Abstract: An observable optical lamp status display system is provided for an ultraviolet irradiation lamp concealed from view. An external lamp status display panel that is within the field of view of an observer registers the operating status of each ultraviolet light irradiation lamp in an array of irradiation lamps. A separate fiberoptic lamp status display filament extends between each ultraviolet radiation lamps and the display panel. The lamp status display filament has a first end terminated in optical communication with the ultraviolet lamp and an opposite end that terminates at an optical sensor in the lamp status display panel. An observer can determine whether or not a lamp is operating simply by observing the output of the optical sensor in the display panel for each lamp operated.

Abstract: An observable optical lamp status display system is provided for an ultraviolet irradiation lamp concealed from view. An external lamp status display panel that is within the field of view of an observer registers the operating status of each ultraviolet light irradiation lamp in an array of irradiation lamps. A separate fiberoptic lamp status display filament extends between each ultraviolet radiation lamps and the display panel. The lamp status display filament has a first end terminated in optical communication with the ultraviolet lamp and an opposite end that terminates at an optical sensor in the lamp status display panel. An observer can determine whether or not a lamp is operating simply by observing the output of the optical sensor in the display panel for each lamp operated.

Abstract: An observable optical lamp status display system is provided for an ultraviolet irradiation lamp concealed from view. An external lamp status display panel that is within the field of view of an observer registers the operating status of each ultraviolet light irradiation lamp in an array of irradiation lamps. A separate fiberoptic lamp status display filament extends between each ultraviolet radiation lamps and the display panel. The lamp status display filament has a first end terminated in optical communication with the ultraviolet lamp and an opposite end that terminates in the lamp status display panel. An observer can determine whether or not a lamp is operating simply by observing whether or not light emanates from the end of the lamp status display filament in the display panel for each lamp operated.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system for irradiating articles with ultraviolet radiation that are transported through an irradiation tunnel along a longitudinal article treatment path from a tunnel entrance to a tunnel exit employing a conveyor system. Ultraviolet irradiation sources are located within the tunnel, both above and below the article treatment path. The conveyor system includes at least two different sequential segments that contact different laterally separated locations on the articles to be treated from beneath. The points of contact between the different segments of the conveyor system are offset in a lateral or transverse direction so that all locations on the articles are left unobscured from beneath at some location on the treatment path. As a consequence, all downwardly facing surfaces of the articles carried on the conveyor system are exposed to radiation from beneath.

Abstract: A NEMA 4 watertight irradiation apparatus is provided for irradiating food and pharmaceutical packaging. The irradiation apparatus employs a microwave excited ultraviolet radiation generator that includes an electrodeless lamp that produces ultraviolet radiation. The UV radiation generator is enclosed within a watertight housing having a floor in which an irradiation window opening is defined. A quartz window is mounted in a frame at the window opening at the bottom of the housing. The quartz window allows UV radiation from the microwave powered UV lamp of the ultraviolet radiation generator to pass from the lamp to the target area, which is typically a moving conveyor belt located beneath the housing. Inlet and outlet air ducts in the removable lid of the housing circulate ambient air to cool both the magnetron and the lamp of the UV radiation generator. The irradiation apparatus of the invention meets NEMA 4 standards for a watertight apparatus.