Abstract: A linkage for interconnecting material handling equipment of a convoy is provided. The linkage comprises a rod having first and second opposite ends, a first pivot joint between the first end and the second end, the first pivot joint having a first pivot axis extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the rod. A biasing member is secured to the rod and deformable upon rotation of the first pivot joint about the first pivot axis. The biasing member resists at least partially to the rotation of the first pivot joint about the first pivot axis. A first coupling and a second coupling are respectively pivotally mounted to the first end and the second end of the rod for rotation about respective pivot axes transverse to both the longitudinal axis of the rod and the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a load in a sterilization chamber according to specific characteristics of the load without direct measurement of the load conditions. The apparatus preferably admits sterilant gas into the sterilization chamber under vacuum; during admission of the sterilant gas, the apparatus monitors a sterilant condensation related parameter or data in the sterilization chamber. The apparatus detects the occurrence of condensation and determining a value of the condensation related parameter while detecting condensation and, selects a sterilization cycle among a plurality of predetermined sterilization cycles according to the condensation related data. The apparatus then performs the selected sterilization cycle for sterilizing the load. The condensation related data may be the sterilant dew point, a degree of condensation, or an amount of condensation which may be determined in monitoring the chamber pressure during sterilant gas admission.

Abstract: A method for control of a process for sterilizing a load in a sterilization chamber according to specific characteristics of the load without direct measurement of the load conditions. The method preferably includes admitting sterilant gas into the sterilization chamber under vacuum; during admission of the sterilant gas, monitoring a sterilant condensation related parameter or data in the sterilization chamber; detecting the occurrence of condensation and determining a value of the condensation related parameter while detecting condensation; selecting a sterilization cycle among a plurality of predetermined sterilization cycles according to the condensation related data; and performing the selected sterilization cycle for sterilizing the load. The condensation related data may be the sterilant dew point, a degree of condensation, or an amount of condensation which may be determined in monitoring the chamber pressure during sterilant gas admission.