Abstract: An apparatus for treating a package container blank with a fluid is disclosed and includes a rotary portion provided with a plurality of chambers for receiving the blanks and a fixed portion having a stator surface that faces the rotary portion. The fixed portion is provided with an arrangement that opens to the stator surface for supplying fluid so that upon successive rotations of the rotary member, the chambers will successively align with the arrangement for supplying fluid so that fluid is thereby supplied to the chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as beakers, on a line of an aseptic food packaging machine has a sintered stainless steel tube (6) surrounded by an outer tube (7) which has a plurality of outlets (10). A source of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) (1) is vaporized by heated air (4) and passed into the sintered tube (6), from where it permeates to the outer tube (7) and via the outlets (10) to respective containers (18), to sterilize the containers. The combination of the sintered tube and outer tube serves to evenly distribute the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 vapor to evenly sterilize a row or beakers, indexed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A unitary tray base (10) includes a first region (20) and a second region (22) which are separated by a demarcation zone (16). Medical products (30) are received in pockets (32) of the first tray region. An ethylene oxide permeable lid portion (40) seals the first tray portion from the second tray portion and the ambient atmosphere. The tray and received medical products are sterilized with ethylene oxide or other sterilizing procedures. After the sterilization, a vial (50) of contrast agent, which cannot be present during the sterilizing, is placed in a pocket (50a) of the second tray portion. A second lid portion (52) seals the vial in the second tray portion. The lid portions are marked (60-68) to indicate that the contents of the first region are sterile and the contents of the second region are not.

Abstract: A container sterilization system adaptable to a forming, filling and sealing machine used to process containers for liquids or spoonable food products. The system is a single pass vapor generator including ductwork interconnecting a suitable blower for directing a flow through sterilization stations; a duct heater; a vapor generation stack; a suitable vapor delivery inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold; and a drying air inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold, with containers being conveyed laterally intermediate the inlet manifolds and the exhaust manifolds. The directed flow is a mixture of air, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and vaporized water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning and sterilizing machine for small articles, such as the closure elements for pharmaceutical containers. The machine consists of a treatment vessel which is mounted in a carrier to pivot through 180.degree. around a horizontal axis, which has a funnel-shaped lower portion comprising a closable discharge opening and to which supply and discharge lines for at least one treatment medium are connected. The discharge opening can be closed by a valve and is also constructed as a charging opening with a coupling member. Connectable in sealing-tight and supporting manner to said coupling member is a charging and discharging container for the articles to be treated which has a matching coupling member disposed at a charging and discharge opening closable by a valve in a funnel-shaped upper portion of the charging and discharge container.

Abstract: The device serves to sterilize the filler neck and stopper associated with non-rigid bags of the type utilized for packaging tomato juice and similar foodstuffs. The neck is inserted into a heated and temperature-regulated cylindrical housing provided internally with an array of nozzles from which sterilizer (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) is sprayed into the encompassed enclosure; sterilization is achieved as the atomized fluid condenses uniformly on contact with the colder surfaces of the mouth and stopper.

Abstract: An autoclave for sterilizing waste or the like has a stirrer and a loading opening. The loading opening is connected to a pressure lock, which has at least one filling opening to be closed in pressure-tight manner. The filling opening leads into at least one chamber provided in the pressure lock casing. This chamber forms part of a mechanism moving the chamber from a filling position connected to at least one filling opening into a loading position connected to the loading opening.

Abstract: A batch sterilization system is disclosed having a plurality of retorts mounted on at least one indexable turret which sequentially and simultaneously indexes one retort with a loader for receiving containers to be sterilized, while a second retort with sterilized containers therein is indexed with an unloader for unloading. A second embodiment includes a pair of loader/unloaders for loading and unloading a first product in first retorts and a second product in the other retorts.

Abstract: A batch sterilization system is disclosed for first loading containers to be sterilized into cars, transferring the loaded cars into one of a plurality of retorts arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, sterilizing the containers while in the retorts and discharging the containers from the cars, discharging the cars from the retort, unloading the cars and thereafter repeating the cycle. The system includes a plurality of single or double door retorts in horizontal and vertical rows thereby minimizing floor spaced. Different horizontally and vertically spaced retorts may process products requiring different sterilization times in the retorts. A programmable computer is preferably used for performing the several functions of the sterilization system and for keeping track of the location of the containers during and after processing.

