Abstract: A method for a single step sterilization of a ready-pack, such as a blister pack, in an autoclave is described. The ready pack includes a container, such as a syringe, filled with a substance. The environment in the autoclave, that is, the temperature, the heating period and, preferably, the pressure is controlled to sterilize simultaneously the ready-pack and its contents by circulating steam in the autoclave. The steam penetrates into the blister pack through a steam-permeable base. The temperature is maintained between about 120.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. for about 15-20 minutes.

Abstract: A moist-heat sterilization apparatus is provided which comprises a boiler shell (3), a chamber (4) inside said boiler shell (3), a heating block (14) external to said chamber (4) and in contact with the boiler shell (3), a feeding circuit (12) to supply the heating block (14) with water, and a conveying circuit (26) extending between the heating block (14) and chamber (4), the heating block (14) comprising canalization members (31) interposed between the feeding (12) and conveying (26) circuits and heating members (30) adapted to create a first steam flow through the canalization members (31). The process consists in admitting a first steam flow into a boiler shell, collecting the condensation water of the first steam flow and heating the boiler shell in such a manner that a second steam flow is produced from the condensed water.

Abstract: A food sterilizing apparatus has a plurality of sterilizing units (18) each comprising a stationery upper member (14) defining an open-bottom chamber (30) and an elevatable lower member (16) defining an open-top chamber (42). The lower member is moved by a drive mechanism (46) so that the apparatus may take a stand-by position where the upper and lower members are remote from each other and an operative position where these member engages closely with each other to form a single air-tight chamber that is defined by the chambers (30) and (42). A plate (38) carrying trays (2), each carrying the food to be sterilized, is intermittently conveyed by a conveyor (40) to make a brief stop at a position between the upper and lower members when they are in the stand-by position. A steam flush is applied to the closed air-tight chamber for sterilization of the food when the members are in the operative position.

Abstract: A sterilization system using a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process in an enclosed sterilization container while still maintaining the sealed state of the sterilization container. The process monitoring device comprises at least one biological indicator and/or at least one chemical indicator. Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the process monitoring device can be advantageously removed from the system to determine chemical and/or biological efficacy of the sterilization process. The removal of the biological and/or chemical indicators does not disturb the sterilized state of the articles inside the sterilization container.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fluid product by injecting steam from a steam inlet and fluid product from a product inlet into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes an outlet for the treated product, a steam injection opening with a first valve member disposed therein and a product injection opening with a second valve member disposed therein. The position of the first and second valve members determines the width of a substantially annular discharge orifice around each valve member. The discharge orifices face one another. The apparatus additionally includes pressure sensitive displacement means which permits movement of the second valve member in response to the pressure in the product inlet. The invention additionally relates to a method for treating a fluid product utilizing the apparatus as described above.

Abstract: A high-pressure sterilization apparatus for the implementation of a semicontinuous process for high-pressure sterilization of a liquid or solid product, in which the sterilization of successive volumes of the product is performed by compressing the product at a high pressure in a tubular variable treatment chamber of circular cross-section.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of sterilization cycle parameters within a load-simulation device that simulates the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the device into the sterilizer control system allows critical sterilization parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a sterilization cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system within the device is included. When acceptable sterilization parameter levels are shown to have been met, the sterile load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for achieving rapid cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in aqueous solution. A device for reducing surface tension in liquids is also disclosed. An ethoxylated aliphatic amine is disclosed as the cationic surfactant of choice, preferably with a liquid soluble germicide simultaneously present in aqueous solution to accelerate sterilization at 25.degree. room temperature. One device includes a tablet; another device includes an absorbent body, or other carriers which can carry both cationic surfactants and germicides. Another device includes an hermetically sealable envelope, which contains both the cationic surfactant and a germicide which impregnates an absorbent liner. The composition includes a germicide and a cationic surfactant. Glutaraldehyde is the preferred germicide, while bis (2-hydroxyethyl) cocoamine and polyoxyethylene (5) cocoamine are, respectively, the cationic surfactant of choice.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus according to the invention relate to pasteurization of products in a tunnel pasteurizer. In the application of heating systems comprising water/steam heat exchangers in the zones for heating of sprinkling water, the pipelines and the valves for controlling the water and the steam become very complex and vulnerable, and the number of analog valves for steam become equal to the number of heat exchangers as a minimum. Leakages in analog valves for steam are frequent after some time in operation. According to the invention this problem is eliminated in that hot water is taken out under low pressure from a heating source (7) comprising a heat-insulted storage tank and a shared source of heat, where the water is circulating constantly, said hot water being supplied in a controlled amount directly to each zone (14b, . . .

