(19)

l+I

Canadian
Intellectual Property
Office

Office de la Propriete
lntellectuelle
du Canada

An Agency of
Industry Canada

Un organisme
d'lndustrie Canada

<11 l

CA 2 268 042

(40) 06.10.2000
(43) 06.10.2000

(12)
(21)

2 268 042

22

06.04.1999

(51) Int. Cl.':

GHELMAN, Eduardo C. (CA).

STEFANUK, William (CA).
McPHAIL, Neil (CA).
ZENG, Winston L. (CA).
HOUSE, Edward (CA).
SZCZUROWSKI, Adam (CA).

(71)
SCICAN, A DIVISION OF LUX & ZWINGENBERGER
LTD.,
1440 Don Mills Road, TORONTO, 01 (CA).

(72)
CIORACA, Dorim (CA).
VILOTIJEVIC, Darko (CA).
KITAURA, Edward (CA).

(54)
(54)

A61 L 2/06

(74)
DEETH WILLIAMS WALL LLP

APPAREIL ET METHODE POUR LA STERILISATION A LA VAPEUR DES INSTRUMENTS MEDICAUX ET

DENTAIRES
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEAM STERILIZATION OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSTRUMENTS

(13)

A1

02) (19) ccA)

0 PI C
OFFICE DE LA PROPRIETE
INTELLECTUELLE DC CANADA

CI P 0

Deman de-Application

CANADIAN IKTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY 0PPICE

CIORACA, Dorim, CA
STEP ANUK, William, CA
(72) SZCZUROWSKI, Adam, CA
(72) McPHAIL, Neil, CA
(72) ZENG, Winston L., CA
(72) GHELMAN, Eduardo C., CA
(72) VILOTIJEVIC, Darko, CA
(72) KIT AURA, Edward, CA
(72) HOUSE, Edward, CA
(71) SCICAN, A DIVISION OF LUX & ZWINGENBERGER LTD., CA
6
(51) Int.Cl. A61L 2/06
(54) APPAREIL ET METHODE POlJR LA STERILISATION A LA
VAPElJR DES INSTRUMENTS MEDICAlJX ET DENTAIRES
(54) APP ARA TlJS AND Mli:THOD FOR STEAM STERILIZATION OF
MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSTRUMENTS
(72)
(72)

l+I

lndustrie Canada

Industry Canada

2,268,042

(21) (J\l)
(22)
(43)

1999/04/06
2000/10/06

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEAM STERILIZATION OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL

INSTRUMENTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

5

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for

steam sterilization of

medical instruments, dental instruments or the like, as well as a control system for same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

10

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable and less expensive apparatus

for steam sterilization of medical or dental instruments which can sterilize the instruments in
less time than the prior art devices.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the
course of the following detailed description.

15

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred
embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
20

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for sterilization of dental and

medical instruments, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment with the access door in
the open position and the cassette removed;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cassette according to the preferred embodiment

25

of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred locking assembly for the cassette;

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cassette showing the rear of the cassette;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the interior portion of the cassette lid;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly for the cassette lid;
Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly for the cassette lid
5

showing the lid in the sealed position;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred armature for the sterilization
apparatus;
Fig. 9 is an elevational view of the armature;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred steam generator assembly;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the heating element for the steam generator

10

assembly;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred atomizing nozzle assembly;
Fig. 13 is a cut-away perspective view showing the cassette received within the
sterilization apparatus:
Fig. 14 is an elevational view showing a preferred reed switch for the sterilization

15

apparatus;
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a preferred steam coupling assembly
for the sterilization apparatus;
Fig. 16 is a chart showing the pressure of a sample sterilization cycle over time;
20

Fig. 17 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a schematic view of a control system according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 22 is a schematic view of a logic board for the control system;

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Fig. 23 is a schematic view of a input/output board for the control system; and
Fig. 24 is a flowchart of the control system functions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Apparatus
Figure 1 shows the apparatus for sterilizing medical and dental instruments
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus includes a

housing, such as a box-like preferably aluminium armature (95) having an open front and rear
portion. The main user interface areas of the apparatus are connected to the front portion of
10

the armature and consist of an access door (1), shown in its closed position, a control panel (3)
with a graphic display (3), and a printer door (2) where the printer, printer paper, water filter, air
filter and drain tube are located. The access and printer doors are pivotably connected to the
armature by conventional hinges.
Figure 2 shows the access door (1) in the open position, where its surface is

15

aligned with a lower heating plate (43) (shown in Fig. 13) in a chamber (5) to facilitate the
insertion of the cassette (described in detail below). Inside the chamber (5) there are two side
isoplates for thermal insulation and support for the cassette, two upper and lower heating plates
for the pre-heating and drying part of the sterilization cycle, and a rear isoplate for thermal
insulation and support (all described in detail below). The access door (1) seals the front end of

20

the chamber by a door seal (5a).

Figure 3 shows a preferred cassette (100) for storing dental instruments, medical
instruments, or the like.

The cassette includes an auxiliary handle (9) shown in its carrying

position and a front handle (8) shown in its closed position. The cassette consists of two parts.

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

A tray (6), on which the instruments to be sterilized are placed, remains stationary throughout
the entire sterilization cycle. A pivotable lid (7), which moves up or down depending of the
pressure inside the cassette, covers the tray.
Figure 4 shows a preferred anti-tampering assembly adapted to prevent
5

tampering with the instruments. A self adhesive thermal paper label (not shown) is inserted in a
slot (12) in such a way that it covers the front part of a preferably metal bracket. During the
sterilization cycle, the colour of the thermal paper is changed to black by the heat generated by
the heating plates, indicating that the cassette has been placed in the chamber for sterilization.
When the operator opens the cassette to retrieve the instruments, an opening handle (10) is

10

lifted and a crossbar (13) tears the label indicating that the cassette has been opened. A label
retainer (11) stores the label with relevant information. The lid (7) could also include a
conventional bar-code identification system to organise and identify the cassette contents.
Figure 5 shows the rear of the cassette with couplings (15) and the auxiliary
handle (9) in its resting position. The cassette is in its sealed position. When the operator opens

15

the cassette, the lid (7) pivots around a conventional hinge (14).
Figure 6 shows the interior (16) portion of the lid (7) and the seal gland (17),
where a bi-directional seal (described in detail below) is installed.
Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the bi-directional seal (96), which is an
important part of the present invention. When the lid (7) is in the open position, a vacuum lip

20

(19) is covered by an edge (21 a) of the lid (7) preventing an incorrect closing of the lid. When
the cassette is in the closed position (see Fig. 7A), the tray (6) touches a pressure lip (18) first,
forcing the seal to rotate around the pivot point (20) and causing the vacuum lip (19) to touch
the tray wall. As the cycle progresses, the lid (7) separates from the tray (6) when the cassette

-----------------,----"------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

is pressurised, but the pressure lip (18) seals against the tray to prevent any leakage to the
exterior. At the end of the cycle, as the cassette cools down, the vacuum lip (19) seals against
the tray to maintain vacuum.

The interior portion (16) of the lid travels back to the position

shown on Figure 7A, forcing a seal tail (21) to be compressed by the tray wall to create the
5

vacuum seal.
Figure 8 shows the armature (95), which is able to withstand the load exerted by
the cassette during the sterilization cycle, but is also sufficiently light to provide portability of the
whole unit. The armature is preferably extruded from aluminium. The extrusion process must
be free of imperfections to prevent any vacuum leakage during the sterilization cycle. The

10

armature walls include a web structure (101) which minimizes wall thickness and armature
weight, while maintaining the structural strength required to withstand pressure forces.

The

web structure is also positioned in such a way so as to interact with other parts of the apparatus
mounted thereon.
Figure 9 shows holes (22) for mounting of the access door (1 ).
15

Two spring-

loaded rods (not shown) connected to the door, are inserted into the holes (22) and kept inside
the armature by a front plate which also has the mounting features for the door seal (Sa). This
plate is fastened to the armature by means of screws.
Figure 10 shows a preferred steam generator assembly (97), which is a boiler
with a deep drawn cap (98). The boiler is mounted on the armature (95) by any conventional

20

means, such as screws through holes (23) on the steam generator base. The water is atomised
by a spray nozzle located at the top of the boiler (24). The nozzle breaks down the water
droplets into a mist, increasing the surface area of the water and reducing the time required to
bring the fluid to a state of saturated steam. The exhaust of this steam is conducted to the

------------------....... --..- -

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

system through a port (25). A conventional pressure relieve valve is located at port (26) as a
safety device to prevent catastrophic failure of the boiler assembly.
Figure 11 shows the boiler base (99) with a boiler gasket (31a) where a seal may
be maintained between the base and the cap by any suitable means. A heating element (27) is
5

free to translate in the Boiler base, avoiding any stress caused by thermal expansion. A rod
(29) is secured by a nut and bolt arrangement (30), which clamps the heating element (27)
against the base. The temperature of the boiler is monitored by a thermocouple fastened
through the compression fitting located at (31) and inserted on a thermocouple housing (28)
allowing easy replacement of the component in the field.

10

Figure 12 shows a preferred spray nozzle assembly. It consists of two parts

threadably secured to each other at (34) and sealed to the atmosphere by an a-ring located on
a gland (35). The water is pumped into an upper part (33) through a hole (38). The water
travels down through the upper part and exits into a lower part (32) of the spray nozzle
assembly through a cross-hole 36. It then swirls around an acme thread (37) gaining angular

15

momentum and accelerates as it moves down through a conical feature at the bottom of the
lower part (32) until it reaches an opening (39). The sudden expansion together with the
centrifugal force causes the water to separate in the desired conical shape, such that the spray
covers substantially the entire heating element (27) (shown in Fig. 11), providing uniform
cooling and, therefore, reducing the induced thermal stresses in the heating element. The size

20

of the opening (39) is configured to prevent possible clogging of the nozzle which could lead to
cycle interruption.
Referring to Figure 13, the cassette is shown inserted within the armature (95) in
the sealed position.

The cassette locates on top of the lower heating plate (43) and is

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

supported by a side isoplate (40) and a rear isoplate (41). The rear isoplate is supported by a
rear plate (42).
Figure 14 shows a reed switch (46). The main purpose of the reed switch is to
indicate whether the cassette is present inside the chamber in order to determine whether the
s

sterilization cycle should commence. As the cassette is inserted into the chamber (5), the rear
end of the cassette (100) displaces a magnet (47) located inside a plug (44) which is urged
against the cassette by any suitable biasing means, such as a spring (45). The reed switch (46)
located on the outer surface of the rear plate (42) is activated by the magnetic field exerted by
the magnet. The main advantage of the reed switch is to prevent any further leak path in the

10

chamber and to calibrate the cassette final resting position inside the armature (95).
Figure 15 shows a preferred coupling assembly (48) and a preferred probe
assembly (49). The couplings (15) are mounted in an opening on the rear wall (50) of the
cassette and are sealed by a seal (53). The seal is compressed against the rear wall by means
of a wave spring (54) located outside the cassette. This arrangement permits the couplings to

15

float and adjust themselves to any tolerance scenario on the probes (49), thereby allowing
interchangeability between cassettes and probe assemblies. The probes (49) are assembled in
an opening on the rear plate (52), supporting the rear isoplate (51) by a nut (58). The probes
are sealed to the rear plate by a seal (59). When the cassette is inserted into the armature
(95), the coupling is penetrated by the probe (49), connecting the cassette to the valve system.

20

A probe tip (63) locates within the coupling (48) and depresses the poppet (56), breaking the
contact with a coupling seal (55). The steam can travel in and out of the system through the
port (60) after being filtered against any debris by a probe filter (61 }. The filter is a preferably
stainless steel wire mesh rolled in a cylinder shape to fit inside the probe chamber and held in

--------,,,-...

_,

__________

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

place by the fitting at the rear of the probe. When the cassette is removed, the sealing of its
contents is re-established by the poppet (56) seated against the coupling seal (55). Before the
poppet (56) is seated against the coupling seal (55), air is prevented from entering the cassette
by an outer seal (57) which seals against probe wall (62), ensuring the sterility of the
5

instruments, as the cassette is removed from the chamber.

Process

For convenience, the description below refers to a process for achieving fast
sterilization cycles for solid unwrapped instruments.
10

However, the process according to the

present invention can be varied by altering the sequence of the sterilization cycle or by altering
the number of cycle stages in order to sterilize different types of instruments (such as rubber,
plastics, hollow, etc), which may be wrapped in various wrapping materials such as cloth,
paper, or plastic film. However, the strategy adopted for each stage of the sterilization cycle
remains the same, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such variations are

15

within the scope of this invention.

Figure 16 shows a chart of a generic sterilization cycle and figure 17 shows the
valve schematics.
The sterilization process includes the steps set out below.

20

1. Insertion of the Cassette inside the sterilization chamber

The cassette (100) is placed over the access door (4) and inserted in the
chamber (5) in such a way that it contacts the side isoplates (40) and the rear isoplate (41) at
the rear end of the armature (95). These isoplates provide the required support against the

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

pressure loads during sterilization as well as thermal insulation.

The insertion is facilitated by the clearance between the cassette (100) and the
side isoplates (40).

The insertion motion is completed when the cassette contacts the rear

isoplate (41 ). At that time, the reed switch (46) located outside the chamber is activated by the
s

magnet (47) located inside the rear isoplate (42). The reed switch (46) is activated when the
magnet (47), which is mounted in the spring-loaded housing (44)/(45), is displaced rearwardly
by the insertion of the cassette. The cassette is sealably connected to the valve system when
the probes (49) penetrate the cassette coupling (15)/(48). At this point, the sterilization cycle is
ready to start. The access door (4) is then closed and the cycle may commence only if the door

10

switch (74) mounted on the front plate and activated by the door (1) and the reed switch (46)
are triggered indicating the presence of the cassette and that the access door is in the closed
position, respectively.

2. Heating Plates up to the sterilization temperature (64).

The two aluminium casting heating plates (43) located immediately above and

15

below the cassette, are powered. Their temperature is monitored via a thermocouple (75)
located inside each heating plate.

They are isolated from the armature (95) so that

substantially all of the heat generated is transferred to the cassette (100) by thermal
conduction. The temperature is controlled in order to ensure that it remains within 5C of the
20

sterilization temperature relevant to the type of instruments to be sterilized. If the temperature

is too low, the steam will condense inside the cassette.

If it is too high, there is a risk of

damaging the instruments or components located inside the cassette.

As the cassette warms up, the air pressure inside the cassette increases and the

----......--------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

lid (7) is displaced until it touches the upper heating plate. The cassette is locked in position due
to the pressure load against the heating plates. The temperature of the heating plates increases
to close to the sterilization temperature and the next stage starts.

3. Air vacuum draw {air removal) {65}

A two stage, diaphragm vacuum pump (77) connected to the system by any
suitable flexible tubing, such as Norprene , as shown schematically in Fig. 17 is activated and
the air vacuum draw commences.

The vacuum is drawn from both, inside and outside the

cassette to equalize the pressure acting on the cassette. The reduced pressure acting on the
10

cassette the construction of the cassette to be greatly simplified and, therefore, its costs of
construction are greatly reduced. Although some additional time is required to evacuate the
volume outside the cassette, the volume of air evacuated is still smaller than the amount
required to be evacuated by the prior art autoclaves, having a cylindrical chamber.

This is

achieved by the chamber (5) having a shape which closely corresponds with the cassette
15

shape.
Consequently, the pressure inside the cassette is always higher then the
pressure outside the cassette (i.e. inside the vacuum chamber defined by the armature). This is
accomplished by:
i) Evacuating air from the chamber in which the cassete is located every time a

20

vacuum draw process takes place inside the cassette.

ii) Preferably, an additional armature pressure sensor (76), for monitoring the
pressure inside the chamber, is mounted in the chamber.

If this sensor detects a leak that

causes the pressure outside cassette to be higher then inside, the cycle is immediately aborted

10

-"------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

and air is allowed inside the cassette.

iii) Preferably, the system allows for vacuum draws in the chamber (5) only, in
order to test the integrity of the cassette seal (17), probe seal (49), and vacuum valve (78).
The air removal part of the cycle preferably starts with a low vacuum draw in the
5

chamber only, for the reasons described at (iii) above.

Air from the steam generator assembly (97) is removed by opening momentarily
the boiler valve (80).

Any residual water located inside the doubled circuit tube-fin heat

exchanger (79) and recirculation heat exchanger (82) (located at the back of the apparatus and
connected to the valve system) is evacuated, as schematically shown in Fig. 17. The
10

recirculating heat exchanger (82) and its tubing are also evacuated by opening momentarily the
recirculation valve (81 ). The vacuum valve (78) is then opened and air is removed from the
cassette. Preferably, the majority of the air from the entire system is removed. However, even
though the level of vacuum reached is high, some residual air still exists in the system. As soon
as the vacuum level detected by the cassette pressure transducer (83) reaches the target

1s

vacuum level of 10 Kpa, the cycle proceeds to the next stage.

4. Pressurization with steam for air removal (66)

The steam generator assembly (97) is activated and starts to generate steam.
The boiler valve (80) opens allowing steam to flow into the cassette (100), and the pressure
20

inside the cassette gradually increases. Saturated steam starts to fill the voids created by the
vacuum draw. There is still a mixture of saturated steam and residual air inside the chamber.
The pressure increases to a level slightly above the atmospheric pressure and the air is purged
out of the system by the opening of the exhaust valve (83).

11

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Since air is more dense than saturated steam, it tends to be pushed out to the
exhaust valve ahead of the steam. As soon as the pressure reaches atmospheric level, the
venting terminates and the cycle proceeds to the next stage.

5. Vacuum draw ( Recirculation) (67)

At this stage, the system is almost entirely filled with saturated steam and a
simple vacuum draw would be very slow. In order to increase the speed of the vacuum draw,
the boiler is isolated from the system by closing the boiler valve (80). This step reduces the
volume to be evacuated, and causes the boiler to act as a steam reservoir, in order to assist

10

with a later part of the cycle (described in detail below).

The speed of vacuum draw is increased by forcing the circulation of the
saturated steam through the coils of the heat exchangers (79) and (82), which are, at this point,
being cooled by fans (85) and (86) located at the back of the apparatus, mounted between the
vacuum pump and the heat exchanger. As the saturated steam travels through that cooler

15

region, it condenses and this change of phase reduces the pressure drastically, greatly
accelerating the speed of vacuum draw. The steam displacement is accomplished with the
proper valve arrangement in the two stages of the vacuum pump (77). The pump starts by first
opening the bleed valve (87) in order to relieve the vacuum which is still resident in that part of
the system. The steam is circulated through the coils of the heat exchangers (79) and (82) by

20

opening the vacuum valve (78) and the recirculation valve (81). The condensation is purged
out of the system to the exhaust bottle (not shown). When this stage is complete, all of the air is
extracted from the system and the instruments inside the cassette are ready to be sterilized.
The increased speed of the vacuum draw allows the present invention to reduce the sterilization

12

----------------

-------------..-----

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

cycle time required by prior art autoclaves.

6. Pressurization for sterilization (68)

The pressure and temperature inside the cassette are increased to the levels
s

required for sterilization. The levels are mandated by regulations, which may vary from country
to country. The apparatus and process according to the present invention may be varied to
accommodate these standards using the controls and program disclosed, and it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that such variations are within the scope of this invention.
The boiler valve (80) opens, allowing the boiler, in which steam is being stored

10

under pressure, to purge the steam inside the cassette, reducing the time required to reach the
sterilization level. When the predetermined pressure level required for sterilization is reached,
the next cycle stage starts

7. Sterilization (69)
The duration of this cycle depends on the applicable standard. During

15

sterilization, the correlation between steam pressure and temperature is closely monitored by
the control system. The sterilization pressure control may be achieved either by switching the
electrical power supplied to the boiler cyclically on and off, or by maintaining the boiler in the on
position. If the pressure increases above the tolerance specified by the applicable standard,
20

the exhaust valve may be opened for the time required to relieve the excess pressure. This
process is referred to as the PID (proportional integral derivative) control of the steam generator
duty cycle.
Throughout the pressurization and sterilization phases, steam is generated on

13

------..----

''

----

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

demand by pumping water when the temperature of the boiler increases rapidly above the
temperature of the saturated steam present in the chamber by a predetermined amount (this
condition is referred to as "dt00 ").

The pumping is stopped when the gradient of the boiler

temperature changes sign and the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold (this
s

condition is referred to as "dto11") above the temperature of the saturated steam present in the
chamber. The values of dt00 and dt0 1t may vary with the stage of the cycle and the value of the
pressure inside the cassette.

8. Vent (70)
10

The pressure is released from the cassette (100) by opening the exhaust valve
(84) allowing the exhaust water evacuate to the exhaust bottle. The rate of pressure release is
controlled and regulated by the control system to a value determined by the appropriated
standards. The heating plates (43) are turned on and maintained at a temperature above the
boiling point inside the chamber, in order to prepare the apparatus for the next stage. When

15

the pressure measured by the pressure transducer (83) inside the chamber approaches
atmospheric pressure, the bleed valve (87) opens and vacuum pump (77) is activated.

9. Vacuum draw (drying) (71)

The preparation for the end of the process is commenced by ensuring that the
20

instruments in the cassette (100) are dry and ready for storage. The bleed valve (87) is opened
and the vacuum pump (77) is activated. The vacuum valve (78) is opened in order to evacuate
any steam still resident in the cassette. The recirculation valve (81) remains closed in order to
avoid the contamination of the instruments already sterilized. The temperature of the heating

14

-------------------------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

plates (43) is maintained above boiling point of water, and any water that is inside the cassette
is boiled off and evacuated.

The duration of this cycle is dependent of the load inside the

cassette (type of sterilization cycle selected).

10. Vacuum draw with air (72)

The remainder of steam generated by the heating plates (43) is exhausted. The
air valve (89) is opened in order to allow the filtered air from the microbial filter (90) to enter.
The air heater (88) pre-warms the air to avoid further condensation inside the cassette and
proceeds with the cooling and drying of the instruments. The duration of this cycle is dependent

10

of the load inside the cassette (type of sterilization cycle selected).

11. End of Cycle (73)

The cycle is terminated and the armature valve (91) opened in order to allow air
to pass through the armature (95). The pressure increases to atmospheric pressure and the
15

access door (1) can now be opened.

The cassette (100) is ready to be removed from the

chamber.

12. Cassette Removal From The Chamber

As the temperature inside the cassette (100) falls, a small vacuum is created
20

inside the cassette. The lid (16) returns to its original position separating from the upper heating
plate. The removal of the cassette is then established in such a way that the poppet (56) on the
coupling (48) is closed against the seal (55) before the cassette is disconnected from the
probes (49), ensuring that the cassette content is isolated from the ambient air.

Sterility is

15

---------~-----------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

therefore ensured for the entire storage period. The cassette storage can also take place at
atmospheric pressure. In this case, the cassette remains coupled with the valve system until it
reaches the ambient temperature and then removed from the armature.

Electronic Control System

Hardware
The control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
comprises a multiprocessor control system to perform the complex operations required for
executing and validating a selected sterilization cycle. The automatic control system is made of

1o

two main components:

The Input/Output Board

The Logic Board

The input/output board ("1/0 Board") is the part of the control system that is in
15

direct contact with the electromechanical components of the sterilizing apparatus described
above. The 1/0 Board is in receives information from the sensors and switches, and translates
captured data into engineering units. The 1/0 Board performs the following functions:

20

reads boiler temperature sensor - (Fig.21-13)

reads cassette temperature sensor - (Fig.21-8)

reads upper heater temperature sensor - (Fig.21-6)

reads lower heater temperature sensor - (Fig.21-7)

reads cassette pressure sensor (Fig.21-9)

reads armature pressure sensor - (Fig.21-11)

16

--------.....,--

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

controls water pump - (Fig.21-12)

controls vacuum pump - (Fig.21-22)

controls steam generator - (Fig.21-14)

controls air heater - (Fig.21-15)

controls upper and lower heaters (Fig.21-6,7)

controls fans (Fig.21-27)

controls the following valves: boiler valve (Fig.21-24), air valve (Fig.21-17), armature
valve (Fig.21-18), recirculation valve (Fig.21-19), vacuum valve (Fig.21-20),exhaust
valve (Fig.21-21), and bleed valve (Fig.21-23).
The 1/0 Board includes a microcontroller (Fig.23-1) which has a ROM (Fig.23-2),

10

where the 1/0 software resides, and a RAM (Fig.23-3), where data and variables are stored.
The microcontroller receives information from the pressure sensors (Fig.21-9, 11) through an
Analog to Digital Converter (Fig.23-10), the temperature sensors (Fig.21-6,7,8, 13) through
another Analog to Digital Converter (Fig.23-12), and controls the valves, pumps, steam
15

generator assembly, heaters and fans through solid state relays (Fig.23-6,7,4,5,8, 11).
The main function of the 1/0 board is serial communication with a logic board, a
second electronic component of the control system according to the present invention. The 1/0
Board communicates with the logic board through the Serial Communication Interface (Fig.239).

20
The Logic Board interfaces with the Graphics Display(Fig.21-16), the
Keyboard(Fig.21-10), the Sound Generator(Fig.21-2) and the Printer (Fig.21-3). The main
components of the Logic Board are:

17

---------

.....

________

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Microcontroller (Fig.22-1)

Flash memory (Fig.22-2)

RAM (Fig.22-3)

Real Time Clock (Fig.22-4)

Two serial communication drivers (one for communicating with the 1/0 board (Fig.226), the other for communicating with a serial printer or a remote PC (Fig.22-7))
Graphics Display adapter (Fig.22-5)

Keyboard adapter (Fig.22-8)

Sound generator adapter (Fig.22-9)

The Logic Board Software is responsible for the execution and validation of a

10

selected sterilization cycle.

The Logic Board Software also communicates with the user

through the graphics display, keyboard and sounds.

The 1/0 Board Software is a collection of software drivers that translate
commands received from the Logic Board into signals for valves, pumps, heaters and steam
15

generator assembly. The 1/0 Board Software is also responsible for receiving information from
the pressure and temperature sensors, translating these readings into engineering data, and
supplying it to the Logic Board on request. The algorithms implemented in the Logic Board
Software are set out below.

20

Software
A flow-chart for the operation of the system in Fig.22-1 is shown in Fig.24. The
sequence of steps carried out in a sterilization process is shown in Fig.24 page 1.

18

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Reading Sensors
A common part for all the steps carried out in a sterilization process is the ability
to monitor the temperature and pressure inside the chamber (Fig.21-10) when it is under
vacuum, or is pressurized, or is being held at the desired steam sterilization condition.
5

As seen in Fig. 21, a pressure transducer (9) is connected with the chamber volume
and a thermocouple or thermistor (8) extends into the chamber. This operation is
identified as "Read Chamber Temperature Sensor'' and "Read Cassette Pressure
Sensor".

Another important parameter is the temperature of the boiler (Fig.21-14), monitored

with a thermocouple or thermistor (Fig.21-13). This operation is identified as "Read

10

Boiler Temperature Sensor".

The pressure inside the armature (Fig.21-25) is measured with a vacuum pressure
sensor (Fig.21-11 ). This operation is identified as "Read Armature Pressure Sensor".

1s

The temperature of the heating plates (Fig.21 - 6,7) is monitored with two
thermocouples or thermistors (Fig.21-6,7). This operation is identified as "Read
Upper Heater Temperature Sensor" and as "Read Lower Heater Temperature
Sensor".

Displaying Cycle Progress

A common part for all the steps carried out in a sterilization process is the ability
20

to communicate to the user the evolution of the cycle. This is accomplished through a graphics
display which shows as dotted lines a graph of the cycle to be performed and fills in the gaps as
the cycle progresses. The temperature and pressure inside chamber are also displayed, as are
the cycle stages and the time elapsed. This operation is identified as "Display graph: evolution

19

------------

-------------------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

of the cycle" and "Display Cycle Parameters". During the evolution of the cycle the cycle
parameters are saved for printing on completion of the cycle or for servicing in case of a fault
condition.
Device Configuration

A common element for all the control system steps described is the device
status. Each step has a specific device configuration, as follows:

10

15

20

Upper Heater: ON or OFF

Lower Heater: ON or OFF

Boiler: ON or OFF

Water Pump: ON or OFF

Vacuum Pump: ON or OFF

Air Heater: ON or OFF

Boiler Valve: Open or Closed

Air Valve: Open or Closed

Armature Valve: Open or Closed

Recirculation Valve: Open or Closed

Exhaust Valve: Open or Closed

Vacuum Valve: Open or Closed

Bleed Valve: Open or Closed

Armature Vacuum Draw

The operation identified as "Armature vacuum draw" (see Fig.24-page 2) relates

to the step of turning on the vacuum pump (Fig.21-22) and heating up the cassette (Fig.21-10)
by turning on the heating plates (Fig.21-6, 7). Everything else is off, as seen in the device

20

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

configuration on Fig.24 (page 2). This step ensures that there is a good insulation between the
cassette and armature (good cassette seal and good vacuum valve) by monitoring closely the
pressure inside the chamber and inside the armature. If the pressure inside the chamber
follows the pressure in the armature, the cycle is aborted with a fault indication.
5

Turn Vacuum Pump On

This operation is described in Fig.24 (page 13). The vacuum pump (Fig.1-22)
does not start if the pressure at its input [the side of the pump that is connected to Vacuum
valve (Fig.1-20), Armature (Fig.1-25), Heat Exchanger (Fig.1-26), and Bleed Valve (Fig.1-23)] is
different from the atmospheric pressure by 5kPa (plus or minus). In order to start the vacuum

10

pump in any condition the Bleed valve (Fig.21-23) was introduced in the circuit. Every time the
vacuum pump is turned on the Bleed valve is open for 2 seconds and on confirmation of it being
closed the vacuum valve (Fig, 1-20), if required, is turned on.
Upper and Lower Heater Control
This operation is described in Fig.24-page 4. The upper (Fig.21-6) and lower (Fig.21-7) heaters

15

are required to heat the sterilization chamber (cassette - Fig.21-10) to a temperature close to
the sterilization temperature, to minimize the duration of the cycle (shorter pressurization time),
and to reduce the distilled water consumption. The heating plates are also an important part of
the drying stage of the cycle. During drying, the heating plates are maintained at a temperature
of 10C above the boiling temperature inside the cassette, in conjunction with a deep vacuum

20

draw. The temperature threshold for turning on the heating plates is greater by 1C than the
temperature threshold for turning off the heating plates. Also, the temperature threshold varies
with the cycle stage, where heating plate control is required. During the venting stage (Fig.24page11) and drying stage (Fig.24-page12), the temperature threshold for both heating plates

21

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

follows the boiling temperature inside the chamber plus 10C.

