Abstract: A process for concentrating hydrogen peroxide from a relatively dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and supplying the concentrated hydrogen peroxide in vapor form to a sterilization chamber. The process includes vaporizing a major portion of the water from the solution and removing the water vapor thereby produced before injecting the concentrated hydrogen peroxide vapor into the sterilizing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the timely determination of potentially harmful biocidal gas leakage from a pressurized chamber during sterilizing operations are disclosed. Biocidal gas make-up values are monitored during the sterilizing phase to provide prompt warning of biocidal gas leakage. In one embodiment, the timing of preselected pressure increment gas make-up charges are measured and compared to minimum acceptable gas make-up charge times. In addition, absorption of biocidal gas by the load can be compensated for in sterilizing operations where load absorption is a significant factor. Also, provision is made for predicting gas absorption by the load from steam absorption data obtained during pressure-controlled conditioning cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steam sterilization in which goods are conditioned by removing air and heating to a desired temperature in sealable chamber. Pressure change in the chamber is monitored and employed to control conditioning. The goods are subjected to a plurality of controlled cyclic pressure pulses below a predetermined supra-atmospheric pressure level by alternate evacuation and vapor pressurization of the chamber. The cyclic pressure pulsing is made responsive to load characteristics which are determined by monitoring pressure change rate in the chamber. In a specific embodiment, air is flushed from the chamber initially by the injection of steam simultaneously with evacuation; the evacuation phase of each pulse continues until both a predetermined time has lapsed and a predetermined vacuum level has been attained; and, the steam pressurization phase of each pulse is continued until a fixed pressure related to sterilization temperature is reached.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for ultrasonic cleaning and decontaminating, disinfecting, or sterilizing articles, such as surgical instruments, in a single piece of equipment. Energy transmission through a unitized shell wall coupled with deep vacuum conditions in the chamber enables rapid degasification, enhanced cavitation providing effective and efficient ultrasonic cleaning in a sealed vessel capable of carrying out high pressure sterilization.Sonic energy transducers are rigidly mounted externally of the unitized shell to achieve desired cavitation substantially uniformly throughout the volume of the chamber established for placement of articles to be ultrasonically washed and biocidally treated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steam sterilization in which goods are conditioned by removing air and heating to a desired temperature in a sealable chamber. Pressure change in the chamber is monitored and employed to control conditioning. The goods are subjected to a plurality of controlled cyclic pressure pulses below a predetermined supra-atmospheric pressure level by alternate evacuation and vapor pressurization of the chamber. The cyclic pressure pulsing is made responsive to load characteristics which are determined by monitoring pressure change in the chamber. In a specific embodiment, air is flushed from the chamber initially by the injection of steam simultaneously with evacuation; the evacuation phase of each pulse continues until both a predetermined time has lapsed and a predetermined vacuum level has been attained; and, the steam pressurization phase of each pulse is continued until a fixed pressure related to sterilization temperature is reached.