to the main air cavity distribution channel of the drying system and then to the individual pelts over time. The dual air streams in the air supply part 94 make the system less dependent or even independent of the external air condition system 120 and the tube 122 because if a smaller amount of conditioned air is forced into the housing by the connected tube, the fan 118 will naturally equalize this and keep the balance by simply drawing in more air from the surrounding air outside the air supply part 94. In this way, the correct amount of drying air is always blown into the station and thereby the pelts no matter how the external air condition are operating. The drying unit will always use the added conditioned air very efficiently and the design of the center cone 104 combined with airflow made by the negative air pressure will always try to draw all the good conditioned air out of the inlet/feeding tube 122.

(211) A sensor package (not shown) and related/connected control system (not shown) may optionally be used inside the air supply part 94 in order to monitor the air quality. The sensors may include one of or an array of airflow sensors and air humidity sensors in combination with a control box. The values may be used together with valves (not shown), which may be opening and closing in response to the measured values in order to achieve a perfect mixture of conditioned and ambient air. The valves may e.g. be mounted at the central inlet 98 and/or the circumferential inlet 102 in order to regulate the flows thought said passages. For instance, in case the drying air is deemed to be too dry, more ambient air may be drawn in by further opening a valve at the circumferential inlet 102 or vice versa. Further, the RPM (revolutions per minute) of the internal fan 118 and/or air conditioning system 120 could as well be controlled by the sensors.

(212) The airflow may be measured directly at the central inlet 98 and/or the circumferential inlet 102 and/or at the fan 118

(213) The control box may regulate the amount of drawn in ambient air, having a natural high humidity, if the external air-condition system forces a lot of very dry air into the tube and into the drying unit. The regulation parameters could be determined by a mathematically algorithm or formula build on experience of how to dry pelts most efficiently, and could as well be adjusted by measuring the surrounding ambient air and temperature inside the drying room, in which the pelt drying takes place etc.

(214) Historically, the air condition systems used at pelting plants are often fluctuating, i.e. the temperature and humidity increases and decreases from the set value. This is due to the external climatic weather conditions (outside temperature and outside humidity), and these systems are often undersized, i.e. too small, to keep a certain set point at all times/all external climatic conditions. Further, these air condition systems are often slow reacting, so that a fast acting control and assist system within the drying stations could assist the drying room air condition system to keep closer to a desired defined setpoint/setpoints.

(215) FIGS. 42 to 47 show various designs of the flow distribution cone 104. The figures show various views of flow distribution cones 104 of slightly different shape but essentially the same functionality and the design may be optimized using CFD calculations and depend on the airflow and how much ambient air is desired to be drawn in by the Coanda effect. The design and the space available within the drying unit also plays a role for the shape of the flow distribution cone 104 and the relates central inlet 98 and circumferential inlet 102. The cone 104 is held in place by a fixation 124.

(216) FIG. 48A shows a perspective view of a presently preferred release mechanism 82 for automatic release of the skins/pelts off the pelt boards (not shown). The pelt board connection element, which is used for expanding and collapsing the pelt boards, extend into a hole 126 of the release mechanism 82, which preferably form part of a stand alone release station, but which may also be incorporated into the drying unit. The pelt board holding unit (not shown) is placed on the release mechanism 82. Pins 128 may be used to keep it in place. Gripping members 130 are used for pulling the connection element of the pelt boards in order to collapse the pelt board, which will allow the pelts to be removed easily. A drive mechanism 132 is used for engaging the gripping members 130. The movement of the gripping members 130 are controlled by tabs 134, which are engaged by an actuator driven along one row of pelt boards in the longitudinal direction by the drive mechanism 132 for collapsing those pelt boards, as will be further explained below in connection with FIGS. 49 and 50.

(217) FIG. 48B shows a full perspective view of a release mechanism 82 including a frame 144 and preferably forming part of a release station. The holding unit (not shown) is placed on top of the release mechanism 82 and the release mechanism is movable in a transverse direction on the frame 144 as shown by the two oppositely pointing arrows in order to be able to release one row of pelt boards on the holding unit at a time. The pelts are released by moving the actuator 136 along the longitudinal direction as shown by the filled arrow.

(218) FIG. 48C shows an alternative embodiment of a release mechanism 82, which is also movable in a transverse direction on a frame 144. The release mechanism 82 comprises an alternative actuator 136, which is movable in the longitudinal direction as shown by the filled arrows and comprises an alternative gripper 130. The alternative release mechanism 82 operates similar to a 2D robot and is capable of moving the alternative gripper 130 to any location on the 2D plane below the holding unit, engage a connecting element (not shown) of a pelt board (not shown), and cause the pelt board to collapse thereby allowing the dried pelt to be removed easily.

(219) FIG. 49A shows a side view of the release mechanism 82 according to the presently preferred embodiment. A holding unit 78 holding several connecting elements 32 including associated pelt boards are placed on the release mechanism 82. The release mechanism 82 comprise the actuator 136, which is driven by the drive 132 in order to sequentially release the pelts along one row of the release station/holding unit. The actuator 136 is driven along the tabs 134 as will be further explained below. The gripping member 130 is presently in the disengaged position, in which the connection element and the associated pelt board can be removed. A biasing spring 138 ensures that the disengaged position is the default position.

(220) FIG. 49B shows a side view of the release mechanism 82. Each gripping member 132 comprises two opposing jaws 140a/b, which are guided by a guide 142.

(221) FIG. 49C shows a side view of the gripping member 132. It can be seen that the two opposing jaws 140a/b grip a dedicated part of the connecting element 32 of the pelt board.

(222) FIG. 50A shows a side view of the release mechanism 82 when the gripping member 130 is still in the disengaged position, i.e. the jaws 140a/b are open allowing the connection element and the associated pelt board to be removed.

(223) FIG. 50B shows a side view of the release mechanism 82 when the gripping member 130 is in the engaged position. By moving the actuator 136 using the drive 132 towards the tab 134 of the gripping member 130, the shape of the actuator 136 causes the tab 134 to be moved downwards, causing the jaws 140a/b which are guided by the guide 142 to move together to a closed position in which the connection element 32 is engaged at a location which is useful or dedicated for pulling.

(224) FIG. 50C shows a side view of the release mechanism 82 when the gripping member 132 is moving towards the released position, the shape of the actuator 136 causes the tab 134 to be moved downwards, causing the jaws 140a/b which are guided by the guide 142 to move downwards thereby pulling the connection element 32 to which the gripping element is engaged. The associated pelt board is kept stationary by the holding unit and the pelt board is thereby caused to collapse or contract.

(225) FIG. 50D shows a side view of the release mechanism 82 when the gripping member 132 is in the released position, the shape of the actuator 136 causes the tab 134 to be further moved downwards to an end position, in which the pelt board is collapsed or contracted. At the same time, the subsequent tab 134 is caused to move downward by the actuator 136, thereby causing the subsequent gripping member 132 to engage the subsequent connecting element 32. Thereafter, when the actuator moves yet further, the first gripping member 132 is caused to return to the default position by the spring bias, whereas the subsequent gripping member 132 releases the subsequent pelt.

(226) FIG. 51A shows a motorized drying unit 10a similar to the previous drying units, however, including motors 146a 146b powering a respective rear drive wheel 150a 150b. The motors are controlled by controls 148a 148b located on the handle 26 such that the motorized drying unit 10a may be moved forward by driving both motors 146a 146b in forward direction, backward by driving both motors 146a 146b in backward direction, and turning by driving the motors 146a 146b in different directions. The front wheels 28 are swivel wheels.

(227) FIG. 51B shows an alternate motorized drying unit 10b similar to the previous drying units, however, including a single motor 146 powering a central drive wheel 150, which may be a single wheel or as in the present embodiment two wheels in an inline configuration. The motor 146 is controlled by a single control 148 such that the motorized drying unit 10b may be moved forward by driving the motor 146 in forward direction and backward by driving the motors 146 in backward direction. Turning may be done manually by simply operating the handle 26 in the desired direction and turn the motorized drying unit 10b about the central drive wheel 148. The other wheels 28 are swivel wheels.

(228) FIG. 51C shows a motorized drying unit 10c similar to the previous drying units, however, including motors 146a 146b powering a respective middle drive wheel 150a 150b. The motors are controlled by controls 148a 148b located on the handle 26 such that the motorized drying unit 10a may be moved forward by driving both motors 146a 146b in forward direction, backward by driving both motors 146a 146b in backward direction, and turning by driving the motors 146a 146b in different directions. The front and rear wheels 28 are swivel wheels.

(229) FIG. 51D shows an alternate motorized drying unit 10b similar to the previous drying units, however, including a single motor 146 powering a rear drive wheel 150, which may be a single wheel as in the present embodiment or a pair or wheels in a close parallel configuration. The motor 146 is controlled by a single control 148 such that the motorized drying unit 10b may be moved forward by driving the motor 146 in forward direction and backward by driving the motors 146 in backward direction. Turning may be done manually by simply operating the handle 26 in the desired direction and turn the motorized drying unit 10b about the rear drive wheel 148. The front wheels 28 are swivel wheels.

(230) FIG. 52 shows a pelt processing system 74 including a winch 152. The winch 152 connects the holding unit 12 and the drying unit 10 by a wire such that the holding unit 78 may be pulled into the drying unit.

(231) FIG. 53A shows a holding unit 78 having a towing bar 154 and a mover 156.

(232) FIG. 53B shows a holding unit 78 having a towing bar 154 connected to the mover 156. The mover 156 is remote controlled and is used for pulling the holding unit 78. The mover may even be autonomous allowing the holding unit to be moved between stations without user involvement.

(233) The above drying system is highly modular and it is understood that the features of the embodiments presented above are exchangeable. The modularity allows for a very efficient use of the equipment and allows a pelting plant to operate very economical and effective.

(234) The above described embodiments describe specific realizations according to the present invention showing specific features, however, it is apparent to the skilful individual that the above described embodiments may be modified, combined or aggregated to form numerous further embodiments. For instance, the air blower may optionally include a heater or be replaced by a bottle of compressed gas.

(235) TABLE-US-00001 Reference numerals with reference to the figures 10. Drying unit 12. Top plate 14. Sidewall 16. Aperture 18. Pelt board 20. Top of pelt board 22. Bottom of pelt board 24. On board blower 26. Handle 28. Wheels 30. Inner space 32. Connecting element 34. Lifting device 35. Roll-up mechanism 36. Bottom plate 37. Cylinder 38. Gas inlet 40. External blower 42. Outside unit 44. Feet 46. Floor jack 48. Hose 50. Guiding plate 52. Vent 54. Openings 56. Fan 58. Bar 60. Roller 62. Axle 64. Guide element 66. Adapter 68. Clip mechanism 70. Top portion 72. Check valve 74. Pelt processing system 76. Tanning unit 78. Holding unit 80. Blowing unit 82. Release mechanism 84. Compressor 86. Port 88. Controller 90. Entrainment openings 92. Air passage 94. Air supply part 96. Main flow 98. Central inlet 100. Auxiliary flow 102. Circumferential inlet 104. Flow distribution cone 106. Prior art curve 108. New curve 110. Auxiliary blower 112. Casing 114. Interface 116. Dome 118. Fan/Blower 120. Air conditioning unit 122. Tube 124. Fixation 126. Hole 128. Pin 130. Gripper 132. Drive 134. Control tabs 136. Actuator 138. Spring 140. Jaw 142. Guide 144. Frame 146. Motor 148. Control 150. Drive wheel(s) 152. Winch 154. Towing bar 156. Mover

(236) Points Describing Some Further Aspects of the Present Invention:

(237) 1. A drying unit for accommodating a plurality of elongated hollow pelt boards, each of said pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said drying unit defining: a top plate having a number of apertures, each of said apertures being adapted for accommodating said connecting element, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, said drying unit comprising a flow distributor disposed within said inner space between said gas inlet and said top plate.

(238) 2. The drying unit according to point 1, wherein said flow distributor comprises one or more flexible and gas permeable hoses, or alternatively said flow distributor comprises a rigid or semi rigid plate including one or more flexible vent members, or alternatively said flow distributor comprises rigid or semi rigid flow guiding elements, or alternatively said flow distributor comprises walls within said inner space defining enclosed cells between said gas inlet and said top plate, each of said cells preferably comprising a fan.

(239) 3. A drying unit for accommodating a plurality of elongated hollow pelt boards, each of said pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said drying unit defining: an top plate having a number of apertures, each of said apertures being adapted for accommodating said connecting element, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, said sidewall having an extent such that said top plate and said bottom plate being capable of defining a distance between themselves of at least 200 mm, such as between 200 mm and 2500 mm, preferably between 250 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 300 mm and 800 mm, most preferably between 400 mm and 600 mm.

(240) 4. A drying unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said sidewall is flexible and wherein said drying unit further comprising a lifting device interconnecting said bottom plate and said top plate, said lifting device being capable of moving said top plate and said bottom plate relative to one another between a first position in which said top plate and said bottom plate being adjacent each other, and a second position in which said top plate and said bottom plate being distant each other, said lifting device optionally being lockable by a locking device.

(241) 5. The drying unit according to point 4, wherein said flexible sidewall comprise a first sidewall element being connected to said top plate and a second sidewall element connected to said bottom element, said first sidewall element and said second sidewall element being fluid tightly interconnected in a telescopic configuration and/or said flexible sidewall comprise an elastic and/or pleated and/or rolled up element.

(242) 6. The drying unit according to any of the points 4-5, wherein said lifting device being located within said inner space and/or said lifting device comprising a guiding element extending from said bottom plate and through said top plate, and/or said lifting device constitutes a hydraulic or pneumatic lifting device or a mechanical lifting device, such as a pantograph having a mechanical advantage between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 5 and preferably driven by an electrical motor, hydraulic cylinder or alternatively including a gear mechanism for being manually operated by a user.

(243) 7. The drying unit according to any of the point 1-6, wherein said gas inlet is connected to an on board air blower capable of transporting air from outside said drying unit into said inner space and out through said apertures, said air blower preferably including a dehumidifier, and/or gas inlet being connectable to an external air blower capable of communicating with said gas inlet, said external air blower being capable of transporting air from outside said drying unit into said inner space and out through said apertures, said external air blower preferably being capable of transporting air from an outdoor location into said inner space and out through said apertures, said air blower preferably including a dehumidifier.

(244) 8. The drying unit according to any of the points 1-7, wherein said gas inlet being located in said sidewall, preferably adjacent said bottom plate and/or said bottom plate being fitted with wheels and/or wherein said bottom plate being fitted with feet such that said drying unit may be moved by the use of a floor conveyor, such as a forklift, jack lift or pallet jack.

(245) 9. The drying unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said drying unit comprises a plurality of gas inlets disposed at said bottom plate and/or said top plate and/or said side plate.

(246) 10. The drying unit according to any of the preceding points, wherein said apertures include a nozzle for conditioning said stream of air, and/or said apertures include an adapter made of polymeric material and adapted for interconnecting with said connecting element of said pelt board and/or a nozzle.

(247) 11. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying unit, said drying unit defining: an top plate having a number of apertures, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, said sidewall having an extent such that said top plate and said bottom plate being capable of defining a distance between themselves of at least 200 mm, such as between 200 mm and 2500 mm, preferably between 250 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 300 mm and 800 mm, most preferably between 400 mm and 600 mm, and
said method further comprising the steps of: accommodating said pelt on an elongated hollow pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said apertures of said top plate, and introducing gas, preferably air, into said inner space for causing said gas to flow into said pelt board via said one aperture.

(248) 12. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying unit, said drying unit defining: an top plate having a number of apertures, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a flexible sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said flexible sidewall, said sidewall having an extent such that said top plate and said bottom plate being capable of defining a distance between themselves of at least 200 mm, such as between 200 mm and 2500 mm, preferably between 250 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 300 mm and 800 mm, most preferably between 400 mm and 600 mm, and a lifting device interconnecting said bottom plate and said top plate, said lifting device being capable of moving said top plate and said bottom plate relative to one another,
said method further comprising the steps of: accommodating said pelt on an elongated hollow pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, moving said lifting device to a first position in which said top plate and said bottom plate are adjacent each other, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said apertures of said top plate, moving said lifting device to a second position in which said top plate and said bottom plate are distant each other, and introducing gas, preferably air, into said inner space for causing said gas to flow into said pelt board via said one aperture.

(249) 13. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying unit, said drying unit defining: a top plate having a number of apertures, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, said drying unit comprising a flow distributor disposed within said inner space between said gas inlet and said top plate,
said method further comprising the steps of: accommodating said pelt on an elongated hollow pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said apertures of said top plate, and introducing gas, preferably air, into said inner space for causing said gas to flow into said pelt board via said one aperture.

(250) 14. A pelt processing system comprising: a tanning unit for tanning a pelt which has been fixated to an expanded pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said pelt board further being operable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state by moving said connecting element relative to said pelt board bottom, a holding unit for accommodating a plurality of said elongated hollow pelt boards, said holding unit defining a top plate having a number of apertures, each of said apertures being adapted for accommodating said connecting element, a blowing unit compatible with said holding unit and comprising a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall for interconnecting with said top plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, and a release mechanism for causing said pelt boards on said holding unit to assume said non-expanded state.

(251) 15. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying system, said drying system comprising: a tanning unit for tanning a pelt which has been fixated to an expanded pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, a holding unit defining a top plate having a number of apertures, each of said apertures being adapted for accommodating said connecting element, a blowing unit compatible with said holding unit and comprising a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, and a release mechanism for causing said pelt board on said holding unit to assume said non-expanded state.
said method further comprising the steps of: providing a pelt board, said pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said pelt board further being adjustable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state by operating said connecting element, accommodating said pelt on said elongated hollow pelt board being in said expanded state, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said apertures of said top plate, interconnecting said holding unit and said blowing unit by optionally lifting said holding unit, introducing gas, preferably air, into said inner space for causing said gas to flow into said pelt board via said one aperture, disconnecting said holding unit and said blowing unit, and operating said release mechanism thereby causing said pelt board to assume said non-expanded state.

