Hygienic hollow frame assembly

Abstract

To provide a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design and a method of making a cleanable frame.SOLUTION: A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the carryway and a conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a frame formed of a sealed hollow tube. The use of the present invention is a frame for a power-driven conveyor, and more specifically, a belt conveyor frame that is easy to clean and monitor pathogens.

[0002] In the food processing industry such as meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and snacks, conveyor belts are used for transporting food. Most conveyor belts are supported along the transport path and the return path, and ultimately supported by the conveyor frame structure. To meet the USDA's sanitation requirements, the conveyor belt system composed of the belt, the frame structure, and related conveyor components must be washable.

[0003] To make the conveyor belt system washable, attention must be paid to eliminating potential bacterial hiding zones. In the food industry, potential bacterial hiding zones are well known to include unsealed hollow areas, unsealed boundary components (known as sandwiches), and threads. For this reason, there has been a strong movement towards designs that eliminate threaded parts, sandwiches, and especially all hollow components. Hollow components are undesirable because it was not possible to verify that the hollow components maintained airtight seals after installation. Furthermore, sandwiches often occur when it is necessary to utilize different materials, such as stainless steel and UHMWPE, that cannot be easily sealed at the boundary areas. As a result, the materials are often sandwiched together, creating a hiding zone for bacteria.

[0004] Many conveyors are composed of stainless steel sheet metals that are laser cut and formed. To obtain appropriate rigidity, many bends and welds are required, thereby increasing the surface area that needs to be cleaned and the angles at which cleaning can occur. The cost of constructing and cleaning such a conveyor frame structure is high. Similarly, the structure of the conveyor frame may not be as rigid as when made of hollow stainless steel tubes, so vibrations and noise may increase.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to establish a guarantee that the hollow components are not potential harborage zones, and it is necessary to establish a conveyor design that optimizes the interface surfaces that combine dissimilar materials to optimize functionality and facilitate cleaning.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This need and other needs are addressed by a conveyor system that embodies the features of the present invention. A sanitary conveyor frame assembly includes a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form a support structure for the conveyor frame that is evacuated and sealed. An integral conveying path is located on the support structure. A lifter connected to the conveyor frame can lift both the conveying path and the conveyor belt for cleaning. Also, the infeed and outfeed section assemblies are movable between an operating position and a cleaning position. Sensors can monitor the internal state of each hollow section or component, confirm that a vacuum is maintained, and ensure that corrective measures are initiated if the vacuum seal is compromised. Further, the sensors can monitor the internal state of each hollow component to confirm that the conditions are not suitable for bacteria to survive.

[0007] According to one aspect, a conveyor frame is a plurality of hollow sections connected together to form a support structure for a conveying path, the support structure extending longitudinally from an infeed section end to an outfeed section end, the hollow sections, and a sensor connected to one of the hollow sections to sense the state inside the hollow section.

[0008] According to another aspect, a method of monitoring a hollow conveyor frame includes evacuating the interior of the hollow conveyor frame and using a sensor in communication with the interior to sense a change in the interior pressure.

[0009] According to another aspect, a hollow conveyor frame structure for supporting a conveyor belt circuit includes at least one hollow frame member, the interior of the hollow frame member being evacuated and sealed so as to have a pressure lower than the pressure of the ambient environment, thereby creating a negative pressure differential, and a sensor in communication with the sealed area for measuring the pressure of the sealed area.

[0010] According to another aspect, a conveying path for supporting a conveyor belt that moves from the feeding end to the discharging end of a conveyor includes a plurality of longitudinal plastic rails extending in the moving direction of the belt and at least one plastic cross member connecting the at least two longitudinal plastic rails to form a homogeneous structure.

[0011] In another aspect, a conveying path lifter for selectively lifting a conveying path of a conveyor above a support structure of the conveyor for cleaning includes a lateral rail, a handle extending from a first end of the lateral rail, a latching arm extending upward from a central portion of the lateral rail and offset from the handle, the latching arm forming an open sheet for the conveying path rail, and a lifting arm at a central portion for lifting the conveying path rail.

[0012] According to another aspect, a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing mounting plates. Each mounting plate has a protrusion for mounting the scraper assembly and a latch for receiving and locking a leaf spring. The scraper assembly is mounted between the mounting plates and includes a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the protrusions to form a first pivot point, a scraper mounting bar extending between the pair of opposing arms, a scraper blade attached to the scraper mounting bar, and a leaf spring connected to the mounting bar and received by the latch to bias the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.

[0013] According to another aspect, a drive head for a positive drive conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing mounting plates, a drive sprocket mounted between the mounting plates, and a position limiter scraper assembly. The position limiter scraper assembly includes a roller extending between two connection plates attached to the mounting plates and a scraper assembly having a scraper blade attached to the two connection plates.

[0014] According to another aspect, a roller for a conveyor comprises a shaft extending from a first end to a second end and a plastic element that completely encloses the shaft and forms a corrugated enlarged portion for contacting the conveyor belt and a trough-shaped portion for minimizing contact with the conveyor belt.

[0015] According to another aspect, a conveyor comprises a frame, a conveying path extending from a feeding section to a discharging section and supported by the frame, and a conveying path lifter attached to the frame for selectively raising the conveying path above the frame.

[0016] According to another aspect, the frame comprises a plurality of hollow tubular portions connected together to form a support structure having an evacuated and sealed interior, and a sensor in communication with the evacuated and sealed interior for measuring the pressure inside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] These aspects and features of the present invention are described in detail in the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A conveyor frame embodying the features of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5. An exemplary conveyor frame 10 supports a conveyor belt 40 (shown in FIG. 4) that moves between a feeding section 11, which is a first end of the frame, and a discharging section 12, which is a second end of the frame. The conveyor belt conveys products from the first end 11 to the second end 12 along a conveying path. The conveyor belt 40 can move around reversing elements at each end of the conveying path and be returned along a return path 42 below the conveying path. The frame 10 minimizes components through simplification and integration, enhancing cleanability while ensuring sufficient strength.

[0020] The exemplary frame 10 includes a plurality of hollow tubular sections that form a support structure 20 for the conveying path. The conveying path 30 is attached to the support structure and guides the conveyor belt from the feeding section 11 to the discharging section 12. The feeding section 11 includes opposing mounting plates 110 configured to attach a feeding section guide roller 114 and other feeding section components as needed. The discharging section 12 includes opposing mounting plates 120 configured to attach a drive section 124 for the conveyor belt and other discharging section components. The frame also includes a return path roller 70 attached to a return path mounting base 72 below the conveying path 30.

[0021] The exemplary support structure 20 includes a plurality of circular hollow stainless steel sections joined to provide support to the transport path 30. The circular rails are strong yet lightweight and less expensive than solid stainless steel. The hollow interior of the support structure 20 is evacuated, sealed to inhibit the growth of any organisms inside, kill most organisms inside, and prevent contamination. The sensor 210 may be provided to monitor the seal and provide an alarm or initiate other corrective measures if the seal is compromised.

[0022] The present invention is not so limited, but the support structure 20 includes an upper longitudinal rail 21 extending over the length of the transport path, a lower longitudinal spine 22, lateral support rails 23 at the inlet end and the outlet end, lateral upper rails 24 at the inlet end and the outlet end of the upper longitudinal rail 21, legs 29, and additional lateral and longitudinal support rails 25, 26 extending between the legs. An intermediate support shaft 27 with two end rollers extends laterally above the upper longitudinal spine 21. Wheels 28 may extend under the legs 29. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary configuration and may provide support to the transport path by joining a plurality of circular hollow tubes in any suitable configuration.

[0023] The exemplary transport path 30 shown in FIGS. 6-8 is a single homogeneous structure formed of a low friction material such as UHMW. The transport path includes a plurality of longitudinal rails 31 for supporting a conveyor belt connected by lateral rails 32, 33, 34. In this particular embodiment, the longitudinal rails 31 extend from the inlet section 11 to the outlet section 12 when inserted onto the support structure 20. The transport path 30 further includes pins 36 extending from the bottom to engage the central support shaft 27. As shown in FIG. 8, the pins 36 extend from the bottoms of two of the longitudinal rails 31 on each side of the central lateral rail 33. A single transport path 30 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 and is located on the support structure 20 as will be described in detail below.

[0024] The conveyor frame 10 further includes at least one belt and a conveyor path lifter, shown as an inlet section lifter 50 and an outlet section lifter 60, to lock the position of the conveyor path during operation and selectively lift the conveyor path and the conveyor belt to enable cleaning or other access. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the lifters 50, 60 in a lower operating position where the conveyor path 30 is flatly placed above the support structure 20. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the lifters 50, 60 in a lifted position, where the conveyor path 30 is angled upward above the support structure 20 and the conveyor belt 40 is lifted onto the conveyor path 30 for cleaning and access.

[0025] Figures 9 - 11 illustrate an exemplary delivery section lifter 60. The delivery section belt lifter 60 includes a lateral rail 61 extending across the entire width of the transport path. The lateral rail 61 is received in the openings 121, 122 of the delivery section mounting plate (see FIGS. 3 and 25). One opening 121 may be a closed hole and the other 122 may be an open slot with a narrow mouth. The lateral rail 61 may have a notch or other constriction to facilitate insertion into the open slot 122. A handle 62 extends in the forward direction from the first end of the lateral rail. The exemplary handle 62 is perpendicular to the lateral rail 61, but the invention is not limited thereto and is horizontal in the operating position. The delivery section lifter 60 includes a latching arm 63 extending upward from the lateral rail and offset 90° from the handle. The latching arm 63 forms an open sheet for the lateral rail 32 of the transport path facing in the same direction in which the handle 62 extends. A hook arm 64 for lifting the conveyor belt 40 extends forward and downward from the lateral rail at an obtuse angle, with the hook facing downward. An L-shaped arm 65 is disposed between the hook arms 64 and includes a stem portion extending slightly forward and downward from the lateral rail at an angle smaller than that of the hook arms 64 and a vertical support portion parallel to the lateral rail 61 for contacting the bottoms of the two transport path longitudinal rails 31 to lift the transport path. A vertical pin 66 is located outside the latching arm 63 and extends vertically from the lateral rail 61 to securely lock the side guards 170, 171 in place when the transport path 30 is in the operating position. A stopper 68 includes an L-shaped arm and extends upward and slightly rearward from the lateral rail 61 between the handle 62 and the pin 66 so as to limit the rotation of the lifter.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the lifter elements around the outer edge of the lateral rail locks the transport path during operation and facilitates lifting the transport path and the conveyor belt during cleaning.

[0027] Figures 12-14 illustrate an exemplary feed-in section lifter 50, which is similar to the delivery section lifter but without the hook arm 64. The components of the feed-in section lifter 50 are basically mirror images of the components of the delivery section lifter 60, but without the hook arm 64. The feed-in section belt lifter 50 includes a lateral rail 51 that extends across the width of the transport path. The lateral rail 51 is received in the openings 111, 112 of the feed-in section mounting plate. One opening 111 may be a closed hole, and the other 112 may be an open slot with a narrow mouth. The lateral rail 51 may have a notch or other constriction to facilitate insertion into the open slot 112A. The handle 52 extends from the first end of the lateral rail 51. The feed-in section lifter 50 includes a latching arm 53 that extends upward from the lateral rail 51 and forms an open sheet for the lateral rail 34 of the transport path. The L-shaped arm 55 is disposed between the latching arms 54 and includes a stem portion that extends from the lateral rail 51 and a vertical support portion parallel to the lateral rail 51 for contacting the bottoms of the two transport path longitudinal rails 31 to lift the transport path. The L-shaped arm 55 has a shorter stem portion than the L-shaped arm 65, so the feed-in section lifter 50 does not lift the transport path as much as the delivery section lifter 60. The vertical pin 56 is located outside the latching arm 53, extends vertically from the lateral rail 51, and securely locks the side guards 170, 171 in place when the transport path 30 is in the operating position. The stopper 58 includes an L-shaped arm and extends above and slightly opposite the latching arm between the handle 52 and the pin 56 to limit the rotation of the lifter.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a detailed enlarged view showing the delivery unit lifter 60 in the lowered operating position. The delivery unit lifter 60 is rotatably attached to the delivery unit plate 120. At this position, the latching arm 63 engages with the lateral rail 32 of the transport path to prevent longitudinal movement of the transport path. The pin 66 prevents lateral movement of the transport path 30 when the transport path is lifted at its cleaning position. The hook arm 64 is pulled down below the transport path and away from the belt, and the L-shaped arm 65 is similarly pulled down to be out of contact with the transport path rail 31.

[0029] FIG. 16A is a detailed enlarged view showing the feeding unit lifter 50 in the raised cleaning position. The handle 52 is rotated upward until the arm 58 abuts against the stopper 241 of the lateral arm 24 of the side plate 112. When the handle rotates about the rail 51, the latching arm 53 disengages from the engagement with the lateral rail 34 of the transport path, the L-shaped arm 55 moves upward, and pushes up the transport path rail 31.

