US4424188A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilization of packaging material
Assignee: International Paper Co
•
Filing: 1981-12-31
•
Granted: 1984-01-03
•
Expires: 2001-12-31
Abstract
Abstract A method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs. The method includes the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation. The bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order. The process of this invention can be applied to a moving web of packaging material. The moving web, after its sterilization treatment, can be fed through known machinery for forming, filling, and sealing of aseptic packages for foodstuffs.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. DiGeronimo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:30
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B55/00; B65B55/02; B65B55/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A chemical biocide-free method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation, whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A chemical biocide-free method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation, whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a sonication frequency of 20 KHz.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level of about 6.5 to 7 watts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration in the range of 1-60 seconds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration of about 15 seconds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation in the range of 250-270 nanometers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength 254 nanometers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said step (2) is carried out for a duration in the range of 2-15 seconds.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said step (2) is carried out for a duration of 10 seconds.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said packaging material is a laminate which includes at least one layer of paperboard.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 11 wherein said laminate comprises a first layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of paperboard, a second layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of metallic foil, a third layer of a thermoplastic material, and a fourth layer of a thermoplastic material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said first and fourth layers of thermoplastic materials are comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said second and third layers of thermoplastic material comprise an ionically cross-linked thermoplastic resin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said packaging material is in the form of a moving web of indefinite length.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said moving web is a laminate which includes at least one layer of paperboard.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said laminate comprises a first layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of paperboard, a second layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of metallic foil, a third layer of a thermoplastic material, and a fourth layer of a thermoplastic material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said first and fourth layers of thermoplastic materials are comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said second and third layers of thermoplastic material comprise an ionically cross-linked thermoplastic resin.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid medium of step (1) is water.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
151 words
A chemical biocide-free method for continuously sterilizing a packaging material in the form of a moving web of indefinite length, wherein said packaging material is employed subsequent to its sterilization to form a sealed package for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps (1) first sonicating at least one surface of the web by subjecting it to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, and (2) then irradiating the sonicated surface of the web by subjecting it to ultraviolet radiation, whereby at least one of said sonicated and irradiated surfaces of said web will form the interior, foodstuff-contacting surfaces of the sealed package to thereby provide an aseptic foodstuff package and whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
151 words
A chemical biocide-free method for continuously sterilizing a packaging material in the form of a moving web of indefinite length, wherein said packaging material is employed subsequent to its sterilization to form a sealed package for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps (1) first sonicating at least one surface of the web by subjecting it to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, and (2) then irradiating the sonicated surface of the web by subjecting it to ultraviolet radiation, whereby at least one of said sonicated and irradiated surfaces of said web will form the interior, foodstuff-contacting surfaces of the sealed package to thereby provide an aseptic foodstuff package and whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a sonication frequency of about 20 KHz.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of claims 21 and 22 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level of about 6.5 to 7 watts.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
21 words
The method of step 23 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration in the range of 1-60 seconds.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
21 words
The method of step 23 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration in the range of 1-60 seconds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration of about 15 seconds.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 250-270 nanometers.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 27 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said packaging material is a laminate which includes at least one layer of paperboard.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 29 wherein said laminate comprises a first, inner layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of paperboard, a second layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of metallic foil, a third layer of a thermoplastic material, and a fourth, exterior layer of a thermoplastic material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said first and fourth layers of thermoplastic materials are comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said second and third layers of thermoplastic material comprise an ionically cross-linked thermoplastic resin.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the liquid medium of step (1) is water.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 21 or 33 wherein said step (2)is carried out for a duration in the range of 2-15 seconds.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said step (2) is carried out for a duration of 10 seconds.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
132 words
A chemical biocide-free method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium for between 1 to 60 seconds, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, wherein the intensity of said ultrasonic vibrations is in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation for between 2 to 15 seconds, wherein said ultraviolet radiation is emitted in the range of 250 to 270 nanometers, whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
132 words
A chemical biocide-free method for sterilizing packaging material, the packaging material being employed subsequent to its sterilization for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting the packaging material to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium for between 1 to 60 seconds, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material, wherein the intensity of said ultrasonic vibrations is in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts, and (2) then subjecting the packaging material to ultraviolet radiation for between 2 to 15 seconds, wherein said ultraviolet radiation is emitted in the range of 250 to 270 nanometers, whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a sonication frequency of about 20 KHz.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 36 or 37 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level of about 6.5 to 7 watts.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 38 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration of about 15 seconds.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 40 wherein said packaging material is a laminate which includes at least one layer of paperboard.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said laminate comprises a first layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of paperboard, a second layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of metallic foil, a third layer of a thermoplastic material, and a fourth layer of a thermoplastic material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said first and fourth layers of thermoplastic materials are comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said second and third layers of thermoplastic material comprise an ionically cross-linked thermoplastic resin.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the liquid medium of step (1) is water.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
178 words
A chemical biocide-free method for continuously sterilizing a packaging material in the form of a moving web of indefinite length, wherein said packaging material is employed subsequent to its sterilization to form a sealed package for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting one surface of the web to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium wherein the intensity of said vibrations is in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts and wherein said vibrations are carried out for between 1-60 seconds, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material; and (2) then subjecting the said one surface of the web to ultraviolet radiation for between 2 to 15 seconds, wherein said ultraviolet radiation is emitted in the range of 250 to 270 nanometers, whereby said one surface of said web will form the interior, foodstuff-contacting surfaces of the sealed package and whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
178 words
A chemical biocide-free method for continuously sterilizing a packaging material in the form of a moving web of indefinite length, wherein said packaging material is employed subsequent to its sterilization to form a sealed package for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs, the method including the steps of (1) first subjecting one surface of the web to ultrasonic vibrations through a liquid medium wherein the intensity of said vibrations is in the range of 0.7 to 145 watts and wherein said vibrations are carried out for between 1-60 seconds, said liquid medium being substantially free of chemical biocidally active material; and (2) then subjecting the said one surface of the web to ultraviolet radiation for between 2 to 15 seconds, wherein said ultraviolet radiation is emitted in the range of 250 to 270 nanometers, whereby said one surface of said web will form the interior, foodstuff-contacting surfaces of the sealed package and whereby the bactericidal effect of steps (1) and (2) combined together as a sequence in the order recited is greater than if practiced in the reverse order.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a sonication frequency of about 20 KHz.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
24 words
The method of claims 46 or 47 wherein said step (1) is carried out at a power level of about 6.5 to 7 watts.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said step (1) is carried out for a duration of about 15 seconds.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said step (2) is carried out with ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 50 wherein said web of packaging material is a laminate which includes at least one layer of paperboard.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said laminate comprises a first, inner layer of a thermoplastic material, a layer of paperboard, a second layer of thermoplastic material, a layer of metallic foil, a third layer of a thermoplastic material, and a fourth, exterior layer of a thermoplastic material.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 52 wherein said first and fourth layers of thermoplastic materials are comprised of polyethylene.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 53 wherein said second and third layers of thermoplastic material comprise an ionically cross-linked thermoplastic resin.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the liquid medium of step (1) is water.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said step (2) is carried out for a duration of 10 seconds.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2138839A
Cited
US2417722A
Cited
US2647846A
Cited
GB671922A
Cited
US2578673A
Cited
US2717874A
Cited
US2746193A
Cited
US2904392A
Cited
US3091901A
Cited
US3230137A
Cited
US3248841A
Cited
US3385570A
Cited
US3481687A
Cited
US3305130A
Cited
US3513627A
Cited
FR2019704A1
Cited
US3672823A
Cited
US3737608A
Cited
US3697222A
Cited
US3708263A
Cited
US3904361A
Cited
US3789569A
Cited
US3912450A
Cited
US3884012A
Cited
US3929409A
Cited
US3994686A
Cited
US3970426A
Cited
US4121107A
Cited
US4175140A
Cited
US4035981A
Cited
US4193818A
Cited
US4211744A
Cited
US4289728A
Cited
GB2040150B
Cited
US4366125A
Cited
US4375145A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |