Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 50.djvu/366

350 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



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 commences. The door of the disinfecting chamber requires special mention. It is made of steel, protected by asbestos-magnesia covering, and is swung into place from a crane and secured by turnbuckles 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.