[0030] FIG. 16B is a detailed enlarged view showing the delivery unit lifter 60 in the raised cleaning position. The handle 62 rotates upward until the arm 68 abuts against the stopper 242 of the side plate 121. When the handle is rotated about the rail 61, the latching arm disengages from the engagement with the lateral rail 32 of the transport path, the L-shaped arm 65 moves upward, and pushes up the transport path rail 31. The hook arm 64 rises above the transport path rail and pushes the conveyor belt above the transport path. Since the L-shaped arm 65 is higher than the L-shaped arm 55, the delivery section of the transport path 31 rises higher than the feeding section.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper part of the conveyor frame with the lifters 50 and 60 in the lowered operating position. FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the feeding section of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a detailed view of the central part of FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the discharging section of FIG. 17. In the operating position, the handles 52, 62 are horizontal and extend towards the longitudinal center of the conveyor. The latching arms 53, 63 engage with the lateral rails 34, 32 of the conveying path 30, and the pin 36 engages with the intermediate shaft 27 of the frame with a clearance to prevent longitudinal movement when the conveying path 30 rises and to enable the latching arms 53, 63 to reliably re-engage when the lateral rails 34, 32 lower. The conveying path 30 is placed on the lifter lateral arms 51, 61 during operation.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the conveyor frame in the cleaning position with the lifters 50 and 60 raised. FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the feeding section of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a detailed view of the central part of FIG. 21, and FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the discharging section of FIG. 21. To lift the conveying path and the belt, the handles 52, 62 rotate to the raised position shown in FIG. 21. By the rotation of the handles 52, 62, the connected lateral rails 51, 62 rotate, the latching arms 53, 63 disengage from the lateral conveying path rails 34, 32, and push the L-shaped arms 55, 65 to the raised position. The L-shaped arms raise the conveying path rail 31. The L-shaped arm 65 rises higher, so that the raised conveying path is higher at the discharging section end. The hook arm 64 also rises and pushes up the conveyor belt if present. The pin 36 continues to engage with the intermediate shaft 27 to maintain the longitudinal position of the conveying path.

[0033] In addition, an exemplary sanitary conveyor includes drive and feed-in section belt guides that are easy to clean. Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, the delivery section 12 includes an opposing attachment plate 120 at the end of the delivery section of the transport path. The feed-in section 11 includes an opposing roller attachment plate 117 connected by a rail 118 at the end of the feed-in section of the transport path, and a roller attachment assembly 116 that includes a shaped feed-in section roller 114 attached to the roller attachment plate 117 to guide the conveyor belt from the return path to the transport path. The opposing feed-in section plate 110 is provided for attaching the roller attachment assembly 116.

[0034] Exemplary delivery section attachment plates 120 each include a front opening shown as a slot 123 with an integral internal bearing for attaching the drive shaft of the conveyor belt drive shown as an electric sprocket 124. Above the slot, the attachment plate 120 includes a protrusion 126 that forms a pivot mounting base for the position limiter scraper assembly 140. The attachment plate 120 further includes rear openings 121, 122 for attaching the delivery section belt lifter 60. In an exemplary embodiment, opening 121 is a closed hole, and opening 122 is a slot that opens at the rear edge of the corresponding attachment plate to facilitate attachment of the belt lifter 60. The latch 142 extends from the bottom of the attachment plate 120 and latches a leaf spring or other retainer on the position limiter scraper assembly 140, as described below.

[0035] The exemplary sanitary conveyor shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 further includes side guards 170, 171 attached to the frame to accommodate the conveyor belt 40 on the transport path. In one embodiment, one or both of the lifters 50, 60 can be used to lock the side guards 170, 171 in place.

[0036] The position limiter scraper assembly 140, an embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, includes a roller limiter 141 having a roller extending from a first end to a second end and shafts 143 extending from each end of the roller. During operation of the conveyor belt, the roller limiter is designed to ensure proper engagement between the drive element of the conveyor belt and the drive structure of the drive unit 124.

[0037] The opposing limiter connection plate 150 connects the roller limiter 141 to the conveyor frame. Each limiter connection plate 150 includes an upper hook 151 for attaching the plate to the feed section mounting plate 120 via the projection 126. The curved neck portion 152 forms a recess for the protruding shaft of the drive unit 124. Below the upper hook 151, the elongated opening 153 receives a cylindrical cap 160 that houses a bearing 161 for rotatably mounting the roller limiter shaft 143. Adjacent to the elongated opening 153, the outward opening 155 includes upper and bottom protrusions 158, 156 that form a narrowed mouth to the opening 155, enabling pivoting of the scraper shaft 171 about the fixed point of the roller limiter shaft 143.

[0038] The limiter connection plate 150 also mounts a scraper assembly that contacts the outer surface of the conveyor belt during operation to remove dirt and debris. The scraper mounting bar 171 extends between two limiter connection plates. The scraper mounting bar 171 extends through the narrowed mouth of the opening 155. During operation, the scraper mounting bar 171 can move between the upper projection 158 and the lower projection 156 of the limiter connection plate 150 when the limiter connection plate 150 pivots under tension about the axis of the cylindrical cap 160. When the scraper blade 174 wears sufficiently, the scraper mounting bar 171 finally contacts the upper projection 158, stopping the application of pressure to the belt, thereby requiring replacement of the scraper blade 174. When a large obstacle passes between the belt 40 and the scraper blade 174, the scraper bar 171 pivots downward to contact the lower projection 156, thereby limiting the amount of movement by which the scraper blade 174 can move away from the belt 40. The arm 172 connects each end of the scraper mounting bar 171 to the cylindrical cap 160. The scraper blade 174 is attached to a scraper mounting tap 176 that extends from the scraper mounting bar 171.

[0039] The tensioning and locking mechanism shown as the leaf spring 145 extends rearward from the cylindrical cap 160, locks the position limiter assembly 140 in the operating position and applies pressure to bias the scraper to the scraping position against the conveyor belt. The leaf spring 145 includes an enlarged central portion 146 with an opening 147 for engaging the latch 142 of the delivery unit mounting plate 130. An exemplary leaf spring 145 utilizes type 316 stainless steel, which is cold rolled and hardened to be suitable for use as a spring, but the invention is not limited thereto. Any suitable means for applying tension to the scraper can be used.

[0040] In the operating modes shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the leaf spring 145 or other retainer is locked and the limiter connection plate 150 is positioned relative to the mounting plate 130 to position the delivery component in the operating position. The roller limiter 141 is arranged with respect to the conveyor belt 40 to ensure that the belt engages properly with the drive unit 124. The cylindrical cap 160 is installed at the bottom of the opening 153. The scraper blade 174 is biased to contact the outer surface of the conveyor belt to remove debris. The scraper mounting bar 171 operates between the lower projection 156 and the upper projection 158 of the mouth of the position limiter connection plate 150. The feed roller 114 is positioned by the roller mounting assembly to guide the conveyor belt from the return path to the transport path.

[0041] To move the position limiter assembly 140 to the cleaning position, as shown in FIG. 30, the leaf spring 145 is disengaged from the latch 142 and the position limiter assembly 140 rotates upward and out of the predetermined position about the pivot point 126 as shown in FIG. 31. The position limiter assembly 140 can continue to rotate to the cleaning position shown in FIG. 32 until the drive portion of the conveyor belt is exposed, allowing access for cleaning, repair, or other purposes. In the cleaning position, the cylindrical cap 160 fits into the end of the opening 153 opposite side, allowing access and cleaning of the opening 153. The scraper mounting bar 171 drops onto the upper projection 158, allowing access for cleaning.

[0042] Next, the position limiter assembly 140 can be easily rotated back to the operating position and latched in a predetermined position.

[0043] Alternatively, since the upper hook 151 is open, as shown in FIG. 33, after releasing the latch, the position limiter assembly 140 can be lifted and disengaged from the pivot point 126 to completely remove the assembly from the conveyor frame.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 34 to 39, the feed section guide roller 114 and the roller mounting assembly 116 can also be rotated out of a predetermined position to facilitate cleaning. The roller mounting plate 117 includes an open sheet 119 that faces outward for attaching a shaft to the feed section guide roller 114. The open sheet 113 attaches each roller mounting plate 117 to the corresponding feed section plate 110, enabling pivoting of the assembly 116 about the mounting plate 110 attached to the feed section end of the transport path.

