The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 16, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 08, 1999
Scott P. Bennett, Stillwater, MN (US);
James M. Zell, Northfield, MN (US);
Ecolab, Inc., St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.