Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A chip conveyor (K) which receives chips delivered from a machine tool (MC) in a receiving area (R1) transfers chips to a delivery position a specified distance apart from the receiving area, and is provided with an endless carrier (18) rotatably in a specified direction to deliver chips at the delivery position, characterized in that a passage ranging from the receiving area to the delivery position is used as a go route (R2) for the carrier, a passage ranging from the delivery position back to the receiving position is used as a return route (R3) for the carrier, and a separating device (25) which separates chips from the carrier by allowing liquid to act on the chips adhering to the carrier which passes the delivery position so that their adhesiveness is reduced or eliminated is installed in the return route, whereby the residual chips can be removed efficiently from the carrier so as to increase the durability of the carrier and a drive mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic empty container return machine includes a detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category, an input unit located upstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to the detection unit, an output unit located downstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers that have been identified by the detection unit as being of the predetermined category, a transport stage having a conveyor for transporting empty containers from the input unit through the detection unit to the output unit, and a self-cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of the input unit, detection unit, output unit and transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean surfaces thereof that are preselected to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.

Abstract: A bristle cleaner station for a conveyorized sheet material cutting machine includes a plurality of air jets that direct pressurized air between downwardly extending bristles of a bristle bed to dislodge debris; and a vacuum chamber adjacent to the bristles to draw away the dislodged debris. The preferred embodiment uses air needles that extend into downward extending bristles to riffle or bend the bristles, making an enlarged space between them. The air needles direct pressurized air into the enlarged space to dislodge debris, and an upwardly open vacuum channel adjacent to the air needles and bristles collects the dislodged debris. A method to clean bristle beds is also disclosed whereby pressurized air is directed between the bristles and vacuum draws away dislodged debris.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: The vessel or vessels (7, 7′, 7″) in contact with the solvent used for cleaning the conveyor (T) are designed and arranged in such a way that they are enclosed, and the portion of conveyor belt which is wetted with solvent is also isolated by suitable means from contact with the external environment containing the ventilation air of the painting chamber. In a preferred solution, where rotating scraping cylinders (1, 5) are used, the solvent vessel (7, 7′, 7″) is placed in such a way that it is enclosed by the two successive cleaning cylinders, by the portion of conveyor belt which runs between these cylinders, and by its lateral walls which are as close as possible to the said cylinders and to the said portion of the conveyor belt. At the end of each painting cycle, clean solvent is made to flow into the solvent vessel and the cleaning cylinders and the conveyor belt of the painting machine are temporarily kept active so that they clean themselves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning conveyor chains in commercial ovens of the type having a continuous conveyor chain supported in a track for transporting bakery products through the oven. A portion of the conveyor chain and supporting track transits outside the heated baking area of the oven and an automatic chain lubricator is positioned along the portion of the track transiting outside the baking area of the oven. A fan for creating a flow of cooling air and at least one air duct are located outside the baking area. The duct receives one end cooling air from the fan and directs the cooling air on to the conveyor chain along the portion thereof located outside the heated baking area of the oven and upstream from the lubricator. Also, an air knife is disposed upstream of the lubricator and directed onto the chain to remove undesired debris, etc., therefrom.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A chip conveyer including an endless conveying member (18) that circulates in a predetermined direction for receiving chips discharged from a machine tool in a receiving zone, conveying the chips to a discharge position (E2) spaced from the receiving zone at a predetermined interval, and discharging the chips at the discharge position. A conveying member (18) travels along a forward route (R2) from an end (E1) of the receiving zone to a turning point (E2) of the conveying member (18), discharges the chips at the turning point (E2), and travels along a return route (R3) from the turning point (E2) to a return point (E3) where the conveying member (18) is returned to the receiving zone. The conveying member (18) enters the liquid reservoir (31) while moving along the return route (R3) such that the chips adhered to the conveying member due to an oil component are separated in liquid in the liquid reservoir (31). A liquid supply device supplies the liquid to the liquid reservoir (31).

Abstract: A transport enclosure arranged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, all located in a clean room, is shielded from the clean room and maintained a degree of cleanliness which is cleaner than that of the clean room. Accordingly, the volume of space within the clean room requiring the highest degree of cleanliness is minimized, thereby reducing overall costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a conveyor in tunnel ovens, the apparatus having a support frame able to be positioned in correspondence with a segment of the path of the conveyor, a plurality of nozzles positioned on the frame according to a line substantially transverse to the conveyor in such a way as to face at least a portion of the conveyor and a unit for feeding the nozzles with a washing fluid under pressure. The nozzles are mounted on a bridge able to translate from a first operative position to at least a second operative position according to a direction substantially transverse to the conveyor, in such a way as to cause the nozzles to face a new portions of the conveyor previously not hit by the jet of washing fluid.

Abstract: A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning a transport belt of a machine for the production or processing a web. The apparatus includes at least one nozzle device composed of a rotatable nozzle head having at least one cleaning nozzle, a transport device including a crosspiece extending substantially crosswise to a transport belt travel direction, in which the at least one nozzle device is coupled to the transport device and adapted for displacement along the crosspiece. A traversing speed of the nozzle device is very low and falls within a range of between approximately 1 mm/min and 10 mm/min. Alternatively, the at least one nozzle is positionable in a plurality of cleaning positions that are successively arranged crosswise to the transport belt, and the at least one nozzle is held stationary in each respective cleaning position for a predefined time period.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pumps supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A cleaning device in a paper or board machine, for cleaning a fabric therein, the fabric moving in a direction of movement. The device comprises a nozzle which directs a water shower or jet against the fabric which is to be cleaned, the nozzle including a first turning point, and wherein there is a first plane of the water shower or jet issuing from the nozzle. A plurality of water conduits which transport water to the nozzle. And, the nozzle being mounted so that the position thereof may be changed by turning the nozzle back and forth around the first turning point in the first plane, so as to change the direction of the water shower or jet discharged from the nozzle and so that the water shower is moved in a first linear movement.

Abstract: A chip conveyor includes an endless carrier that circulates in a predetermined direction such that chips discharged by machine tools are collected at a collecting position, are carried to a discharging position, which is spaced from the collecting position by a predetermined distance, and are discharged at the discharging position. The carrier follows an upper path from the collecting position to the discharging position and returns through a lower path from the discharging position to the collecting position. A reservoir tank is provided to correspond to the lower path of the carrier. The carrier passes through the reservoir tank, and chips attached to the carrier are separated from the carrier in a liquid in the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.

Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.

Abstract: The vessel or vessels (7, 7′, 7″) in contact with the solvent used for cleaning the conveyor (T) are designed and arranged in such a way that they are enclosed, and the portion of conveyor belt which is wetted with solvent is also isolated by suitable means from contact with the external environment containing the ventilation air of the painting chamber. In a preferred solution, where rotating scraping cylinders (1, 5) are used, the solvent vessel (7, 7′, 7″) is placed in such a way that it is enclosed by the two successive cleaning cylinders, by the portion of conveyor belt which runs between these cylinders, and by its lateral walls which are as close as possible to the said cylinders and to the said portion of the conveyor belt. At the end of each painting cycle, clean solvent is made to flow into the solvent vessel and the cleaning cylinders and the conveyor belt of the painting machine are temporarily kept active so that they clean themselves.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel impact angle changing shower for spraying a fluid upon a moving belt surface while the belt travels at a selected belt velocity. The shower includes nozzles journaled to rotation about an axis in a plane normal to the belt surface and transverse to the belt direction. The nozzles are continuously supplied with pressurized fluid and direct a fluid stream at a selected nozzle velocity and nozzle angle relative to the plane. The orientation of the nozzles is selected to optimize the desired function namely, to clean the belt surface without damaging the belt fabric or felt, or to penetrate the belt to increase fluid absorption by the belt. The fluid stream nozzle velocity can be decomposed using vector mathematics into two vector components: a belt velocity vector component parallel to the belt direction; and a belt impact velocity vector oriented at an impact angle defined relative to the normal transverse plane.

Abstract: A sorting system includes a trolley movable along a predetermined path and including an endless belt rotatable in a direction perpendicularly to the path for receiving and discharging items to be sorted. To clean a surface of the belt, a dispensing device and an aspirating device are suspended over the belt surface on an arm. With the belt rotating, the dispensing device sprays cleaning liquid onto the belt surface, and the aspirating device sucks up the cleaning liquid at a location downstream of the dispensing device with reference to the direction of belt travel. The arm can be raised and lowered and/or moved parallel to the path for cleaning other trolleys.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaning and residue control system for use with a conveyor includes an air knife and a deflector. The air knife impinges an air stream against the conveyor to blast residue from the conveyor, and the deflector redirects the air stream and the residue loosened by the air stream toward a chute. The flow of the air stream toward the chute causes at least a portion of the air-borne residue in the vicinity of the conveyor to flow toward the chute with the air stream such that the residue becomes supersaturated and forms macro-particles that precipitate out of air suspension. The air knife and deflector thus recycle the residue carried by the conveyor instead of requiring it to be evacuated. In the first embodiment, the deflector includes a pair of non-coplanar blades that are attached to one another. The deflector is both rotationally and translationally adjustable with respect to the conveyor. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the deflector is curved.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (1), to clean a conveyor belt (3) curving in its main plane, comprises a cleaning drum (9) of which the diameter at its end (9i) adjacent to the belt's inner edge (3i) is smaller than its diameter at its end (9a) adjacent to the outer edge (3a).

Abstract: In situ lehr-roll cleaning apparatus includes a carriage supported within the space between first and second adjacent rolls, the carriage having a first set of elements contacting the surface of the first roll and a second set of elements contacting the surface of the second roll, whereby the carriage is movable back and forth along a path parallel to the rolls. A mechanism such as a rotating wire wheel disposed on the carriage is used to clean at least one of the first and second rolls as the carriage moves along the path and in between the adjacent rolls. The invention further including means for forcing the carriage away from an adjacent roll toward the one being cleaned so that the elements contacting the surface of the roll being cleaned are forced thereagainst to precisely position the cleaning mechanism relative to the surface. Means are preferably further provided for fine-adjusting the distance of the cleaning mechanism relative to the surface of the roll being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for flexible guiding of conveyed products (i.e., signatures) from one location to another. In order to reduce the impact forces imparted onto a conveyed product, a flexible guide is deformable when receiving a signature to increase the time interval during which collision during a signature direction change occurs. With the increase in the time interval during which the collision of the signature and flexible guide occurs, the average impact forces are reduced thereby eliminating damage to the signature.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the conveyor belt of a machine for producing a cellulosic web. The cleaning device includes a spray unit for discharging cleaning fluid in the opening nip of a roll around which the belt is guided, or at the point where the belt leaves the roll.

Abstract: A slippable roller conveyor for a class one cleanroom. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a slippable roller conveyor with a surface path for conveying objects that is largely open so as to facilitate the downward flow of air from a clean air source above the conveyor to an evacuator below the conveyor. The slippable rollers include guiding flanges to resist lateral movement of the object being conveyed. The conveyor includes skirts with substantially smooth surfaces and minimal horizontal surfaces that assist in discouraging lateral flow of the clean air. Also, one embodiment of the invention includes a powered transfer mechanism for transferring objects from one conveyor path to another conveyor path. The transfer mechanism is enclosed and evacuated so as to prevent the escape of particulate matter into the cleanroom. The driving mechanism, motor, and electrical components are also contained in evacuated enclosures.

