Patent ID: 6244423
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B08B,B65G

Abstract:
A process for cleaning endlessly movable belts of a sorting system, the sorting system comprising a plurality of mobile trolleys movable along a predefined path for transporting items, each trolley including an endless belt having a belt upper section and a belt lower section, the belt being movable in a longitudinal belt direction perpendicularly to the predetermined path for receiving and discharging items, the belt upper section including opposite first and second ends spaced apart in the longitudinal belt direction, the method employing a cleaning mechanism which includes a base carrying an arm structure, a source of cleaning liquid, at least one dispensing device mounted on the arm structure and connected to the source of cleaning liquid on the base, and at least one aspirating device mounted on the arm structure and connected to a source of suction pressure, the method comprising the steps of:A. positioning the base adjacent the predetermined path and spaced from a trolley generally in the longitudinal belt direction, wherein the first end is closer to the base than is the second end;B. manipulating the arm structure to position the at least one dispensing device and the at least one aspirating device in overlying relationship to an upper surface of the belt upper section, with the at least one dispensing device disposed adjacent the first end, and the at least one aspirating device disposed adjacent the second end;C. rotating the belt such that the upper surface moves in a direction from the first end toward the second end;D. actuating the at least one dispensing device to dispense cleaning liquid onto the moving upper surface;E. actuating the at least one aspirating device to aspirate dispensed cleaning liquid from the surface of the moving upper surface;F. actuating the arm structure to raise the at least one dispensing device and the at least one aspirating device at the end of a belt cleaning operation; andG. producing relative movement between the trolleys and the base in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal belt direction until the base is disposed adjacent another trolley, and repeating steps B through F.