Produce washing system utilizing multiple energy sources
First Claim
1. A method of cleaning produce, comprising the steps of:
- immersing the produce in an energizing bath;
subjecting the produce to an alternating electrical waveform for a predetermined period of time in the energizing bath; and
subjecting the produce to an ultrasonic waveform to vibrate the produce for a predetermined period of time in the energizing bath, wherein the combination of the ultrasonic waveform and the electrical waveform applies sufficient energy to decouple and neutralize pathogens and other contaminants existing on the produce.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A produce cleaning system (20) and process (10) that employs plural forms of energy in an ionic liquid-based washing system (22, 24, 26) is described. The washing system (22, 24, 26) includes employing solvents and solutes in the wash bath (24) which promote the conduction of electrical energy. The electrical energy can be applied to the produce in the wash bath (24) in various waveforms, such as a modulating wave superimposed on a carrier wave. Additionally, ultrasonic energy is employed to provide high-frequency mechanical pressure waves against the produce. The electrical energy and the mechanical energy combine to produce energy in the applicable resonant frequency range that acts to destroy or transform pathogens, dirt and synthetic molecules that may exist on the produce to either destroy them or render them harmless.
108 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of cleaning produce, comprising the steps of:
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immersing the produce in an energizing bath;
subjecting the produce to an alternating electrical waveform for a predetermined period of time in the energizing bath; and
subjecting the produce to an ultrasonic waveform to vibrate the produce for a predetermined period of time in the energizing bath, wherein the combination of the ultrasonic waveform and the electrical waveform applies sufficient energy to decouple and neutralize pathogens and other contaminants existing on the produce. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of cleaning produce, comprising the steps of:
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immersing the produce in a liquid-based bath;
subjecting the produce to an ultrasonic waveform to apply mechanical vibrations to the produce in the bath for a predetermined period of time; and
sweeping the ultrasonic waveform between a first ultrasonic frequency and a second ultrasonic frequency so as to decouple and disintegrate a range of various pathogens and contaminants having different sizes that may exist on the produce, and wherein the step of sweeping the ultrasonic waveform between the first frequency and the second frequency includes ramping the ultrasonic waveform in a step like manner where each successive step is at a higher frequency and is maintained at that step for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification