阅读说明：本技术 分配机雾气管理组件 (Distributor mist management component ) 是由 哈里森·T·吉尔 埃里克·A·索伦森 于 2018-11-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于处理机器(20)的雾气管理系统(40),包括压力分配组件,压力分配组件被配置为使用处理机器的部分与气室(50)之间的压力差将雾气从处理机器的部分排入到气室(50)中。一方面,该系统可包括雾气引导组件,该雾气引导组件被配置为使用雾气的运动和动量而有目的地将雾气朝向气室(50)引导。(A mist management system (40) for a treatment machine (20) includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from a portion of the treatment machine into a plenum (50) using a pressure differential between the portion of the treatment machine and the plenum (50). In one aspect, the system may include a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct the mist toward the plenum (50) using the motion and momentum of the mist.)

1. A mist management system for a processing machine, comprising:

a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from a portion of the processing machine into a plenum using a pressure differential between the portion of the processing machine and the plenum; and

a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist toward the plenum using motion and momentum of the mist.

2. The mist management system of claim 1, wherein the plenum is in pneumatic communication with a suction source.

3. The mist management system of claim 2, wherein the plenum comprises one or more apertures configured to allow mist and air to flow from the portion of the processing machine into the plenum.

4. The mist management system of claim 3, wherein the orifices are arranged to produce a substantially uniform pressure drop along a length of the plenum.

5. The mist management system of claim 4, wherein a length of the plenum is substantially equal to a length of the portion of the processing machine.

6. The mist management system of claim 2, wherein the pressure distribution assembly further comprises at least one opening in the portion of the treatment machine for directing air into the portion of the treatment machine.

7. The mist management system of claim 6, wherein the plenum is positioned opposite the at least one opening such that air generally flows from the at least one opening toward the plenum.

8. The mist management system of claim 6, wherein the at least one opening directs air through at least one window in the portion of the treatment machine.

9. The mist management system of claim 6, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

10. The mist management system of claim 9, wherein the at least one opening directs air toward the tray.

11. The mist management system of claim 1, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

12. The mist management system of claim 11, further comprising: a sound baffle assembly secured within the tray, the sound baffle assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

13. The mist management system of claim 12, wherein the sound baffle assembly comprises a plurality of sound baffles secured within a sound baffle frame in a spaced angular relationship along a length of the sound baffle frame.

14. The mist management system of claim 11, further comprising: a deflection panel assembly secured within the tray, the deflection panel assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

15. The mist management system of claim 14, wherein the deflection panel assembly comprises at least one deflection panel configured to direct mist and fluid into apertures in the plenum.

16. The mist management system of claim 15, wherein the at least one deflector panel is angled between approximately ten and twenty degrees from horizontal.

17. The mist management system of claim 1, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a floor that slopes from a first wall of the distribution treatment machine toward the plenum.

18. The mist management system of claim 17, wherein the floor is inclined at an angle of between about five and twenty-five degrees from horizontal.

19. The mist management system of claim 1, wherein the plenum comprises angled discharge ports.

20. The mist management system of claim 1, further comprising: a visibility assembly configured to improve visibility into the dispenser housing during operation.

21. A mist management system for a processing machine having a dispensing station configured to dispense a workpiece using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor for moving the workpiece below the dispensing station, the mist management system comprising:

a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from the dispensing station into the plenum using a pressure differential between the dispensing station and the plenum; and

a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist within the dispensing station toward the plenum using motion and momentum of the mist.

22. The mist management system of claim 21, wherein the plenum is in pneumatic communication with a suction source.

23. The mist management system of claim 22, wherein the plenum comprises one or more apertures configured to allow mist and air to flow from the dispensing station into the plenum.

24. The mist management system of claim 23, wherein the orifices are arranged to produce a substantially uniform pressure drop along a length of the plenum.

25. The mist management system of claim 24, wherein a length of the plenum is substantially equal to a length of the dispensing station.

26. The mist management system of claim 22, wherein the pressure distribution assembly further comprises at least one opening in the distribution station for directing air into the distribution station.

27. The mist management system of claim 26, wherein the plenum is positioned opposite the at least one opening such that air generally flows from the at least one opening toward the plenum.

28. The mist management system of claim 26, wherein the at least one opening directs air through at least one window in the dispensing station.

29. The mist management system of claim 27, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

30. The mist management system of claim 29, wherein the at least one opening directs air toward the tray.

31. The mist management system of claim 21, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

32. The mist management system of claim 31, further comprising: a sound baffle assembly secured within the tray, the sound baffle assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

33. The mist management system of claim 32, wherein the sound baffle assembly comprises a plurality of sound baffles secured within a sound baffle frame in a spaced angular relationship along a length of the sound baffle frame.

34. The mist management system of claim 31, further comprising: a deflection panel assembly secured within the tray, the deflection panel assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

35. The mist management system of claim 34, wherein the deflection panel assembly comprises at least one deflection panel configured to direct mist and fluid into apertures in the plenum.

36. The mist management system of claim 35, wherein the at least one deflector panel is angled between approximately ten and twenty degrees from horizontal.

37. The mist management system of claim 31, wherein the tray comprises at least one upper lip configured to redirect deflected fluid from the at least one liquid jet cutter toward the plenum.

38. The mist management system of claim 21, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a floor that slopes from a first wall of the dispensing station toward the plenum.

39. The mist management system of claim 38, wherein the floor is inclined at an angle of between about fifteen and twenty-five degrees from horizontal.

40. A method of managing mist within a processing machine, comprising:

transferring the workpiece to a dispensing station;

activating at least one liquid jet cutter;

creating a low pressure chamber in pneumatic communication with the dispensing station through at least one orifice; and

directing air toward the low pressure chamber.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: directing air toward at least one window of the dispensing station.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising: redirecting the deflected fluid from the at least one liquid jet cutter toward the low pressure chamber.

43. The method of claim 40, further comprising: redirecting the deflected fluid from the at least one liquid jet cutter toward the low pressure chamber.

44. The method of claim 40, further comprising: adjusting a size of the at least one orifice to produce a substantially uniform pressure drop along a length of the low pressure chamber.

45. A mist management system for a processing machine, comprising:

a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from a portion of the process machine into a plenum using a pressure differential between the portion of the process machine and the plenum.

46. The mist management system of claim 45, wherein the plenum is in pneumatic communication with a suction source.

47. The mist management system of claim 46, wherein the plenum comprises one or more apertures configured to allow mist and air to flow from the portion of the process machine into the plenum.

48. The mist management system of claim 47, wherein the orifices are arranged to produce a substantially uniform pressure drop along a length of the plenum.

49. The mist management system of claim 48, wherein a length of the plenum is substantially equal to a length of the portion of the processing machine.

50. The mist management system of claim 46, wherein the pressure distribution assembly further comprises at least one opening in the portion of the treatment machine for directing air into the portion of the treatment machine.

51. The mist management system of claim 50, wherein the plenum is positioned opposite the at least one opening such that air generally flows from the at least one opening toward the plenum.

52. The mist management system of claim 50, wherein the at least one opening directs air through at least one window in the portion of the treatment machine.

53. The mist management system of claim 50, further comprising: a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist toward the plenum using motion and momentum of the mist.

54. The mist management system of claim 53, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

55. The mist management system of claim 54, wherein the at least one opening directs air toward the tray.

56. The mist management system of claim 54, further comprising: a sound baffle assembly secured within the tray, the sound baffle assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

57. The mist management system of claim 56, wherein the sound baffle assembly comprises a plurality of sound baffles secured within a sound baffle frame in a spaced angular relationship along a length of the sound baffle frame.

