Vortex studies at Hiller Aircraft led to Ray Lockwood's invention of the Cyclonic Vortex spray dryer. It was built as a joint venture with Stan Hiller, Sr., and though the technology is currently used by the 2nd largest brewers yeast drying company in the U.S., neither man ever made the proverbial "red cent" on it. However, the patents are now public property, and Ray and Ed Lockwood have invented superior components and methods in the years since its inception.