Having Cleaning Means Patents (Class 198/494)
  • Publication number: 20120222937
    Abstract: A Layboy machine for the transportation of corrugated boxes including one or more Scrap Separation Means for improved Scrap separation. The Scrap Separation means include a Compliant Scrap Blocker for Loose Scrap, an Opposing Phase Shift Beater for Trapped Scrap and all types of Hanging Chads, a Chad Wall for stripping Lead Edge Trim, Trail Edge Trim and Side Edge Trim Scrap, a Compliant Scrap Blocker-Wedge Roller for harsher scrubbing of the box and motivating Scrap above the Board Line to move to under the Board Line and Side Edge Trim Chad Stripper which is removes Side Edge Trim Chads. The Wheel Assemblies are superior in allowing the proper configuration of the various Scrap Separation Means. The concept of the staggered Wheel Assemblies also leads to reduced Order Setup Time, better board control and reduced Print Damage and Box Size variation out of the Press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Talken, Jonathan R. Ames, Charles K. Benton, David R. Carlberg
  • Patent number: 8240460
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a moving conveyor belt of a conveyor belt assembly. The apparatus includes an enclosed housing connectable to the conveyor belt assembly, wherein the housing has an open portion adjacent to the moving conveyor belt. A hub is rotatably connected to and within the enclosed housing, and a plurality of wipers are releasably connected to and extend outward from the hub. A driving means rotates the hub and the wipers such that the plurality of wipers at least partially engage and wipe the conveyor belt clean, as the wipers rotate through the open portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Michael James Bleau, Jeffrey J. Dellach, Kenneth P. Dellach
  • Publication number: 20120199443
    Abstract: A removable unit includes an endless belt-like member; a first contact member that contacts an inner surface of the belt-like member; a second contact member disposed upwardly of the first contact member in a direction of gravitational force when the removable unit is mounted to a body of an image forming apparatus; a first cleaning member disposed between the first contact member and the second contact member; and a second cleaning member disposed between the first cleaning member and the second contact member. The first cleaning member prevents an adherent cleaned off by the second cleaning member from moving downward in the direction of gravitational force along an inner peripheral surface of the belt-like member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotoshi KANEYAMA, Yoshihiro ENOMOTO, Kazuyuki YAGATA, Kenji SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20120186945
    Abstract: Wing pulleys that engage a conveyor belt during conveying operations are described. The wing pulley includes a central reinforcing disk that strengthens and stabilizes the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION, INC.
    Inventor: Leo J. Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20120085621
    Abstract: A belt cleaning system to clean a conveyor belt carrier surface includes a first cleaning assembly having a cleaning web sub-assembly. The cleaning web sub-assembly includes a supply roller, a take-up roller, a cleaning web and an applicator. The cleaning web extends from a supply of clean cleaning web wound on the supply roller to the take-up roller. The applicator is disposed intermediate the supply roller and the take-up roller to bias the cleaning web into contact with the conveyor belt carrier surface. The belt cleaning system may also include a second cleaning assembly positioned after the first cleaning assembly in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The cleaning webs of the first and second cleaning web sub-assemblies may be dry or wetted with a cleaning liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Derek A. Bryl, Richard P. Ficarra, Gordon B. Reid, Richard F. Scarlata, Thomas C. McGraw
  • Publication number: 20120073936
    Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a modular belt having a plurality of belt modules with intercalated link ends connected by transverse pivot members to form hinges. The belt modules may have transverse ribs. The drive sprocket is driven by a shaft. The drive sprocket has a central opening for receiving the shaft. The body has a plurality of teeth disposed in pairs along a periphery of the body. The body has a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth and extending toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the hinge area, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Marco Lucchi
  • Patent number: 8037997
    Abstract: A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Cristian Vava
  • Patent number: 8028819
    Abstract: A scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner is provided. The scraper blade being adapted, when appropriately tensioned against a conveyor belt, to maintain a plurality of predetermined cleaning angles, relative to the conveyor belt, as the scraper blade is progressively worn down through contact with the conveyor belt, the scraper blade having a first blade section and a second blade section. The first blade section is proximate a distal end of the scraper blade, the first blade section being configured to maintain a first predetermined cleaning angle relative to the conveyor belt. The second blade section substantially adjacent the first blade section, the second blade section being configured to maintain a second predetermined cleaning angle, relative to the conveyor belt, after the first blade section is worn away through contact with the conveyor belt. The second predetermined cleaning angle is different than the first predetermined cleaning angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 8028618
