Arrangement on an ultraviolet sterilization system
First Claim
1. An ultraviolet sterilization system integrated within a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine, the packaging machine processing a series of containers along a linear path, the ultraviolet sterilization system comprising:
- an ultraviolet lamp disposed above the linear path of the series of containers to thereby irradiate each of the series of containers;
a power supply for providing voltage to the ultraviolet lamp in order to activate the ultraviolet lamp;
an ignitor in voltage communication with the ultraviolet lamp and the power supply, the ignitor providing a higher voltage to the ultraviolet lamp for activation of the ultraviolet lamp under conditions which would prevent activation of the ultraviolet lamp with only voltage from the power supply; and
a monitor adapted to monitor the intensity of the ultraviolet lamp for changes in a predetermined intensity of the ultraviolet lamp, the monitor including an enclosed cavity mounted in relation to the ultraviolet lamp, the enclosed cavity having a window transparent to the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet lamp and a photodiode disposed within the enclosed cavity, the photodiode configured to sense a portion of the ultraviolet radiation transmitted through the window.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An arrangement for an ultraviolet sterilization system disposed on a packaging machine for processing a series of cartons is disclosed herein. The system may have an ignitor for expediting the commencement of the ultraviolet lamp. Additionally, the system may have an ultraviolet monitor for monitoring the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation being directed to a series of cartons being processed on the packaging machine. The monitor will alert an operator to a change in the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation thereby ensuring properly sterilized cartons.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. An ultraviolet sterilization system integrated within a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine, the packaging machine processing a series of containers along a linear path, the ultraviolet sterilization system comprising:
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an ultraviolet lamp disposed above the linear path of the series of containers to thereby irradiate each of the series of containers; a power supply for providing voltage to the ultraviolet lamp in order to activate the ultraviolet lamp; an ignitor in voltage communication with the ultraviolet lamp and the power supply, the ignitor providing a higher voltage to the ultraviolet lamp for activation of the ultraviolet lamp under conditions which would prevent activation of the ultraviolet lamp with only voltage from the power supply; and a monitor adapted to monitor the intensity of the ultraviolet lamp for changes in a predetermined intensity of the ultraviolet lamp, the monitor including an enclosed cavity mounted in relation to the ultraviolet lamp, the enclosed cavity having a window transparent to the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet lamp and a photodiode disposed within the enclosed cavity, the photodiode configured to sense a portion of the ultraviolet radiation transmitted through the window. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification