Abstract: A method for preparing dental instruments for sterilization in which the instruments are put into a relatively large see-through heat sealable plastic bag. The bag is placed over a surface of an impulse heater and an arm is lowered to clamp the bag and apply two heat seals across the bag; one heat seal to enclose the instruments and a second parallel heat seal. A knife carried by the arm is used to cut between the two heat seals. This cutting operation forms a custom sized closed bag containing the instruments to be sterilized that is placed into an autoclave and sterilized. The cutting also forms a second bag, smaller than the original bag that is reserved for use in a subsequent packaging operation.

Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.

Abstract: Autoclave construction and methods that can substantially reduce shipping costs for large autoclaves. In accordance with the invention, the autoclave body, the door and the hinge assembly for mounting the door to the autoclave body are manufactured as bolt together assemblies, with the autoclave body shipped without the door or hinge assembly attached thereto. This reduces the size and weight of the autoclave, reducing its shipping costs much more than the cost of shipping the door and hinge assembly, whether assembled together or shipped as two separate parts. Alternatively, the door may be welded to the hinge assembly and shipped as one part, the hinge assembly and door being readily assembled to the autoclave body at the destination by bolting the two parts together.

Abstract: A Waste Material Sterilizing and Size Reduction Apparatus A waste treatment apparatus and a method of treating waste using such an apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a sealable vessel with an auger mounted therein. The vessel is adapted to receive the waste, and is then sealed. The application of steam to the waste which is rotated within the vessel using the auger effects a sterilizing of the waste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out the process, which enables the disinfection of flat and enclosing surfaces using steam. In order to achieve this, a disinfection head 1, which exhibits a nozzle assembly 3 and a suction bell 6, is connected to a holder 2 such that it can move. The holder has an inlet hose 13 to enable the steam to be introduced into the disinfection head and an outlet suction hose 7. The inlet hose is connected to an initial evaporator cell 9 and the outlet suction hose is connected to a collection container 8. The initial evaporator cell, the collection is container, the suction pumps and the necessary valves and heating elements are joined together in a mobile unit 23.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sterilization-in-place of a bag assembly includes rigid bag and tube support members arranged in a clamshell configuration to surround and support the bag assembly so that pressurized steam can be supplied to the interior of the bag assembly without the danger of rupture.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a cork-based product useful for making stoppers. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) introducing the product in a sealed container; b) subjecting said product to the action of water vapor under pressure ranging between 2.105 and 30.105 Pa for a duration ranging from about 5 seconds to 5 minutes; c) producing an expansion to restore atmospheric pressure inside the container; d) recuperating the treated product.

Abstract: The invention concerns homogeneous at least partial sterilisation or homogeneous complete pasteurisation of a substrate. In a first step of the method, the substrate is loaded via a loading area of a sealed hollow vessel at a first end of the vessel. A fluid for moistening said substrate may be introduced into the vessel, the vessel being further provided with means for at least partly sterilising or pasteurising the moistened substrate. In a second step, the substrate is passed through a bounded zone of transport towards the front of the machine until it reaches the other end of thereof. In a third step, the substrate is passed through a zone of transport towards the rear of the vessel so as to return the substrate to the first end, the zones of transport towards the front and towards the rear being separated from each other by a tubular partition. During the return transport the substrate may be subjected to tumbling.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and method in which a sanitizing device detects pressure of steam rather than temperature. The pressure is related to a desired temperature, but detection of pressure means that temperature sensors do not need to be exposed to the steam. In addition, the steam can be fully saturated, and sterilization can be obtained without the need for a drying cycle. The liquid does not need to be reused in the apparatus, ensuring that biofilm contamination of articles can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A device for the rapid sanitizing of a toothbrush comprising a housing having an upper portion, a mid portion and a lower portion, with an aperture located in the mid portion of the housing for receiving the bristle portion of a toothbrush. The upper portion of the housing has a reservoir for water, and a tube is connected for carrying selected amounts of water to a pan mounted in the lower portion of the housing. The pan is configured to contain a relatively small quantity of water delivered during a relatively short interval of time from the reservoir by means of a pump driven by an electric motor. A heater is mounted closely below the pan and arranged to heat and vaporize the small quantity of water delivered to the pan at a given moment.

Abstract: A biosolids treatment system comprising a storage tank for containing a quantity of biosolids sludge, a system of disinfection piping within the storage tank comprised of a segment of inner biosolids piping having a plurality of holes spirally arranged at a desired spacing around its perimeter concentrically arranged with a segment of outer steam piping, delivery pumps for delivering a quantity of biosolids to the storage tank, biosolids pumps for delivering a flow of biosolids from the storage tank to the inner biosolids piping; and steam pumps for delivering a flow of steam to the outer steam piping and thereby injecting a flow of steam from the outer steam piping into the inner biosolids piping for thermally disinfecting the flow of biosolids in the inner biosolids piping. The system includes computerized controls for continuously and simultaneously monitoring and operating the biosolids and steam pump means.

Abstract: A method of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization cycle in a sterilization chamber by the use of an indicator containing DNA and a dye which can be bound thereto. The indicator containing DNA is placed in the sterilization chamber prior to the beginning of the sterilization cycle. When the DNA is subjected to heat and steam, the molecule is fragmented so that it is no longer capable of binding the dye. The DNA is withdrawn from the indicator after the sterilization cycle, contacted by a solution of the dye and, thereafter, dipped into wash water. If sufficient fragmentation has taken place, a substantial percentage of the dye will be washed off during the second dip. This is easily recognized by the operator and the efficacy of the cycle can be determined. On the other hand, if insufficient heat and steam has been applied, the remaining DNA will retain the dye and little or no change in color will be observed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for performing heating and sterilizing treatment on the inside of a PET bottle with a low heat resistance securely and without thermal deformation thereof, where a steam jetting nozzle is inserted into the bottle from a mouth portion thereof to jet steam from the nozzle, the steam is circulated inside the bottle to be exhausted from the mouth portion, the steam is caused to contact with a bottle inner face securely, and simultaneously cooling water is sprayed on an outer face of the bottle so that thermal deformation of the bottle wall face is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for sterilization of medical wastes by exposing them to microwave energy. The microwaves are generated and directed through a wave-guide configured as a hollow duct, such that they are supplied to the interior of a treatment chamber from opposite directions causing their collision within the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure heating apparatus which can surely prevent generation of cold spots inside the pressure vessel without using an excessive amount of steam and can shorten the required time necessary for pressurizing and heating. A circulation pipe for connecting a top side opening provided on the upper portion of a pressure vessel and a bottom side opening provided on the lower portion of the pressure vessel is provided outside the pressure vessel. A turbo blower is provided on a path of the circulation pipe and a steam supply pipe is connected thereto. Therefore, air inside the pressure vessel and steam supplied to the circulation pipe can be strongly agitated, thereby achieving uniformity of the temperature distributions and the steam density.

Abstract: A sterilization cassette and a sterilization method for sterilizing, storing, and dispensing dental instruments. The sterilization cassette includes a mounting bar and a locking bar for dental pliers of various types, a removable instrument tray, and a case with a front side which opens and hinges in two places, allowing the cassette to be arranged in horizontal and vertical configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pressure heating method and a pressure heating apparatus which can prevent deformation of articles or deterioration of the quality of the articles due to supply of excessive pressure and heat. After performing pressurizing and heating processing of articles by supplying steam to a pressure vessel, the supply of steam is stopped and air is supplied to the pressure vessel to keep the internal pressure of the pressure vessel within the range not exceeding the maximum value of the internal pressure at the time of pressurizing and heating. A cooling water spray device on a circulation pipe is operated along with a turbo blower so as to condense it for gradual removal. After completing the removal of the steam, the articles are cooled by the operation of the cooling water jet unit. By avoiding an abrupt decrease in the pressure inside the pressure vessel through preventing an instant condensation of the whole steam, an excessive pre-load becomes unnecessary at the final stage of sterilization.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefilled injector package comprising a prefilled injector having a syringe body filled with a medicine; and a packaging material for hermetically packaging the prefilled injector, the packaging material being brought into close contact with at least the syringe body; and a method for sterilizing or disinfecting the prefilled injector package, which comprises the steps of packaging the prefilled injector with the packaging material such that the packaging material is brought into close contact with at least the syringe body; and heat-treating the prefilled injector package to simultaneously sterilize or disinfect an injector body and the medicine filled therein.

Abstract: Process for bulk autoclaving of polysaccharides, wherein the process includes: a) dissolving the polysaccharides in an aqueous solution and mixing until a homogeneous solution is obtained; b) filling the resulting solution in at least one container; c) placing the filled container(s) including the solution in an autoclave; d) placing a sensor in at least one of the containers; and e) autoclaving the filled containers.

Abstract: A pump is supported on a housing and has an inlet port coupled to a lubricant supply and an outlet port coupled to a tube outlet opening for delivering a predetermined amount of the lubricant during an activated cycle of the pump. An actuator, when triggered, operates in an actuated state for a predetermined duration during which time the pump is activated for one cycle and delivers a predetermined amount of the lubricant to the tube outlet opening. A switch is independently selectable for triggering the actuator to activate only the active cycle of the pump. The actuator may be a spring-biased solenoid or a timer circuit with a relay. The pump may be a piston-diaphragm type or any one of various motor driven types. The pump is activated for about 1 second, without also activating a cleaning cycle or a purging cycle and delivers ⅛ to ½ cc of a lubricant comprising about 90% by volume of a pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and about 10% by volume of NNL-690.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sewage sludge by heating in a sludge pasteurisation process in which small bubbles of steam are injected into a continuous flow of sludge to cause highly turbulent sludge flow conditions during which the steam condenses to heat the sludge. Incoming, untreated sludge is initially pre-heated as required and as available heat sources such as independent power plant or excess capacity of the steam generating boiler. Thus, a suitable treating temperature is more readily achieved. The heated sludge is retained in an insulated tank to allow the pasteurisation process to be completed. Heat dumping may be provided to regulate treatment temperatures.

Abstract: A method of removing refractive defects formed in the matrix of a clear cyclic olefin component of a medical device during steam sterilization, wherein the clear polycyclicolefin component has been heated to a temperature of between 120° C. to 130° C. in the presence of steam. The method includes maintaining the polycyclicolefin component at a second temperature in a relatively drier atmosphere without reducing the temperature of the polycyclicolefin component to ambient temperature. Where the cyclic olefin component is a prefilled medical storage or delivery device, the second temperature is between 80° C. and less than 100° C. The method of this invention is particularly suitable to remove refractive defects formed in the matrix of a polycyclicolefin barrel of a prefilled syringe or cartridge following terminal sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for stabilizing bicarbonate-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. The bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention are formulated and stored in at least two parts—an alkaline bicarbonate concentrate and an acidic concentrate. The alkaline bicarbonate concentrate is adjusted to have a pH of about 8.6 to 10.0. The acidic concentrate is adjusted to have a stable, acidic pH ranging from about 1.0 to 3.0. Upon mixing, although some variation in the pH of the mixed bicarbonate solution exists, the inventors have discovered that with the appropriate selection of the parameters of the concentrates, the pH of the mixed solution is always within an acceptable physiological range.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms with the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which comprises a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: This invention provides a superheated steam apparatus that is cable of efficiently heating water to generate superheated steam, and to perform a process such as sterilization utilizing this superheated steam while keeping the loss of heating energy to a minimum. The invention comprises a processing section 11 at the top on the inside of a housing container 2, which is at atmospheric pressure, for performing a process utilizing superheated steam, and where the processing section 11 includes a steam discharge outlet 12, and a superheated steam generation section 10 located at the bottom of the processing section 11; and where the superheated steam generation section 10 generates superheated steam or moist air inside the housing container 2, hat is essentially in an open state, and is connected with the processing section 11 in an open state.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe barrel and needle cannula assembly is provided that is capable of being dry heat sterilized at temperatures of greater than about 250° C. and up to about 350° C. in which the assembly includes a syringe barrel, a needle cannula and a bonding material, where the bonding material is stable above about 250° C., cures to provide a transparent bond, and affixes the needle cannula into the syringe barrel to provide the assembly with a post-sterilization needle pullout strength of at least about 30 newtons.

Abstract: A method for treating agricultural products for insects, microorganisms, and other infestations is disclosed. An aspect of the method entails reducing or increasing the air pressure associated with the agricultural product, then introducing one or more treatments to the agricultural product. One treatment may comprise heat, and the heat may be in the form of steam or heated air. A second treatment may comprise electromagnetic radiation, in the form of microwave energy or high frequency waves.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior of a diffusion restricted area by introducing a sterilant in a chamber, condensing the vapor, reducing the pressure in the chamber to revaporize the condensed vapor, and maintaining the device in the chamber until the device is sterilized. The sterilant has a vapor pressure less than the vapor pressure of water and is preferably hydrogen peroxide. The pressure in the chamber while maintaining the device in the chamber may be held constant, varied, or increased. Plasma may additionally be introduced into the chamber to improve the rate of sterilization.

Abstract: A medical article is heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees F. Then, the medical article is loaded into a housing. After loading, the medical article may be heated within a sterilization-sealing station, by pressurizing the housing with steam through gas injection pins. The steam is supplied through gas injection pins. A sterilizing gas is also supplied to the medical article within the sterilization-sealing station. A determination is made as to how much time is required for the residual sterilizing gas to dissipate from the housing. The medical article is maintained in a degassing area until residual sterilizing gas dissipates from the housing. The housing may be formed between the first and second webs, which are sealed together after sterilization.

Abstract: A medical article sterilization device has a pretreatment area for medical articles, a device to form a housing in a first web, an article loading station, an alignment device and a sterilization-sealing station. A heat source at the pretreatment area heats the medical articles. At the article loading station a medical article heated in the pretreatment area is loaded into the housing in the first web. The alignment device aligns a second web with the first web. At the sterilization-sealing station the first web and the second web, with the medical article loaded into the housing, are sterilized and then, the first and second webs are sealed together. Gas injection pins may be provided at the sterilization-sealing station to inject gas into the housing, between the first and second webs. The sterilization-sealing station may have a steam source to inject steam into the housing, between the first and second webs.

Abstract: A method of treating a building contaminated with Stachybotris includes inspecting the building to identify locations in the building contaminated by the Stachybotris, applying a treatment liquid to the Stachybotris at the locations, the treatment liquid including hydrochloric acid, and heating the treatment liquid for a length of time after it has been applied to the Stachybotris.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system for delivering sanitized water to a workstation has a boiler which produces heat-sanitized water and steam. A diverter valve permits a fluid delivery line of the system to convey either sanitized water or steam to a workstation. The steam serves to sanitize the delivery line and workstation and removes biofilms therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hygienically preparing dried peppers by continuously sterilizing and drying fresh peppers are provided. The method includes: screening fresh peppers, removing the stems of the peppers, and aging the peppers; washing the peppers to remove foreign materials and pesticide residue from the surfaces of the peppers; optionally sterilizing the surfaces of the washed peppers using a chemical sterilant solution; cutting and separating seeds from the washed or sterilized peppers; sterilizing the cut peppers using a chemical sterilant solution and/or high-temperature and high-pressure steam; drying the sterilized peppers by hot air or freeze-drying; and grinding the dried peppers into a product. The preparation method includes repeated sterilization and drying processes so that a sanitary problem common to dried peppers can be solved.

Abstract: There is provided an improved two-ply sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of a single sheet of sterilization material. The sheet is folded forming at least one fold. The folded sheet forms first and second overlapping panels and two layers of sterilization material. Preferably, the panels are bonded to each other. The folded single sheet provides two layers of sterilization material covering the article to be sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing sterilant to a packaging machine is provided. The apparatus comprises a conduit, for a predetermined mix of atomized hydrogen peroxide and air, within a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a conduit for steam heat under pressure and comprises and inlet for the steam and an outlet for condensation formed by cooling steam. As the pressurized steam surrounds the conduit heat is transferred to the atomized hydrogen peroxide and air causing the mixture to vaporize. An outlet for hydrogen peroxide vapor is provided at or near a sterilization location in a packaging machine, allowing the vapor to aid in the sterilization of packaging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner for cushioning surgical instruments and sterilization packs and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed absorbent liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilization carts such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments and the shelves of the sterilization carts.

