WO2023010182A1

WO2023010182A1 - Apparatus for sanitising articles

Info

Publication number: WO2023010182A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050855
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Gardner; Agustin Medina
Original assignee: Garmed Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Garmed Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-06
Filing date: 2022-08-05
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-06

Abstract

An apparatus for sanitising articles, the apparatus comprising a main body (11) having an internal chamber (20) therein; a treatment zone (22) within the internal chamber (20) and within which articles can be sanitised; spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in the main body (11) for providing access to the internal chamber (20) from externally of the main body (11); a transport system (30) for transporting articles through the treatment zone (22) along a travel path (75,76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28); the transport system (30) being adapted for operation in two operating modes wherein in one operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path (75,76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in one direction and in another operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path (75, 76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in the opposite direction.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SANITISING ARTICLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to apparatus for sanitising articles. The apparatus may be configured for use with different types of articles. For example one type of article for which the apparatus can be configured for use in one embodiment are in the form of sheet like articles which are generally flat in form, usually but not necessarily flexible in nature and include currency notes, paper, plastics or other materials in sheet form such as cards, tickets and the like. Another type of article for which the apparatus can be configured for use in another embodiment include disc like articles which are rigid or semi rigid in form which may be circular, oval or oblong and include coins, tokens, rings and the like. In another embodiment the apparatus can be configured for use with articles of both of the types described above. One example application of the apparatus is for the sanitising of currency including notes and/or coins. Reference to its application to currency however is not to be considered as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The apparatus is particularly useful in situations where business transactions such as cash transactions are carried out. Examples of such include retail shops, banks, cafes, taxis and the like. In businesses of this type involving cash transactions there is a need to minimise the handling of cash because it can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses and the like. [0003] Currently known devices for sanitising objects include medical sterilization cabinets, handheld boxes and wands. The problem with the medical sterilisers is that they are high powered and strict protocols need to be followed during use. The handheld devices are generally low powered and cannot destroy many common viruses or bacteria.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] In a first aspect embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus for sanitising articles, the apparatus comprising: a main body having an internal chamber therein; a treatment zone within the internal chamber and within which articles can be sanitised; spaced apart access ports in the main body for providing access to the internal chamber from externally of the main body; a transport system for transporting articles through the treatment zone along a travel path between the spaced apart access ports; the transport system being adapted for operation in two operating modes wherein in one operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path between the spaced apart access ports in one direction and in another operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path between the spaced apart access ports in the opposite direction.

[0005] In certain embodiments the access ports include first and second spaced apart access ports and the transport system comprises a conveying arrangement configured to transport articles through the treatment zone along a first part of the travel path between the access ports, the conveying arrangement comprising a plurality of roller groups arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another in the direction of the first part of the travel path, each roller group comprising first and second rollers mounted for rotation about respective rotation axes, which axes are at right angles to the travel path direction, the first and second rollers in each group being disposed adjacent one another with the first part of the travel path extending therebetween, the conveying arrangement further including carriers associated with the roller groups for carrying articles along the travel path between the access ports.

[0006] In certain embodiments the carriers comprise a set of flexible elements comprising a first flexible element extending around the first rollers in adjacent roller groups and a second flexible element extending around the second rollers in adjacent roller groups, and configured so that a section of each element in the set will be immediately adjacent to or in contact with one another as the flexible elements travel around the rollers such that an article can be gripped in this region.

[0007] In certain embodiments the flexible elements comprises sets of flexible elastic bands.

[0008] In certain embodiments there are two sets of flexible bands arranged in spaced apart relation in the direction of the roller rotation axis.

[0009] In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a series of the aforementioned sets of flexible elements arrange one behind the other in the direction of the first part of the travel path. In certain embodiments at least one of the sets of flexible elements in the series is laterally displaced with respect to another of the sets of flexible elements in the series. In certain embodiments there are two said series of flexible elements spaced apart from one another in the direction of the roller rotation axis.

[0010] In certain embodiments the flexible elements comprise continuous belts which are at least in part transparent. [0011] In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a drive for causing rotation of one or more of the roller groups.

[0012] In certain embodiments the apparatus includes one or more sensors for sensing an article and causing control of the drive.

[0013] In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a UVC source for radiating the treatment zone. In certain embodiments the UVC source comprises a series of lamps disposed in spaced relation around the treatment zone.

[0014] In certain embodiments the transport system includes an additional conveyor arrangement, and the apparatus comprises additional access ports the additional conveyor arrangement configured to transport articles along a further part of the path of travel through the treatment zone between the additional access ports.

[0015] In certain embodiments the additional conveying arrangement includes two inclined ramp sections configured so that one ramp section facilitates the transport of articles there along the further part of the path of travel in one direction and the other ramp section facilitates transport of the articles there along in the other direction.

[0016] In certain embodiments the ramp sections are at least partially transparent.

[0017] In certain embodiments the apparatus may include an extraction fan for extracting gas from the internal chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus set forth in the summary, specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described by the way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is an orthogonal view of a part of apparatus according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a first end elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a second end elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in figure 1;

[0022] Figure 4 is a first side elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in figure 1;

[0023] Figure 5 is a second side elevation that of that part of the apparatus shown in figure 1;

[0024] Figure 6 is a sectional side elevation taken along the line A - A in figure 3;

[0025] Figure 7 is and orthogonal view of the sectional view shown in figure 6;

[0026] Figure 8 is a sectional side elevation taken along the line B - B in figure 5;

[0027] Figure 9 is an orthogonal view of the sectional view shown in figure 8;

[0028] Figure 10 is a sectional end elevation taken along the line C - C in figure 5;

[0029] Figure 11 is an orthogonal view of that shown in figure 10;

[0030] Figure 12 is a plan view of part of that part of the apparatus shown in figure

1;

[0031] Figure 13 is an orthogonal view of that part shown in figure 12;

[0032] Figure 14 is an end elevation of that part shown in the figures 12 and 13;

[0033] Figure 15 is a side elevation of that part of the apparatus shown in figures [0034] Figure 16 is an orthogonal view of apparatus according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figures 17 and 18 are end elevations of the apparatus illustrated in figure 16;

[0036] Figure 19 is a schematic side elevation of part of the apparatus according to another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 20 is a sectional side elevation of apparatus according to yet another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 21 is an orthogonal view of a part of the apparatus;

[0039] Figure 22 is an orthogonal view' of a part of the apparatus; and 0040 Figure 23 is a side elevation of a part of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to the drawings there is shown apparatus generally indicated at 10 which is suitable for sanitising articles. The apparatus 10 illustrated is particularly suitable for handling and sanitising currency including currency notes as well as coins. The apparatus 10 comprises a main body 11 which includes a casing 12 (figures 16 to 18) and a support structure 13 disposed therein. The casing 12 as illustrated in figures 16 to 18 includes opposed end sections 19A and 19B each of which provides for respective workstations 70 and 71. Each workstation 70 and 71 includes a series of access ports 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 at the opposed end sections 19A and 19B of the casing 12. Access ports 23 and 24 are for use in the handling of currency notes and access ports 25, 26, 27 and 28 for the handling of currency coins.

[0042] The support structure 13 in the embodiment illustrated is disposed within the casing 12 and includes a top wall 14A, a base wall 14B, sidewalls 15 and 16 and ends

17 and 18. The support structure 13 has an internal chamber 20 therein which includes a treatment zone 22 in which articles can be sanitised. Access ports 23 and

24 are sized to receive currency notes and access ports 25, 26, 27 and 28 as sized to receive currency coins.

[0043] The access ports 23 and 24 are of substantially the same structure and comprise a bezel 80 which includes a feed section 81 comprising a feed slot 82 at least partially surrounded by a peripheral rim 83. The bezel 80 further includes a delivery section 85 extending from the feed section 81 into the internal chamber 20. The delivery section 85 includes a delivery passage 86 which extends from the feed slot 82 through the delivery section and terminating at a free end. The bezels 80 are operatively mounted to the main body 11 of the apparatus and arranged such that articles can be fed into the feed slot 82 and pass through the delivery passage 86 into the internal chamber 20. The rim is shaped so as to assist in guiding articles into the feed slot 82 and thereafter into the delivery passage 86.

[0044] The apparatus further includes a transport system 30 for facilitating the transport of articles through the treatment zone 22. The transport system 30 comprises two conveying arrangements 32 and 62. Conveying arrangement 32 is configured to transport currency notes through the treatment zone 22 along a travel path part 75 between the first and second access ports 23 and 24. Conveying arrangement 62 is configured for the transport of currency coins along a further travel path part 76 between the access ports 25, 26 and 27, 28. The conveying arrangements are configured to transport the currency notes and coins in both directions through the treatment zone 22. That is in one mode of operation currency notes can be transferred from the access port 23 to the access port 24 and the currency coins arranged to be transferred from the access port 25 to the access port 28. In another mode of operation currency notes can be transformed in the opposite direction from the access port 24 to the access port 23 and the currency coins transferred from the access port 27 to the access port 26. In each mode of operation the currency passes through the treatment zone 22.

[0045] Conveying arrangement 32 comprises a series of roller groups 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another. Roller group 33A is disposed in the region of access port 23 and roller group 33D is disposes in the region of access port 24. Details of the roller groups are best understood with reference to figures 12 to 15.

[0046] Each roller group comprises two rollers 34 and 35. The rollers in each group are mounted for rotation about respective rotation axes X-X which axes are at right angles to the travel path 75. Rollers 34 and 35 are mounted immediately adjacent or in contact with one another with their rotation axes generally parallel and with the immediately adjacent or contact regions providing for part of the travel path 75 therebetween. In some embodiments the rollers 34 and 35 may be spaced apart so that there is a gap therebetween. Thus the article travel path 75 extends from access port 23 to access port 24 between the rollers 34 and 35 in each group.

[0047] The conveying arrangement 32 further includes carriers 33 which are associated with the roller groups for carrying articles along the travel path 75 between the access ports 23 and 24 in response to rotation of the rollers. The carriers 33 comprise a series of sets of elements 37 in the form of flexible bands 40A, 40B and 40C, each set comprising cooperating first and second cooperating bands 41 and 42. Each set is associated with a pair of adjacent groups of rollers with the first band 41 extending around the first rollers 34 in the adjacent roller groups and the second band 42 extending around the second rollers 35 in the adjacent roller groups. The flexible bands in each set are arranged so that a section of each is immediately adjacent or in contact with one another as the bands travel around the rollers such that the article can be gripped between the bands in this region.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 12 to 15, four roller groups 33 A, 33B, 33C and 33D are shown with the three sets of flexible bands 40A, 40B and 40C extending around three adjacent roller groups. The sets of flexible bands are arranged in a series 46 and 46A one after the other in the direction of the travel path 75. As shown each adjacent roller group has two flexible band sets associated therewith, the band sets being spaced apart in the direction of the roller rotation axes. In this arrangement there are two spaced apart series 46 and 46A of flexible band sets arranged one after the other.

[0049] At least one of the sets of flexible bands in each series is laterally offset from another set in that series with respect to the travel direction. This is clearly seen in figures 12 and 13 where band set 40B is laterally offset from sets 40A and 40C. The flexible bands are elastic so that when fitted they are in a stretched taut configuration.

[0050] The conveying arrangement 32 further includes a drive 54 for moving articles between the access ports 23 and 24. The drive 54 comprises a motor 55 operatively connected to one of the rollers in one of the groups so as to cause rotation thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 15 a geartrain 57 transfers rotary power from the roller which is operatively connected to the motor 55 to the other roller in that group. Rotation of the other roller groups is effected by the taught flexible bands which extends around the rollers in the adjacent groups. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 19 each of the roller groups has associated therewith a gear train 57 and one of the rollers in one of the groups is operatively connected to the motor 55. Rotational power is transmitted to each of the roller groups via idler gears 56.

[0051] The conveying arrangement 62 comprises two ramp sections 65 and 66. One ramp 65 is configured to facilitate the movement of articles from access port 25 to access port 28 and the other ramp 66 is configured to facilitate movement of articles from access port 27 to access port 26. As shown in figure 21, the ramps 65 and 66 are inclined in opposite directions with respect to one another each having an upper end 63 and a lower end 64. Together the ramps provide a further travel path 76 through the treatment zone 22; that is the travel path 76 is provided by two separate routes. The ramps 65 and 66 have partition walls 67 on each side thereof, these walls being at least in part transparent for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter.

[0052] The configuration of access ports 25 and 28 and their operative relationship with ramp section 65 is illustrated in figure 22. Access ports 27 and 26 which are arranged to cooperate with ramp section 66, are in essence, of the same structure. Access port 25 includes a feed slot 96 and a transfer passage 97. A coin can be fed into the feed slot 96 and is caused to travel along the transfer passage 97 until it reaches the upper end 63 of ramp section 65. Access port 28 includes a discharge passage 98through which a coin can pass from the ramp section 65 to a collection tray 99 which forms part of the casing 12.

[0053] The sanitiser treatment medium comprises a UVC light source configured to emit UVC into the treatment zone 22. The light source comprise a number of elongated tubes 51, 52, 53 disposed above and below the treatment zone 22. In the illustrated embodiment a single tube 51 is mounted at the top of the treatment zone 22 and two spaced apart tubes 52 and 53 are mounted in the region of the bottom of the treatment zone. The two tubes 52 and 53 are positioned on opposite sides of the ramps. The tubes are disposed generally parallel to the travel paths 75 and 76. The top tube 151 provides for treatment of the upper surface of the articles passing through the first travel path 75 and the bottom tubes 52 and 53 are positioned for treating the surfaces of the articles in the second travel path as well as the first travel path. Reflecting shields 77, 78 and 79 (figure 10) direct the UVC radiation into the treatment zone 22. The apparatus further includes sensors 58 for detecting object along the travel paths. In another embodiment the UVC source may be provided by an array of LED’s.

[0054] The article is exposed to UVC radiation within the treatment zone. The wavelength of the UVC may be in the range from 200 to 280 nano metres. The intensity of the UVC radiation (energy) is such that it can destroy 99.9% of various micro organisms. For example it may be in the order of about 12,000 micro-watt - seconds per square metre. The radiation may be applied to the article within the treatment zone for about three seconds.

[0055] A further embodiment of apparatus is illustrated in figure 20. The apparatus is similar in structure to that of the first embodiment except that the bezels 80 are inclined at an angle with respect to the travel path 75 through the chamber 20. In addition the apparatus includes an extraction fan 90 and filters 92 and 93 located within or adjacent the base wall 14B of the apparatus. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use where ozone may be produced during the radiation process. The upwardly inclined bezels assist in ensuring that any ozone produced remains in the chamber and can be extracted via the fan.

[0056] in the embodiment illustrated the apparatus includes a control system for controlling the operation of the drive, the sensors and optionally the UVC source. The control system includes an electronic board and associated 5 microprocessor 95 having software which enables control and communication of the various components of the apparatus where required. In some cases an push button is included, that when pressed causes opposite rotation of the drive. This operation is used for removing jammed articles. One method of operation of an example embodiment of the apparatus is set out below'. The apparatus is arranged to be used by two parties, each being located at a respective one of the work stations 70 and 71. As a matter of convenience one of the parties will be referred to as a customer and the other as a cashier. Tire transaction will be described as a cash transaction.

[0057] The customer inserts a currency note into the feed slot 25 in the casing. The sensor 58 at that end registers that the note has entered the bezel and sends the signal to the electronic board and microprocessor. The microprocessor receives the signal and triggers activation of the motor. In some embodiments this may also turn on the UVC source. The motor is arranged to cause rotation of the rollers and the associated flexible bands. The note is gripped on each side by the flexible bands so that it can travel from one end of the apparatus to the other. The note passes through the treatment zone 22 where it is exposed to the UVC source. The reflectors 77, 78 and 79 intensify the UVC source. Once the note reaches the other end ,the sensor 58 at that end registers that the note has reached the bezel for exit and sends a signal to the micro processor. The cashier can remove the note from the bezel. Once the note has been removed the sensor 58 registers this and sends a signal to the micro processor which triggers the motor to stop. In some embodiments this may also turn off the UVC source.

[0058] If required the customer can place coins in the entry slot 96 provided. The coin is gravity fed down onto the ramp which causes it to travel from one end of the apparatus to the other. In some embodiments the microprocessor is arranged to turn on the UVC source. The coin travels along the ramp through the treatment zone and is exposed to the UVC source. The coin exits from the other end into the tray and the cashier can remove the coin from the tray. The sensor may register that the coin has left the apparatus and maybe configured so as to send a signal to the micro processor in order to turn off the UVC source.

[0059] Any monetary change which may be required to be given to the customer by the cashier can pass through the apparatus in a similar fashion.

