Ice maker contamination control system

Abstract

An ice maker contamination control system is disclosed for decontaminating components of an ice maker, and in particular, components of an ice formation housing. The ice maker contamination control system may be configured to kill fungi, bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold. The ice maker contamination control system may include at least one ultraviolet light source adapted to be positioned in an ice formation housing of an ice maker for emitting ultraviolet light in the ice formation housing. A reflective covering adapted to be attached to at least a portion of internal surfaces exposed to the at least one ultraviolet light sources. A combined ultraviolet light mounting bracket and reflector may be included for supporting the at least one ultraviolet source in the ice formation housing of the ice maker.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 022,666, filed Jan. 22, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This disclosure is directed generally to ice makers, and more particularly, to contamination control systems for ice makers.BACKGROUND[0003]Organic contamination, such as algal, fungal, bacterial, and viral contamination, of the re-circulating water system and ice production components is a widespread problem in ice making machines and is a potential source of contamination of the ice produced. Organic growth has been found growing in water sumps, ice production trays, and ice bins as well as the internal surfaces of the system. This contamination if un-checked can contribute to illnesses and diseases from the ingestion of the contaminated ice.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]An ice maker contamination control system is disclosed for applicati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The ice maker contamination control system include a method of reducing ambient contamination through the combination of ultraviolet light spectrums emitted by the ultraviolet light source. The combination of ultraviolet spectrums produces an ultraviolet oxidative effect that increases the ultraviolet radiation's reactivity with ambient contaminants upon which the ultraviolet light may not shine on directly.

[0010]An advantage of this invention is that the ice maker contamination control system controls organic contamination that can occur within the confines of the ice maker and internal cavity. In particular, the ice maker contamination control system kills fungi, bacteria, yeast and mold and other contaminants on components of an ice maker within an ice formation housing.

Problems solved by technology

Organic contamination, such as algal, fungal, bacterial, and viral contamination, of the re-circulating water system and ice production components is a widespread problem in ice making machines and is a potential source of contamination of the ice produced.

This contamination if un-checked can contribute to illnesses and diseases from the ingestion of the contaminated ice.

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