Abstract: Contiguous puncturable containers of water and ethylene oxide are provided as a unitary device to provide successive introduction and vaporization into a chamber in which there are contained objects to be sterilized. The containers comprising the unitary structure are opened in succession to provide necessary humidity followed by the introduction of ethylene oxide gas, where both substances are necessary for accomplishing effective sterilization.

Abstract: In a chamber (24) in a pressure vessel, e.g. an autoclave (10), articles (26) are heat-treated by water, which is sprayed over the articles through nozzles (20) and supplies heat to or removes heat from the articles. Simultaneously, a gaseous medium, e.g. a mixture of steam and air, is forced by an impeller (34) to flow through the articles in countercurrent to the water. By this a very even temperature distribution of the articles in the chamber (24) is obtained.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization apparatus includes a continuously stirred reactor, a conduit connected to the discharge of the continuously stirred tank reactor, the conduit being in operative communication with an optical apparatus to provide a first signal which varies as molecular weight of polymer in effluent from the continuously stirred tank reactor varies, the first signal passing to a flow control apparatus adjusting the initiator flow control apparatus to thereby provide molecular weight control of a polymer being prepared, a gel permeation chromatograph adapted to receive effluent from the continuously stirred reactor and measure the molecular weight of a polymer and provide a second signal indicative of the molecular weight of the polymer to the optical apparatus and adjust the optical apparatus to provide a desired first signal to thereby provide a polymer of a generally uniform molecular weight.

Abstract: A reactor sequencing technique is useful for multi-stage hydrocarbon conversion systems employing a number of fixed bed catalytic reactors at various process temperatures and catalytic activity levels. An apparatus for oligomerizing lower olefins (e.g., C.sub.2 -C.sub.6) is disclosed wherein catalyst partially inactivated in a primary stage is employed to effect conversion at higher temperature in a secondary stage prior to catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for a filling machine having dispensing nozzles connected to a source of product supply, the sterilizing system including a novel autoclave apparatus and a novel condensate purge system. The autoclave structure causes sterilizing steam to flow downward through the inside of the dispensing nozzle to its open ended bottom where it reverses and flows upward between the inside face of a reversing tube and the outside face of the dispensing nozzle to a series of holes through the sidewall of the reversing tube where it emerges and goes down between the outside face of the reversing tube and the inside face of the autoclave shell thereafter passing down into a steam and condensate line. Condensate formed within the dispensing tube drips out the bottom of the dispensing tube and through an aperture at the bottom of the reversing tube, the condensate effectively sealing the bottom of the reversing tube to steam.

Abstract: An automatic extractor apparatus has a rotatable turn table on which are supported a plurality of angularly spaced-apart treating vessels. The treating vessels are mounted around the periphery of the turn table and are supported by pivot pins such that when the turn table is in a non-rotation state, the treating vessels hang downwardly from the pivot pins, whereas when the turn table is rotationally driven at high speed, the heating vessels pivot about the pivot pins and are flung outwardly due to centrifugal force. A drive mechanism rotationally indexes the turn table to different stop positions, and a plurality of treating stations are disposed at the stop positions to treat the solution contained in the treating vessels and extract therefrom the desired substance. The turn table is used both as an indexing table for indexing the treating vessels to different stop positions and a centrifuging table to centrifuge the solutions in the treating vessels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a disinfectant cycle of a medical device such as a dental device having an input water line with a main valve and a plurality of water lines extending to instruments with control valves characterized by an arrangement for injecting a disinfectant into the input line downstream of the main valve and an arrangement for controlling the opening and closing of the various valves to enable replacing the water in the water lines with disinfectant, and subsequently flushing the disinfectant therefrom. The method and apparatus can include a device for dosing the water flowing through the water lines during usage with a disinfectant to retard growth of microorganisms and the apparatus can include a selector switch to select various modes of operation.

Abstract: A desired unreacted monomer concentration is maintained in the reaction effluent removed from a polymerization reactor by manipulating the catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: A reactor system and method for synthesizing or degrading polynucleotides and other linear polymers includes a tubular reactor connected to a reagent manifold. The polynucleotide is immobilized on a loosely packed solid-phase support material in the tubular reactor, and reagents are sequentially introduced into the tubular reactor. After each reagent is introduced, the tubular reactor is isolated from the reagent manifold and the reagent agitated by alternately pressurizing the opposite ends of the tubular reactor. The method provides rapid and efficient synthesis of polynucleotides. By connecting two or more tubular reactors to the reagent manifold, a plurality of polynucleotides having different sequences may be synthesized simultaneously.

Abstract: An electrically-heated dry bath wherein a metal block having receptacles for receiving test tubes or the like has resistor heaters fixed thereto and a thermistor temperature sensor therein. A control circuit is provided which connects and disconnects electrical current to and from said heaters in response to the temperature sensor. The control current is fedback such as to eliminate a factor J(S) from the overall transfer function of the circuit, J(S) being a transfer function expressing how various thermal time constants in the bath would, unless neutralized, make the effective time constant of the controlled system deviate from the ideal on-off transfer function.

Abstract: A device for destroying bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes and the like. Previously, no device has been provided which will destroy bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes.This invention provides a housing (5,58) provided in the S-bend of a drainage pipe and includes a heating element (32,34,68) which causes water and bacteria which gathers in the housing (5,58) to boil to destroy bacteria. Heat is also transferred to the drainage pipe to destroy any bacteria which gathers on the side of the pipe.The invention may also include a timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) for a desired amount of time and also may include an automatic actuator (62) which causes the timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) when water and/or contaminated matter passes down the drainage pipe.

Abstract: A reactor system and method for synthesizing or degrading polynucleotides and other linear polymers includes a tubular reactor connected to a reagent manifold. The polynucleotide is immobilized on a loosely packed solid-phase support material in the tubular reactor, and reagents are sequentially introduced into the tubular reactor. After each reagent is introduced, the tubular reactor is isolated from the reagent manifold and the reagent agitated by alternately pressurizing the opposite ends of the tubular reactor. The method provides rapid and efficient synthesis of polynucleotides.

Abstract: A system for providing homogenized fluids of fuel and water utilizes a chamber (70) in which the fuel and water is loaded in predetermined quantities. The chamber contains heater (75) which is electrically activated to convert the liquid fuel and water to their vapor states. The chamber also contains a transducer (74) which vibrates the liquified composition of the fuel and water vapors at high frequency rates so as to additionally homogenize it prior to being transferred to storage vessel (96). A vaporizer (99') may be connected to the storage vessel so as to be fed by the homogenized liquid when this system is used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. The system may provide mechanism (77, 79) for evacuating chamber (70) prior to loading the fuel and water into such chamber.

Abstract: A device for metering liquid yellow phosphorus into a rotating ball mill for the production of red phosphorus therein includes a stationary outer tubular structure surrounding an inner tubular structure rotatably mounted therein. A valve having a valve rod associated with it is installed within the inner tubular structure near its end close to the ball mill. A plug provided with a central bore receiving the valve rod is installed within the inner tubular structure near its end remote from the ball mill. A bellows surrounds a portion of the valve rod inside the inner tubular structure, the bellows being tightly connected to the plug and valve rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing particles in an autoclave with an atmosphere of formaldehyde and water vapor so that the sterilized articles have tolerable quantities of residue of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde thereon. In the process, formalin is used which is transformed to a gaseous condition and supplied to the autoclave. The apparatus is provided with a vaporizer for formalin in which the vaporizer is provided with a liquid trap so that the formalin becomes said water vapor and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A combination unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization system and a steam sterilization system utilizing the same sterilizing chamber. It includes a pressure chamber in communication with a source of sterilizing chemicals and water, transport means to selectively deliver sterilizing chemicals or water into the chamber, a heating element to heat the interior of the chamber, and a microprocessor control panel operably associated with the heating element and transport means to control the sterilant composition, the temperature and the pressure within the chamber at any given time in accordance with a preselected setting.

Abstract: A fail-safe device for a pressure vessel includes a blocking device for a lid thereof, which blocking device is locked by means of a first locking device sensing the internal pressure in the vessel. This device in its turn is provided with a second locking device which works independently by sensing pressure or temperature inside the vessel and locks the first locking device in its locked position whenever pressure or temperature is dangerously high inside the vessel. The object is to assure a safe closing of the lid which is both foolproof and fail-safe.

Abstract: A method of treating a particulate material in a fluidized bed reactor includes supplying a particulate material into a working space above at least one zone which is characterized by reduced passage of a fluidizing gas. A fluidizing bed reactor is designed so that its means for supplying a particulate material is arranged above at least one zone of the reduced passage of the fluidizing gas. The passage of the fluidizing gas in this zone can be completely prevented. Jalousie-shaped inserts are arranged above edges of the zone and have inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A system for the addition of a corrosion inhibitor to an engine cooling system wherein a container in the coolant system holds the corrosion inhibitor in a solid package which is withheld from contact with the coolant solution by a spring under load. The inhibitor package is counterbalanced by a pair of opposed springs with one spring being subject to corrosion when the corrosive effect of the coolant increases; corrosion of the spring allowing the inhibitor package to be urged into contact with the solution to provide treatment thereof.

Abstract: A container with a liquid-impervious, vapor-permeable membrane for sterilizing lenses and storing them using the buffered hydrogen peroxide saline solution. The container is also provided with catalytic means to decompose the hydrogen peroxide following termination of the sterilizing period with the membrane permitting escape of the gases produced by the decomposition while preventing passage of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A closed sterilizer chamber in which a medium may be contained to be sterilized at a predetermined temperature below 212.degree. F., and has a vacuum system for continuously drawing a vacuum. When a particular vacuum is achieved, a steam source injects steam into the chamber under the control of a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. After a predetermined temperature and pressure are reached, the injection of steam in the chamber is controlled by a second temperature sensor.

Abstract: In an inflatable occupant-restraint system in a vehicle, a generator for producing fluid under pressure is so placed that a portion of the generator is outside the cushion and has a resilient venting means for dumping increasing fractions of gas volume outside the cushion at increasing operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a contact lens sterilizing device (10,54,118) which chemically disinfects contact lenses (L) in a cell (20,64,134) containing antimicrobial solution (42,104,144) and which subsequently transfers the lenses (L) to a storage cell (22,66,136) containing storage solution (44,106,146). Momentum generated as the striker arm (6) of a mechanical timer (2) snaps from a first position to a second position is utilized to propel a cage (C,70,140) holding the contact lenses (L) from the sterilizing cell (20,64,134) to the storage cell (22,66,136), thereby effecting the transfer operation. In one embodiment (10) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is indirectly imparted to the contact lens cage (C) via a flipper (28). In other embodiments (54,118) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is directly imparted to the contact lens cage (70,140) via a hook (72,142) integrally formed on the cage (70,140).

Abstract: An electrically energized heater is provided which has particular application as a dry disinfecting and sterilizing device for items such as soft lenses, dental handpieces, baby bottles, or the like, which cannot be placed in sterilizing solutions, and which cannot be subjected to excessive temperatures. The unit includes a housing, and a heat conductive substance such as wax, oil, or both, contained in the housing and used as a uniform heat transfer medium between electrical heating elements in the housing and the surface of a well which also is supported in the housing.

Abstract: Air removal is completed and ascertained, in steam sterilization systems which use steam flow through a sterilizing chamber to facilitate air removal, by methods which enable steam-table values for a dependent variable relationship of pressure and temperature, as exhibited by confined saturated steam, to be utilized under steam flow conditions.Apparatus for controlling and measuring chamber conditions are provided so that such established steam-table values for confined steam can be readily and reliably used to establish and ascertain complete air removal while steam is flowing through the chamber.In a representative embodiment, chamber pressure is held substantially constant while the remaining variable chamber temperature is measured. Venting of chamber atmosphere is continuous during such control of chamber pressure with chamber temperature being measured until a value is reached corresponding to the steam-table value at the level of the chamber pressure being held.

Abstract: A timer controlled container inverting apparatus is constructed and arranged to commence timing out for container inversion only after setting of proper inversion time and reception of the container in the apparatus e.g. a vial containing a contact lens in sterilizing solution and oriented for sterilizing process commences process timing only upon application of the vial to the timing apparatus. Shortening of proper sterilizing time is prevented and inversion is effected rapidly at completion of the sterilizing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing a polypeptide chain on an insoluble solid support in a continuous flow reactor by performing a series of stepwise coupling reactions under high pressure is disclosed. A deprotecting agent reservoir, a solvent reservoir, a neutralizing solution reservoir, and a plurality of amino acid reservoirs are provided. Each reservoir can be selectively coupled to the reactor and a source of high pressure inert gas or an appropriate pump can be used to force the fluids as needed to the reactor. The reactor also includes a recycle loop whereby the amino acid from a particular reservoir can be recycled through the reactor under high pressure.