[0060] In the forgoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0061] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0062 In this specification the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of’. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[0063] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0064] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0065] The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims. TABLE OF PARTS

Apparatus 10

Main body 11

Casing 12

Support structure 13

Base wall 14A/14B

Side walls 15/16

Ends 17/18

End sections 19A/19B

Internal chamber 20

Treatment zone 22

Access ports 23/24/25/26/27/28

Article transport system 30

Conveying arrangement 32

Roller groups 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D

Rotation axis X-X

First roller 34

Second roller 35

Carriers 33

Flexible elements 37

Elastic band sets 40A, 40B, 40C

Locating grooves 48

Two elastic bands 41/42

Series 46/46A

UVC light emitting source/ generator 50

Light tubes 51, 52, 53

Drive 54

Motor 55

Gear train 57

Idler gears 56

Sensors 58 Additional conveying arrangement 62

Upper end 63

Lower end 64

Two ramps 65/66

Partition walls 67

Cutouts 68

Travel path 75

Travel path 76

Work stations 70/71

Reflecting shields 77,78,79

Bezel 80

Feed section 81

Feed slot 82

Rim 83

Delivery section 85

Delivery passage 86

Extraction fan 90

Filters 91/93

Electronic board/processor 95

Feed slot 96

Transfer passage 97

Discharge passage 98

Tray 99

Claims

1. An apparatus for sanitising articles, the apparatus comprising: a main body (11) having an internal chamber (20) therein; a treatment zone (22) within the internal chamber (20) and within which articles can be sanitised; spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in the main body (11) for providing access to the internal chamber (20) from externally of the main body (11); a transport system (30) for transporting articles through the treatment zone (22) along a travel path (75, 76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28); the transport system (30) being adapted for operation in two operating modes wherein in one operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path (75, 76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in one direction and in another operating mode articles can be transported along the travel path (75, 76) between the spaced apart access ports (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) in the opposite direction.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the access ports include first and second spaced apart access ports (23, 24) and the transport system (30) comprises a conveying arrangement (32) configured to transport articles through the treatment zone (22) along a first part of the travel path (75) between the access ports (23,24), the conveying arrangement (32) comprising a plurality of roller groups (33A, 33B, 33C, 33D) arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another in the direction of the first part of the travel path (75), each roller group comprising first and second rollers (34, 35) mounted for rotation about respective rotation axes (X-X), which axes are at right angles to the travel path direction, the first and second rollers in each group being disposed adjacent one another with the first part of the travel path (75) extending therebetween, the conveying arrangement (32) further including carriers (33) associated with the roller groups for carrying articles along the travel path (75) between the access ports (23,24).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the carriers (33) comprise a set of flexible elements (37) comprising a first flexible element (41) extending around the first rollers (34) in adjacent roller groups and a second flexible element (42) extending around the second rollers (35) in adjacent roller groups, and configured so that the section of each element in the set will be immediately adjacent to or in contact with one another as the flexible elements travel around the rollers such that an article can be gripped in this region.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the flexible elements (37) comprises sets of flexible elastic bands (40).

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 including a series (46) of said sets of flexible elements (37) arranged one behind the other in the direction of the first part of the travel path (75).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the sets of flexible elements in the series is laterally displaced with respect to another of the sets of flexible elements in the series.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 wherein there are two said series(46, 46A) of flexible elements spaced apart from one another in the direction of the roller rotation axis.

8. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the flexible elements (37) comprise continuous belts which are at least in part transparent.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 including a drive (54) for causing rotation of one or more of the roller groups.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 including one or more sensors (58) was for sensing an article and causing control of the drive (54).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 including a UVC source (50) for radiating the treatment zone.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the UVC source (50) comprises a series of lamps (51, 52, 53) disposed in spaced relation around the treatment zone.

13. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the transport system (30) includes an additional conveyor arrangement (62), and the apparatus comprises additional access ports (25, 26, 27, 28) the additional conveyor arrangement configured to transport articles along a further part of the path of travel (76) through the treatment zone between the additional access ports.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13 where in the additional conveying arrangement (62) includes two inclined ramp sections (65, 66) configured so that one ramp section facilitates the transport of articles therealong the further part of the travel path in one direction and the other ramp section facilitates transport of the articles there along in the other direction between the additional access ports.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the ramp sections (65,66) are at least partially transparent.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 further including an extraction fan (90) for extracting gas from the internal chamber (20).

19