(252) 16. A drying system for accommodating a plurality of elongated hollow pelt boards, each of said pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom for receiving drying air and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said drying system comprising a drying unit, said drying unit defining a top plate having a number of primary apertures, each of said primary apertures accommodating an adapter, each of said adapters defining a secondary aperture, said secondary aperture being capable of accommodating said connecting element of one of said pelt boards and allowing passage of drying air from said drying system to said pelt board, said drying unit defining entrainment openings in said adapter and/or between said top plate and said adapter, said entrainment openings being located adjacent each of said secondary apertures allowing a non-obstructed passage of drying air from said drying unit to said pelt board when said connecting element is accommodated in said secondary aperture of said adapter.

(253) 17. The drying system according to point 16, wherein said secondary aperture is associated with more than one entrainment opening, such as 2-20 entrainment openings, preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 entrainment openings.

(254) 18. The drying system according to point 17, wherein each of said secondary apertures are surrounded by entrainment openings.

(255) 19. The drying system according to any of the points 16-18, wherein the distance between any entrainment opening and an adjacent secondary aperture is less than 10 mm, such as 1-5 millimeters.

(256) 20. The drying system according to any of the points 16-18, wherein said top plate comprise an primary top plate and a secondary top plate, said adapter being fixated between said primary top plate and said secondary top plate.

(257) 21. The drying system according to any of the points 16-19, wherein said secondary top plate includes additional openings for supplying said aperture and/or said entrainment openings.

(258) 22. The drying system according to any of the points 16-20, wherein said adapter is made of a polymeric material, such as plastic.

(259) 23. The drying system according to any of the points 16-22, wherein said drying unit further including a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall.

(260) 24. The drying system according to point 23, further comprising any of the features of points 4-10.

(261) 25. The drying system according to any of the points 16-24, wherein further flow channels are provided in the connecting element.

(262) 26. The drying system according to any of the points 16-25, wherein further flow channels are provided in the adapter.

(263) 27. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying unit, said drying unit defining a top plate having a number of primary apertures, each of said primary apertures accommodating an adapter defining a secondary aperture, said drying unit define entrainment openings adjacent each of said secondary apertures in said adapter, and/or, between said top plate and said adapter, said method further comprising the steps of: accommodating said pelt on an elongated hollow pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom for receiving drying air and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said secondary apertures of said top plate, and introducing gas, preferably air, into said pelt board bottom via said one secondary aperture partially obstructed by said connecting element and unobstructed via said adjacent entrainment openings.

(264) 28. A drying unit for accommodating a plurality of elongated hollow pelt boards, each of said pelt boards having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, said drying unit defining: an top plate having a number of apertures, each of said apertures being adapted for accommodating said connecting element, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said sidewall, said inner space defining a volume of at least 10 litres per aperture, preferably between 20 and 200 litres, more preferably between 50 and 100 litres.

(265) 29. The drying unit according to point 28, further comprising any of the features of points 4-10.

(266) 30. A method of drying a pelt by providing a drying unit, said drying unit defining: a top plate having a number of apertures, a bottom plate being parallel to and spaced apart from said top plate, a gas inlet for receiving a stream of gas, preferably air, and a flexible sidewall interconnecting said top plate and said bottom plate in a fluid-tight manner for establishing an inner space between said top plate, said bottom plate, said gas inlet and said flexible sidewall, said inner space defining a volume of at least 10 litres per aperture, preferably between 20 and 200 litres, more preferably between 50 and 100 litres, and a lifting device interconnecting said bottom plate and said top plate, said lifting device being capable of moving said top plate and said bottom plate relative to one another,
said method further comprising the steps of: accommodating said pelt on an elongated hollow pelt board having a pelt board top, a pelt board bottom and a connecting element at said pelt board bottom, moving said lifting device to a first position in which said top plate and said bottom plate are adjacent each other, accommodating said connecting element of said pelt board in one of said apertures of said top plate, moving said lifting device to a second position in which said top plate and said bottom plate are distant each other, and introducing gas, preferably air, into said inner space for causing said gas to flow into said pelt board via said one aperture.

(267) 31. It is further contemplated that any of the above mentioned gas inlets may have a central inflow, a circumferential inflow and a cone adjacent said central inflow for directing inflowing gas from said central inflow past said circumferential inflow thereby generating an entrainment effect at said circumferential inflow, preferably, said central inflow and/or said circumferential inflow comprise one or more valves, more preferably said drying unit comprise sensors for controlling said valves.