Patent ID: 7621301
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: B08B,B65B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for removing unwanted foreign particles from empty containers while they move forwardly, in a line, along a predetermined container flow path, each container having at least one open side, the open side facing in a generally common direction with the open side of each of the containers contiguous with said container, comprising: (a) an open-ended housing, the predetermined container flow path traversing the housing longitudinally in the direction of forward movement in the container flow path; (b) a first set of ionizing air nozzles mounted within the housing, the ionizing air nozzles adapted for directing compressed ionized air toward the container flow path, the nozzles being oriented to direct air flow generally perpendicularly to the direction of forward motion of the containers along the predetermined container flow path, so that compressed ionized air directed from at least one of the nozzles flows into the open side of each container as it passes the nozzle; and (c) a second set of high velocity air nozzles mounted within the housing, the high velocity air nozzles adapted for directing high velocity compressed air toward the container flow path, the second set of high velocity nozzles being disposed along a direction essentially parallel to the container flow path with the nozzle openings being oriented generally perpendicularly to the direction of forward motion of the containers along the predetermined flow path, so that high velocity compressed air directed from at least one of the nozzles flows into the open side of each container as it passes the nozzle.