Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sterilizing containers (10), comprising a first treatment space (2), which is filled with a sterilizing gaseous medium (A) under predetermined thermodynamic conditions, a tank (6), which is filled with a liquid medium (B) and extends along a closed path, a multiplicity of holding devices (8) for holding the containers (10), wherein the holding devices (8) are arranged rotatably with respect to the treatment space (2), and a dividing wall (12), which protrudes into the liquid medium (B) located in the tank (6) and is arranged rotatably with respect to the tank (6). According to the invention, a discharge opening (14), via which the gaseous medium (A) can be discharged, is provided between the treatment space (2) and the tank (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing device (10) for sterilizing closures (16), such as lids and caps for containers, such as bottles and jars, which device comprises a housing (12), provided with a closure entry (14) for supplying closures, a closure exit (18) for discharging sterilized closures from the device, a sterilizing-agent feed (21) for feeding sterilizing agent into the device and a discharge (28; 30) for discharging used sterilizing agent, as well as pass-through means (20) for passing closures (16) through the housing (12), the pass-through means (20) comprising a non-rectilinear pass-through path (58) in the plane parallel to the main plane of the closures. A sterilizing method is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of metal containers, such as beverage cans, in a beverage can filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a powder includes a device for agitating the powder during application of a sterilizing gas including nitrogen dioxide and humidity. A related method includes agitating the powder while applying the sterilizing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a medium to containers may include a distribution chamber which is arranged with respect to a rotation axis and which has a plurality of openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber. A sleeve may be arranged on the distribution chamber, wherein the sleeve extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. According to the invention, the apparatus has a supply tube for supplying the medium to the distribution chamber. Furthermore, the supply tube extends at least partially in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber, and the sleeve is designed such that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube. A gap through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube and extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

Abstract: An oral feeding bottle includes a feed container with an open end and surfaces adapted to come into contact with a liquid feed in the container, a teat releasably connected to the open end and adapted to contact both the liquid feed and a person or animal feeding from the bottle, and a cap with two modes of operation, where in the first mode, the teat is connected to the container and the cap is adapted to fit over, enclose the teat, and be releaseably connected to the feed container, and where in the second mode, the cap includes a means for stowing the teat in a non-dispensing position spaced from the container, where the teat and the surfaces that contact the liquid feed are in fluid communication so that the teat and the feed container are sterilized with a fluid sterilizing medium disposed in the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in a cartridge for on-line preparation of a solution for a medical procedure. The device comprises a hollow body, the body having a first end and a second end and is provided with through holes in its wall. The second end is closed, while the first end is open and adapted for receiving fluid introduced into the cartridge. The fluid leaves the device through said holes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cartridge provided with such a device, a method of manufacturing such a cartridge and the use of a charge of concentrate in such a cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for the cleaning of containers such as bottles in a bottle filling plant or containers in a container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for sterilizing at least a portion of a beverage container. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) providing a notification of a sterilization of a beverage container.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects comprises a plurality of rotating carousels for transporting said objects along a curved path, sterilizing devices arranged on said plurality of carousels along said path and distributed on a carousel of said plurality of carousels and partially on at least a further carousel of said plurality of carousels; an apparatus for treating objects comprises a rotating carousel arrangement for transporting said objects along a curved path, said rotating carousel arrangement comprising at least a carousel for treating objects, and a sterilizing arrangement arranged on said carousel arrangement along said path, and comprising a sterilizing device that operates at ambient pressure; a method for treating objects comprises transporting along a curved path said objects by means of a plurality of rotating carousels comprising sterilizing said objects during said transporting with sterilizing devices arranged on said plurality of carousels, wherein said transporting comprises transferring sa

Abstract: A method for applying a reclosable pouring element comprising a pouring opening and a flange and having a removable cap, to a container having an opening. The method comprising the steps of connecting the pouring element to a lid of the container having an opening by affixing the flange of the pouring element to the lid in a liquid-tight fashion. Sealing a section of a closure film on the pouring element so that the pouring opening of the pouring element still remains open. Connecting the lid to the container body in a liquid-tight fashion. Sterilizing an interior of the container. Filing the container with a product through the pouring opening. Closing the container by sealing the closure film onto the pouring element in such a fashion that the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed in a liquid-tight fashion and applying the cap to the pouring element.

