Abstract: A vessel comprises a cylindrical shell, which has a horizontal axis. A row of outlet openings communicate with the interior of the vessel and are spaced apart along the lowermost generatrix of the shell. An outlet manifold extends outside the vessel and communicates with said outlet openings. A row of inlet openings communicate with the interior of the vessel and are spaced apart along a second generatrix of the shell. The second generatrix is angularly spaced from the lowermost generatrix by a central angle up to 50.degree.. An inlet manifold extends outside the vessel. A plurality of pipelines are provided, each of which connects the inlet manifold to one of the inlet openings. The vessel is included in an autoclave system, which comprises a recirculating system, which connects the outlet manifold to the inlet manifold and incorporates a heater for heating liquid and a circulating pump for recycling liquid from the outlet manifold through the heater to the inlet manifold.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel elongated side members are angularly spaced apart on an imaginary cylindrical surface and have first and second ends each. A first end-connecting assembly connects the first ends of the side members. A shaft-coupling sleeve is provided on the first end-connecting means and concentric with the cylindrical surface. At least one integral bearing race surrounds the side members and is axially spaced from said first end-connecting means. A second connecting assembly detachably connect the bearing race to the side members.

Abstract: The apparatus for heating foodstuffs or other substances disposed in cans (hereinafter also referred to as canned food) comprises a boiler and a quantity of flowable heating medium in the boiler and only partially filling the same, a heater to bring the flowable heating medium to a given temperature, a retaining means for at least one can disposed in the boiler, bearing means for the movable mounting of the retaining means in the boiler, drive means on the boiler to move the retaining means, the latter having a range of motion which is situated partially above and partially below the level of the flowable heating medium in the boiler, and also comprising an aperture in a boiler wall above the level and at a place adjacent the top range of motion of the retaining means, and comprising a closure flap for said aperture.