Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments such as scalpels, tweezers, needles and the like utilizes an electrically heated inert material as the sterilizing media. Instruments to be sterilized are positioned in the inert material and become aseptic within 10 to 30 seconds. The sterilization apparatus includes a cylindrical metal tube which can be electrically heated in a short time to a high temperature (200.degree.-300.degree. C.). The sterilization apparatus also includes insulation surrounding the heated cylindrical metal tube and an insulated base. This insulation ensures that heat is conducted to the inside of the tube and is isolated from other parts of the apparatus, particularly, the electronic components. With this insulation, a compact sterilization apparatus can be made without damage to the apparatus components due to excessive heat.

Abstract: Laboratory apparatus for optionally heating or cooling samples, comprising a block of one or more Peltier elements which, with one of their thermal poles, are in thermal contact with an essentially rectangular block of heat conducting metal, and with the other pole are in thermal contact with a heat exchanger, this latter being thermally insulated from the metal block. One of the outer surfaces of the rectangular metal block serves as a working outer surface for heating or cooling the samples. All outer surfaces of the metal block, with the excption of the working surface and the surface in contact with the Peltier elements, are thermally insulated. The working surface may be used for heating or cooling at will through the inversion of the direction of the alimentation current for the Peltier elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling and deep freezing samples of biological material. The cooling zone, containing the closed plastic vessels with the samples, is enclosed between two parallel, plate-like layered cooling elements. The latter are made of at least two cooling layers containing blocks of Peltier elements, alternating with plates of a heat-conducting metal, preferably aluminium. The disposition with several layers of Peltier elements increases the temperature difference between the inner space and environment. The innermost layer of the cooling elements is a metal plate as well; the outermost layer is a metal plate with means for external cooling, such as channels for circulating water or cooling ribs. The cooling zone is either a metal block with cavities to receive the sample vessels or simply the free space between the two innermost plates of the cooling elements, into which the vessels can be inserted.