Abstract: This invention discloses a three dimensional including contour tracing means such as an orthogonal coordinate mechanism and a polar coordinate mechanism having a probe which can trace the contour of a thing defined by a section, a processing means for processing the data gained by tracing operation of the probe following the contour to generate coordinate components of points on the contour in an orthogonal coordinates system one coordinate axis of which is normal to the section, a detecting means which is adapted to detect if the probe goes outside of the area defined between two planes which are set at the opposite sides of and parallel to the section, and an alarm means which gives an alarm (sound, light or other) when the detecting means detects that the probe has gone beyond the above area, the tow planes being spaced from the section a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: Process for detecting the completion of a gaseous alkylene oxide sterilization treatment of medical or surgical equipment by the color change of particular azo dye indicators.