Improved method of introducing elements emitting bactericidal rays into empty vessels for sterilizing the interiors of said vessels and for withdrawing same therefrom after the sterilization and apparatus therefor

摘要

556,912. Sterilizing apparatus. POWLEY & SONS, Ltd., R., and HARLEY, C. B. March 25, 1942, No. 3959. [Class 1 (i)] In an apparatus for sterilizing the interior of empty vessels by ultra violet or like rays the ray-emitting tubes are caused to enter the vessels and to be removed therefrom by suction, the vessels being partially exhausted before or during the period of the insertion. The apparatus comprises outer cylinders 1 supported on a frame member 21 and having slidably mounted therein cylinders 4 having flanged outer ends 3 provided with washers 9 for making an air-tight joint with tne mouths of vessels to be sterilized. An irradiating tube 11 is mounted on a piston 10 sliding within each male cylinder 4 and has electrical connection with a source of supply through springs 14, Fig. 2, located in telescoping guide tubes 18, 19. The platforms 22 for the vessels to be sterilized are carried by tubular supports mounted on a platform rotated synchronously with the frame carrying the member 21. Rollers 23 which bear on a ramp 24 are mounted on the tubular supports, causing the platform 22 to be lifted into a position to engage the washers 9, as the apparatus rotates. Pipes 28, 29 for exhausting air from the tubes 1 in the rear and in front of the pistons 10 are connected to a distributing head 30a and air release pipes 8 to a head 32, the timing of the parts being so adjusted that the tubes 11 are drawn down by suction into the vessels, irradiation takes place and the tubes 11 are then drawn back by suction.