58. The mist management system of claim 54, further comprising: a deflection panel assembly secured within the tray, the deflection panel assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

59. The mist management system of claim 58, wherein the deflection panel assembly comprises at least one deflection panel configured to direct mist and fluid into apertures in the plenum.

60. The mist management system of claim 59, wherein the at least one deflector panel is angled approximately ten to twenty degrees from horizontal.

61. The mist management system of claim 53, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a floor that slopes from a first wall of the distribution treatment machine toward the plenum.

62. The mist management system of claim 61, wherein the floor is inclined at an angle of between about five and twenty-five degrees from horizontal.

63. The mist management system of claim 45, wherein the plenum comprises angled discharge ports.

64. The mist management system of claim 45, further comprising: a visibility assembly configured to improve visibility into the dispenser housing during operation.

65. A mist management system for a processing machine having a dispensing station configured to dispense a workpiece using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor for moving the workpiece below the dispensing station, the mist management system comprising:

a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from the dispensing station into the plenum using a pressure differential between the dispensing station and the plenum.

66. The mist management system of claim 65, wherein the plenum is in pneumatic communication with a suction source.

67. The mist management system of claim 66, wherein the plenum comprises one or more apertures configured to allow mist and air to flow from the dispensing station into the plenum.

68. The mist management system of claim 67, wherein the orifices are arranged to produce a substantially uniform pressure drop along a length of the plenum.

69. The mist management system of claim 68, wherein a length of the plenum is substantially equal to a length of the dispensing station.

70. The mist management system of claim 22, wherein the pressure distribution assembly further comprises at least one opening in the distribution station for directing air into the distribution station.

71. The mist management system of claim 70, wherein the plenum is positioned opposite the at least one opening such that air generally flows from the at least one opening toward the plenum.

72. The mist management system of claim 70, wherein the at least one opening directs air through at least one window in the dispensing station.

73. The mist management system of claim 70, further comprising: a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist within the dispensing station toward the plenum using motion and momentum of the mist.

74. The mist management system of claim 73, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

75. The mist management system of claim 74, wherein the at least one opening directs air toward the tray.

76. The mist management system of claim 73, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a tray configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

77. The mist management system of claim 76, further comprising: a sound baffle assembly secured within the tray, the sound baffle assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

78. The mist management system of claim 77, wherein the sound baffle assembly comprises a plurality of sound baffles secured within a sound baffle frame in a spaced angular relationship along a length of the sound baffle frame.

79. The mist management system of claim 77, further comprising: a deflection panel assembly secured within the tray, the deflection panel assembly configured to direct mist toward the plenum.

80. The mist management system of claim 79, wherein the deflection panel assembly comprises at least one deflection panel configured to direct mist and fluid into the orifices of the plenum.

81. The mist management system of claim 80, wherein the at least one deflector panel is angled between about ten and twenty degrees from horizontal.

82. The mist management system of claim 76, wherein the tray comprises at least one upper lip configured to redirect deflected fluid from the at least one liquid jet cutter toward the plenum.

83. The mist management system of claim 73, wherein the mist directing assembly comprises a floor that slopes from a first wall of the dispensing station toward the plenum.

84. The mist management system of claim 83, wherein the floor is inclined at an angle of between about five and twenty-five degrees from horizontal.

Technical Field

Water jet dispensing machines are commonly used in the food industry to cut products such as chicken, beef, pork or fish. At pressures above about 30000psi to 80000psi, the high pressure water stream can easily cut through the meat product without the use of abrasives. The jet of water exiting the water jet nozzle ("waterjet") can move at a velocity of about 4000 feet per second or mach 3.5.

The waterjet is generated by pumping water at high pressure through a very fine diamond or ruby nozzle having an orifice diameter of approximately 0.004 inches to 0.01 inches. All remaining liquid fraction of the water jet must be drained from the machine. However, not all liquid remains part of the water jet.

Rather, when a high pressure water jet exits an orifice, the several inches are generally consistent, but as the water stream travels farther from the orifice, it begins to "break". As a result, mist is formed from the water jet, accompanied by sound waves. Furthermore, when the water jet hits a hard surface it will break up completely into mist and droplets, wherein the droplets may be deflected into the machine interior at different angles depending on the angle of the hard surface they impact.

Mist in a water jet dispenser is unusual because it may be a mixture of air, steam and very fine droplets. The kinetics of this mixing are very complex. The water at high pressure may be heated to a high temperature, such as 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (150F. -180F.). Some heat is then consumed as the water rapidly evaporates from the large surface area of the droplets. Simultaneous mass and heat transfer of non-standard fluids in rapid motion presents difficult air handling problems for mist venting and control. For example, mist from a water jet may expand into a very large volume as it is generated, entering an area of the machine that is normally closed for safety reasons. This large volume of mist, which is continuously generated, must be continuously discharged from the enclosed area of the machine for a number of reasons.

One reason for the continuous discharge of mist is that it would otherwise interfere with any vision/scanning system of the machine. In water jet dispensing machines, the product is typically first conveyed through a vision/scanning system (which may have a light source and a camera) and then into a closed dispenser housing, where there are typically up to eight water jet cutters to cut the product. The fog can be diverted to areas where the vision system is operating, thereby interfering with the vision of the vision system's product by simply obscuring the view (i.e., the camera cannot see the product through the fog cloud) or by condensing on the window holding the port camera and light source.

Another reason for the continuous discharge of mist is that mist can severely limit the visibility of the operator looking inside the cutting housing. This makes it more difficult for operators and maintenance personnel to troubleshoot problems in the production process.

In addition, the mist can condense on the surfaces of the dispenser housing above the product being conveyed and drip onto the product, causing hygiene problems.

In seafood and poultry processing, it is not uncommon for the product to come into contact with water. For red meat and other products, greater emphasis is placed on keeping the product dry. The water on the surface of the red meat promotes browning of the meat surface due to oxidation. Additionally, there may be more stringent regulations on the labeling of water absorbed by red meat than poultry or seafood. Thus, another reason for reducing and controlling fog is that it is particularly important and beneficial for red meat treatment.

Based at least on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a mist management system and method thereof for a water jet dispenser or the like is desired. Such a mist management system and method may improve visibility into the machine, reduce condensation, minimize interference with the scanning system, and improve sanitation and handling efficiency while still being easy to clean, inspect, and sanitize.

Disclosure of Invention

A mist management system for a processing machine includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from a portion of the processing machine into a plenum (plenum) using a pressure differential between the portion of the processing machine and the plenum. In one aspect, the system further includes a mist directing assembly configured to utilize the motion and momentum of the mist to purposefully direct the mist toward the plenum.

A mist management system for a processing machine includes a dispensing station configured to dispense a workpiece with at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor for moving the workpiece below the dispensing station. The mist management system includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to discharge mist from the dispensing station into the plenum using a pressure differential between the dispensing station and the plenum. In one aspect, the system further includes a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct the mist within the dispensing station toward the plenum using the motion and momentum of the mist.

