Technique for interior electron sterilization of an open mouthed container
AssigneeElectron Processing Systems, Inc.
InventorsSamuel V. Nablo, Denise A. Cleghorn
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Abstract
Commercial sterilization of the interior surfaces of containers, cups or bottles by the use of energetic electrons is accomplished by directing electrons of moderate energies through the open mouth of such containers. Electrons which would normally illuminate the container beyond the inner diameter of the neck opening may be absorbed by a suitable electron-absorbing and cooled mask positioned above the container neck.
Claims16
Method of electron sterilizing, disinfecting or sanitizing an electron opaque open-mouthed container having an interior surface and an upper exterior surface, comprising the following steps:
- producing a beam of electrons having an energy of the order of 100 keV, and
- conveying at least one open-mouthed container through said beam in an orientation such that said interior surface receives scattered electrons from said electron beam and sterlizes, sanitizes and/or disinfects said surface.
Method of curing electron polymerizable functional coatings applied or sprayed on the interior surfaces of a container, comprising the following steps:
- producing a beam of electrons having an energy of the order of 100 keV, and
- conveying at least one open-mouthed container through said beam in an orientation such that said interior surfaces receive scattered electrons from said electron beam and cures said coatings on said interior surfaces.
Apparatus for electron sterilizing an electron opaque open-mouthed container having an interior surface and an upper exterior surface, comprising in combination:
- means for producing a beam of electrons having an energy of the order of 100 keV, and
- means for conveying at least one open-mouthed container through said beam in an orientation such that said interior surface receives said electron beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.