Abstract: A method for disinfecting or sterilizing infectious waste is described in which infectious waste is introduced into a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber is evacuated, a fluid fed in so as to fill the pressure chamber with saturated steam, the infectious waste remains for a specified disinfection or sterilization period in the heated saturated steam and the pressure chamber is then aerated so as to remove the disinfected or sterilized waste. An apparatus for performing the method is also described, this apparatus comprising one or more pressure vessels (2) which each have at least one access means (3) and at least one infrared radiation source. The dimensions of these pressure vessels (2) are preferably not much greater than a plastic collecting container for the infectious waste.

Abstract: Infectious wastes from hospitals or other sources are sterilized in a chamber which is pivotable between a waste loading orientation, a sterilizing orientation and a waste dumping orientation. The chamber is attached to a framework by first and second pairs of pivot arms which are coupled to the sides of the chamber at spaced apart locations. An actuator swings the first arms upward to bring the chamber to the loading orientation and swings the arms downward to turn the chamber to the dumping orientation. The pivot arm arrangement causes the chamber as a whole to lower as it turns towards the loading orientation and to rise as it turns towards the dumping orientation. This reduces the amount of lifting of materials that is required during loading operations while also providing adequate clearance under the chamber for dumping operations.

Abstract: A method for cleaning medical instruments including dental instruments having internal channels and internal moving parts comprises cleaning the external surface and internal channels and parts by a jet of cold water followed by a jet of preheated water, then intensely after-cleaning and disinfecting followed by lubricating the moving parts, then sterilizing and drying and cooling.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing and packing a solid food comprises the steps of charging a solid food in a retainer, whose upper portion is opened, in a layer having an approximately uniform thickness, sterilizing the retainer through heating, cooling it with cooling air and/or cooling water, transferring the solid food contained in the retainer to a sterilized packaging container and then aseptically sealing the container. The method permits efficient and rapid heating and cooling of a solid food because of the direct contact between steam or cooling air and/or cooling water and the food without causing a problem such that the packaging container becomes dirty during the sterilization through heating and does not give out any remaining bad smell. Therefore, excess softening and/or destruction of the solid foods as well as any deterioration thereof due to decomposition and alteration of the nutritive substances and flavoring substances present therein can thus be limited to the lowest possible level.

Abstract: An apparatus extracts juices and flavors from hydrated biological materials without adding exogenous water during operation. The apparatus uses steam produced from the water inherently present in the hydrated biological materials themselves.

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 is described in which hospital refuse is comminuted to a powder-like consistency or at least so as to be capable of being pumped and subsequently subjected to heat sterilisation treatment in a highly turbulent dynamic thin layer.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring steam conditions in a container, such as a beer keg, during disinfection, usually in a washer/racker. Temperature and pressure are taken repeatedly within the container during the disinfection process. Resulting temperature and pressure values are inputted to a data processor. The data processor establishes automatically whether the measured temperature and pressure values correspond to desired steam conditions within the container. These conditions are at, or within a predetermined tolerance from, a phase boundary between steam and water. An output is provided which includes a direct indication of whether the desired conditions are or have been met for measuring pairs of temperature and pressure values.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having a wiper fingers (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiper fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets of a laminate materials, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).

Abstract: The invention provides a transportable reaction chamber for continuous biological and chemical decontamination of articles by means of a mixture of hot air and steam. The reaction chamber has a tunnel shaped reaction section through which the contaminated articles are transported on a conveyor and through which a mixture of decontaminant gases is circulated. An exhaust blower situated at an end of the reaction section, and transverse flow units along its length, provide both transverse and longitudinal gas flow in the reaction section.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for use in a microwave oven includes a metallic housing including a sleeve with a central passage, a metallic top plate coupled to the metallic housing to close off a first end of the central passage, and a temperature dependent resistor sensor element thermally coupled with the metallic plate. The sensor element is coupled to a signal transmission cable that passes through a bottom cap which closes off the other end of the central passage. The transmission cable is preferably connected to the bottom cap by soldering around the entire interface of the cable with the bottom cap. The cable includes at least 90% shielding and plastic insulation sufficient to resist temperatures up to 200 degrees centigrade. The sleeve is preferably filled with an epoxy cement that surrounds the sensor element.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent, and complexing agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system.An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing preformed cartons prior to filling is disclosed. The interior of the cartons are first sprayed with a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The cartons are then treated with heated air to remove the hydrogen peroxide. The heated air is applied by means of a hollow mandrel having nozzles at one end. The mandrel corresponds generally to the shape of the carton. When the mandrel is inserted in the carton, air is directed against the interior side walls and bottom of the carton, and is exhausted from the carton by flowing upwardly between the side walls of the mandrel and the side walls of the carton.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical waste, food waste disposable diapers or the like, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. The process and system also provides for the removal of coating from the surfaces of plastic waste material or for the dissolution of water soluble polymeric or fibrous waste material. Biological neutralization or, alternatively, coating removal or dissolution of water soluble waste, is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is heated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization or, alternatively coating removal or waste dissolution, in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder comprising means for connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A flexible tube is sterilized and ready for coupling to sterile tubing in a sterile environment by steam sterilization in a closed environment in which steam pressure both inside and outside the flexible tube is the same. For this purpose, the flexible tube is coupled to a transfer cup which has door means sealingly attached at its mouth creating a chamber, which is openable when the coupling is to take place. An outlet from the transfer cup chamber thus defined allows sterilizing steam entering said chamber from the flexible tube with the door means in closed disposition to leave the transfer cup therethrough and flow around the exterior of the flexible tube at the same pressure as the steam within the tube. Once the flexible tube and transfer cup are sterilized, the flexible tube is coupled to the sterile tubing by admission of said tubing to the transfer cup chamber through the door means.

Abstract: A method for treating solid municipal waste material including placing solid municipal waste in a rotating chamber having an interior at ambient pressure, heating the waste at ambient pressure, and controlling the moisture content of the waste.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) for sterilizing at least one generally hollow article having openings at remote ends thereof, such as a dental drill handpiece (21), includes an article carrier (17) and at least one adaptor (20) for passing dry saturated steam through the article to sterilize the interior thereof.

Abstract: The sterilization of reusable kegs in which a consumable beverage is dispensed includes pressurization of the keg with steam, measuring the residual pressure after a time delay which may vary, and comparing the residual pressure against a standard pressure read from a cooling curve which plots pressure decay vs. time delay. A family of standard cooling curves will be stored for each type keg to be sterilized with the curves for each keg being a function of the difference between the steam and ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A process for forming sterilization wrap and sterilizing an article, such as an surgical instrument tray, wrapped with said sterilization wrap is provided. The sterilization wrap is formed by securing a sterilization reactive material to the sterilization wrap. The article to be sterilized may be wrapped with the sterilization wrap of the present invention such that the sterilization reactive material is positioned between a portion of the sterilization wrap overlying a weight bearing surface of the instrument tray and an instrument tray receiving surface, such as a table or storage shelf. Upon exposure to sterilization conditions for a sufficient time, the sterilization reactive material may stiffen, thicken, become less porous, less dense or any combination thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spray type retort sterilizer which preforms various types of high-pressure sterilization. Sterilization is achieved through the use of non-atomized hot water droplets. The sterilized comprises a retort that is capable of receiving multiple trays of materials, a pressurized air intake system for introducing pressurized air into the retort, an exhaust system and multiple spray units capable of spraying liquid such that at least one spray unit is disposed adjacent to each tray of material. The invention is further defined to include a heat exchanger and a pump for removing the liquid from the retort, passing it through the heat exchanger and delivering the liquid to the spray units. The invention is further defined to include spray units that are rotatable.

Abstract: A microbial barrier isolation system for enclosing and decontaminating equipment so that the equipment may be used in handling or otherwise contacting biologically-sensitive materials such as parenteral solutions and solids. The barrier system is formed with a lower cavity, an upper chamber separated from the inner cavity by filters, an air return conduit, means for supplying dry, heated air to heat the system and means for using steam and hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate the internal parts of the system. The decontamination process involves using dry air to heat the internal equipment of the system to reduce water condensation and then introducing saturated steam and peroxide at a positive pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure. The internal equipment, including all surfaces, is exposed to the steam and peroxide sterilant for a sufficient time to decontaminate the equipment and the system is cooled down with cool, sterile air.

Abstract: Infectious medical materials are rendered harmless by heating heterogeneous medical materials having wet and dry portions with a radio-frequency electric field. The medical materials are exposed to the radio-frequency electric field in order to heat the medical materials to inactivate microorganisms thereon. The medical materials are then irradiated with gamma radiation to inactivate microorganisms remaining viable thereon after application of the radio-frequency electric field.

Abstract: To avoid premature deterioration of raw products such as spices and herbs or products produced with these ingredients, the product or material is sterilized by exposure to elevated pressures and temperatures for a predetermined time. The sterilization process comprises a multiplicity of chambers whereby a product is introduced to the first chamber, pressurized, transferred through a series of sterilization chambers while exposing the product to the sterilization environment of the chambers for a predetermined time, then depressurized in a depressurization chamber. When using a moist sterilization fluid, a drying chamber is attached to the depressurization chamber to remove excess and undesirable moisture from the product.

Abstract: About 1/2 cc of a sterile composition (5) dropped into the rotor drive air feed line (11) of a dental handpiece (10) while holding the handpiece upside down protects and lubricates the handpiece bearings and turbine during the subsequent auto-clave sterilization process. An additional dosage inserted into the bur hole after the auto-clave process further lubricates the handpiece and inhibits rust from forming on the handpiece bearings and turbine during use. The pre-sterilization dosage and post-sterilization dosage of measured amounts may be separately packaged in disposable capsules (20, 30). The composition (5) is made by heat mixing until sterile about 10% by volume of a sterile solution of Power-Up.TM. NNL-690, which is a liquid hydrocarbon boundary lubricant; and corrosion inhibitor, with 90% by volume of pharmaceutical grade mineral oil.

Abstract: This invention is a method of substantially reducing and in some cases eliminating hazardous pathogens form the surfaces of food products. This is accomplished by moving the meat products into a treatment area and spraying the same with super heated steam preferably heated to between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 1 to 5 seconds depending on the food product being treated. The surfaces of the food products are then immediately cooled by applying a chilled fluid having a temperature of between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 5 to 10 seconds. Even though the super heated steam substantially reduces or eliminates hazardous pathogens on the surface of the food products, the cooling fluid allows such surface to maintain its natural color or bloom.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having a wiper fingers (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiper fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets of a laminate materials, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).

Abstract: A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (20, 66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having flexible wiping (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiping fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets (81) of a laminate material, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).

Abstract: A sterilization case 1 having one or more brackets 10 which are designed to enhance the steam sterilization of a medical apparatus 30 being held in the bracket 10. The bracket 10 is designed to provide cutout areas 51 to create a gap or gaps 52 between the surface of the apparatus 30 being held and the recess in the bracket 10, and yet still securely grip and hold the apparatus 30 in the bracket. The invention is adaptable to a wide variety of different shaped apparatus 30.

