Abstract: The conveyor belt cleaning system is an add-on apparatus for a grocery store checkout conveyor. The device automatically dispenses a disinfectant liquid on the underside of the belt in a continuous manner. The disinfectant is pumped from an open rectangular reservoir that is the same width as the belt. An electric pump dispenses the disinfectant from at least one spray nozzle at the leading edge of the reservoir. A squeegee is secured at the trailing edge of reservoir removes excess disinfectant which in turn falls back into the reservoir for reuse.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner system comprising a platen subassembly positioned transversely of the return path of the conveyor belt; a steam chamber disposed adjacent a first portion of the conveyor belt, the steam chamber including a steam header; a vacuum chamber adjacent the steam chamber and disposed adjacent a second portion of the conveyor belt, the vacuum chamber having an outlet connectable to a source of vacuum; a first belt wiper in wiping defining an entrance to the steam chamber; a second belt wiper having a discontinuous wiping surface defining a septum between the vacuum and steam chambers; a third belt wiper defining an exit from the vacuum chamber; and apparatus including a rotatable bolt cooperative with the steam header to vary the width of steam application from the steam header onto the conveyor belt in accordance with a width of conveyor belt presented to the conveyor belt cleaner system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auger dip apparatus for the application of antimicrobial solution to raw food. Embodiments of the present disclosure may use an auger as a single moving part to move the food work pieces through the application area for antimicrobial solution. Embodiments of the present disclosure are simple with only one moving auger part to move the food pieces, and the bearing for the moving part, supporting the shaft of the auger, may be configured to be outside of the cabinet with the reservoir of the antimicrobial solution, so that the bearing is not in contact with the antimicrobial solution. This provides for less maintenance and downtime, particularly unscheduled downtime, than a system using more complicated exposed parts. The present disclosure also permits a more compact and lighter configuration for an assembled application unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head-type device for continuous cleaning and sanitization in conveyor belts, mainly flat sanitary conveyor belts. The head-type device comprises a profile extruded as a single piece that defines the length of the cleaning area and comprises a W-shaped cross section, containing, longitudinally, a plurality of polymer scrapers, a pair of polymer seals being disposed on the left and right ends of said W-shaped extended profile, wherein said pair of seals is also protected and sealed by a pair of polymer caps that limit the length of the extended profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cleaning a surface in a printing device, wherein a guiding member directs a stream of cleaning fluid towards the surface; and at least one barrier unit to confine the stream of cleaning fluid to a portion of the surface, wherein the at least one barrier unit guides air to provide at least one air curtain confining said stream of cleaning fluid to the portion of the surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cleaning a surface in a printing device, wherein a steam guiding member directs a steam flow towards the surface; wherein the steam flow interacts with a substance on said surface to clean a portion of the surface.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided, comprising an endless belt mounted in a longitudinal direction through the service line, the endless belt having an upper transport portion adapted to move a wheeled structure through a service line, and a lower return portion, a support deck positioned below the upper transport portion of the endless belt to support the endless belt, the support deck having a belt contact surface extending along a top of the support deck and in contact with the upper transport portion of the endless belt, the belt contact surface being constructed from a material that is at least partially thermoplastic, a belt rinsing system including a rinsing system conduit arrangement connectable to a source of rinsing system liquid, and at least one belt rinsing arrangement, wherein each of the at least one belt rinsing arrangement includes a rinsing system dirt pass-through aperture in the support deck.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, and particularly, to a steam conveyor belt cleaning apparatus which is installed above a conveyor belt and configured to remove foreign substances adhering to the conveyor belt. Provided is a structure of the cleaning apparatus capable of cleanly cleaning, sterilizing, and washing a surface of the conveyor belt by spraying steam to separate foreign substances attached to the surface of the conveyor belt, collecting the foreign substances in a direction toward a foreign substance discharge unit, discharging the foreign substances, and clearly removing the foreign substances. As described above, the cleaning apparatus for removing finely protruding residues, which are foreign substances adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt, and sterilizing and washing the surface of the conveyor belt, such that the surface of the conveyor belt may be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sleeve printing plate capable of forming an image pattern which applies printing on an object to be printed by laser engraving without generating cracks and chippings in a printing plate made of a photosensitive resin. The method for manufacturing a sleeve printing plate by making a printing plate made of a photosensitive resin surround an outer peripheral surface of a circular cylindrical sleeve body and forming an image pattern on the printing plate by laser engraving includes the steps of: washing and cooling the printing plate with water; applying heating treatment to the printing plate at a predetermined temperature; and applying heat radiation treatment to the printing plate after the heating treatment.