Abstract: Large shipping containers used to hold bulk-packaged commodies, such as hay, can be efficiently fumigated of pests and vermin by means of an apparatus which includes a long, flexible chain or string of gas-permeable, solid fumigant holders, and a long, rigid pole or thrusting member. The holders are joined at predetermined intervals within the string by means of pre-cut lengths of rope or cord and the pole is attached to a distal-most one of the holders and used to thrust the string of holders into the container through its open end and into the headspace above the commodity to be fumigated. The pole is then detached from the string and removed from the container to leave the string in place. The container, is closed, and fumigation is accomplished by permitting the solid fumigant to react with ambient moisture within the container for the static time necessary to produce its toxic gas. After fumigation is complete, the string of holders may be emptied of residue and washed for reuse.

Abstract: A rotatable partition is provided to establish a sealing relationship between each pair of successive processes in a germ-free filling/packaging system or between a said processes and the outer air and a hollow cylinder containing therein this rotatable partition is provided with an inlet through which germ-free gas flows in and an outlet through which germ-free gas flows out. Floor(s) of a germicide mist fixing station and/or a germicide removing station, and/or conveyor arms is (are) provided heater elements.

Abstract: A sterilizing device which is specifically adaptable for use with tonometer tips of the removable type comprises a container for a disinfectant solution and has with an upper edge in surrounding relation to an opening into the interior thereof. A lid is disposed on the upper edge of the container with a plurality of spaced tip-supporting openings which releasably support one of the tonometer tips for downward extension from the lid into the solution in the container.

Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing a travelling material web comprises a chamber having an inlet and an outlet so that the material web can enter and exit the chamber. Constriction zones are arranged between the inlet and outlet and are connected to one another by an intermediate chamber portion. The constriction zones are designed so that the web material is just able to pass freely between the constriction zones. The intermediate chamber portion is connected to a gas source while each of the constriction zones are connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A method of treating a moving material web that is to be used in the fabrication of aseptic packages includes heating the material web prior to inserting the web into a heated bath of sterilizing agent so that when the web is inserted into the bath, the temperature of the web is at least equal to the temperature of the heated bath. The apparatus for carrying out that method includes a heating arrangement that is connected to a container that contains the heated bath of sterilizing agent. The container is positioned after the heating arrangement in the direction of movement of the material web. The heating arrangement includes a box and nozzles extending inwardly from the inner sides of the box. The nozzles are connected to a source of hot air and are adapted to blow hot air on both sides of the material web for heating the web.

Abstract: A container sterilization system adaptable to a forming, filling and sealing machine used to process containers for liquids or spoonable food products. The system is a closed loop system including ductwork interconnecting a suitable blower for directing through the closed loop a flow of a mixture of air, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and vaporized water; a duct heater; one of a vapor generation pool or a vapor generation stack with heat exchanger; a suitable vapor delivery inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold; and a drying air inlet manifold and an associated exhaust with containers being conveyed laterally intermediate the inlet manifolds and the exhaust manifolds.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing a hollow prism-shaped carton open at both ends includes a sterilizing station, a drying station, and a solution-removing station located between the sterilizing station and the drying station. The solution-removing station has a solution-removing device which rotates intermittently in synchronism with carton conveyers. The solution-removing device includes a plurality of thin and long mandrels extending in a radial direction and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. Each mandrel supports a carton and has a nozzle which supplies the aseptic air from an aseptic air source into the carton.

Abstract: There is described a cleaning apparatus, suitable for cleaning components for pharmaceutical containers, such as for example pharmaceutical closures, which comprises a plurality of processing chambers interconnectible by valve means capable of providing a bacteriological barrier between the first and last chambers. Typically, the apparatus may be arranged to wash, dry and sterilize the container components.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing containers, for example open-topped plastic pots for receiving foodstuffs, comprises an aerosol generator which atomizes a liquid sterilizing agent and subsequently entrains the droplets of sterilizing agent in a carrier gas stream for delivery to a corona discharge wherein a charge is imparted to the droplets. The apparatus also comprises means for establishing an electrostatic field about a container to be sterilized whereby the charged droplets will be directed to the surface of the container to form a uniform coating thereon. The efficiency of the apparatus is enhanced by switching the polarity of the electrostatic field, for example as a function of corona current and also by minimizing the possibility of liquid sterilizing agent collecting on surfaces of the apparatus and subsequently falling on a surface of a container being treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material, in particular packaging containers by means of a liquid sterilizing agent containing hydrogen peroxide, in which a mixture consisting of sterilizing agent and air is vaporized within a spray pipe (18) and guided positively within the spray pipe so that a very good vaporization capacity is achieved. In order to achieve this, a rotary flow movement along a central axis is imparted to the mixture of vapor and air by swirl bodies (19, 21) and coil spring inserts (22, 23) inserted alternately therewith inside the spray pipe (18) and the liquid which has not yet vaporized is given a flow direction in opposition to that of the main stream of the mixture and consequently a long residence time of the liquid on the pipe wall of the spray pipe (18) is achieved.

Abstract: Filters for the supply of inert gas to packing machines are sterilized by passing steam and sterile air through the filters via a number of ducts, valves and governors. A simple method for achieving the sterilization is obtained by sterilizing the filter jointly with the antiseptic packing machine which may be done by connecting one side of the filter in series to the circulation system of the machine for sterilization by a chemical sterilizing agent. In this way the abovementioned arrangement is simplified considerably in that a large number of valves and ducts becomes superfluous.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing packed foods includes a sterilizing chamber for storing packed foods therein, a jet pipe mounted onthe interior upper portion of the sterilizing chamber for jetting mixture of steam and compressed air, an ejector having an inlet port, a suction port and an outlet port and connected at the outlet port to the jet pipe for generating a suction force through a flow of mixture of steam and compressed air, a steam line connected to the inlet port of the ejector for supplying steam thereto, a circulation line connected at one end to the interior lower portion of the sterilizing chamber and at the other end to the suction part of the ejector, a drain line connected to the bottom of the sterilizing chamber for exhausting a part of the mixture of steam and compressed air, a heat exchanger interposed between the sterilizing chamber and the drain line, and a compressed air line connected to the inlet port of the ejector through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging a product in containers includes a sterilization station and a conveyor for intermittently conveying containers to the sterilization station. A vaporizing nozzle communicates with a reservoir of liquid disinfectant containing hydrogen peroxide and a source of compressed air. The nozzle is intermittently opened and closed whereby the compressed air vaporizes the disinfectant and a mixture of liquid disinfectant in fine droplets and compressed air is ejected when the nozzle is open. A tube is connected with its intake end at the nozzle and is disposed parallel to the jet emitted from the nozzle. A heater on the tube heats the inner surface of the tube to a temperature that is sufficient high to rapidly evaporate the disinfectant in the mixture. As a result a mixed flow of compressed air and evaporated disinfectant leaves the output end of the tube and enters the container in the sterilization station.

Abstract: A pasteurizing apparatus has a conveyor for longitudinally displacing containers to be pasteurized along a treatment path, a manifold extending longitudinally along the path between the path ends, and a multiplicity of longitudinally spaced sprayers connected to the manifold and directed transversely at the containers in the path, whereby each container passes under a succession of such sprayers while moving between the path ends. Conduits connected to the manifold at upstream and downstream locations and at a central location therebetween feed respective liquids at different temperatures to the locations and therethrough to the manifolds. A multiplicity of transverse partitions spaced axially along the manifold are each displaceable between a closed position substantially longitudinally blocking the manifold and an open position longitudinally unblocking it.

Abstract: A garbage truck for handling large trash bins has a system incorporated therein for cleaning and deodorizing the bins after they have been emptied. Immediately after a bin has been emptied into the garbage truck trash compactor and while it is in an inverted position, the bin is sprayed with hot water ejected from nozzles mounted on the truck to the rear of the compactor. This spraying operation is controlled from the cab of the truck and is continued long enough with a large enough volume of water to insure thorough cleaning of the bin. After the bin has been washed it is returned to its original position on the ground and sprayed with deodorant from jet nozzles mounted on the top of the truck cab, this operation also being controlled by an operator in the cab.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the interiors of paperboard containers, wherein such apparatus is operative prior to the container being mounted on a mandrel of a mandrel assembly on which the container bottom closures are formed, closed and sealed. This is accomplished by providing nebulizing means for communicating a suitable sterilant fog through and onto the inside surfaces of the carton blank from the time that it is removed from a magazine and while being opened into a four-sided tubular shape, thereby greatly increasing the total interior sterilizing time available prior to the container being filled downstream, as compared to conventional sterilization processes which are operative after the bottom panels of the carton have been closed and sealed. Heated air is supplied to each mandrel of the mandrel assembly and applied to the interior of the container while the container is mounted thereon.

Abstract: Open-topped containers are sterilized by employing an electrostatic field to insure complete coating of the interior surface of such containers with a sterilizing agent. The sterilizing agent is supplied in liquid form, ultrasonically atomized, the thus formed droplets entrained in a stream of carrier gas and an electrical charge imparted to the entrained droplets so that they will be influenced by the electrostatic field created in the containers.

Abstract: A process and for improving the automatic emptying and cleaning of hygienic vessels or receptacle under conditions providing for the optimum infeed of rinsing water and for a minimal water usage.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing can-sealed products, stored in aligned groups in a carrying basket for sterilization, uses loading and unloading conveyors for the systematic loading and unloading of alternating groups of canned products and partition panels, into and out of the basket. Pool conveyors on the entrance and exit sides of a sterilization unit for sterilizing the products, conveys and temporarily stop the basket prior to and after sterilization.

