Abstract:
A scraper blade has a tip of hard material and a base of resilient material. The base has at least one concave surface on the front side adjacent to the base and may have an additional concave surface on the back side adjacent to the tip. When the blade is urged against a conveyor belt for removing material, a substantial vertical force created by a significant obstruction on the belt will compress the scraper blade and will cause the blade to deform and move away from the belt until the obstruction has passed. A scraper blade system includes the scraper blade and an adjustment block for holding and adjusting the scraper blade against the conveyor belt.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/313,320 filed Mar. 12, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/383,575 filed Sep. 16, 2010. 
     This application hereby incorporates by reference the contents of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/313,320 filed Mar. 12, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/383,575 filed Sep. 16, 2010. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a belt scraper for a conveyor system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Primary conveyor belt scraper blades are used as an initial scraping tool to remove residual material from moving conveyor belts. However, unlike secondary scraper blades, which are disposed “downstream” of the primary conveyor belt scraper blade, the primary conveyor belt scraper blade is disposed at a very aggressive angle with respect to the conveyor belt to remove a maximum amount of residual material from a conveyor belt. 
     However, there are at least two disadvantages associated with the currently available scraper blades. First of all, many of the scraper blades are relatively rigid and, as a result, although they are effective at cleaning the belt, they may damage the belt. Because a moving conveyor belt is not a completely smooth surface, a hardened primary conveyor belt scraper blade tends to scrape away any thickened portion or protrusion extending from the conveyor belt. For example, if the lacing between the two ends of a continuous belt protrudes from the belt, the scraper may further damage the lacing by tearing it away from the belt. Additionally, some scraper blades are relatively flexible and, while they do not damage the belt, their wear life is unacceptably short or in the event they encounter a significant obstruction on the belt, then a relatively flexible scraper blade may fold under the belt, thereby becoming ineffective. Furthermore, conveyor belt scrapers made with a relatively soft flexible material not only do not clean a conveyor belt as well, but they wear quickly. 
     There is a need to provide a durable conveyor belt scraper that not only effectively cleans the belt without damage but, furthermore, resists buckling under the belt during usage, thereby rendering the scraper ineffective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a scraper blade having a tip with a front face with a scraper edge, an opposing supported end, a front side, and a back side. A resilient base is attached to the tip, wherein the base has a supporting end, an anchor end, a front side, and a back side, wherein, in a relaxed state a reference line extends from the anchor end of the base to the scraper edge. The base has a curved profile with a concave bend on the back side adjacent to the anchor end of the base. In a first position, the scraper tip is rotated a predetermined amount relative to a fixed anchor end such that the resilient base is deformed and the tip exerts a force in a first direction generally perpendicular to and outwardly from the front face. In a second position, the scraper tip is compressed from the first position with a force applied to the tip in a direction generally parallel to the front face of the tip such that the base deforms in a direction along the front face and also deforms in a direction perpendicular to and inwardly from the front face. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a scraper blade system for removing residual material from a conveyor belt at the head pulley. The system has at least one scraper blade with a tip having a front face with a scraper edge, an opposing supported end, a front side, and a back side. A resilient base is attached to the tip, wherein the base has a supporting end, an anchor end, a front side, and a back side, wherein, in a relaxed state a reference line extends from the anchor end of the base to the scraper edge. The base has a curved profile with a concave bend on the back side adjacent to the anchor end of the base. The base also has a slot extending through the anchor end. An adjustment block is mounted to a frame, wherein the block has a connector extending therefrom which engages and supports at least one scraper blade. The connector positions each scraper blade tip against the belt at the head pulley and is angularly adjustable such that each scraper blade may be rotated to urge the scraper blade against the belt. In a first position, each scraper tip is rotated a predetermined amount relative to a fixed anchor end such that the resilient base is deformed and the tip exerts a force in a first direction generally perpendicular to and outwardly from the front face. In a second position, each scraper tip is compressed from the first position with a force applied to the tip in a direction generally parallel to the front face of the tip such that the base deforms in a direction along the front face and also deforms in a direction perpendicular to and inwardly from the front face. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective schematic view of a scraper blade system in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a scraper blade system in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a single scraper blade in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view of the scraper blade illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlargement of the area encircled in  FIG. 4  and labeled  4 A; 
         FIG. 5  is a right side view of the scraper illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the scraper blade illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view of the scraper blade illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are top and bottom views, respectively, of the scraper blade illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the scraper blade mounted within the system and pretensioned to provide a force against the conveyor belt; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the scraper blade as it deforms upon encountering an obstacle on the conveyor belt; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate the steps necessary to pretension the scraper blade against the conveyor belt; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate the restrained and unrestrained scraper blade as it releases from the conveyor belt upon encountering a significant obstacle; 
         FIGS. 15-21  are a perspective view, front view, back view, right side view, left side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively, of a scraper blade in accordance with another embodiment of the subject invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a perspective view and a side view of the scraper blade system  10  for removing residual material from a conveyor belt  15  at the head pulley  20  of the system. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the scraper blade system may be made up of multiple scraper blades  100  abutting one another across the width of the conveyor belt  15 . In the alternative, a single scraper blade having the width of the conveyor belt may be utilized, however, there are particular advantages to utilizing a series of discreet scraper blades  100  located adjacent to one another and these advantages will be discussed. 
     The scraper blade  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is similar whether it is one alone or one of multiple scraper blades across the face of the conveyor belt  15 . For that reason, a single scraper blade  100  will be focused upon and discussed with the understanding that the other scraper blades  100  are similar. 
       FIG. 3 , just as with  FIGS. 4-9 , shows the scraper blade  100  in the relaxed state. Directing attention to  FIG. 3 , scraper blade  100  has a tip  105  with a front side  108  and a back side  110  with a front face  112  therebetween. There is a scraper edge  114  at the intersection of the back side  110  and the front face  112 . The tip  105  has an opposing supported end  116 . 
     A resilient base  118  is attached to the tip  105 . The base  118  has a supporting end  120 , an anchor end  122 , a front side  124 , and a back side  126 . Directing attention to  FIG. 5 , in the relaxed state, a reference line R 1  extends from the anchor end  122  of the base  118  to the scraper edge  114  of the tip  105 . The base  118  has a curved profile with a concave bend  128  on the back side  126  adjacent to the anchor end  122  of the base  118 . A slot  130  extends through the anchor end  122  of the base  118 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , for the scraper blade  100  to effectively remove material from the conveyor belt  15 , it is necessary for the scraper edge  114  of the tip  105  to be held firmly against the conveyor belt  15 . The scraper blade  100  is actually preloaded so that the scraper edge  114  applies a force between 1-25 pounds in a lateral direction as illustrated by arrow A 1 . Additionally, while the scraper edge  114  is the forward most part of the tip  105  to contact the conveyor belt  15 , the front face  112  of the tip  105  also contributes to removing debris from the conveyor belt  15 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 2 , an adjustment block  200  is mounted to a frame  205 . The block  200  has a connector  208  which engages and supports at least one scraper blade  100 . The connector  208  positions the scraper blade tip  105  against the conveyor belt  15  at the head pulley  20 . As illustrated by arrow B, the connector  208  is angularly adjustable such that the scraper blade  100  may be rotated to urge the scraper blade  100  against the conveyor belt  15 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the scraper blade  100  in a first position, wherein the anchor end  122  is held rigidly and rotated such that the resilient base  118  is deformed and the tip  105  exerts a force F 1  in a first direction illustrated by arrow A 1 , generally perpendicular to and outwardly from the front face  112 . In this first position illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the anchor end  122  of the resilient base  118  is essentially fixed and the front face  112  essentially conforms to the shape of the conveyor belt  15 . 
     Briefly advancing to  FIGS. 10 and 11 ,  FIG. 10  illustrates the scraper blade  100  in the first position urged against the conveyor belt  15  as the conveyor belt  15  travels in direction D 1 . It should be noted in  FIG. 10  that the conveyor belt  15  has an exaggerated obstruction  30  that will contact the scraper blade  100 . One key element of the subject invention is the ability of the scraper blade  100  to recover from the introduction of such an obstruction  30  and continue to provide superior service. 
