Abstract: A cleaning treatment is disclosed for the blood compartments of dialyzators which is effected still in the preparation stage. The dialyzators contain membranes of cellulose in the form of hollow filaments, tubes or flat foils. The cleaning treatment embraces the following measures:washing with water or aqueous solutions and evacuation of the compartments, then filling with a mixture of water, glycerin and alcohol and drying after a renewed evacuation--or, filling with water or aqueous solutions and subsequently closing the entrance and exit of the blood compartment. As a third measure, the compartments are sterilized with gamma radiation and/or ethylene oxide and/or superheated steam.

Abstract: The invention is for an instrument container and the method of its use. Instruments for sterilization are placed on a tray spaced above a floor of the container, and the container has a gated exhaust port in a wall and adjacent the floor. In use, the open top container with open exhaust port is placed in a pressure vessel and having an outlet, steam is caused to gravitate down through the instruments to exit through its open exhaust port and thence through the vessel's outlet. When the steam vessel is opened, the gate is closed and latched over the container's exhaust port and a top cover is installed so that the sterilized instruments maybe transported through non-sterile environments without danger of contamination.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for sterilizing goods comprising a method for substantially reducing condensate on the processed goods. The method includes producing an exothermic reaction during the process between effective amounts of at least two reactants to release at least a sufficient quantity of heat proximate the goods to substantially reduce condensate on the goods at the conclusion of the process. Hydratable salts may be housed in a liner which is permeable to a condensate vapor present in the process. Contact between the vapor, or condensate, and the salt produces the exothermic reaction during the process.

Abstract: A container particularly adapted to sterilize and use for disposal of contaminated or infectious waste in hospitals, industrial laboratories, and the like. One embodiment of the container is illustrated in the form of a bag constructed from a nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers. The web is pervious to sterilants but impervious to bacteria and may comprise a laminate of webs of spunbonded and microfibers thermoplastic polymers. The container may be in the form of a bag and contains an impervious section which may be formed by coating or coextruding a polymer film and a pervious section comprising the nonwoven web. In addition to sealing at both ends, the container is capable of being sealed by means of heat, adhesives, or the like between the two sections. In a particularly useful application, infectious or contaminated waste is positioned within the pervious section and the impervious section folded underneath.

Abstract: In order to avoid producing any secondary waste in the production of a fibrous and a granular material from household, agricultural, forestry waste, organic waste of the manufacturing and/or service industries, the primary waste first undergoes an opening treatment in an opening unit and then, after removal of any metallic components by magnetic separation units, is divided into three fractions. Such division is effected by a fractioning unit into (a) a fine fraction not exceeding the required final product particle size, (b) a coarse fraction easy to process mechanically, and (c) a coarse fraction difficult to process mechanically. The two coarse fractions are then separately reduced to the required final product particle size in reducing unit optimally suited to the particular coarse fraction.

Abstract: A method for the sterilization of a machine used in the formation, filling and sealing of plastic containers. A source of sterilizing agent, such as steam, is used to sterilize the various passageways, filters, and components within the machine which, if contaminated, would contaminate the liquid in the filled plastic container. Pressurized air or gas is delivered through sterilized lines having a micro-organism filter. The air flowing out of each filter is sterile and free from bacteria. A series of unique, easy to sterilize, three-position, two-way valves are used to duct pressurized gas and steam to the various components. A special air drop test apparatus is used to operationally check the integrity of the filters without breaching the sterile condition of the various fluid passageways and interconnected components.

Abstract: An insect killing system is disclosed which comprises a circulation chamber within which steam is allowed to flow and circulate in a transverse or horizontal direction and a differential insect killing cell which forces the steam within the circulation chamber to flow in a vertical direction. In this insect killing system, by guiding the steam in the circulation chamber maintained at preselected temperature and humidity into the differential insect killing cell, the product temperature of fruit core temperature of raw fruit can be maintained at a desired level so as to kill out the maggots and eggs of insect pests such as orange flies and melon flies attaching to the raw fruit contained within the differential insect killing cell.

Abstract: A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber causes the chamber to expand, which provides an indication that an adequate sterilizing cycle has been provided. The expansion force may also be used to permit a container to close at the end of a sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: Method of treating a cellulosic hollow fiber which is being particularly adapted for use in hemodialysis or a similar extracorporeal treatment of blood.According to the described method the hollow fiber, possibly after rinsing with an alcoholic solution or fluorinated hydrocarbons, is exposed to swelling with use of an aqueous solution prior to drying and/sterilization of the hollow fiber.Examples of aqueous solutions can be water, water/glycerol, and water/glycerol/alcohol. Preferably said aqueous solution contains glycerol in an amount of 4-35%, such as 12-35%, preferably 16-35%.The aqueous solution can be applied to the inside and/or the outside of the hollow fiber so as to bring about a diffusive and/or a convective transport of water and/or glycerol into the hollow fiber wall.

Abstract: A method is proposed for sterilizing packaging material of plastic, cardboard or combinations of the two, in particular for sterilizing preshaped packaging containers intended for receiving acidic products. In this method, damage to the packaging material or the packaging apparatus is to be avoided because of the mild thermal treatment involved. By subjecting the surface to be treated to a flow of a moist mixture of water vapor and air at a temperature of from 80.degree. to 140.degree. C. and having a moisture content of from 5 to 50%, sufficiently high degrees of sterility for the sterile packaging of acidic food products are attainable within relatively short treatment periods.

Abstract: A container lid (12) is held open by a support plate (18) carrying a chamber (20) which expands at a predetermined point in a sterilizing cycle to react against the lid, moving the plate outwardly to permit the lid to drop onto the container base. A resilient gasket (16) prevents fluid flow into the container after the lid is fallen, but permits fluid flow outwardly past the gasket when interior pressure exceeds exterior pressure. When the container is to be opened, a relief valve (60) relieves the vacuum within the container and filters air entering the container at that time.

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: A sterilizer container includes a seal member so positioned on the container that movement of the outer cover of the container to a contaminating position requires fracturing the seal, thereby destroying the utility of the seal member and thus providing a visual indication that the articles within the container are contaminated. Further, the seal member includes a sterilization indicator which provides a further indication that the articles contained within the container are sterile.

Abstract: An autoclave for sterilizing used medical equipment and compacting same for disposal comprising a sealable receptacle lined with a thermoplastic liner wherein the liner forms an interior region for receiving used medical equipment. The sealable receptacle is provided with a hydraulic ram for compressing and crushing the equipment contained in a thermoplastic wrap. Thus the medical discards are compressed into portable capsules which then may be discarded in landfills. The hydraulic ram includes controls for automatic cycling of the compression and ejection strokes and the autoclave itself is provided with a steam inlet means through which steam is injected into the liner both to soften the liner and to sterilize the debris before compression. The ram actuation may be coupled to a recorder which records the sterilization temperatures and may include interlocks and clock limits to preclude injury to the operator.

Abstract: A sterilizer container comprising a lower base portion, cover, and an intermediate cover which is installed in a sealing manner on the inwardly drawn edge of the lower base portion. The cover includes an overlapping flange. A flow passage, leading to a tortuous path, is defined by the overlapping flange of the cover and the inwardly drawn edge of the lower base portion. The exchange of fluent media between the interior and the exterior of the container takes place through the flow passage and the tortuous path. The intermediate cover is connected with the cover in a detachable manner and has perforations in its middle segment which are covered by a filter. This filter is pushed against the peripheral segment of the intermediate cover by means of a sealing ring which is supported by the cover. The intermediate cover can be provided with valves effective in two directions in place of perforations whereby an equalization of pressure is possible. In this case, the filter is omitted.

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: In the steam sterilization of packaging material, such as blanks intended for containers of acid liquids, the improvement which comprises employing a packaging material with a surface germ-count of less than approximately 1 germ/dm.sup.2 and using steam at atmospheric pressure. The packaging material can comprise a reel of fibrous material coated on one or both surfaces with plastic or it can comprise plastic-coated containers. After steaming, it may be hot air dried.

