Powder coating components to reduce friction, increase wear resistance, and improve cleanability
First Claim
1. In a conveying system for supporting or conveying product with improved wear resistance, enhanced cleanability, and reduced surface friction, a conveyor component comprising an electrically conductive substrate having a surface coated with a shell comprising a generally clear or translucent powder coating formed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof, whereby the shell is essentially invisible to the naked eye.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A component subjected to wear during use includes a powder coating formed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof to provide improved wear resistance, enhanced cleanability, and reduced surface friction. Preferably, the component is for use in conveying product, such as in a conveyor system, and includes: (1) a metal core and a nylon powder coating; or (2) a stainless steel core and a powder coating. Most preferably, the coating is generally clear or translucent so as to give the appearance that the underlying component, which is typically made of metal, is neither coated nor made entirely of a polymer.
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Citations
24 Claims
- 1. In a conveying system for supporting or conveying product with improved wear resistance, enhanced cleanability, and reduced surface friction, a conveyor component comprising an electrically conductive substrate having a surface coated with a shell comprising a generally clear or translucent powder coating formed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof, whereby the shell is essentially invisible to the naked eye.
- 10. In a conveyor system for temporarily supporting or conveying product, the improvement comprising a steel component for supporting the product being conveyed, said steel component having a powder coating formed of a polymer creating a shell on a surface of the component, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, a polyolefin, a polyester, a urethane, an epoxy, an acrylic, and mixtures thereof.
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18. A conveyor system, comprising:
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a plurality of interconnected links forming a chain for conveying product; and a support for supporting the chain; wherein one of the links or the support comprises an electrically conductive core having a surface powder coated with a polymer to form an outer shell. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A conveyor system, comprising:
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a plurality of links; and at least one connector for interconnecting the links; wherein at least one of the links comprises an electrically conductive core having a surface powder coated with a polymer to form an outer shell.
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22. A method of improving wear resistance, enhancing cleanability, and reducing surface friction in a conveyor system, comprising:
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powder coating a steel component with a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof; and providing the powder coated steel component in the conveyor system to convey product. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification