# US 11,432,559 B2 · Closed loop recycling system and dip tank for antimicrobial compounds > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,432,559 B2 - Document ID: US11432559B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/935,176 - Filed: 2018-03-26 - Published: 2018-07-26 - Granted: 2022-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2014-10-09 - Assignees: Safe Foods Corporation - Applicants: Safe Foods Corporation - Inventors: Justin Massey; Tim Yeaman - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11432559B2 ## CPC - A23B 4/22: Microorganisms; Enzymes; {Antibiotics} - A23B 2/001: {Details of apparatus, e.g. pressure feed valves or for transport, or loading or unloading manipulation} - A23B 2/725: in the form of liquids or solids - A23B 2/771: Organic compounds containing hetero rings - A23B 2/792: Apparatus for preserving using liquids - A23B 4/30: by spraying of liquids - B01D 29/03: self-supporting - B01D 29/605: {by level measuring} - B01D 33/06: with rotary cylindrical filtering surfaces, e.g. hollow drums (B01D33/044 takes precedence {; rotating drums for paper-making D21B}) - B01D 33/11: arranged for outward flow filtration - B01D 33/48: by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps - B01D 35/30: Filter housing constructions - A23V 2002/00: Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs - B01D 2029/033: {bar screens} - A23B: PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - A23V: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION ## Abstract A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An antimicrobial application system, comprising: a tank comprising a liquid antimicrobial solution; a conveyor to convey food items through the tank, such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution; at least two discharge nozzles for spraying liquid antimicrobial solution into the tank, wherein the discharge nozzles are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below a top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles; and a suction box comprising a sensor, wherein the suction box is engaged with and in fluid communication with the tank, and wherein the sensor measures a level of the liquid antimicrobial solution in the tank. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 1, wherein the suction box further comprises: a bottom wall; at least one side wall extending from the bottom wall; one or more drain holes through the bottom wall, the at least one side wall, or a combination thereof; and wherein the tank further comprises an aperture; and wherein a portion of the aperture is covered by the at least one side wall of the suction box. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 2, further comprising a filter screen disposed within the aperture. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 3, wherein the filter screen comprises a plurality of rods. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 3, wherein, the aperture has a first height and the filter screen has a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 2, further comprising a pump for withdrawing the liquid antimicrobial solution through the one or more drain holes. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a pressure transducer located in the bottom wall of the suction box. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 2, wherein the suction box comprises three side walls. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one side wall has a first height and the filter screen has a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises: an outlet section comprising a drip pan positioned to catch liquid antimicrobial solution that drips from the food items after the food items conveyed on the conveyor exit the liquid antimicrobial solution. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The antimicrobial application system according to claim 10, wherein the tank further comprises: a stop drip pan positioned to isolate a rinse solution applied to the food items in a rinse application from the liquid antimicrobial solution caught by the drip pan.