Abstract: A method is proposed for sterilizing packaging material of plastic, cardboard or combinations of the two, in particular for sterilizing preshaped packaging containers intended for receiving acidic products. In this method, damage to the packaging material or the packaging apparatus is to be avoided because of the mild thermal treatment involved. By subjecting the surface to be treated to a flow of a moist mixture of water vapor and air at a temperature of from 80.degree. to 140.degree. C. and having a moisture content of from 5 to 50%, sufficiently high degrees of sterility for the sterile packaging of acidic food products are attainable within relatively short treatment periods.

Abstract: A sterilizer which has two transfer chains moving through sterilizing and cooling tanks; open-backed transfer containers with holes in their walls and locking members at both ends, which are supported between the chains; and inner vessels containing the materials being treated, which have holes in the walls thereof and locking means, which are engageable with the locking members, at both ends thereof, and which are adapted to be removably inserted into the containers. Projections extend inward from the circumferential edges of the holes in the walls of the containers and/or inner vessels, serving to support the materials and define liquid passages between the materials and the inner surfaces of the containers and/or inner vessels.

Abstract: An electric egg cooker is converted to a baby bottle sterilizer by mounting an insert thereon formed with seats for the baby bottles and nipples. A hood, which can be fitted over this insert, has a height sufficient to accommodate the baby bottles.

Abstract: The sterilization of open-topped containers is accomplished by vaporizing a sterilizing agent in the vicinity of the container. A conveyor for supporting containers to be sterilized brings the containers in proximity to a support means upon which are supported a heater element and a nozzle. The vertically moveable support means positions the heater element either in or immediately above the open top of the container. A sterilizing agent discharged from the nozzle impinges on the heater element and undergoes instantaneous thermal decomposition. The sterilizing agent condenses on the internal surfaces of the container.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus for packaging containers is equipped with a closable preparation apparatus for a mixture of hot air and sterilizing agent vapor and a sterilizing chamber, into which containers to be sterilized are introduced. The closure means for the sterilizing chamber includes means for suspending a container to be sterilized within the sterilizing chamber. In order to realize a reduced use of sterilizing agent and heating energy, the apparatus has a circulatory system of mixture supply. The sterilizing chamber, as well as a bypass parallel to it, forms a part of this circulatory system. The bypass and the sterilizing chamber are alternately connected with the circulatory system by means of a reversing valve during nonsterilizing and sterilizing periods. A circulating blower, an air heater, and a preparation apparatus are also part of the circulatory system.

Abstract: Contaminated covered plastic waste material in the form of used Petri dishes, so-called agar plates, is rendered harmless and cleaned by placing the agar plates in a bacterium-tight heating chamber maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure and contacting them with water at an elevated temperature, preferably 90.degree.-98.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period the agar plates are rinsed with water which is then drained off through an outlet in the bottom of the heating chamber. The agar plates to be treated are loaded into the heating chamber in batches contained in bags wholly or partly consisting of a plastic material which is solid and substantially insoluble in water at room temperature but soluble in water at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: The sterilization of open-topped containers is accomplished by vaporizing a sterilizing agent in the vicinity of the container. The vaporization is preferably achieved by spraying the sterilizing agent on to a heating element positioned either in or immediately above the open top of the container.

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 conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a sterile inert atmosphere in an aseptic packaging machine wherein an inert gas is passed through a microbiological filter and then sparged through a bath of hot sterilizing liquid into the interior of the machine. A portion of the sterile inert gas is withdrawn from the machine interior by means of a suitable pump or blower, and separated into three parts; the first part being passed through a heater and then over the flange areas of containers passing through the machine to dry same prior to heat sealing operations, the second part being directed to the machine filler means to provide a back-up microbiological barrier for the filler, and the third part being passed through jets aligned on either side of a web of cover material as said cover material emerges from a sterilizing bath, said jets being arranged to blow off liquid sterilant adhering thereto.

