MUMBAI, India, Sept. 14 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641107146 A) filed by Aicrp On Post-Harvest Engineering And Technology, University Of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur; Dr. Udaykumar Nidoni; and Er. Soumya C Meti on September 06, 2026, for Infra-Red Heat Conditioning Machine For Pretreatment Of Millet.
Inventors include Dr. Udaykumar Nidoni; Er. Soumya C Meti; Dr. Sharanagouda Hiregoudar; Dr. P. F Mathad; Dr. Arunkumar Hosamani; Dr. Saroja N. Rao; and Er. Sudha Devi, G.
The application for the patent was published on September 11, 2026, under issue no. 37/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to development of an infrared (IR) heat conditioning machine and process for the pretreatment of minor millets prior to milling. It particularly relates to the development of a rotary continuous IR heat conditioning machine to enhance milling characteristics of millets like little and kodo, tackling dehusking challenges. Specifically, the developed IR heat conditioning machine with components as hopper, feed regulator, cylinder with helical flights and baffles, discharge outlet, six IR quartz tubes (two each at 1-3 kW), and a 1 hp motor with variable frequency drive that provides controlled and uniform IR heating to loosen the husk, thereby improving dehusking efficiency, enhancing head grain yield, and reducing grain breakage. The developed machine enables continuous, energy-efficient operation, eliminating the need for conventional pretreatment methods such as soaking, steaming, and drying. The present invention also relates to the fabrication of the IR heat conditioning machine for the pretreatment of minor millets prior to milling.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
