Abstract: An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food product surfaces. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food products to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to bathe the food products. The method includes the steps of placing food in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then bathing the outer surface of the food with chilled water for about 60 seconds. The use of this method results in a 5-log reduction in the population of microorganisms and bacteria on the surface of the food.

Abstract: Infectious wastes originating in hospitals or other locations are deposited into a sealable, pressure resistant, portable sterilizer vessel at the source of the wastes. The sterilizer vessel rides on wheels enabling travel of the filled vessel to a sterilization station at another location where steam is directed into the vessel to perform the sterilization. Operators need not transfer unprocessed infectious waste from a collection cart to a fixed sterilization vessel at the sterilization site. In the preferred form, handler exposure to unprocessed wastes is further reduced by creating an airflow from the vessel opening to a filter while the vessel is opened for deposit of wastes.

Abstract: The vessel for high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization is a vessel for accommodating at least an endoscope and performing high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization, comprising: an accommodating recess section for accommodating an elongated and thin insertion part of the endoscope having a flexible section; and pressing force preventing means for preventing local pressing forces from being applied to the outer surface of the flexible section when accommodated in the accommodating recess section.

Abstract: A rotary sterilization system, a controller for use in the rotary sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of containers and provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The containers contain a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the rotary sterilization system includes a rotary sterilizer. The controller controls the rotary sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the containers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.

Abstract: A gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i. e., Ox, gas to a material at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus in an infuser. The infuser is of the type which has an autoclave, with an inlet in its upper region for the product which is to be heated, and an outlet located in its lower region for the ready-treated product. The inlet is provided with a distributor chamber which divides the product into small droplets when the product enters the autoclave. The infuser is also provided with at least one temperature gauge placed in the upper region of the autoclave. The temperature gauge is disposed to control a valve for the uncondensable gases which gather in the “cold” area which is formed in the upper region of the autoclave, as a result of the placing of the steam inlet in the lower region of the autoclave.

Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing and filling containers with a product, for which method and machine the containers are grouped in rows at right angles to the transporting direction with the container openings facing upwardly and aligned at a distance from one another. The containers are swiveled, row by row, into an at least approximately vertical position with the container openings facing downwardly and rinsed jointly on the inside with a cleansing agent. The rinsed containers are dried on the inside in a first drying station and, after passing through the first drying station, are charged into a sterile environment. After a row of containers has entered the sterile environment, the containers are sterilized on the inside by means of a sterilizing agent and, in a second drying station, residues of sterilizing agent are expelled from the sterilized containers.

Abstract: A sterilant challenge device, for use in testing the efficiency of the removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a tube that is closed at one end and open at the other for the entry of sterilant, a plurality of thermally-conductive masses the tube, and at least one temperature sensor. When the challenge device is located in a sterilizer, the penetration of sterilant along the bore of the tube during a sterilization cycle, is inhibited by the accumulation of air and/or non-condensable gas within the bore resulting from the condensation of moisture on the walls of the bore. By measuring the temperature inside the device adjacent the closed end of the tube, the efficiency of the sterilization cycle can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing soils and of the equipment related thereto. The method comprises sequentially at least the following phases:—dispersion into the soil of at least one compound, solid, liquid or gaseous, able to react exothermically with water and/or steam, or other substance;—injection of at least one jet of water and/or steam, or of another substance, into the soil in such a way as to produce heat in the subsequent reaction with the compound. Between the two aforesaid phases it is convenient to proceed to break up the soil to favor its mixing, with the compound and create the best conditions for the reaction.

Abstract: A hydrostatic sterilization system, a controller for use in the hydrostatic sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of carriers and to provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The carriers carry containers of a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the hydrostatic sterilization system includes a hydrostatic sterilizer. The controller controls the hydrostatic sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the carriers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.

Abstract: An electrochemical heating pad includes a corrugated sheet having alternating peaks and valleys defining channels of elongated compartments having sidewalls between the peaks and valleys. A dry mixture operable to be wetted and activated with an electrolyte to generate heat through electrochemical reactions is disposed in at least some of and preferably all of the elongated compartments. The channels are covered with a base sheet on or a porous sheet to form the compartments. The corrugated sheet is preferably made from cardboard and the porous sheet is made from non-woven polypropelene. One dry mixture of the invention includes Magnesium in a range of 80% to 95% by weight, Iron in a range of 3% to 6% by weight, and Calcium Nitrate in a range of 1% to 2% by weight. Another mixture includes about 83.5% Magnesium by weight, about 4.0% Iron by weight, about 11.0% salt by weight, and about 1.5% Calcium Nitrate by weight.

Abstract: A gassing incubator includes an inner housing bounding a inside space. The inside space communicates to the exterior through an opening. The opening is selectively sealed closed by a movable door. The inner housing includes a floor which is configured to receive and retain water. To disinfect the inside space, water is disposed on the floor and the opening is sealed closed. The inside space is then heated to a disinfecting temperature of about 90° C. The water is also heated so as to produce a relative humidity of greater than about 80% within the inside space. This atmosphere is maintained for a disinfection phase of at least 9 hours. The hot and humid atmosphere of the inside space produces great heat sensitization of cells which might be present. As a result, substantially all of the cells within the inside space are killed during the 9-hour disinfection phase.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are presented for the steam pasteurization of the meat to heat the surface of the meat and reduce surface contamination. One example of an apparatus for reducing surface contamination of meat includes a dewatering region, a steam region, a coolant region, and a controller. The dewatering region includes at least one dewatering element for directing a dewatering fluid at a piece of meat to remove surface water from the meat. The steam region includes at least one steam valve for directing steam at the piece of meat to heat the surface of the meat. The coolant region has at least one coolant element for directing a coolant fluid at the piece of meat to cool the meat. The controller is configured and arranged to control a conveyor to move the piece of meat from the dewatering region to the steam region, to stop the piece of meat in the steam region while steam is directed at the piece of meat, and to move the meat from the steam region to the coolant region.

Abstract: A cleaning and sanitizing assembly for automatic food and beverage dispensing machines is provided. The dispensing machine may be manufactured or retrofitted with the assembly. The assembly may also be a stand-alone assembly. The assembly includes at least one water line and at least one sanitizer line to introduce at least one sanitizer to conditioned water from the at least one water line. The at least one sanitizer may be ozone generated by an ozone generator from air filtered and dried in an air filter/dryer and then added to the water in an air flow apparatus. Other sanitizers may be added to the ozonated water or the conditioned water without the ozone. The sanitized water is introduced into the dispensing machine typically through a reservoir which normally contains the produce mix. The sanitized water is dispersed into the reservoir through a rinse tube or a spray nozzle extending across the top of each reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food processing equipment. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food processing equipment to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to bathe the food processing equipment. The method includes the steps of placing food processing equipment in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food processing equipment is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then bathing the outer surface of the food processing equipment with chilled water for about 60 seconds.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synergistic wood preservative composition comprising of a quaternary ammonium compound and N-substituted isothiasolones having the properties of providing effective and broader control of microorganisms that produce stain, can cause the deterioration of wood, or may develop resistance to some of the active components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the heat treatment of a fluent food product with steam includes a pressure vessel having a steam inlet at one end and an a product outlet at the opposite end; an inner partition wall having an open end defines the product introduction and treatment chamber and includes a fluid distribution device adapted to provide a plurality of discrete turbulent sprays that impact in a turbulent manner on the interior surface of the partition wall to then flow downwardly to the open end in a turbulent manner while steam flow upwardly toward a vent located at the top of the treatment chamber; balanced flow of steam is effected by apertured baffles extending between the interior wall of the vessel and the partition wall.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for cleaning and sterilizing instruments within dental care, and incorporating the following partial steps, separately partly known in themselves, a) that the instrument, which is to be cleaned and sterilized is positioned in a treatment chamber, which is closed, b) that the instrument in the treatment chamber is washed with a washing medium, thus that all organic material in the form of internal, as well as any external deposits and coatings are removed, c) that the washing medium is discharged, d) that the instrument is sterilized during a time, which is short as compared to conventional sterilization, e) that the instrument is brought to take up a temperature appropriate for use, and f) that the instrument is lubricated if so needed, whereupon the instrument is ready for removal from treatment chamber for use.

Abstract: The killing of microorganisms on the surface of porous and non-porous materials including agricultural commodities is accomplished by use of methods and apparatus which expose the material to controlled applications of a biocidal treatment gas into a sub-atmospheric environment. The material is first exposed to a vacuum then, without an intervening flush step, full treated with an air-free treatment gas prior to being re-exposed to a vacuum. The method and apparatus successfully kill microorganisms both on the surface and within the pores or structural recesses of the material without causing significant deleterious changes to the material.

Abstract: A hollow vessel for heat sterilization, which is superior in the transparency and in the impact resistance with scarce odor, made of a polyolefin resin having characteristic properties comprising an underwater light transmittance of 70-99% resulting from determination of light transmission at a wave length of 450 nm for a resin specimen of a thickness of 0.5 mm which has been subjected to a heat sterilization treatment with steam at a temperature of 121° C. for 20 minutes; a tensile elastic modulus of 200-700 MPa, determined according to ASTM D 638 for a resin specimen of a thickness of 0.5 mm which has been subjected to a heat sterilization treatment with steam; a haze value difference &Dgr; Haze of 1-20%, determined according to ASTM D 1330 for a resin specimen of a thickness of 0.5 mm respectively before and after a heat sterilization treatment thereof with steam; and a high-speed impact strength of 1.5-10 J, determined on an impact test at 0° C.

Abstract: A method of improving the indoor air quality in a building comprising at least partially inactivating fungal mycelia and spores associated with a building material surface by applying onto the surface thermal energy initially contained in water vapour at a pressure exceeding 1 bar, in an amount which is sufficient to at least partially inactivate said fungal mycelia and spores but essentially without causing damages to the surface material.

Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing a fiber based container that contains a food product without damaging the container. The method involves placing the filled container in an autoclave, and supplying steam into the closed autoclave to raised the temperature to a sterilization temperature and at a pressure above atmospheric. The temperature required for sterilizing the food product is greater than the critical temperature for the container. The cooling phase involves introducing cooling air into the autoclave to reduce the temperature below the critical temperature without introducing moisture, and then supplying cool water to lower the temperature of the container rapidly. The use of this method provides effective sterilization in a reduced cycle time.

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. A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system where, in the first step, 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 within 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening, is not a problem.

Abstract: A steam-sensitive ink comprises, as active ingredient, a tetrazolium salt. The ink may be coated on, or impregnated into, a substrate to form a steam sterilization indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and disinfecting surgical instruments is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes a cleansing chamber for containing the instrument while proximate at least two nozzles for directing fluids onto the instrument. The nozzles and the instrument are simultaneously oscillated by separate rotary drives.

Abstract: A process for deodorizing and subsequently cooling dispersions or liquids comprisinga) passing steam through the dispersion or liquid to be cooled and held in a vessel (1), said dispersion or liquid being caused to foam up as a result,b) discharging the foam from the top section of the vessel via a nozzle (5) into an evacuated separation vessel (4), the foam being broken in the process,c) condensing the water vapor formed from the foam in a heat exchanger (8) and removing volatile organic components at the same time, andd) returning the broken foam to the vessel (1),in which the steps a) to d) are performed until the dispersion or liquid has been deodorized to the desired extent, wherein, after completion of the deodorization (in accordance with steps a) to d)), the hot dispersion or liquid is discharged from the bottom section of the vessel (1) through the nozzle (5) into the evacuated separation vessel (4), so that the dispersion or the liquid is cooled, the nozzle (5) and the evacuated separation vessel (4

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for steam sterilization that monitor pressure at one of more points in the steam flow path in order to regulate the flow of cooling water mixed into the discharge or effluent. This permits the indirect, yet accurate and rapid, determination of discharge water temperature so that it can be mixed with just the right amount of cooling water to bring it to the desired temperature, e.g., 140.degree. F. or below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable assembly for collecting contaminated waste, comprising a heat-stable container (1), for example made of metal, in order to withstand, without deformation, the conditions, particularly the temperature conditions, of a complete sterilization of its contents, and intended for household and/or industrial refuse, and forming a chamber provided with a sealable opening (2) through which the contaminated waste (3) is introduced, and a hot-melt plastic material (11) which is meltable under the conditions, particularly the temperature conditions, of sterilization, and is arranged inside the container (1), with a sufficient mass to enclose the waste (3) in the molten plastic material, the assembly additionally including a permeable cover (15), with a filter (55), sealing the opening (2) of the container (1).

Abstract: A device and method for elimination of contamination during transfer of materials either into or from bioreactors, food containers, or other microbially vulnerable systems. Using microwave power, thermal sterilizations of mating fixtures are achieved simply, reliably, and quickly by the volatilization of small quantities of water to produce superheated steam which contacts all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a method and an apparatus for the sterilization and/or heat treatment of product with the product being introduced in batches into a pressure vessel which lies substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A process for steam-sterilizing label-bearing containers stacked with the labels in contact, without destroying the labels such as occurs if the labels are printed by thermal transfer for product-variable data. The process features laser-ablating imagewise the label to remove an ink layer so as to expose either a contrasting ink layer below, or a metal foil or polymer substrate. Such containers are then readily stacked on the labels and sterilized without thermal damage to the labels.

Abstract: A reusable test pack suitable for monitoring a steam sterilization process which includes an outer sealable pouch which is permeable to steam. A removable insert is contained within said pouch, and contains a chamber for holding a sterilization indicator device. A sterilization indicator device is contained within the chamber and a data card is contained within the pouch, and positioned to cover the indicator device.

Abstract: An autoclave is disclosed which includes direct heating and improved access. The autoclave includes a heating system which is placed directly into the pressurized chamber such that materials which are placed directly into the autoclave are directly heated. The autoclave includes doors which are disposed inside of the pressure vessel which seal against the inside surface of the pressure vessel upon pressurization. In one embodiment a pivot system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. In an alternate embodiment a robotic system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. The robotic system is also used to move the door out of the way after depressurization.

Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system including 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 within 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 includes a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: An elliptical steam sterilizer includes an elliptically shaped inner shell (12) and an elliptically shaped outer jacket (14). The inner shell (12) and outer jacket (14) are supported on opposite ends by an end plate (16) and a back head (20). The elliptical shape of the sterilizer distributes the forces caused by pressurization and evacuation of the inner shell (12) in a beneficial manner which eliminates the need for expensive reinforcement of the inner shell and outer jacket (14). The elliptical shape, which is oriented with its major axis (Y) positioned vertically and its minor axis (X) positioned horizontally, provides greater capacity than a cylindrical sterilizer with the same size footprint.

Abstract: A steam condensate tempering system for a steam sterilizer uses a fast temperature sensor to measure the temperature of combined water and steam condensate from a sterilizer, and a controller for controlling the flow of cool water to mix with the steam condensate in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In injection of steam, gas, liquid or a powdered or granulate product into a fluid in an injection apparatus having a substantially disc-shaped rotor (53), a product inlet (50) and a central product outlet (57), the injection is carried out in an annular injection zone above the disc-shaped rotor (53) at a distance from both the circumference and the center of the rotor (53). The fluid product which may be a liquid with considerable variation of dry solids content and viscosity is exposed to a radial displacement effect as well as a tangential dispersion effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: A process challenge device tailored to mimic the resistance of a particular product to a particular biological inactivation, disinfection, or sterilization process, and used to challenge the process, thus providing a means to validate the efficacy of the process. The process challenge device is used by subjecting the device containing indicator organisms to an inactivation or sterilization process, and culturing any surviving indicator organisms as a means to assess the efficacy of procedures for the inactivation of microorganisms. The device includes a biological indicator organism stored on a carrier substrate enclosed within a chamber formed by a barrier film material. The specific indicator organism and carrier substrate are chosen for their appropriateness for a given process. The materials comprising the barrier film material of the process challenge device are chosen for the materials' specific resistance to the given process.

Abstract: A double boiler for domestic use includes a heating vessel for receiving water and a filtering device containing food, the vessel having a lid on the top; a main case having a reception hollow and a heater at one side so that the heating vessel is mounted and heated; a steam condenser incorporated in the top end of the main case so that steam produced from the heating vessel is collected; steam cooling device for circulating cooling water along the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the steam condenser so that the steam collected in the steam condenser becomes cooled; and a condensed water collecting device for receiving the heating vessel to the hollow of the main case and at the same time connecting the heating vessel and steam condenser so that the condensed water condensed in the steam condenser is gathered into the heating vessel.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter package includes disposing a filter and a liquid in a container with the filter immersed in the liquid and sanitizing the liquid and the filter while in the container. After sanitizing, the container may be hermetically sealed to enclose the sanitized liquid and filter. The container may be vented during sanitizing to allow vapor of the liquid to exit from the container and prevent pressure from building up in the container. The container may be either rigid or flexible.