     In particular,  FIG. 11  illustrates the scraper blade  100  in a second position, wherein the scraper tip  105  is compressed from the first position illustrated in  FIG. 10  by a significant force F 2  applied to the scraper edge  114  in a direction A 2  generally parallel to the front face  112  of the tip  105 . Under these circumstances, the base  118  deforms in a direction A 2  along the front face  112  but, furthermore, and of particular importance, also deforms in a direction perpendicular to and inwardly from the front face  112  as illustrated by arrow A 3  and force F 3 . It is this outward force F 3  in the direction A 3  that permits the scraper blade  100  not only to deflect to absorb the impact of the significant obstruction  30  but, furthermore, this outward component A 3  allows the scraper blade  100  to distance itself from the conveyor belt  15  while the obstruction  30  passes and then returns to the first position as illustrated in  FIG. 10  returning to the normal operation of clearing residual material from the conveyor belt  15  without causing damage to the conveyor belt  15 . 
     As will be discussed, the geometry and material composition of the scraper blade  100  makes such a dynamic response. In prior scraper blade designs, the tip would not travel in the direction A 3  but, would travel further along in the direction of A 2  and downwardly, such that the tip  105  would essentially rotate clockwise between the remainder of the scraper blade  100  and the conveyor belt  15  and thereafter, be rendered ineffective or cause damage to the conveyor belt  15 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 2 , the connector  208  is made up of a fin  210  connected to a tube  212 , wherein the tube  212  is rotatably adjustable to angularly adjust the fin  210 , thereby angularly adjusting the scraper blade  100 . In general, the adjustment block  200  may adjust the rotation of the tube  212  over a 30 degree range. The adjustment block  200  has an upper portion  214  and a lower portion  215  connected by bolts  216  extending therethrough to act as a clamp on the tube  212 . With the bolts  216  loosened, the tube  212  may be rotated and, therefore, the fin  210  may be rotated, thereby adjusting the orientation of the scraper blade  100  against the conveyor belt  15 . This also adjusts the force F 1  the scraper blade  100  exerts against the belt  15 . The fin  210  fits within and is secured to the scraper blade slot  130 . For additional structural integrity, rigid plates  135  are embedded within the base  118  and bolts  220  are used to secure the base  118  with the rigid plates  135  embedded therein against the fin  210 . 
     The lateral distance between the conveyor belt  15  and the scraper blade  100  may be adjusted through the adjustment block  200 . The adjustment block  200  is slidably secured to the frame  205  along horizontal grooves  227  within the frame  205 . Bolts  229  extend through the adjustment block  200  and nuts  230  associated with the bolts may be loosened to slide the adjustment block  200  in the direction D 2  and once properly positioned, the nuts  230  may be tightened against the bolts  229  to secure the adjustment block  200  against the frame  205 . In order to minimize the space occupied by the scraper blade  100  and the adjustment block  200 , it is desirable to place the adjustment block  200  as close as possible to the scraper blade  15  without compromising the efficiency of the scraper blade  100 . The Applicants have found that the shape of the scraper blade  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2  permits the adjustment block  200  to be moved close to the conveyor belt  15  without compromising performance. Preferably, when in the first position illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a line extending from the center of the anchor end  122  to the tip  105  of the scraper blade  100  forms an angle a of between 50-100 degrees and preferably 70 degrees, with a horizontal radial line H extending from the centerline  22  of the head pulley  20 . 
     In the first position illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the scraper blade  100  is adjusted by the adjustment block  200  such that the lateral component F 1  exerted on the conveyor belt  15  is between 1-25 pounds, and preferably between 4-10 pounds It should be appreciated that the front face  112  of the scraper blade  100  will wear away during operation and, as a result, if the original force F 1  was 10 pounds against the conveyor belt  15 , the design of this system is such that with the maximum permitted wear of the scraper blade  100 , the force F 1  will not fall below 4 pounds. This force is still sufficient to adequately clean the conveyor belt  15 . 
     While so far discussed with respect to  FIG. 2  is a single scraper blade  100 , briefly returning to  FIG. 1 , it should be appreciated that a scraper blade system may be made up of a plurality of scraper blades  100  with each scraper blade  100  independently secured to and removable from the adjustment block  200 . In this fashion, not only is it relatively easy to replace a single damaged scraper blade  100 , but furthermore, the force applied by the scraper blades  100  against the conveyor belt  15  may be more closely controlled. As an example, an obstruction that engages only a single scraper blade  100  will deflect at a given load imparted by the obstruction while the remaining scraper blades  100  will operate normally. However, if the scraper blades  100  were compiled together and forced to move together, then not only would the overall deflection load be greater, but a larger section of scraper blades would be displaced away from the belt  15 . 
     An additional benefit of the scraper blade  100  is the ability of the resilient base  118  to deflect under load. This diminishes the transmission of impact forces to the structure supporting the scraper blades  100  and thereby increases the life of the equipment. 
     For purposes of discussion, it should be appreciated that the scraper blade  100  will have three distinct shapes.  FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the scraper blade  100  in the relaxed position while  FIG. 2  illustrates the scraper blade  100  pretensioned against the conveyor belt  15  in the normal operating condition, while  FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the scraper blade  100  in its deformed collapsed position after encountering an obstruction. In each of these three configurations, the shape deforms depending upon the forces placed upon the scraper blade  100 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 10 , the scraper blade  100  is illustrated in the normal operating condition preset to apply a load against the conveyor belt  15 . 
     As a general point of reference the base  118  may have a generally “S” shape and when the ends are bent, the middle portion remains generally straight. Therefore, the middle segment will be identified as having a neutral line NL for each shape of the scraper blade  100 . The upper portion of the “S” shape will have a relatively rigid portion adjacent to the tip  105  and a centerline extending therethrough will be identified as UL. The lower portion of the “S” shape will have a relatively rigid portion adjacent to the anchor end  122  and a centerline extending therethrough will be identified as LL. 
     The concave bend  128  forms an angle X between the reference line LL and the neutral line NL of a range between 50-100 degrees and preferably around 75 degrees. However, in the relaxed state as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the angle X associated with the concave bend  128  is between 75-125 degrees, preferably around 100 degrees. Therefore, the difference in the angle of the concave bend  128  between the tensioned position associated with the first position illustrated in  FIG. 10  and the relaxed position illustrated in  FIG. 5  is around 30 degrees. Directing attention to  FIG. 11  illustrating the scraper blade  100  in the second position, the angle X of the concave bend  128  is between 5-35 degrees and preferably approximately 20 degrees. As a result, the difference between the angle X and the first position and the second position is approximately 55 degrees. 
     What has so far been discussed is the single concave bend  128  close to the anchor end  122  of the scraper blade  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the compressed concave bend  128  is capable of deflecting, such that the direction of the force F 1  in direction A 1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , may be completely reversed to a force F 3  in a direction A 3 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , by the application of a force F 2  vertically on the tip  105  of the scraper blade  100 . 
     It is noted, however, that the scraper blade  100  in each configuration includes not only a concave bend  128  on the back side  126  of the base  118  but, furthermore, includes a curved profile with a concave bend  140  on the front side  124  of the base  118 , which together with the concave bend  128  define a serpentine shape. As illustrated, the serpentine shape is generally in the form of an “S” having an anchor end portion  123  associated with the anchor end  122 , a tip portion  106 , and an intermediate portion  142 , therebetween. 
     An angle Y formed between the reference line LL through the anchor portion  123  and the neutral line NL through the intermediate portion  142  between the first position ( FIG. 10 ) and the second position ( FIG. 11 ) between 40-70 degrees. 
     As mentioned, the scraper blade  100  has three configurations, which are the relaxed configuration, the first position against the conveyor belt, and the second position deformed from the introduction of an obstruction. In each of these configurations, each concave position collapses further with increased force. 
     However, observing the gross deflection of the tip  105  relative to the anchor  122 , it can be appreciated how forces are applied by the scraper blade  100 . A line will be drawn from the anchor end  122  to the scraper edge  114  in each position. 
