Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of anti-microbial cycle parameters within a load-simulation device 6. The system and method simulate the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the system into a control system 17 allows critical anti-microbial parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system 100 within the system is included. When acceptable parameter levels are shown to have been met, the processed load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of chemical sterilant concentration during all phases of a sterilization cycle by employing semiconductor-based sensor modules to selectively detect and measure the actual sterilant concentration in real time. In response to the transmitted concentration values, the sterilizer control system controls critical environmental parameters to maintain concentration levels within acceptable ranges for given time periods to assure sterilization efficacy and that the sterilant has been properly exhausted at completion of the cycle. The selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy of the semiconductor sensor are optimized by calibrating the sensor to baseline environmental parameters and by adjusting the sensor concentration reading when environmental parameters change during the sterilization cycle, by programming a new baseline value for the sterilant concentration at the new condition.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of sterilization cycle parameters within a load-simulation device that simulates the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the device into the sterilizer control system allows critical sterilization parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a sterilization cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system within the device is included. When acceptable sterilization parameter levels are shown to have been met, the sterile load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.

Abstract: A method for controlling air flow from an inlet to a chamber and from the chamber through the inlet to atmosphere wherein an ethylene oxide gas sterilization process is practiced in the chamber, which process includes conditions of controlled alternating vacuum and pressure. The method employs a diaphragm actuated two-way valve in the inlet line in combination with a remotely mounted three-way solenoid valve. The chamber is sealed against air flow during conditions of vacuum by spring biasing, and during conditions of pressure by spring and pressure biasing, a closure against an orifice in the two-way valve. The vacuum in the chamber is relieved at predetermined periods by selectively exerting sufficient fluid pressure against the diaphragm of the two-way valve to force the closure, which is operatively connected to the diaphragm, away from the orifice into an open position.

Abstract: A discharge evacuation system includes a conduit which accepts a fluid discharge containing a liquid discharge and a gaseous discharge. The conduit includes a main outlet through which the liquid discharge flows from the conduit into the discharge side of a plumbing system and a backup outlet through which at least a portion of the liquid discharge flows from the conduit when a predetermined volume of liquid discharge backs up within the conduit. Apparatus is provided for removing at least a portion of the gaseous discharge from the conduit and directing the flow of the portion of the gaseous discharge to an area remote from the area in which the conduit is located.