Abstract: An autoclave having end walls sturdily attached to one another by rods and a mobile, cylindrical lateral wall. When the lateral wall is moved into an operable position over the end walls, thereby sealing a working chamber defined between the end walls and when steam is introduced into the working chamber, each end wall will counteract pressure acting on its opposing counterpart. The autoclave need not be reinforced to hold the walls together. The rods connecting the end walls are hollow, and have ports disposed within the working chamber, so that steam may be introduced into the working chamber through these rods. Air from within the working chamber may also be vented by the rods. The lateral wall is vertically oriented and moved. A retaining wall traps condensate, which would otherwise escape when the lateral wall is lifted. An optional powered apparatus lifts and lowers the lateral wall into positions respectively exposing and sealing the working chamber.

Abstract: A sealing device for application between two confronting, generally parallel surfaces. One of the surfaces has a longitudinally extending groove for receiving the sealing device. The sealing device includes a base member having bottom surface contours to define a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending fluid passages between the base member and the groove. A pair of lip members are connected to the base member and extend therefrom for spaced-apart engagement with the other one of the confronting surfaces, thereby to form a third fluid passage between the lip members and the other said surface. Fluid communication means are provided between the fluid passages aforesaid.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for processing liquid-containing fluids present in a work chamber at elevated temperature; the method and apparatus are particularly useful in connection with a steam/hot water washing machine. A housing is provided in fluid communication with the work chamber; the housing includes a tortuous path for the escape of hot moist air into the atmosphere during operation of the work chamber. Thereafter, a blower is energized to withdraw hot moist air from the work chamber and swirl it within the housing around filter means comprising the tortuous path. The swirling, hot moist air is subjected to cooling fluids for the purpose of condensing water vapor and removing heat from the system.