GB626899A - Sterilizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

626,899. Sterilizing device. ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES, Inc. Dec. 16, 1946, No. 37039. Convention date, Jan. 5. [Class 81(i)] A device for sterilizing an open-mouth receptacle 17 comprises a base 10 having a well 35 for holding the liquid to be vapourized by means of current passed through spaced electrodes 36, 36 seated therein, a vapour chamber 44 communicating with vapour jets 16 situated in a cover plate 15 secured to the base 10 and directed exteriorly thereof, means for supporting the receptacles 17 about the vapour jet 16 so that the vapour is directed into the receptacle, and a cylindrical enclosure forming cover 26. As shown, the neck of the inverted receptacle is supported by the frusto-conical part of the jet 16, which is provided with a radial slot 25 for the escape of vapour into the interior of the vessel during sterilization, and the upper part of the receptacle is supported by the rack 18. In operation a small amount of water is placed on the plate 15 and the cover 26 placed in position on the annular shoulder 14 of the base 10. The water flows into the condensate well 40 formed between the plate 15 and the shoulder 14, through the constricted passages 41 to the sloping shelf 39 and hence to the well 35, which is so formed that the flow of condensate to the region between the electrodes 36 is controlled by passage through the restricted channels 50, thereby controlling the rate of vaporization. Steam collecting in the chamber 44 passes through ducts 43 to the jets 16, while condensed steam accumulating in the well 40 forms a suitable vapour lock at the constricted passages 41 for preventing steam emission through 40. By allowing a controlled amount of steam to escape through the vent 33 in the cover 26, the length of sterilization may be automatically controlled.