    Abstract: A continuous cooker having a conveyor capable of repositioning product and cleaning itself of debris and a method for its operation. The cooker includes a conveyor that transports food atop a conveyor belt to a cooking chamber. Upper and lower diverting rollers guide the belt along an S-shaped product-repositioning path segment. The lower diverting roller is rotated at a speed different from the speed of the conveyor belt to cause the belt to slip on the roller's periphery, which effects a scraping action against the conveying side of the belt to dislodge debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert S. Lapeyre
  • Publication number: 20110226588
    Abstract: A transportation unit includes a transportation member and a cleaning member for cleaning foreign matters attached to a surface of the transportation member. The transportation member has the surface with a contact angle ? relative to n-dodecane between 10° and 45° (10°???45°) and a mirror index M between 60 and 200 (60?M?200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Takayuki TAKAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20110139580
    Abstract: Device for recovering fines constituted by a dragging conveyor/loop elevator equipped with scrapers/collecting cups (4) moved by a catenary link according to a closed path and associated to a plate conveyor supported by chains or metallic belt, which conveyor is equipped with pendula/pushers hinged to the transport plates themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Mario Magaldi
  • Publication number: 20110107930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet (30) conveying device (D1, D2) comprising a transport roll (56, 58) for conveying a flat substrate (18, 30), said transport roll having a transport surface (82, 102) which comes into contact with the flat substrate and has a plurality of recesses (84, 104), and a vacuum device (64) for creating a depression in the plurality of recesses. The device also comprises a device (120) for cleaning the transport surface (82, 102). The invention is applicable to devices for ejecting sheets from printing presses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: Goss International Montataire S.A., VITS PRINT GMBH
    Inventors: Nicolas Rousseau, Christophe Noiret, Francois Poiret, Eric Pierda, Detlef Milkereit
  • Publication number: 20110100782
    Abstract: A device for stripping material from a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor in the area of a curve of a discharge drum below a discharge location of the belt conveyor, comprising a stripping body provided with a carrying element through which the stripping body is pulled or pullable against the conveyor belt, wherein the stripping body is further provided with a lift-off element which is disposed in the stripping body and offset from the carrying element and supports the stripping body when the latter is displaced in the belt running direction. The stripping body may include a plurality of stripping elements which define stripping edges and which have improved wear resistance compared to a material of the stripping body, wherein the stripping elements are configured and/or arranged, so that the stripping edges of adjacent stripping elements overlap partially overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Wilfried Dunnwald
  • Patent number: 7891967
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schmidt & Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Brüssel
  • Patent number: 7726465
    Abstract: A bench mining system and mining method, particularly useful for open pit bench mining, employs a combination of bulldozers and transversely movable apron feeders to provide the primary mechanism for removal of overburden. The apron feeders are preferably equipped with a self-cleaning arrangement to facilitate continuous operation without undue stoppages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Drummond Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry N. Drummond, Eugene Honeycutt, Harold Gene Anderson
  • Patent number: 7614365
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a manure conveyor device. The method includes driving a first return roller about which a manure conveyor belt circulates at a first rotational speed, and driving a second return roller about which the manure conveyor belt circulates at a second rotational speed. During a first interval the first rotational speed exceeds the second rotational speed, and during a second interval the second rotational speed exceeds the first rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Qalovis Farmer Automatic Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Kühlmann
  • Patent number: 7584835
    Abstract: An adjustable V-plow apparatus for removing material from a belt may comprise pivotably connected first and second frame arms that may be pivoted at the pivotable connection for adjusting the angle therebetween. A cleaning media is mounted to the first and second frame arms for providing a cleaning edge along the first and second frame arms. A mounting is attached to the first and second frame arms proximate the pivotable connection thereof. The mounting may comprise a base plate and an arm for positioning the adjustable V-plow to engage a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: ASGCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wimsatt, Brian H. Ritter, George T. Mott
  • Patent number: 7562595
    Abstract: A sliding device for use with a variety of machines is reduced in overall length, thereby being compact in construction. The sliding device has a drive train enclosure made airtight and is acceptable for use in a clean environment. The sliding device includes an elongated sliding unit enclosure of airtight construction, a sliding table and a driving motor that is coupled to the drive train enclosure in parallel with the sliding unit enclosure. The drive train enclosure receives a drive train to carry power from the driving motor to the sliding table. The drive train enclosure is mounted with the driving motor while maintaining airtightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masataka Kato
  • Publication number: 20090159396