     As a reference,  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D illustrate the scraper blade  100  in four different configurations.  FIG. 13A ,  FIG. 13B ,  FIG. 13C , and  FIG. 13D  illustrate the scraper blade  100  in the relaxed state, in the first position, in the second position, and in the “breakaway” position. In each figure, a reference line R 1 -R 4  respectively connects the center of the anchor end  122  with the scraper edge  114  to provide an appreciation of the overall deflection of the scraper blade  100  under different loads. 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates a side view of the scraper blade  100  in a relaxed position.  FIG. 13B  illustrates a side view of the scraper blade  100  mounted for normal operation, whereby the tip  105  is applying a force to the conveyor belt  15 . In  FIG. 13B  the anchor end  122  is fixed and the tip  105  is urged to the left such that when released, the tip  105  applies a compressive force to the conveyor belt  15 . It can be seen that the tip is rotated counterclockwise at angle a of approximately 85 degrees relative to the configuration in  FIG. 13A . Directing attention to  FIG. 14A , the scraper blade  100  has now encountered an obstruction  30  such that the scraper blade  100  is vertically compressed and, reference line R 3  connects the anchor end  122  with the edge  114 . As previously discussed, the force from the scraper blade  100  against the conveyor belt  15  changes direction such that now, the tip  105  is urged away from the conveyor belt  15 . To best illustrate this,  FIG. 14B  shows the shape the scraper blade  100  would assume if only the vertical force provided by the discontinuity  30  were applied to the tip  105  and the tip  105  was permitted to move in an unrestrained fashion along a horizontal plane.  FIG. 14B  shows reference line R 4  and the angle D from reference line R 3  showing how far from the horizontally unrestrained conveyor belt  15  the tip  105  would actually travel. It should be appreciated, however, that upon the passing of the discontinuity  30 , the scraper blade  100  will resume the shape illustrated in  FIG. 13B  for normal operations. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the tip  105  has a profile that will accommodate wear caused by the conveyor belt  15 . In particular, as the front face  112  of the tip  105  wears, the general profile of the front face  112  is maintained. Depending upon the application, the profile of the front face  112  may be adjusted. One such adjustment may be to the thickness between the front side  107  and the back side  109 . 
     As viewed in  FIG. 10 , the front face  112  of the tip  105  forms with the front side  145  of the tip  105  a positive rake angle P which may be between 50-80 degrees. 
     What has so far been discussed is the geometry of the scraper blade  100 . However, it is important to note that the materials in the scraper blade  100  also contribute to its performance. In particular, the tip  105  is comprised of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene having a molecular weight of greater than 4 million. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. UHMWPE has long chains with molecular weight numbering in the millions, for example, between 3-10 million. In one example of the present invention, the UHMWPE used to form the tip  105  has a molecular weight of greater than 4 million. A longer chain UHMWPE transfers the load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. UHMWPE is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, has extremely low moisture absorption, a very low coefficient to friction, is self lubricating, and is highly resistant to abrasion (15 times more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel). 
     UHMWPE is resistant to wear and impact, and has flexibility throughout a range of temperatures, for example, from −30 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, or from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the performance of the UHMWPE tip  105  will remain unaffected with prolonged use as in the presence of the temperature and chemicals present during the operation of a conveyor system. 
     The use of a UHMWPE may provide the scraper with resistance to severe impact from large objects on a conveyor belt or large anchored objects on a conveyor belt. An UHMWPE is synthesized from monomers of ethylene and may include about 100,000 to 250,000 monomers. 
     UHMWPE may be processed using compression molding, ram extension, gel spinning, sintering, kneading, or combinations and mixtures thereof. 
