초록 ▼

A food sterilizing apparatus has a plurality of sterilizing units (18) each comprising a stationery upper member (14) defining an open-bottom chamber (30) and an elevatable lower member (16) defining an open-top chamber (42). The lower member is moved by a drive mechanism (46) so that the apparatus

A food sterilizing apparatus has a plurality of sterilizing units (18) each comprising a stationery upper member (14) defining an open-bottom chamber (30) and an elevatable lower member (16) defining an open-top chamber (42). The lower member is moved by a drive mechanism (46) so that the apparatus may take a stand-by position where the upper and lower members are remote from each other and an operative position where these member engages closely with each other to form a single air-tight chamber that is defined by the chambers (30) and (42). A plate (38) carrying trays (2), each carrying the food to be sterilized, is intermittently conveyed by a conveyor (40) to make a brief stop at a position between the upper and lower members when they are in the stand-by position. A steam flush is applied to the closed air-tight chamber for sterilization of the food when the members are in the operative position. The sterilizing operation is preferably carried out by periodically applying steam flush being steam flush being applied for 5-10 seconds and repeated 6-10 times. The steam pressure is preferably 3-3.5 g/cm.sup.2.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A food sterilizing apparatus comprising one or more of food carrying member for carrying food to be sterilized; first and second chambers; a drive mechanism for relatively moving said first and second chambers between a first relative position where said first and second

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A food sterilizing apparatus comprising one or more of food carrying member for carrying food to be sterilized; first and second chambers; a drive mechanism for relatively moving said first and second chambers between a first relative position where said first and second chambers cooperate with each other to form a single air-tight chamber and a second relative position where said first and second chambers are remote from each other, a food conveying mechanism for conveying said food carrying member to a predetermined location between said first and second chambers when they are in said second relative position; and a steam introducing mechanism for introducing a pressurized high temperature steam to said air-tight chamber defined by cooperation of said first and second chambers when they are in said first relative position.