Braiden T Griffiths

US Patent:

6740172, May 25, 2004

Filed:

Nov 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/065804

Inventors:

Terry Cemlyn Griffiths - Carlton GA 30627
Braiden Thomas Griffiths - Winterville GA 30683

International Classification:

B08B 102

US Classification:

134 15, 134122 R, 134131, 134198, 198495, 474 92

Abstract:

A modular conveyor belt passes over and around at least one sprocket carried on a non-rotating hollow shaft and causes rotation of the sprocket. The sprocket includes a first pair of diametrically opposed sectors and a second pair of diametrically opposed sectors that are laterally staggered in relation to the first pair of sectors. Each sprocket is flanked by a pair of nozzles, each of which produces a fan-shaped spray. The fan-shaped sprays overlap one another across the lateral extent of the belt so that the entire breadth of the belt is cleaned. Adjacent fan-shaped sprays are angled relative to one another so that their respective sprays do not interfere with one another. The staggered sector design ensures that all sections of the belt are exposed to the spray. The nozzles are positioned to clean hinges of the belt when the hinges are open.