[0045] The exemplary guide roller 114 described below includes a corrugated roller having a series of convex and concave curves forming ridges 1141 and valleys 1142. The guide roller includes a fully enclosed central shaft 1143, which may be stainless steel to provide strength or may be a molded plastic that encloses the central shaft and forms a corrugated body. The end disks 1145 may be formed as part of the integrated body of the roller 114 or may be disposed at each end of the guide roller 114 to accommodate the conveyor belt. As shown in FIG. 39, the shaft 1143 may be fully enclosed within the plastic 1146 forming the body and end disks 1145 of the roller, and the plastic may be UHMW. The three-dimensional design of the roller 114 minimizes contact of the roller with the conveyor belt, reduces product dispersion, and at the same time enables the belt to be dynamically cleaned.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 40, the return path roller 70 may also include a shaped roller body having a circular wide portion 174 and a constricted portion 175. The exemplary roller also includes a central shaft, such as stainless steel, encapsulated in a plastic such as UHMW. The return path roller 70 is installed on a return path roller mounting base 72, which includes a rail extending upward from the lower spine 22 and terminating in an open sheet that receives the encapsulated end of the return path roller.

[0047] As described above, the exemplary sanitary conveyor frame 10 includes a number of hollow circular rails, which provide strength while reducing costs. The circular rails promote cleanliness because there are no flat areas where water or product can accumulate. In one embodiment, the hollow interior of the rail is evacuated and the vacuum is sealed. The vacuum inhibits the growth of all pathogens and other life within the hollow interior of the frame and kills most organisms inside. As shown in FIG. 41, the sensor 210 monitors the hollow interior and initiates a warning or prescribed corrective action if the hollow is compromised. The sensor 210 is coupled to port 202 of the conveyor frame and communicates with the hollow interior of the frame support structure 20.

[0048] The sensor can have any suitable size, shape, location, configuration, or means of operation. Referring to FIGS. 42-45, one embodiment of sensor 210 includes a printed circuit board 212 wired to measure pressure. The printed circuit board 212 can include an indicator such as a light-emitting diode that lights up when the seal is compromised or another condition is sensed. Other suitable indicators can be used. The printed circuit board 212 is housed in a housing 214. The electronic device can be made removable for repair or replacement. The housing 214 includes a threaded neck 216 for connection to a corresponding port having an internal thread in the conveyor frame, an internal opening for the sensor 212, and a lower portion 215 having an open path 219 to an opening 217 to communicate the sensor 212 with the conveyor frame hollow when the neck is inserted into the port of the frame. Any suitable means can be used to create a sealed connection between the port and the sensor, and the present invention is not limited to a threaded connection. The exemplary lower portion 215 is formed of stainless steel. The sensor housing 214 also includes an upper portion 218 coupled to the lower portion 215 to seal the sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower portions 215 fit together via a threaded connection, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper portion 218 is formed of plastic. A seal such as an O-ring 220 seals the interface between the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion. Another seal shown as an O-ring 222 surrounds the threaded neck 216 and seals the interface between the frame port and the sensor 210.

[0049] FIGS. 46-49 illustrate a process of inserting the sensor 210, evacuating the hollow of the conveyor frame, starting monitoring of the hollow of the conveyor frame, and ensuring that the seal is maintained. A vacuum tool 350 is used to insert the sensor 210, fully evacuate the connected hollow of the conveyor frame, and create a dead zone throughout the interior of the conveyor frame.

[0050] If the target pathogen is not sufficiently killed by the vacuum, an amount of concentrated ozone can be inserted into the evacuated hollow conveyor frame until the target pathogen is killed. At such a point, the hollow conveyor frame can be re-evacuated to an appropriate level for the pressure monitor sensor to detect any future breakage.

[0051] The vacuum tool 350 comprises a housing having a vacuum port 354 connected to an air hose that creates a vacuum. The housing has an open chamber 356 at one end that can fit over the sensor 210. A seal, such as an O-ring 358, seals the opening of the chamber 356. The vacuum tool 350 further includes a wrench 360 that can move into the open chamber 356 and rotate within the open chamber 356 to screw the sensor 210 into the conveyor frame port 202.

[0052] In a first step shown in FIG. 46, the sensor 210 is partially screwed into the port 202 of the conveyor frame 10 without sealing the conveyor frame. The sensor port and the open path are positioned in communication with the hollow interior 206 of the conveyor frame. In a second step shown in FIG. 47, the vacuum tool 350 is attached over the sensor 210 to create a seal. Next, air is exhausted from the frame interior 206, the sensor 210, and the vacuum tool 350 via the vacuum port 354 to create a vacuum that inhibits the growth of pathogens and all organisms within the frame interior 206 and kills most of the organisms within the interior. Next, as shown in FIG. 48, a wrench 360 or other suitable tool engages the sensor housing 214 and seals the port 202 together with the sensor 210 while maintaining the vacuum. An exemplary wrench 360 is rotated within the chamber 356 to screw in the sensor, although any suitable means may be used to seal the port with the sensor. Next, as shown in FIG. 49, the vacuum can be released and the vacuum tool 350 removed. The sensor 210 seals the port 202 to maintain the vacuum within the hollow interior 206 of the frame and also monitors the state of the hollow interior to detect any breakage of the vacuum.