Abstract: A phased aseptic sterilization and packaging process is disclosed wherein the solid component of a product is separately sterilized within the container in which the product is ultimately sealed. The liquid component is aseptically sterilized independently, and is aseptically filled into the container in a chilled condition to quench the hot solid component prior to final sealing of the container. A novel apparatus is provided for handling the containers during processing.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator including a carrier, a pH value indicator that changes color at a predetermined pH value affixed to the carrier and a chemical composition associated with the carrier. The chemical composition contains a mixture of at least two different carboxyl group-containing submixtures, wherein the first carboxyl group containing submixture is a mixture of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and a metal salt of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and the second carboxyl group containing submixture is a mixture of phenylpropiolic acid and a metal salt of phenylpropiolic acid, wherein the molar ratio of the first submixture to the second submixture is about 1:4 to 4:1. Under steam sterilization conditions, the pH value of the chemical composition exceeds the predetermined pH value, causing the pH value indicator to change color and indicate that sterilization is complete.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving a steam sterilization cycle by shortening the time of the drying stage of the cycle. Sterilized articles in a sterilization chamber surrounded by a steam jacket chamber, are enveloped in water vapor which is quickly cooled and condensed by draining steam from the jacket. In addition, a heat exchanger comprising pipe coils mounted within the sterilization chamber completely below the articles to be sterilized with a cold coolant circulated therethrough may be used to further cool and condense the water vapor in the sterilization chamber, from which water and water vapor are quickly drawn off by an applied vacuum. The process involves the simultaneous steps of: withdrawing steam from the steam jacket to cool the walls of the sterilizing chamber; removing water and water vapor by vacuum from the sterilizing chamber; and circulating cold coolant in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A disposable test package for testing the proper functioning of a steam sterilizer is formed with a test sheet adapted to change color in response to the presence of steam under preselected sterilization conditions. The sheet is surrounded by disposable nonwoven porous material, above and below, forming a core region around the test sheet having desired height and porosity parameters and a shell region around the core having different height and porosity parameters which are adapted to permit the test pack to simulate a Bowie and Dick challenge pack for the testing of steam sterilizers.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe-needle assembly in which the needle is covered with a shield-closure unit to assure sterility. Said shield-closure unit comprises a tube which covers the needle and a plug for said tube, one end of said tube being adapted for fitting tightly over the reduced part of the barrel of a syringe, and the other end being covered by the plug, both said end and plug covering it being adapted to provide an air-tight fit between them, said plug being sufficiently long to engage the tip of the needle inside the tube.

Abstract: A device is provided which simulates heat transfer into a flexible pouch in which food or like product is cooked and sterilized. The simulator is a block of polymeric material having a thickness approximately that of a food pouch and a thermal diffusivity generally equal to or slightly above that of food product. A thermal sensor is disposed centrally within the block of polymer material and is connected to electrical leads extending externally of the retort to apparatus that records temperature change as a function of time. A plurality of simulators are placed at various regions in the retort, and the uniformity of the heat transfer under certain operating conditions is determined by measuring the heating rates of the several simulators. Operating conditions, such as flow rates or location of introduction of water, steam and air are changed until a sufficiently uniform heat transfer environment is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating whether the contents of a container have been sterilized during a sterilization process including a first member having a portion for coacting with the sterilization agent to indicate the sterility of the contents of the container. A second member is adapted to extend into the interior of the container to be sterilized and receive and releasably engage the first member so that said first member can be positioned within the interior of the container to be sterilized during the sterilization process and so that the first member can be placed in and withdrawn from the second member without exposing the contents of the container to the surrounding environment or the operator to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A dishwasher and dishwashing method which generate steam from the surface of a body of water in the dishwasher tub, without substantial heating of the entire body of water, during at least parts of the washing and rinsing operations performed on dishes within the tub. Heating only a surface layer of the body of water to generate steam results in substantial energy savings, particularly when the dishwasher is supplied with cold water, instead of preheated water. Efficient steam generation, and heating limited to the surface layer of the body of water, are achieved by utilizing a large-area partially-submerged electric heater, comprising an electrical resistance heating element carrying a heat conductive, metallic jacket of enlarged cross section. The jacket is provided with a depending peripheral skirt for trapping air and/or steam beneath the jacket so as to minimize downward heat transfer from the jacket to the water below the surface layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for heating/pasteurizing/sterilizing fluids, which comprises a main chamber (1) in which the substance to be heated is brought into direct contact with heating fluid, and a transit chamber (4) in which the substance circulates prior to entering the main chamber, also a tubular element (7) part-contained within the transit chamber and extending forth from within same in order to combine with the transit chamber exit aperture (6) in creating an annular exit collar (10) through which the substance flows in order to reach the main chamber bottom by running down the tubular element side wall; the tubular element and the transit chamber inner wall creating an annular passage (13) immediately up-flow of said exit aperture whose acess-capacity may be adjusted by axial slide of the tubular element thus affording the means by which to regulate flow through the contrivance.

Abstract: A heater for wet dressings comprising, a case having a base with sidewalls defining a cavity, and an insert connected to the base and defining at least one recess in the cavity to receive the wet dressings. The heater has an electrical heating element in close proximity to the insert recess for heating the wet dressings, and the temperature of the heating element is controlled in the desired range of temperature of the wet dressings.

Abstract: An artificial organ assembly having an artificial organ with a built-in body fluid treatment mechanism as well as a body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. It also includes an extracorporeal body fluid circulation mechanism comprising a body fluid inlet line connected to the body fluid inlet port and a body fluid outlet line connected to the body fluid outlet port, filled with a liquid harmless to the human body and sealed. The whole assembly is hermetically vacuum-packaged and steam sterilized in the packaged state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

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 a process for sterilization of liquids like milk, containing gases such as air and carbon dioxide and microbes, a microbal enriched partial stream is separated by centrifugation and is degassed in a first step, whereupon the so treated partial stream is heated for sterilization and is then remixed with the rest of the original stream. The novelty is constituted by the manner of heating said partial stream, namely by injecting it in finely divided form into a closed container in which there is provided a steam atmosphere, the stream being discharged with level control from said container, whereas the remaining gas is separated and is discharged through an extra outlet.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor for measuring dissolved carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide in gas is sterilizable with steam under pressure at a temperature of 120-130 degrees Celsius. The sensor comprises an outer tube having on its one end a gas-permeable membrane and a pH electrode disposed in the outer tube and supporting a spacer of poor hydrophobicity so as to be positioned between the distal end of the electrode and the membrane. For measurement of carbon dioxide, a liquid containing sodium bicarbonate is poured into the outer tube to form a layer of electrolyte at the spacer, and the outer tube is mounted on a fermentor. The pH electrode can be removed from the outer tube which is attached to the fermentor, and a membrane protecting rod can be inserted into the outer tube for sterilization of the membrane. The gas-permeable membrane can easily be replaced.

Abstract: This invention concerns the heating of a liquid, such as milk, by steam infusion and involves the formation of the liquid into a descending curtain that is initially generally frusto-conical in configuration and later is generally cylindrical as it passes through an atmosphere of steam. The curtain is of relatively small diameter at its upper end and continually increases its diameter as it moves downwardly, thus, not only causing the thickness of the film to progressively decrease but also causing the surface area of the film to be greatly enlarged.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing and disposing of infectious solid waste and non-hazardous solid waste includes a housing having an upper chamber for receiving the infectious solid waste and a lower chamber for receiving the non-hazardous solid waste. The upper chamber includes an exterior loading door, and an interior discharge door. A discharge ram forms one wall of the upper chamber opposite to the discharge door. The upper chamber includes door seals and pressure fittings so that the infectious waste placed therein may be sterilized by steam introduced under pressure. The neutralized wastes are ejected by the discharge ram through the interior door into the lower chamber. One wall of the lower chamber comprises a compactor ram which is extendable through a discharge opening to compress the neutralized and non-hazardous wastes into a closed compactor container.

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 compact self-sterilizable proportioning hemodialysis system alternatively usable with either a coil type or parallel flow artificial dialyzer without material alteration comprises a hydraulic driven dialysate proportioning pump in a positive pressure flow path to provide dialysate in a controlled concentration to a dialysate receiving canister. A coil-type dialyzer within the canister receives dialysate in a recirculating flow from a circulation pump. A venturi in the recirculating flow path provides a negative pressure to pull dialysate through a suction loop, which may alternatively include a parallel flow dialyzer. A conductivity cell, temperature monitor and blood leak detector sample and monitor dialysate from the canister, and to control the dialysate and indicate fault conditions. The system may alternatively function as a recirculating plate-type dialyzer having high dialysis efficiency.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for sterilizing containers before they are filled, with which it is possible to subject heat-sensitive containers to sterilization by a heating medium. While the interior of the containers is subjected to heated vapor, the exterior of the containers is cooled, so that in the wall of the containers the overall temperature of the wall is kept so low that deformation is avoided. To provide such cooling, either a cooling element complemental in shape to the outer contour of the containers, or a coolant-spray device, may be used.

Abstract: A sealed container provides with a plug valve which employs a heat responsive band having one end attached to the side of the plug which is on the outer side of the plug when the plug is positioned in the container wall. The other end of the band extends around the edge of the plug holding the edge away from a valve opening in the wall of the container. This inner end of the band is connected through a wire to a fusable pin centrally positioned on the inner side of the plug. At the desired time, the fuse melts releasing the wire and the ban shrinks or retracks, releasing the edge of the valve member allowing it to seal against the container wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of removal of particulate material and boiler-feed additives from pressurized, saturated steam, which apparatus includes a composite cartridge in which particulate matter is removed by a filter tube and boiler-feed additives are removed by contacting the filtered steam with a bed of a hydrogen-form, strong-acid, ion-exchange resin, and saturated, pressurized steam substantially free of particulate matter and volatile, alkaline, boiler-feed additives are recovered for use, for example, in food-preparation and sterilization purposes.

Abstract: A system for selectively collecting washed articles with a washing device and conveyor to convey the articles therethrough, first and second detectors for detecting fabric faults and improperly washed articles, respectively, a device to roll the articles, a control device for controlling the washing treatment and a distributing device in response to signals generated by the detectors.

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: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a container whose lid is held on by pressure differential between the interior of the container and the outside atmosphere, in which a pressure cover encloses the upper portion of the container and lid, and with the container, forms an enclosed pressure vessel with internal structure urging the container lid against the upper extremity of the container, and pressure control apparatus for limiting the pressure within the pressure vessel, and a base assembly for engaging the pressure cover and the container.

Abstract: A batch sterilizing unit, in the form of a tank having a top loading port and a bottom discharge port, holds a batch of cans for sterilization. The cans in contact with the door associated with the discharge port are prevented from transferring heat to the door and accordingly are maintained at sterilizing temperature by providing a perforated partition forming a wall of condensate sump. Thus the sterilizing medium, whether it be steam or water, is able to effect complete sterilization of those cans making contact with the partition. In addition, condensate is continually discharged from the unit, when steam is the sterilizing medium, insuring creation and maintenance of sterilizing temperatures to the cans resting on the discharge port door.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for quietly injecting live, high pressure steam into water in a sterilizer chamber, wherein a minute quantity of air at higher pressure than the steam is quietly mixed with the steam prior to passing the stream of air mixed with steam into water in the chamber. The water can be drawn from the chamber by a recirculating pipe into a venturi ejector into which the stream of air mixed with steam is passed. The water quietly mixes with the stream of air and steam and the combined stream of air, steam and water is quietly recirculated back into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of fermentation objects by steam comprises a sterilization vessel with a heater, a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe. The apparatus further comprises a buffer vessel communicating with the sterilization vessel via lines including valves. The buffer vessel is provided with its own heater. The apparatus also comprises two gas filters mounted on the heater of the sterilization vessel and interconnected in series through a steam flow rate regulator, one of the filters being connected to the buffer vessel, and the other filter being connected to a pipe adatped to communicate with the fermenter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the steam disinfection of refuse, particularly garbage received, under quarantine, from marine vessels. The apparatus is a closable chamber having a steam sparger supported above the bottom thereof, which sparger is covered by water placed in the bottom of the chamber during use thereof.

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 method of sterilization of material in an autoclave, at which method pre-vacuum is created during a certain period of time in the autoclave chamber, during the following period of time steam supply and sterilization of the material take place, and during the period of time following thereafter after-vacuum is created. During the entire procedure of said lastmentioned period of time (c) heat is supplied from an extra heat source (5), whereby the temperature at the beginning of the lastmentioned period of time is maintained substantially constant during said entire period (c).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing highly infectious material. The sterilizer incorporate an inner chamber having no drain line and having a reservoir created by low dams at the bottom of the inner chamber at each end for collecting condensate during the sterilizing cycle. The chamber has a steam jacket. Water for sterilizing can be introduced into the chamber at the time the chamber is loaded.