Blast Cleaning Apparatus and Method with Laterally Moving Conveyor

Author:  Elliott, Charles P.
Source:  US Patent 5,360,486
Doc ID:  1994007
Year of Publication:  1994
Abstract:  
This invention relates to a blast cleaning apparatus and method which includes a laterally moving conveyor with openings therethrough, and particularly a laterally moving wire mesh conveyor. The conveying surface is moved laterally such that there is lateral movement of the conveyor surface in the blast cleaning chamber. The lateral movement is relative to teh workpiece and is substantially horizontal and substantially transverse to the direction of advancement of the conveyor. The conveying surface is moved relative to the workpiece so as to expose to upwardly directed cleaning material areas of the workpiece that would otherwise be protected from the cleaning material by material separating the openings in the conveying surface.