[0053] In one embodiment, an indicator on the sensor can be used to indicate the state inside the conveyor frame. For example, during activation of the kill cycle by vacuum, the indicator can emit yellow light. When the kill is complete, the sensor can indicate green light and the evacuated interior is sealed. Red light can indicate that the interior is exposed to danger.

[0054] Sensor 210 can utilize any suitable means to detect when the vacuum is compromised and initiate an alarm. For example, the sensor can be an active short-range sensor that emits a signal that can be read by a nearby device such as a Bluetooth device. The sensor can be an active long-range sensor that emits a signal that can be read in the control room of a plant where one or more conveyors are being monitored. The sensor can be made passive using other means that can be read by radio frequency identification (RFID) or an active reader.

[0055] Figures 50 through 55 illustrate another embodiment of sensor 310 that is used for sealing and can monitor the hollow interior of the conveyor frame. Sensor 310 includes a housing 314 having a neck 316 with an opening 317, and an interior for receiving electronics 312 for sensing conditions such as pressure. An electronics substrate plate 322 is also housed within housing 314. Exemplary housing 314 is plastic, but the invention is not limited thereto. Housing 314 forms a flange 323 having an opening 324 for receiving a fixture for attaching sensor 310 to a conveyor frame port that communicates with the interior of the hollow frame. A lower O-ring 325 or other suitable seal seals the interface between the port and housing 314. A lid 315 is coupled to housing 314 and seals the electronics within the interior of housing 314. Lid 315 may be plastic or other material and may be welded or otherwise sealed to housing 314. The lid includes an umbrella check valve 326 for applying a vacuum. A removable plug 318 is coupled to the lid and seals sensor 310. The plug 318 can be removed to apply a vacuum to exhaust the sensor and the connected interior of the hollow frame.

[0056] Figures 56 through 60 illustrate another embodiment of sensor 410 that can be used for sealing and monitoring the hollow interior of the conveyor frame. Sensor 410 includes a lower housing 414 having a threaded neck 416 to which electronics 412 for measuring pressure are attached. A lid 415 is coupled to lower housing 414 and includes a check valve 422 that allows for the application of a vacuum. An O-ring 425 seals the interface between the sensor and the associated port that connects to the hollow interior of the frame, and an outer cap 417 encloses the upper components of sensor 410. Sensor 410 can be screwed into a threaded port of the conveyor frame designed to receive sensor 410.

[0057] Another embodiment of a sensor that can be used to monitor the hollow interior of the conveyor frame is shown in FIGS. 61-63. The sensor 510 includes an RFID tag 512 embedded in an opening 513 of the conveyor frame rail 514 for the evacuated hollow interior 506. The RFID tag 512 is open to the evacuated hollow interior, and the antenna is directed to the opposite side. Potting 516 covers the RFID tag 512 to seal the sensor from the environment. The RFID tag can be read to determine the pressure inside the conveyor and to confirm that the vacuum seal is not compromised.

[0058] A sensor for monitoring the pressure inside a vacuum-sealed conveyor frame can include any suitable configuration, communication means, sensing means, and mounting means, and can be inserted into any suitable port of the conveyor frame, and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

[0059] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific types, other types are possible. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary types described in detail.

Claims

1. In a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt, at the end of the delivery section of the conveyor belt, a pair of opposing connection plates for pivotally attaching the scraper assembly to an attachment plate, a scraper attachment bar extending between the pair of opposing connection plates, a scraper blade attached to the scraper attachment bar, a leaf spring connected to the scraper attachment bar and extending from the scraper attachment bar, the leaf spring being configured to bias the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt, a roller limiter extending between the pair of opposing connection plates, the roller limiter including a first shaft extending from a first end of the roller limiter and a second shaft extending from a second end of the roller limiter, each of the opposing connection plates including an upper hook for connection to a protrusion on the attachment plate, a curved neck portion, and an elongated opening for receiving a cylindrical cap, each of the cylindrical caps housing a bearing for rotatably receiving a roller limiter shaft, characterized scraper assembly.

2. The scraper assembly according to claim 1, each of the opposing connection plates further including an outwardly facing opening including an upper protrusion and a bottom protrusion, the upper protrusion and the bottom protrusion forming a constricted opening for attaching the scraper attachment bar, characterized scraper assembly.

3. The scraper assembly according to claim 1 further comprising, connection arms for connecting each end of the scraper attachment bar to a cylindrical cap, characterized scraper assembly.

4. The scraper assembly according to claim 1, the scraper blade being attached to a scraper attachment tap extending from the scraper attachment bar, characterized scraper assembly.

5. The scraper assembly according to claim 1, the leaf spring including an enlarged central portion having an opening for engaging a latch on the attachment plate, characterized scraper assembly.

6. A drive head for a positively driven conveyor belt, a pair of opposing attachment plates, A drive sprocket mounted between the mounting plates, a scraper assembly having a roller extending between two connection plates attached to the mounting plate and a scraper blade attached to an attachment bar extending between the two connection plates, and a leaf spring extending from the attachment bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt, and a position limiter scraper assembly having a leaf spring, A drive head, wherein the first mounting plate further includes a latch for latching the leaf spring in the engaged position.

7. In the drive head according to claim 6, The drive sprocket has a drive shaft about which the drive sprocket rotates, the roller of the position limiter scraper assembly has a roller shaft about which the roller rotates, the position limiter scraper assembly is attached to the mounting plate, the drive shaft and the roller are substantially parallel, and the scraper blade is pivotable about the roller. A drive head characterized by being able to do so.

8. In the drive head according to claim 6, Each mounting plate includes a mounting projection, A drive head, wherein each connection plate includes an upper hook for pivotally attaching the position limiter scraper assembly to a corresponding mounting projection.

9. In the drive head according to claim 8, The drive head is characterized in that the roller has a first shaft extending from a first end and a second shaft extending from a second end.

10. In the drive head according to claim 9, Each of the connection plates further includes a curved neck portion forming a recess for the protruding shaft of the drive sprocket and an elongated opening for receiving a cylindrical cap, A drive head, wherein each of the cylindrical caps houses a bearing for rotatably accommodating a roller shaft.

11. In the drive head according to claim 10, Each connection plate further includes an outwardly opening opening including an upper projection and a bottom projection, and the upper projection and the bottom projection form a narrowed opening for attaching the attachment bar. A drive head characterized by doing so.

12. In a conveyor frame, A support structure for a conveying path, the support structure extending longitudinally from the end of the feeding section to the end of the discharging section, A conveying path on the support structure, the conveying path comprising a plurality of longitudinal sections extending from the end of the feeding section to the end of the discharging section, A set of feeding section mounting plates at the end of the feeding section, A set of discharging section mounting plates at the end of the discharging section, A drive unit mounted between the discharging section mounting plates, A roller extending between two connection plates attached to the discharging section mounting plate, a scraper blade attached to an attachment bar extending between the two connection plates, and a leaf spring extending from the attachment bar, the leaf spring biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt, a position limiter scraper assembly, A conveyor frame, characterized in that the first mounting plate further includes a latch for latching the leaf spring in the engaged position.

13. In the conveyor frame according to claim 12, Each connection plate includes an upper hook for pivotally mounting the position limiter scraper assembly to a corresponding protrusion on the corresponding discharging section mounting plate, a curved neck portion forming a recess for the protruding shaft of the drive unit, and an elongated opening for receiving a cylindrical cap, A conveyor frame, characterized in that each of the cylindrical caps houses a bearing for rotatably receiving a shaft extending from an end of the roller.

14. In the conveyor frame according to claim 13, Each connection plate further includes an outward opening including an upper protrusion and a bottom protrusion, the upper protrusion and the bottom protrusion forming a narrowed opening for attaching the attachment bar, a conveyor frame.

15. In the conveyor frame according to claim 12, further, A conveying path and a belt lifter attached to the discharging section mounting plate, and in the cleaning mode, selectively raising the conveying path above the support structure and raising the conveyor belt above the conveying path, a conveyor frame.

16. In the conveyor frame according to claim 15, A conveyor frame, characterized in that each of the feed-out part mounting plates has an opening for receiving the lateral rail of the belt lifter.

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