Patent Application
20060254887
This invention relates generally to conveyors, particularly to sanitary conveyors adapted for use in applications requiring usually frequent, periodic cleaning procedures in strict compliance with sanitary standards.
Belt-type conveyors are often used in the processing and assembly of food products, pharmaceuticals, electronics and the like. With regard to the processing and assembly of food products, sanitation is a primary consideration and conveyors must be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition to meet government sanitary standards. Food conveyors are typically comprised of multiple components that must be cleaned (i.e. by steam, hot water or chemicals) periodically in compliance with government regulations and industry standards. However, because of traditional design, access to many of the internal components of a typical conveyor is difficult, thus requiring a disassembly of the conveyor itself to expose such components to the required cleaning processes.
For example, many conveyors present in the art have a complex framework that includes multiple rollers and lengthwise, rigidly-mounted side walls which support a series of transverse beams having wear surfaces located thereon. The conveyor belt is moved and/or supported by the rollers while a conveying portion of the belt is supported by and moves against the wear surfaces. Access openings are thus typically provided throughout the length of the rigidly-mounted side walls to allow access to the internal components of the conveyor (i.e. transverse beams, wear strips and rollers, etc.) during the cleaning processes.
Personnel conducting such cleaning operations typically direct a stream of the high-pressure steam, hot water and/or cleaning fluids into and through the access openings of the side walls to clean the internal components. However, the access provided by such openings is usually limited, thus requiring a disassembly of the side walls and/or belt from the conveyor. Such disassembly is time consuming and labor intensive, resulting in productivity losses during food production. Also, the removal of a belt from the conveyor during cleaning procedures presents additional handling issues. Because conveyor belts are typically very long and cumbersome, their removal from a given conveyor-exposes the belt to potential contaminants i.e., contact with cleaning personnel and/or the floor. Where such disassembly is not undertaken, perhaps as a time-saving measure, the inaccessible components remain unclean and prone to contamination.
The disassembly of the conveyor's many components during cleaning procedures, such as the side walls, rollers and wears surfaces, may be difficult where these components are assembled with complex fasteners (i.e. nuts and bolts) requiring the use of tools. The presence of these fasteners during such disassembly thus requires considerable down-time, again resulting in productivity losses during food production. Furthermore, the presence of complex fasters on the conveyor establishes areas where particulate matter and/or residues from conveyed food products may collect, thus making such areas prone to contamination if not properly cleaned.
Many conveyors present in the art are also constructed of a framework that includes many extended, horizontal surfaces. Such horizontal surfaces are undesirable because they too establish areas where particulate matter and/or residues can collect, thus creating areas prone to contamination. The horizontal surfaces are also undesirable because they also promote the collection of cleaning fluids during cleaning processes, thus hindering the desired draining of such fluids from the conveyor.
Also, the framework of many conveyors present in the art is constructed of hollow members or components. Such members or components are undesirable because they may harbor contaminants therein if the walls or welds of the respective component are cracked or includes penetrations there-through. To indicate the presence of such cracks or penetrations, hollow members or components in a sanitary setting may be filled with an indicating fluid that would leak from within to disclose any penetrations within the walls or welds of the component. However, filling hollow members or components with an indicating fluid presents obvious disadvantages in a sanitary food production setting where leaked indicating fluids may contaminate the food products themselves.
Many conveyors present in the art include one or more removable trays located beneath the belt for catching any particulate matter or drips that may fall from the belt during food processing operations. However, present conveyors utilizing such trays do not include any restraining mechanism that prevents the tray from falling to the floor during cleaning operations, thus making the trays susceptible to contamination. Also, present conveyors provide no means for positioning the tray in a location that readily allows cleaning personnel to wipe or sweep the tray clean of particulate matter or drips. Instead, cleaning personnel typically remove the tray from the conveyor and walk it to a waste receptacle to wipe or sweep it free of such matter and/or drips, thus exposing the tray to contamination. Furthermore, present conveyors do not provide any means for securing the tray in a non-horizontal position during sanitizing operations. Cleaning personnel instead sanitize the tray while it is located below the belt of the conveyor (in a horizontal position), thus resulting in an undesirable collection of cleaning fluids thereon.
Thus, there is a need for a conveyor that allows for a ready access to its internal components during cleaning processes. The conveyor should be of a simplified construction and have a clean design to preferably minimize both the use of fasteners (and associated tools) and the presence of horizontal surfaces, thus minimizing areas where particulate matter, residues and/or cleaning fluids may collect. The components of the conveyor should preferably be of a solid cross section to minimize hollow areas that may harbor contaminants and/or bacteria. The conveyor should also restrain any tray located thereon from falling to the floor during cleaning operations, allow for an adjustable positioning of the tray to facilitate the ready wiping or sweeping of particulate matter and/or drips there-from while attached to the conveyor, and provide a means for securing the tray in a non-horizontal position to facilitate proper sanitization. The present invention meets these desires.
This invention relates generally to conveyors, particularly to a sanitary conveyor adapted for use in production applications requiring usually frequent, periodic cleaning procedures in strict compliance with sanitary standards. In one embodiment, the conveyor comprises a frame which comprises a conveyor bed supported by a plurality of legs, and at least one rotatable roller supported by the frame. At least one endless belt is in contact with the at least one roller of the conveyor, the at least one belt defining both an upper portion (conveying run) and lower portion (return run), with the upper portion (conveying run) supported by the conveyor bed. At least one longitudinal shield is movably attached to the frame and is movable between at least opened and closed positions, with the at least one longitudinal shield located laterally of at least the conveyor bed when the shield is in the closed position.
In one embodiment of the conveyor, the conveyor bed of the frame, supported by the plurality of legs, comprises a plurality of longitudinal rails having at least a sloped upper surface and fixably connected to a plurality of cross members, with the cross members supporting a plurality of wear strips. In another embodiment of the conveyor, the conveyor bed comprises a plurality of longitudinal rails fixably connected to a plurality of end members. The bed further comprises a plurality of intermediate members supporting a plurality of wear strips located substantially between the end members, with the longitudinal rails supporting the intermediate members and having at least a sloped upper surface. The sloped upper surface of the longitudinal rails in both embodiments minimizes the presence of horizontal surfaces and the resultant collection of particulate matter, residues or fluids thereon.