     Additionally, the base may be comprised of one resilient material from the group of polyurethane, polymer, metal, rubber, and elastomer that provides flexibility and strength for a range of temperatures and environment. An example of a polymer suitable for use for the base  118  of the scraper blade  100  may be polyurethane. Polyurethane is defined as any polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane (cabamate) links. Polyurethane polymers may be formed through step-growth polymerization by reacting a monomer containing at least two isocyanate functional groups with another monomer containing at least two hydroxyl (alcohol) groups in the presence of a catalyst. As a result, the polyurethane provides the base  118  with structural integrity over a wide range of temperatures such that the base  118  is able to retain its resiliency without plastic defamation, thereby enabling it to return to normal operation and to its original shape after it is deflected by an obstruction  30  ( FIG. 11 ). The scraper blade  100  may operate in temperatures from about −32 degrees Fahrenheit to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Particularly with these temperatures, there may not be any significant change in physical properties of the scraper blade  100 , such as elongation, flexural modulus, and/or impact strength. 
     Additionally, the polyurethane deflection may provide the scraper blade  100  with a relatively constant lateral force, for example, from 4-10 pounds, over a range of deflection of the scraper blade  100 , for example, when the tip  105  is being worn away. 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 4 , the supportive end  115  of the tip  105  and the supporting end  120  of the base  118  are mechanically interlocked with a tongue and groove configuration  149  between the tip  105  and the base  118 .  FIG. 4A  is an enlarged portion of the encircled portion of  FIG. 4  labeled  4 A. In particular, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the tongue and groove configuration may be comprised of a plurality of laterally extending dove-tail slots  150  extending from the resilient base  118  which engages mating grooves  155  recessed within the tip  105 . The slots  150  and grooves  155  extend within the tip  105  and base  118  and are oriented in a direction parallel to the reference line UL. The dove-tail slots  150 /grooves  155  have wall segments  152 ,  157  oriented at an angle Z of between 40-60 degrees with respect to reference line UL extending through the supporting end  120  of the base  118 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there are at least three pairs of interlocking slots  150  and grooves  155  to provide integrity to the connection between the tip  105  and the base  118 . While dove tail slots  150 /grooves  155  provide superior gripping, a general tongue and groove arrangement, also illustrated in  FIG. 4 , may also be sufficient to retain the tip  105  and the base  118 . 
     As previously discussed and with attention directed to  FIG. 2 , the scraper blade  100  further includes a slot  130  extending upwardly from the anchor end  122  adapted to accept a fin  210  to secure the scraper blade  100  to the adjustment block  200 . 
     While the polyurethane material of the resilient base  118  may be secured to the adjustment block  200  using bolts, it is preferred to reinforce the resilient base  118  with rigid plates  135  embedded within the base  118 . Through the plates are apertures which align with apertures  221  extending through the anchor end  122  of the scraper blade  100 . Bolts  220  extend through these aligned apertures to secure the scraper blade  100  to the fin  210  which itself is secured to the adjustment block  200 . These rigid plates  135  may be steel. 
       FIGS. 15-21  illustrate a perspective view, front view, back view, right side view, left side view, top view, and bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the subject invention incorporating a serpentine profile with a modified tip. For convenience, similar parts to the scraper blade  100  previously discussed are identified using reference numbers incremented by 200. While this design may be suitable for removing residual material from a conveyor belt, the embodiment discussed earlier provides additional benefits not provided by this embodiment. In particular, the more aggressive serpentine profile provides a more compact arrangement, while at the same time, provides a greater kick-out force when the tip is compressed by an obstruction. Nevertheless, the claims of the subject invention are also directed to this embodiment. Briefly summarizing, the scraper blade  300  illustrated in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17  include a tip  305  having a front side  307  and a back side  309  with a scraper edge  314  having a front face  312 . The tip  305  is attached to the resilient base  318  having the generally serpentine arrangement previously described, however as seen, the concave bend  328  and the concave bend  340  form angles that are less aggressive than those described in the previous embodiment. The anchor end  322  of the scraper blade  300  may be secured to an adjustment block similar to that adjustment block  200  previously described. In order to mount the scraper blade  300  against the conveyor belt, it is necessary to mount the anchor end  322  a further lateral distance from the conveyor belt than that of the previous embodiment because of its less compact arrangement. The materials of the scraper blade  300  are identical to those materials previously described with respect to scraper blade  100 . 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.