Abstract: A screw conveyor that appropriately discharges chips inside cutting fluid includes: a main body in the form of a container provided with a storage tank; a screw rotatably assembled inside the storage tank; a discharge pipe formed at a rear side of the main body and connected to the storage tank; an inlet section configured to receive the chips and the cutting fluid into the storage tank at a front side; a guide plate configured to guide the chips and the cutting fluid to the screw; a screw cover provided with multiple fine holes configured to cover a space above the screw; and an opening formed in the storage tank at a position higher than the screw cover such that the cutting fluid enters inside the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a self-powered type handrail sterilizing device and a device for collecting visitor information using the same. The self-powered type handrail sterilizing device includes: a housing having an opening fastened to a handrail of an escalator or a moving walk; a power unit installed at an inner side of the housing to convert a rotational motion depending on driving of the handrail into power; and a ultraviolet lamp module installed on an inner surface of the opening of the housing and configured to irradiate sterilizing light to the handrail through the power of the power unit.

Abstract: A machine tool with a chip evacuation device according to the present invention is provided with a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a part or the whole of the chip evacuation device and a control unit configured to control respective operations of the chip evacuation device and the cleaning mechanism in association with each other. By using an electric motor, such as a synchronous motor capable of position control, as a power source for the chip evacuation device, the respective operations of the chip evacuation device and the cleaning mechanism can be associated with each other to effectively clean the chip evacuation device.

Abstract: A method includes optically interacting a bulk material or powder stored in a storage bin with an integrated computational element (“ICE”) configured to modify an electromagnetic radiation according to a characteristic of the bulk material or powder. The method also includes detecting the modified electromagnetic radiation with a detector, and producing an output signal correlated to a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder, and receiving and processing the output signal with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder. Also, the method includes transmitting a message flagging the storage bin when it is determined that the bulk material or powder is not suitable for continued storage. The bulk material or powder includes a dry cement or a dry cement component.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for use with a closed loop conveyor belt supported in continuous traversing fashion. The mechanism includes a housing for supporting the belt, a frame mounted to the housing proximate to the belt. A drive shaft extends between spaced apart locations of the frame and includes a pair of head sprockets adapted for supporting the belt at a selected location. A motor is engaged to an input end of the drive shaft. A counter weighted comb element is pivotally secured to the frame, an upper angled combed edge of the comb element arrayed in spatial non-contacting fashion with a traversing exterior of the belt for capturing elongated shaving debris suspended from the belt. A slave shaft extends between additional spaced apart location of the frame and which is rotated via a linkage with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A sample distribution system having a transport surface and sample container carriers arranged thereupon is disclosed. A dirt detection device for limiting the effect of dirt is provided.

Abstract: A moving handrail disinfecting device for passenger conveyor whereby disinfection solutions can be suitably used depending on the situations of the device and the like, resulting in appropriate disinfection treatment with little waste, is a moving handrail disinfecting device 10B, having a contact roller switching unit comprising an applying roller 17 to be allowed to make contact with the surface of a moving handrail 5, a first impregnating roller 18 and a second impregnating roller 19 which supply disinfection solutions, a first slide section 22A, a second slide section 22B and a sliding mechanism 23A which separately slides the both, wherein a control unit 60B controls the sliding mechanism 23A to separately slide the first slide section 22A and the second slide section 22B so as to switch a roller to be allowed to make contact with the applying roller 17 from the first impregnating roller 18 to the second impregnating roller 19, or from the second impregnating roller 19 to the first impregnating roller 18

Abstract: A moving handrail disinfecting device for passenger conveyor which enables a reduction in burden of maintenance, leading to improved maintenance performance of the device, wherein information concerning the device is centrally managed in a management center so as to enhance shareability of information, leading to improved maintenance performance of the whole system, is a moving handrail disinfecting device 10 for disinfecting a moving handrail 5 of an escalator 1, having a disinfecting unit comprising a plurality of applying members 11 for disinfecting the surface of the moving handrail 5, being installed outside an inlet part 6A of the moving handrail 5, an applying member replacing mechanism, a disinfection solution supplier 24 and associated parts, a control unit 60 operable to control disinfection operations by the disinfecting unit based on a dirt detection state by a dirt detecting unit 40, and a communications unit 50 operable to send information concerning said disinfecting device 10 to an outside man

Abstract: A belt cleaning apparatus that is a cleaning apparatus that cleans a surface of a transporting belt with a cleaning solution, the belt cleaning apparatus including a cleaning member that is in contact with the surface in a rotatable manner, the cleaning member cleaning the surface with the cleaning solution; a cleaning solution reservoir that retains the cleaning solution; and a partition portion that protrudes from a bottom portion of the cleaning solution reservoir, the partition portion partitioning the cleaning solution reservoir into a cleaning area where the cleaning member is partially dipped in the cleaning solution and a discharging area from where the cleaning solution is discharged. In the belt cleaning apparatus, a distance between the cleaning member and the partition portion becomes gradually smaller towards an upper end of the partition portion.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus 10 for a conveyor 20. The apparatus includes a frame 12 extendable across the conveyor 20, which frame 12 removably mounts a cleaning unit 14. The cleaning unit 14 is selectively movable between a rest position clear of the conveyor 20, and an in use position engaging with the conveyor 20.

Abstract: A cleaning roller is in press contact with a conveyance belt on the downstream side of a drive roller in a first direction. A controller controls a motor so that the conveyance belt is driven in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the cleaning roller cleans the conveyance belt.

Abstract: A cleaning device configured to clean an outer surface of a conveyor belt on a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning device can include a fluid dispensing device configured to dispense cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the conveyor belt. A wiping device is provided to remove excess cleaning fluid. A protective cover is provided that substantially covers at least the fluid dispensing device. Fastener mounts are provided to allow attachment of the cleaning device on top of the conveyer system.

Abstract: A reciprocating assembly for applying vapor steam to the surface of a multi-width conveyor belt, having a frame to support the belt, to clean and sanitize the conveyor belt, includes, a housing having two ends, with the housing enclosing an endless chain member positioned within the housing and powered by a motor member, with the chain member having a cam member extending outwardly from the endless chain, a reciprocating block member supports a nozzle, with the block member having a cam guide notch structurally arranged to be engaged by the cam member extending from the endless chain member. The housing ends are engageable with vertical housing supports to mount the assembly to the conveyor belt frame to predeterminely control the reciprocating movement of the nozzle between the edges of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention is an escalator handrail cleaning apparatus for a running handrail (1) on a guide rail (11) along an escalator (12), wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises:—a main body (3) with a preferably underlying, generally through channel (31) for the handrail (1) to pass through,—a steam supply hose (2) to a longitudinally running inlet channel (21) in the main body (3) and connected to one or more across distribution channels (5) in the main body (3),—a number of steam nozzles (6) from the distribution channel (5) directed towards the through passing handrail (1),—at least a first and a second squeegee gasket (7) for delimiting a space (38) in the through channel (31) between the main body (3), the through running handrail (1), and the surroundings and arranged for wiping off water and dirt from the through running handrail (1),—at least one drain channel (41) from the space (38) wherein the drain channel (41) conducts water, steam and dirt to a return hose (4), preferably by vacuum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting seal failure of a sealed region within a conveyor component. A fluid line extends out of the sealed region and a sensor is connected to the fluid line. A valve is connected subsequent to the sensor, and a fluid pump that is connected subsequent to the valve. A controller is connected to the sensor, the valve, and the fluid pump. The sensor is external to the sealed region and the valve is a solenoid valve. The sealed region is within an idler pulley that has a drum shell with an end lid affixed at an axial end thereof, and a shaft. The sealed region can be contained within a motorized drum or a hollow conveyor frame structure. A method detects seal failure by forming a sealed region bounded by a surface and a seal, and altering a fluid pressure, th time rate of change of which is monitored.

Abstract: Special conveying systems are used within a production plant in order to transport agricultural products such as, in particular, eggs. Here, a conveyor chain 14 having a multiplicity of rods 42 which are connected to one another via chain links 44 is transported in individual conveying segments 12 of the conveyor 10. Lying on the conveyor chain 14, the products, in particular the eggs, are transported. Deposits of contaminants unavoidably occur during operation, such as, in particular, as a result of litter or feathers. Contaminants which adhere only loosely can be removed in a simple way, for example, by suitable strippers. It is the object of the invention to also eliminate contaminants which adhere firmly and as far as possible to also minimize the number of microorganisms. This is achieved by the use of an ultrasonic cleaning bath 30, into which a section of the conveyor 10 is dipped with the aid of a deflecting unit 16.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle.

Abstract: Devices for removing particulate from surfaces may include at least one belt coupled with at least one guide to rotate the belt(s) about the guide(s). A vacuum cavity may be disposed around a portion of the belt(s) to remove captured particulate therefrom when a negative pressure is introduced in the vacuum cavity. A surface may be cleaned by rotating a dry belt about a guide and positioning a portion of the dry belt on the surface to capture and collect particulate. A portion of the dry belt can pass into a vacuum cavity, and collected particulate may be removed from the dry belt into the vacuum cavity. A cleaning apparatus may be formed by coupling a belt to a guide so the belt can rotate around the guide. A vacuum cavity can be disposed to encompass a portion of the belt. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A sprocket for engaging 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 sprocket may be driven by a shaft. The sprocket may be an idler sprocket. The 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a trolley wheel assembly for a conveyor system, e.g., an overhead conveyor system. In certain embodiments, the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel face having a contour (optionally a funneling configuration and/or one or more surface features) configured to facilitate flow of a fluid toward an open bearing assembly of the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes an inner race, outer race, and bearings having a particular hardness arrangement, optionally together with a polymer wheel having certain filler features. Methods for cleaning such a trolley wheel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor device (10) for conveying a material (M) through a treatment station (101) where the material (M) is subjected to a laser treatment (12) capable of leaving contamination residues on the conveyor (10). The conveyor (10) outlines a closed loop trajectory passing through, after removing the treated material (M), two brushing stations (103, 106) where the surface of the conveyor (10) is subjected to brushing with a washing station (104) interposed where the conveyor (10) is subjected to washing through the projection (1040, W) of washing liquid.

Abstract: A cleaning-in-place system for use with an easily cleanable modular belt. The belt has modules with a body having a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth. The opening extends 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.

Abstract: A sterilizing system for sterilizing a continuous loop conveyor belt of a conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes a drive operatively connected to the conveyor belt and operative to move the belt between upper and lower flight paths. The upper flight path includes an exposed surface for receiving items. The sterilizing system includes a housing that is configured to at least partially cover the lower flight path. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in the interior of the housing. The light source is operative to emit ultraviolet light on the belt at the lower flight path to sanitize the belt.

Abstract: The device for cleaning grooved surfaces of a moving transport, such as escalators and moving walkways, includes a frame supporting at least one vacuum pump and a plurality of vacuum heads and a plurality of brush heads. A carriage is attached relative to the frame to which at least one of the plurality of vacuum heads and brush heads are slidably attached. The carriage can be attached to the frame in a multitude of ways, including utilizing a four-bar linkage. The carriage is positionable between a stored position and a deployed position. Additionally, the carriage can be angularly adjustable to align with a horizontal plane of the grooved surface. A handle can be pivotably attached to the frame wherein pivotable movement of the handle is mechanically coupled to movement of the carriage between the stored and deployable positions.

Abstract: A belt cleaning system to clean a conveyor belt having a carrier surface includes a dry ice blasting device and a debris recovery subsystem. The dry ice blasting device includes a delivery system having at least one nozzle disposed adjacent the conveyor belt. Dry ice pellets are discharged from the nozzle onto the conveyor belt carrier surface, whereby the dry ice pellets remove the debris from the carrier surface. The debris recovery subsystem includes a collector housing disposed adjacent to the conveyor belt carrier surface. The collector housing contains the debris removed from the conveyor belt carrier surface and directs the debris away from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A cleaning device configured to clean an outer surface of a conveyor belt on a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning device can include a fluid dispensing device configured to dispense cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the conveyor belt. A wiping device is provided to remove excess cleaning fluid. A protective cover is provided that substantially covers at least the fluid dispensing device. Fastener mounts are provided to allow attachment of the cleaning device on top of the conveyer system.

Abstract: A traveling deckle is adapted to run on each edge of a filter belt in a counter current belt washer system. The traveling deckle may be used to retain a slurry on the filter belt as the filter belt is passed through one or more vacuum and washing stages. The traveling deckle may be driven by the friction of the deckle against the belt. After the last vacuum point of liquor removal, the deckle returns to its starting point in an endless run. The deckle eliminates conventional curbing and troughing.

Abstract: Belt cleaning assemblies for a continuous conveyor belt having a pervious belt assembly and top and bottom belt surfaces generally include contact and non-contact cleaning assembles. Continuous conveyor belt systems having belt cleaning assemblies and methods for cleaning continuous conveyor belts are also provided.

Abstract: Belt cleaning assemblies for a continuous conveyor belt having a pervious belt assembly and top and bottom belt surfaces generally include contact and non-contact cleaning assembles. Continuous conveyor belt systems having belt cleaning assemblies and methods for cleaning continuous conveyor belts are also provided.

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.

Abstract: A belt cleaning system to clean the carrier surface of a conveyor belt. The system includes a roller assembly and a liquid supply subsystem. The roller assembly includes a cleaning web composed of a hydroscopic material and a roller to bias the cleaning web into rotating contact with the conveyor belt carrier surface. The liquid supply subsystem provides a cleaning liquid to the cleaning web.

Abstract: A belt cleaning system to clean the carrier surface of a conveyor belt. The system includes a roller assembly and a liquid supply subsystem. The roller assembly includes a cleaning web composed of a hydroscopic material and a roller to bias the cleaning web into rotating contact with the conveyor belt carrier surface. The liquid supply subsystem provides a cleaning liquid to the cleaning web.

Abstract: A conveyor maintenance system and method determines when a conveyor requires cleaning by determining when the conveyor is soiled beyond a predetermined threshold level. The system comprises a detector that collects optical data indicative of the amount of soil on a conveyor, a memory that stores reference data indicative of a clean conveyor, and a controller that compares the optical data indicative of the amount of soil on the conveyor to the reference data and determines whether the conveyor requires cleaning based on the comparison.

Abstract: A conveyor device (10) for conveying a material (M) through a treatment station (101) where the material (M) is subjected to a laser treatment (12) capable of leaving contamination residues on the conveyor (10). The conveyor (10) outlines a closed loop trajectory passing through, after removing the treated material (M), two brushing stations (103, 106) where the surface of the conveyor (10) is subjected to brushing with a washing station (104) interposed where the conveyor (10) is subjected to washing through the projection (1040, W) of washing liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a product within a diffuser during a continuous lixiviation process. The apparatus comprises at least one screen deck for the continuous lixiviation process and at least one longitudinal transport zone, the longitudinal transport zone extending between an inlet and outlet of the diffuser. The transport zone may include a plurality of transport zones. A drive means is arranged to move the longitudinal transport zone at a first speed towards the outlet end of the diffuser and to retract the longitudinal transport zone at a second speed which is substantially faster than the first speed towards the inlet end of the diffuser, so that the transport zone drive the product towards the outlet of the diffuser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt conveyor (1) having a conveyor roller (5) and such a conveyor roller (5) comprising a drum shell (54), a fluid connection (55), and at least one first fastening element (52) for fastening the conveyor roller (5) in a conveyor frame (3), wherein the drum shell (54) has an exterior pipe (541), which is rotatably supported about the first fastening element (52), wherein the exterior pipe (541) has a plurality of fluid outlet orifices (545) on the circumferential surface (543) thereof, and wherein the fluid connection (55) is in communication with the fluid outlet orifices (545).

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.

Abstract: A sprocket for engaging 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 sprocket may be driven by a shaft. The sprocket may be an idler sprocket. The 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.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning a conveyor belt includes a container. The container includes a chamber adapted to store a fluid therein. Further, the chamber terminates in an opening. The apparatus may also include a fluid distributing member that may extend from the chamber and through the opening. Furthermore, the fluid distributing member may be rotatable with respect to the container. Moreover, the fluid distributing member may be capable of receiving the fluid from the chamber and distributing the fluid onto the conveyor belt spaced apart from the container to clean the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A plate material vertical processing line that is capable of subjecting large-sized and thinned glass plates to scribing, venting, etc without degrading their quality, comprises a plurality of processing devices each having a modular structure; wherein each of the processing devices includes a platform; a belt conveyor that is mounted on the platform and is configured to convey a glass plate placed in a substantially upright position while supporting a lower end of the glass plate; and a fluid guide that is mounted on the platform and is configured to apply a fluid pressure to a surface of the glass plate to support the glass plate in the substantially upright position and in a non-contact state; and wherein the processing devices include a combination of at least two processing devices selected from a scribing device, a venting device, a chamfering device, a cleaning agent washing device, a water washing device, a high-pressure water spray device, and a glass plate turn device.

Abstract: A sanitizer dispenser unit is mounted on escalator handrails, moving walkway railing or any revolving handrail. It would mount either on the in-going or out-going portion of the handrail, and would continuously sanitize the surface of the handrail with a micromist and be easily refillable by maintenance personnel.