The plurality of legs disposed along the conveyor to support the conveyor bed are preferably disposed in paired relationship about at least two of the cross members or end members such that a given cross or end member is located between and fixably connected to a pair of the plurality of legs. In other embodiments of the invention, at least two of the cross members or end members of the conveyor bed are each located substantially between a pair of connectors of the frame disposed proximal to the upper ends of the legs. A through bore is defined in each connector such that the pair of connectors can operably engage the opposing axle ends of a drive or idler roller of the conveyor. An access opening is preferably also defined in each connector to allow cleaning access to the exposed cylindrical body of the roller having ends engaged with the bore of each connector.
At least one leg brace may be fixably connected between paired legs and below a given cross member or end member to secure the legs of a given pair together for added lateral support. Optionally, at least one strut may be fixably connected between legs located on a common side of the conveyor for added longitudinal support. Similar to the longitudinal rails, both the leg braces and the optional struts have at least a sloped upper surface to minimize the presence of horizontal surfaces and the resultant collection of particulate matter, residues or fluids thereon.
The at least one rotatable roller, supported by the frame and in contact with the at least one endless belt, may be rotatably driven by a motor or may be a non-driven, idler roller. Any quantity of the at least one roller may be located on the conveyor as well, with such quantity comprising only one roller, typically used with a “bull-nosed” conveyor, two rollers, or any quantity of driven and/or non-driven rollers. Such rollers of the at least one rotatable roller, although preferably removably supported by the frame, may be fixably supported by the frame as well. The at least one roller, in one embodiment, is comprised of at least one substantially cylindrical body of solid material rotatably mounted in concentric relation to an axle. The roller preferably utilizes a pin on each side of a given cylindrical body to prevent the body from translating along the axle. However, it is understood that the at least one roller may be unitary as well. The axle has opposing ends that protrude outwardly of the at least one cylindrical body. At least one pair of receivers is thus defined within the frame and is adapted for operable engagement with the opposing ends of the axle. In one embodiment of the conveyor, each receiver comprises a downwardly-directed, elongated recess defined in each leg of the frame and adapted for removable, sliding engagement with an axle end. In other embodiments, each receiver is defined in a respective receiver flange of the frame, connected to the frame via either the legs or longitudinal rails of the conveyor.
The at least one endless belt in contact with the at least one roller defines an upper portion or conveying run and a lower portion or return run, with the upper portion or conveying run supported by the conveyor bed. The upper portion or conveying run of the at least one endless belt passes over and is supported by the wear strips of the conveyor bed while the lower portion or return run is disposed below the wear strips, cross members or end and intermediate members, and longitudinal rails of the bed.
At least one catch pan may be removably supported by the frame of the conveyor below the lower portion or return run of the at least one endless belt to catch any wayward particulate matter and/or residual drips that may fall from the lower portion or return run of the belt. The at least one catch pan is thus removable from the frame of the conveyor during cleaning operations so that cleaning personnel can remove the particulate matter and/or drips deposited thereon by the at least one belt and thereafter clean and sanitize the pan.
A retaining means removably retains the at least one catch pan in a substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the frame while located in a plurality of positions on the frame. An adjustment means defines a plurality of positional relationships between the catch pan and the frame, to include a “catch position,” wherein the pan is under the lower portion of the at least one belt to catch any wayward particulate matter and/or residual drips that may fall from the belt during food processing operations, and a “pre-cleaning position,” wherein the pan is located in a position that allows cleaning personnel can readily wipe or sweep particulate matter there-from and into a receptacle without having to completely remove the pan from the frame of the conveyor.
An engagement means removably engages the at least one catch pan to the frame in a non-horizontal, “sanitize” position, after the pan has been removed from its location on the frame below the lower portion of the at least one endless belt, to promote the draining of cleaning fluids there-from during cleaning or sanitization operations. At least one hood may be removably located between paired legs of the plurality of legs, below the associated cross member or end member and having at least a sloped upper surface that overlaps the at least one catch pan, to deflect any particulate matter or drips onto the pan that may fall between leg pairs from the endless belt.
The at least one longitudinal shield, movably attached to the frame of the conveyor, is movable between at least opened and closed positions and is located laterally of at least the conveyor bed when the shield is in the closed position. The movable attachment of the at least one longitudinal shield to the frame comprises a pivot means and a securement means. The pivot means enables a pivoting and translating movement of a given shield between opened, closed and secured positions on the frame while the securement means releasably retains the shield in the closed position to the frame.
The at least one shield comprises a substantially longitudinal panel having upper and lower edges and defining inner and outer surfaces. The vertical distance between the upper and lower edges of each shield is predetermined such that a given shield is located laterally of at least the conveyor bed when in the closed position. The at least one shield may also have an increased vertical distance between its respective upper and lower edges such that the shield is located laterally of both the upper and lower portions (conveying and return runs) of the at least one endless belt, and optionally of the at least one roller as well, to prevent any interference with these components by personnel using the conveyor, thus preventing possible injury to these personnel. Also when in the closed position, the upper edge of the at least one shield may be located upwardly of the upper portion of the at least one belt by a predetermined distance to function as a guide-way that prevents conveyed food products from falling from the outer edges of the belt's upper portion during production operations. For embodiments of the conveyor utilizing connectors as part of the frame, the at least one shield preferably defines a longitudinal distance such that the shield, when in the closed position, is located laterally of the access opening defined in each connector.
At least one shelf may be defined on the at least one movable shield for removably supporting at least one of the removable wear strips, and optionally at least one of the intermediate members during cleaning operations. The at least one shelf is preferably defined on the inner surface of the shield such that the shelf is readily accessible when the shield is in the opened position. During cleaning operations, the at least one longitudinal shield is moved to an opened position to make the at least one shelf, located on a given shield's inner surface, accessible. The endless belt is thereafter removed from the conveyor bed and the wear strips are removed from the cross members or intermediate members and thereafter placed on the least one shelf to undergo the cleaning operations. If intermediate members are utilized on the conveyor, the members are removed from the longitudinal rails of the bed and also placed on the at least one shelf.
The respective pivot means of the at least one shield preferably comprise a plurality of slots defined proximal to the lower edge of the shields and a respective plurality of lower pins located on the frame, with the slots and lower pins adapted for mating engagement with one another. The slots, preferably having a substantially vertical orientation in relation to the at least one shield when the shield is in the closed position, are in mating engagement with the respective lower pins such that each pin projects longitudinally through each respective slot. The elongated shape of the slots allows for both an upwardly and downwardly traversing movement and a rotational movement of the slots about the pins.
The traversing movement allows the at least one shield, while in a substantially vertical and closed position, to traverse upwardly and downwardly in relation to the frame in securing the shield to the frame while the rotational movement allows the upper edge of the given shield to rotate outwardly away from the frame about 180 degrees from the substantially vertical and closed position to the fully opened position. When in the fully opened position, the shield is again preferably in a substantially vertical position, but inverted or “upside-down” from the closed position such that the upper edge of the shield is now directed downwardly (i.e. towards the floor) and the inner surface of each shield is directed outwardly. When the at least one shield is in its opened position, it is no longer located laterally of at least the conveyor bed, thus allowing a ready exposure of the bed's components and endless belt to steam, hot water, chemical or pressure-wash cleaning processes. In another embodiment of the invention, the movable attachment of the at least one shield to the frame may also comprise a removable attachment as well to allow for a removal of the at least one shield from the frame during cleaning procedures.
In one embodiment of the conveyor, the securement means of the at least one shield comprises a plurality of openings defined proximal to the shield's upper edge and a plurality of upper pins located on the frame, with the openings and upper pins adapted for removable mating engagement with one another. The openings, preferably having a substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the at least one shield when the shield is in the closed position, are in removable mating engagement with the upper pins when in the closed position such that each pin projects upwardly through each respective opening. In another embodiment, the plurality of openings is defined on the frame while the plurality of upper pins is located proximal to the upper edge of the at least one shield, with the openings and upper pins again adapted for removable mating engagement with one another. The upper pins each have a substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the at least one shield, when the shield is in the closed position, and downwardly-directed ends. Thus, when the at least one shield is in the closed position, the pins are in removable mating engagement with the respective openings such that each pin projects longitudinally through each respective opening, with the downwardly directed pin ends removably securing the shield to the frame. In both embodiments, the pivot means of the at least one shield works in association with the respective securement means to position the shield such that each securement means releasably retains the shield in the closed position to the frame. Other embodiments of the pivot means may comprise at least one hinge or other mechanism understood in the art located at the lower edge of the at least one shield and attached to the frame, while other embodiments of the securement means may comprise at least one latch or other mechanism understood in the art located on the shield for engagement with the frame. It is noted that for the protection of personnel using the conveyor, the at least one shield may further comprise a locking means such that the locking means locks the shield in at least the closed position.
With regard to the at least one shield, it is understood that any number of the at least one longitudinal shield may be utilized on the conveyor in any combination. It is further understood that that additional embodiments of the conveyor may comprise a frame comprising a conveyor bed supported by a suspension system in place of the plurality of legs. In these embodiments, the at least one rotatable roller is again supported by the frame, with the least one endless belt in contact with the at least one roller of the conveyor. The at least one belt again defines both upper and lower portions and, with the upper portion (conveying run) supported by the conveyor bed. At least one longitudinal shield is again movably attached to the frame and is movable between at least opened and closed positions, with the at least one longitudinal shield located laterally of at least the conveyor bed when the shield is in the closed position. The suspension system may support embodiments of the conveyor bed having cross members supporting the wear strips, or embodiments of the bed having intermediate members supporting the wears strips located substantially between the end members. The at least one shield may again define at least one shelf for removably supporting at least one wear strip and/or intermediate member during cleaning procedures, while the frame may again removably support hoods, and further removably support at least one catch pan between “catch,” “pre-cleaning” and “sanitize” positions.
With regard to the foregoing components of the conveyor 10 utilizing a suspension system, it is noted that their operation and function, where applicable, is as described for embodiments of the conveyor utilizing a plurality of legs. All of the components of the frame, at least one catch pan, hoods, as well as the at least one longitudinal shield and shelves, are preferably comprised of stainless steel and preferably have a solid cross section for ease of cleaning. Although components of solid cross section are preferred, the components may nonetheless have a hollow cross section (i.e. where necessary as a cost or weight-saving measure). Where applicable, the components are securably attached to one another with continuous welds of a quality that are cleanable, sanitizable, and resist the harboring of contaminants. A use of fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts and washers to attach these components to one another is undesirable because such fasters establish areas where particulate matter and/or residues from conveyed food products may collect, thus making the areas prone to contamination. However, it is understood that such common fasteners, although undesirable, may nonetheless be used to attach or fasten any of the conveyor's components to one another.
This invention relates generally to conveyors, particularly to a sanitary conveyor adapted for use in production applications requiring usually frequent, periodic cleaning procedures in strict compliance with sanitary standards. Referring initially to
In one embodiment of the conveyor 10 illustrated in
Regardless of embodiment, the longitudinal rails 24, running along the conveyor 10, are adapted to provide longitudinal support and rigidity to the conveyor's bed 14. The conveyor 10 may thus utilize any number of the plurality of longitudinal rails 24 adequate to provide such support and rigidity. For example, while
Regardless of the quantity utilized, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal rails 24 of the conveyor bed 14 have at least a sloped upper surface 28 to minimize the presence of horizontal surfaces and the resultant collection of particulate matter, residues or fluids thereon. To enable a sloping of the upper surface 28, the longitudinal rails 24 in one embodiment have a rectangular cross section (i.e.,
Although longitudinal rails 24 having a rectangular cross section are utilized in embodiments of the invention illustrated in
Referring again to
As illustrated in
The plurality of wear strips 34 thus support the upper portion 20 of the at least one endless belt 19 and provide a low-friction contact surface for the belt's upper portion as it moves along the strips. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the wear strips 34 are made of low-friction plastic approved by the USDA and FDA for food grade service. A preferred wear strip material may thus comprise ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. While low-friction plastic is the preferred material of choice, it is understood that other low friction materials may be utilized as well, to include stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, and/or composite materials.
As it is desirable that the upper portion 20 of the endless belt 19 contact the wear strips 34 and not the cross members 26 of the conveyor bed 14, the indentation of each seat 30 within a given cross member has a vertical depth that is less than the height or vertical depth (i.e. top-to-bottom thickness) of the associated wear strip, thus ensuring that the wear strip protrudes upwardly above the cross member. Because each wear strip 34 preferably has a square or rectangular cross section, the indentation of each seat 30 has square lower corners and a width to accept an insertion of the wear strip therein. When inserted into a given seat 30, a given wear strip 34 preferably is removably secured within the seat via a resistance fit between the seat and wear strip. Utilization of a resistance fit between the seat 30 and wear strip 34 thus allows for the simple installation and removal of the wear strips without the use of tools or fasteners.
