Bishop-wisecarver Corporation

Stephen Fournier

The invention provides a wheel design that incorporates both a shield and seal on both sides of the guide wheel to eliminate direct liquid pressure on the seal. By retaining the lubrication, bearing life is extended, dramatically reducing machine downtime. In the presently preferred embodiment, the combination of a guide wheel with two rubber spring return (RSR) seals in-bound of two shields, increases guide wheel life through the following: The shields prevent the direct force of a high pressure wash-down from reaching the seal directly. There is a non-direct path between the shield and the outer raceway of the guide wheel to allow any trapped liquid to seep back out of the guide wheel. Also, as the guide wheel rotates, any liquid between the shield and seal is spun-out by centrifugal force.

Guide wheel having a bearing for food and beverage applications

A guide wheel assembly includes a journal body having an inner bearing race, an axial mounting face, a longitudinally extending threaded mounting portion, a hexagonal tool engaging surface located between the axial mounting face and the inner bearing race, and a guide wheel rotatably supported by the journal body for rotation about the inner bearing race.

Growing community of inventors

Martinez, CA, United States of America

Stephen Fournier