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

Abstract: 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: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.

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

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

Abstract: A vaporizer (14) supplies hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to a high level disinfection or sterilization region (20). Mid-infrared light detectors (32) detect light in the mid-infrared range which has traversed a region of the treatment chamber in a first narrow spectrum centered at 8,000 nanometers which is absorbed by the hydrogen peroxide vapor, a second narrow spectrum which is absorbed by the water vapor, and a third spectrum that is absorbed by neither the hydrogen peroxide vapor nor the water vapor. From these measurements, an absorbance or transmittance is determined (40) from which the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor are determined (42). Monitored temperature (44) and the determined concentrations are converted into a percent saturation (54). The supply of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor to the chamber is controlled (60) in accordance with the determined percent saturation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing one or more sterilization indicators (e.g., biological indicators or chemical indicators) or other articles by contacting them under controlled sterilization conditions with a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor are disclosed. This invention also provides apparatus and method for testing sterilization processes that use a flowing antimicrobial gas containing hydrogen peroxide vapor under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing materials for such processes under controlled sterilization conditions, or for testing both such processes and such materials under controlled sterilization conditions. There can be an essentially square-wave contact of the sterilization indicators or other articles with the antimicrobial gas (i.e.

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

Abstract: A method by which dental equipment, such as dental scalers, can be sanitized using a detergent or treating composition containing a surfactant and a solvent such as water is disclosed. The method involves taking the used dental equipment and contacting it with the treating composition, and subjecting both the equipment and composition to microwaves. The composition foams during microwaving and/or immerses the equipment such that microwave arcing is avoided, and such that the dental equipment is sanitized.

Abstract: The invention includes a filtration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid samples into sample wells is provided. In one embodiment, the filtration apparatus includes a purification tray and a sample well tray with a plurality of sample wells. The purification tray includes a filter plate having a plurality of columns with discharge openings at the bottom thereof, at least one filter positioned in the columns of the filter plate for filtering the fluid samples as they pass therethrough, a heat plate positioned adjacent the columns of the filter plate, and a vent plate positioned below the heat plate. The heat plate is configured for transferring heat to the columns of the filter plate. The vent plate includes vents for permitting aerosols from the sample wells of the sample well tray to escape. A sample well tray with a plurality of the sample wells is positioned so that the sample wells align with the discharge openings of the filter plate columns to receive the liquid sample therein.

Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps of

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

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

Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.

Abstract: A liquid flash-dry aerosol disinfectant composition comprising a flash vaporization component and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent, said flash vaporization component being able, once the flash-dry disinfectant composition is sprayed in aerosol form onto a surface, to flash vaporize so as to leave an essentially dry surface having antimicrobial agent deposited thereon.

Abstract: A sterilization container having off-set vents in the lid and floor where the floor vents are disposed in slopping areas of the floor that are above a fluid collection area.

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

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

Abstract: A system and a method for delivering and metering a fixed volume of liquid, such as a liquid sterilant from a container into a vaporization system. The method for the delivering system includes the steps of sensing a requirement for additional liquid sterilant, determining whether the liquid sterilant to be added is acceptable for use, and delivering the liquid sterilant from a container into an accumulator. The method of metering the liquid sterilant into the vaporization system includes creating a vacuum in a chamber connected to the vaporizer and delivering the liquid sterilant into a vaporizer while continually sensing the flow of the delivery. The metering system maintains a slow, controlled flow in order to achieve efficient vaporization of the liquid sterilant and to provide accurate sensing of the gas/liquid interface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing packaging with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation on a packaging machine. A partially formed packaging material is sprayed with gaseous hydrogen peroxide thereby allowing the gas to condense on the packaging material. The packaging material is then conveyed to a UV radiation source for irradiation of the packaging material. The packaging material is then dried with heated air to flush/remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the packaging material allowing for filling of the packaging material with a desired product such as milk, juice or water. The packaging material may be any number of possibilities such as gable top cartons, parallelepiped containers, flexible pouches, and the like. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of up to 53% while providing a packaging material having less than 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A flash steam generator to be used as an integral component of a steam sterilizer. The generator is constructed of a metal block having a first bore drilled lengthwise through the metal block. Surrounding the first bore are a plurality of additional heater bores in which heating elements are inserted. The generator is integral to the sterilizer piping and control systems. Water is supplied to the first bore by the sterilizer piping system, and electricity is supplied to the heating elements by the sterilizer power supply. The heating elements convert the electricity to heat, which transfers via the metal block to the first bore where the heat rapidly boils the water contained therein in what is essentially a flash vaporization process.