A wear strip 34 can have any vertical depth or top-to-bottom thickness sufficient to elevate the upper portion 20 of the at least one endless belt 19 upwardly above the plurality of cross members 26. The vertical depth or top-to-bottom thickness of given wear strips thus establishes the elevation or height of the upper portion 20 of the at least one belt 19 supported thereon. As illustrated in
Referring to
Although wear strips 34 having a square or rectangular cross section are utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is understood that wear strips having any cross sectional shape may be utilized as well. Depending upon the cross sectional shape of the wear strips 34 utilized on the conveyor 10, the indentations of the seats 30 of the cross members 26 have a shape adapted to accept an insertion of the wear strips therein, with such indentations having a depth to ensure an upwardly protrusion of the wears strips above the cross members.
Referring again to
The end members 115 of conveyor bed 14, fixably connected to the longitudinal rails 24, are preferably oriented transverse to the conveyor 10 and optionally disposed there-along, depending upon the conveyor's length. Each end member 115 comprises a substantially upright bracket having an upper edge 29 and preferably having a predetermined maximum thickness sufficient to provide adequate structural rigidity to the conveyor 10.
The intermediate members 120, preferably removably supported by the longitudinal rails 24, are disposed along and also oriented transverse to the conveyor, between the end members 115. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate members 120 are made of plastic approved by the USDA and FDA for food grade service. A preferred material may thus comprise ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. While food grade plastic is the preferred material of choice, it is understood that other materials may be utilized as well, to include stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, and/or composite materials.
Referring to
As it is desirable that the upper portion 20 of the endless belt 19 contact the wear strips 34 and not the intermediate members 120, the indentation of each seat 30 within a given intermediate member has a vertical depth that is less than the height or vertical depth (i.e. top-to-bottom thickness) of the associated wear strip, thus ensuring that the wear strip protrudes upwardly above the intermediate member. Because each wear strip 34 preferably has a square or rectangular cross section, the indentation of each seat 30 has square lower corners and a width to accept an insertion of the wear strip therein. However, depending upon the cross sectional shape of the wear strips 34 utilized on the conveyor 10, the indentations of the seats 30 of the intermediate members 120 may have any shape adapted to accept an insertion of wear strips of any cross sectional shape therein, with such indentations having a depth to ensure an upwardly protrusion of the wear strips above the intermediate members. When inserted into a given seat 30, a given wear strip 34 preferably is removably secured within the seat via a resistance fit between the seat and wear strip.
With regard to the longitudinal rails 24 preferably removably supporting the intermediate members 120, depending upon the cross sectional shape of the longitudinal rails 24 supporting the intermediate members 120, the recesses 130 have a shape adapted to accept an insertion of the rails therein.
With the intermediate members 120 supporting the wear strips 34 substantially between the end members 115 as illustrated in
Referring again to
Again, it is desirable that the upper portion 20 of the at least one endless belt 19 contact the wear strips 34 and not the intermediate members 120 of the conveyor bed 14. Thus, if utilizing slots 37 within a given wear strip 34 as illustrated in
Referring to
While it is understood that the legs 16 or connectors 135 may be disposed about only those cross members 26 or end members 115 located at respective ends of the conveyor 10, the legs may also be disposed about one or more additional cross members or end members located along the conveyor as well (i.e.
As illustrated on
To enable a sloping of the respective upper surfaces 40 and 41, both the leg braces 38 and optional struts 39 preferably have a “V-shaped” or “crescent-shaped” cross section and are mounted on a predetermined angle to the legs 16 such that all of the surfaces of the “V” or “crescent” are self draining and not hidden from view. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the “V-shaped” or “crescent-shaped” cross section is oriented in relation to the legs such that the open void or cavity defined by the “V” or “crescent” is oriented at least laterally. The “V” or “crescent” is thus angled from the vertical (i.e. from the position where the void or cavity is directed upwardly) by any degree that promotes drainage, preferably by at least about 45 degrees.
Although leg braces 38 and optional struts 39 having a “V-shaped” or “crescent-shaped” cross section are utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is understood that the braces and optional struts may have additional cross sectional shapes as well that minimize the presence of horizontal surfaces. The leg braces 38 and optional struts 39 may thus have a circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other cross section, assuming the braces and struts having the square or rectangular cross sections are connected to the associated legs 16 on an appropriate angle.
Referring to
As shown in
In the embodiment of the invention shown in
At least one pair of receivers 47a and 47b is thus defined within the frame 12 for the at least one roller 18 and is adapted for operable engagement with the opposing ends 43a and 43b of the axle 43. In the embodiment of the conveyor 10 illustrated in
The downwardly direction of the recesses enables the at least one roller 18 to remain removably supported by the frame 12 via the weight of the roller and/or the belt tension pushing against the roller. Utilization of downwardly directed recesses allows for the simple installation and removal of the at least one roller 18 within the receivers of the frame 12 without the use of tools or fasteners. The use of fasteners such as bolts, nuts and washers to removably attach the at least one roller 18 to the frame is undesirable because such fasters require the use of tools to add or remove them and also establish areas where particulate matter and/or residues from conveyed food products may collect, thus making the areas prone to contamination.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Referring to
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one catch pan 50 is removably supported by at least two supports 60 fixably attached to the frame 12, with the at least two supports preferably engaging the lower surface 54 of the pan to allow a sliding movement of the pan in relation to the frame 12. As illustrated in
A retaining means 62 operably engages the supports 60 to removably retain the at least one catch pan 50 in a substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the frame 12 while located in a plurality of positions on the frame. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining means 62 comprises at least two fingers 64 extending laterally from the lower surface 54 of the pan 50, proximal to the pan's trailing edge 58, for operable engagement with the at least two supports 60 of the frame 12. Each support 60 is located between each respective finger 64 and the lower surface 54 of the at least one pan 50 when operably engaged. Thus, when a leading edge 56 of the pan is pulled outwardly away from the conveyor 10, the fingers 64 upwardly abut the respective supports 60 to prevent the leading edge of the pan from tipping or moving downwardly in relation to the frame 12 (i.e. due to gravity or other forces).
Referring again to
The stops 68 engage the leading and trailing ends 72 and 74 of the respective pathways to selectively restrict the sliding movement of the at least one catch pan 50 in relation to the frame 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of stops 68 comprises at least two pairs, namely a leading pair 76 and a trailing pair 78, with the stops of a given pair preferably located in opposite relation to one another along respective sides of the at least one pan 50.
The leading pair 76 of stops 68 is preferably located proximal to the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50. The leading pair 76 protrudes downwardly into the respective pathways 70 of the supports 60 and abuts the leading ends 72 of the pathway to prevent any outward sliding movement of at least the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 from the frame 12. A lifting of the leading edge 56 of the pan 50 in an upwardly direction to lift the leading pair 76 of stops above the respective leading ends 72 of the pathways 70 will permit a subsequent outward sliding movement of at least the leading edge of the pan in relation to the frame 12.
The trailing pair 78 of stops 68 is preferably located proximal to an approximate midpoint 57 defined between the leading and trailing edges 56 and 58 of the at least one pan 50. The trailing pair 78 protrudes downwardly into the respective pathways 70 of the supports 60 and abuts the leading ends 72 of the pathways to prevent a further outward sliding movement of the pan from the frame 12 after the leading pair 76 of the stops has been removed from within the respective pathways.
Thus, when located within the respective pathways 70, the trailing pair 78 of stops allows the at least one pan 50 to be pulled outwardly from the frame to the point they abut the respective leading ends 72 of the pathways, namely to about the approximate midpoint 57 of the pan. A lifting of the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 in an upwardly direction to lift the trailing pair 78 of stops above the leading ends of the respective pathways 70 of the supports 60 will permit a subsequent further outward sliding movement of the pan in relation to the frame 12, thus facilitating a removal of the pan from the frame of the conveyor 10, if desired.
Although the at least one pan 50 may include the retaining means 62 or the adjustment means 66 exclusive of one another, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pan includes both means in combination with one another. When included in combination, the retaining means 62 prevents the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 from tipping or moving downwardly throughout the various positional relationships defined between the pan and the frame 12 by the adjustment means 66. For example, the retaining means 62 will prevent the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 from tipping or moving downwardly (i.e. due to gravity or other forces) when the trailing pair 78 of stops 68 abut the leading ends 72 of the respective pathways 70, and also during any subsequent further outward sliding movement of the pan in relation to the frame 12.
It is noted from the foregoing description that the location of the at least two pairs of stops on the at least one pan 50 defines at least two positional relationships between the pan and frame 12. With the leading pair 76 of stops abutting the leading ends 72 of the respective pathways, a first positional relationship is defined wherein the pan is in a “catch position.” When in the “catch position,” the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 is located proximal to the leading ends 72 of the respective pathways 70 such that the pan is under the lower portion 21 of the at least one belt 19 to catch any wayward particulate matter and/or residual drips that may fall from the belt during food processing operations.
With the trailing pair 78 of the stops abutting the leading ends 72 of the respective pathways 70, a second positional relationship is defined wherein the pan is in a “pre-cleaning position.” When in the “pre-cleaning position,” the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50 is located outwardly of the frame 12, with the pan's approximate midpoint 57 located proximal to the leading ends 72 of the respective pathways 70. The retaining means 62 prevents the leading edge 56 of the at least one pan 50, located outwardly of the frame 12, from tipping or moving downwardly (i.e. due to gravity or other forces). The “pre-cleaning position” enables the pan to be located in a position where cleaning personnel can readily wipe or sweep particulate matter there-from and into a receptacle without having to completely remove the pan from the frame of the conveyor.
Although at least two positional relationships are defined in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is understood that additional pairs of stops 68 may be located on the at least one pan 50 to define other positional relationships between the pan and frame 12 in addition to the “catch” and “pre-cleaning” positions described above.
Referring to
Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
In view of the foregoing, the at least one catch pan 50 is thus movable between at least “catch,” “pre-cleaning” and “sanitize” positions. In operation, the at least one pan 50 is initially located on the frame 12 in a “catch position,” below the lower portion 21 of the at least one belt 19, to catch wayward particulate matter and/or drips falling from the belt during food processing operations. During cleaning procedures, cleaning personnel slide the at least one pan 50 outwardly from the frame 12 to the “pre-cleaning position” via the adjustment means 66, thereafter wiping or sweeping any particulate matter or drips from the pan without having to remove the pan from the frame of the conveyor. The retaining means 62 prevents the leading edge of the pan 50 from tipping or falling to the floor at any time during the cleaning procedure, thus avoiding contamination from the floor.
After personnel have wiped or swept the at least one pan 50 free of particulate matter and/or drips, the pan is relocated to the “sanitize position” via the engagement means 80. While in the sanitize position, (i.e. hanging preferably substantially vertically from the frame of the conveyor as illustrated in
Although
The pans 50 may also be may be arranged in parallel relation to one another, as may be required with wider conveyors or conveyors utilizing more than one belt in parallel relation to one another. When in a parallel arrangement, as shown in
Referring again to
To enable a sloping of the upper surface 85, each hood 84 preferably has a “V-shaped” or “crescent-shaped” cross section oriented in an inverted position (i.e. the void or cavity defined by the “V” or “crescent” directed downwardly) in relation to the legs 16 to deflect any falling particulate matter or drips to the at least one catch pan 50 located below. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each hood 84 is removably located on at least a plurality of rests 86 that protrude inwardly from each leg 16 of the associated pair such that a given hood may be readily removed from the frame 12 during cleaning operations.
Referring to
The movable attachment of the at least one longitudinal shield 22 to the frame 12, shields 22a and 22b, comprises respective pivot means 88a and 88b and respective securement means 90a and 90b. Each pivot means enables a pivoting and translating movement of a given shield between opened, closed and secured positions on the frame 12 while each securement means releasably retains the shield in the closed position to the frame.
