Method and apparatus for sterilizing cartons through ultraviolet irradiation
US5788940A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B55/08
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention utilizes a plurality of ultraviolet lamps to sterilize containers being advanced along a conveyor system. The ultraviolet lamps are disposed transverse to the advancement of the containers as are the reflectors corresponding to each of the lamps. The reflectors are in direct contact with a cooling manifold which prevents the overheating of the apparatus. In thermal contact with the cooling manifold are temperature detectors which provide warning signals to operators, or can generate a signal to deactivate the lamps. The cooling manifold may be cooled by a circulating fluid. The reflectors may be cooled by a flow of air through a pressurized chamber. The pressurized chamber is defined by the reflectors and transparent plates. The transparent plates substantially enhance the transmission of light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.