Control method for electron beam sterilizing device and device performing said method
First Claim
1. An electron beam sterilizing device for sterilizing packages or a packaging laminate for forming packages, the electron beam sterilizing device comprising;
- an electron-generating filament,a grid electrode connected to a voltage source,a beam-shaper,an output window,a high-voltage supply, configured to create a high-voltage potential between the electron-generating filament and the output window, for accelerating electrons to sterilize the packages or the packaging laminate,a high-voltage supply for driving current through the electron-generating filament,a control unit for controlling the operation of the electron beam sterilizing device,the electron beam sterilizing device having at least three operational states comprising;
an OFF-state, where there is no drive current through the electron-generating filament,an ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a temperature above the emission temperature so as to generate electrons for sterilizing the packages or the packaging laminate, anda standby state, between the OFF-state and ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a predetermined temperature just below the emission temperature,wherein the control unit controls the device to assume the ON-state to generate electrons to sterilize the packages or the packaging laminate during relative movement between the output window and the packages or the packaging laminate, and controls the device to assume the standby state during a standstill of the packages or the packaging laminate being sterilized.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electron beam sterilizing device, comprises: an electron-generating filament; a beam-shaper; an output window; a high-voltage supply, capable of creating a high-voltage potential between the electron-generating filament and the output window, for acceleration of electrons; a high-voltage supply for driving current through the electron-generating filament; a control unit for controlling the operation of the electron beam sterilizing device. The electron beam sterilizing device has at least three operational states which include: an OFF-state, where there is no drive current through the electron-generating filament; an ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a temperature above the emission temperature so as to generate electrons for sterilization; and a standby state, between the OFF-state and ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a predetermined temperature just below the emission temperature. The control unit controls the device to assume the standby state.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electron beam sterilizing device for sterilizing packages or a packaging laminate for forming packages, the electron beam sterilizing device comprising;
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an electron-generating filament, a grid electrode connected to a voltage source, a beam-shaper, an output window, a high-voltage supply, configured to create a high-voltage potential between the electron-generating filament and the output window, for accelerating electrons to sterilize the packages or the packaging laminate, a high-voltage supply for driving current through the electron-generating filament, a control unit for controlling the operation of the electron beam sterilizing device, the electron beam sterilizing device having at least three operational states comprising; an OFF-state, where there is no drive current through the electron-generating filament, an ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a temperature above the emission temperature so as to generate electrons for sterilizing the packages or the packaging laminate, and a standby state, between the OFF-state and ON-state, where the electron-generating filament is kept at a predetermined temperature just below the emission temperature, wherein the control unit controls the device to assume the ON-state to generate electrons to sterilize the packages or the packaging laminate during relative movement between the output window and the packages or the packaging laminate, and controls the device to assume the standby state during a standstill of the packages or the packaging laminate being sterilized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An electron beam sterilizing device for sterilizing packages or a packaging laminate for forming packages, the electron beam sterilizing device comprising:
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a housing in which is located a vacuum chamber, the housing comprising an exit window; a filament positioned in the vacuum chamber of the housing; a power supply connected to the filament to drive current through the filament and generate electrons to sterilize the packages or the packaging laminate; a voltage supply configured to create a voltage potential between the filament and the exit window to accelerate the electrons generated by the filament, with the accelerated electrons passing out of the housing through the exit window to effect sterilization of the packages or the packaging laminate; and control means for controlling operation of the electron beam sterilizing device to operate the electron beam sterilizing device in at least three operational states, the three operational states comprising; a first state in which drive current is not delivered to the filament from the power supply; a second state in which drive current is delivered to the filament from the power source to maintain the filament at a temperature above an emission temperature at which the filament generates electrons; and a third state, between the first state and the second state, in which drive current is delivered to the filament from the power source to maintain the filament at a temperature below the emission temperature; wherein the control means controls the electron beam sterilizing device to operate in the third state during stand still periods. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of controlling sterilization of a package or a packaging laminate for forming packages through use of an electron beam sterilizing device, the electron beam sterilizing device comprising a housing in which is positioned a filament connected to a power supply, the housing possessing an exit window, the method comprising:
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positioning the package or the packaging laminate at the exit window while drive current, sufficient to cause the filament to generate and emit electrons, is delivered to the filament from the power supply, with the electrons generated by the filament passing through the exit window and impinging on a surface of the package or the packaging laminate as an electron beam to sterilize the surface of the package or the packaging laminate; and during a standstill, continuing to deliver drive current from the power supply to the filament but at a reduced level insufficient for the filament to generate and emit electrons. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification