Antimicrobial ultraviolet light system for refrigerator sanitation
US8387405B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2317/0417
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A refrigerator is adapted to include a plurality of ultraviolet light bars, which may be adjustably connected to sufficiently radiate UV light throughout the refrigerator compartment in connection with a control box and power cord which operate to control the bacterial level present on and around foodstuffs being stored therein. A series of UV light bars are capable of being arranged and plugged into one another by daisy chain to allow for a timer-controlled illumination of UV light to radiate throughout the compartment. Sensors in the control box signal the timer, and a wire ribbon extending from the control box provides a connection to the external power source without significantly affecting the seal of the refrigerator door. Power is supplied to the UV light sources via a ribbon-type power cable passing from the refrigerator interior compartment to the exterior by passing between the refrigerator and the refrigerator door and over the peripheral gasket, whereby power may be supplied to said control box by connection of said male electrical plug to an electrical outlet without significantly affecting the integrity of the thermal seal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.