Automatic steam sterilizer having air exhaust valve

Claim 1

An automatic sterilizer apparatus (11) comprising, in combination: means defining an enclosed sterilizing chamber (10); a heater (14) in a bottom portion of said chamber for the vaporization of water (13), to become steam; a one-way exhaust valve (3) connected to said chamber, to control outflow of gaseous media therefrom; a lateral outflow pipe (1a) leading to the bottom of said valve from a level in said chamber that is above the level of said heater therein; said valve including a housing, a heat-expandable valve body (1) that has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of said housing, with a valve member (1b) attached to said body, a recessed valve seat (2) for cooperation with said member, whereby the latter blocks said seat when said body expands due to the passage of steam through said valve, and means for adjusting the position of said body with said member relative to said seat, thereby to regulate the outflow of the media within predetermined values; a duct (10a) connected to said chamber; a safety valve (5) connected to said duct; a discharge pipe (17) connected to the downstream side of said seat; a branch pipe (10b) interconnecting said duct with said discharge pipe; a steam relief valve (4) mounted in said branch pipe; a thermostat (15) in said bottom portion of the chamber; and a time switch connected to said heater to control its operation.