Abstract: An appliance having an enclosure arranged to receive articles to be treated also includes a water container and a steam chamber with a steam outlet. A water dispenser is arranged to dispense water from the water container to the steam chamber. A heating element is thermally associated with the steam chamber. A control is arranged to selectively operate the heating element. A steam path extends between the steam outlet and the enclosure. A chemical dispenser is positioned along the steam path. The heating element heats water in the steam chamber to create steam, and the chemical dispenser adds a chemical to the steam as the steam passes through the steam path.

Abstract: An autoclave system provides a means of sterilizing municipal solid waste, hydrolyzing many of its components, and preparing the material for post-autoclave automated separations. The present apparatus provides a means of drying the solid waste in the vessel, while conserving the energy used to dry the vessel. Non-contact steam is recovered through separations of steam and water, with condensate steam pressure regenerated by mechanical vapor recompression and condensate water returned to the boiler/steam generator. Heat transfer to combustion air, by heat transfer via heat pump to generate additional steam, and/or by mechanical vapor recompression recovers the latent heat of loose contact steam condensate. The process design provides for in-vessel drying while reducing the energy cost of operating a waste autoclave, as compared to the current art.

Abstract: A child care storage having a steam sterilizing apparatus, wherein the steam sterilizing apparatus includes an outer tub defined by walls of a steam sterilizing compartment; a hollow upstanding coupling member installed on the center bottom of the outer tub and having an interlocking hole formed at its top; an inner tub inserted inside the outer tub for accommodating infant accessories therein, the inner tub having a reception hole formed at its bottom center and a latch part formed along the circumference of its bottom center; an evaporation vessel having a flange along its circumference, the flange being coupled to the latch part of the inner tub; a flat-type heater installed under a rear bottom surface of the evaporation vessel; and a supporting plate for placing the flat-type heater thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus (200, 300, 400) for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item (230) includes a gas heater (10) for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater (10) and having a reservoir (216, 304) for supplying water, wherein the heater (10) heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus (400) may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item (230) for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item (230), and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: A decontamination system having modular components to efficiently decontaminate enclosures of various dimensions. The decontamination system includes a main unit comprising a controller, a supply of liquid decontaminant, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid decontaminant to generate a vaporized decontaminant, and a destroyer for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An embodiment of the present invention includes a detachable dryer and a detachable external blower that are in fluid communication with the main unit. An optional external destroyer and an optional external dryer may be controlled by the controller of the main unit to respectively increase the destroying and drying capacity of the decontamination system.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the like. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating an enclosure defining a chamber or region. The decontamination system includes an air bypass for introducing atmospheric air into the decontamination system and bypassing air to the atmosphere in response to system operating conditions. The air bypass allows increased airflow through the decontamination system during certain operating modes of the decontamination system (i.e., dehumidification and aeration phases), thereby reducing the amount of time needed to dehumidify and aerate the enclosure. The air bypass also facilitates the use of a high capacity dryer in the decontamination system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating steam vapor having low zeta potential mineral crystals capable of disinfecting surfaces and objects upon an exposure period to the steam vapor. The steam vapor system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals, a liquid treatment system for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential mineral crystals, and a steam vapor generator for producing steam vapor from the treated liquid, whereby the steam vapor has a higher concentration of low zeta potential mineral crystals than the aqueous liquid source. The steam vapor generated from the treated liquid is applied to surfaces or objects.

Abstract: A method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method includes a first vibratory action (13) performed on a regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) so that the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling are created; a refrigerating medium (3) and a cold-absorbing medium (6) interact in a heat exchanging system (1); and another vibratory action (10) is performed on a cold-absorbing medium in order that the physical medium is continuously and/or periodically decontaminated and the necessary and adequate conditions for the functioning of the decontamination system in its steady state are created.

Abstract: A steam on demand generator uses a stainless steel cup and cap arrangement and hollow cone spray nozzle. The nozzle directs a cone of water onto a wall of the cup. A heating device and a thermocouple are brazed to the cup, with the thermocouple positioned on a part of the wall to enhance control of the operation and steam generation.

Abstract: Steam delivery device comprising a nozzle (21) from the orifice of which the steam supplied from a pressurised steam source (1) is emitted. The delivery device is provided with a tubular chamber (14) positioned around the zone where the orifice of the nozzle (21) emerges, said tubular chamber (14) being closed at its end close to the orifice of the nozzle (21) and open at the opposite end (14b) through which the steam is delivered into the environment towards the objects to be sterilized.

