Patent Description:
Traditionally, a conveyance mechanism, such as a conveyor belt, is a sheet-like material or a mesh-like material having sufficient surface area to contact a component, such as a component of an article of footwear, along a path. The conveyance mechanism's sufficient surface area for contact provides support and frictional contact to effectively transport the component. A conveyance mechanism may be used to move a component through manufacturing processes, such as an application of a surface treatment. Surface treatments may be sprayed, poured, projected and the like at the component and, consequently, the conveyance mechanism transporting the component through the manufacturing process. As a result, residual material from the surface treatment may contaminate the movement mechanism.

Document <CIT> describes a system whereby it is possible automatically and continuously to clean the transportation elements, conveyor belts or bands, used in continuous processes for applying adhesive to articles of any size by means of the installation of a special band formed by parallel wires/threads of non-adhesive material and by implementing a process of four consecutive phases which subject the adhered residues to partial drying, hardening of the adhesive residues, breaking-up of the surface of the adhesive, and removal of the residues by abrasion. Document <CIT> discloses a self-cleaning ring conveyor according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Aspects hereof contemplate a self-cleaning ring conveyor. The conveyor includes a first roller having a first rotational axis and a second roller having a second rotational axis that is parallel with the first rotational axis. The conveyor also includes a first ring extending around a combination of the first roller and the second roller and a second ring extending around the combination of the first roller and the second roller. The first ring and the second ring are parallel to each other. The conveyor also includes a first scraper having a first scraping slot and a second scraping slot. The first ring extends through the first scraping slot and the second ring extends through the second scraping slot.

The present invention provides a self-cleaning ring conveyor in accordance with claim <NUM>, a system of applying material to a component on a self-cleaning ring conveyor according to claim <NUM> and a method of cleaning a ring conveyor according to claim <NUM>.

This summary is provided to enlighten and not limit the scope of methods and systems provided hereafter in complete detail.

The present invention is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:.

Conveyance mechanisms, such as a conveyor belt, are effective to convey an article, such as a component of an article of footwear, through a manufacturing process. The conveyance mechanism may transport the article from a first manufacturing process to another manufacturing process where the article is removed from the conveyance mechanism at one or more of the manufacturing processes. Additionally or alternatively, the conveyance mechanism may convey the article through a manufacturing process and therefore the conveyance mechanism is part of the manufacturing process being performed on the article. In this latter example, the conveyance mechanism may be subject to the manufacturing process being performed on the article. For example, in an exemplary aspect, a conveyance mechanism conveys an article through a surface treatment process where a material (e.g., adhesive, primer, colorant, cleaner, and the like) is applied to the article. The application of the material may be through a pouring, painting, spraying, submersion, and/or projecting process. The application of the material to the component also results in application of the material to the conveyance mechanism. It is this application of material to the conveyance mechanism that can result in residual material, a deposit of material on the conveyance mechanism, that contaminates the conveyance mechanism and can interfere with intended operation of the conveyance mechanism.

As a result of the residual material, cleaning of the conveyance mechanism may be performed. Failure to adequately clean the conveyance mechanism can result in undesired consequences. For example, the residual material may interfere with smooth movement of the conveyance mechanism, and, in some circumstances, prevent movement of the conveyance mechanism. Further, the residual material may transfer from the conveyance mechanism to a subsequent article positioned on the conveyance mechanism. The transferred residual material may contaminate the article and limit or prevent use of that article. A specific example, contemplates an article of footwear component, such as a footwear bottom unit (e.g., a shoe sole), that is transferred by a conveyance mechanism through an adhesive application process. The adhesive is applied to a foot-facing surface of the component while a ground-facing surface contacts the conveyance mechanism. The adhesive material is applied to the foot-facing surface as well as the conveyance mechanism surface, either intentionally or incidentally. The residual adhesive material that is applied to the conveyance mechanism is on at least an article-contacting surface (e.g., an exterior-facing surface) of the conveyance mechanism. As the conveyance mechanism subsequently conveys another article of footwear bottom unit, the ground-facing surface of the bottom unit may become contaminated with the residual adhesive material on the article-facing surface of the conveyance mechanism. This contamination may be limited through effective cleaning of the residual material and/or a reduction in conveyance mechanism material onto which the residual material may adhere.

A conventional conveyance mechanism may be formed from a sheet-like material or a mesh-like material. For example, a conveyor belt of the conveyance mechanism may be formed from an apertured (i.e., having holes through the material) or a non-apertured (e.g., solid) material. In both examples, there is transverse continuity of the conveyance material, which increases a surface area of the conveyor belt that is susceptible to increased residual material accumulation. As aspects herein contemplate, the conveyance mechanism may comprise a plurality of rings arranged in a longitudinally parallel orientation. Having discrete rings as a conveyance mechanism transport surface allows for a reduced surface area of the transport surface that is therefore less susceptible to residual material accumulation. In yet another aspect contemplated, the rings are an "O-ring" configuration having a circular transverse cross-section. A circular cross-section allows for a reduced residual material accumulation and a reduced surface area contact with the article that can contaminate an article relative to a flat-surfaces cross section, such as a rectilinear cross-section. Therefore, in an exemplary aspect, the O-ring implementation can reduce both the residual material accumulation and a reduced surface area in contact with the article to limit a transfer of the residual material to an article.

Turning to <FIG> illustrating a simplified self-cleaning ring conveyor <NUM>, in accordance with aspects hereof. The conveyor <NUM> is comprised of a first roller <NUM> having a first rotational axis <NUM> and a second roller <NUM> having a second rotational axis <NUM> that is parallel with the first rotational axis <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> is also comprised of a first ring <NUM> extending around a combination of the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> is also comprised of a second ring <NUM> extending around the combination of the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>. As depicted, the first ring <NUM> and the second ring <NUM> are parallel. The conveyor <NUM> is further comprised of a first scraper <NUM>. The first scraper <NUM> having a first scraping slot <NUM> and a second scraping slot <NUM>. The first ring <NUM> extends through the first scraping slot <NUM> and the second ring <NUM> extends through the second scraping slot <NUM>.

The plurality of rings <NUM> may be formed from a variety of materials, such as elastomeric polymer compositions, non-elastomeric polymer compositions, metal, and the like. In an exemplary aspect, a ring is formed from a silicone-based material composition. Additional materials are contemplated, such as a polyurethane-based material composition, a polyester-based material composition, a nylon-based material composition, a steel material composition, a tungsten-based material composition, a composite of one or more compositions, and/or a multi-ply construction. However, as will be appreciated hereinafter, in some exemplary aspects, a silicone-based material composition provides sufficient component support while minimally interfering with an associated vision system and light source. Additionally, a silicone-based material composition for the rings may provide sufficient dry-cleaning properties by the one or more scrapers as a result of a low affinity for adhesion between the silicone-based material and the residual material (e.g., adhesive).

The conveyor <NUM> also includes a plurality of pulleys about which a plurality of rings <NUM> (e.g., the first ring <NUM>, the second ring <NUM>, a third ring <NUM>) extend. A first pulley <NUM> is depicted on the first roller <NUM> with the first ring <NUM> extending there around. Similarly, a second pulley <NUM> is depicted on the first roller <NUM> with the second ring <NUM> extending there around. One or more pulleys are optional. In the alternative of a pulley, it is contemplated that a recessed portion of the roller may be formed to maintain a position of the ring on the roller. However, in an exemplary aspect, a pulley is positioned on the roller to reduce a transfer of residual material to the roller and other portions of the roller. Additionally, a pulley is contemplated to provide a ring position guide that maintains a relative position of a ring on the roller as the ring is rotated about a combination of rollers. A pulley may be any size and configuration. For example, the pulley may have a ring-receiving channel slightly larger in width, or the same in width, as a diameter of the ring. For example, if a <NUM> millimeter ("mm") diameter ring extends around a pulley, the pulley may have a receiving channel width about <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), in an exemplary aspect.

The conveyor <NUM> is also comprised of a drive source <NUM> that is operatively coupled with one or more of the rollers. For example, as depicted in <FIG>, the drive source <NUM> is operatively couple by way of a belt to the first roller <NUM>. However, as will be depicted in <FIG> hereinafter, a common coupling <NUM> may operatively couple a plurality of rollers to a drive source, such as the drive source <NUM>. The drive source may be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor and the like that are configured to provide a rotational energy to one or more rollers and/or rings of the conveyor. The drive source may be operatively coupled to the one or more rollers and/or rings by any means, such as a direct connection, a belt, a chain, ring, and the like.

The first scraper <NUM> is a residual material scraping element. The first scraper <NUM>, and other scrapers provided herein, provide for a physical engagement with residual material to reduce or eliminate the residual material from a surface of one or more rings. A scraper may be formed from any material and any combination of material. For example, it is contemplated that a scraper may be formed from a first resilient material, such as metal, as well as from a second material, such as a polymer-based composition (e.g., rubber) with the second material at a residual contacting portion of the scraper and the first material secured to other elements of the device. In this example, the second material portion (e.g., a ring-contacting or residual material-contacting portion) may be replaced and mounted to the first material portion for easier servicing of the scraper. Further, it is contemplated that a different scraper material may be used depending on a location of the scraper in the conveyor and/or depending on the residual material or ring material. For example, it is contemplated that a first scraper or first plurality of scrapers may be formed from a first type of material effective to remove residual material at a macro level and a subsequent scraper or second plurality of scrapers may be formed from a second material type to clean a surface of the rings at a more micro level. Specifically, it is contemplated that the first scraper <NUM> is formed with a rubber-type material as a residual material-contacting surface to scrape and dislodge the residual material and a subsequent scraper (e.g., a third scraper <NUM> and a fourth scraper <NUM> of <FIG>) is formed with a polytetrafluoroethylene material composition as a residual material-contacting surface. The initial rubber-based scraper has an effective resilience and interaction with a ring to remove recently deposited residual material. The polytetrafluoroethylene material is effective to clean a surface of the ring(s) to limit future contamination of an article positioned on the ring(s). It is contemplated that any number of scrapers formed from any material(s) may be implemented in aspects hereof.

A scraper may have a residual material contacting portion that is linear (e.g., a straight edge) and that is effective to scrape or otherwise dislodge material from a single plane of the ring. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a scraper, such as the first scraper <NUM>, may have one or more scraper slots (e.g., a non-linear edge) through which a ring passes. A scraper slot is effective to increase a surface area of the ring engaged by a scraper. For example, the first scraping slot <NUM> and the second scraping slot <NUM> are sized and shaped to engage with residual material on a complete or substantially complete first hemisphere of the ring cross section. Therefore, a single scraper is effective to clean residual material from a larger portion of the ring surface as compared to a linear edge. The scraper slots may be formed to have a shape and size that corresponds with the ring passing there through. For example, the first ring <NUM> has a circular cross section with a diameter of <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any size there between) and the first scraping slot <NUM> may have a hemispherical slot opening having a similarly sized diameter to that of the ring. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the slot opening may be a slightly larger (e.g. <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%) width than that of the ring passing there through to limit wear on the ring by a constant contact with the scraper slot. In yet an additional alternative example, the slot opening may be slightly smaller (e.g. <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%) width than that of the ring passing there through to ensure sufficient interaction between the scraper and the ring to effectively remove residual material. It is contemplated that the ring and/or the scraper at the ring-contacting region (edge length in contact with the ring or residual material on the ring) may be resilient and/or compliant to allow for a smaller-sized slot than the ring, in an exemplary aspect. A scraping slot extends from a distal end of a scraper inwardly to an opposite end of the scraper. This creates a tooth-like structure at a distal end of the scraper for contacting and scraping one or more rings.

A scraper is positioned within a predefined distance of the ring(s). The distance, in part, determines an amount of residual material that is allowed to remain after an effective scraping. The distance is offset between a scraper and a ring is measured from the ring to a scraping surface effective to scrape residual material from the ring. For example, aspects contemplate a scraper positioned with <NUM> of a ring. In this example, a distance between the ring and a scraping surface or edge of the scraper is <NUM> or less. It is contemplated that the distance of separation between a scraper and a ring is <NUM> as the ring contacts the scraper. However, some aspects contemplate a clearance distance between a clean ring and a scraper to prevent scraper-induced wear on the ring as the ring moves past the scraper. If the scraper and the ring maintain contact, excessive wear may be experienced on the ring, in some aspects. If too much clearance is maintained, e.g., greater than <NUM> between the ring and the scraper, then an excessive amount of residual material may be allowed to accumulate on the ring. An excessive amount of residual material affects characteristics of the ring in operation, such as stiffness, movement, interference with vision system operation, light source interference, and/or the like. Therefore, a distance of <NUM> or less is contemplated in some aspects. In other aspects, the distance may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> depicting a side view of the conveyor <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with aspects hereof. A plane <NUM> having a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> extends along a component-supporting surface of the plurality of rings <NUM>. In practice, a component, such as a shoe bottom unit, is transported on the first side <NUM> of the plane <NUM> by the plurality of rings <NUM>. Material is applied to the component as the component is supported by the plurality of rings <NUM>. As a result, a portion of the ring(s) exposed to the first side <NUM> receive over application (e.g., over spray) of the material intended for the component. This surface of the ring(s) exposed to the over application of material is referred to as an exterior facing surface <NUM> and an opposite surface of the ring(s) is referred to as an interior facing surface <NUM>. As it is contemplated that one or more rings may be circular in cross section, it is contemplated that a twisting may occur as the ring(s) transverse one or more of the rollers. As such, an exterior-facing portion of a ring may twist as the ring circumnavigates the rollers to become an interior-facing surface. Consequently, as will be depicted in <FIG>, aspects contemplate having scrapers at both an interior and an exterior position relative to the ring(s) for cleaning of the ring(s) regardless of potential twisting or residual material transfer.

A direction of travel <NUM> for the plurality of rings <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. As used herein, a direction of travel is reference to a traditional direction of rotation of the ring(s) as they circumnavigate a combination of rollers during a manufacturing process. The direction of travel <NUM> is reference, for example, when a relative order of scrapers is used in exemplary aspects. For example, as provided above, it is contemplated that a first type of scraper may be implemented prior in time to a second type of scraper. The first type of scraper may be effective to remove macro quantities of residual material while the second type of scraper may be effective to remove micro quantities of residual material. The first scraper type may therefore be positioned in the direction of travel <NUM> prior to the second type of scraper.

<FIG> depicts a top view of the conveyor <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with aspects hereof. While the plurality of rings <NUM> provides for seven discrete rings, it is contemplated that any number of rings may be used in practice. Further, while a relative spacing is depicted between the parallel rings of the plurality of rings <NUM>, it is understood that any spacing may be implemented to adequately support and convey an article. The first scraper <NUM> is depicted at a position subsequent to the second roller <NUM> and positioned to scrap and exterior surface of the plurality of rings <NUM>; however, the position of the first scraper may be altered in exemplary aspects.

<FIG> depicts a cross section of the third ring <NUM> from cut line 4A-4A of <FIG>, in accordance with aspects hereof. The circular cross section of the third ring <NUM> is exemplary in nature. Alternative cross sections are contemplated, such as a triangle, quadrilateral, and/or an oblong (e.g., oval, rectangular) version thereof. A diameter <NUM> is depicted. As discussed previously, a width or diameter of the ring affects a surface area exposed to over application of material. The width also can affect the ring's ability to support and convey an article. The diameter <NUM> (or width) for conveying an article of footwear component contemplated herein (e.g., a shoe bottom unit) a diameter of a circular cross sectional ring formed from an elastomeric composition (e.g., silicone) may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In an exemplary aspect, the diameter is between <NUM> and <NUM>. In a specific exemplary aspect, the ring has a diameter of about <NUM>. However, for other materials (e.g., metallic filaments), it is contemplated that the diameter may be less than <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM>. It is also contemplated that as the diameter is reduced, an increase in the number of rings forming the plurality of rings <NUM> may be increased to sufficiently support and convey an article.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary cross section of the third ring <NUM> having residual material <NUM>, in accordance with aspects hereof. As depicted in <FIG>, the residual material <NUM> is deposited on an exterior hemisphere; however, the residual material may extend around to a second hemisphere (e.g., an interior-facing surface). Further, the relative size and thickness of the residual material <NUM> as compared to the third ring <NUM> is illustrative only and not representative of an actual accumulation amount in all aspects.

<FIG> depicts an alternative self-cleaning conveyor <NUM>, in accordance with aspects hereof. The plurality of rings, inclusive of the first ring <NUM> and the second ring <NUM>, extend around a combination of the first roller <NUM>, the second roller <NUM>, a third roller <NUM>, and a fourth roller <NUM>. The third roller <NUM> has a third rotational axis <NUM> and the fourth roller <NUM> has a fourth rotational axis <NUM>. Each of the rollers is positioned such that their respective rotational axes are parallel. The plurality of rings may be positioned on pulleys (e.g., the first pulley <NUM>, the second pulley <NUM>) associated with each of the rollers to guide positioning of the rings during conveyance motion.

The conveyor <NUM> is comprised of multiple scrapers. The first scraper <NUM> is part of a rotating scraper assembly <NUM>, as more clearly depicted in <FIG> hereinafter. The rotating scraper assembly <NUM> is comprised of a plurality of scrapers, which may be identical to the first scraper <NUM>. The rotating scraper assembly <NUM> is able to rotate a different scraper into a scraping position with the plurality of rings. The rotating scraper assembly <NUM> allows for a changing of the scraper that engages with the rings through rotational movement of the assembly. As the first scraper <NUM> is an initial scraper to encounter residual material on the ring(s), the first scraper <NUM> may become burdened with residual material at a faster rate than subsequent scrapers in the direction of rotation of the rings. Therefore, the initial scraper, the first scraper <NUM>, may rotate to expose a fresh scraper of the rotating scraper assembly to the rings for a more (or continued) effective initial scraping. Therefore, in use, it is contemplated that the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> rotates the first scraper <NUM> from a first configuration where the plurality of rings pass through respective scraper slots to a second configuration where the first scraper <NUM> is not engaged with the plurality of rings. The second configuration of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> allows for another of a plurality of scrapers of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> to engage with and clean the plurality of rings. Rotation of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may be accomplished through any mechanism, such as a rotating scraper power source <NUM>. The rotating scraper power source <NUM> may be an electric motor, a hydraulic drive, or the like. Alternatively, the drive source <NUM> mat be operatively coupled to the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> to drive the rotation.

The rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may continuously rotate either in a direction against the rotation of the plurality of rings or in a direction with the rotation of the plurality of rings. Regardless of a direction of rotation for the rotating scraper assembly <NUM>, the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may continuous rotate or it may rotate at specific times, such as when the plurality of rings are not moving or when material (e.g., adhesive) is not being applied toward the rings.

The first scraper <NUM> is positioned on the exterior side of the plurality of rings and the second scraper <NUM> is positioned on the interior side of the plurality of rings. As such, the first scraper <NUM> scrapes a first portion (e.g., an exterior hemisphere of the cross section) while the second scraper <NUM> scrapes a second portion (e.g., an interior hemisphere of the cross section). It is contemplated that the first scraper <NUM> and the second scraper <NUM> are formed with a similar material composition (e.g., rubber) to provide a similar cleaning experience to an exterior side (e.g., the first scraper <NUM>) and an interior surface (e.g., the second scraper <NUM>) through use of a common material forming a ring-contacting surface of the scraper.

The third scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> are contemplated as being formed with a similar material composition at least at a ring-contacting portion. For example, the third scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> may be formed having a material composition that is effective to further clean any residual material from the ring not previously cleaned by prior scrapers. For example, the third scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> may be formed having a flexible or rigid material having one or more coatings, such as a non-stick coating like a polytetrafluoroethylene material composition. The non-stick coating is effective to prevent accumulation of residual material particulate on the scraper that has been removed from one or more of the rings. The third scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> may be positioned on opposite side of the ring(s), as depicted in <FIG>. This opposite positioning allows for alternative surfaces to be cleaned on the ring by the different scrapes. For example, the third scraper <NUM> may be effective to clean the exterior facing surface <NUM> of the ring(s) and the fourth scraper <NUM> may be effective to clean the interior facing surface <NUM> of the ring(s).

The plurality of rings <NUM> are driven to cause a conveyance of a component maintained thereon. The drive of the plurality of rings <NUM> is from the drive source <NUM> operatively coupled with one or more of the rollers about which the plurality of rings <NUM> surround. As depicted in <FIG>, the drive source <NUM> is operatively coupled with the second roller <NUM> by way of a belt. This operative coupling transfers rotational energy from the drive source <NUM> to the second roller <NUM>. The rotation of the second roller <NUM> is transferred to the other rollers by way of the common coupling <NUM>. The common coupling <NUM> transfers rotational energy between one or more elements, such as from the second roller <NUM> to the first roller <NUM>, the third roller <NUM>, and the fourth roller <NUM>. Having multiple rollers about which the ring(s) surround cooperatively coupled for rotational energy conveyance limits slip or other discrepancy between two or more rings. For example, as a scraper contacts residual material on a ring, the scraping activity resists the motion of the ring and could cause a reduced speed of the ring relative to the other rings. Having multiple rollers effective to rotate the ring(s) increases points of rotational energy transfer to the ring(s) to counteract resistance of the rings to movement by the scrapers.

A supporting roller <NUM> is provided. The supporting roller <NUM> is optionally provided in the plane of conveyance of a component, such as an article of footwear component. The supporting roller <NUM> provides vertical support to the plurality of rings <NUM> as they convey the component through a processing step. In addition to vertical support, the supporting roller <NUM> may aid in stabilizing the plurality of rings <NUM> to prevent or reduce unintended movement of the plurality of rings <NUM> as they convey a component. For example, a vision system <NUM> comprised of a camera may capture images of the components to ensure appropriate coverage of applied material, identify a position of the component, and/or identify the component type/size/model. The vision system <NUM> may be used in combination with a light surface <NUM>. The light surface <NUM> is positioned on an interior side of the plurality of rings <NUM> while the vision system <NUM> is positioned on an exterior side of the plurality of rings <NUM>. The relative position of the light surface <NUM> and the vision system <NUM> allows for a silhouette of the component to be captured by the vision system <NUM>. For example, the light surface <NUM> may emit a diffused light pattern upwards toward the vision system <NUM>. The diffused light pattern passes through the plurality of rings <NUM> and the conveyed component on the way to the vision system <NUM>. This light pattern is useful to create a contrast, regardless of component coloration, between the light surface <NUM> and the conveyed component.

The supporting roller <NUM> limits movement of the plurality of rings <NUM> in the transverse and the vertical direction. Limiting movement aids in the vision system <NUM> capture of images. Further, the plurality of rings <NUM> may be formed from a material, such as silicone, that effectively diffracts the light pattern with minimal obstruction to the vision system <NUM>. This is in contrast to other materials (e.g., metallic materials) that may form the plurality of rings <NUM>, which may reflect or otherwise distort the image capture from the vision system <NUM> as a result of their interaction with the light pattern.

The light surface <NUM> may be positioned at any location and it may be optional all together. The light surface <NUM> may be a light-emitting diode, incandescent, or other technology to develop and emit light energy, which may be in the visible or other spectrum (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet). The light surface <NUM> may be continuously active (e.g., emitting light) or selectively active (e.g., when an image is being captured by the vision system <NUM>). The light source may emit light in various ranges of a spectrum (e.g., colors). The light surface <NUM> may be omitted in some aspects.

A protective film <NUM>, such as a light transmissive polymer material (e.g., polymer wrap), may be positioned between the light surface <NUM> and the plurality of rings <NUM> to provide a serviceable protective surface for the light surface <NUM>. For example, residual material may pass through the plurality of rings <NUM>, from the conveyed component, or from the plurality of rings <NUM> towards the light surface <NUM>. The film <NUM> may serve as a sacrificial surface for catching the residual material to prevent the residual material from obscuring the light surface <NUM>. The film <NUM> may be dispensed from a film source (not depicted) and collected at a film roller <NUM>. The film <NUM> may be advanced in a direction of travel perpendicular to the direction of travel for the plurality of ring <NUM>. The film <NUM> may be advanced continuously or selectively. Selective advancement may be in response to a sensed obscuring of the light pattern by the vision system <NUM>. Selective advancement may be in response to application of material to a component. Selective advancement may be in response to a passage of a predefined time (e.g., <NUM> second, <NUM> minute, <NUM> minutes). Selective advancement may be a manual input from an operator.

The also depicted in connection with the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> is a material applicator <NUM>. The material applicator <NUM> may be any material applicator, such as a spray applicator, a drip applicator, a brush applicator, and the like. In an exemplary aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is effective to spray a material <NUM>, such as an adhesive. The material applicator <NUM> may be positioned at any location relative to the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM>. In an exemplary aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is positioned in the direction of travel prior to the supporting roller <NUM>. In an alternative aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is positioned in the direction of travel after the supporting roller <NUM>. In yet another exemplary aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is positioned to apply material at least at the supporting roller <NUM>. In an exemplary aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is positioned in the direction of travel prior to the light surface <NUM>. In yet another exemplary aspect, the material applicator <NUM> is positioned to apply material at least at the light surface <NUM>.

The material applicator <NUM> may continuously apply material, such as a constant spray, or it may selectively apply material. The selective application of the material may be controlled, at least in part, by the vision system <NUM>. Further, aspects contemplated the material applicator <NUM> coupled with a conveyance mechanism, such as a robotic arm. The conveyance mechanism is effective to position the material applicator <NUM> appropriately relative to a component to apply material to the component. Further, it is contemplated that the material applicator <NUM> may be statically positioned and have an effective coverage area to apply material to a component positioned on the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM>.

While not depicted, it is contemplated that one or more conveyance mechanisms may precede and/or follow the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM>. For example, a conveyor may deposit the components on the plurality of rings <NUM> above the first roller <NUM>.

The components may then be conveyed by the plurality of ring <NUM> to have material applied by the material applicator <NUM>. The components having material applied thereon may then be inspected with a vision system <NUM> and the light surface <NUM> to ensure appropriate coverage is provided. The components may then continue to be conveyed in a direction of travel towards the second roller <NUM>. Following the second roller <NUM>, the components may be conveyed by another conveyance mechanism, such as another conveyor belt. In aspects contemplated, the material applied by the material applicator <NUM>, such as an adhesive, may be sufficiently cured or in a state that limits residual material from being transferred to a downstream conveyance mechanism by the time the component is conveyed to the second roller <NUM>.

The self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> as illustrated herein is exemplary in nature and is not limiting in scope. For example, while the plurality of rings <NUM> is depicted having <NUM> distinct rings, it is understood that any number of rings may be implemented. Further, it is contemplated that the size and relative positioning of the rings forming the plurality of rings <NUM> is exemplary illustrated and not limiting. Furthermore, the body or case has been removed or simplified to provide an internal and more complete perspective of the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> in <FIG>. Alternative and additional elements are therefore contemplated to complete the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> and supporting structure.

<FIG> depicts a top view of the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> from <FIG>, in accordance with aspects hereof.

<FIG> depicts a front view of the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> from <FIG>, in accordance with aspects hereof.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the self-cleaning conveyor <NUM> from <FIG>, in accordance with the invention.

As seen in <FIG>, the first scraper <NUM> and the third scraper <NUM> are on the exterior facing surface <NUM> of the plurality of rings <NUM>, while the second scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> are on the interior facing surface <NUM> of the plurality of rings <NUM>. In an exemplary aspect, the first scraper <NUM> and the second scraper <NUM> work in cooperation to clean the plurality of rings <NUM> with a first material composition. The third scraper <NUM> and the fourth scraper <NUM> work in cooperation to clean the plurality of rings <NUM> with a second material composition.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM>, in accordance with the invention.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM>, in accordance with the invention.

As seen, therefore, in <FIG>, the rotating scraper assembly is comprised of a plurality of scrapers that can serve as the first scraper <NUM>. The rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may be comprised of any number of discrete scrapers, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In the aspects illustrated, the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> is comprised of four scrapers that may be positioned to engage with residual material on the plurality of rings <NUM>. Each of the individual scrapers of the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may have a plurality of scraping slots that are aligned such that as the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> rotates, subsequently engaging scrapers align with and appropriately engage with the plurality of rings <NUM>. This alignment between scrapers on the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, for example. The first scraping slot <NUM> aligns with a counterpart scraping on the other scrapers depicted. The corresponding scraping slots of each scraper on the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may have a similar size and shape in a first aspect. It is also contemplated that the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> may include scrapers having different sized and/or shaped scraping slots at corresponding scraping slots of different scrapers. This variation in scraping slot configuration allows the rotating scraper assembly <NUM> to adjust to a residual material characteristic (e.g., viscosity, amount, type) by rotating different scrapers into an engaging position with the plurality of rings <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a flow diagram <NUM> representing a method of cleaning a ring conveyor, in accordance with aspects hereof. At a block <NUM> a first roller is rotated, such as the first roller <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. At a block <NUM>, a second roller is rotated, such as the second roller <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. The first roller and the second roller may be rotated by a common drive source that is operatively coupled to each roller through a common coupling. Alternatively, the drive source may be operatively coupled with one of the first roller or the second roller to cause the roller to which it is operatively coupled to rotate. The second roller rotates as a result of one or more rings that extend around the combination of rollers transferring the drive energy from the operatively coupled roller to the other roller. Further, it is contemplated that independent drive sources may cause each roller to rotate, in an exemplary aspect. Rotation of the first roller and the second roller in the blocks <NUM> and <NUM> allow for a plurality of rings to be driven through and/or past one or more scrapers to remove residual material therefrom.

At a block <NUM> a first ring, such as the first ring <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, is rotated (i.e., conveyed in a direction of travel) around a combination of the first roller and the second roller. At a block <NUM> a second ring is rotated around the combination of the first roller and the second roller. A combination of roller is to be constructed as a comprising of the first and second rollers. Therefore the combination of the first and second rollers may include additional rollers. For example, <FIG> shoes the first ring and the second ring rotating around a combination of a first roller and a second roller, where the combination consists exclusively of those two rollers. <FIG> also depicts the first ring and the second ring rotating around a first roller and a second roller, but the combination of rollers in <FIG> also includes at least a third roller and a fourth roller. The rotation of a ring around a combination of rollers is the movement of the ring in a direction of travel as driven by one or more rollers. This rotation of the ring serves to form a conveyance surface on to which a component, such as an article, may be placed and conveyed. Further, as provided herein, it is contemplated that one or more rings engage with a roller through a pulley. The pulley is effective to maintain a ring in an intended potion as well as to provide a specified diameter about which the ring travels, which may be greater than a diameter of the roller. The pulley diameter may be adjusted to provide a ring offset from one or more elements by raising a plane represented by the ring extending between the first and second rollers in a direction of travel.

The rotation of the rings may be accomplished through a transfer of rotational energy from one or more roller that are rotating to the rings directly or through a pulley. The rotation of the rings may be synchronized such that the speed of rotation for one ring is matched by another ring. Thus synchronization, in an exemplary aspect, is accomplished through the two or more rings being placed in tension around the combination of rollers such that as a roller rotates, all of the rings extending around the combination of rollers including the rotating roller cause all rings to uniformly rotate. A uniform rotation of the rings allows for consistent conveyance of the component that is supported by two or more rings. Further, as a scraper scrapes residual material from a ring, the scraping action introduces resistance into the rotation of the rings. Having the rings tensioned around a combination of rollers, each ring may be driven at each roller by at least the rotation of the other rings also tensioned around the same combination of rollers.

At a block <NUM> a first scraper is positioned relative to the first ring and the second ring such that both rings extend through respective ring slots, such as scraper slots of the first scraper. The positioning of the first scraper may include adjusting a position or portion of the first scraper to appropriately scrape residual material from the rings. The positioning of the first scraper may include rotating a rotating scraper assembly to position a scraper at an appropriate location to effectively scrape residual material from one or more rings. In aspects, the positioning of the first scraper includes causing one or more rings to move through respective scraper slots of the first scraper. The movement of the rings through the first scraper is accomplished through the rotation of the rings around the combination of rollers with one or more of the rollers being driven by a drive source.

Claim 1:
A self-cleaning ring conveyor comprising:
a first roller (<NUM>) having a first rotational axis (<NUM>);
a second roller (<NUM>) having a second rotational axis (<NUM>) that is parallel with the first rotational axis;
a first ring (<NUM>) extending around a combination of the first roller (<NUM>) and the second roller (<NUM>);
a second ring (<NUM>) extending around the combination of the first roller (<NUM>) and the second roller (<NUM>); wherein the first ring (<NUM>) and the second ring (<NUM>) are parallel; and
a first scraper (<NUM>), the first scraper (<NUM>) having a first scraping slot (<NUM>) and a second scraping slot (<NUM>), wherein the first ring (<NUM>) extends through the first scraping slot (<NUM>) and the second ring (<NUM>) extends through the second scraping slot (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first scraper (<NUM>) is one of a plurality of scrapers on a rotatable axis allowing the first scraper (<NUM>) to be rotated from a first configuration with the first ring (<NUM>) extending through the first scraping slot (<NUM>) and the second ring (<NUM>) extending through the second scraping slot (<NUM>) to a second configuration with the first ring (<NUM>) extending through a scraping slot of another of the plurality of scrapers (<NUM>),
the self-cleaning ring conveyor further comprising:
a film roller (<NUM>), wherein the film roller (<NUM>) has a rotational axis perpendicular to the first roller rotational axis (<NUM>), and
wherein the film roller (<NUM>) is positioned below a plane defined by the first ring (<NUM>) and the second ring (<NUM>) extending between the first roller (<NUM>) and the second roller (<NUM>).