Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal treatment of commodities packed in containers, such as tins or glass jars, comprises a treatment chamber or space through which a conveyor travels in a loop-shaped path, which path extends outside this chamber. The conveyor consists of two chains, located at some distance from and parallel with each other, each chain consisting of link plates and pivot pins. Each pair of opposite links from both chains carries a supporting plate which is curved in cross section and fastened upon an extended portion of a respective link of both chains, two adjacent plates forming a carrier for the temporary receipt of sheaths, filled with sticks of containers. Carriers are loaded and unloaded in one single operation by a loading and an unloading station, disposed within the path of travel of the conveyor, but outside the treatment chamber, additional means being provided at the location of said stations for filling and emptying the sheaths with containers.

Abstract: A plant for physical or thermal treatment of products supported upon rectangular carriers, said plant comprising a vertical conveyor for moving the carriers upwards and downwards from in inlet station to an outlet station, the conveyor being constituted by four screw-threaded spindles, positioned near the four corners of the carriers. The helix of each spindle is a rod which is helically wound around a core. The pitch of the helix is, along an angular portion of this surface, zero at the level of the inlet and outlet station.

Abstract: Installation for the thermal treatment of container-packed commodities, comprising an endless conveyor with carriers for the containers, each carrier having a cover closing its entrance, said cover being shiftable from a locked to an unlocked position and being tiltable over a limited arc in the unlocked position, a retractable abutment being provided for unlocking and opening the cover, while a further abutment is present for relocking and closing the cover.