Abstract: Modular lens disinfecting device comprises a plastic housing with a heater and a heat sink lining a portion of the cavity and pressing against opposed caps on a lens case within the housing, thereby transmitting heat to opposed lens cavities within the lens case. A radial flange on the lens case body projects laterally from the housing when the lens case is inserted into the housing, thereby to facilitate manipulation of the lens case upon insertion into or removal from the housing. In making the lens case, the parting plane for the mold that forms the lens case body is positioned so that flash at said plane is precluded from projecting into either of the lens chambers.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber including a sterilizing section, a cooling section and a conveyor including carrier receivers and circulated through the sterilizing and cooling sections. The flat flexible packages containing substances to be sterilized are contained in rotatable carriers. With one side of the sealed chamber is provided a sealing means through which the carriers are charged and discharged into and out of the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A contact lens bathing case, in which a pair of contact lenses is sealed with a cleaning and disinfectant solution, and a heating unit, for receiving and heating the filled case therein, cooperate to eliminate leakage problems, i.e. loss of solution, associated with improperly closed contact lens cases. The heating case includes a heating element and a movable lens case holder which is movable from an open position remote from the heating element to a closed position adjacent to the heating element whereat the solution and lenses may be heated. Closure prevention means prevent the holder which has received an improperly closed case from being moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for sterilizing containers before they are filled, with which it is possible to subject heat-sensitive containers to sterilization by a heating medium. While the interior of the containers is subjected to heated vapor, the exterior of the containers is cooled, so that in the wall of the containers the overall temperature of the wall is kept so low that deformation is avoided. To provide such cooling, either a cooling element complemental in shape to the outer contour of the containers, or a coolant-spray device, may be used.

Abstract: The machine comprises a longitudinal cage (G) which provides pilgrim step movement, composed of a succession of rectangular and vertical frames (9) connected by their flanks to two pairs of longitudinal longerons (8); the cage furnished with a succession of pairs of lateral rollers (29); each said roller pair supported by a pair of saw-toothed cams (14) beneath, the latter mounted on and rotating with respect to a basic framework (16) and placed in rotation by way of rod-and-crank linkage (19, 20 & 21) so as to effect an alternating step (A); the basic framework's (16) flanks (7) interconnected uppermost by traverses (6) bearing a series of transversely duplicated longitudinal roller lengths (2); the said rollers revolving in like direction; each of the pairs of said revolving rollers giving place to a longitudinal support (18), fixed therebetween to the said succession of frames (9) beneath and extending uppermost into a pair of upward-facing V-shaped wings (26) designed to raise up a relative line of cans (

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: In the pasteurizing of beverages and comestibles in closed containers, the containers are progressively raised in temperature to the pasteurizing temperature and, after an appropriate period of time, progressively cooled down in apparatus which practices a method for separately storing both heated water and cooled water and applying the heated and cooled water from storage so that skips in the supply of containers will be accommodated with savings in the amount of steam and chilled water required.

Abstract: A batch sterilizing unit, in the form of a tank having a top loading port and a bottom discharge port, holds a batch of cans for sterilization. The cans in contact with the door associated with the discharge port are prevented from transferring heat to the door and accordingly are maintained at sterilizing temperature by providing a perforated partition forming a wall of condensate sump. Thus the sterilizing medium, whether it be steam or water, is able to effect complete sterilization of those cans making contact with the partition. In addition, condensate is continually discharged from the unit, when steam is the sterilizing medium, insuring creation and maintenance of sterilizing temperatures to the cans resting on the discharge port door.

Abstract: An energy-time conserving low cost home pressure cooking system for canning, sterilizing and cooking food and the like, comprising method and apparatus, the illustrated apparatus comprising a pressure cooker having a short lower body or vessel and an elongated upper lid, sealed and releasably secured together when assembled at a relatively low elevation by fasteners locked and sealed (at a single annular seal site) and unlocked and unsealed at said low elevation merely by relative rotation of the body and the lid, a vented platform disposed a short distance above a small amount of water in a shallow reservoir in a lower compartment of the body of the pressure cooker, thus accommodating rapid generation of steam, when heated, which passes through the platform vents, accumulates at the top of the upper compartment and enlarges downwardly, with the air being efficiently exhausted substantially exclusive of steam, through an air escape-steam trap valved port in the side of the body of the pressure cooker just abo

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a tire retreading machine which includes a chamber adapted to receive therein a plurality of stacked tires adapted to be retreaded therein, the chamber having an inner surface, and inwardly therefrom there being a radiant heater, a porous or perforated shield, and an imperforate or nonporous shield with the latter being axially shorter than the former and both shields being spaced from a bottom surface of the chamber such that upon heat being generated by the radiant heater, hot air convection currents are set up within the chamber flowing generally upwardly adjacent the chamber inner surface and flowing generally downwardly between the imperforate shield and tires within the chamber to create substantially uniform curing or retreading temperature throughout the chamber, lessening temperature gradients or hot spots, and also allowing radiant heat to pass through a lower portion of the porous shield adjacent the bottom surface of the chamber to augment temperature uniformity thro