Spiral conveyor cleaning system
US5111929A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2207/24
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A steam cooking device includes an endless conveyor arranged in a spiral path surrounding a cage. The cage is rotatable on a vertical axis to drive the endless conveyor, thus to move food along the helical path as it is cooked. A cleaning system for the device includes a fixed manifold of nozzles for spraying the conveyor, a whirling nozzle within the cage, and a spray bar. The spray bar moves along the helical path as the cage rotates, and carries a plurality of nozzles that spray a cleaning fluid onto the structure that supports the endless conveyor. Leading and trailing nozzles spray radially disposed cantilevered carrier rods, while pairs of nozzles, along the top of the moving bar, spray opposite sides of rails mounted on the carrier bars and supporting the conveyor. After the cleaning cycle, the spray bar is removed and the device is ready for food preparation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.