| 摘要 |
<p>A source of actinic radiation, e.g. a UV lamp 4, is positioned to irradiate cleaning liquid 8 in a metal tank 1 (e.g. being mounted inside a tank lid 2 which is shaped as a reflector). There may be a thermostatted heater 13 for the tank. A piezoelectric transducer 10, 11, 12 agitates the liquid 8 ultrasonically. The liquid may be circulated through loop 14 by pump 17, causing macroscopic agitation and allowing liquid and/or entrained waste to be discharged through tap 18. Ambient air may be blown through an aperture 5 in the lid 2, sterilised by radiation, and serve to dry the cleaned articles 9 after discharge of the liquid 8. Operation of pump 17, heater 13, lamp 4 etc may be controlled by an automatic programmer 26. The micro- and macroscopic agitation causes contaminants such as bacteria to be dislodged from all parts of the articles, dispersed in the bulk of the liquid, and neutralised by irradiation before agitation ceases. <IMAGE></p> |
