Abstract: A retort system includes a vessel defining an interior volume, and a product holding structure received within the interior volume. The product holding structure includes: one or more inlet openings that together define a first flow area for receiving heat exchange liquid and one or more outlet openings that together define a second flow area for outflow of heat exchange liquid, the second flow area being smaller than the first flow area for limiting flow of heat exchange liquid out of the product holding structure. A heat exchange liquid flow system that is configured to direct heat exchange liquid into the product holding structure causing the product holding structure to fill with heat exchange liquid to at least a submersion level above products within the product holding structure while a level of heat exchange liquid outside the product holding structure and within the interior volume remains below the submersion level.

Abstract: A retort system includes a vessel having an access opening accessible via a movable door, a basket supporting assembly within the vessel and along which container baskets are movable for loading into the vessel and unloading from the vessel and a heating system for heating containers for treatment within the vessel. A container basket load/unload system moves container baskets into the vessel and for moving container baskets out of the vessel, and includes a rigid chain unit aligned or alignable with the access opening such that a rigid chain can be moved along a chain feed path into the vessel via the access opening.

Abstract: A retort system includes a vessel having an access opening accessible via a movable door, a basket supporting assembly within the vessel and along which container baskets are movable for loading into the vessel and unloading from the vessel and a heating system for heating containers for treatment within the vessel. A container basket load/unload system moves container baskets into the vessel and for moving container baskets out of the vessel, and includes a rigid chain unit aligned or alignable with the access opening such that a rigid chain can be moved along a chain feed path into the vessel via the access opening.

Abstract: A retort system for heating product to a specified temperature for sterilization is provided. The system includes a vessel having an associated liquid spraying system where one or more baffles are provided to disrupt sprays from nozzles.

Abstract: A retort system for heating product to a specified temperature for sterilization is provided. The system includes a vessel having an associated heating system. A frame within the vessel for securing the baskets during reciprocation of the baskets may include a progressive latch mechanism. A roller arrangement for supporting baskets within the vessel may include both a plurality of transfer rollers and a plurality of support rollers.

Abstract: A retort system for heating product to a specified temperature for sterilization is provided. The system includes a vessel having an associated heating system. A frame within the vessel for securing the baskets during reciprocation of the baskets may include a progressive latch mechanism. A roller arrangement for supporting baskets within the vessel may include both a plurality of transfer rollers and a plurality of support rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt having rodless, living hinges and a method for making such a belt. One version of the belt has spaced apart belt modules joined by tension members spanning the gaps between consecutive modules. The tension members bend in the gaps to allow the belt to articulate. Resilient fillers encapsulate the tension members and, together with top surfaces of the modules, form a generally continuous article-contacting belt surface. The belt may be made by molding the rigid belt modules and the resilient fillers onto an arrangement of elongated tension members.

Abstract: A conveyor belt having rodless, living hinges and a method for making such a belt. One version of the belt has spaced apart belt modules joined by tension members spanning the gaps between consecutive modules. The tension members bend in the gaps to allow the belt to articulate. Resilient fillers encapsulate the tension members and, together with top surfaces of the modules, form a generally continuous article-contacting belt surface. The belt may be made by molding the rigid belt modules and the resilient fillers onto an arrangement of elongated tension members.