Abstract: A movable-head cloth-cutter bristle block cleaner for cleaning a conveyor-type bristle bed trained between the rotatable end units of a cloth cutter. The cleaner has a movable head attached to a cable cylinder which is coupled to the frame of the cloth cutter. The head moves substantially the entire width of the bristle bed. In one embodiment, nozzles are placed in several rows on the head and are positioned so that they extend into the bristles of the bristle bed. The movable head is coupled to a supply of compressed air. When the bristle bed moves, high volume, high pressure air is delivered to the head and then shoots out of the nozzles. The jetting action of the gas leaving the nozzles effects removal of debris contained within the bed. Because the cleaning head moves across the entire width of the bristle bed, fewer nozzles are needed to clean the bristle bed. This allows the air pressure coming out of the nozzles to be delivered at a high level.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a transport belt of a machine for manufacturing a material web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, is provided which includes at least one cleaning nozzle working in conjunction with a suction chamber. Thus, the transport belt can be imparted upon with a cleaning medium; and a suction device that is connected to the suction chamber also acts on the transport belt. The device includes at least one auxiliary nozzle from which a treatment medium, preferably fluid, serving to clean the suction device can be introduced into at least one of the suction chamber and a suction line of the suction device.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method includes spraying equipment for sanitizing upper side and underside surfaces of a conveyor belt for handling produce. Water and chemical composition sprayed on the belt at prescribed pressures, and the temperature control of all applicable components significantly reduce microbe and contaminant concentrations on surfaces that contact the produce for the shelf life of produce that contacted sanitized surfaces of the conveyor system.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a conveyer belt, in particular a dry or wet sieve belt or a felt belt, of a machine for manufacturing a material web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, is disclosed. At least one nozzle that can be directed toward the conveyer belt for spraying this conveyer belt with a gaseous or liquid agent is provided, and the device also includes a bell-shaped cleaning hood surrounding the cleaning nozzle in a sleeve-shaped manner. At least one additional nozzle is provided in peripheral regions of the bell-shaped cleaning hood. A process for cleaning a conveyor belt of a machine utilizing the above device is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor and coolant cleaner for removing chips from conveyors of CNC lathes and other related types of machine tools includes a blower assembly having at least one nozzle. The conveyor and coolant cleaner further includes mounting structure for positioning the nozzle such that an air stream exiting the nozzle is directed in an upward direction. The air stream is directed against a downwardly-facing return stretch of a conveyor belt so that waste material chips sticking to the conveyor belt are dislodged by the air stream. The waste material chips are then pulled downwardly away from the conveyor belt by gravity.

Abstract: A protection system for a conveyor for items, such as food items, is provided to keep the conveyor free from bacteria and other contaminants which may accumulate and build-up on the conveyor track and track traversing components. The protection system includes a shroud surrounding the conveyor to which pressurized, bacteria-free air is fed. A preferred bacteria removal unit is a filtration unit to filter bacteria from the ambient air. Herein, a combination filter and blower unit is disclosed which finely filters ambient air, preferably down to 3 microns, and pressurizes the air and blows it into an air manifold connected to the shroud by a series of air ducts. The shroud walls cooperate to form a slot through which the meat hangers can extend and for allowing the clean air in the shroud to be continually flowed therethrough and circulated around the conveyor components.

Abstract: An article conveying system including a conveyor belt having a plurality of slats movable along a slider bed. A nozzle system directs a water and detergent flush along the water bed beneath the conveyor belt to remove debris. A water tank and scrap basket collect and remove the debris and direct water to a drain. The slats have lower feet which engage a pair of plastic tracks and are removable for cleaning. The system is also provided with an anti-jam device.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication injection sanitization system for sanitizing and lubricating a conveyor chain system is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet water line for supplying a flow of water, an inlet sanitizer line for supplying a flow of sanitizer, and an inlet lubricant line for supplying a flow of lubricant. A pump is operatively connected to the inlet sanitizer line and the inlet lubricant line for pumping a proportionate flow of lubricant and sanitizer into the flow of water, forming an outlet mixture flow. An outlet line receives and distributes the outlet mixture flow which is applied to the conveyor chain to sanitize and lubricate the conveyor chain. Preferably, the apparatus also includes two timers which each control a solenoid. One of the timers controls a solenoid in the outlet line, allowing the outlet mixture flow to be selectively cycled ON and OFF. The other timer controls a solenoid in the inlet sanitizer line and allows the inlet flow of sanitizer to be cycled ON and OFF.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying a solution to a conveyor system, for lubricating the system, or for cleaning and disinfecting the conveyors in the system and objects carried by the conveyor system, comprising mixing a dilutable concentrate of a cleaner, disinfectant, or mixture thereof, or a lubricant, from a source of supply that is remote from said conveyor system, with a quantity of fresh water, and, controlling the flow rate to the mixing step of said concentrate in response to the flow rate of said fresh water, to achieve a solution of the concentrate at a desired concentration for use.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a continuous chain and track, including the wheels of said chain, and then lubricating said chain without dismantling said chain from the track of a large breadbun oven and/or proof box. The device cleans the chain directly above a section of the inspection portion of its track on a platform that comprises jets and wheel-activated brushes for cleaning and then lubricating the portion of the chain on the platform. This allows said chain to be cleaned and then lubricated while in continuous motion as a portion of said chain moves from its track onto said platform. Said device can also be built into the track area, thereby eliminating the requirement for a platform.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a conveyor belt, whereby the conveyor belt has at least one surface and the device is responsive to a source of cleaning fluid and a source of pressurized air and is electrically powered by a source of electric power, includes a washer head assembly. The washer head assembly is removably mounted above the conveyor belt and includes a dual spray arm member for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the at least one surface of the conveyor belt. The washer head assembly also includes an air-driven motor for rotating the dual spray arm member, whereby the air-driven motor is responsive to the source of pressurized air and is operatively coupled to the dual spray arm member. Further, the washer head assembly includes a selectively adjustable air flow control valve for adjusting the rotational speed of the dual spray arm member. The conveyor belt cleaning device also includes cart-based equipment which is transported on a portable cart.

Abstract: An article hold-up assembly for use with an article handling apparatus to maintain at least one article defining a trailing end of a group of articles in an abutting orientation with a group as the group is moved by a conveyor along an elongated lane. The article handling apparatus includes an elongated lane defining an axis of elongation for merging a finite series of articles defining a group of articles with a generally continuous series of articles defining an outfeed stream of articles. The article handling apparatus includes a conveyor for moving articles through at least a portion of the lane. The article hold-up assembly includes an air supply device, a plenum chamber communicating with the air supply device, and a plurality of apertures in the plenum chamber. The air supply device provides positive air flow into the plenum chamber. The plenum chamber and the apertures therein are positioned spaced away from the axis of elongation.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor chain cleaning apparatus in which the conveying chain is subjected to a series of cleaning procedures including high pressure solvent spray nozzles, sets of cleaning brushes to subject all surfaces of the conveyor chain to scrubbing action, additional high pressure solvent spray nozzles, a solvent bath and air nozzles for drying the chain. The cleaning brushes include a roller arrangement requiring the conveyor chain to move in a serpentine path to subject surfaces of the conveyor chain to more effective cleaning by cleaning brushes engaged with the conveying surface of the chain while in concave and convex conditions. The apparatus also utilizes additional sets of driven brushes to provide a scrubbing action on all surfaces of the chain and utilizes high pressure solvent spray to blast the surfaces of the chain to remove film and sediment. The brushes are operated by a single motor and are kept clean during use by the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for treating a conveyor belt with a treatment fluid while minimizing the amount of over spray of the treatment fluid into the air and onto the surrounding equipment and materials. For example, a pervious conveyor belt used in the cooking or other processing of food may be washed, scrubbed, or rinsed with water or a mixture of soap and water without causing overspray of the cleaning or rinsing fluid. Also, the apparatus and method may be used to spray a high quality non-stick coating onto the pervious conveyor belt without over spray of the non-stick coating onto surrounding plant equipment and materials. Overspray is minimized by the placement of treatment fluid flow diverters at the conveyor belt entrance and exit to divert the flow of treatment fluid away from the entrance and exit.

Abstract: An article conveying system including a conveyor belt having a plurality of slats movable along a slider bed. The slats have lower feet which engage a pair of plastic tracks and are removable for cleaning. The system is also provided with an anti-jam device.

Abstract: A conveyor belt washer having a plurality of nozzles (12) for ejecting water jets towards an upper side of a foraminous conveyor belt (5). A tank (2) is positioned under the foraminous conveyor belt for receiving water ejected from the nozzles, the tank having a foraminous top side (17) for separating particles accompanying the water, an outlet opening (16) in a lower part (9) thereof and a ventilating opening in an upper part (8) thereof. The conveyor belt washer further having a pump (24) with an inlet and an outlet (29), and pipings (27, 28) connecting the outlet opening of the tank to the inlet of the pump, and the outlet of the pump to the plurality of nozzles, such that the water is recirculated and air entrained by the water through the foraminous top side of the tank escapes through the ventilating opening thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning dust and particulate from automated mail processing equipment having a conveyer disposed along a plurality of processing stations is provided. The cleaning system includes at least one air nozzle disposed at each station and at least one vacuum port disposed at each station and spaced apart from the air nozzle. A vacuum for creating a vacuum at the vacuum port and an air source for directing air through the air nozzle is provided. A sequencer for allowing air to sequentially pass through the air nozzle at each station while a vacuum is created at the same station is provided. A controller in communication with the sequencer is provided for relaying sequencing information to the sequencer.

Abstract: A hollow shaft of a screw conveyor for transporting powder material receives pressurized air in its interior. A plurality of openings through the wall of the hollow shall permits the pressurized air to exit energetically to prevent build-up of the powder material on the inside wall of the casing of the screw conveyor. In one embodiment, the openings are slits angled with respect to the axis of the screw conveyor at about the same angle as the helical blade. This produces a swirling flow of air which, in addition to preventing build-up of materials, enhances the advance of the powder material and, when the powder material is a mixture of different materials, helps prevent separation of the materials during transport.

Abstract: Cleaning unit for a work transfer belt having a stationary top support frame to which a box-like lower main body is attached that contains belt cleaning devices. The top support frame provides an upper closure for the main body and cooperates therewith to form spaced entrance and exit openings isolating sections of the belt feeding through the unit. A manifold mounted in the main body directs washing fluid on the belt as it moves through the unit. The main body has a removable module supporting magnets for removing metallic particles and a squeegee unit for removing moisture and foreign matter from the belt. A squeegee mounting system keeps the squeegee blades in spring loaded contact with the belt. A wear indicator connected to the squeegee mounting system exhibits operational wear of the squeegee blades. The module with the squeegee and magnet aboard can be removed from the main body for refurbishment of module mounted components at a remote location.

Abstract: Apparatus for foot cleaning of articles of ceramic ware comprises a conveyor device which includes a pair of belt members independently movable in the same direction at different speeds, the belt members being tilted transversely relative to one another such that their adjacent edges are lower than their outer edges. Preferably there is provided a way for varying the angle of tilt of the belt members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning dust and particulate from automated mail processing equipment having a conveyer disposed along a plurality of processing stations is provided. The cleaning system includes at least one air nozzle disposed at each station and at least one vacuum port disposed at each station and spaced apart from the air nozzle. A vacuum for creating a vacuum at the vacuum port and an air source for directing air through the air nozzle is provided. A sequencer for allowing air to sequentially pass through the air nozzle at each station while a vacuum is created at the same station is provided. A controller in communication with the sequencer is provided for relaying sequencing information to the sequencer.