Refrigeration – Processes – Deodorizing – antisepticizing or providing special atmosphere
Utility Patent
1999-04-16
2001-01-02
Tapolcai, William E. (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Processes
Deodorizing, antisepticizing or providing special atmosphere
C062S344000
Utility Patent
active
06167711
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method for making ice, transporting the ice to a remote location and sanitizing the ice transportation system. Specifically, the invention relates to introducing ozone gas into the ice transportation system and maintaining the ozone gas in the system for a sufficient time and at a sufficient concentration to sanitize the ice transportation system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Delivery systems for transporting ice from an ice source to a remote location are known. Typically, ice is made in the form of cubes by an ice maker. Then, the ice cubes are transported by the delivery system from the ice maker to a physically remote storage location. This storage location allows the ice to be used in conjunction with water, soft drink or other beverage dispensers.
In existing ice transportation or delivery systems, the delivery tube through which the ice is transported may become relatively moist or wet. This can be caused, in part, by some of the ice melting during conveyance or smaller chips of ice breaking off and then subsequently melting. A relatively wet, moist environment can be conducive to the growth of bacteria. The presence of bacteria in the delivery system is not desirable since it is possible that bacteria may come into contact with ice transported through the system. Consequently, a need exists for an effective method of sanitizing the distribution lines in an ice transportation system.
A practical and efficient ice delivery system that includes a sanitizing system that does not require the ice delivery system to be shut down and disassembled is needed, since completely shutting down the system is disruptive, inefficient and not otherwise desirable.
Disassembly and reassembly of the system is obviously inconvenient, time and labor intensive and results in substantial downtime. Moreover, even after completing the sanitation process and reassembling the equipment, the first batch of transported ice may have an unpleasant flavor or otherwise be wasted if residual amounts of the sanitizing agent are still in the lines. With ice, customers can often taste even a small amount of a foreign substance.
A need exists for a convenient and minimally labor intensive method for sanitizing an ice transportation system. A need also exists for a method and system for sanitizing all exposed surfaces in an ice transportation system.
For purposes of the present invention, the term “ice cube” includes all types, sizes and shapes of ice, including cubes, lumps and flakes. The term “ice cube” is also intended to include crushed ice.
For purposes of the present invention, the term “sanitizing” means the killing of bacteria, and as known to those skilled in the art, does not necessarily require the complete elimination of bacteria.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for making and transporting ice to a remote location through a sanitized delivery system for storage or immediate use of the ice and sanitizing the ice delivery system in place. Typically, an ice storage container will be present at the remote location. The ice delivery system is sanitized by introducing ozone gas into the ice distribution system. The ozone gas is introduced in gaseous form into the atmosphere of the delivery system, which atmosphere typically will be ordinary air. By introducing the ozone in that manner, the ice delivery system can be readily sanitized in place without the necessity of disassembling or even shutting down the ice making and delivery system. Typically, the ice delivery system propels the ice by forced air or by mechanical conveyance structure.
The ozone gas may be introduced into the system by any suitable method, such as injection or introduction with an air blower or a venturi, for example. The ozone gas is then maintained in the ice distribution system for a sufficient time and at a sufficient concentration to sanitize the system. After sanitation, the ice distribution system will be substantially free of bacteria in the distribution system.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the interior exposed surfaces of the remote ice storage containers, which may be refrigerated, are also sanitized. After prolonged use, the remote ice storage containers also may become moist or wet during use, potentially could have bacteria present because, for example, the container interior is exposed to the outside atmosphere such as when ice is removed by a person. When the ozone gas is introduced into the system, it may be injected and maintained in the remote storage container to sanitize the interior exposed surfaces of the storage container.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the ice distribution system is sanitized regularly by periodic injection of ozone gas at predetermined time or ice delivery cycles. Thus, the sanitation process is periodically activated after a predetermined amount of time, such as about every 2-24 hours (for example, every 2, 4, 12 or 24 hours) or quantity of ice between cycles, such as after every 1 to 50 delivery cycles (for example, 1, 2, 5, 10 or 50 delivery cycles). In addition, an ozone concentration sensing device may be provided to monitor the concentration of ozone in the delivery system during the sanitizing cycle to ensure that a desired concentration of ozone for sanitizing is attained and for the desired time period.
In another aspect of the present invention, ozone gas is continuously injected into the ice distribution system, even when ice is being transported. This prevents bacteria from accumulating in the ice distribution system.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the sanitation process is operated without any disassembly or shutting down of the ice distribution system. The ozone gas can be injected into the distribution lines at any time, such as between distribution cycles or even when the ice is being conveyed.
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Coffey Jim L.
Slattery Larry
Restaurant Technology, Inc.
Ryndak & Lyerla
Tapolcai William E.
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