Abstract: An oxygen supply apparatus, particularly for use by a coal miner, has a plurality of housings mounted on a belt, which is worn by the miner, with each housing having a cartridge of oxygen generating material therein and removable from the bottom thereof for replacement. Each housing has a cover with a resiliently biased shaft supported thereby for relative movement to activate the oxygen generating material in the cartridge. The shaft functions as a timer activator so that the timer is set when the shaft is activated. The timer produces an alarm signal just prior to the expiration of time for depletion of oxygen from the cartridge within the housing. Each of the covers has a chamber receiving the oxygen from the cartridge and supplying it through tubing to oxygen receiving means worn by the miner such as a mask, for example.

Abstract: A pressure-vacuum purge cycle that is employed in the sterilization of dry goods and especially of wrapped fabric packs employs a positive pressure steam pulse followed by a positive pressure steam displacement of continuously vented air in novel combination with subsequent vacuum pulsing at limited maximum negative pressures to provide improved conditioning of the said goods in respect of the purging of air and moisturizing of the goods and improved economies in time and energy consumption.

Abstract: In an apparatus for successively igniting a plurality of incense sticks or other elongated combustible articles, a series of timer discs on a common shaft is rotated by an electric motor. The rim of each disc is provided with a bore for holding one end of an incense stick. The opposite end of the stick is supported beneath an igniter element. As the motor shaft rotates, the timer discs are successively rotated to move the incense sticks, one at a time, into contact with the igniter element. Following ignition, each incense stick is further rotated for exposure to the atmosphere until fully consumed. The speed of rotation of the timer discs is controlled to provide complete consumption of an incense stick during each shaft revolution.

Abstract: Air removal is completed and ascertained, in steam sterilization systems which use steam flow through a sterilizing chamber to facilitate air removal, by methods which enable steam-table values for a dependent variable relationship of pressure and temperature, as exhibited by confined saturated steam, to be utilized under steam flow conditions.Apparatus for controlling and measuring chamber conditions are provided so that such established steam-table values for confined steam can be readily and reliably used to establish and ascertain complete air removal while steam is flowing through the chamber.In a representative embodiment, chamber pressure is held substantially constant while the remaining variable chamber temperature is measured. Venting of chamber atmosphere is continuous during such control of chamber pressure with chamber temperature being measured until a value is reached corresponding to the steam-table value at the level of the chamber pressure being held.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus and method according to which articles are sterilized by subjecting them to an ultrasonic/heat activated disinfectant liquid in the presence of heat and ultrasonic vibrations. The preferred disinfectant liquid includes a quaternary ammonium compound and a surfactant at a pH of 12. Treatment according to the invention results in the killing of vegetated bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction apparatus, which apparatus comprises a liquid-liquid extraction column with timing controls for sequentially pulsing the light and heavy phases and controlling the operation of the valves which introduce into the withdraw from the column the liquid phases, based on the percent of phase-volume changes occurring in the liquid-liquid extraction in the column.

Abstract: Biocidal gas sterilization methods and apparatus are disclosed in which goods are heated and moisturized prior to addition of the sterilizing gas utilizing repressurization after initial evacuation to provide drive power for the conditioning vapor and improve conditioning efficiency. After initial evacuation to a selected subatmospheric pressure level, the chamber is repressurized with a conditioning vapor comprising steam to a subatmospheric pressure level corresponding approximately to desired sterilizing temperature, then the chamber is held with evacuating and vapor injecting interrupted for a predetermined interval; this sequence of steps is repeated a selected number of times; and, conditioning to various sterilizing temperatures is available. Initial evacuation can be accompanied by intermittent injection of conditioning vapor. No chamber measurement of temperature or relative humidity is required for conditioning control and conditioning vapor injection is free of flow rate control requirements.

Abstract: In a system wherein exhaust gases containing SO.sub.2 are fed to a sulfuric acid plant from multiple furnaces, including an intermittently operated furnace (such as a copper or nickel converter furnace), a method of automatically controlling the gas pressure to within a predetermined range at a point just upstream of the exhaust gas pretreating equipment at the inlet of the sulfuric acid plant so as to compensate for the fluctuation in the exhaust gas pressure resulting from start up and stopping of the operation of the intermittently-operated furnace. By this method, the disadvantages caused by large gas fluctuations, i.e., the leakage of SO.sub.2 -containing gas and the suction of excess free air can be prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the measurement of the atomic absorption of gaseous samples including a reaction vessel and conduits for supplying liquid sample, carrier gas and a reagent to the vessel. A discharge conduit is coupled between the reaction vessel and the measuring cell of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The reaction vessel has a drain conduit and a relief valve in the drain conduit. Control means are provided for controlling the flow of liquid sample, carrier gas, reagent and gaseous sample through the corresponding conduits in accordance with the predetermined program for making consecutive measurements. A pressure sensor is provided for sensing pressure in the reaction vessel above a specified pressure indicative of incomplete draining of the vessel and below a specified pressure indicative of substantially complete draining of the vessel.

Abstract: A steam-operated sterilization apparatus for sterilizing laundry, bandages, instruments and the like, includes a heat-insulated container, and a sterilization chamber disposed within the heat-insulated container. A space between the heat-insulated container and the sterilization chamber is filled with a fluid acting as a carrier of heat. A heating device heats the fluid to a temperature above 100.degree. C., and a water conduit, connected to a source of water, is disposed in the space for passing the water therethrough. The water conduit includes a water-evaporation section for converting the water into steam, and a steam-heating section for converting the steam into superheated steam. The water conduit communicates with the sterilization chamber for introducing the steam and the superheated steam thereinto, and a discharge device communicates with the sterilization chamber for at least condensing the steam and the superheated steam, and for discharging the condensate.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus and control arrangement providing for selective operation of a plurality of differing types of sterilizing units including sterilizers capable of carrying out a plurality of differing steam and/or gas sterilizing cycles are disclosed. An electronic microcomputer controller is provided on a plurality of circuit boards, at least one of which is an integrated complete controller for at least one type of sterilizer; expander circuit boards extend control to remaining differing types of sterilizers. Also, provision is made for automatically identifying each differing type of sterilizer upon interconnecting an integrated control system with a selected sterilizer.

Abstract: A sterilizer utilizes fluorocarbon liquid as the sterilizing medium. The fluorocarbon liquid is retained in the bottom of a sterilizer chamber. Instruments are placed within the chamber above the liquid level. The chamber is sealed and a heater causes the liquid within the chamber to vaporize. The fluorocarbon vapor is more dense than the air within the chamber and is not miscible with that air. Consequently, as the fluorocarbon vaporizes, the air within the chamber is displaced through a vent in the top of the chamber. A minor amount of fluorocarbon vapor is also displaced as all air is purged from the chamber. The discharged fluorocarbon vapor is recondensed through an expansion valve and collected for recycling. The chamber is sealed upon purging of all the air and is maintained in a pressurized state for a period of time. Subsequently the heater is turned off and the chamber is cooled by a fan.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote biological decontamination of a space with formaldehyde and subsequent generation of a formaldehyde neutralizing agent so as to permit immediate access to the space is disclosed. The apparatus is completely self-contained and includes a control mechanism for automatically sequencing the various steps in the biological decontamination of the space.

Abstract: Conditioning of goods for subsequent sterilization with a biocidal agent in a sealable chamber includes removal of air, and moistening and heating the goods to the desired temperature levels. Controlled evacuation of the chamber and coordinated admission of conditioning vapor into the chamber provides cyclic variations in chamber pressure between preselected subatmospheric pressures to subject goods in the chamber to a plurality of cyclic subatmospheric pressure pulses. The time required for the cyclic pressure variations is responsive to load characteristics, including heat and moisture absorption characteristics of the goods being conditioned, and is independent of prescribed times or direct measurement of load temperature. The subatmospheric pressure levels are selected based on the temperature-pressure relationship of the conditioning vapor so that chamber temperature during cyclic pulsing does not exceed the desired sterilization temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing laboratory and hospital glassware, liquids, instruments, garments and the like comprising a sterilizer enclosure having a steam jacket surrounding the same, a source of steam and means, connected in parallel, to supply steam to said jacket at one of two predetermined pressures, means for interconnecting said jacket and said interior of said sterilizer, and means responsive to a predetermined temperature setting for the interior of the sterilizer to selectively initiate and discontinue the supply of steam to said jacket in response to the temperature in said sterilizer.

Abstract: Contact lens disinfector unit for sterilizing contact lenses contained within a lens case, wherein the contact lenses are of the type which preferably should be sterilized or disinfected once each day and periodically cleaned after a predetermined number of sterilizing or disinfecting cycles. The heating unit includes a housing in which is disposed a heating block arranged to contact the lens case, and circuit means operatively associated with the heating block and adapted to be coupled to a source of electric potential for utilizing electric current to apply heat to the heating block. The circuit applies the electric current for a sufficient period of time to attain a desired sterilizing temperature within the case, and then terminates the heating cycle allowing the lens case and the contact lenses to cool, thereby completing the overall sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: Gaseous measuring samples like element hydrides are generated from liquid samples by reacting the same with reducing reagents in a reactor. In the reactor a countercurrent of inert gas strips the volatile reduction products from the reactor to convey the products to the measuring cell of an analytical measuring instrument. Various embodiments of the apparatus automatically controlling the supply of liquid sample and reagents to the reactor are disclosed such as mechanically or pneumatically controlled pumps. In each measuring cycle the reactor and respective components are washed to prevent contamination of succeeding samples; also, analytical determination of blank values as well as reference values can be included in each measuring cycle.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a rectangular housing defining an air inlet chamber between the first partition and the top wall of the housing, a valved air inlet communicating with the air inlet chamber, a second partition defining an air outlet chamber between the second partition and the bottom wall of the housing and a central chamber between the first and second partitions, a valved air outlet communicating with the air outlet chamber, apertures in the first and second partitions for affording air flow from the air inlet chamber, at least one tray member, a support on the end walls for horizontally supporting the tray member in the central chamber and for facilitating at least partial withdrawal of the tray member, a holder on the tray member for removably holding a plurality of relatively thin rectangular envelopes which contain a substance to be dispensed and which are arranged in parallel vertical relation to each other to permit air flow past the envelopes from the air inlet chamber to the air outlet chamber

Abstract: High purity water distribution systems are purged and disinfected by incorporating an outlet purge line into the conventional recirculating loop of the prior art. The purge line communicates with each outlet opening of the high purity water system and means are provided for intermittently and sequentially purging the outlets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steam sterilization in which goods are conditioned by removing air and heating to a desired temperature in sealable chamber. Pressure change in the chamber is monitored and employed to control conditioning. The goods are subjected to a plurality of controlled cyclic pressure pulses below a predetermined supra-atmospheric pressure level by alternate evacuation and vapor pressurization of the chamber. The cyclic pressure pulsing is made responsive to load characteristics which are determined by monitoring pressure change rate in the chamber. In a specific embodiment, air is flushed from the chamber initially by the injection of steam simultaneously with evacuation; the evacuation phase of each pulse continues until both a predetermined time has lapsed and a predetermined vacuum level has been attained; and, the steam pressurization phase of each pulse is continued until a fixed pressure related to sterilization temperature is reached.

Abstract: A sterilization device for processing a pluraity of containers disposed on support devices therefor, includes a housing provided with a passage for receiving and discharging a succession of the support devices, a preheating arrangement for preheating the containers to a first predetermined temperature within the housing, a heating arrangement for heating the containers to a predetermined sterilization temperature within the housing upon the containers having been heated to the predetermined temperature, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the containers to a second predetermined temperature following sterilization of the containers by the heating arrangement.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus includes a housing adapted for receiving a removable rack with open shelves supporting containers with the substance to be sterilized, a fan arranged at the top of the housing, and a cooling device for subsequent cooling of the sterilizing fluid introduced into the housing. To increase the uniformity of whirling of the fluid around the containers on different levels of the rack and thus to increase the heat transfer to, and the subsequent heat removal from the containers, a timing-and flow-controlling device is provided for cyclically changing the flow of the sterilizing fluid through the rack during the heating-up and cooling-down of the sterilization cycle, either by alternating the direction of the flow, or by distributing periodically partial streams through different shelves of the rack.

Abstract: In a stationary upright cylindrically shaped container, organic waste materials are passed downwardly from an upper inlet opening to a lower outlet opening. At the same time air is passed in counterflow upwardly through the downwardly flowing body of waste materials being converted into compost. The air supply means at the lower end of the container are divided into sector-shaped parts, and the compost is conveyed to the outlet opening from each of the sectors of the body so that the moisture content of the material leaving each sector can be checked. Air is introduced, in turn, into the lower end of each sector within the container. The amount of air introduced into each sector is regulated in accordance with the moisture content of the material discharged from that sector.