Abstract: A method and device for sterilizing containers in which a plasma treatment is executed through excitation of an electromagnetic oscillation so that the plasma is excited in a vacuum in the vicinity of the container regions to be sterilized. Between arrival and discharge, the container regions to be sterilized are moved closer to the oscillation-generating device in the chamber, with continuous movement of the container and/or of the oscillation-generating device for one or more predetermined time intervals in such a way that a plasma is excited in these regions inside and/or outside the container. The chamber is provided with a transport apparatus inside it, which produces an essentially rotating motion of the container during the transport from the arrival to the discharge in the chamber.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing a sealed package of a pourable food product from a substantially tubular precut blank of sheet packaging material with opposite open ends. The method includes the steps of feeding the blank onto a relative forming mandrel; sealing one end of the blank to form a container open at the opposite end; removing the container from the mandrel; and sterilizing the container before filling it with the pourable food product; and the method also including the step of preheating the container by heating the mandrel before sterilizing the container.

Abstract: A packaging article comprises two sheets of material bonded to form a pouch, with one layer comprising a first sheet of a porous material, e.g., Tyvek® film, and a second nonporous sheet overlying and sealed to the first sheet. The second sheet is impermeable to passage of gas therethrough and includes a peelable film, e.g., of polyethylene, in contact with the first sheet of porous material to permit peeling removal of the second sheet from the first sheet. A method of integrity testing includes fabricating a packaging article, pressurizing same with a gas and monitoring pressure to determine package integrity, removing the peelable film, and exposing a packaging article to sterilant gas supplied through the porous first sheet.

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 invention relates to a nipple sterilizer which may easily sterilize the nipple of a nursing bottle. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a nipple sterilizer comprising a body 10 which has an opening 12 at its lower surface and is to be mounted at a nursing bottle 2 in order that the nipple 6 of the bottle 2 may be inserted through the opening 12 and may be covered thereby, a sterilization lamp 20 which is positioned inside the body 10 and sterilizes the nipple 6, an electric power source 30 which is positioned inside the body 10 in order to be connected to the sterilization lamp 20, a switch 40 which is electrically connected between the electric power source 30 and the sterilization lamp 20 and makes the sterilization lamp 20 switched on and off.

Abstract: A multiflow gassing system for providing controlled environment gas to a lid and container, the system including a lid carrier; and a gas rail assembly adjacent the lid carrier, the gas rail assembly having a top portion including a top portion gas outlet, an end portion including a end portion gas outlet, and a plate adjacent the end portion. The top portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into the lid and the end portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into a lid-container engagement region.

Abstract: Equipment for treating open beverage containers (3), e.g. by filling or closing, comprising: a treatment site (1), to which a container (3) can be delivered for treatment, and at which a treatment element (2) is situated that acts upon the mouth (6) of the container (3) from above, and slit nozzles (4), which are situated to the side of the treatment site (1), and discharge clean gas, and which are designed for producing a gas curtain that protects the area of the mouth (6) of the container (3). The invention is characterized in that the slit nozzles (4) are placed in, in essence, oppositely oriented jet directions whereby between the slit nozzles (4), a pressure flow is produced having flow components exiting upward and downward from the area of the slit nozzles (4) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (S).

Abstract: A sterilizing unit for food, pharmaceutical and like products, packaged in rigid or soft containers, includes at least an autoclave adapted to receive, through at least an access door and through a loading/unloading unit, at least a container wherein are arranged packages. Advantageously, the autoclave is vertically arranged and includes internally vertical conveying device designed to be subjected, by a motoring mechanism for loading and unloading them in a step-by-step forward movement through the access door(s) for containers in the form of shelves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system and methods for cleaning tissue embedding molds. The cleaning system includes a cleaning vessel that holds a cleaning solution. The tissue processing molds are supported by a basket receptacle which is placed inside the cleaning vessel. Cleaning solution is supplied to the cleaning vessel through a supply line. Additional fluids are stored in a reservoir and may be mixed with the cleaning solution in the supply line. Cleaning solution drains from the cleaning vessel through a drain line. A controller controls the opening and closing of valves and the activation or deactivation of a heat source to operate a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a dry cycle.

Abstract: A flash vapor generator (10) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for rapidly sterilizing a large decontamination tunnel (11) with a high container throughput. The vaporizer includes a heated block which defines an interior bore or bores. The conditions within the decontamination tunnel are carefully monitored to avoid condensation of the vapor while maintaining the vapor as close as possible to the saturation limit.

Abstract: There is now provided a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material in a beverage bottling plant, and a cleaning device with a pair of nozzles transversely disposed with respect to one another for introduction of cleaning medium into a stream of air and for introduction a stream of air into a cleaning medium.

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: At the step of preheating the container, in addition to heating of the whole container, a neck portion (1a) of the container may be heated separately. Alternatively on the step of preheating the container, while whole container is heated by a hot air blast which is supplied in the container, neck portion (1a) of the container may be heated separately. Since it is difficult to increase the temperature of the neck portion as compared with other portions, by heating the neck portion separately, the effect of the preheating is performed more effectively. It is desirable that the hot air blast is supplied from the nozzle inserted in the container. For example by the method of spraying hot air blast from the outside of the portions, heating of the neck portions can be performed.

Abstract: A container which is to be autoclaved has a shiftable plunger that defines a compartment filled with a fluid. The container is confined in a pressurizable chamber and heated so as to change a pressure in the compartment of the container. The pressure in the compartment of the container is monitored and an output corresponding thereto is generated. Pressure in the chamber around the container is continuously varied so as to be generally equal to the instantaneous monitored pressure in the compartment of the container. In this manner the plunger is not moved by thermal expansion or contraction of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly (3) for connection to a container (1) for sterilising goods, preferably for pharmaceutical applications, and a releasable connector port (5) for releasably connecting said connector assembly (3) to a treatment station (1) for the goods that is contained in said container (1). Said connector assembly (3) further includes a second port that initially is provided with a detachable rapid transfer port cap (4), which cap (4) corresponds to a rapid transfer port means (15) that is provided at a goods transfer station (12). The connector port (5) and the rapid transfer port cap (4) are in fluid connection via a good stopper means (7). The invention also relates to a multi-treatment sterilising system and to a method for transferring sterilised goods from a multi-purpose container using a system according to the invention.

Abstract: A cyclical functioning machine installation for sterilizing and filling containers comprises a sterilization chamber, to which is placed a feeding device arranged in an non-sterile hold for the joint feeding of a given number of containers to be sterilized, and to which sterilization chamber is placed a delivery device for the joint removal of sterilized containers. According to the present invention, the delivery device is arranged in a sterile hold, which is separated from the feed device by the sterilization chamber which acts as a lock. A filling device may also be arranged in the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing the inside of an article such as a PET bottle comprises a hot air supplying device (14) for supplying hot air to the inside of an article (1), and a mist generating device (33) for producing mists of a sterilizing agent. By mixing the mists produced by the mist generating device with the hot air supplied by the hot air supplying device and introducing the same to the inside of the article, the sterilizing agent mists can be introduced evenly to every corner in the inside of the article so as to obtain an even sterilizing effect. Furthermore, the sterilizing apparatus comprises an air rinsing device (56) for discharging the air including the mists inside the article by blowing in the sterilized air to the inside of the article, and a washing device (57) for supplying a washing agent to the inside of the article.

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: 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: A sterilizable container (20) is described which includes a flexible bag (23), the flexible bag (23) having a hole in a flat portion thereof and a hollow connector port (22) fixed thereto, the connector port (22) including a collar portion (22A) and a flange portion (24) defining an internal bore (26) of the connector port (22), the inside surface of the flexible bag (23) being sealed to an outside surface of the flange portion (24) and the collar portion (22A) extending through the hole in the flexible bag (23). Also disclosed is an adapter (10) having an internal bore (12), the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) being sealably connectable by a clamping and sealing device (11, 13) so that the internal bores (12, 16) of the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) are in open communication. Preferably, the adapter (10) has a removable door (16) sealed to the end of the adapter (10) remote from the sealable connection to the connector port (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container interior sterilization in an aseptic processing apparatus. An atomized sterilant is applied to an interior surface of a container such as a bottle. A supply of hot sterile drying air is applied to the interior surface to activate and dry the sterilant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning and sterilizing machine for small articles such as closure elements for pharmaceutical containers consisting of a treatment tank (1) which is supported by a horizontal shaft (3) in a carrier (2) and is mounted so it can rotate about the axis of the shaft (3) and has a funnel-shaped upper part (6) with a loading and unloading opening (8) arranged in it, said treatment tank being closeable by a valve (7) and having inlet and outlet lines (13, 14) for at least one treatment medium such as water, steam or compressed air connected to it and supported by the shaft (3).

Abstract: A dehydrating and sanitizing device for baby stuff includes a bowl with a heating member received therein and an inclined plate is connected to the heating member so as to guide water to flow in a collection drawer located at a lower edge of the inclined plate. Several sanitizing bulbs are connected to the inside of the bowl. A rack is located in the bowl for the nursing bottles and teats being put thereon and a cover is mounted to an open top of the bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sterilization-in-place of a bag assembly includes rigid bag and tube support members arranged in a clamshell configuration to surround and support the bag assembly so that pressurized steam can be supplied to the interior of the bag assembly without the danger of rupture.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for performing heating and sterilizing treatment on the inside of a PET bottle with a low heat resistance securely and without thermal deformation thereof, where a steam jetting nozzle is inserted into the bottle from a mouth portion thereof to jet steam from the nozzle, the steam is circulated inside the bottle to be exhausted from the mouth portion, the steam is caused to contact with a bottle inner face securely, and simultaneously cooling water is sprayed on an outer face of the bottle so that thermal deformation of the bottle wall face is prevented.

Abstract: Installation for the drying, heating, sterilization or disinfection of dry, moist or wet materials or materials in a moist environment and of liquids, particularly waste which may be infected, e.g., medical waste, in which the materials to be treated are introduced into a microwave-permeable vessel in a pressure-proof treatment space which can be acted upon by microwaves and sealed in a pressure-tight manner, wherein a plurality of magnetrons are coupled into the resonant space forming the treatment space in such a way that microwave dead spaces are prevented, wherein the physical parameters in the device are monitored and utilized for controlling the installation, and wherein added units are also provided for influencing the course of the process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for initiating oxygen scavenging in an angular preformed packaging article comprising an oxygen scavenging layer. The packaging article is moved into and out of a chamber, in which it is exposed to UV radiation of at least about 280 nm. The wavelength of UV radiation to which the article is exposed can be selected so that it will be absorbed by the oxygen scavenging layer as efficiently as possible, taking into account the composition of the oxygen scavenging layer and any additional layers that are present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed providing a plurality of sterile zones within a sterilization tunnel in an aseptic packaging apparatus. The sterile zones provide a plurality of sterilant concentration levels within the sterilization tunnel. Additionally, the sterile zones provide a plurality of gas flow rates within the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: A flash vapor generator (10) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for rapidly sterilizing a large decontamination tunnel (11) with a high container throughput. The vaporizer includes a heated block which defines an interior bore or bores. The conditions within the decontamination tunnel are carefully monitored to avoid condensation of the vapor while maintaining the vapor as close as possible to the saturation limit.

Abstract: A sanitizing device includes a first part having a hearing member connected to an inside of a bottom flange and a sanitizing bulb connected to an inside of a top flange on the first part. A rack is connected between two side flanges of the first part. A second part is fixedly connected to the first part and a cover is pivotally connected to the side flanges. A lower edge of the cover is located on a top edge of the second part. A box is removably inserted through the second part and located between two inclined ramps above the heating member.

Abstract: A sterilization tunnel for pharmaceutical containers such as vials has an inlet zone, a sterilization zone, and a cooling zone. A conveyor belt for the vials is disposed inside the sterilization tunnel. An emptying device that can be raised and lowered is disposed in the vicinity of the cooling zone. In order to empty the sterilization tunnel, the frame-shaped emptying device is lowered onto the conveyor belt and then pushes an emptying slider, which is being moved through the sterilization tunnel together with the last vials disposed on the conveyor belt, out from the sterilization tunnel. The emptying device permits a particularly simple operation of the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: In a tunnel-like region of a sterilizing tunnel, containers are advanced by means of a conveyor device. For sterilization, a heated air flow oriented vertically in the region of the containers is used, which is generated by means of a fan and a heater. To prevent particles from being torn out of a sterile filter during the heating phase, there is a provision for adapting the rpm of the fan during the heating phase. According to the invention, this rpm adaptation is done by ascertaining the requisite rotary speeds of the fan beforehand at both room temperature and the sterilization temperature, whereupon a control unit of the sterilizing tunnel, on the basis of a predetermined functional relationship, raises the rpm of the fan as the temperature of the air flow is raised.

Abstract: A safety sensor mechanism (10) for a rotary sterilizer (16) including a slider plate (40) positioned in the revolving path of cans (11) and movable away from a discharge opening (28) of the sterilizer. The safety mechanism includes slider bars (44) and tubular housings (48) with coil springs (50) for creating a spring-loaded slider plate that yields if engaged by a misaligned can that does not proper eject from the sterilizer.

Abstract: A method of at least periodically removing from a lean gaseous stream a sorbable component such as SOx includes passing the gaseous stream through a trap member having an oxidation catalyst combined with a sorbent material at a temperature within the sorbing temperature range of the sorbent material. The sorbed component is periodically removed by introducing a combustible component into the gaseous stream and oxidizing it on the trap member to thermally desorb the sorbed component. The amount of combustible component introduced is limited to maintain the gaseous stream composition lean, but is sufficient to increase the surface temperature of at least part of the trap member to above the bulk temperature of the gaseous stream. Sorbing and desorbing periods are alternated and a composition and an apparatus to carry out the process is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing, filling and sealing containers has a sterilization chamber, a cooling chamber, and a filling and sealing chamber, through which the containers are conveyed by means of an endless conveyor device. For presterilizing the chambers before the apparatus is put into operation, these chambers are acted upon by a gaseous sterilizing agent flowing through them, which is fed through an inlet or an outlet for the containers. In order that regions less affected by the flowing sterilizing agent as it flows, because they are in the lee, will also be disinfected well, the flow direction of the sterilizing agent is changed multiple times. A blower with a reversible flow direction is used for this purpose.

Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing and filling containers with a product, for which method and machine the containers are grouped in rows at right angles to the transporting direction with the container openings facing upwardly and aligned at a distance from one another. The containers are swiveled, row by row, into an at least approximately vertical position with the container openings facing downwardly and rinsed jointly on the inside with a cleansing agent. The rinsed containers are dried on the inside in a first drying station and, after passing through the first drying station, are charged into a sterile environment. After a row of containers has entered the sterile environment, the containers are sterilized on the inside by means of a sterilizing agent and, in a second drying station, residues of sterilizing agent are expelled from the sterilized containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing lids for food packaging, comprising two sterilization wheels provided with gripping members and arranged to rotate in opposite directions inside a sterilization chamber, the said wheels being arranged to move to successive stop positions at stations provided at equal distances in the wall of the sterilization chamber, the functioning of the wheels at certain stations being as follows: at the take-up station of the first wheel, the gripping member is arranged to take the lid from a transfer device from outside the sterilization chamber: at the delivery station of the first wheel, the lid is arranged to move onto the second wheel while the gripping member of the second wheel is arranged to grip the other side of the lid at the take-up station of the second wheel, and at the delivery station of the second wheel, the sterilized lid is arranged to move into a food container outside the sterilization chamber.