Steeltin Can Corporation

Edmund A Nelson

Arthur E Colvin

Stephen C Scott

Matthew W Hanley

An apparatus for and process of pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparator compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.

Process of pasteurizing or sterilizing edible foodstuffs

A probe suitable for monitoring temperature and pressure in a relatively thin-walled container fabricated from plastic. The internal probe monitors the pressure and temperature at substantially the geometric center of a container in a pasteurizing or sterilizing apparatus. The probe is provided with a sharp container-wall piercing end and a tapered threaded self tapping portion which provides an effective seal. The probe is hollow so that fluid can be conducted from the interior of the container and its pressure determined. A temperature sensing member is carried within the hollow probe so that temperature within the container may be sensed.

Probe for sensing temperature and/or pressure

An apparatus for pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparitor compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.

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Timonium, MD, United States of America

Edmund A Nelson