Abstract: A lens case for disinfecting, cleaning, or storing contact lenses is described that provides a sealing and venting system for allowing the release of gas while avoiding liquid leakage. The venting means allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal that is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The lens case includes a cap securable to a container barrel and a mating cap. The venting of gas occurs via a tortuous-path mechanism resulting from appropriate surface roughness being produced on at least one of a pair of mating surfaces forming a seal between the cap and the container. In a preferred embodiment, a relatively roughened surface is produced on a cap flange that is in the shape of a circular lip downwardly extending from the inner surface of the cap. The mating surface of the cap flange sealingly presses against the rim portion of the container.

Abstract: A semi-continuous 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 high pressure in a variable treatment chamber of generally tubular shape and of circular cross-section.

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: An apparatus for maintaining the sterilization of a reactor vessel output. The apparatus comprises a connect means for connecting to and enclosing the reactor vessel output and a steam trap means for maintaining steam pressure. The steam trap means is in fluid communication with and downstream from both the connect means and an output means for releasing pressure. The output means is in fluid communication with and downstream from the connect means and the output means is upstream from the steam trap means. This apparatus provides a significant improvement to the fermentation industry by facilitating the maintenance of a sanitized sampling output.

Abstract: A steam sterilization device (10) including a chamber (12) having a slidable sealable door (30). A flexible insulating plastic member (74) covers the sealable door (30). The sterilization device (10) includes a frame (20, 22, 24, 28, 50) supporting the chamber (12). A front wall (60) of molded plastic covers the frame. A stop bracket (46) is secured to a door track (36) at the appropriate location below the door to limit travel. At least one counter weight (42) is secured to the door (30) by a cable (38) and a guide member (44) surrounds the counter weight.

Abstract: A device for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or drying an endoscope consists of a basin supported on a base. The basin forms a channel that defines a teardrop shape. The device includes a lid that sealingly engages the basin. During operation, the endoscope to be cleaned is completely immersed in cleaning solution in the basin. The basin includes injectors arranged so as to create a rotating flow of cleaning liquid and sterile rinsing water or recycled drying air within the channel. The vessel also includes injection nozzles that attach to various inlets of the endoscope to inject products at specified pressures and to continuously test the tightness of the seal.

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 pressure flow system and method for its use are provided for contacting the interior of a fluid permeable, e.g., porous, workpiece. The system includes a fluid pressure chamber having an inlet port and an opening formed in one of the chamber walls. An adjustable seal capable of providing a fluid-tight seal about the exterior of a workpiece having a non-uniform surface is positioned within the opening. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the pressure chamber to force fluid to flow through the internal matrix of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece is a bone or a section thereof, and the fluid is forced to flow from the endosteal portion of bone to the periosteal portion of bone through the vasculature and porous structure of the bone to remove blood, bone marrow and/or other non-bone constituent(s) from the bone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a defined size distribution of polynucleotide fragments having a selected mean size range between about 100 and 20,000 base pairs. The method includes passing a suspension of polynucleotide fragments through an apparatus containing a capillary with an orifice near the outlet end of the capillary.

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 method of decontaminating or sterilizing freeze dryers at low temperature and pressure levels by utilizing sterilant vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and venting a container. The apparatus has a heating station for the container. A heater is disposed to supply heat to the heating station. A drive has a body and a reciprocable member. The body is mounted in predetermined relation to the receiving station. The reciprocable member is movable relative to the receiving station between a first position and a second position. A cannula is joined to the reciprocable member. The cannula has a hollow bore. The cannula is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by movement of the reciprocable member between the first position and the second position. A vent line communicates with the bore and the ambient environment.

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: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. Preferred hydrogen peroxide complexes for use in the invention include Na.sub.4 P.sub.2 O.sub.7.3 H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O.sub.2. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring particles that prevents the particles from being contaminated during the measuring and optional sorting process wherein a flow chamber or region is mechanically isolated from a sterile enclosure which surrounds the flow chamber. The present invention in one embodiment provides an apparatus comprising of a droplet generator, a charging system, a deflecting system, a sterilization system, a light source, a detector, a cooling system and a vacuum system. The droplet generator and the charging system and the flow chamber associated with the droplet generator operate within an illumination frame where the particles (e.g. biological cells) are actually measured.

Abstract: An autoclave having end walls sturdily attached to one another by rods and a mobile, cylindrical lateral wall. When the lateral wall is moved into an operable position over the end walls, thereby sealing a working chamber defined between the end walls and when steam is introduced into the working chamber, each end wall will counteract pressure acting on its opposing counterpart. The autoclave need not be reinforced to hold the walls together. The rods connecting the end walls are hollow, and have ports disposed within the working chamber, so that steam may be introduced into the working chamber through these rods. Air from within the working chamber may also be vented by the rods. The lateral wall is vertically oriented and moved. A retaining wall traps condensate, which would otherwise escape when the lateral wall is lifted. An optional powered apparatus lifts and lowers the lateral wall into positions respectively exposing and sealing the working chamber.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. A flexible membrane is positioned to affect each chamber. By deforming the flexible membrane, inward and outward, a flow between the chambers is created. This flow must pass through the hollow item. Mechanical pressure from the flow cleanses the interior of the tubular item and if a sterilant is used as the medium, then the interior portion of the hollow item is also sterilized.

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: Apparatus and process for sterilizing and drying products comprising a first step of autoclaving and a second step of cyclic pressurizing with a substantially dry contaminant-free gas. The second step obviates the problem of recontamination after sterilization and permits drying at lower than conventional temperatures.

Abstract: A device for initiating and/or promoting chemical or physical processes in a material, or specimen material, in which the material is heated in a reaction chamber (2) which is heatable by a heating means (3), in particular a microwave heating means, and thereby subjected to pressure, the material is firstly exposed to an initial pressure in the reaction chamber (2) and is then heated.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. Pressure is applied to one chamber forcing the liquid to surge into the second chamber. The surging affect is facilitated through the use of either a flexible membrane in the second chamber, or the use of dual pistons which are one hundred eighty degrees out of synchronization such that one chamber is being pressurized while the second chamber is be de-pressurized.

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.

Abstract: A multi-stage treatment system for infectious waste includes a shredding stage, a granulating stage, a wetting stage, a disinfecting stage, and a dewatering stage which define a continuous treatment flowpath for the infectious waste. A plurality of blades shred the waste in the shredding stage, then the waste is injected with volatile disinfectant chemicals which are mixed immediately before injection. A plurality of blades in a granulating stage then fragment the waste to a smaller particle size. The granulating stage insures that the waste is granulated to a sufficiently small size to facilitate the use of a relatively low concentration of a highly reactive disinfectant. Chemicals are mixed to form a volatile, highly reactive disinfectant which is then immediately injected into the waste downstream of the shredding stage. A plurality of jets wet the waste mixture in the wetting stage with the heated aqueous disinfectant.

Abstract: A sterilizer for sterilizing objects with biocidal gas which is designed to resist the deleterious effects of the biocidal gas. The invention provides a sterilizer having a sterilizing chamber for holding the objects to be sterilized, and a gas control system for manipulating the gaseous environment within the sterilizing chamber. The sterilizer has a vacuum control system, a vacuum line in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber, a humidity sensor connected to that vacuum line at a point removed from or outside of the sterilizing chamber, and an isolation valve connected to the vacuum line at a point between the sterilizing chamber and the humidity sensor for temporarily isolating the humidity sensor from the sterilizing chamber. This arrangement assures that the humidity sensor received a sufficient sample for reading the adequacy of the humidification of the objects to be sterilized, while at the same time protecting it from the biocidal gas.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) is provided with an internal table (1) upon which articles to be sterilised can be placed. The autoclave is provided with a mechanism (2, 3, 5) for shaking or vibrating the table, and thereby shaking or vibrating the liquid undergoing sterilization, resulting in a more even temperature distribution within the liquid, thereby reducing the length of time for sterilization and reducing the occurrence of flash evaporation of the culture medium. The shaking or vibration may, for example, be induced by a shaft (2) which passes sealingly through a wall of the autoclave or may be induced by a number of magnets (41) located on a ring (38) around the autoclave which magnetically attract associated magnets (35) on the table within the autoclave.

Abstract: A high-pressure generating apparatus including a high-pressure chamber, a low-pressure chamber located beneath the high-pressure chamber and having a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the high-pressure chamber, a tandem piston having first and second portions displaceable in the high-pressure and low-pressure chambers, respectively, for building-up pressure therein, and a yoke embracing the high-pressure and low-pressure chambers for applying a pressure force to the high-pressure chamber cover and the low-pressure chamber bottom upon built-up of pressure in the high pressure and low-pressure chambers.

Abstract: A canister is provided that is adapted for use in a plasma induced sterilization process. The canister contains a gas mixture that is pressurized to between about 2200 psig to about 2500 psig. The gas mixture has about 2.0 to 2.4 (v/v) percent hydrogen and about 2.6 to 3.0 (v/v) percent oxygen, and the rest of the gas mixture is noble gas or a mixture of noble gases.

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: The installation, which includes a tubular enclosure, is provided with a plugging device at each end, each plugging device including a moving assembly that can be displaced perpendicularly to the axis .DELTA. of the enclosure. The moving assembly includes a plug of the stopper type provided with a seal, a spacer provided with a pull rod a drawer and a plugging body. The moving assembly is slidably mounted in a force take-up member. Via co-operation between sloping ramps carried by the plug and complementary sloping grooves in the drawer, the transverse displacement of the drawer causes the plug to be displaced axially.

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 pressure housing for a sterilization chamber for steam sterilization of medical instruments, implants and the like, having upper, lower and side walls in the form of individual thermally insulating plates which are arranged in central openings of at least two identically constructed frame parts held in positive engagement in a carrier and are held so as to contact the inner edges of the openings in a positive engagement.

Abstract: A cassette for the acceptance of medical instruments, and preferably dental instruments, to enable a hygienic treatment of the instruments when the cassette is placed into a chamber of an apparatus that is capable of being closed pressure-tight. The cassette contains at least one adapter for holding at least one instrument. The adapter will have line channels for the delivery of treatment agents to the interior of the instrument and the adapter can contain a control valve that will close the line channels given an adapter not occupied with an instrument.

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: A sterilization unit for dental handpieces and other instruments, and which finds utility in the sterilization of any surgical instrument, or the like, which breaks the skin or comes into contact with body fluids, and which are too delicate or have sharp edges which could become damaged in conventional present day autoclaves. The sterilization unit of the present invention combines heat, steam pressure and time in a precisely controlled manner so that the handpieces, or other surgical instruments are not damaged during the sterilization procedure. This is achieved by providing a total cycle time including cooling to a patient-ready condition of less than 20 minutes. A unique control system places the sterilizing chamber at a temperature which creates steam and pressure in a time frame that sterilizes the handpiece without damage to the turbine.

Abstract: A sterilization method is provided which includes the steps of measuring the pressure within a sterilization chamber injecting a sterilant vapor into a flow of carrier gas, introducing the sterilant vapor and carrier gas into and through a sterilization chamber, and adjusting the rate of sterilant vapor injection to reach a pre-determined percentage of saturation limit for the sterilant vapor in the chamber, immediately following the introduction of sterilant vapor and carrier gas into the chamber, in response to the measured pressure. The predetermined saturation limit is selected to optimize the rate of sterilization, while avoiding substantial condensation of the sterilant.

Abstract: In the program-controlled cleaning of endoscopes in a cleaning apparatus, the head parts are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pressure chambers and, at the same time, the insertion tubes are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pipes, attached to these pressure chambers, in a number of cleaning stages using cleaning liquid which is introduced via a circulation pump at a pressure of approximately 200 mbar. Prior to each of these cleaning stages, compressed air generated in the compressed air unit of the cleaning apparatus is introduced from there through the pressure test attachment of each endoscope, which pressure test attachment is connected by means of a pressure test adaptor to a compressed air attachment of the cleaning apparatus, until an internal pressure of 250 mbar is reached.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting moisture in a sterilization chamber or other enclosure (including moisture present on the external or lumened surfaces of an instrument or other load placed in the enclosure). The method includes the steps of exhausting air from the enclosure under vacuum until the pressure in the enclosure is reduced from a starting pressure to a predetermined subatmospheric pressure which is above the saturation pressure of water, and then a second predetermined subatmospheric pressure which is below the saturation pressure of water or other liquid. The times taken to reach each pressure from the starting pressure are measured and their difference is calculated and compared to a reference time difference pre-established for a dry system (or, alternatively, in a known, leak-free system, only the pull-down time period to reach the second subatmospheric pressure is measured and compared to a pre-recorded reference pull-down time for a dry system).