Abstract: An appliance which is entirely, or includes components, formed of a thermoplastics material, e.g., conventional nylon-bristle toothbrushes, may be sterilized by first bringing water contained in a reservoir of an uncovered sterilization tray to, or near, its boiling point by initial exposure to microwave energy. Thereafter, the appliance is placed in the sterilization tray in proximity to the microwave-preheated water. The sterilization tray may then be covered and subjected to an additional (shorter) cycle of microwave energy. During this subsequent microwave cycle, the water in the reservoir boils so that steam fills the covered container and is pressurized to less then about 10 psig (e.g., due to the fluid-tight seal formed by the container's cover). The steam and the microwave energy are sufficient to sterilize the toothbrush bristles.

Abstract: A process for treating so-called wet refuse of urban origin, especially food waste from canteens, communities and other similar catering establishments, and originating from the food industry and the agrifoods industry, including the phases of subjecting a continuous stream of said wet refuse, previously ground, to heating to a pasteurization/sterilization temperature for the time needed for complete cooking, to give a continuous pasty and wet stream of cooked and sanitized refuse and subjecting the said continuous stream to drying, to give a product having a moisture content of not more than 15%.

Abstract: The invention presents a method, apparatus and container for sterilizing solid matter or liquid matter containing solid matter efficiently in a short time, while preventing deterioration of quality or decline of flavor.In this method, solid matter (a) and liquid matter (b) are separately heated and sterilized, and both are mixed after being sterilized, and put and sealed in a bag (c) or container. When heating and sterilizing the solid matter independently, the solid matter is weight and dispensed in each retainer (c) by the portion of one pack each, and sterilized, and is transferred, after being sterilized, from the retainer (d) into a bag (c) or container, and sealed. Sterilization is executed by rotating the retainer (d) and inducing an agitating action on the inside solid matter.

Abstract: Filtration of raw water by a filtration apparatus in which a membrane module is incorporated is sLopped, and sterilization is performed for a predetermined time period by supplying steam to the filtration apparatus. Thereafter, the raw water at an ordinary temperature is passed through the filtration apparatus at a linear velocity of 0.1. m/sec. or less, so as to cool the filtration apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (12) has a chamber (10) closed by a door (14). Steam, from a steam source (38) is selectively supplied to the interior of the pressure vessel to sterilize received items. The pressure vessel has an electric heater (24) for a steam passage or jacket (50) extending circumferentially therearound to heat the pressure vessel wall above the saturation temperature to prevent condensation within the pressure vessel. A vacuum jacket (20) surrounds the pressure vessel and the heater to provide an annular vacuum insulation region. A vacuum pump (30) is operated, as necessary, to maintain the vacuum between the vacuum jacket and the pressure vessel and is utilized when appropriate to draw a vacuum within the pressure vessel (12).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for sterilization and/or heat treatment of products in particle form, e.g. bone meal, and comprising an upright-standing pressure vessel (2) with elevator arrangement (6) which lifts the meal from the bottom area (5) to the top area (4), and lets it fall back to the bottom area for re-lifting.The processing is effected by direct steam supply (16), whereby the meal is heated to sterilization temperature.After the treatment or the sterilization, the vessel is emptied by the opening of a bottom valve (10). During the whole of the process, i.e. during filling, sterilization and emptying, the elevator arrangement (6) is in operation.The elevator arrangement is, for example, a helical vibration elevator firmly built into the vessel and with external vibration motors (8), so that the whole of the vessel is made to vibrate.

Abstract: A plurality of stacked trays 2 are accommodated within a rotary housing 3 rotatably supported in a sterilization vessel 1 (FIG. 7a). A medium support port 42a is sealingly engaged with an inlet port 25. Then, a flow of hot water is supplied to the inlet port 25. Thus, a spray hot water is ejected from spray nozzle 23 for heat sterilizing products on the trays 2. Thereafter, a spray of cooling water is ejected from the spray nozzle 23 for cooling the products. The rotary housing 3 is rotated to a position in which inclination of the trays 2 exceeds 90 degrees. Then, the rotary housing 3 is counter-rotated to a position in which the trays 2 are inclined at a vertical orientation (FIG. 7b). A hot gas supply port 37a is sealingly engaged with the inlet port 25 so as to supply a flow of hot air into the inlet port 25, whereby the products may be dried.