Abstract: A nozzleless belt-cleaning sprocket support shaft for cleaning endless conveyor belts has a first end, a second end, a central portion of generally square transverse cross section with a plurality of elongate narrow slits in each of the side walls in longitudinally spaced apart relation along its length, and a plurality of sprockets mounted thereon. Cleaning fluid is simultaneously discharged through the slits in a fan spray pattern onto the inside surface of the conveyor, through crevasses, joints, hinges, interfaces and openings in the belt to effect cleaning of the belt, and between the exterior surfaces of the shaft and interior surfaces of the bores of the sprockets and the bearings that support the shaft to effect cleaning of the overlapping surfaces, during rotation of the belt. The cleaning shaft may be used with various types of conveyor belts and the ends may be mounted in conventional bearings.

Abstract: A modular sanitary conveyor includes a longitudinal conveyor bed frame that is slidably received and supported on a support stand and a motor and clutch assembly that is slidably received and supported on the side of the frame. The frame has lateral side walls secured together by a series of cross members and has a serpentine support way for supporting belts and table top chains that is formed of individual wear strips that are installed, retained in place, and removed without the use of tools. Unitary bearings are slidably received in slots at each end of the side walls and rotatably support a drive sprocket shaft and an idler sprocket shaft having respective drive sprockets and idler sprockets slidably received thereon. All components can be easily and quickly disassembled for cleaning and reassembled without the use of special tools.