Abstract:
A cleaning system having at least one C0 2  blasting nozzle connected to a robotic arm to automatically and selectively clean an object transported on an assembly line.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention is directed toward a dry ice blasting cleaning system, and more particularly a cleaning system that utilizes a robotic arm to clean a device being transported on an assembly line. 
         [0002]    Cleaning systems are well-known in the art. As an example, in the bulk-seed industry, tote boxes are cleaned manually with water using a high pressure nozzle. While effective in cleaning the box, the process is time consuming, labor intensive, and requires additional time for the boxes to dry. In addition, because the boxes sometimes contain chemicals, the water needs to be filtered and/or treated before disposal or further use. 
         [0003]    Other cleaning systems have utilized C0 2  (or dry ice) blasting equipment. Typically, this equipment is operated manually or through use of a robotic device designed to clean a specific object. These devices are complex, expensive to manufacture, and have limited use. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that addresses these deficiencies. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that is easier to use. 
         [0005]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that is more efficient. 
         [0006]    A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that automatically cleans objects transported on an assembly line. 
         [0007]    These and other objectives will be apparent to one skilled in the art based upon the following written description, drawings, and claims. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A cleaning system having an assembly line that transports a device to be cleaned. A robot, positioned adjacent the assembly line has an arm controlled by a controller. At least one nozzle, associated with C0 2  blasting equipment, is connected to the arm of the robot. The controller has a display with a grid that permits an operator to select a section of the grid to repeat the cleaning of the object. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an end view of a cleaning system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a cleaning system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a cleaning system; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of a cleaning system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    Referring to the Figures, the system  10  includes an assembly line  12  for transporting a product or device  14  to be cleaned. By example only, the device shown is a bulk seed tote box used for transporting seed. Other products and devices  14  may be used without departing from the invention. 
         [0014]    The assembly line  12  is of any size or shape and preferably advancement of the device  14  along the assembly line  12  is operated by a controller  16 . The controller includes a processor  18 , a memory  20 , software  22 , a display  24 , and an input device  26 . 
         [0015]    Positioned adjacent the assembly line  1  is a robot  28 . The robot has a base  30  and an arm  32 . Connected to the arm  32  is one or more nozzles  34  which are associated with C0 2  blasting equipment  36  for blasting granules of dry ice. 
         [0016]    In operation, prior to loading a device  14  on the assembly line  12 , the controller  16  is programmed to control the operation of the assembly line  12 , the robot  28 , and the C0 2  blasting equipment  36 . More specifically, the controller is programmed to activate the arm  32  of the robot  28  to clean the inside and/or outside of the device  16 . In this manner, sections of the device  16  are separated into a grid  38  which is shown on the display  24  of the controller  16 . The controller is programmed to activate the C0 2  equipment  36  and to mimic the cleaning operation of the arm  32  of the robot when the product is in a stationary position or at different transport speeds as the device  16  moves along the assembly line  12 . 
         [0017]    Once programmed, a device  14  is loaded on to the assembly line  12  and transported to a cleaning zone. Once the cleaning zone is reached, the robot  28  and C0 2  equipment  36  are activated and the arm  32  of the robot  28  proceeds to move along the contour of the device  14  as dry ice is blasted from the nozzle  34  of the C0 2  blasting equipment  36 . 
         [0018]    Upon observation, if there is an area of the device that requires further cleaning, an operator selects the desired section of the grid  38  on the display  24  and the movement of the arm  32  of the robot  28  is repeated. Once cleaned, the device  14  travels further down the assembly-line  12  and is unloaded. 
         [0019]    In an alternative embodiment a plurality of nozzles  34  associated with the C0 2  blasting equipment  36  are mounted in stationary positions along the assembly line  12 . Preferably, each nozzle is positioned to clean a different section of the device  14  placed on the assembly line  12 . The nozzles  34  have sensors  40  that detect the presence of the device  14  as it passes by on the assembly line  12 . Should additional cleaning in an area be desired, an operator may stop or slow the assembly line in front of a desired nozzle or reverse the assembly line and repeat the movement in front of the desired nozzle  34 . 
         [0020]    Accordingly, a cleaning system has been disclosed that at the very least meets all of the stated objectives.