Vacuum Draw (simple with steam generation)
This operation is described in Fig.24-page 3. The purpose of this stage is to
remove the air from the cassette and boiler in order to check for leaks in the cassette (100) and
5

chamber (5). The vacuum pump is turned on and a very deep vacuum is drawn from both,
inside and outside the cassette. The pressure inside the cassette is always higher then the
pressure in the chamber. This is accomplished by forcing air removal outside the cassette (in
the chamber) every time a vacuum draw process takes place inside the cassette. The
armature pressure sensor (Fig.21-11) monitors the pressure of the chamber. If this sensor

10

detects a leak which causes the chamber pressure to be higher then cassette pressure, the
cycle is immediately aborted and air is allowed inside the cassette through the air Valve (Fig.2117). This safety check takes place throughout the entire duration of the cycle, and it is done in
the background anytime when a cassette present condition is detected.
The majority of the air from the whole system including the boiler is removed and

15

any residual water located inside the heat exchanger tubing is evacuated. However, even
though the level of vacuum reached is deep, some residual air still exists in the system.
This process (air removal) may be unnecessarily extended if water is left in the
boiler from a previous cycle which ended before the drying stage was completed. To avoid this
delay, the boiler valve (Fig.21-24) is closed when the level of the vacuum brings the boiling

20

temperature inside chamber close to the steam generator temperature.

As soon as the vacuum level detected by the cassette pressure transducer reaches the
target, the cycle proceeds to the next stage.

22

--------. -------------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Relieving Vacuum with Steam

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 5. During this stage, the steam generator (boiler Fig.21-14) is turned on full power and the boiler valve (Fig.21-24) is open. The boiler starts to
generate steam and the pressure in the cassette gradually increases. The saturated steam in
s

the cassette starts to fill the voids created by the vacuum draw. There is still a mixture of
saturated steam and residual air inside the chamber. When the pressure increases above the
atmospheric pressure (by aprox.1 OkPa), this stage is complete.
Water Pump Control
This operation is described in Fig.24-page 6. Throughout relieving vacuum with

10

steam stage, pressurization and sterilization phases, steam is generated on demand by

pumping water into the boiler when the temperature of the boiler (Fig.21-14) rises rapidly above
the temperature of the saturated steam present in the chamber (Fig.21-10) with a fixed amount
(dt 0 "). The pumping stops when the gradient of the boiler temperature changes sign and the
boiler temperature reaches a determined threshold (dtoff) above the temperature of the

15

saturated steam present in the chamber. The values of dt0 n and dt0 " may vary with the stage of
the cycle and the pressure inside the cassette.
Purging
This operation is described in Fig.24-page 7. During this stage of the cycle, the
exhaust valve (Fig.21-21) is open and the condensate together with steam and residual air is

20

removed from the chamber. During this stage, the heating plates are maintained at sterilization
temperature. This stage ends either when the pressure inside cassette is above the
atmospheric pressure or when the time allowed for this stage expires.
An important part of this stage is boiler control through "Water Pump Control".

23

------r-

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Even though the steam generator is turned off in accordance with the device configuration for
this phase, the boiler continues to produce steam due to thermal inertia. The steam is trapped
inside the boiler because the boiler valve (Fig.21-24) is closed. This operation mode is identified
as "Using boiler as a Steam Reservoir".
5

Vacuum Draw Recirculation

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 8. This stage of the cycle is similar to

"Vacuum Draw-- Simple" with the difference that the boiler valve (Fig.21-24) is closed and the
recirculation valve (Fig.21-19) is open. Because the boiler valve is closed the boiler is
accumulating steam. The steam stored in the boiler will be used on the next stage of the cycle.
10

During this phase the heating plates are maintained at sterilization temperature.
An important part of this stage is the recirculation of steam through the heat
exchanger (Fig.21-26), which is cooled by fans (Fig.21-27). As the saturated steam travels
through that cold region, it condenses and this change of phase reduces the pressure
drastically, greatly accelerating the speed of the vacuum draw. This operation is identified as

15

"Vacuum Draw Recirculation".

Pressurizing

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 9. During this stage, the steam

generator (boiler -- Fig.21-14) is turned on full power and the boiler valve (Fig.21-24) is open.
The boiler starts to generate steam and the Cassette gradually increases its pressure and
20

temperature to the levels required for sterilization. When the sterilization pressure is reached,
the next cycle stage starts. An important operation during this stage of the cycle is identified as
"Water Pump Control".

24

-----------..- --------------------------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

Sterilizing

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 10. The duration of this stage depends on the
desired sterility assurance level, load configuration and types, the initial bioburden level, and the
selection made by user. During sterilization, the correlation between steam pressure and
s

temperature is closely monitored by the control system. The sterilization pressure control may
be achieved either by switching the electrical power supplied to the steam generator assembly
cyclically on and off, or, by turning the boiler power full on and controlling the pressure by
opening and closing the exhaust valve, as needed, to relieve the extra pressure. This process is
referred to as the PID (proportional integral derivative) control of the steam generator assembly

10

duty cycle. An important operation during this stage of the cycle is identified as "Water Pump
Control".
Venting

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 11. This stage is simply the release of
the pressure from the sterilization chamber. The rate of pressure relieve is controlled and
15

regulated by the control system to a value determined by the appropriated standards. The
heating plates are turned on and kept at a temperature above the boiling point inside the
chamber, to get ready for the next stage. When the pressure inside the chamber approaches
the atmospheric pressure this stage ends. Two operations are performed during this stage:
"Water Pump Control" and "Upper and Lower Heater Control".

