The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 04, 1998
Filed:
Oct. 23, 1996
John Cicha, Shoreview, MN (US);
Terry Erickson, St. Paul, MN (US);
Walt Monpetit, St. Paul, MN (US);
Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA, Pully, CH;
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.