Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as beakers, on a line of an aseptic food packaging machine has a sintered stainless steel tube (6) surrounded by an outer tube (7) which has a plurality of outlets (10). A source of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) (1) is vaporized by heated air (4) and passed into the sintered tube (6), from where it permeates to the outer tube (7) and via the outlets (10) to respective containers (18), to sterilize the containers. The combination of the sintered tube and outer tube serves to evenly distribute the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 vapor to evenly sterilize a row or beakers, indexed through the apparatus.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: A container sterilization system adaptable to a forming, filling and sealing machine used to process containers for liquids or spoonable food products. The system is a single pass vapor generator including ductwork interconnecting a suitable blower for directing a flow through sterilization stations; a duct heater; a vapor generation stack; a suitable vapor delivery inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold; and a drying air inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold, with containers being conveyed laterally intermediate the inlet manifolds and the exhaust manifolds. The directed flow is a mixture of air, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and vaporized water.

Abstract: An autoclave has a water level sensor in a water reservoir in the pressure vessel. An external water tank is connected to the reservoir via an electrically-operated valve. An electrical resistance heating element in the reservoir heats the sensor if it indicates a full level at the start of operation, in order to dry any exposed part of the sensor and thereby prevent an erroneous output from the sensor caused by water clining to it. This heating of the sensor can be repeated if it continues to indicate a full level. If a low level output is produced by the sensor, the valve is opened to allow water to flow from the tank to the reservoir. If the valve remains open for longer than a predetermined time without the sensor indicating a full level, the autoclave produces a fault signal.

Abstract: A chemical sterilizer system for sterilizing items by vaporizing a liquid chemical sterilant in a sterilizing chamber. Pre-evacuation of the sterilizer chamber enhances the sterilizing activity. Sterilant is injected into the sterilizer chamber from a prefilled shot chamber. Subsequent to the exposure period, spent sterilant is condensed and fresh air is pumped into the sterilizer chamber from a vacuum pump. An automated valving system uses a minimal number of three-way valves and one or more two-way valves to control the fluid flow functions in the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects to be sterilized is disclosed, in which an object to be sterilized such as a hand piece is preliminarily brought into a wetted state, and then accommodated and air-tightly closed up within a sterilizing chamber communicated with an oxygen cylinder, oxygen fed from the oxygen cylinder is introduced into an ozonizer to produce ozonized oxygen gas having an ozone concentration of at least 10000 ppm, preferably 15000 ppm or higher, then the ozonized oxygen as is made to pass through the sterilizing chamber after it has been heated up to perfectly replace air within the sterilizing chamber by the ozonized oxygen gas, also moisture adhered to the objects to be sterilized is partly evaporated, subsequently the communication between the sterilizing chamber and the oxygen source is interrupted, the ozonized oxygen gas is circulated through the sterilizing chamber and the ozonizer while it is heated up at the inlet of the sterilizing chamber to thereby enhance the ozone concentration up

Abstract: A disinfectant vaporizing apparatus for dropwise flowing a disinfectant liquid on a heating unit so as to provide a uniform disinfection gas on a surface of a material to be sterilized, characterized in that at least one supply port for supplying heated carrier gas at a high temperature is provided in a vaporization chamber for the disinfectant liquid. A vaporization part is provided with a plurality of cavities on an upper surface thereof and at least one dropping nozzle is provided above each cavity, wherein the disinfection gas carried by the heated carrier gas is applied on a surface of a material to be sterilized through a droplet splash removing apparatus. The droplet splash removing apparatus has a series of vertically, spaced-apart shield plates with staggered holes therein through which the vaporized disinfectant and carrier gas pass and entrained droplets of disinfectant liquid are removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a multicomponent liquid consists of a vaporization chamber into which liquid is injected through a nozzle with sufficient velocity to ensure multiple impingements with the heated surfaces of the chamber so that vaporization is substantially complete. The apparatus may have a plurality of injection nozzles, each responsive to a valve. The valves are sequentially operated by a control circuit to provide a substantially continuous stream of liquid to the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A rotatable partition is provided to establish a sealing relationship between each pair of successive processes in a germ-free filling/packaging system or between a said processes and the outer air and a hollow cylinder containing therein this rotatable partition is provided with an inlet through which germ-free gas flows in and an outlet through which germ-free gas flows out. Floor(s) of a germicide mist fixing station and/or a germicide removing station, and/or conveyor arms is (are) provided heater elements.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having high performance aqueous fluid retention and wiping characteristics and a method of producing such fabric. The fabric comprises a reinforcing web of self-bonded continuous filament synthetic fibers having at least one surface with spaced clusters of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers generally surrounded by void areas having a concentration of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers which is lower than such concentration in the clusters. The desired pattern of clusters may be obtained by hydroentanglement using a coarse apertured forming surface.

Abstract: A container sterilization system adaptable to a forming, filling and sealing machine used to process containers for liquids or spoonable food products. The system is a closed loop system including ductwork interconnecting a suitable blower for directing through the closed loop a flow of a mixture of air, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and vaporized water; a duct heater; one of a vapor generation pool or a vapor generation stack with heat exchanger; a suitable vapor delivery inlet manifold and an associated exhaust manifold; and a drying air inlet manifold and an associated exhaust with containers being conveyed laterally intermediate the inlet manifolds and the exhaust manifolds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing system for sterilizing containers. In accordance with the invention, an external actuating element is provided in an autoclave chamber structure to hold special closure elements and/or the container lid in an open position and to bring them into a closed position before the autoclave is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating a reagent of sulfur trioxide in a carrier which includes a reagent generator. The reagent generator has associated therewith means for introducing a source of sulfur trioxide into the reagent generator, means for introducing a carrier such as a liquid halocarbon or an inert gas into the reagent generator, and means for introducing oleum into the reagent generator. The reagent generator also includes means for contacting the sulfur trioxide, carrier, and oleum to provide a reagent of sulfur trioxide in the carrier. Additionally, the system includes means for removing oleum from the reagent generator, as well as means for removing the reagent from the reagent generator. In a preferred embodiment, the system for generating the reagent also includes, in conjunction with the reagent generator, a treatment chamber for the surface treatment of polymer resins including medical products which have polymeric resin material on exposed surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-through system for use with at least one sealable pressure or nonpressure container. The system can be used to selectively sterilize, humidify and aerate the container and can be integrally or releasably attached to the container. The system includes at least one liquid reservoir for holding a sterilant, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. A second liquid reservoir for holding water for humidification may be provided. The system also includes a unit which houses a heater for vaporizing incoming liquid and optionally heating incoming air and a converter for converting selected vapors to a form suitable for disposal. A vacuum motor draws air from the container to reduce pressure therein so that air from an air supply is drawn through an air filter into the heater and into the container. A substantial portion of the withdrawn air from the container is diverted to the converter.

Abstract: For sterilizing a tight enclosure (10) equipped with a ventilation and filtration circuit (14), said enclosure is isolated and the internal relative humidity level is lowered by means of an assembly (50) incorporating a drying cartridge (54). The sterilizing agent (46) is then introduced through a closed circuit (30) until a relative humidity level close to the dew point is obtained. The sterilizing agent is kept in the enclosure for a given contact time, before scavenging said agent by means of the ventilation and filtration circuit (14).

Abstract: A self-contained, closed loop steam sterilizer having an integral external boiler. The sterilizer employs a prevacuum sterilization cycle with a dwell phase. A single pump accomplishes all pumping functions in a prioritized manner.

Abstract: A case for sterilization and sterile storage of objects comprises a hermetic housing (1), a partition (7) with one or several holes (10) dividing the interior of the housing (1) into two sections (8, 9), one of the sections being occupied by a sterilizing liquid, whereas the other accommodating holders (20) for the objects being sterilized. The section (8) for the sterilizing liquid occupies the lower part of the housing. The holes (10) of the partition (7) are grouped in its central portion and each of these holes (10) is provided with a tube (11) facing by its free end the inside of the section (8). The section (8) has on its wall opposite to the partition (7) a spherical projection (12) facing by its convex side the interior of the section (8).

Abstract: A sterilizing device includes a heating chamber having a reservoir containing a substantially inert, vaporizable liquid having a boiling point sufficiently high to kill microorganisms unsafe for humans. The sterilizing liquid is heated to boiling by a heater submerged therein. The articles to be sterilized are placed in a perforated tray located in the chamber above the reservoir and are contacted by a blanket of substantially saturated vapors of the sterilizing liquid. A temperature controller turns the heater off and on in response to the vapor blanket rising to and falling below a predetermined level above the tray. A counter counting the number of electrical impulses or cycles thereafter transmitted to the heater turns off the heater after a predetermined number of such cycles and a fan or similar cooling apparatus is energized to cool the chamber and condense the vapors.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling first and second quantities of process heat from a vapor having substantially the total initial process heat where the vapor is channeled from at least one apparatus in which a process having a vapor utilization phase is practiced. The preferred embodiment of the system comprises at least one steam sterilizer, apparatus for channeling steam having substantially the total process heat from one of the sterilizers to a first phase change material where the first quantity of heat is absorbed by the first phase change material and water, having the second quantity of heat, is yielded. A fluid, preferably a refrigerant, is passed through the first phase change material for transfer of the first quantity of heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then compressed in a compressor to provide a sufficient quantity of additional heat to raise the heat content of the refrigerant above the initial process heat.

Abstract: An electric egg cooker is converted to a baby bottle sterilizer by mounting an insert thereon formed with seats for the baby bottles and nipples. A hood, which can be fitted over this insert, has a height sufficient to accommodate the baby bottles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing particles in an autoclave with an atmosphere of formaldehyde and water vapor so that the sterilized articles have tolerable quantities of residue of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde thereon. In the process, formalin is used which is transformed to a gaseous condition and supplied to the autoclave. The apparatus is provided with a vaporizer for formalin in which the vaporizer is provided with a liquid trap so that the formalin becomes said water vapor and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A soft nonwoven web of entangled fibers or filaments having a pattern of fused bond areas and a stretched, loopy filament configuration outside of the patterned bond areas. The result is a soft web with high bulk that retains to a high degree the original bonded strength properties. In one embodiment, product may be obtained by pattern bonding a meltblown microfiber web under conditions of heat and pressure and then stretching the web under controlled conditions up to preferably about 140% of its original dimension in at least one direction. When relaxed, the stretched filaments bulk and loop except in the fused bond areas where they retain bonding properties. Preferred stretching conditions include room temperature and the use of draw rolls at speed differentials producing the desired stretch. Examples of thermoplastics polymers useful in accordance with the invention include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters and polyamides, as well as copolymers and polymer blends.

Abstract: The sterilization of open-topped containers is accomplished by vaporizing a sterilizing agent in the vicinity of the container. The vaporization is preferably achieved by spraying the sterilizing agent on to a heating element positioned either in or immediately above the open top of the container.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of removal of particulate material and boiler-feed additives from pressurized, saturated steam, which apparatus includes a composite cartridge in which particulate matter is removed by a filter tube and boiler-feed additives are removed by contacting the filtered steam with a bed of a hydrogen-form, strong-acid, ion-exchange resin, and saturated, pressurized steam substantially free of particulate matter and volatile, alkaline, boiler-feed additives are recovered for use, for example, in food-preparation and sterilization purposes.

Abstract: A conventional cooker or retort for heat processing sealed containers, such as sealed pouches, jars or cans, has an evaporator associated therewith. A source of water is coupled to the evaporator through a valve and a source of a liquid having a higher vapor pressure than water, such as ethyl alcohol, is connected to the evaporator through a metering pump. Pressure and temperature within the retort are monitored and signals indicative thereof are connected to controllers for metering the heat supplied to the evaporator and for metering the ethyl alcohol and water delivered to the evaporator. One controller is configured to operate so that as pressure rises, proportions of ethyl alcohol introduced into the evaporator is reduced while the proportion of water introduced is increased. Another controller functions to restrict the amount of heating medium, such as steam, delivered to the evaporator as the retort temperature increases.

Abstract: A system for selectively collecting washed articles with a washing device and conveyor to convey the articles therethrough, first and second detectors for detecting fabric faults and improperly washed articles, respectively, a device to roll the articles, a control device for controlling the washing treatment and a distributing device in response to signals generated by the detectors.

Abstract: To establish predetermined humidity levels within a sterile treatment chamber, and maintain sterility, water, preferably deionized, is conducted to an evaporator outside of a container defining the treatment chamber, to be there heated to superheated steam, for example in the order of 300.degree. C., and conducted to a bypass duct (1) in atmospheric communication with the treatment chamber (10), for mixing with the atmosphere within the treatment chamber. Preferably, the treatment chamber is surrounded by heat exchanger elements, such as electrical heating wires and/or cooling coils, the heaters being controlled to rapidly heat the treatment chamber to a temperature in the order of 180.degree. C. during pauses of treatment for sterilizing the interior of the container, and/or maintaining temperature levels at a desired treatment level in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of fermentation objects by steam comprises a sterilization vessel with a heater, a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe. The apparatus further comprises a buffer vessel communicating with the sterilization vessel via lines including valves. The buffer vessel is provided with its own heater. The apparatus also comprises two gas filters mounted on the heater of the sterilization vessel and interconnected in series through a steam flow rate regulator, one of the filters being connected to the buffer vessel, and the other filter being connected to a pipe adatped to communicate with the fermenter.

Abstract: A steam-operated sterilization apparatus for sterilizing laundry, bandages, instruments and the like, includes a heat-insulated container, and a sterilization chamber disposed within the heat-insulated container. A space between the heat-insulated container and the sterilization chamber is filled with a fluid acting as a carrier of heat. A heating device heats the fluid to a temperature above 100.degree. C., and a water conduit, connected to a source of water, is disposed in the space for passing the water therethrough. The water conduit includes a water-evaporation section for converting the water into steam, and a steam-heating section for converting the steam into superheated steam. The water conduit communicates with the sterilization chamber for introducing the steam and the superheated steam thereinto, and a discharge device communicates with the sterilization chamber for at least condensing the steam and the superheated steam, and for discharging the condensate.

Abstract: A vaporizer having an improved electrode-type steam generator structure. The generator comprises a tubular member defining a boiling chamber and a pair of concentric electrodes disposed in the bottom of the boiling chamber. The surface areas of the electrodes are in spaced relationship and the outer electrode encloses the inner electrode and is provided with means to control the rate and the escape of steam from the electrodes. This is done by providing the outer electrode with a tubular member extending above the water level in the boiling chamber for trapping steam generated by the electrodes and providing an adjustable valve in the form of a disk adjustable toward and away from an opening in the top of the tubular member for restricting the escape of the generated steam. The bottom surface of the disk is shaped to direct steam and water droplets back toward the water in the boiling chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting medical apparatus, and especially artificial respirators, by the action of formaldehyde fumes subsequently neutralized by ammonia fumes, the apparatus being adapted to avoid the deposition of crystalline hexamethylene tetramine inside the respirator and comprising an enclosure for receiving the medical apparatus, a source of formaldehyde fumes likely to spread within the enclosure, and an auxiliary neutralization chamber communicating with the enclosure and provided with a source of ammonia; the volume of the neutralization chamber being such as to allow ammonia fumes to spread and to come into contact with formaldehyde fumes for a sufficient time to ensure neutralization.