Abstract: A portable steam sterilizer for surgical and dental instruments includes an outer casing and a pressure chamber configured to receive steam therein. A tray is configured to hold the instruments and is releasably received within the pressure chamber while a boiler is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber for providing steam thereto. The sterilizer further includes a container for receiving condensed steam evacuated from the pressure chamber. The container is spaced from the outer casing and includes a main body and a lid that is substantially non-rotationally coupled to the main body. A conduit is coupled to the lid and fluid communicates the container with the pressure chamber. The main body of the container may include a base while the lid may include a wall oriented generally orthogonal to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for sterilizing dental hand pieces 80. The apparatus comprises a treating chamber 22. Different channels 41-44 in bottom plate 36 of the chamber 42 connect the interior of the chamber and the hand piece 80 with saucers 62-68 of water pressurized air, oil and steam. The connection is effected through conduits arranged as channels in a metal block 50 and through valves arranged in a valve block 60. Accordingly, maintenance and mounting is easy. Moreover, safety switches 96 for the movement of the lid 4 of the chamber 22 are provided in a foil 90 arranged around the holding of the treatment chamber, which switches 96 are pressure sensitive membrane switches operating with elements 100 on the lid 4.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.

Abstract: An article 100 and realted methods for reducing a microbial population on an article 168, wherein apparatus 100 includes a chamber in an article-holding basket 164 retains article 168 in an up-right position within the cahbmer an enclosing article 168. A heating system 172 introduces dry heat, moist heat, and, if desired, a combination of moist heat and dry heat into the chamber. A fluid supply system delivers a predetermine amount of fluid to a heating reservoir 174, which is disposed above heating system 172 to provide the moist heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autoclave for medical appliances and instruments with a chamber (13) in which the appliances to be sterilized are located, with a steam generator (5) and a condensate collector (11), whereby the steam generator is connected with the chamber (13) by a steam pipe (9) and the condensate collector (11) is connected with the chamber (13) by a feed pipe (35) of the condensate. The invention is characterized in that the condensate collector (11) is positioned above the steam generator (5), staggered with respect to the steam generator (5), by positioning a check valve (41) between the condensate collector (11) and the steam generator (5) and by providing a check valve (39) at the mouth of the feed pipe (35) of the condensate to the condensate collector (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination instrument steriliser (13, 210) and biomedical waste processor (15, 211). Both units are supplied steam from a common steam boiler (30, 212). In preferred embodiments, the waste processor utilises a shredder comprising a planetary gear box (127) with rotating cutting heads (120, 200).

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealed enclosure (1) includes a fan (8) for circulating a gas through a preparation circuit (11) and through the enclosure. The preparation circuit includes an evaporation chamber (10) for dispensing a decontaminant gas and water vapor mixture into the circulating gas to flow therewith through the enclosure and to reach a concentration in the enclosure above the dew point for the ambient temperature in the enclosure and thereby to condense onto surfaces in the enclosure to sterilize such surfaces. A monitor (15) measures gas temperature and dew point/condensation are monitored (17, 18) in the enclosure. The resulting signals led to a control module (19) for controlling the rate of dispensing of the decontaminant gas and water vapor into the gas in the preparation circuit in response to the levels determined by said monitoring to provide a required level of condensation of the decontaminant gas and water vapor in the enclosure.

Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supplying liquid for use in a plasma disinfection system. The apparatus supplies liquid for generating plasma to a reaction chamber (1) to sterilize and disinfect an item wrapped in a packaging material (10) in the reaction chamber (1). The apparatus includes: an automatic feeder (20) for automatically feeding an extremely small fixed amount of liquid via a first discharging pipe (40) by controlling a rotational speed of a DC motor (31); a vaporizer (24) connected to the first discharging pipe (40) of the automatic feeder (20) and having a first heater (26) for vaporizing the fed liquid; a second heater (22) surrounding a second discharging pipe (23) connected between the vaporizer (24) and the reaction chamber (1) to prevent any condensation of the vaporized liquid in the second discharging pipe (23); and a temperature controller (25) electrically connected to the first and second heaters (26 and 22) to control temperatures thereof.

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

Abstract: A self-contained, single manual step unit for thermally sterilizing dental and medical instruments is disclosed. The unit, which requires only activation of a single manual switch and which controls an autoclaving cycle by monitoring temperature of matter which changes states between solid and liquid at a predetermined temperature, provides an effective autoclaving instrument. In disclosed embodiments, each unit comprises a protective housing with a pressure containing releasible lid, a heated vessel and a cooling assembly. Thermal regulation and autoclaving timing is determined by mass and thermal characteristics of the matter and by an electrical control circuit comprised primarily of electric heaters and thermally controlled switches. Steam for autoclaving is provided by capsules or other water containers disposed within a well of the vessel at the beginning of an autoclaving cycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for sterilising hollow bodies, such as containers, container preforms, tubes and various conduits. The invention is characterised in that it consists in guiding (15) a vaporisable sterilising agent over the walls of the hollow body (9), using guide means (7; 13) enabling the agent to be entirely deposited over the surfaces to be sterilised.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autoclave for sterilising medical and in particular dental appliances and instruments, with a chamber (13), in which the appliances to be sterilised are located, with a steam generator (5), connected with the chamber (13) and a condensate pipe (34) connecting the chamber (13) with a condenser (19), and a further pipe (39) connecting the condenser (19) with a vacuum pump (20) and finally leading into a tank.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may include a sanitizing system and method including a chamber, a wet and dry heating system adjacent to the chamber, and a filtered air system to reduce the contaminants entering the system and to provide positive pressure to the chamber to reduce the likelihood of contaminants entering the system.

Abstract: Method of sterilising a packaging material (1) by means of a sterilising agent in liquid form, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging material (1) to be sterilised, providing a source (11) of sterilising agent in liquid form, forcing the liquid sterilising agent through a nozzle (12) to form a jet (14a) directed towards the packaging material, subjecting the jet (14a) of liquid sterilising agent to a controlled, periodic disturbance causing the jet (14a) of liquid sterilising agent to form a train (14) of droplets of controlled, essentially uniform size and controlled rate, moving the packaging material (1) in relation to said nozzle (12) or vice versa, whereby said train (14) of droplets forms a coating (2) of sterilising agent of controlled thickness and controlled coverage on the packaging material (1), and vaporising the film of sterilising agent on the packaging material (1). The invention also concerns a similar method and devices for implementing said methods.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus includes a chamber in which a material to be sterilized is stored to sterilize the material by steam having a high temperature and pressure. An opening/closing mechanism opens and closes the chamber. A cooling mechanism cools the material in a thermally isolated state from the inside of the chamber. A control section drives the cooling mechanism as the opening/closing mechanism opens the chamber after the sterilizing step ends, thereby to cool the material.

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

Abstract: An automatic, continuous sterilization system is for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The machine has a turret carrying a plurality of mandrels on which the packages are carried. A bottom panel heating station has a reciprocating bottom panel heater. The sterilization system includes a sterilant source for supplying a sterilant and a sterilant inlet at the bottom panel heater. Packages are positioned on one of the plurality of mandrels and are indexed to the bottom panel heater. The sterilant is introduced to the mandrel when the carton is positioned thereon. Introduction of the sterilant provides a log reduction of microbial colony forming units of at least about 5.9 after ten minutes of machine operation. A method for continuous mandrel sterilization is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus, for medical instruments and similar objects, which is easy to handle and/or remove and which is mainly formed by a casing (1) provided with a sterilization boiler (11) and means for performing the sterilization process. The sterilization apparatus comprises a double-walled boiler (11) whereby fluid (13), such as demineralized water, which is present between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (12), is heated by heating elements (17, 18) so as to achieve a sable temperature of the boiler wall as well as to generate steam (16). The apparatus further comprises a water reservoir (19), pump (21) and valve (22) for supplying water to the boiler and means (23, 24) for controlling the level of water, a valve (25) through which generated steam (16) can be injected into the sterilization chamber, a water-ejector (31) for drawing a vacuum in the chamber, and an aeration valve (29) for releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: Diffuse lamellar keratitis or DLK is a recently recognised post-surgical condition involving an inflammation that occurs in laser corneal surgery patients. This condition is typically associated with the LASIK surgical procedure (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). The cause is presently unknown. the present invention provides a sterilization apparatus, which may be a retrofitting of the existing sterilizer, which reduces the occurrence of DLK and also methods for maintaining the sterilizer to reduce the occurrence of DLK.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing dental handpieces includes a treating chamber with an internal holding stub which has through-channels for connecting exterior treatment fluid source elements to internal standard channels in and through the handpieces to through-flush treatment fluid through these channels from a socket end to a tip end of the handpiece. The treating chamber is laid-out as a pressure resistant autoclaving chamber provided with steam generation at elevated temperature and pressure. The through-channels of the holding stub are alternatively connectable through an outlet valve to the exterior atmosphere so as to enable back-flushing of pressurized steam from the treating chamber through the internal channels from the tip end to the socket end.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container using a sterilant vapor such as hydrogen peroxide. The sterilant vapor is discharged through a nozzle positioned in an opening of the container and the container is then purged of the discharged sterilant using a heated gas such as sterile air. The nozzle is preferably positioned no closer than 15 mm from the bottom surface or any internal surface of the container and within ⅙ to ⅚ of the height of the container. The nozzle has a diameter no greater than one-half of the diameter of the opening of the container. When containers made of non-heat set PET are used, the temperatures of the sterilant vapor and the purge gas are preferably no greater than 160° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilizer for medical appliances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sterilizer for medical appliances to reduce noise and perform sterilization in a short time. A sterilizer for medical appliances, comprising a water reservoir which stores distilled water for sterilization; a chamber for heating the distilled water fed from said water reservoir for sterilization of medical appliances to produce vapor; a cooler for reducing the high temperature of the vapor produced in said chamber, and a vacuum pump for reducing pressure and moisture in said chamber, wherein the sterilizer comprises a vapor-liquid separator for separating liquid from wet vapor produced in said chamber; and muffler for reducing noises generated at the discharge side of said vacuum pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilisation apparatus, comprising a sterilisation unit and a processing unit, wherein said processing unit is arranged to control a sterilisation process within said sterilisation unit. In accordance with the invention, said units are mechanically separated from each other, the units being interconnected by means of at least one of an information or medium exchange device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination instrument steriliser (13, 210) and biomedical waste processor (15, 211). Both units are supplied steam from a common steam boiler (30, 212). In preferred embodiments, the waste processor utilises a shredder comprising a planetary gear box (127) with rotating cutting heads (120, 200).

