Patent ID: 6050391
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A23L,B65G

Abstract:
A conveyor system for reducing bacteriological agents available to attack fresh produce during transport thereof on the conveyor system which comprises:a conveyor structure having an underside surface and an opposed upper surface disposed to contact and support fresh produce conveyed thereby within a chilled environment, the surface disposed to contact fresh produce extending over the length of the conveyor system operating at approximately 35.degree. F.;drive module coupled to move the conveyor structure in substantially continuous motion along a path between the ends of the conveyor system within the chilled environment and recurringly past ingress and egress locations therealong;at least one cleaning station disposed within the chilled environment between ends of the conveyor system at a location along the conveyor structure past an egress location and prior to an ingress location and including spray nozzles disposed to spray a fluid composition including disinfectant at a selected concentration at a temperature of approximately 35.degree. F. on the upper and underside surfaces of the conveyor structure; andmotion diverters at ingress and egress locations disposed within the chilled environment at locations along the path remote from said cleaning station and between ends of the conveyor system to transfer produce relative to the surface of the conveyor structure that contacts the fresh produce.