Patent ID: 7302727
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for cleaning residual powder from pans containing pressed powder cosmetic, each of the pans having a bottom exterior surface and a side exterior surface, the apparatus comprising: a feed path extending through the apparatus, the feed path having a height defined between a top member and a pan supporting structure, and a width defined between two spaced apart side walls, the height and width closely approximating corresponding dimensions of one of the pans but large enough to permit the pans to move freely through the feed path one after another; a first cleaning station defining a first portion of the feed path, the first cleaning station receiving the pans from means for successfully feeding the pans; and a second cleaning station defining a second portion of the feed path, the second cleaning station receiving the pans from the first cleaning station; wherein one of the first cleaning station and the second cleaning station comprises: a platform forming the pan supporting structure; first transport means for moving each of the pans along the feed path; and bottom scrubbing means projecting upwardly through a clearance in the platform and sufficiently into the feed path to contact and scrub the bottom surface of each of the pans successively as the pans move along the feed path; and the other of the first cleaning station and the second cleaning station comprises: second transport means for moving each of the pans along the feed path; and side scrubbing means projecting laterally through a clearance in at least one of the side walls, the side scrubbing means projecting sufficiently into the feed path to contact and scrub the side surface of each of the pans successively as the pans move along the feed path.