Automated metal removal system for conveyor belts

Abstract

A system which utilizes a scraper blade, set at an angle to longitudinal centerline of a conveyor belt, to remove metal objects therefrom, the belt, under normal operating conditions, being supported in a trough-like configuration. Attached to the backside of the blade is a pair of high density plastic press-down feet. They protrude downwardly a short distance below the lower edge of the scraper blade; and each press-down foot, immediately prior to belt flattening, is disposed above a part of the trough-shaped belt which situated just inside one of its outer edges. Making contact with the belt slightly ahead of the scraper blade, the press-down feet flatten the belt, protecting it as the blade is being lowered. Any contact between the belt and the blade occurs along its lower edge which is covered by a high density rubber guard beneath which the belt can slip. Similarly, beneath the belt are mounted flat, elongated strips made of a high density plastic. Disposed generally parallel to the centerline of the belt, these strips support its mid-section but leave those portions of the belt contacted by the press-down feet, as well as an outer edge of the belt proximate with the strips, unsupported. The flattened belt is able to slip beneath the plastic press-down feet and across the plastic strips while the scraper blade diverts metal-contaminated bulk material across this unsupported outer edge without stopping or damaging the belt. The blade is counterbalanced by a weight which not only allows it to be raised more easily but also prevents it from falling onto the belt during loss of operating air pressure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.