Abstract: The invention relates to a method for characterizing the bioindicators in sterilization processes using an autoclave and the like, in which a bioindicator is kept in the same conditions as the sterilization chamber (2) and extracted after a predetermined time interval. For this purpose the chamber (2) has, passing through it, a tube (5) on the ends of which valves (8-9, 10-11) are mounted, said valves allowing the insertion, from above, of a bioindicator sample and its extraction from below, when required, without a significant loss of sterilizing agent. Alternatively, the duct (5) may also be arranged outside the sterilization chamber (2) and kept in communication therewith by a bypass connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve intended in particular for sanitary applications, comprising a body in which there are a first and a second perpendicular duct for the flow of a fluid to be shut off; a closure member acts in the valve body to close and open the first duct. The closure member is constituted by a central core with a flexible, circular ring extending around it and has a head having a diverging profile which closes and opens the first duct as a result of the action of the actuator means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for characterizing the bioindicators in sterilization processes using an autoclave and the like, in which a bioindicator is kept in the same conditions as the sterilization chamber (2) and extracted after a predetermined time interval. For this purpose the chamber (2) has, passing through it, a tube (5) on the ends of which valves (8-9, 10-11) are mounted, said valves allowing the insertion, from above, of a bioindicator sample and its extraction from below, when required, without a significant loss of sterilizing agent. Alternatively, the duct (5) may also be arranged outside the sterilization chamber (2) and kept in communication therewith by a bypass connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve intended in particular for sanitary applications, comprising a body in which there are a first and a second perpendicular duct for the flow of a fluid to be shut off; a closure member acts in the valve body to close and open the first duct. The closure member is constituted by a central core with a flexible, circular ring extending around it and has a head having a diverging profile which closes and opens the first duct as a result of the action of the actuator means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing solid matrices such as swarf from machining operations, bottles or other containers, contaminated with lubricating oils or similar substances, are described. The method is implemented with liquid CO2 which dissolves the organic substances and is then separated therefrom by evaporation; the evaporated CO2 is then compressed and condensed in order to recommence the cycle. An advantage of the method and apparatus is that some of the heat supplied to the CO2 for its evaporation and some of that removed for its condensation are obtained by providing for an exchange of heat between the evaporator and the condenser of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus which uses as operative fluid liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) or other dense-phase fluids such as ammonia or hydrocarbons. The apparatus may have various applications including the cleaning of garments and the degreasing of electronic or mechanical components; the apparatus comprises a cleaning chamber (1), basically formed by a pressurised container, and an installation for supplying the CO2 which includes a storage tank (30) and a distiller (31). Advantageously, in order to start a cleaning cycle, the chamber (1) is pressurised with gaseous CO2 taken from the tank and/or from the distiller which are then excluded from the path of the liquid CO2 used for the actual cleaning. The invention also comprises a special cleaning chamber (1) having a lid and a cylindrical jacket, that are provided with respective mating edges between which operates an improved seal suitable for preventing leakage of supercritical fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing and drying delicate components such as plugs for pharmaceutical use, or the like, formed by an autoclave chamber containing a substantially cylindrical rotating drum or basket with two helical members extending along the axis of the cylindrical basket, connecting an inlet opening with an outlet opening and projecting inside the basket, each being provided with a rounded internal edge and terminating in chutes emerging inside the outlet opening, the helical members thus formed enabling the plugs to be mixed when the basket rotates in one direction and to be unloaded from the basket when the latter rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating basket also being provided with a circumferential toothed rim which engages a gear wheel actuated by drive means to impart a rotary movement to the same and having inside at least one pipe arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder and provided with spray nozzles directed toward the plugs present inside the basket to allow