A method of managing mist within a processing machine, the method comprising conveying a workpiece to a dispensing station, activating at least one liquid jet cutter, creating a low pressure chamber in pneumatic communication with the dispensing station through at least one orifice, and directing air toward the low pressure chamber.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a processing machine having a mist management system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric front view of the processing machine and mist management system of FIG. 1 showing the front door of the machine removed, with portions of the conveyor belt not shown for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an isometric front view of a portion of the treatment machine and mist management system of FIG. 1, with portions of the mist management system shown exploded;

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the mist management system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric rear view of the treatment machine and mist management system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric rear view of the treatment machine and mist management system of FIG. 5, showing the rear door of the machine removed and portions of the machine broken away;

FIG. 7 is a partial front view of the processing machine and mist management system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the processing machine and mist management system of FIG. 1; and

fig. 9 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the treatment machine and mist management system of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the mist management system and method and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchanged with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that many embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

The present application may include references to "directions," such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "distal," and the like. These and other similar references in this application are only used to aid in the description and understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the invention to these orientations.

The present application may also include modifiers, such as the words "substantially", "about" or "substantially". These terms are intended to be used as modifiers to indicate that the "size," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other physical parameter being discussed is not necessarily exact, but may vary so long as the function sought to be performed is performed. For example, in the phrase "generally rectangular in shape," the shape need not be exactly rectangular, so long as the desired function of the structure in question can be performed.

Further, the present disclosure describes a "fog" management system. Any reference to "mist" should be interpreted to include at least one of mist, liquid droplets, exhaust fluid, gas (e.g., air), vapor, and the like, and any combination thereof. Further, the fluid that constitutes the mist may include water, liquid nitrogen, or any other suitable liquid or fluid.

Furthermore, although the systems and methods disclosed herein and defined in the claims are particularly applicable to workpieces or food products, they may also be used outside the food product arts. The workpiece may be a food product, such as meat, poultry or fish, or may be another type of product, such as fabric, rubber, cardboard, plastic, wood or other types of materials. Thus, a "workpiece" may include a non-food item.

A mist management system and method formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown incorporated into an exemplary processing machine 20 for scanning and dispensing workpieces (not shown). Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary processing machine 20 will first be briefly described. The processing machine 20 generally includes a scanning station 24, a dispensing station 28, an upstream conveyor 32 for conveying workpieces to the scanning station 24, and a scanning/dispensing conveyor 36 (only a portion of the scanning/dispensing conveyor 36 is shown for clarity) for conveying workpieces beneath the scanning station 24 and the dispensing station 28.

With respect to scanning, the workpiece is inspected at the scanning station 24 to determine physical parameters of the workpiece related to the size and/or shape of the workpiece. These parameters may include, for example, length, width, aspect ratio, thickness distribution, profile, outer contour configuration, perimeter, peripheral configuration, peripheral size and shape, and/or weight. The scanning station 24 may be of a variety of different types, including a camera for viewing a workpiece illuminated by one or more light sources (not shown), such as the scanning systems shown and described in U.S. patent application No. 62/431,374, U.S. patent application No. 15/824,938, and U.S. patent No. 5,585,605, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The dispensing station 28 may include a suitable high-speed liquid jet cutter (the liquid may include, for example, water or liquid nitrogen) for dispensing and/or cutting the workpiece. Various types of liquid jet cutting machines may be used at the dispensing station 28 to cut or dispense the workpiece or otherwise remove bone and other unwanted material from the workpiece as desired (collectively "dispensing" or "portioning"). For example, one or more high pressure water knives disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4875254, 5365186, 5868056, and 5927320, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may be used.

In the exemplary high-speed dispensing station 28, a first high-speed water jet cutter 44a, a second high-speed water jet cutter 44b, a third high-speed water jet cutter 44c, and a fourth high-speed water jet cutter 44d are positioned along the length of the scan/dispense conveyor belt 36 to achieve high throughput of dispensed/cut workpieces. In other embodiments, two, six or eight (or any other suitable number, although often used in pairs of two) water jet cutters may be used. Each water jet cutter 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d is carried/moved by a respective water jet carrier assembly 46a, 46b, 46c and 46d, which may be any suitable assembly adapted to carry the cutter assembly relative to the conveyor. For example, carrier assemblies 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d may be similar to the carrier assemblies shown and described in U.S. patent application publication No. 20170108855, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Once dispensing/cutting has occurred, the resulting portions are discharged from the cutting conveyor and placed on a finishing conveyor for further processing, or perhaps may be placed in a storage bin.

The water jet cutters 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d are housed within a dispenser housing 48, the dispenser housing 48 including a front wall 62, the front wall 62 having first and second windows 180a and 180b defined within first and second housing doors 182a and 182b, the first and second windows 180a and 180b being configured to selectively close first and second access openings 184a and 184b within the front wall 62. The dispenser housing 48 further includes a rear wall 60 opposite the front wall 62, a first cover portion 64 extending from the front wall 62, a third cover portion 66 extending from the rear wall 60, and a second cover portion 68 extending between the first cover portion 64 and the third cover portion 66. A floor 70 is defined opposite the first, second and third cover sections (see fig. 9), and a first end wall 72 (see fig. 2) is defined between the dispensing station 28 and the scanning station 24, and a second end wall 74 is defined opposite the first end wall 72. It should be understood that dispenser housing 48 may alternatively comprise any other suitable configuration.

An exemplary mist management system 40 for use with the exemplary treatment machine 20 or any other suitable machine having a dispensing station with a high-speed liquid jet cutter or any other mist generation technique will now be described with reference to fig. 1-9. The mist management system 40 is generally configured to draw mist, droplets, drain liquid, etc. from the dispenser housing 48 to enhance visibility within the machine, reduce interference with other features of the machine (e.g., scanning stations), improve hygiene and machine efficiency, and provide other benefits.

To better understand the benefits of the mist management system 40 and the corresponding method of managing mist within a machine, a general overview of mist flow within a machine without the mist management system 40 will first be described with reference to the drawings. In prior art treatment machines 20 without a mist management system, the high pressure water exits the orifices of the water jets and passes through the work product and/or open metal woven belts, and/or the water jets deflect away from the work product and/or metal belts, and/or the water jets become mist as they exit the water jet orifices, and/or the water jets pass through the belts and strike and deflect away from the floor, return belt, or other structure of the dispensing machine housing.

As described above, when a water jet hits a hard surface, it will break into mist and droplets. In this way, the deflected water will create a large volume of mist and droplets within the dispenser housing. As mentioned above, the large volumes of mist and droplets can hinder visibility of the machine and may be diverted from the access cover (see access cover 46 in fig. 1) towards the scanning station 24, causing the problems described above.

The mist management system 40 of the present disclosure suitably vents a large volume of mist within a closed dispenser housing to substantially eliminate the above-described problems. The mist management system 40 generally includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to facilitate discharging the mist using a pressure differential within the treatment machine 20, a water jet guide assembly configured to purposefully guide the mist and deflect the water jet using movement and momentum of the mist and/or water jet, and a visibility assembly configured to improve visibility into the dispenser housing during operation.

The pressure distribution assembly of the mist management system 40, which is generally configured to utilize a pressure differential within the machine to assist in discharging mist from the dispenser housing 48, will first be described in detail. The pressure distribution assembly generally includes a negative pressure plenum 50 at the rear of the dispensing station 28, the negative pressure plenum 50 defining a negative or low pressure plenum chamber 80 for drawing mist from the dispenser housing 48, and first and second hood air inlets 54a, 54b defined at an upper front portion of the dispenser housing 48 for passing air into the dispenser housing 48 and directing the mist to the plenum 50.

Referring to fig. 5,6 and 8, the air cell 50 will be described first in detail. As mentioned above, the plenum 50 defines a low pressure plenum chamber 80 for drawing mist from the dispenser housing 48. Referring to fig. 5, the air chamber 50 is generally rectangular in shape and has an overall dimension substantially the same as the dimension of the rear wall 60 of the dispenser housing 48. The hood portion (not separately labeled) of the plenum 50 is typically an extension of the third hood portion 66 of the dispenser housing 48, as shown in figure 9. Furthermore, the plenum 50 has a predetermined depth (i.e. a dimension extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal path of the conveyor belt) to define a plenum chamber 80, the plenum chamber 80 being suitably pressurised to draw mist from the dispenser housing 48.

The plenum 50 may include one or more openings that may be selectively covered by a door or other covering for accessing the plenum chamber 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the plenum 50 includes an upper access opening 82 that is selectively coverable by an upper door 84 and a lower access opening 86 that is selectively coverable by a lower door 88. It should be appreciated that the plenum 50 may alternatively be any suitable size, shape, and configuration to define an internal plenum cavity configured to perform the functions and provide the benefits described herein.

Referring to fig. 6 and 9, in which a portion of air chamber 50 has been cut away, rear wall 60 of dispenser housing 48 defines a portion of air chamber cavity 80. The rear wall 60 includes a plurality of apertures defined along at least a portion of its length to allow mist to flow from the interior of the dispenser housing 48 into the air chamber cavity 80 due to the pressure differential between the dispenser housing 48 and the air chamber 50. Typically, the plenum 50 is oversized relative to the orifices such that the pressure drop along the length of the plenum is very small relative to the large pressure drop across each relatively small orifice.

Any suitable size, number or arrangement of apertures may be defined in the rear wall 60 to allow an appropriate amount of mist to be expelled from the dispenser housing 48 during operation of the water jet cutters 44a, 44b, 44c and 44 d. In the illustrated embodiment, a first aperture 90a, a second aperture 90b, a third aperture 90c, and a fourth aperture 90d are defined near a bottom edge of the rear wall 60. The first, second, third and fourth orifices 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d are substantially the same size and shape (rectangular in the illustrated embodiment) and are spaced along the bottom of the back wall 60 such that each orifice is substantially aligned with a respective water jet cutter 44a, 44b, 44c, 44 d. However, the orifices may alternatively vary in size, shape, and location to control and/or substantially balance the pressure drop along the length of the plenum 50.

In this regard, each of the orifices 90a-90d is adjustably covered by a hatch 94 to increase or decrease the size of the orifice, and thereby increase or decrease the pressure drop across the orifice. The depicted embodiment shows hatch 94 covering a portion of second aperture 90b, third aperture 90c, and fourth aperture 90 d. Hatch 94 is disposed over each of second aperture 90b, third aperture 90c, and fourth aperture 90d such that the size of the apertures decreases from first aperture 90a to fourth aperture 90 d. First aperture 90a is shown without aperture cover 94 such that it has a full-size opening. Hatch 94 may be adjustably secured to rear wall 60 in any suitable manner, such as by passing bolts through slots in hatch 94 and securing them in rear wall 60.

The plenum 50 also includes first, second, and third floor horizontal apertures 98a, 98b, 98c defined near the bottom edge of the rear wall 60 (substantially at the level of the floor 70), between the first and second apertures 90a, 90b, 90c, and between the third and fourth apertures 90c, 90d, or in any other suitable location. When the water jets break off, they form a mist, but a significant portion of the water jets remains as water (or other fluid) that must be expelled from the machine. In addition, some of the mist condenses into water that needs to be drained. Water in the dispenser housing 48 enters the plenum 50 through floor horizontal apertures 98a, 98b and 98c and is then drained. In this regard, the plenum 50 includes discharge ports 104 defined in corners of the plenum 50 at the inclined ends (not shown) of the plenum floor. The discharge port 104 may be in communication with a fluid conduit to deliver fluid to a facility discharge port.

The floor horizontal apertures 98a, 98b and 98c may be substantially the same size and shape (rectangular in the illustrated embodiment). However, the floor horizontal apertures may alternatively vary in size, shape, and location to control and/or substantially balance the pressure drop along the length of the plenum 50. In any event, the floor horizontal openings 98a, 98b, and 98c and other apertures are large enough to allow small debris to pass through, but small enough to sufficiently restrict air flow into the plenum to control air flow through the machine.

Additional orifices, particularly a first water jet carrier orifice 102a, a second water jet carrier orifice 102b, a third water jet carrier orifice 102c, and a fourth water jet carrier orifice 102d, may be included to allow the water jet carrier assembly 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d of each water jet cutter 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d to protrude into the air chamber cavity 80. Furthermore, the water jet carrier orifices 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d help to quickly expel the formed mist as the water jet impinges the belt and/or workpiece during the dispensing process, as opposed to only expelling the mist as it reaches the lower region of the dispenser housing 48.

It should be understood that any other suitable configuration of apertures and/or additional apertures may be included to control the pressure drop along the length of the plenum 50 and the mist flowing into the plenum 50. The size and pattern of the orifices will depend on the shape and size of the plenum, the number of water jet cutters (e.g., four cutters versus eight cutters), the capacity and/or location of any suction source, and other factors. For example, in treatment machines that use fewer than four water jet cutters (e.g., two) or more than four water jet cutters (e.g., eight), the orifices may be reconfigured such that the pressure drop along the length of the plenum 50 is substantially horizontal, even though a suction force is defined at one end of the plenum. In this manner, the mist management system 40 may be used with only a single suction source and then configured to achieve optimal mist discharge. The plenum 50 with appropriate orifice configuration helps to distribute the pressure differential and airflow along the length of the dispenser housing 48 to manage the air and mist flow.

The plenum 50 is in pneumatic communication with a suction source such as a large capacity exhaust blower or fan (not shown). The plenum 50 may be in pneumatic communication with an exhaust fan by a suitable air duct 106, the air duct 106 having a first exhaust opening 108 adapted to be placed in communication with the fan, a second exhaust opening 110 for passing air into the plenum 50 and a third suction opening 116 for exhausting mist and air from the plenum 50. As seen in fig. 5 and 8, the third suction port 116 may include an angled or otherwise contoured inner surface to direct air/mist from the plenum 50 upwardly into the air duct 106 and out of the exhaust port 108. Additionally, the sloped inner surface of the third suction port 116 may include one or more openings for placing the suction port 116 in pneumatic communication with the exhaust port 110.

Of course, the plenum 50 may alternatively be placed in pneumatic communication with the exhaust fan without the use of air ducts, or in any other suitable manner. The exhaust fan may be located near the processing machine 20, in other areas of the processing facility (e.g., at the output of an exhaust duct on the roof of the processing facility), or at another location using ducts known in the art.

The exhaust fan creates a negative pressure in the plenum 50 to cause mist to flow into the plenum 50 (but not from the plenum into the dispenser housing 48). In other words, the mist will naturally flow from the higher pressure area (i.e. the dispenser housing 48) to the lower pressure area (i.e. the air chamber 50), thereby expelling the mist from the dispenser housing 48. The exhaust fan has a suitable capacity to continuously draw the mist out of the dispenser housing 48 through the plenum 50. One of ordinary skill in the art can select an appropriate exhaust fan based on at least one of the pressure of the water jet cutters, the number of water jet cutters used, the density of the exiting mist/air, and other factors.

For example, the pressure of the water jet cutter may be between 45000PSI-85000PSI, depending on the intended application of the dispensing station 28. Furthermore, as described above, the dispensing station 28 may use only two water jet cutters (resulting in less mist generation and/or defining a smaller exit area than four water jet cutters), eight water jet cutters (resulting in more mist generation and/or defining a larger exit area than four water jet cutters), or other numbers of water jet cutters.

The amount of pressure that a static pressure or exhaust fan must push and pull to pass the air/mist through the ductwork will vary depending on the duct used to exhaust the air/mist. As a particular example, the static pressure may be calculated from the size, shape, material, length, path, etc. of the conduit used to pneumatically connect the plenum and the exhaust fan and/or pneumatically connect the exhaust fan and the facility outlet. The static pressure will also depend on the density of the discharged mist/air, which will depend on the pressure of the water jet cutters, the number of water jet cutters used, the temperature of the air/mist, etc.

At least some of the above factors may be considered in selecting an appropriate exhaust fan for the mist management system 40. For example, if a certain water jet Pressure (PSI) is used, it may be experimentally determined that a fan with a certain air flow (CFM) (assuming a maximum static pressure) is necessary to properly exhaust the mist from the dispensing station 28. As a specific example, using four water jet cutters similar to those shown in the figures, each having a water jet pressure of about 55000PSI, a fan with an air flow of about 2000CFM, in the dispensing station would be sufficient to expel the mist from the dispensing station (assuming a static pressure of less than about 1 inWG). Further, using a standard fan curve that may be used for a particular exhaust fan model, it may be determined that an exhaust fan having a first predetermined power and output may be used if the static pressure is less than a certain amount, wherein an exhaust fan having a second, higher predetermined power and output may be used if the static pressure is greater than the certain amount.

In one embodiment, the exhaust fan is controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) as is known in the art, so that the fan speed can be varied for increased control and efficiency.

The exhaust fan speed has a minimum speed selected to continuously draw mist from the dispenser housing 48 and a maximum speed to substantially prevent any movement of workpieces on the belt. If the airflow is too low, the mist may not be completely expelled and/or the airflow through the hood intake openings 54a and 54b may be insufficient to direct the mist and spray away from the windows 180a and 180 b.

If the airflow is too great, high velocity air may be generated in certain areas (e.g., the inlet and outlet of the dispenser housing 48), resulting in workpiece movement and cutting inaccuracies. It is also beneficial to minimize the air flow within the machine to minimize the amount of filtered, conditioned plant air used in exiting the distribution chamber 48. The fan speed and/or the orifice may be adjusted as needed to balance the air flow through the machine 20.

The fan speed and/or orifices may also be configured to balance the airflow if one or more of the water jet cutters 170a, 170b, 170c, and/or 170d are operated at a pressure level, a size of water jet orifice, and/or the like. For example, the volume of mist produced by each water jet cutter may be different, and the size of the corresponding orifice in the plenum 50 may be adjusted to accommodate a greater or lesser volume of mist. However, it will also be appreciated that the mist management system 40 is configured to adequately draw mist from the dispenser housing 48 in many different water jet configurations without adjusting fan speed and/or orifices.

Air enters the dispenser housing 48 to equalize the pressure differential across one or more vents or openings in the dispenser housing 48 caused by the exhaust fan. In the illustrated embodiment, air enters the dispenser housing 48 through the first and second hood air inlets 54a, 54b and one or more optional vents (e.g., first vent 112a, second vent 112b, third vent 112c, and fourth vent 112 d). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second mask air inlets 54a, 54b are located on the first mask portion 64 above the first and second windows 180a, 180 b. The first and second hood intake openings 54a, 54b are configured to direct incoming air downwardly toward the interior of the first and second windows 180a, 180b to help clear any droplets, spray, and/or condensate on the window interior and to help direct the mist downwardly toward a portion of the water jet directing assembly, as will be described below.

The first and second mask air inlets 54a, 54b are substantially identical; therefore, only the first cover intake port 54a will be described in detail. As can be seen with reference to at least fig. 1, 6 and 9, the first shroud air scoop 54a includes an outer air scoop body 188 and an inner air scoop body 190 in communication with the outer air scoop body 188, the outer air scoop body 188 being configured to direct air into the dispenser housing 48, the inner air scoop body 190 directing the introduced air within the dispenser housing 48.

The overall shape of the outer air scoop body 188 is generally rectangular (or any other suitable shape) and it tapers in height relative to the outer surface of the first cover portion 64 as it extends toward the front wall 62 of the dispenser housing 48. The upper, less tapered end of the outer air scoop body 188 includes an outer air scoop inlet 192 defined between a downwardly or inwardly turned lip 194 and the first cover portion 64 of the dispenser housing 48. The configuration of the downwardly or inwardly turned lip 194 may be optimised to reduce the size of the external air inlet 192 to control the air flow into the dispenser housing 48 and to help redirect the acoustic waves of the waterjet cutter back into the dispenser housing 48. In addition, an optional first internal baffle 196 extends upwardly from the first cover portion 64 toward the inwardly turned lip 194 to further reduce the size of the external air inlet 192 and/or redirect the sound of the waterjet cutter back into the dispenser housing 48.

The outer inlet outlet 204 is defined at a lower tapered end of the outer inlet body 188 closer to the opening in the first shroud portion 64. The external air inlet outlet 204 also defines an inlet opening of the internal air inlet body 190, which includes an internal air inlet outlet 208 at an opposite end thereof in pneumatic communication with the interior of the dispenser housing 48. The internal air scoop body 190 is generally rectangular in overall shape (or any other suitable shape) and is tapered in height relative to the inner surface relative to the first cover portion 64 as it extends away from the front wall 62 of the dispenser housing 48. In this manner, the inner intake body 190 directs air downwardly through the window 180a to help remove any mist, condensation, spray, etc., as well as downwardly toward a portion of the water jet directing assembly (and ultimately to the plenum 50).

Additional internal baffles may be included to control the air flow within the hood intake 54a and/or to redirect the acoustic waves of the waterjet cutters 44a-44d back into the distributor housing 48. Any suitable internal baffle may be used, such as a plurality of staggered opposing baffles. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a second internal baffle 198 may extend downwardly from the surface of the outer intake body 188 at a location between the first internal baffle 196 and the tapered end of the outer intake body 188, and a third internal baffle 200 may extend downwardly from the surface of the outer intake body 188 at a location between the second internal baffle 198 and the tapered end of the outer intake body 188. A fourth internal baffle 202 may extend upwardly from the surface of the inner intake body 190 at a location between the second and third internal baffles 198, 200. Thus, air must flow through the mask air inlet 54a in a serpentine manner (as shown by the first flow path 212 and the second flow path 214).

The internal baffles help control the amount and flow of air into the dispenser housing 48 to properly remove mist, spray, condensate, etc. from the window 180a and to move the mist toward the plenum 50. In addition, the staggered opposing baffles help redirect the acoustic waves of the waterjet cutters 44a-44d back into the dispenser housing 48. In this regard, the internal baffles, inlet opening size, outlet opening size and shape of the shroud air inlet 54a may be adjusted as needed to accommodate controlling the air flow into the dispenser housing 48 and minimizing the noise of the waterjet cutter.

The external scoop body 188 and/or the internal scoop body 190 may be removably attached to the dispenser housing 48 for cleaning, adjustment, etc. Any suitable structure may be used to removably attach the outer air scoop body 188 and/or the inner air scoop body 190 to the dispenser housing 48. For example, the air inlet body may be hingedly fixed to the dispenser housing 48 at one end, and may be selectively fixed to the dispenser housing 48 at the other end using a cam-like locking mechanism or the like.

