Abstract: A pressurizable container has a removable cover. The removable cover has locking elements to maintain the cover sealed to the container when the container is pressurized. The locking device is a piston received in a cylinder, and the cylinder communicates with the interior of the container. When the container is pressurized, the pressure fluid forces the piston and its associated locking bolt into a position such that the bolt passes through a wall of the container and a wall of the removable cover, locking the cover to the container. It is also possible to draw a vacuum on the container when the container is used as a sterilizing device.

Abstract: A transfer vessel for transporting a specimen between two vacuum apparatuses while maintaining the specimen under a high vacuum. The device has a hermetic container for accommodating a specimen removed from a vacuum apparatus and for supporting the specimen. A pressure reducing device reduces the pressure in the hermetic container by adsorbing a gaseous matter contained therein.

Abstract: The disclosed pressurized vessel has a door seal which is pressurized by a steam supply. A diaphragm actuated solenoid valve is connected between the steam supply and the door seal. The diaphragm solenoid valve precludes the door seal from depressurizing unless the pressure within the vessel is within a preselected pressure tolerance. Also, a check valve is provided to preclude the door seal from completely depressurizing if the pressure at the steam supply is interrupted.

Abstract: An acrylic multifilamentary material possessing an internal structure which is well suited for thermal conversion to high strength carbon fibers is formed via a specifically defined combination of processing conditions. The acrylic polymer while in substantially homogeneous admixture with appropriate concentrations (as defined) of C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 nitroalkane and water is melt extruded and is drawn at a relatively low draw ratio which is substantially less than the maximum draw ratio achievable. During the melt extrusion a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 monohydroxy alkanol preferably also is present in the substantially homogenous admixture. The fibrous material which is capable of readily undergoing drawing next is passed through a heat treatment zone wherein the evolution of residual nitroalkane, monohydroxy alkanol and water takes place.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container for surgical instruments comprising a bottom part and a lid sealingly positionable thereon, with a seal made of an elastically deformable material extending around the lid along the outer circumference thereof and being fixed to the lid by means of a profiled strip, in order to effect a simplified attachment of the profiled strip to the lid without changing the lid, it is proposed that the profiled strip consist of a plastic material with a hard rating and be adhesively bonded to the inside of the lid.

Abstract: A laminated fabric having a face layer of plush fabric, an intermediate layer of foam material and a bottom layer of scrim fabric having an elasticity of at least 100% in the warp and fill or course direction of the fabric.

Abstract: A sterilization container is provided with relatively large top and bottom apertures to allow hot steam to rapidly pervade the interior of the container through the top while flushing cool air out the bottom. The apertures are provided with pressure actuated valves with large cross sections to minimize impedance to gas flow when the valves are open. The pressure-sensitive elements of the valves are set such that the valves close to seal the apertures when the external pressure is at atmospheric, and rapidly open fully when the pressure begins to rise in the autoclave as steam is admitted at the start of a sterilization cycle. When the external pressure is returned to atmospheric at the end of the cycle, the pressure-actuated valves close to provide a sealed container for removal from the autoclave.

Abstract: A high pressure reaction vessel has a container portion and a removable head portion which houses a flow channel or channels, valve members and valve operators and which seals and covers the container portion. Each channel terminates at a tapered valve seat angled at at least 36.degree. with respect to the horizontal and each of the valve members is provided with a mating tapered surface which is wedged more tightly within the valve seat as pressure within the vessel increases. A port and a chute are provided for introducing a particulate solid feed through at least one of the channels into the interior of the vessel. In one embodiment a dip tube depends from a second valve seat (in communication with a second channel) and extends to a point adjacent the bottom of the container portion.

Abstract: A reactor for chlorinating rubber has an inlet opening which closely surrounds the rubber material entering the reactor therethrough, and hence any tendency for escape of chlorine is countered by absorption of that chlorine by the entering completely non-chlorinated rubber. The chlorinated rubber emerging from the outlet opening of the chamber is immersed in water before leaving the reactor and hence the outlet is sealed, by the water, against escape of the chlorine treatment gas. The rubber and chlorine displacements through the reactor are counter current to one another.

Abstract: A soft nonwoven web of entangled fibers or filaments having a pattern of fused bond areas and a stretched, loopy filament configuration outside of the patterned bond areas. The result is a soft web with high bulk that retains to a high degree the original bonded strength properties. In one embodiment, product may be obtained by pattern bonding a meltblown microfiber web under conditions of heat and pressure and then stretching the web under controlled conditions up to preferably about 140% of its original dimension in at least one direction. When relaxed, the stretched filaments bulk and loop except in the fused bond areas where they retain bonding properties. Preferred stretching conditions include room temperature and the use of draw rolls at speed differentials producing the desired stretch. Examples of thermoplastics polymers useful in accordance with the invention include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters and polyamides, as well as copolymers and polymer blends.

Abstract: A fail-safe device for a pressure vessel includes a blocking device for a lid thereof, which blocking device is locked by means of a first locking device sensing the internal pressure in the vessel. This device in its turn is provided with a second locking device which works independently by sensing pressure or temperature inside the vessel and locks the first locking device in its locked position whenever pressure or temperature is dangerously high inside the vessel. The object is to assure a safe closing of the lid which is both foolproof and fail-safe.

Abstract: An apparatus for blood sample treatment involves lysis, filtration and culture, the apparatus being in the form of a unitary culture chamber assembly consisting of an upper chamber for receiving a blood sample, this upper chamber receiving lysing solution squeezed from an attached bag which is subsequently detached. The upper chamber is located over and is in telescopic engagement with a lower chamber having a pointed hollow needle engageable through a rubber diaphragm in the bottom of the upper chamber when the upper chamber is pressed down. This is done after complete blood lysis, and then vacuum is applied to the lower chamber to accomplish filtration. The lower chamber is then detached and discarded. The diaphragm is sealingly covered and an attached bag of culture medium is squeezed to introduce the medium into the upper chamber from the bag. This second bag is detached, leaving the upper chamber as a complete blood culture system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

Abstract: Sealing means for maintaining a seal between a closed door of a sterilizer and a wall framing an opening into a sterilizer chamber, comprising an endless ring having elastic walls with an internal partition dividing the ring into two independently inflatable, expansible channels. A tube secured to a wall of the ring opens into each of the channels respectively, for independently inflating the channels. Elastic studs with enlarged heads are secured to one side of the ring for detachably engaging in holes in the open wall of the chamber. A pneumatic circuit including a source of compressed air may be connected to the two tubes and provided with a two-way valve for inflating either one of the two channels.

Abstract: A container is provided with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pressure drops to close the valve in the container. The container lid and gasket permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. A vacuum created in the container at the end of the sterilizing cycle holds the container lid in place and holds the valve closed.

Abstract: An autoclave comprises a long upwardly open channel-shaped vessel, a gas and pressure resistant lid closing the vessel, means for actuating the lid for simultaneously closing and opening the autoclave along its entire length, the structure of the vessel being unitary and supported at a plurality of locations along its length for permitting heat promoted variations in length of the autoclave.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing laboratory and hospital glassware, liquids, instruments, garments, contaminated animal wastes and bedding and the like, utilizing a sterilizer enclosure having a steam jacket surrounding the same and a vertically movable front door closure, wherein the door is vertically slideable in a track and is substantially restrained from outward movement by restraining means only at its upper and lower end, and including expandable seal members surrounding the sterilizer opening and opposite the door. The seal comprises two discrete segments, an inflatable member for displacing the sealing member against the door in sealing relationship therewith, and a sealing member. The construction is designed for maximum safety and ease of operation at minimum cost.