Abstract: A door locking mechanism for a sterilizer that minimizes the occurrence of jamming during operation, and that can be manually actuated if necessary. The door locking mechanism abuts the door of the sterilizer, and comprises a hingedly connected locking arm to permit the locking arm to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A sensor arm arranged adjacent to the locking arm detects pressure from from an extendible portion of the door as it engages the locking mechanism. The sensor arm causes the actuation of a motor that permits the locking arm to move from the unlocked position to the locked position, in which the locking arm engages and retains the extendible portion to secure the closure of the door.

Abstract: Provided is a seal for sealing the interface between abutting first and second members, the seal comprising a main body; a channel lobe extending outward from the main body, the channel lobe shaped for nesting in a channel of the first member; a primary sealing lobe extending outward from the side of the main body facing the second member, the primary sealing lobe extending into and contacting an inner surface of the second member; and a secondary sealing lobe extending downward from the main body toward an exterior of the interface, a first face of a distal end of the secondary sealing lobe contacting a front face of the first member, and a second face of the distal end of the secondary sealing member contacting a front face of the second member. The disclosed seal maintains a gas-tight seal and minimizes resisting force when closing the door.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism for a sterilizer that minimizes the occurrence of jamming during operation, and that can be manually actuated if necessary.

Abstract: A condenser assembly for a chamber of a sterilization system is provided which includes a cooling apparatus operable within the chamber and external means for receiving exhaust air and vapors from the chamber and for separating vapors into water and air. The external means may include an air-water separator or a condenser. The cooling apparatus is operable during at least one phase or cycle of a sterilization process to reduce the temperature inside the chamber and increase the condensation of vapors inside the chamber. A method of treating articles in a sterilization system with the condenser assembly includes disinfecting the articles in a chamber and, after disinfecting, recondensing vapor within the chamber using the cooling apparatus.