Abstract: The present invention relates to the sterilization (in the sense of rendering free from cells or organisms capable of division e.g. lymphocytes, protozoans, bacteria, viruses) of blood or other fluids. The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for use in the ultraviolet irradiation of the fluid (8), which comprises a vessel (2) having side walls (4) substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation of an effective inactivating wavelength; a turning vessel support (3) for supporting and allowing said vessel to turn on said support which is driven (23) so as to directly or indirectly turn the vessel on the support. U.V. irradiation means are provided for irradiating at least part of the turning vessel (2). In use of the apparatus a thin layer (9) of the fluid (8) adjacent the wall surface (10) of the side wall (4) is carried round past the ultraviolet irradiation means (7) and sterilized thereby and mixed with the main body of said fluid (8).

Abstract: A conveyor furnace for heat treating a regular succession of articles consists of a circular carrier mounted for rotation about an upright axis below a fixed guide of open coiled spiral configuration and fixed radiant heaters directed through parts of the guide. A feed tube delivers the articles to an inner part of the guide on to the carrier whereon they are carried in sliding engagement with the guide, around and progressively outwards towards a discharge point. While on the carrier, the articles are heated by the heater. The furnace is compact, economical in operation and permits of relatively simple and reliable construction.