    Abstract: A portable conveyor device, and method of operating and storing the portable conveyor device, the device including a base having means for releasably affixing the base to a support surface and means for moving the base with respect to the support surface, a first conveyor rotatably attached at a first end to the base by an articulating member, and a second conveyor moveably attached to the base by a vertical conveyor elevation device, wherein the first conveyor being configured to move by the articulating member between a first horizontal position supported on the support surface and a second inclined position and being configured to transport items onto the second conveyor, wherein the second conveyor in a first operating position being configured to receive items from the first conveyor and convey items in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Gladys L. Wood
  • Patent number: 7549531
    Abstract: A tip-up tail assembly is provided at the end of a continuous conveyor assembly having a moving conveyor belt. The tip-up tail assembly when moved to a retracted position allows the conveyor assembly to be completely sanitized without removal of the conveyor belt and without need for tools to assemble and disassemble the tail assembly. When sanitation is complete, the tip-up tail assembly is then moved to a horizontal operating position and supported by a pair of locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms prevent the tip-up tail assembly from going below the horizontal operating position of the conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 7536940
    Abstract: A clean booth has a conveyor area for carrying recording sheets, and a motor drive area for containing motor and mechanical parts that emit much dust. The conveyor area and the motor drive area are covered respectively, and separated by a frame plate. Moreover, fan filter units blow pressurized clean air into the conveyor area to discharge dust while a ventilation system exhausts air in the motor drive area. There is no airflow from motor drive area to the conveyor area because of the difference in air pressure. The recording sheets in the conveyor area are carried by belt conveyors with artificial suede belts. The artificial suede belt is suitable to be used as a conveyer belt because of low dust emission and sufficient flexibility to prevent flaw or pressure marks on the recording sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Nakayama, Hiroyuki Nishida, Hideyuki Uezono
  • Patent number: 7527142
    Abstract: A belt conveyor wing pulley is comprised of a plurality of V-shaped wings radially spaced about and connected to circumferential surfaces of a pair of spaced hubs. Gussets are connected to facing surfaces of adjacent wings and to the circumferential surfaces of the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Superior Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Micah D. Zeltwanger, James M. Solvie
  • Publication number: 20090107804
    Abstract: A belt conveyor wing pulley is comprised of a plurality of V-shaped wings radially spaced about and connected to circumferential surfaces of a pair of spaced hubs. Gussets are connected to facing surfaces of adjacent wings and to the circumferential surfaces of the hubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Micah D. Zeltwanger, James M. Solvie
  • Publication number: 20090000922
    Abstract: A rotatable member, for use with an elongated woven-wire belt assembled from spiral wires and connector rods which define recesses, of preselected uniform cross-sectional configurational and dimensional characteristics and having a preselected depth dimension for confronting a rotatable member. The rotatable member includes a hollow tubular member defining an outer cylindrical surface symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of rotation for the rotatable member, a plurality of rows of uniformly radially-oriented protrusions on the cylindrical surface for use in engaging recesses presented by interwoven spiral wires and connector rods of a woven-wire belt, and a plurality of slotted opening formed between the adjacent rows of protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: Robert E. Maine, JR., George Howard Messick, JR., Michael Robert Franzoni
  • Patent number: 7441647
    Abstract: A tensioning system for a cleaning blade having a frame, a blade support, and a ratchet system. The blade support is movable around a first axis in a first direction to increase cleaning blade pressure and an opposite second direction. The ratchet system has (a) a first ratchet assembly with at least one ratchet surface facing in a first circumferential direction and (b) a second ratchet assembly having a first plurality of ratchet surfaces facing in a second circumferential direction. At least a part of one of the first and second ratchet assemblies is deformable to allow the blade support to pivot in the first direction to cause the one ratchet surface to (a) move past each of the ratchet surfaces of the blade support moves in the first direction and (b) abut one of the ratchet surfaces to block movement in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Argonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Wiggins, Robert J. Airaudi, Robert L. Welker, III, Alan J. Henderson, Jeremy R. Nylund, Gregory W. Cappaert
  • Patent number: 7412980
    Abstract: A washing machine for glass lenses (11) or other similar items of the type including a conveyor (1) has a bearing surface (10) for moving the lenses through a washing chamber (12) made of a succession of washing means (21). The traction force transmitted to the aforementioned bearing surface (10) is carried out by two chains (13) with endless links (14), located on the both sides of the aforementioned bearing surface (10), each chain (13) being joined at the longitudinal side corresponding to the aforementioned bearing surface (10) and is stretched tight between two driving gears, of axis parallel to the plane of the aforementioned bearing surface and perpendicular to the direction of the displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jean Gehrig, Denis Gehrig
  • Publication number: 20080169172
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surface treating installation, especially for treating plastic parts or automotive bodies, which comprises a transfer station (24, 25) for vertically or horizontally transferring an object (12). Said transfer station comprises a stationary support structure (34), a carriage (40) which can travel in relation to the support structure (34) and receives an object (12), and at least one guide roller (64, 66, 68, 70; 70?; 70?) via which the carriage is supported on the support structure (34). The at least one guide roller has a rolling surface (118; 118?; 118?) which contacts the support structure when rolling off. The invention is characterized in that the rolling surface of the at least one guide roller consists of an antistatic material whose volume resistivity ranges between 10 Om and 109 Om.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Juergen Heim, Christoph Heizmann
  • Patent number: 7370750
    Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner system and method of manufacturing the same comprising a common component support frame, and key components of: mounting bar, blade support and scraper blade wherein the scraper blade is removably secured within a reusable blade support so as to allow replacement of the scraper blade. The mounting bar is adapted to be deformable along at least one of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The scraper blade flexes in cooperation with the deformed mounting bar to maintain scraping engagement with a belt across a range of belt contours, including variations resulting from the use of crown pulleys, and variations caused by the presence of worn belts, in the conveyor belt system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 7367443
    Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner system and method of manufacturing the same comprising a common component support frame, and key components of: mounting bar, blade support and scraper blade wherein the scraper blade is removably secured within a reusable blade support so as to allow replacement of the scraper blade. Key components are manufactured at a first manufacturing location in long, standardized lengths and incorporated with the common component at a second location for assembly. The key components included standardized guide markings for cutting the key components into segments and aligning key components with one another. A plurality of apertures consisting of holes and slots are uniformly displaced along the key components to facilitate alignment of the components during assembly and securing of the components with fixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 7353934
    Abstract: A method for picking up a plastic product lying on a conveyor belt, especially a tacky plastic product, for transport and for deposit in a mold in a molding press. The plastic product is picked up by one or more resilient carrier plates setting themselves resiliently on the longitudinal margins of the conveyor belt, and slipping between the product and the belt surface. An the apparatus for the practice of the method includes transversely movable carrier plates with which the plastic product is lifted by sliding under its lateral margins and is thereby picked up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Richard Brüssel
  • Patent number: 7347315
    Abstract: A two piece scraper blade is provided that includes a scraper member that is releasably connected to a base member. The scraper member can be of a different material than the base member to provide various advantages including with respect to its wear resistance. Further, in one form, a toolless interconnection is provided for ease in attaching the scraper member to the base member. In another form, the scraper member and base member are provided with engaging surfaces with one of the surfaces including teeth for gripping into the other surface when the scraper member is connected to the base member. In this form, the forces for inserting and removing the scraper member from the base member are greater than the form in which a toolless interconnection is provided, and thus a more robust connection between the scraper and base members is provided thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: James M. Kolodziel, Brett Edwin DeVries
  • Patent number: 7347314
    Abstract: The invention provides a movable walkway installation (10), such as an escalator or a travelator, which installation (10) includes a movable support member (18) for transporting persons supported thereon, a movable handrail (16) for gripping by persons transported by the movable support member (18), and a disinfecting device (14) which is installed and positioned for disinfecting the movable handrail (16) during movement of the handrail (16) past the disinfecting device (14). The disinfecting device (10) may be arranged to produce ultra-violet radiation selected to have a disinfecting or germicidal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Otis (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Morné Robert Lombard
  • Patent number: 7232028
    Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Robert Schulz
  • Patent number: 7225916
    Abstract: A belt cleaner device is provided in which assembling of a frame and a cleaner head may be performed easily and quickly. A belt cleaner device comprises a frame 3 and one or more cleaner heads 1. The frame 3 includes a support face (3a) on its upper surface, and a support hole (33) through the frame. The cleaner head (1) includes a contact face (14) on its undersurface, and an anchor (16) projecting downward from the contact face (14). The cleaner head (1) is supported so as not to be rotated about the running direction of the belt by contacting the contact face (14) and the support face (3a) with each other. The cleaner head (1) is fixed to the frame (3) by fixedly inserting the anchor (16) in the support hole (33). The cleaner head (1) further provides a concave (21) in at least one of the front and rear walls (13) (15) to form a strike seat (22) at the bottom of the concave (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Tsusho Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kageyoshi Yoshizako, Masahiro Uchida, Nobuyoshi Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 7225915
