Saint-gobain Performance Plastics Corporation

Kevin C Bauler

John A Effenberger

Gerard T Buss

Frank M Keese

A flexible composite with integral flights is provided and methods for making the same. The composite is made from, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or other polymer. The composites are useful for making conveyor belts for use in high temperature food processing, and particularly for contact toasters. The conveyor belts are an improvement over the prior art in that they prevent slippage of the articles conveyed, may be manufactured at low cost, and are relatively easy to clean.

Belts with integral flights for use in high-temperature food processing equipment and systems including such belts

A method is provided for forming a contact toaster having a flexible belt. The method includes forming a flexible belt by applying at least one of a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, and a fluoropolymer to a fabric reinforcement material having a first face and a second face, and forming ribs on the first face of the fabric reinforcement material. The ribs are formed from at least one of a silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluoropolymer. The flexible belt is attached to the contact toaster such that the ribs on the first face are configured to impart lateral force to objects to be toasted that are carried by the flexible belt. The flexible belt is attached such that it passes through a heating zone of the contact toaster.

Method for forming belts with integral flights for use in high-temperature food processing equipment

A flexible composite with integral flights is provided and methods for making the same. The composite is made from, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or other polymer. The composites are useful for making articles of manufacture, in particular, conveyor belts for use in high temperature food processing. The conveyor belts are an improvement over the prior art in that they prevent slippage of the articles conveyed, may be manufactured at low cost and are easy to clean.

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Naperville, IL, United States of America

Kevin C Bauler