Viewing the at least one shield 22 in a closed position in relation to the frame 12, each shield 22a and 22b comprises a substantially longitudinal panel having respective upper edges 92a and 92b and lower edges 94a and 94b, and defines respective inner surfaces 150a and 150b, and outer surfaces 155a and 155b. The vertical distance between the upper and lower edges of each shield is predetermined such that a given shield is located laterally of at least the conveyor bed 14 when in the closed position. Each shield may also have an increased vertical distance between its respective upper and lower edges such that a given shield, when in the closed position, is located laterally of both the upper and lower portions (conveying and return runs) 20 and 21 of the at least one endless belt 19 (omitted from
Thus, when in the closed position, each shield 22a and 22b of the at least one shield 22 is in a substantially vertical position and covers a side of at least the bed 14 and optionally the upper and lower portions 20 and 21 of the at least one endless belt 19 and/or the at least one roller 18 to prevent any interference with these components by personnel using the conveyor, thus preventing possible injury to these personnel. Also when in the closed position, the respective upper edges 92a and 92b of the shields 22a and 22b may be located upwardly of the upper portion 20 of the at least one belt 19 (supported by the wear strips 34) by a predetermined distance to function as guide-ways that prevent conveyed food products from falling from the outer edges of the belt's upper portion during production operations.
In one embodiment of the conveyor 10 illustrated in
The upper edge of each shield may also define at least one secondary surface (respective secondary surfaces 95a and 95b) located adjacent to each upper surface (respective upper surfaces 93a and 93b). In the preferred embodiment, each respective secondary surface 95a and 95b preferably has a substantially vertical orientation and is located outwardly of each respective upper surface 93a and 93b in relation to the respective shields 22a and 22b when in the closed position. The at least one secondary surface of each shield both reinforces the upper edge of the shield and provides a contact surface against which personnel may lean during production operations.
As shown in
While the upper edges 92a and 92b of respective shields 22a and 22b preferably define sloped upper surfaces 93a and 93b and secondary surfaces 95a and 95b respectively, it is understood that, as illustrated in
Referring to
Each shelf 160 comprises a shoulder 162 oriented preferably perpendicular to the inside surface 150b of the at least one shield 22b and defining a resting surface 165 adapted to support one or more of the removable wear strips 34 of the conveyor bed 14. The resting surface 165 is of a length sufficient to support one, two or any number of wear strips resting thereon (only one wear strip 34 illustrated in
The upwardly extending stay 170 of the at least one shelf 160 terminates at a tip 180 adapted for insertion into a bore 185 optionally defined in each of the removable intermediate members 120 (
Thus, during cleaning operations in one embodiment of the conveyor 10, the at least one longitudinal shield 22 is moved to an opened position to make the at least one shelf 160, located on a given shield's inner surface, accessible. The endless belt 19 is thereafter removed from the conveyor bed 14 and the wear strips 34 are removed from the seats of 30 of the cross members 26, or from the removable intermediate members 120 if utilized on the conveyor. The wear strips 34 are thereafter placed on the shoulder 162 of the least one shelf 160, secured therein by the upwardly extending stay 170, to undergo the cleaning operations. If intermediate members 120 are utilized on the conveyor 14, the members are removed from the longitudinal rails 24 of the bed and also placed on the at least one shelf 160 via an insertion of the tip 180 of each shelf into the bore 185 of each member.
Referring again to
The traversing movement allows a given shield of the at least one shield 22, while in a substantially vertical and closed position, to traverse upwardly and downwardly in relation to the frame 12 in securing the shield to the frame (to be discussed further). The rotational movement allows the upper edge of the given shield to rotate outwardly away from the frame 12 about 180 degrees from the substantially vertical and closed position to the fully opened position. When in the fully opened position, the shield is again preferably in a substantially vertical position, but inverted or “upside-down” from the closed position such that the upper edge of the shield is now directed downwardly (i.e. towards the floor) and the inner surface 150 of each shield is directed outwardly. When the shields 22a and 22b of the at least one shield 22 are in their opened positions, they are no longer located laterally of at least the conveyor bed 14, thus allowing a ready exposure of the bed's components and endless belt 19 to steam, hot water, chemical or pressure-wash cleaning processes.
In another embodiment of the invention, the movable attachment of the at least one shield 22 to the frame 12 may also comprise a removable attachment as well to allow for a removal of the at least one shield from the frame during cleaning procedures. To facilitate such a removable attachment, the pins 98a, as illustrated in
The elongated flange 110, perpendicularly located at the end of the pin 98a, defines a length and width. The length of the flange 110 exceeds the width of the slot 96a while the width of the flange preferably does not exceed that of the pin 98a. The positional engagement of the flange 110 with the slot 96a thus comprises a rotational alignment of the slot with the length of the flange. Thus, when the pin 98a is in mating engagement with the slot 96a such that the pin and flange 110 project longitudinally there-through, a rotational alignment of the slot with the flange will allow for a removal of the slot from about the pin to facilitate a removal of the shield 22a from the frame 12. Conversely, a non-alignment of the slot 96a with the flange 110 while the pin 98a projects there-through will prevent a removal of the slot from about the pin to thus preclude a removal of the shield 22a from the frame.
Although the flange 110 may be oriented vertically or horizontally in relation to the pin 98a, in the preferred embodiment, it is oriented on a rotational angle a in relation thereto. The rotational angle a may thus fall within a range of from about 1 deg. to about 89 deg. from vertical, and is preferably about 45 deg. from vertical, as illustrated in
Although
The lower pins 98a and 98b are preferably mounted to the legs 16 of the frame. However, it is understood that the lower pins may be located on other components of the frame as well. For example,
Although the figures illustrate the pivot means 88a and 88b of the conveyor 10 comprising slots 96a and 96b defined proximal to a given lower edge 94a and 94b of the at least one shield 22 (i.e. shields 22a and 22b) and adapted for mating engagement with a plurality of respective lower pins 98a and 98b located on the frame 12, it is understood that the slots may be defined on the frame and the lower pins located proximal to a lower edge of the at least one shield for mating engagement with the slots located on the frame. In this configuration, the pins 98a and 98b of the at least one shield 22 (i.e. shields 22a and 22b) both traverse upwardly and downwardly and rotate within the slots 96a and 96b of the frame 12 to facilitate the opening and closing movements of the at least one shield.
Referring to
Referring respectively to
Although
Referring to
Referring to
Referring again to
To disengage the upper pins 102a and 102b from the openings 100a and 100b, the shield 22a or 22b is lifted upwardly to lift the respective downwardly-directed pin ends 145 into longitudinal alignment with the associated openings. The pivot means 88a or 88b facilitates the upward movement of the shield 22a or 22b by allowing the traversing movement of the slots 96a or 96b about the respective lower pins 98a or 98b. After the downwardly-directed ends 145 of the pins 102a and 102b of the shields 22a or 22b are lifted into longitudinal alignment with the openings 100a or 100b, thus releasing either shield from its retained, closed position, the upper edge 92a or 92b of the respective shield is rotated away from the frame 12 about 180 degrees to move the shield to the fully opened position. The pivot means 88a or 88b facilitates the rotational movement of the respective shield 22a or 22b by allowing a rotational movement of the slots 96a or 96b about the respective lower pins 98a or 98b.
As illustrated in
If a removal of the shields 22a and 22b from the frame 12 is nonetheless desired, as illustrated in
Although, in the preferred embodiment, lower pins and associated slots are used for the respective pivot means of the at least one shield while upper pins and associated openings are used for the respective securement means, it is understood that other embodiments of the pivot and securement means are possible as well. For example, as illustrated in
It is noted that for the protection of personnel using the conveyor, the at least one shield may further comprise a locking means 190 such that the locking means locks the shield in at least the closed position. In the embodiment illustrated in
Although
While the foregoing description and figures illustrate the conveyor 10 having longitudinal shields 22a and 22b of the at least one shield located in opposition to one another about the frame 12, it is understood, as illustrated in
It is further understood that, in addition to shields 22a and 22b of the at least one shield 22 illustrated by example in the foregoing figures, multiple shields in various combinations may be located on both sides of the conveyor as well, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The suspension system 205 supporting the conveyor bed 14 preferably comprises a plurality of tension supports 210 defining upper and lower ends 215 and 220. The upper end 215 of each support 210 is preferably connected to an elevated or overhead structure, such as a ceiling, truss, beam, cat-walk or other structure displaced from the ground. The lower end 220 of each support is preferably connected to a common angle 225 preferably attached to each connector 135 of the frame 12, or to a downward extension 240 of the frame preferably connected to and extending downwardly from each connector. Each angle 225 of the frame 12 preferably defines a bore 230 there-through adapted for mating engagement with the lower end 220 of the support. In one embodiment, the lower end 220 of each support 210 is threaded such that the threaded portion extends downwardly through the bore 230 of each angle 225, with the support secured thereto via a nut 235 threaded onto the support end and against an underside of the angle.
However, it is understood that the lower end 220 of each support 210 may have a horizontal bore defined there-through, adapted for mating engagement with a transverse pin located therein and against the underside of the angle 225 of the frame 12. It is also understood that the tension supports 210 may be connected to other components the conveyor 10 as well, with or without utilizing the angles 225. It is further understood that a given tension support 210 may be connected to a given angle 225 or other component via any fastener understood in the art, or via welds or similar bonding methods. Furthermore, although the tension supports 210 comprising the suspension system 205 supporting the conveyor bed 14 preferably comprise rods, it is understood that cables or other supports understood in the art may be utilized as well.
The conveyor bed 14 of
With regard to the respective forgoing embodiments of the conveyor bed 14 illustrated in
Again, with the plurality of respective cross members 26 and intermediate members 120 preferably removably supporting the plurality of wear strips 34, the plurality of wear strips of the conveyor bed 14 again run along the conveyor 10, with each strip having an upper surface 35 that is in contact with the underside of an upper portion 20 of the at least one endless belt 19 and a lower surface that is in contact with and supported by at least a lower surface of the seat. Again, when inserted into a given seat 30 of a respective cross member 26 or intermediate member 120, a given wear strip 34 preferably is removably secured within the seat via a resistance fit between the seat and wear strip. Optional slots 37 may again be defined in the lower surface of each wear strip for engagement with the seats of the cross members 26 or intermediate members 120 as illustrated in
The at least one rotatable roller 18 is again supported by the frame 12 and in contact with the at least one endless belt 19. Again, one or more rollers of the at least one roller 18 may be rotatably driven by a motor (not shown) or may be non-driven (i.e. idler roller(s)), with any quantity of the at least one roller 18 located on the conveyor 10 as well. Such rollers of the at least one rotatable roller 18, although preferably removably supported by the frame 12, may be fixably supported by the frame as well. With reference to
At least one pair of receivers 47a and 47b is thus defined within the frame 12 for the at least one roller 18 and is adapted for operable engagement with the opposing ends 43a and 43b of the axle 43. In the embodiment illustrated in
However, it is understood that the receivers 47a and 47b may be defined in other components of the frame as well. For example, the receivers may be defined in the downward extensions 240 themselves. The axle ends 43a and 43b of the at least one roller 19 may also operably engage the bores 140 defined the paired connectors 135 of the frame. Furthermore, although the at least one roller 18 preferably comprises at least one cylindrical body 42 mounted in concentric relation to an axle 43 defining ends 43a and 43b, it is again understood that the at least one roller may be unitary as well wherein the at least one cylindrical body and the axle defining the two ends are comprised of a single, solid material (i.e. food-grade plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), with such axle ends rotating within the respective receivers 47a and 47b or bores 140.
As illustrated in
Thus, when in the closed position, each shield 22a and 22b of the at least one shield 22 is in a substantially vertical position and covers a side of at least the bed 14 and optionally the upper and lower portions 20 and 21 of the at least one endless belt 19 and/or the at least one roller 18 to prevent any interference with these components by personnel using the conveyor, thus preventing possible injury to these personnel. Also when in the closed position, the respective upper edges 92a and 92b of the shields 22a and 22b may again be located upwardly of the upper portion 20 of the at least one belt 19 (supported by the wear strips 34) by a predetermined distance to function as guide-ways that prevent conveyed food products from falling from the outer edges of the belt's upper portion during production operations.
The pivot means 88a and 88b of the at least one shield again preferably comprise a plurality of slots 96a and 96b defined proximal to the lower edges 94a and 94b of the respective shields 22a and 22b, and a respective plurality of lower pins 98a and 98b located on the frame 12, with the slots and lower pins adapted for mating engagement with one another. The slots 96a and 96b, preferably having a substantially vertical orientation in relation to the at least one shield 22 when the shield is in the closed position, are again in mating engagement with the respective lower pins 98a and 98b such that each pin projects longitudinally through each respective slot. The elongated shape of the slots again allows for both an upwardly and downwardly traversing movement and a rotational movement of the slots about the pins. The movable attachment of the at least one shield 22 to the frame 12 may again also comprise a removable attachment as well to allow for a removal of the at least one shield from the frame during cleaning procedures. To facilitate such a removable attachment, the pins 98a and 98b may be directed in a common direction with at least one pin defining an elongated flange 110 thereon (as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The securement means 90a and 90b of the at least one shield 22 of
Thus, when the shields 22a and 22b are in their respective closed positions, the pins 102a and 102b are in removable mating engagement with the respective openings 100a and 100b such that each pin projects longitudinally through each respective opening, with the downwardly directed pin ends 145 removably securing the respective shields to the frame 14. While the figures illustrate two openings per shield for engagement with two associated upper pins, it is understood that the at least one shield can have any number of openings for association with an equal number of upper pins. Furthermore, although
At least one shelf 160 may again be defined on the at least one movable shield 22 for removably supporting at least one of the removable wear strips 34, and optionally at least one of the intermediate members 120, during cleaning operations. Again, it is understood that the at least one shelf 160 may be defined on only one shield of the at least one shield 22, or on any number of shields if more than one shield is present on the conveyor 10. The at least one shelf 160 is again preferably defined on the inner surface 150 of a given shield 22 (illustrated by example on inner surface 150a of the shield 22a), preferably proximal to the shield's lower edge 94b, such that the shelf is readily accessible when the shield is in the opened position, as shown. Although two shelves 160 are illustrated by way of example in
Each shelf 160 again comprises a shoulder 162 oriented preferably perpendicular to the inside surface 150b of the at least one shield 22b and defining a resting surface 165 adapted to support one or more of the removable wear strips 34 of the conveyor bed 14. The resting surface 165 is of a length sufficient to support one, two or any number of wear strips resting thereon (only one wear strip 34 illustrated in
The upwardly extending stay 170 of the at least one shelf 160 again terminates at a tip 180 adapted for insertion into a bore 185 optionally defined in each of the removable intermediate members 120. Thus, for embodiments of the conveyor utilizing the removable intermediate members 120, the insertion of the tip 180 of the stay 170 into the bore 185 of a given intermediate member allows the shelf 160 to removably support the member during cleaning operations. Again, to ensure that each intermediate member 120 of the conveyor's bed 14 is supported by a shelf 160 during such cleaning operations, the number of shelves located on a given conveyor is preferably at least equal to the number of intermediate members utilized.
Again, although the embodiment of
A retaining means 62 operably engages the supports 60 to retain the at least one pan in a substantially horizontal orientation while located in a plurality of positions on the frame 12 (i.e., fingers 64 as illustrated in
At least one hood 84 may be removably located between the paired downwardly directed extensions 240, below the associated cross member 26 or end member 115. Each hood 84 is again removably located on at least a plurality of rests 86 that protrude inwardly from each extension 240 of the associated pair such that a given hood may be readily removed from the frame 12 during cleaning operations. Again, each hood 84 is preferably located upwardly of the support 60 of the frame 12 and has at least a sloped upper surface 85 that overlaps the at least one catch pan 50 to deflect any particulate matter or drips onto the pan that may fall between extension pairs from the endless belt 19.
With regard to the foregoing components of the conveyor 10 utilizing a suspension system 205, it is noted that their operation and function, where applicable, is as described for embodiments of the conveyor utilizing a plurality of legs 16. Also, regardless of embodiment, all of the components of the frame 12, to include the longitudinal rails 24, cross members 26, end members 115, legs 16, leg braces 38, optional struts 39, tension supports 210, at least one catch pan 50, supports 60, retaining means 62, adjustment means 66, engagement means 80, hoods 84 and hood rests 86, as well as the longitudinal shields 22a and 22b and their respective pivot means (88a and 88b) and securement means (90a and 90b), as well as the respective shelves 160, are preferably comprised of stainless steel. Stainless steel is the preferred material of choice for these components because of its inherent resistance to corrosion from the presence of moisture and cleaning agents. While stainless steel is the preferred material of choice, it is understood that other corrosion-resistant materials may be utilized as well, to include aluminum, various alloys, or composite materials.
It also is noted that all of the components of the frame 12, to include the longitudinal rails 24, cross members 26, end members 115, legs 16, leg braces 38, optional struts 39, tension supports 210, at least one catch pan 50, supports 60, retaining means 62, adjustment means 66, engagement means 80, hoods 84 and hood rests 86, as well as the longitudinal shields 22a and 22b and their respective pivot means (88a and 88b) and securement means (90a and 90b), as well as the respective shelves 160, preferably have a solid cross section. A solid cross section for these components reduces sanitation problems present with components having a hollow cross section. Although components of solid cross section are preferred, the components may nonetheless have a hollow cross section (i.e. where necessary as a cost or weight-saving measure).
It is further noted that in the preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the components of the frame 12, i.e. the longitudinal rails 24, cross members 26, end members 115, legs 16, leg braces 38, optional struts 39 and hood rests 86, as well as the pivot means and securement means in relation to the frame and at least one shield 22, to include the at least one shelf 160, and the retaining, adjustment and engagement means in relation to the frame and at least one catch pan 50, are preferably securably attached to one another with continuous welds of a quality that are cleanable, sanitizable, and resist the harboring of contaminants. A use of fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts and washers to attach these components to one another is undesirable because such fasters establish areas where particulate matter and/or residues from conveyed food products may collect, thus making the areas prone to contamination. The frame 12 and related components thus preferably utilizes a welded unitary construction to eliminate such contamination-prone areas. However, it is understood that common fasteners, although undesirable, may nonetheless be used to attach or fasten any of the conveyor's components to one another.
While the foregoing embodiments of the conveyor have been described particularly for use with food products in a sanitary environment, it is evident that the conveyor could be used with a variety of products and in a variety of environments where the foregoing features of the conveyor are desirable. As such, the claimed conveyor is capable of broad application and is readily adaptable to other fields and uses. Furthermore, while this foregoing description and accompanying drawings are illustrative of the present invention, other variations in structure and method are possible without departing from the invention's spirit and scope.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/680,193 filed on May 11, 2005, and to Ser. No. 60/729,867 filed on Oct. 24, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60680193 | May 2005 | US | |
| 60729867 | Oct 2005 | US |
