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.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a door of a chamber, the chamber being of the type wherein the door is urged into engagement with the chamber upon rotation of a locking wheel and having a seal positioned between the door and the chamber such that upon movement of the door toward the chamber the seal is compressed, comprises a motor for providing torque to the locking wheel for urging the door toward the chamber. A current source supplies current to the motor. A circuit monitors the current supplied to the motor to determine if a desired degree of pressure between the seal and the chamber has been achieved based on the amount of current drawn by the motor. The current source is responsive to the monitoring circuit so as to end the supply of current to the motor when the desired degree of pressure is achieved.