    Abstract: A first embodiment of this invention is a cleaning apparatus for a commercial conveyor belt that is mounted on a conveyor table. The cleaning apparatus is a housing that includes a spraying tube for dispensing a cleaning solution and a novel wiping device. The wiping device is constructed to apply a disposable towel, such as a paper towel, to the conveyor belt to remove the solvent including any contaminants while the conveyor belt is in motion. The used disposable towels are deposited into a waste container thereby requiring very little cleaning maintenance. By a second embodiment the spraying tube is eliminated and the disposable paper towels include a solvent (wet wipes) for removing the contaminants. The cleaning apparatus is preferably mounted on the underside of the conveyor belt next to a crumb tray so that the cashier can easily operate the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Carol Lynn Kelly, John S Lechaton
  • Patent number: 7201269
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is provided in combination with a device for heating components of the escalator or moving walkway. The device includes at least one pivotably mounted heating element adapted to direct heated air onto a selected component of the escalator or moving walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Büscher, Hans Kleine-Brüggeney
  • Patent number: 7134539
    Abstract: A guard device for a handrail in an entry zone of an escalator is disclosed, which assures safety of an entry of the escalator, sanitary maintenance of the handrail by sterilization, efficient advertisement of products and business corporations, and clean maintenance of air in the entry of the escalator. The guard device includes a guide channel at its bottom to receive a part of the handrail. The guard device further includes a sterilization unit to sterilize the handrail, an advertising display provided on a front face thereof, and an air-cleaning unit provided at a side wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jong-Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 7114610
    Abstract: An assembly and method for cleaning a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning assembly is for removing liquids and solids from an endless conveyor belt, the assembly includes a plurality of laterally extending liquid absorbent material sheets disposed adjacent the belt, with the sheets collectively defining a contact face that is engageable with the belt for wiping liquids from the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lance E. Behymer, Smarajit Mitra, Jerald W. Hall, Jr., Alexander C. Tsuei
  • Patent number: 7090069
    Abstract: In circulating type food and drink transport apparatus (EQU), a plurality of plates (5A) is located on a circular link chain (4) including a chain driving section (DV) and a chain driven section (FR) with a predetermined clearance. The circular link chain is guided and carried by a traveling lane (1). The lower portion of the traveling lane is closed using a substantially U-shaped receiver (9). The chain driving section and the chain driven section are movable in accordance with a manual operation. The link chain is loosened, and thereby, the traveling lane (1) is securely cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: System Create Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7083038
    Abstract: A roller washing method for a photosensitive material processing device. The processing device processes a photosensitive material with a processing liquid while conveying the photosensitive material with a conveying roller. An idle roller is disposed in contact with a circumferential surface of the conveying roller. The circumferential surface of the conveying roller is washed by rotating the conveying roller while supplying washing water to an area where the conveying roller and the idle roller contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Shinichi Matsuda, Takayuki Iwamoto, So Konno
  • Patent number: 7083039
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus has a conveyor cleaner assembly proximate the delivery end. The cleaner assembly has first and second parallel rotating brushes having an axis of rotation substantially transverse to the conveyor direction of travel and rotating in the same direction as the conveyor. The first brush is nearer the conveyor and wherein the second brush is higher than the first brush. The cleaning assembly also includes a roller parallel to the first and second brushes and a bottom catch panel below the brushes sloping toward the conveyor. The brushes may be in contact with the conveyor, the bottom panel, the roller and each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher M. Schloesser
  • Patent number: 7055674
    Abstract: The self-cleaning enclosed belt conveyor for loose materials comprises a mobile belt (10) operatively connected to proper containment walls (2), where mechanical means (1, 15) are provided for, connected to said conveyor belt (10), wherein said mechanical means perform together with a bottom (8) of said containment walls (2) a recovery operation of the loose materials present in the area between the belt (10), the bottom (8) and said containment walls (2), bringing the materials back either to belt's upper stretch or to adequate containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Magaldi Industrie S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Magaldi
  • Patent number: 7044287
    Abstract: A conveyor belt washer for cleaning a moving conveyor belt with a pressurized fluid. The conveyor belt washer includes a washtank, a spray assembly located within the washtank and having at least one spray head rotatably mounted with respect to the tank, and at least one splash plate defining a substantially planar splash surface mounted within the washtank and positioned on the opposing side of the conveyor belt from that of the spray assembly. The splash surface is sized to substantially correspond with the circular path defined by the rotatable spray head whereby pressurized fluid passing through the belt is continuously redirected against the opposing side of the conveyor belt upon contact with the splash surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tarpaulin.Com, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Gray
  • Patent number: 6994204
    Abstract: A device for heating components of an escalator or a moving sidewalk comprises at least one heating element that is mounted in a pivotal manner so that hot air emerging from the heating element can be directed onto a respective component of the escalator or moving sidewalk in a substantially precise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Buescher, Hans Kleine-Brueggeney
  • Patent number: 6983510
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning belts used to move fiber optics are disclosed. In general, the system includes wheels that can be arranged to receive a fiber optic belt. The belt can be arranged between a contact plate and a brush. Movement is provided to both the belt and brush and a frictional force is created between the surface of the belt to be cleaned and the brush. This contact and friction cleans the residue from the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Herbert Ray Hudgins
  • Patent number: 6971503
    Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaning apparatus includes a debris-removal stage, a washing stage, a rinsing stage, and a water removal stage all positioned in a multi-chambered drawer with each of the four stages is provided with an isolated bin within that drawer. The various stages within the conveyor belt cleaning apparatus provide for the continuous or on-demand cleaning of a conveyor belt in order to remove any debris and fluids from the belt thereby providing a clean belt surface for use by the grocery store customer. The device may be installed as a new element in a check stand, or it may be retrofitted to an existing check stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Cynthia Thompson
  • Patent number: 6945383
    Abstract: A solvent dispensing mechanism is fluidically coupled to create a substantially uniform wet region of a belt surface scrubber. Mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging the scrubber ensure free belt travel during flexible material transport and the cleaning of both surfaces during cleaning cycles. The system includes consumable piece-part elements for refurbishing and remanufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Le Pham
  • Patent number: 6938754
    Abstract: A self cleaning conveyor roller for supporting a conveyor media carrying contaminant materials. The conveyor roller consists of a drum defining a support surface, having a generally cylindrical shape, and being adapted to be supported for rotation, for supporting a conveyor media. The conveyor roller has a plurality of abutments on the support surface, raised above the support surface, and defining a series of spaced apart conveyor media support ridges lying on a circular configuration, concentric with the drum. The abutments are arranged in generally chevron shapes, around the drum. During rotation of the conveyor roller the abutments cause any debris or contaminants between the roller and the conveyor media to be guided out of the conveyor system. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a conveyor roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Van der Graaf Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander D Kanaris
  • Patent number: 6851545
    Abstract: The conveyor system includes a conveyor bed mounted on a frame and an endless conveyor belt moving between upper and lower flight pads relative to the conveyor bed. A separate drive unit for the belts includes an enclosed housing having an opening therein through which the conveyor bed passes. The housing contains a belt drive mechanism including a plurality of belt pulleys engaged with the belt for receiving the conveyor belt from one of the upper and lower flight pads, applying motor power to the belt, and returning it to the other of the flight pads. The enclosure also includes a UV irradiation light source interposed in the path of travel of the belt through the housing for disinfecting the surfaces of the belt and the interior of the housing as the belt passes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Caddy Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Eric Carter
  • Patent number: 6695121
    Abstract: A dustproof linear actuator has: a housing with a slit extending axially; a linear guide device disposed in the housing; a carriage mounted in the housing and axially movable along the slit by the linear guide device, the carriage including a workpiece mounting table protruding from the housing through the slit; a linear drive device disposed in the housing for moving the carriage axially; a pair of pulleys disposed in an axial end of the housing; and a sealing band mounted around the pulleys within the housing movably for closing the slit, the sealing band including first and second ends which are fastened to first and second ends of the carriage, respectively, to form a circulative loop. Further, the dustproof linear actuator has an air venting device for venting air existing in the housing close to the axial end toward an outside of the housing so that the dustproof linear actuator can remarkably prevents the dust particles from leaking out of the housing by reducing the pressure inside the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Sosuke Kawashima, Nobuhito Saji