Ice Machine Cleaning System and Method of Use

Patent Number: US 10697690 Grant Date: 2020-06-30 Filing Date: 2018-11-07

Overview

This patent covers an integrated surface sanitizing system specifically engineered for ice machines. Filed in November 2018 and granted in June 2020, the disclosure describes an electromechanical assembly that uses a compact ion generation power module, brush-mounted bipolar‑ion emitters, and a clip‑in brush container to deliver targeted sanitization inside an ice maker. Inventors based in Amarillo, TX and assignee Air Oasis LLC designed the system for food‑grade, cold environments: the removable brush container and female containment features protect non‑food‑grade brush elements while enabling routine replacement and dishwasher‑safe cleaning. The specification documents food‑grade wiring and nylon components, adhesive or mechanical mounting options for secure installation, and measured ion output densities (about 200M positive and 200M negative ions per cm3 at ~1 inch) to reduce bacterial, fungal, and yeast colonies in enclosed ice‑machine compartments. The result is a practical, serviceable solution balancing electrical drive, mechanical retention, and hygienic materials selection.

Key Features

  • Clip‑in brush container for easy removal and sanitization
  • Brush cables and replaceable brush heads for field maintenance
  • Ion generation module tuned for high bipolar‑ion density near surfaces
  • Food‑grade wires and materials for compliance in cold food environments

By combining focused bipolar‑ion emission with modular mechanical design, this invention improves routine ice‑machine hygiene and addresses persistent biofilm and contamination risks common to food service and cold‑storage equipment.

Invention Details

Abstract: An surface sanitizing system for cleaning a portion of an ice machine with a bipolar ions, wherein, said surface sanitizing system comprises a plugs, a power lines, an ion generation power module, a two or more brush cables, a two brushes a brush container and a mounting clip. Said plugs selectively attaches to a power source and provides electricity for running said surface sanitizing system. Said power lines selectively attach said plugs to said ion generation power module. Said two or more brush cables selectively attach said ion generation power module to said two brushes. A female containment portions selectively holds said two brushes within a portion of said brush container. Said two brushes selectively attach to a portion of said two or more brush cables. Said brush container selectively clips into said mounting clip. Said mounting clip selectively attaches to a portion of an ice maker.

Summary of the Invention: An surface sanitizing system for cleaning a portion of an ice machine with a bipolar ions, wherein, said surface sanitizing system comprises a plugs, a power lines, an ion generation power module, a two or more brush cables, a two brushes a brush container and a mounting clip. Said plugs selectively attaches to a power source and provides electricity for running said surface sanitizing system. Said power lines selectively attach said plugs to said ion generation power module. Said two or more brush cables selectively attach said ion generation power module to said two brushes. A female containment portions selectively holds said two brushes within a portion of said brush container. Said two brushes selectively attach to a portion of said two or more brush cables. Said brush container selectively clips into said mounting clip. Said mounting clip selectively attaches to a portion of an ice maker. Said surface sanitizing system comprising a one or more steps comprising installing said mounting clip into a portion of said ice machine, installing a portion of said two brushes into said brush container, attaching said two brushes to said two or more brush cables, said two or more brush cables to said ion generation power module, said ion generation power module to said power lines, said power lines to said plugs, and said plugs to said power source, energizing said plugs with said power source, emitting said bipolar ions with said two brushes into a portion of said ice machine, and preventing the spread of unwanted bacteria, fungus, and yeast within a portion of said ice machine with said bipolar ions.
An surface sanitizing system for cleaning a portion of an ice machine with a bipolar ions, wherein, said surface sanitizing system comprises a plugs, a power lines, an ion generation power module, a two or more brush cables, a two brushes and a mounting clip.

Patent Document

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Related: Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Food Processing | Thermal Systems | Amarillo, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney