GB914370A - - Google Patents

Abstract

914,370. Sterilization, and wrappers for preserving articles in sterilized condition. HERMORION Ltd. Dec. 16, 1959 [Jan. 2, 1959; Dec. 4, 1959], No. 42849/59. Class 81 (1). [Also in Group XVII] Wrapper blanks, webs, or containers are sterilized prior to filling and filled and sealed in sterile conditions. The invention is exempli. fied by a wrapping machine in which a web is formed into a tube, material is fed into the tube and the latter sealed transversely at intervals to form packages. The machine has totally enclosed web feed and filling zones whereby these processes may be carried out in completely sterile surroundings. The webs, in roll form, are supplied sterilized in sealed containers which are attached to a web feed tunnel in a manner to prevent ingress of contaminating organisms. In one embodiment, a roll 101 sterilized by chemical or other means and mounted in a storage chamber 106, which is initially evacuated and sterilized through a connection 145, is connected to feed and filling apparatus comprising an enclosed tunnel 107 leading to tube forming means 103 (not detailed) and filling and sealing means 114, 115, 116. A bypass 129 between the ends of the two tunnel branches contains a heater 136 and fan 135, and is connected to a filter chamber 130 through which sterile air is forced into the tunnel by a blower 131. A valve 134 may isolate the branch ends or partially obstruct exit from the filter chamber. Sliding closures 123, 139 seal off the tunnel when not in use. Initial sterilization of the apparatus is carried out by feeding a sterilizing liquid 140 into the filling area, passing steam through the filling pipe 114 to evaporate off the liquid, and circulating the vapour so produced, by the fan 135, the heater 136 giving an additional temperature rise. The valve 134 is positioned as shown in full lines. In addition, sterile air is supplied from the blower 131. When sterilization is complete, steam is shut off, the liquid 140 drained through a pipe 124, the valve 134 placed in the broken line position, and air from the blower 131 allowed to circulate. The heater 136 remains on temporarily to clear condensate. To commence web feed, a connection 146, 148 is made between the filter and chamber 106 to pressurize the latter, a cover 144 is removed and the exit aperture 141 brought adjacent the tunnel inlet 137. Sliding closures 139, 143 are opened and the web fed by externallyoperated rollers 117, 118 through guides 149, 150 to a conveyer device comprising a gripper 119 on a coiled carrier 121 running in a guide 122. The web is carried through the tube former and may have an initial end seal applied within the tunnel by means not detailed or, as shown, after the closure 123 is opened, may be engaged by the normal sealing and feeding jaws 115, 116. Liquid to be packaged is then fed through the tube 114 in the usual way. In an alternative embodiment (Fig. 1, not shown), the tunnel has no filter and is merely initially steam sterilized. The web is fed by hand, a glove being sealed into the tunnel casing. Roll holders.-The rolls may have sterilizing agents such as chloramine, biethylene oxide, iodofores, &c. enclosed between the coils and may be enclosed in flexible plastic sealed con-. tainers having a supporting axle welded into the walls (Figs. 1-3, not shown). The plastic container wall is welded to the tunnel entrance and then a web exit opening is formed in it by means within the tunnel. A rigid container similar to that of Fig. 4 (see above), may contain a turret 153 bearing several rolls, the free web ends of which are held by members 157, 158. The web is fed by means 119, 120, 122 as before, and when it is nearly exhausted, the turret is indexed to present a fresh web, an arm 161 swinging down to cause means 160 to seal the old web to the new, and a cutter 163 severing the old web against an anvil 156. Specifications 588,343 and 597,458 are referred to.