Abstract: A data logger for collecting, storing, and transferring data received from a sterilizer is described herein. The data logger is sized and shaped to fit into a slot or opening defined by the sterilizer and previously used for receiving a printing device to output sterilizer data on a printer ribbon. The data logger includes a circuit to facilitate receiving data formatted to conform to at least two different transmission protocols (e.g. RS-232 serial data transmission protocol or TTL serial data transmission protocol). The circuit allows the data logger to be used with different styles of sterilizers and thus increases the set of viable sterilizers. The data logger includes at least one memory device for storing the logged data. This memory device may be a removable component. The data logger may also include a port or connector element for a second memory device such as a USB stick.

Abstract: A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140).