Ozone cleaning and sanitation method and apparatus for ice and ice conveyance systems
US6506428B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2400/12
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method are disclosed for production of ice and maintenance of an ice conveyance free of microbial contamination. Ozone is incorporated into water from which the ice is made, so that significant ozone content is present in the ice. This ice may be recovered for human consumption. The ice manufactured in the ice maker is conveyed through a conveyance system to one or more locations remote from the ice maker, where the ice is to be used. Ozone gas is evolved as the ice melts, sublimes or is abraded. The evolved ozone evolved penetrates into all areas of the system and kills substantially all microbial materials which are within the system. Cleanliness is thereafter maintained since passage of more ice and water though the system causes the evolution of additional ozone, which in turn kills any microbial contamination which may subsequently get into the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.