Air may also enter the dispenser housing 48 through optional first, second, third and fourth vents 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, as described above. The vents 112a-112d are shown on the second cover portion 68 and are substantially equally spaced along its length. It will be appreciated that any suitable additional ventilation may be used as required to control the flow of air through the dispenser housing 48.

The water jet guide assembly configured to purposefully direct the mist toward the plenum 50 using the motion and momentum of the mist will now be described in detail. The water jet directing assembly generally includes a sound baffle assembly 130 and a deflection panel assembly 134 removably received in a tray 138 below each water jet cutter 44a-44d, at least one sound tube 170a-170d for each water jet cutter when not in use, a specifically sloped floor 70 of the dispenser housing 48 for directing mist and condensate to the plenum 50, and a specifically positioned return belt assembly 174 of the scanning/dispenser conveyor belt 36.

Referring to fig. 3, 4,9, and 10, each sound baffle assembly 130 is generally configured to direct a water jet and mist from the respective water jet cutter 44a-44d toward at least one of the deflector panel assembly 134, the tilt floor 70, and the plenum 50. In this regard, each acoustic baffle assembly 130 is positioned below the portion of the scan/distribution conveyor belt 36 that supports the workpiece being distributed by the respective waterjet cutter 44a-44d, and the size of the acoustic baffle assembly 130 is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the waterjet cutting envelope (i.e., the area within which the waterjet cutter can be moved to cut the product on the belt).

Each sound baffle assembly 130 includes a plurality of sound baffles 142, the sound baffles 142 being housed in a baffle frame 146 that extends longitudinally substantially across the width of the scan/distribution conveyor belt 36. The baffle frame 146 is secured within the opposing first and second sidewalls 140, 144 of the tray 138 in any suitable manner (see fig. 8), such as by sliding engagement with one or more slides, pins, or other protrusions within the tray 138.

The sound baffle 142 is generally rectangular in shape and has a length generally equal to the width of the baffle frame 146. The acoustic baffles 142 are arranged laterally within the frame 146 such that the length of each acoustic baffle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scan/distribution conveyor belt 36. The sound baffle 142 is also disposed within the frame 146 at an angle (i.e., offset from the horizontal) such that a portion of the water jet will impact the one or more sound baffles 142 during dispensing and a portion of the water jet will pass through the sound baffle assembly 130. In one embodiment, the sound barrier 142 is removably received in the frame 146 (e.g., within a channel) such that the sound barrier 142 may be replaced when desired, such as when worn or customized for certain applications.

Each sound baffle 142 has an optimal length, thickness, width, material, etc., and an optimal angle and spacing within the baffle frame 146 to properly deflect the water jets and mist traveling through the belt 32 toward the plenum 50. for example, in one example, a water jet using between about 45000psi and 85000psi, the sound baffle assembly 130 is arranged to include a sound baffle about 2 inches × 10 inches × 0.25.25 inches thick, placed within the baffle frame 146 at an angle between about 40 and 50 degrees (e.g., an angle of 45 degrees), and spaced about 1.25 inches apart.

The sound baffle assembly 130 also provides the additional benefit of minimizing acoustic waves caused by the water jet during dispensing. The sound level produced by the waterjet break may exceed 100dB, thus requiring the operator to have hearing protection. The acoustic baffle 142 breaks the water jet before it generates a significant amount of noise.

A deflector panel assembly 134 is disposed below the sound baffle assembly 130 to further deflect and direct the water jets and mist traveling through the belt 36 and the sound baffle assembly 130. The deflector panel assembly 134 includes at least one elongated panel disposed below the sound baffle assembly 130, the sound baffle assembly 130 extending substantially across the width of the strip 36 and being secured within the tray 138 at a predetermined angle (offset from horizontal). In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector panel assembly 134 includes a first deflector panel 150a, a second deflector panel 150b, a third deflector panel 150c, and a fourth deflector panel 150d secured within the tray 138 below the sound baffle assembly 130. Each of the deflector panels 150a-150d is substantially similar and, therefore, only the first deflector panel 150a will be described in detail.

The first deflector panel 150a includes an elongated panel body 152 having a suitable length extending substantially transversely across at least a portion of the conveyor belt 36 and a width substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width of the sound baffle assembly 130. A handle 154 may be defined at a first end of the body 152 (opposite the plenum 50) and a deflector panel lip 156 may be defined at an opposite second end of the body 152 that extends at an angle a predetermined distance downward from the elongated panel body 152. The first deflector panel 150a may also include one or more notches 158 or other cavities or openings along its side edges that are configured to receive corresponding features in the tray 138 to removably secure the deflector panel within the tray 138. In this regard, the first deflector panel 150a may be removably secured within the tray 138, such as by being placed on pins or the like, so that it may be replaced when desired. The first deflector panel 150a is made of a suitable material to withstand the force of a water jet, such as a hard metal that is food safe.

As shown in fig. 9, the first, second, third and fourth deflector panels 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d are secured within the tray 138 such that each deflector panel is at an optimal inclination (inclined downwardly toward the plenum 50 relative to horizontal) to redirect the mist and water jets to the plenum without consuming valuable vertical space in the dispenser housing 48. By calculation and experimentation, the inventors have found that the slope of the deflector panels 150a, 150b, 150c and 150d should be greater than about 10 degrees (10 °) to prevent the water jet from reflecting back towards the belt 36 and to effectively direct the water jet towards the plenum 50. At the same time, the slope of the deflection panels 150a, 150b, 150c and 150d should be less than about 20 degrees (20 °) to limit the vertical drop of the dispenser housing 48 (i.e., the vertical distance between the web 36 and the floor 70), which is typically limited for processing machines that are effectively designed to stand on a process plant floor with a dispensing web at human operator height. In the illustrated embodiment, the first deflection panel 150a, the second deflection panel 150b, the third deflection panel 150c, and the fourth deflection panel 150d are secured within the tray 138 such that each deflection panel is at an angle of approximately 15 degrees (15) relative to horizontal (sloping downward toward the plenum 50).

The first deflection panel 150a, the second deflection panel 150b, the third deflection panel 150c, and the fourth deflection panel 150d are also arranged in some sort of cascade. In this regard, the first deflection panel 150a has a first predetermined length, the second deflection panel 150b has a second predetermined length longer than the first predetermined length, and is disposed under the first deflection panel 150a, the third deflection panel 150c has a third predetermined length longer than the second predetermined length and is disposed under the second deflection panel 150b, and the fourth deflection panel 150d has a fourth predetermined length longer than the third predetermined length and is disposed under the third deflection panel 150 c. With the deflector panel arranged in this manner, water jets and mist passing through the belt 36 and the sound baffle assembly 130 are directed toward the plenum 50.

In addition, the fourth deflection panel 150d of each deflection panel assembly 134 is also arranged to direct any mist, condensate, water, etc. into the plenum 50 through the respective first, second, and third apertures 90a, 90b, 90 c. In this regard, the fourth deflector panel 150d of each deflector panel assembly 134 has substantially the same width as each respective aperture 90a, 90b and 90c, and an end (e.g., a lip) of the fourth deflector panel 150d may rest on a bottom edge of each auxiliary aperture 90a, 90b and 90c and/or extend partially into the air chamber cavity 80, as shown in fig. 9. Mist, condensate, water, and the like in the air chamber 50 flow out from the discharge ports 104 defined in the corners of the air chamber 50.

In an alternative embodiment, the deflection panel assembly 134 includes only the fourth deflection panel 150 d. In other alternative embodiments, the deflector panel assembly 134 is eliminated from the mist management system 40. Accordingly, the description and examples provided herein are not to be considered as limiting.

As described above, the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134 may be removably secured between the opposing sidewalls 140 and 144 of the tray 138 in any suitable manner, such as by sliding engagement of one or more slides, pins, or other protrusions within the tray 138 with one or more notches, openings, etc. on the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134 (or vice versa). The tray 138 is secured within the dispenser housing 48 below the scanning/dispensing conveyor 36 in any suitable manner, such as by securing (removably or non-removably) the opposing sidewalls 140 and 144 to the floor 70 of the dispenser housing 48 by passing the opposing sidewalls 140 and 144 through a frame, stand, or the like.

The tray 138 also includes water jet guiding features to help direct any spray reflected from the sound baffle 142 and/or the deflection panels 150a-150d toward the plenum 50. When the water jet hits one or more of the deflector panels 150a-150d, the water jet spray will spread downward and sideways (along the length of the belt). In this regard, the tray 138 includes a first pair of lateral tray lips 160 and a second pair of lateral tray lips 161 defined on the upper elongated edges of the opposing side walls 140 and 144. The lateral tray lips 160 and 161 extend inwardly from the upper edge and slightly downwardly toward the sound baffle assembly 130. In this manner, any "sideways" spray deflection can be substantially inhibited by allowing the spray to travel upwardly along the walls 140 and 144 of the tray 138 and then downwardly back through the downwardly angled inner (lower) surfaces of the lateral tray lips 160 and 161. The downwardly angled outer surfaces (upper surfaces) of the lateral tray lips 160 and 161 may also beneficially help direct the water jets and mist downwardly toward the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134.

The tray 138 also includes a tray door 162 that may be used to selectively enclose the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134 within the tray 138. A tray door 162 is defined at the front of the tray 138 (near the window of the dispensing station 28) and may be hingedly secured to the main body of the tray 138 in any suitable manner. The front panel 164 of the tray door 162 substantially closes the front open end of the tray 138 when in a closed position relative to the main body of the tray 138. A tray door lip 166 is defined along an upper edge of the front panel 164 and extends inwardly and slightly downwardly toward the sound baffle assembly 130 when the tray door 162 is in the closed position. Similar to the lateral tray lips 160 and 161, the inner (lower) surface of the tray door lip 166 helps to redirect and suppress any deflected water jet spray traveling up the inner surface of the front panel 164. The downwardly angled outer (upper) surface of the tray door lip 166 may also beneficially help direct the water jets and mist downward toward the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the sound baffle assembly 130, the deflector panel assembly 134, and the tray 138 collectively direct the water jets of the respective water jet cutters 44a-44d toward the plenum 50. In addition, the sound baffle assembly 130, the deflector panel assembly 134 and the tray 138 collectively act as a conduit for air and mist flowing through the dispenser housing 48 to the low pressure plenum chamber 80. Furthermore, the sound baffle assembly 130, the deflection panel assembly 134, and the tray 138 allow for a modular design of the water jet guide assembly. If water jet cutters are added or removed from the dispensing station 28 (e.g., when two water jet cutters or eight water jet cutters are used), a corresponding number of trays 138/sound baffle assemblies 130/deflection panel assemblies 134 may be added or removed.

Referring to fig. 7-9, the waterjet guidance assembly further includes a first acoustic tube 170a, a second acoustic tube 170b, a third acoustic tube 170c, and a fourth acoustic tube 170d configured to receive the waterjet of its respective waterjet cutter 44a-44d when at rest (i.e., when it is not being used for dispensing). In this regard, the acoustic tubes 170a-170d are each positioned adjacent the rear wall 60 of the dispenser housing 48 behind the edges of the tape 36. When the water jet cutter is not being used to dispense a workpiece, the belt 36 is moved out of the way along its respective carriage assembly 46a-46d until the water jet of the cutter is substantially aligned with the opening in the acoustic tube.

Each acoustic tube 170a-170d is positioned substantially vertically to capture and direct a water jet from the water jet cutter 44a-44d substantially straight down toward the floor 70 of the distributor housing 48. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the acoustic tubes 170a-170d are positioned above the deflection panel assembly 134 such that water jets and/or mist from the water jet cutter pass through the acoustic tubes and strike one or more deflection panels of the deflection panel assembly 134.

The acoustic tubes 170a-170d capture the water jets and allow them to remain intact without being broken by air. The complete water jet is then controllably interrupted by the deflection panel assembly 134 and/or another portion of the water jet guide assembly. As is well known in the art, the acoustic tubes 170a-170d also provide the added benefit of minimizing acoustic waves emanating from the water jet when idle.

Any suitable sound tube currently available or later developed may be used, such as the sound tube shown and described in U.S. patent No. 5831224, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, each sound tube is about 9 inches (9 ") in length and about three-quarters inches (3/4") in diameter. Each sound tube is offset a minimum amount from the rear wall 60 of the dispenser housing 48 so that the water jets from the cutter are directed to the respective orifices 90a-90 c. In this regard, the bottom end of each sound tube is located about 3 inches (3 ") from the bottom of the tray 138 (or about 2" above the fourth deflector panel 150 d). The sound tube is preferably made of a hard, food-safe material. Also, the sound tube may instead be located near the front wall 64 of the dispenser housing 48 in front of the edge of the belt 36 so that the water jet is then controllably interrupted by the inclined floor 70.

In this regard, the water jet guide assembly is further defined by the inclined floor 70 of the dispenser housing 48. In prior art processing machines, the cross-section of the sole plate is substantially V-shaped (the apex of the V extends substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt), which is an increased deflection of the water jets and thus an increased generation of mist within the distributor housing 48. More specifically, the water jet will strike a first downwardly inclined portion of the floor, deflect at least partially upwardly toward a second downwardly inclined floor portion, and then deflect at least partially upwardly toward the belt or door. The upwardly deflected water creates a large volume of mist and droplets within the dispenser housing.

The inventors have found that a floor sloping from the front wall in the range of about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees to the rear wall helps to direct mist at the bottom of the dispenser housing 48 towards the plenum 50. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the floor 70 of the dispenser housing 48 slopes downwardly from the front wall 62 to the rear wall 60 at an angle of approximately twenty degrees relative to horizontal.

Another aspect of the water jet guidance assembly includes positioning the return portion of the scanning/dispensing strip 36 below the floor 70 of the dispenser housing 48. As can be seen in fig. 9, the return strap assembly 174 for the strap 36 is disposed below the floor below 70. In prior art assemblies, the return belt assembly is typically located within the dispenser housing below the belt 36. In this configuration, the return belt assembly deflects additional mist and water jets through the belt 36 and the workpiece. Thus, in the configuration shown in fig. 9, the return belt assembly 174 does not interfere with or otherwise deflect any mist or water jets from the water jet assembly, thereby reducing the overall generation of mist within the dispenser assembly 48.

Referring to fig. 7 and 9, the visibility components of the mist management system 40 will now be described, the visibility components being generally defined by a suitable lighting assembly disposed within the dispenser housing 48 and first and second windows 180a and 180b defined on the front of the dispenser housing 48 to allow visibility of the machine the lighting assembly includes any suitable light that can withstand moisture, sonic pressure fluctuations, high pressure sprays, chemicals, etc. within the dispenser housing 48, such as L ED light bars and the like.

In the depicted embodiment, the lighting assembly may include at least one light 210 secured to the interior of the dispenser housing 48 that is configured to illuminate one or more high pressure valves, heads, connecting wires, etc., such as the high pressure valve 206. As can be seen in fig. 7 and 9, a plurality of high pressure valves 206 are located on the interior of the dispenser housing 48 near the upper ends of the windows 180a and 180 b. At least one lamp 210 is secured to an interior of third cup portion 66 and is configured to illuminate light toward high pressure valve 206. In this manner, high pressure valve 160 is backlit by at least one light 210, such that any leaks, drips, etc. are readily visible to a user through windows 180a and 180 b. The inventors have found that the backlighting effect of the at least one lamp 210 suitably illuminates the high pressure valve 160 with mist. It should be understood that additional light may be used to appropriately illuminate any other desired area or component of the dispensing station 28.

As described above, the visibility assembly further includes first and second windows 180a, 180b defined in first and second housing doors 182a, 182 b. The size of each window 180a and 180b is sufficient to allow a person of ordinary size standing in front of the window to see the valve 160, high pressure connection lines, and other structures within the dispenser housing 48 that often require maintenance. In addition, the windows 180a and 180b are positioned below each respective hood intake opening 54a and 54b such that air flows into the hood intake openings and down through the windows to remove any fog, condensation, etc. on the windows. Windows 180a and 180b are made of a suitable material, such as tempered glass, that can withstand moisture and pressure fluctuations within dispenser housing 48.

Referring to fig. 9, the flow path of air, mist, etc. through a treating machine 20 having a mist management system 40 formed in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described. Air is drawn into the dispenser housing 48 through the first and second hood air inlets 54a, 54b and through the optional first, second, third and fourth vents 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d using an air plenum 50 in pneumatic communication with a suction source, such as a VFD exhaust fan. The first and second mask air inlets 54a, 54b direct incoming air downwardly toward the interior of the first and second windows 180a, 180b to help clear any droplets, spray, and/or condensate from the interior of the windows, as indicated by the first flow path 212. The first flow path 212 illustrates that the air/mist may flow down the inclined floor 70 after passing through the first and second windows 180a and 180b, and then toward the plenum 50.

The first and second mask air inlets 54a, 54b also direct incoming air and mist downwardly toward the sound baffle assembly 130 and the deflector panel assembly 134. The sound baffle assembly 130 and deflection panel assembly 134 help direct the air and mist toward the plenum 50. The acoustic tube 170a 170d also directs the mist downward toward the tilted baseplate 70 and then toward the plenum 50 when the water jet cutters 44a-44d are idle.

Air, mist, water, condensate, etc. flows into the cavity 80 of the plenum 50 through a plurality of apertures defined in the rear wall 60 of the dispenser housing 48. More specifically, the air and mist flows through first, second, third, and fourth orifices 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d defined near the bottom edge of the rear wall 60, first, second, and third floor drain orifices 98a, 98b, and 98c defined near the bottom edge of the rear wall 60, and first, second, third, and fourth water jet carrier orifices 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102 d. At the same time, water and condensate from the water jets impinge upon the fourth deflection panel 150d of each deflection panel assembly 134 to direct mist, condensate, water, etc. into the plenum 50 through the first, second, and third apertures 90a, 90b, 90 c.

The air/mist within the plenum 80 exits the suction port 116 toward the exhaust port 108. In addition, any water, condensate, etc. will drain from the drain 104 at the bottom corner of the plenum 50.

Experiment of

Experiments were conducted to observe mist emission levels within a processing machine having a mist management system formed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

The treatment machine has a dispensing station with four water jet cutters, substantially similar to the dispensing station 28 shown in the drawings, the exhaust fan used is a P L a30ST4P fan available from place ventilations inc, brayton, florida, assuming a static pressure of less than about 0.9 inches water gauge (inWG) the density of the air/mist is not considered, but can generally be calculated as needed to select the appropriate exhaust fan for the machine configuration (e.g., by using the saturated air density at a given temperature and increasing by 10% for error, and/or using the density of the ambient air (e.g., 50% relative humidity at a given temperature), and then adding 50% of the water flow of the high pressure pump to the weight of the volume of air being discharged).

Mist discharge was observed using different high pressure fluid levels or fluid pressure (in pounds Per Square Inch (PSI)) against a water jet ("pump PSI") and using different measured airflow output capacities of the exhaust fan by varying its speed (RPM). The measured airflow output capacity is shown as an approximate percentage of cubic feet per minute (% CFM), with the lowest CFM being 100%.

The test was performed using four different mist management system configurations: (1) no sound baffle or diverter panel is used; (2) use of only sound baffles; (3) only the diverter panel is used; (4) sound baffles and diverter panels are used. It is desirable to use sound baffles and/or diverter panels to help reduce the noise level of the machine during use. Observations were recorded using each configuration and are listed in tables a-D below.

The following grades of mist emission were observed:

1: all remain clear.

2: some of the mist rises 1/2 above the belt and is quickly cleared.

3: mist can reach the top of the dispenser housing temporarily but is removed quickly.

4: the fog is always diffused in the air, the visibility of the rear part of the shell is still clear, and the high-pressure connection/valve is kept clear.

5: the mist in the housing is so dense that it is difficult to see the rear of the housing and the high pressure connection/valve remains sufficiently clear.

It will be appreciated that the tabular data shown below is for a particular dispenser configuration under certain conditions (i.e., static pressure, air/mist density, water jet pressure, etc.). Similar experiments may be performed to select fan capacities for different dispenser configurations and/or different conditions. In this regard, the results in the following table provide baseline recommendations for fan selection and capacity. Based on differences in dispenser configuration and/or other conditions (e.g., static pressure, air/mist density, water jet pressure, etc.), an initial fan capacity may be selected and tested for mist discharge. As described above, each level of criteria may be used to identify the optimal fan capacity for one or more configurations.

Example a. No Acoustic baffle or diverter Panel

Pump PSI	100％CFM	135％CFM	170％CFM	220％CFM
					45000PSI		2	1
55000PSI		2	1
					65000PSI		3	2
75000PSI			3	1
					85000PSI			3	2-3

Example b. Sound-only baffle

Pump PSI	100％CFM	135％CFM	170％CFM	220％CFM
					45000PSI		2	2
55000PSI		3	2
					65000PSI		3	3	2
75000PSI		3	2-3	2
					85000PSI			3	3

Example c. flow-only panel

Pump PSI	100％CFM	135％CFM	170％CFM	220％CFM
					45000PSI	1	1
55000PSI		2
					65000PSI		2	1-2
75000PSI		4	3
					85000PSI		4-5	4	3

Example d. Sound baffle and diverter Panel

As can be appreciated from the above table, the selected exhaust fan (a fan model P L a30ST4P, available from plasma ventilations inc. of brayton, florida) is adapted to exhaust mist in the above-described dispensing station configuration (e.g., using four water jet cutters, sound baffles, and/or splitter panels) at various different water pressure levels using appropriate fan speeds to create a measured CFM output.

With some specific observations, the use of diverter panels has minimal impact on mist discharge in configurations using lower pump pressures (e.g., 45000-. However, all configurations yield acceptable levels of visibility and mist discharge (e.g., the window remains substantially clear, visibility to the high pressure fluid connection and water jet remains good, etc.). At higher pump pressures (e.g., 75000-. The use of the acoustic baffle helps to reduce noise levels (not listed in the table for simplicity) while not significantly adversely affecting mist discharge at both lower and higher fan speeds.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.