Abstract: The present invention is related a high viscosity xanthan and processes for producing said high viscosity xanthan. In particular, the invention relates to a process for increasing the viscosity of xanthan comprising the steps of: (i) diluting xanthan in a fermentation broth with more than 30 percent by volume of a diluent to said fermentation broth volume; and (ii) pasteurizing said diluted xanthan fermentation broth. A particularly preferred pasteurization process is to utilize steam from a direct steam injection system. Xanthans with increased viscosities have improved product functionality for a number of different commercial applications are produced using the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: A pressure vessel, such as a bench top sterilizer, including a pressurizable chamber housing having an interior for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber housing includes an access opening and the sterilizer or pressure vessel includes a door with hinge structure facilitating door movement between an opened condition, a latch condition and a latched and sealed condition. A seal is connected with at least one of the chamber housing and the door and is disposed in sealing engagement around the access opening when the door is in the latched and sealed condition. After latch structure on the door is initially actuated by a user, a motorized drive mechanism with a rotatable output connects with the latch structure such that rotation of the output moves the door from the initially latched condition to the latched and sealed condition.

Abstract: A hermetic type of cooking vessel with numerous nozzles arranged therein, and conduits which open at these nozzles are connected to a cold water source, a hot water source, a seasoning liquid source, a steam source, a superheated steam source and a heated nitrogen source via associated switching means. With this vessel food material is heated evenly without agitating the food material; and automatically heated with this vessel and cooked with accuracy. Thus, the food material is showered with the heated seasoning liquid and other cooking gases and liquids, and the used seasoning liquid is collected from the bottom of the cooking vessel to be reheated. The so reheated seasoning liquid is made to return to the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel is equipped with a food material temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and such like.

Abstract: This invention is directed to sterilization indicator systems for determining the effectiveness of sterilization processes. Test indicator devices comprise a container that is open on one end and has liquid impermeable and substantially gas non-absorptive walls which surround the biological or chemical material to be used as the indicator system, the opening contains a barrier that allows fluid such as gas to flow from the outside, through the plug and into the interior chamber containing the indicator system providing the detection. The entire indicator is further contained within a sealed pouch that is liquid impermeable and gas permeable under the conditions of a gas over steam sterilization system. The flexible pouch allows the test indicator to properly function while protecting the indicator from the environment while maintaining reliability of the test results.

Abstract: A safety system for a gas process or facility for measuring the concentration of a specified gas in an area or chamber and determining whether it is safe to allow access to such area or chamber. In particular, the safety system is adapted for use in a gas sterilization facility having one or more sterilization chambers, wherein the safety system measures the concentration of the sterilizing gas and unlocks the door of the sterilization chamber if the level of the sterilizing gas in the sterilization chamber is below a predetermined limit. The safety system further limits access to the sterilization chamber after a predetermined period of time if the door of the sterilization chamber is not opened due to the possible continued desorption of the sterilizing gas from the articles into the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: In a process for sterilizing objects, the surfaces of the objects are dampened by condensating a steam compound of water and hydrogen peroxide. The steam compound reaches hereby the objects to be sterilized without any additional transport gas flow. Subsequent drying occurs by means of evacuation at a pressure below the boiling points of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water steam sterilizer, a so-called autoclave which consists of a steam generator (5), a chamber (13), a condenser (19) and a vacuum pump (20), whereby a pipe (9) connects the steam generator (5) with the chamber (13) and a pipe (35) connects the chamber (13) with the steam generator (5), whereby a valve (16) is provided in a pipe (34) between the chamber (13) and the condenser (19). The autoclav according to the invention is characterised in that valves (10, 17) are provided in the pipe (9) and the pipe (35) respectively. The invention further relates to a method for steam-sterilizing a load in a chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for operative cleaning and preparation of dental handpieces is made as an integrated unit having holding stubs (6) for receiving the handpieces inside a treating chamber (1, 30), which is designed in a pressure resisting manner and with heating means (12, 56) such that it is directly usable for autoclave treatment of the handpieces. Through the holding stubs (6) and in accordance with a control program it is possible to supply warm water and oil to the respective channels in the handpieces. The apparatus may appear as a table unit (32) holding all what is required for a complete cleaning lubrication and sterilization cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating contaminated materials, specially infected materials, which are fed to endless screws (5, 12) via a feed hopper (2) and are heated, disinfected or sterilized in addition to being discharged through an ejection system (21).