Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes – Forming continuous or indefinite length work – Shaping by extrusion
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-01-30
Silbaugh, Jan H. (Department: 1732)
Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes
Forming continuous or indefinite length work
Shaping by extrusion
C264S320000, C264S331110, C264S328100, C198S850000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06180039
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates generally to the treatment of polymeric materials to impart germicidal properties thereto. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating polymeric materials used in the fabrication of conveyor components employed in the food handling industry in order to impart germicidal properties thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to employ conveyor systems in food processing environments. The surfaces of these conveyor systems are subject to contamination by various types of microbes and bacteria which gives rise to a health hazard in the transportation of food. This can result in the food having to be destroyed and well as other health problems which, in turn, gives rise to increased costs of operation. A need exists, therefore, for a way of protecting conveyor systems and conveyor components used in the food handling industry from bacterial and microbial growth to thereby provide safe and hygienic surfaces. The present invention seeks to meet that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition suitable for use in the fabrication of conveyor components in order to impart germicidal properties thereto, comprising a polymerized salt of a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveyor component having germicidal properties comprising a solid unitary polymeric material and a polymerized salt of a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent distributed uniformly throughout the body of the polymeric material.
In accordance with a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for fabricating a solid unitary conveyor component having germicidal properties, in which a blend of a polymeric material and a composition comprising a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent is molded to form the solid unitary component with the germicidal agent distributed uniformly throughout the body of the component.
Use of the compositions of the invention in the molding of conveyor components results in chemcial grafting of the germicidal agent to the polymer material to bond the germicidal agent thereto. As a result, the germicidal agent does not migrate out of the polymeric material, and the useful life of the germicidally protected conveyor components of the invention is thereby extended.
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Horowitz Carl
Kamruzzaman Mohammed
Ramsey Earl A.
Sanduja Mohan L.
Thottathil Paul
Eashoo Mark
Nixon & Vanderhye
Rainbow Industrial Products Corp.
Silbaugh Jan H.
LandOfFree
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