Sterilization apparatus for infusion solutions or the like, filled in containers

Claim 1

A sterilization device adopted for processing in a substantially contamination-free manner a plurality of containers disposed on support means therefor, said containers being filled with goods to be sterilized, comprising in combination: a housing provided with a passage for receiving and discharging said support means, preheating means for preheating said containers to a predetermined temperature within said housing, and including first supply means adapted to supply a heated fluid to said preheating means, heating means for at least maintaining said containers at said predetermined temperature within said housing, including second supply means adapted to supply said heated fluid to said heating means, so that said containers and the goods therein become sterilized, cooling means disposed in said housing and adapted to use a cooled and circulating fluid for cooling said containers to a second predetermined temperature following sterilization of said containers by said heating means, a plurality of openable and closeable doors arranged in said passage to define first, second and third chambers encompassing said preheating means, said heating means, and said cooling means, respectively, including means for separately controlling each of said chambers with respect to temperature and pressure prevailing therein, and means for passing said containers sequentially through said chambers, corresponding of said chambers substantially remaining intermittently closed, when said containers are being processed therein, and agitating means provided in each of said chambers for circulating the fluid contained in the respective chamber therethrough.