Abstract: The operation of a steam sterilizer is monitored by a test unit and a controller which together comprise a system which can be operated in two principal method schemes: (1) the testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. These methods each have two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions. In a preferred embodiment a test unit including temperature and pressure sensors, a moisture sensor and a heat sink are positioned within the chamber of a steam sterilizer and transmit by radio the conditions therein to an external controller. The test unit can employ a replaceable cartridge to assure effective operation even after a large number of cycles of operation.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for disinfection of waste in autoclaves by the fractional vacuum-steam process having atmospheric pressure steam phases, followed by a superatmospheric steam phase and a evacuation of the autoclave following each steam phase. The autoclaves are transportable separate from the remaining apparatus. In the evacuation after an atmospheric pressure steam phase, removing the atmosphere from the autoclave by suction, condensing the steam fraction and separating it as liquid having approximately ambient temperature. During evacuation after a superatmospheric pressure steam phase, first eliminating condensate from the lowest part of the autoclave, and feeding it to waste water at approximately ambient temperature. Evacuation following an atmospheric pressure steam phase is from an upper region of the autoclave, the atmosphere being then freed from micro-organisms. The steam is removed and gas fractions are freed from odorous substances and discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing dialyzer cartridges used with kidney dialysis machines is provided. The method involves filling the blood and dialysate compartments of the dialyzer with an aqueous solution containing citric acid at a concentration of 1.0-5.0 wt. %, e.g., 1.5 wt. %, and then subjecting the dialyzer to an elevated temperature above 90.degree. C. and below 100.degree. C., e.g., 95.degree. C., for a period of at least 15 hours, e.g., 20 hours. Although citric acid is non-toxic and the temperature used is below the boiling point of water, the process has been found to produce a fully sterilized dialyzer. After reprocessing, the aqueous citric acid solution is preferably left in the dialyzer where it acts as a bacteriostatic agent during storage. Essentially no damage to the dialyzer and, in particular, to its semipermeable membrane results from either the reprocessing or storage procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the efficacy of prevacuum steam sterilizers by separating, collecting and detecting the presence of air in association with steam. A receptacle containing an adsorbent directly separates air from steam without changing the physical state of the steam. The apparatus has a portal communicating with the sterilizing environment and a defined path for the steam to traverse from the portal to a distal end of the apparatus. The distal end of the apparatus is attached to an air collection chamber which contains an air indicator. The indicator can be chemical or biological, and indicated whether any air pockets existed in the steam.

Abstract: An autoclave 10 has a first vessel 12 in which objects are heated, and a second vessel 14 in which the objects are cooled down. A container 24 containing the objects is introduced via a preheating chamber 30 into a chamber 20, and thence into the cavity 16 of the vessel 12. Similarly, at the downstream end of the second vessel 14, a container is removed from a cavity 18 via a chamber 22. Transfer of containers is effected in a manner similar to operation of a lock to limit loss of pressure. When a container is thus removed and a fresh container is loaded, containers in the cavity 16 are advanced upwardly and containers in the cavity 18 are advanced downwardly. A container at the top of the cavity 16 is laterally displaced to the top of the cavity 18, via a chamber 19. The autoclave is thus operated continuously, stepwise. Pressures and temperatures are monitored via an interface 32 and a computer 34.

Abstract: Infectious medical materials is rendered innocuous by heating heterogeneous medical materials having wet and dry portions with a radio frequency electric field. The medical materials are exposed to the radio frequency electric field in order to heat the medical waste. The medical waste may include sorted medical or veterinary waste which after heat treatment may be shredded and recycled.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A sterilizer using steam, which can assure maintaining the temperature at the inside of a thing to be sterilized at a sterilizing temperature during a predetermined period, is proposed. The time to maintain the steam temperature at boiling, temperature is determined as a function of the time which was necessary to raise the steam temperature from a predetermined starting temperature to a predetermined end temperature. After maintaining the boiling temperature, a valve is closed to raise the steam temperature to the sterilizing temperature, which sterilizing temperature is maintained during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method for heat-treating pieces of wood or wood products, such as logs, lumber or wood chips with steam or hot water to kill any plant pests present in the wood or wood products. The pieces are loaded into a hold of a ship equipped to introduce steam or hot water into the hold. In some embodiments, the ship is also equipped to recycle the spent steam or water. The pieces are then contacted with steam or hot water to raise the temperature of the pieces to a sufficient level for a sufficient period of time to kill any plant pests that might be present.