A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a foot actuated switch to thermally treat the sterile medium to a desired temperature andor form. A peer group may be created on a subnetwork by a computing device. The outer guide part is provided with an outer recess, which is depressed outward from the paper path, formed across the full width of paper. Subsequently, the pivot arm is swiveled to a horizontal transfer position, and the laundry article with the detected edge is placed on a removal conveyor, an impact edge being advanced.