Abstract: A process for producing a periodic structure comprises the steps of preparing a working object, the property of which changes in view of a photoreaction caused by an exciting energy, generating a light having a photonic energy of intensity of one fraction of natural number divisions of the exciting energy by each of the light sources of light-source groups arranged regularly in a two-dimensional arrangement, and concentrating the light emitted from the light source group at each of the light-concentrating points arranged at regular intervals in the working object to cause a photoreaction at and around the light-concentrating point to form a periodic structure comprised of regions each of which has a changed property in the working object.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. Both the first and second transparent layers define a plurality of spherical protrusions on an outer surface thereof distalmost from the light diffusion layer respectively. A method for making the optical plate is also provided. In addition, a direct type backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a three dimensional sintered body (100) comprising the steps of a) providing a basic mould having a configuration adapted to the sintering body that is to be produced, b) treating the surface of the basic mould to facilitate application of a first surface layer (130) of the sintered body (100), c) applying powder particles (131) onto the basic mould, to form said first surface layer (130), d) applying at least one more layer (120) on top of said first surface layer (130), e) heat treating the basic mould (400) and the particles to form a sintered body, wherein step b) is performed by providing an adhering (604) to the basic mould arranged to adhere the particles (131) of at least a portion of the surface layer (130).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded article with at one or more cores uses compression molding apparatus that includes upper and lower punches that have a double structure comprising a central punch and an outer punch that surrounds the periphery of the central punch. The central punch and the outer punch are capable of independent sliding motions and compressing operations. Molding materials are supplied for a core and an outer layer respectively. The molding materials are compressed by the punches to form molded articles that include the core. The method may be executed in a rotary compression molding machine.

Abstract: Recycling of laminate flooring based on a separation of the panels into particles which are connected with a binder and formed to a new sheet shaped material. A building panel includes a surface layer and a wood fiber based core, and the wood fiber based core includes aluminium oxide particles.

Abstract: A composition is provided that, in one aspect, may be used in the production of sealing materials, such as gaskets. The composition includes a polytetraflouroethylene matrix and a Boron Nitride filler. In one aspect, the Boron Nitride filler may be provided as a hexagonal, close-packed, Boron Nitride filler that is homogeneously dispersed within the polytetraflouroethylene matrix. In at least one embodiment, the composition is formed by combining quantities of polytetraflouroethylene, Boron Nitride filler, hydrocarbon liquid, and solvent. The liquid and solvent may be removed through various processes prior to sintering the composition to form a full-density, Boron Nitride filled, polytetraflouroethylene matrix that exhibits improved sealability, greater resistance to permeation, and less color contamination.

Abstract: There is provided a method of sealing and molding an optical device with resin by employing a die including a top piece, a bottom piece, an intermediate piece, and a mold release film pinched between the bottom and intermediate pieces and thus tensioned as prescribed to cover the bottom piece's cavity, when the bottom piece is heated, and the mold release film expands and thus closely contacts the cavity's entire surface along the cavity's geometry so that the optical device can be sealed in transparent set resin shaped as desired.

Abstract: A process for forming and trimming a part comprises providing a continuous web of polymeric material, thermoforming the continuous web of polymeric material into the desired part, providing a cutter arrangement comprising a blade, providing a platen assembly comprising a closed groove that generally corresponds to the outer shape of the blade and a vacuum system, wherein at least one of the cutter arrangement and the platen assembly is moveable with respect to the at least one other assembly, trimming the part of the continuous web of polymeric material from the remainder of the continuous web of polymeric material via the blade, and removing undesirable trim material formed during the trimming of the part via the vacuum system.

Abstract: A joiner panel system is formed from a composite material and includes a panel attached to a deck by a coaming or shoe and attached at its upper edge by a curtain plate that fits around obstructions at the ceiling area. The shoe can be readily installed to an uneven steel deck by stud welding to reduce installation time or attached to a composite material deck. A curtain plate fabrication method uses a laser scan or close range photogrammetry of the overhead area to optimize and automate the cutting of curtain plate sections. The curtain plate sections can then be readily installed in the overhead area. A composite material panel to provide good flame, smoke and toxicity properties and good mechanical properties is formed from a phenolic resin foam material, micro-balloons to reduce the weight and density, and reinforcing fibers and powder material to improve the mechanical properties. The panel can be formed by a method in which the core and face skins are co-cured to provide a good bond.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a cable which includes a conductor; an inner semiconductive layer surrounding the conductor and having a thickness lower than or equal to 0.4 mm; and an insulating layer surrounding the inner semiconductive layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.

Abstract: Method for making ceramic particles. Embodiments of ceramic particles made according to the present invention can be are particularly useful as abrasive particles.

Abstract: A tool for manufacturing a multi-colored plastic automotive part, such as a door panel, is manufactured using multiple molding shots without opening the mold between each shot. The door panel comes out finished with no scuffing, warping, or shrinkage. The process for manufacturing the panel includes selectively locating spacers within the tool to a first position and then injecting a first material. The parting line is held closed while the spacers are then advanced to a second position so as to set the inner insert to a desired second shot wall thickness position. A second shot of material is then introduced into the rear of the injection unit through an opening in the first shot part. The process can be repeated for additional colors and materials to create a multi-colored or even multi-material final assembly. Once the part is cured, it is ejected and the process is complete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the compression of one or more fibre layers containing polyolefin fibres. The invention also relates to shaped articles obtainable with the process according to the invention and their use in anti-ballistic applications. In the process according to the invention the fibre layers contain 0.02 to 25 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin. The shaped articles obtained have an improved anti-ballistic quality.

Abstract: An approach is presented for designing a polymeric layer for nanometer scale thermo-mechanical storage devices. Cross-linked polyaryletherketone polymers are used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage devices, giving significantly improved performance when compared to previously reported cross-linked and linear polymers. The cross-linking of the polyaryletherketone polymers may be tuned to match thermal and force parameters required in read-write-erase cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a sports racquet frame that comprises a step a) of providing a moldable tube structure containing a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder. The first and second inflatable bladders are positioned on opposite first and second regions of the moldable tube structure. At an intermediate region, the tube structure comprises one or more cross channels, which pass through the moldable tube structure. The method according to the present invention comprises also a further step b) of inserting said tube structure inside a mold forming a mold cavity of a desired shape. Mold members are inserted into the cross channels of the tube structure, so that the outer surface of the mold member faces the inner surface of the corresponding cross channel.

Abstract: A mold which is processed by ion beam irradiation or electron beam irradiation and in which a throughput of the mold is high and a decrease in the throughput or electrostatic discharge due to charging does not occur, a method of producing the mold, and a method of producing a molded article produced using the mold. When molding a plastic resin, at least one of a cavity and a core is provided on the surface of a conductive glass substrate. A method of producing a mold for molding a plastic resin or the like includes forming at least one of a cavity and a core by irradiating an ion beam on the surface of a conductive vanadate glass substrate that contains vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) as a main component and that has an electric conductivity in the range of 1.0×10?1 to 1.0×10?8 S/cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous dispersions containing agents having release activity, emulsifiers and customary auxiliaries and additives, wherein a combination of A) at least one agent having a release activity, selected from the group consisting of soaps, oils, waxes and silicones, and B) polyisobutylene is used as agents having release activity.

Abstract: A biomedical device carrier includes multiple recesses for holding a plurality of polymerized biomedical devices, such as polymerized ophthalmic lenses, during an extraction procedure. A biomedical device extraction assembly includes multiple biomedical device carriers. The structure of the individual carriers and the arrangement of the carriers in the assembly provide sufficient extraction of an extractable component from the biomedical devices during an extraction procedure using relatively small amounts of extraction media per biomedical device. Methods of extracting biomedical devices include providing polymerized biomedical devices in the present carriers and assemblies and contacting the devices with an extraction composition.

Abstract: A molded product includes a matrix formed of a polymer material and a plurality of capsules dispersed in the matrix. An unevenness is formed on a surface due to expansion of the capsules. Some of the capsules have expanded without bursting and include an exposed outer shell portion that protrudes from a surface, and/or some of the capsules have burst and include an outer shell protruding portion that protrudes outward from the surface. Finish processing is performed, which eliminates the outer shell protruding portions and/or the exposed outer shell portions from the surface. This results in a molded product in which a color difference due to frequency of contacting an object, etc. is not easily generated.

Abstract: A method of depositing material upon a substrate features filling recesses of a substrate with liquid and removing material present on the substrate, outside of the recesses using fluid, i.e., apply a vacuum of a jet of fluid. To that end, one method of the present invention includes depositing a measure of liquid upon a surface of a substrate having a recess formed therein to ingress into a volume of the recess with a portion of the liquid. A quantity of the liquid is disposed upon regions of the surface proximate to the recess. Thereafter, the quantity of liquid is removed while maintaining the portion within the volume. In this manner, the portion may be transferred onto an additional substrate. More specifically, the portion may be placed in contact with a layer of flowable material and cross-linking therewith by exposing the liquid and the flowable material to actinic radiation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mold, a molding assembly and a molding process for molding two tier array of containers of synthetic polymeric material. The process is particularly related to formed, filled and sealed molded containers.

Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable hollow-fibre membrane for blood treatment, with an integrally asymmetric structure based on a synthetic polymer. The hollow-fiber membrane possess on its inner surface a separating layer and an adjoining open-pored supporting layer, and has an ultrafiltration rate in albumin solution of 5 to ?25 ml/(h·m2·mmHg). The hollow fiber membrane is free from pore-stabilizing additives and has a maximum sieving coefficient for albumin of 0.005 and a sieving coefficient of cytochrome c that satisfies the equation SCcc?5·10?5·UFRAlb3?0.004·UFRAlb2+0.1081·UFRAlb?0.25.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for coloring ceramic materials by using aqueous solutions of chromophore ions. In particular, certain types of silica are added to the ceramic mixes which are to be colored, after which aqueous or organic solutions comprising inorganic salts of Fe (II) and/or Fe (III), or organic derivatives of Fe (II) and/or Fe (III) are applied to the surface of the said additive-containing ceramic mixes.

Abstract: A molten metal submergence device includes a submergence chamber, an inlet pipe, and a vortex breaker. The submergence chamber is defined by a side wall and includes an inlet in communication with an associated molten metal bath and an outlet in communication with the associated molten metal bath. The inlet is positioned in relation to the side wall such that material passing through the inlet is introduced at least substantially tangentially to the side wall. The inlet pipe is in communication with the inlet of the submergence chamber. The inlet pipe is configured to depend from a wall of the submergence chamber within the confines of the side wall. The vortex breaker is disposed in the submergence chamber between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A furnace includes a carburizing zone in which carburizing processing is performed upon workpieces loaded upon trays during the conveyance, and a plurality of regions which are arranged at the upstream side of the carburizing zone. Along with a tray upon which workpieces are loaded being mounted upon each one of the plurality of pallets, these pallets are movable along a linear conveyance direction, with the number of pallets being the same as the number of regions. The pusher device pushes the trays along the direction of conveyance. And the pusher-puller device, along with pushing the plurality of pallets all together forward along the direction of conveyance, also pulls one of the plurality of pallets backward into each of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: Hard phase particles including Co alloy particles, carbide alloy particles, and silicide particles are dispersed substantially uniformly throughout a matrix composed of Cu self-fluxing alloy of a cladded portion. The cladded portion contains 6 to 15% by weight of Co, 3 to 8% by weight of one of Cr and Mo, 0.3 to 1% by weight of W, 0.5 to 1.8% by weight of Fe, 8 to 15% by weight of Ni, 0.08 to 0.2% by weight of C, 1.5 to 4% by weight of Si, 0.5 to 0.8% by weight of Al, and 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of P, and inevitable impurities and Cu as a balance. The hard phase particles have an average particle diameter of 8 to 20 ?m and a particle size distribution width of 0.1 to 100 ?m, and to occupy 10 to 20% in an arbitrary cross section of the cladded portion.

Abstract: A method for producing a sintered body is provided. The method for producing the sintered body comprising: forming a green body by molding a composition for forming a green body into a specified shape to obtain the green body, the composition comprising powder constituted of a metallic material and a binder containing a first resin which is decomposable by ozone; first debinding the green body by exposing the green body to a high ozone content atmosphere to decompose the first resin and remove the decomposed first resin form the green body to obtain a brown body; exposing the thus obtained brown body at least once to a low ozone content atmosphere whose ozone concentration is lower than an ozone concentration of the high ozone content atmosphere to obtain an intermediate brown body; and sintering the intermediate brown body which has been exposed to the low ozone content atmosphere to obtain the sintered body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating of marine growth on the surface, such as the holes of boats and ships. A confinement arrangement is used to confine a volume of heated fluid against the surface. The confinement arrangement is retained against the surface by maintenance and mounts rollers so that it can be moved over the surface to treat other parts of the surface. A heated fluid is provided to the confined volume from an external heater.

Abstract: A lateral flow chromatography test device is disclosed that includes a stopping mechanism which enables a user of the test device to stop reactions of a test by pushing the stopping mechanism downward to remove materials flowing along a test strip in the test device at a time instructed by the manufacturer or decided by the user. This stopping mechanism is adapted to freeze the test result at the stopping time so as to keep the test result as a permanent record. The invention enables qualitative tests to become quantitative or semi-quantitative tests.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell. The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A sterilization challenge specimen holder is used with a test indicator to challenge sterilization on a consistent basis. The holder includes a body having an internal chamber region. A cap is sealable on the holder. An opening is defined in the body or cap that forms a single tortuous ingress and egress path communicating the interior chamber with the environs. An insulating layer is disposed over the body and cap to fully insulate the body and cap other than over the opening so as to not interfere with the ingress and egress path. The insulating layer reduces the heat transference from the environs to the interior chamber region.

Abstract: A method of using an inert fluorescent tracer in a system that contains liquids in contact with solid surfaces and wherein said system contains a corrosive environment, is described and claimed, as is a method of using an inert fluorescent tracer to trace the corrosive material itself. Combinations of inert fluorescent tracers in corrosive materials are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A sample slice preparation device of the present invention has a microtome which slices a solid specimen by a knife, a humidifier which imparts moisture to a carrier tape, slice conveyer means for adsorbing a slice by an adsorbing force of moisture imparted to the carrier tape to feed out the slice, transfer mechanism for applying water to the surface of a slide glass to transfer the slice from the carrier tape onto the slide glass by an adsorbing force of applied water, an extension unit which heats the slide glass having the slice adsorbed thereon to evaporate the moisture, thereby extending the slice, and slide glass conveyer means for conveying the slide glass provided with the slice.

Abstract: An analysis system includes an analyzing disk, and an analyzer. The analyzing disk includes a chamber into which a test sample is input. The test sample includes a first component and a second component. The analyzer includes a driving unit for rotating the analyzing disk so as to centrifuge the first component and the second component of the test sample from each other in the first chamber, an optical unit movable in a radial direction of the analyzing disk for illuminating light to the analyzing disk and detecting light from the test sample in the first chamber, and a controller for detecting, based on the light from the optical unit, a boundary between the first component and the second component centrifuged in the first chamber. This analysis system monitors the status of the separation due to the centrifugation, hence analyzing the test sample accurately.

Abstract: A method for collecting and sensing a column of air in near real-time to detect one or more agents dispersed within the air column is described. The method includes passing the column of air through a port in a parafoil, the parafoil configured with a flow-through sensor suite located in the port and operable such that the column of air passes through the sensor suite, operating the sensor suite to test the column of air for the one or more agents, and receiving test results from the sensor suite.

Abstract: A testing microchip includes a specimen storage section; a reagent storage section; a reaction section; a testing section for a test of a reaction product obtained from the reaction; a liquid feed control section; and a gas bubble trapping structure. The sections are connected continuously by a series of flow channels. The liquid feed control section stops passing of liquid until a liquid feeding pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, and passes the liquid when the liquid feeding pressure becomes higher than the predetermined pressure; and the gas bubble trapping structure traps a gas bubble in the liquid that flows in the flow channel so that the gas bubble does not flow to the downstream side and only the liquid passes to the downstream side. A testing apparatus that performs testing in the testing section of the testing microchip, wherein the testing microchip is attachably and detachably mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid sample or liquid reagent reservoir kit employs a reusable reservoir base and disposable liners made of a clear transparent plastic material. Graduation marks are located on the sidewall surface of the basin in the reusable reservoir base, and are calibrated to measure liquid volumes in a disposable liner placed within the reusable reservoir base. The transparency of the clear disposable liner allows the liquid volume graduation marks on the sidewall of the basin in the reusable base to be observed through the disposable liner. The disposable liners are configured so that the liners can also be used as a cover. The geometry of the disposable liners facilitates tight nesting of stacked liners to facilitate shipping as well as storage on the laboratory bench top.

Abstract: A microfluidic analytical apparatus (10) comprising a microfluidic card pairing (12) with a corresponding circuit card (14) and the circuit card pairing (12) with corresponding conductive fingers (16). The microfluidic card (12) has a plurality of channels (32) and ports (54) on a top surface of the card in a desired configuration, the ports (54) in fluid communication with the channels (32). The circuit card (14) has a plurality of conductive pins (60) projecting from a bottom surface of the card and having a configuration that corresponds to the particular configuration of the ports (54) of the microfluidic card (12) that is paired with. The circuit card (14) is received within a holder (20) that provides that provides multiple functions.

Abstract: A multi-tubular reaction apparatus, a control system, and a method are provided for controlling temperature change of a heat medium in the reaction apparatus, and quickly adjusting fluctuation in temperature, to thereby properly control a reaction. In particular, the apparatus and system apply to a catalytic gas-phase oxidation reaction such as in producing (meth)acrylic acid or the like. The reaction apparatus includes a multi-tubular reactor having a plurality of reaction tubes in a shell in which a heat medium circulates, and a heat medium cooling apparatus outside the reactor. The reaction apparatus includes a process for primarily cooling the heat medium taken out outside the shell, a process for secondarily cooling a part of the primarily cooled heat medium, and a line for enabling the secondarily cooled heat medium and the primarily cooled heat medium, which is not secondarily cooled, to circulate in the shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy. In some embodiments, a fluid bath may be provided in the system where the fluid bath quality may be monitored using acoustic energy. An assessment of fluid bath quality can be determined through a comparison that is made of an initial power signal of the acoustic energy with a reflected power signal of the acoustic energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a dripping nozzle device to produce ADU particles with good sphericity, a device for recovering a feedstock liquid to prepare a uniform feedstock liquid, a device for supplying a feedstock liquid to form drops with a uniform volume, a device for solidifying the surfaces of drops so that the drops will not deform easily when they fall onto and hit the surface of an aqueous ammonia solution, a device for circulating an aqueous ammonia solution so that the uranyl nitrate in the drops can be changed to ammonium diuranate completely, to such an extent that uranyl nitrate in the center of each drop is changed to ammonium diuranate, and an apparatus for producing ammonium diuranate particles with good sphericity. The dripping nozzle device is provided with a single vibrator to vibrate nozzles simultaneously. The device for recovering a feedstock liquid recovers the feedstock liquid remaining in the nozzles and mixes it with a fresh feedstock liquid.

Abstract: A method of ammonia production for a selective catalytic reduction system is provided. The method includes producing an exhaust gas stream within a cylinder group, wherein the first exhaust gas stream includes NOx. The exhaust gas stream may be supplied to an exhaust passage and cooled to a predetermined temperature range, and at least a portion of the NOx within the exhaust gas stream my be converted into ammonia.

Abstract: A process and reactor for chemical conversion is taught. The process allows the selective breaking of chemical bonds in a molecule by use of fast rise alternating current or fast rise pulsed direct current, each fast rise portion being selected to have a suitable voltage and frequency to break a selected chemical bond in a molecule. The reactor for carrying out such a process includes a chamber for containing the molecule and a generator for generating and applying the selected fast rise current.

Abstract: A compact hydrogen generator for use with fuel cells and other applications includes a hydrogen membrane reactor having a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber. The two chambers are have a fluid connection and a heat exchange relationship with one another. The hydrogen generation apparatus also includes a fuel supply, a fuel supply line for transporting fuel from the fuel supply to the reaction chamber, an oxygen supply, an oxygen supply line for transporting oxygen form the oxygen supply to the combustion chamber, as well as a tail gas supply line for transporting tail gas supply line for transporting tail gases form the reaction chamber, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products for the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line for transporting hydrogen from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A cassette for a sterilizer has one or more cells containing a sterilant. Packaging for the cassette includes and outer fluid impermeable envelope and an absorbent web wrapped around the cassette to absorb and contain any sterilant which may leak out of the cassette. The absorbent web includes a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: An integrated duct system is utilized to admit an antimicrobial vapor into a vehicle to decontaminate the contents and surfaces of the vehicle and subsequently to remove the vapor. The ducts comprise an air conditioning and/or heating duct, a decontamination duct for admitting an antimicrobial vapor, an auxiliary circulation duct for diffusing the vapor throughout the vehicle, and an aeration duct for removing the vapor from the vehicle, as well as a catalytic converter for detoxifying the antimicrobial vapor before removal. The integrated decontamination system is suitable for the chemical or biological decontamination of vehicles, provides enhanced vapor delivery and distribution on a rapid basis and also provides for rapid aeration for removing the antimicrobial vapor.

Abstract: Fluid flow valve assembly comprising a valve body having an external port and an inlet end having at least a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first valve disposed within the valve body and adapted to control fluid flow between the first and second ports; and a second valve disposed within the valve body and adapted to control fluid flow between the third port and the external port.

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing and depyrogenating containers of the type including a conveying device suitable for receiving a plurality of containers through at least an inlet and supplying the containers in a set direction to a corresponding outlet of the unit. The unit has a sterilizing/depyrogenating unit defined by at least two sterilizing modules arranged consecutively in said direction and communicating through an intermediate passage and affected by the conveying device. The sterilizing modules are activatable independently of one another according to alternative operating modes for hot and/or cooling sterilizing the containers.