Abstract: A decontaminator and methods of decontamination of objects within a chamber, or the chamber itself. The decontaminator includes a decontaminant container for storing decontaminant. The container is connected to a valve to regulate the flow of decontaminant out of the container and into a vapor box or directly into a chamber. A heater heats the decontaminant in the vapor box to form a vapor. A fan may be implemented to disburse the vapor into the chamber. A decontaminant distribution device may also be included to improve circulation of the decontaminant within the chamber. A decontamination method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system includes an enclosure for providing a closed volume for bactericide vapor. The enclosure has a container access opening formed therein for providing vapor communication between a container and the closed volume. A container interface assembly at the container access opening positions, locks and seals the container to the enclosure. A container door removal system is partially contained within the enclosure and is operably engaged with the enclosure and attachable to a container door of the container for separating the container door from the container. The container door removal system includes an actuator element located external to the enclosure. A vapor injection system is included having an inlet and an outlet for the bactericide vapor.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by controlling the temperature of a diffusion path between a vaporizer and a sterilization chamber so as to condense and then re-vaporize at least a portion of the vapor.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via exploitation of the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent. A diffusion restriction can be placed into the diffusion path to assist this process and the path then opened to provide rapid diffusion of the thus concentrated germicide.

Abstract: A sterile water generator (B) generates a stream of sterile water on demand. A water heater (130) heats incoming, unsterile water to a sufficient temperature to achieve sterilization of the water. The sterile water is then passed through a heat exchanger (110) which transfers excess heat from the sterile water to the incoming water. This reduces the energy consumption of the water heater and reduces the temperature of the sterile water ready for use. The sterile water is delivered to a site (A), at which the water is to be used, through a sterile water delivery pathway (C) to avoid recontamination of the water. A first portion (162) of the pathway is pre-sterilized by flowing steam or hot water, generated by the water heater, along the pathway (C). A second portion (212) of the pathway is sterilized with a liquid antimicrobial from the site. The first and second portions of the pathway have at least one common leg (164).

Abstract: A pasteurizer (1) comprising an endless circulating transport conveyor (3) guided around deflection rolls (7, 8) and used for transporting through the pasteurizer (1) the products (18) to be pasteurized, and having a feed conveyor (5) and/or a discharge conveyor (9) oriented essentially transversely to the conveying direction of the transport conveyor (3) and having a smaller width than the transport conveyor (3), feed conveyor (5) and/or discharge conveyor to and away from the respective end face of the transport conveyor (3), and a transfer surface (4, 19) for bridging a distance between the conveying surface(s) of the feed conveyor (5) and/or of the discharge conveyor (9) and the conveying surface of the transport conveyor (3). The feed conveyor (5) and/or the discharge conveyor (9) is arranged so close to the respective end face of the transport conveyor (3) that the lateral boundary (K) thereof, which face the transport conveyor (3), is arranged above the contour of the respective deflection roll (7, 8).

Abstract: A surgical and dental instrument sterilizer is described. Liquid water is rapidly vaporized by microwave heating and steam is generated to attain a steam pressure of approximately 47 psi and a temperature of approximately 135° C. in the region of the articles to be sterilized. Micron-size water-droplets are intermittently sprayed onto the articles which are arranged on a tray, from both the top and from underneath thereof so as to thoroughly wet the surfaces. A 30-90 s duration of droplet spray is followed by pulsed microwave irradiation of the top and underneath surfaces for a similar period, as an example; this is followed by a plurality of spray/microwave cycles.