Sterilizing device for web shaped packaging material

Claim 1

In a sterilizing device for web shaped packaging material comprising applying means for applying a sterilant film to a web and a drying chamber means for evaporating sterilant from the web, the improvement wherein said device further comprises: path lengthening means interposed between the applying means and the drying chamber means for increasing the length of the path of travel of the web therebetween; and heating means for heating said sterilant film along at least a part of said path of travel between the applying means and the drying chamber means, without substantially evaporating the sterilant film, wherein said path lengthening means include a cylinder interposed in said path and contacting the web, and deflecting means for directing the web into contact with said cylinder along a part of the circumference thereof and wherein said heating means include means for heating said cylinder to a temperature sufficient to increase the sterilization activity of the sterilant film on the web without causing substantial evaporation thereof, an enclosure means for enclosing the web for at least a portion of the path of travel between the applying means and the drying chamber means, said enclosure means at least partially surrounding the circumference of said cylinder and extending substantially to the entrance of the web into the drying chamber means, said enclosure means substantially completely enclosing the web therein and having a narrow slit at the end thereof at which the web exits to the drying chamber means, thereby substantially thermally isolating the drying chamber means from said enclosure means; and enclosure heating means for heating the sterilant film of the web within said enclosure means without causing substantial evaporation thereof.