Abstract: A biological indicator reader system (100) may comprise a standalone computing device (110) comprising a standalone reading system (140) and a graphical user interface (112) (e.g., a graphical touchscreen interface) that communicates with at least one incubator unit (130). The at least one incubator unit (130) may comprise a plurality of wells (132) that accommodate vials (134) as well as a display (136). The display may display information (e.g., an identification of a number of wells connected to the standalone computing device) that is also displayed on the graphical user interface (112) of the standalone computing device (110). The display (136) may be configured to show which well (132) has a vial (134) inserted therein and, additionally or alternatively, to indicate a test result in front of each respective well (132) of a test performed on the vial (134). Further, the at least one incubator unit (130) may comprise plural incubator units, which themselves comprise modular components.

Abstract: A leakage test connector may comprise a male connector having an outer circumferential surface, a female socket connector that mates to the male connector, and an O-ring mounted about an inner circumferential surface of the fluid passage of the female socket connector. The male connector lacks an O-ring on the outer circumferential surface in an unmated state with the female socket connector. The male connector may also comprise a valve actuator pin, while the female socket connector comprises a pin that depresses the valve actuator pin. The valve actuator pin includes a top surface that is disposed flush with a tip of the male connector to minimize the likelihood of contamination on the male leakage connector.

Abstract: A device for breaking an ampoule of a biological indicator includes: a main body; a pivoting body attached to the main body at a main pivot point; a receiving area in the main body and configured to receive the biological indicator; a pressing surface inside the pivoting body; and a compressing element including a compressing surface, the compressing surface being operable between a first position and a second position located in the receiving area.

Abstract: A method detects proper connection of fixtures to one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning or disinfection procedure. The endoscope has a first opening into one of its channels. The method includes the steps of placing the endoscope at the first opening in a liquid while leaving a gas within the channel, drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the channel and thereby drawing some of the liquid into the channel, and detecting for air leaking into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power feedback control system for controllably maintaining a predetermined average power value of a power applied to a plasma of a sterilization system. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The power feedback control system includes a power monitor including a current monitor and a voltage monitor. The current monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma. The voltage monitor is adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma. The power monitor is adapted to produce a third signal in response to the first signal and second signal. The third signal is indicative of the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a fourth signal in response to the third signal from the power monitor and to a reference signal corresponding to the predetermined average power value.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from an inorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torr and the temperature greater than 86.degree. C. to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor. The heating rate can be greater than 5.degree. C. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor.