35 



POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



receiving car. The car of the disinfecting chamber is run out or 

 into this room on rails. These rails are movable, and can be taken 

 up and replaced at will. In operating the disinfecting chamber 

 these rails are placed in position, the door of the disinfecting 

 chamber opened, and the car or crate run out. Into this car the 

 bundles of clothing are tossed from the disrobing rooms, which 



BicHLOEiDE Tank. 



are situated on either side. From the deck above the bedding 

 and other large objects to be disinfected are lowered into the car 

 through the hatch. The car is then run into the disinfecting 

 chamber, the door closed, and the process of disinfection com- 

 mences. The door of the disinfecting chamber requires special 

 mention. It is made of steel, protected by asbestos-magnesia cov- 

 ering, and is swung into place from a crane and secured by turn- 

 buckles against a rubber gasket, effecting a perfect seal. The 

 door is so hung that one man can handle and swing it even in a 

 seaway, which is obviously a great advantage. 



The disinfection of bedding, clothing, etc., is accomplished by 

 means of steam sterilization. The penetrative quality of the 

 means must be rendered effective. 



The disinfecting chamber is a huge steel room or chest, and in 

 it the clothing, etc., are treated. A vacuum is created in the 

 chamber and live steam introduced and exhausted until every part 

 of the contents of the car has attained the desired degree of heat. 



