Method and apparatus for a UV light disinfection system

An ultraviolet light disinfection apparatus for a produce product comprising:

• an ultraviolet light source for a disinfecting illumination of a produce product;
• a conveyor for receiving the produce product, the conveyor for moving the produce product into a proximity of the ultraviolet light source;
• an automatic actuator for maintaining the ultraviolet light source at a predetermined level, the produce product having a top height and the predetermined level defined by a separation distance between the top height and the ultraviolet light source;
• and
• a height sensor for detecting the top height of the produce product, the automatic actuator responsive to the height sensor to maintain the ultraviolet light source at the predetermined level.

A process for an ultraviolet light disinfection of a produce product comprising the steps of:

• a) moving a produce product into proximity of an ultraviolet light source;
• b) illuminating an exterior surface of the produce product with an ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source;
• c) rotating the produce product to illuminate substantially all of the exterior surface of the produce product;
• d) disinfecting the exterior surface of the produce product as the produce product is rotated and illuminated by the ultraviolet light source;
• e) detecting a top height of the produce product;
• and
• f) maintaining the ultraviolet light source at a preselected level above the top height of the produce product.

A process for an ultraviolet light disinfection of a produce product comprising the steps of:

• a) moving a produce product into a proximity of an ultraviolet light source;
• b) detecting a top height of the produce product;
• c) maintaining the ultraviolet light source at a preselected level above the top height of the produce product;
• and
• d) illuminating and disinfecting the produce product.