US3786779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Overhead rail cleaner and oiler
Assignee: KLENCO CORP
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Filing: 1972-09-13
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-09-13
Abstract
Abstract An automatic cleaner for overhead conveyor rails comprising a motor-driven carriage riding on the rail. The machine has vertically disposed axially rotatable brushes for cleaning opposite sides of the rail and a suction device for collecting dirt removed by the brushes. The brushes are vertically adjustable to avoid interference with rail switches and with rail hanger brackets and their rivet heads. An oil spray system mounted on the machine behind the brushes coats the cleaned surfaces of the rail to inhibit corrosion.
Inventors
- 👤 R Brunel
- 👤 R Fannon
- 👤 R Legue
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:14
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G45/00; B65G45/10; B65G45/18; A; A22; A22B; A22B7/00; A22B7/001; A22B7/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
An automatic cleaner for a conveyor rail comprising a frame, a supporting wheel journaled in said frame and rolling upon the top of the conveyor rail, power means on the frame for driving said wheel, vertically disposed axially rotatable brush shafts on opposite sides of the rail, brushes on said shafts contacting opposite surfaces of the rail, one on said brush shafts being mounted for vertical movement in said frame, means operatively connecting said brush shafts for conjoint rotation and vertical movement, power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft, and sensing means on said frame actuated by passage of an obstacle on the rail for operating the power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft to allow the brushes to pass the obstacle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
An automatic cleaner for a conveyor rail comprising a frame, a supporting wheel journaled in said frame and rolling upon the top of the conveyor rail, power means on the frame for driving said wheel, vertically disposed axially rotatable brush shafts on opposite sides of the rail, brushes on said shafts contacting opposite surfaces of the rail, one on said brush shafts being mounted for vertical movement in said frame, means operatively connecting said brush shafts for conjoint rotation and vertical movement, power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft, and sensing means on said frame actuated by passage of an obstacle on the rail for operating the power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft to allow the brushes to pass the obstacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1 in which one of said brushes has a hollow lower end to enable it to squeeze between the rail and a hanger bracket supporting the rail.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1 in which there is an additional supporting wheel journaled in said frame and rolling upon the top of the rail and both wheels are independently pivoted for following around curves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 3, in which said wheels are independently adjustable for tracking alignment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1, in which a suction cleaning device is mounted on the frame having inlets below both sides of the rail.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 5, in which an oil spray device is mounted on a following part of the frame for coating the surfaces of the rail after they have been cleaned.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1, in which an oil spray device is mounted on a following part of The frame for coating the surfaces of the rail after they have been cleaned.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1, in which the upper end portions of the brush shafts are splined in gears journaled in the frame and operatively connecting the shafts, and the upper ends of the brush shafts are connected for moving together vertically.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 8, in which the upper end portions of the brush shafts are carried in a slide frame which moves vertically with the shafts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
54 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 8, in which the power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft includes a vertically movable cross bar mounting the lower end of said shaft and having a slot therein, and a crank arm slidably engaged in said slot to raise and lower said cross bar.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
An automatic cleaner as in claim 1, in which the power means for raising and lowering said one brush shaft includes a vertically movable cross bar mounting the lower end of said shaft and having a slot therein, and a crank arm slidably engaged in said slot to raise and lower said cross bar.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |