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.