Abstract: A multiple flashpoint vaporization system rapidly sterilizes large enclosures. A plurality of vaporizers (10) inject hydrogen peroxide vapor into streams of carrier gas supplied by a generator (20). Supply lines (30) transport the mixture of carrier gas and hydrogen peroxide vapor to a plurality of regions of an enclosure (32). Monitors (52) monitor hydrogen peroxide vapor concentration or other conditions in each region of the enclosure. A control system (50) adjusts the hydrogen peroxide vapor supply rate in response to the corresponding monitored conditions.

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

Abstract: A sterilization mechanism which includes a first conduit extending between a water tank and a sterilization chamber. A heat source operatively coupled with the first conduit converts water from the water tank into steam for sterilizing objects within the chamber. A second conduit extends from the chamber to the tank for recirculating fluids from the chamber back to the water tank.

Abstract: A sterilizing machines for decontaminating articles of dangerous biological material features an arrangement whereby all of the gas discharged from the sterilizer chamber during a sterilization cycle passes through a removable filter situated within the sterilization chamber.

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

Abstract: A steam sterilizer device having a steam generation system is disclosed. The steam generation system has a fluid connection to a water source (1) to provide water to a venturi apparatus (27) for the selective creation of a vacuum in a sterilization chamber (71). A fluid connection to a particle filter (33) and a reverse osmosis filter (37) is also provided and water passed through the filters is delivered by a metering pump (53) to a steam generating apparatus (59) which in turn supplies steam to a the chamber (71). The chamber (71) is provided with a discharge conduit including a mixing chamber (31) and a split tubing air break (131).

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

Abstract: An unplumbed sterilizer (10) with a self-contained heater (34, 35) has a fill system (32) that includes a pump (82) to pump liquid from a sterilizer reservoir (26) to the sterilizing chamber (22). By utilizing the pump (82) in the fill system (32), a precise volume of water is filled into the sterilizing chamber (22) with each sterilizing cycle, and further, the pump pressure flushes the fill system (32) of particles that may otherwise partially or fully clog the fill system (32). A sterilizing chamber drain cycle is executed immediately prior to the fill cycle by operating the pump (82) to pump liquid from the sterilizing chamber (22) to the reservoir (26). The operation of the drain cycle permits the fill cycle to be executed without any residual liquid in the sterilizing chamber (22); and further, the subsequent fill cycle will flush any particles from the fill system (32) introduced by the drain cycle.

Abstract: A sterilizing container including a container main body for storing therein a plurality of baby bottles and including an opening for storing therein water used to generate steam when the sterilizing container is inserted into and heated in a microwave oven, a cover member for covering the container main body from the upper portion of the front surface to the upper surface of the container main body and including a water pouring opening in the upper portion of the front surface thereof, a support member stored within the container main body and including a plurality of holders respectively for supporting baby bottles, and a tray member connected to the support member a substantially a right angle and stored within the container main body along the back surface thereof to the bottom surface thereof, the tray member having a certain degree of depth for being able to contain water.

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 method and system of decontaminating the surface of food products including seeds, grains, nuts, spices, fruits and dried and dehydrated food with hydrogen peroxide vapor is provided.

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 method for metering a liquid sterilant from a reservoir or other container into a vaporization system, in accurately and reproducibly measured amounts. The method includes the steps of delivering the liquid sterilant from the container into an accumulator, at a first delivery pressure and a first delivery rate, discontinuing the dispensing of liquid sterilant when a predetermined amount of sterilant has been transferred from the container into the accumulator, and delivering liquid sterilant from the accumulator into the vaporizer, at a second delivery pressure and a second delivery rate. The first delivery pressure and first delivery rate are preferably lower than the second delivery pressure and second delivery rate.

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: 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 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 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: A portable apparatus which produces high temperature and pressure steam derived from a microwave energy source for the rapid sterilization of medical and dental appliances. Items to be sterilized are placed in a detachable high pressure chamber which is then attached to the microwave powered steam source. Microwave energy is coupled into a guiding structure containing a shaped impedance transformation element so that essentially all of the microwave energy is transferred to a reaction fluid contained in a holder at the end of the matching element. The reaction fluid is rapidly vaporized and the resulting vapors rapidly expand into the chamber through a metal screen that also prevents transmission of microwave energy. Pressure temperature values internal to the chamber are used to control application of microwave power thereby maintaining an optimum micro-organism kill condition for a prescribed time interval.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A pressure vessel in which the air steam and liquid exhaust systems are combined and wherein all exhaust systems are directed through a water reservoir, using a single control valve and a temperature/pressure sensor in the system.

Abstract: An autoclave for treating charged materials (6) with vapor under pressure, with a substantially cylindrical inner chamber (2) surrounded by an autoclave casing (1) and with a heating device (8) responsive to a heated heat transfer medium to generate vapor in the inner chamber (2). In order to provide the heating in a way which is favorable structurally and in terms of energy, it is provided that the heating device (8) is arranged within one of the curved side regions of the autoclave casing (1), and consists of at least one flue (10) arranged substantially vertically in the autoclave and a heat exchanger (11) arranged in the lower inflow region of the flue (10) and through which flows a heat transfer medium, so that a convection flow results circulating substantially in the circumferential direction of the casing (1) of the autoclave.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of water compatible products, especially food products such as sliced vegetables, chopped meats etc. A sterilization conduit through which the product passes under pressure includes steam injectors, with the pressure of the product being maintained. The steam is condensed to a liquid by the effect of product temperature and pressure within the conduit and permeates the product. The product thus raised to a sterilization temperature. The heated and pressurized product is then passed through a series of flash chambers, each allowing an incremental pressure decrease upon the product. Each pressure decrease will allow a portion of the liquid permeating the product to flash to the vapor phase, reducing the temperature and added water content of the product while preventing damage to the product caused by excessive flashing. These incremental pressure reductions continue until the product is at atmospheric pressure and a temperature below approximately 100.degree. C. (212.

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: Heating apparatus comprises a chamber (10) in which articles to be heated (e.g. sterilized) are located via a door (16) and which can be filled with a blanket of dense hot organic vapor during a heating phase. The liquid which creates the vapor blanket is located in an annular reservoir (20) and is heated to above vaporization temperature by an electrical band heater (22).

Abstract: A process for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes introducing disinfecting solution into a vessel that is at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, and placing the contact lenses into contact with the disinfecting solution within an interior portion of the vessel which is substantially shielded from microwave electromagnetic radiation. The vessel is closed and then subjected to microwave radiation to heat the disinfecting solution with which the lenses are in contact while the lenses themselves are shielded from the radiation. The radiation continues until the lenses are disinfected. Apparatus in accordance with the invention include the vessel, disinfecting solution and in accordance with one embodiment, lens holder apparatus comprising shielding material defining compartments that are receivable of the contact lenses which are in fluid communication with the surrounding interior of the vessel but which provide microwave radiation shielding.

Abstract: A sterilizer is disclosed which includes control circuitry for automatically controlling a plurality of sterilization cycles. The control circuitry operates to control actuation of a door opening mechanism whereby a door of the sterilizer may be automatically opened a small amount at the conclusion of a sterilization cycle whereby the sterilizer may initiate a drying portion of the cycle without the assistance of an operator. In addition, a baffled water reservoir is provided such that a water filling area of the reservoir is separated from a steam recovery area of the reservoir to thereby provide efficient recovery of steam at the conclusion of a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A sterilizer assembly for sterilizing infant accessories such as baby bottles, nipples, nipple hoods and collars simultaneously, especially in microwave ovens. Preferably, the assembly is formed from heat resistant, nonmetallic, microwavable materials and includes a base defining a receptacle for receiving water to be heated to form steam. A rack is received on the base over the water and preferably includes a plurality of upstanding supports removably mounted over steam passage apertures in the rack. A dome-like hood encloses the rack, supports, and any items to be sterilized. A vent member on the hood may be rotated to uncover an aperture and release steam from the assembly before removing the hood and after heating to avoid burn injuries. Each support will suspend a baby bottle or, alternately, will suspend a nipple hood, mount a nipple and locate a bottle collar all in position for effective steam contact and water drainage.