Mechanism for removing fine particulate matter from the exterior of a bottle.

摘要

A device for removing dust and other fine particulate matter from the exterior surface of a bottle moving along a conveyor line. A jet of ionized air neutralizes any static charge adhering the particulate matter to the bottle and also commences the dislodgement of the former from the latter. Moving brushes contacting the exterior surface of the bottle further dislodges the particulate matter. Lastly, a vacuum on the other side of the brushes from the bottle removes the air and entrained particulate matter detached from the bottles. A star wheel having indentations in it moves the bottles along a predetermined pace. Alternately, one or more rotating longitudinal screws can control the bottles motion through the system. A belt in contact with the bottles and moving relative to the conveyor effects their rotation regardless of their exterior configuration. This assures that the brushes contact all portions of their exterior surface. The star wheel has rollers attached to it which maintain the belt in an extended configuration and keeps it in intimate contact with the bottles. When the device utilizes a longitudinal screw, the belt can rotate around rollers placed at the ends of the screw.