Inventors:
Allen J. Morefield - Tazewell VA
International Classification:
B65G 4500
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method are provided for controlling a force applied to actuate a belt scraper mechanism by the use of a pressurized fluid which moves a piston assembly, slidably contained within a cylinder, to transmit the force through a connecting piston rod to the scraper mechanism. A spring interposed between a pair of piston heads of the piston assembly is compressed by the pressurized fluid acting against one of the pistons to transmit resilient biasing force to the scraper mechanism through the other piston. The scraper mechanism is preferably formed of a hard material, such as metal, and the spring acts as a shock absorber permitting reverse movement of the scraping edge such as when encountering a transverse splice in the conveyor belt being cleaned. Grease is preferably used as the working fluid. The cylinder is transparent to allow exterior placement of a gauge of predetermined length thereagainst to enable calibration of force transmission by setting spring compression to the predetermined length.