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: The disclosure illustrates and describes a sterilization apparatus and method for sterilizing the interiors of paperboard containers, wherein such apparatus and method are effective through the mandrel assembly on which the container bottom closures are formed and sealed. This is accomplished by forming longitudinal channels through each mandrel and connecting same to separate compartments formed within the hub, and providing means for communicating a suitable sterilant fog through respective compartments and channels at the station where each bottom-formed container is stripped from its respective mandrel. The usual fast stripping action tends to create a vacuum within the container which aids the dispersement of the fog onto the entire inside surface of the container, sterilizing it prior to the subsequent filling operation.