Abstract: A method and apparatus for reprocessing decontaminating articles in a steam sterilizer at low temperatures and sub-atmospheric pressure. The method includes steps for operating the steam sterilizer such that it can safely and effectively decontaminate articles at temperatures below conventional steam sterilization processing temperatures. The steam sterilizer includes a low temperature operating mode that processes articles in a chamber at low temperatures and at sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering a predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant into a vaporization system. A single vacuum source is used to fill an injector with the predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant and to also establish a vacuum in a chamber. The chamber is injected with the liquid decontaminant filling the injector. The liquid decontaminant is vaporized in the chamber to produce a vaporized decontaminant.

Abstract: A guidance assembly (28) guides a door (22) to a cabinet (10) while it is moved between an open position, in which access to an interior chamber is provided through an opening (16) in the cabinet, and a closed position, in which the door covers the opening. The guidance assembly includes two pivotable support members (90, 92) which are pivotally connected to the door. The pivotable support members each include a roller (110, 112) which rolls along a horizontal rail (80) mounted to an exterior wall (18) of the cabinet, adjacent an upper end of the opening. A door positioning system (130), comprising upper and lower door positioners (132, 134, 136), maintains a space between the door the cabinet during opening and closing the door. This prevents damage to the door and the exterior wall of the cabinet and to a sealing member (70) disposed between the door and the cabinet.

Abstract: A convertible medical appliance support apparatus includes a box-shaped hollow main body portion A suspended from overhead by a support apparatus B. A horizontal support table C extends forward from the front face of the vertical main body column to form a platform for supporting associated medical equipment. Multiple gas connections D are provided the main body portion together with a manual handle E near the bottom of the main column on a side of the column opposite from the support table to provide a convenient point to grip and move the body column into a desired position. Manually actuatable controls are provided at the handle, including brake release pushbuttons I and a motorized height adjustment toggle switch J. Multiple electrical connections F are included on the main body together with optional shelves G selectively attachable below the main platform.

Abstract: Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system.An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.

Abstract: A system and method of exhausting vapor, such as steam, from a pressure chamber following the sterilization phase of a sterilization cycle under superatmospheric pressure conditions are provided. The system and method preferably employ a microprocessor and an appropriate pressure transducer to measure the chamber pressure at the conclusion of the vapor exposure period to determine an initial chamber pressure. The method includes the further steps of exhausting vapor from the chamber for a period of time, preferably up to about one minute, to lower the chamber pressure, measuring the chamber pressure at the conclusion of such first period of time to determine a second chamber pressure and calculating the difference between the initial chamber pressure and the second chamber pressure to determine an exhaust rate.