Abstract: The invention provides a remote non-recirculating steam and condensate collection system for sterilizer effluent. The system includes a cooling tank, apparatus for disposing of collected effluent, and the associated structures which allow for transfer of effluent from the sterilizer into the cooling tank and from the cooling tank to a disposal target. Excess liquid in the cooling tank is disposed of through a simple water displacement technique. An optional waste disposal bottle may periodically be emptied manually.

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: 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: The high pressure sterilization device comprises a sealed vessel (1) including a bottom wall (10) provided with an opening (12) connected to a source of pressurized fluid and a cover (20) attached to the bottom wall (10), and a slidable piston (30) mounted in a sealed manner in the vessel (1) and adapted to move in the vessel (1) under the effect of the pressure exerted by the fluid on an active surface (31) of the slidable piston (30). A high pressure treatment chamber (5) provided in the slidable piston (30) is adapted to receive the product to be sterilized, and a fixed piston (40) connected to the cover (20) is adapted to penetrate the high pressure treatment chamber (5) when moving the slidable piston (30) so as to compress the product to be sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus of remote temperature sensing for a gas heated chamber utilizing temperature sensors is disclosed, wherein at least a first temperature sensing device is coupled to an enclosed environment of a cabinet containing a sterilization cassette and at least a second temperature sensing device is coupled to a gas exit conduit from the cassette so as to avoid condensation on the internal walls of the cassette or on the object contained therein.

Abstract: An autoclave system which uses the exhaust gas of a turbine to heat an autoclave. The exhaust gas of the turbine is approximately 1200.degree. F., low enough to be coupled to the heater coils of the autoclave. The output shaft of the turbine may be coupled to a generator that drives the autoclave motor and other subsystems. The output shaft of the turbine may also be coupled, either directly or through the generator, to the compressors of a nitrogen processing plant. The processed nitrogen can be introduced to the autoclave to reduce the risk of fires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place sterilization of a fermentation vessel assembly and media. Media can be contained in reagent bottles placed on the fermentation vessel assembly or can be contained in a fermentation vessel which is part of the fermentation vessel assembly. A removable shroud covers the fermentation vessel assembly and media during sterilization. Steam is applied inside the shroud for raising the temperature within the shroud to a sterilization temperature.

Abstract: Refuse is sterilized by a system in which refuse is placed into a dumpster, the dumpster having an injection manifold adjacent to the bottom. The dumpster is placed into an autoclave, and steam enters the autoclave and is directed through the injection manifold so that all the steam passes through the refuse. The pressure within the autoclave is controlled to remain relatively low, around 20 psi, and the steam is continued until the temperature is at least 212.degree. F.

Abstract: The continuous removal of solid products from a high-pressure system is achieved by operating a high-pressure pump in reverse to gradually reduce pressure at the exit line to atmospheric pressure. This process allows solid products to exit the system while at the same time maintaining high pressure in the reactor.

Abstract: A multi-stage treatment system for infectious waste includes a shredding stage, a granulating stage, a wetting stage, a disinfecting stage, and a dewatering stage which define a continuous treatment flowpath for the infectious waste. A plurality of blades shred and then granulate the waste in the shredding and granulating stages while simultaneously mixing the waste with disinfectant chemicals. The granulating stage insures that the waste is granulated to a sufficiently small size to facilitate the use of a relatively low concentration of a highly reactive disinfectant. Chemicals are mixed to form a volatile, highly reactive disinfectant which is then immediately injected into the waste stream. A plurality of jets wet the waste mixture in the wetting stage with the heated aqueous disinfectant. A flow restriction removes excess aqueous liquid from the disinfected waste in the dewatering stage and renders the product suitable for landfilling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sterilizing contaminated material by exposure to steam inside of substantially cylindrical, vertically oriented autoclave vessel. Contaminated material is shredded and bulk loaded from above autoclave vessel, directly into cylindrical wire mesh basket inside of vessel. Basket capacity exceeds 80% of volume of vessel. Path of thermal conductivity through contaminated material is reduced by inner sleeve along axis of basket. After completion of sterilization, top of autoclave vessel is opened, and basket containing sterilized material is removed by hoist positioned above the vessel.