20

Drying

This operation is described in Fig.24-page 12. During this stage the temperature
of the heating plates is above the water boiling point temperature, and any water that is inside
the Cassette is boiled and evacuated. The duration of this cycle is dependent of the load inside

25

---------1----

----'""""

_________

. --

-----------

CA 02268042 1999-04 06

the Cassette (type of sterilization cycle selected). Three operations are performed during this
stage: "Water Pump Control", "Upper and Lower Heater Control" and "Turn Vacuum Pump On".
Air Drying
This operation is described in Fig.24-page14. During this stage air (which may first be pre5

warmed and/or passed through a suitable bacteria-retentive filter) is introduced inside the
Cassette proceeding with the cooling and drying of the instruments. The duration of this cycle is
dependent of the load inside the Cassette. The main operation performed during this stage is
"Upper and Lower Heater Control".
Relieving Vacuum with Air

10

This operation is described in Fig.24-page15. This stage ends the cycle by bringing air inside
the cassette and armature, and unlocking the door.

It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred

embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those
15

knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as
described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.

26

----------------------------..-----------

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Pressurizi11g
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Armature Vacuum Draw

(See 1)

Sterlllzfng
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Venting
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Vacuum Draw (Simple - with

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,7
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-~
Page 1

MAR 24 '99 10:86

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

l 416 446 2725

PAGE.005

03/24/99

10:27 FAX 1 416 446 2725

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Armature Vacuum

Draw

Read Armature Pressure Sensor

Uppor Meater. ON
Lower Heater: ON
Boiler.OFF
Water Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Boiler Valve; Open
AirValve: Closed
Armature Valve: Close<l
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
vacuum va1ve: Closed

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor

Rood Boiler Temperature Seosor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
R&.lld Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature SenSOt'
Display graph: evolution of the Cytte
Display Cycle Parameters

Save Cycle Parameters

Do Upper and L.ower Heater

Control (See 3)

Turn Vacuum Pump ON

See 12

Page2

MAR 24 '99 10:36

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

I 416 446 2725

PAGE.006

03124199

10:27 FAX 1 416 446 2725

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Upper Heater: ON

~007

BoilerValve: OFF

Lower Heater: ON
Boiler: OFF

Water Pump; OFF

Vacuum P~mp: ON

Air Heater: OFF

Boiler Valve: Open
Air Valve: Closed
Armature Valve: ClosI
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum Valve; Open
Bleed Valve: Close

Read Armature Pressure sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor

Rood Boner Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sense:>r
Reed Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display grapl'I: evolution of thll cycle
DiSplay Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters
~--N

Co Upper and Lower Heatsr Control

See3

Page 3

MAR 24 '89 10:36

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

4i6 446 2725

PAGE.007

03/24199

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Upper and Lawer

Heater Control

Is 1heTemparatura of the
Upper Heater greater then
the target for this stage? .

Ye~----,

I '

Upper Heater: ON

Upper Heater: OFF

,2;:

Lower Heater greater then

the iargst for this stage?

Lower Heater. ON

Lower Heater: OFF

Page4

MAR 24 '99 10:36

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

Ye&----,

FIG.24

I 418 446 2725

PAGE.008

03124199

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~009

Upper Heater: OFF

Lower Heater: OFF
Beier: ON
Water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Boiler Valve; Open
Air Val\/EI: Closed
Almature Valve: Closed
Recirculation Valve: Closed
E.xheu~t Valve: Closed
Vacuum Valve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

Kl-----------+- _______N
Read Armature Pressure Sensor
Read Casse!le Pr9$$ure Sensor
Read Boiler Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
R.ead Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph; evolution of the cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Do Water Pwnp control

Sees

FIG.24

Pages

MAR 24 '99 10:37

1 416 446 2725

------
CA 02268042 1999-04-06

-----------------

PAGE.009

03124199

10:28 FAX 1 416 446 2725

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@010

Water Pump: ON

Water Pump: OFF

Page6

MFIR 24 '99 10:37

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

I 418 446 2725

PAGE.010

03/24/99

10:28 FAX 1 416 446 2725

SCI CAN

Upper Heater: ON
Lower Heater: ON
Boiler; OFF
Water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Boiler Valve: Closed
Air Valve: Closed
Armature Valve: Closed
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exha1Jst Valve; Open
Vacuum Valve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

~011

Do Upper and Lower Healer Control

See3

Read Armature Pressure Sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor
Read Boiler Temperature Sensor
R.ead Chamber Temperature Sanso,
Read Upper Heater l'emperature Sensor
. Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display srapl,: evolution of the cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Do Water Pump Control

See5

Page7

MAR 24 '99 10: :37

FIG.24

l 416 446 2725

PAGE.011

------------------------------------------------------------------------CA 02268042 1999-04-06

03124199

10:28 FAX 1 416 446 2725

SCI CAN

~012

Read Armature Pressure Sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor
Read Boiler Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
React Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph: evolution of the cycle
Display Cyde Parameters
Sava Cyele Parameters

Vacuum Draw
Recirculatlo11

Do Upper and Lower Heater Control

see3
Upper Heater: ON
LoWllr Heater; ON
Boiler: OFF
Water Pump: OFF
VaC1,1um Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Soiler Valve: Closed
Air Vallie: Closed
Armature Valve: Closed
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum V-.ilve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

Do Water Pump Control

See5

Tum vacuum Pump ON

See 12

Recirculation Valve: Open

Pages

________________

MAR 24 '99 10:37

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

________ _.________
1 418 446 2725
_,,.,,.

.....

PAGE.012

03124199

10:29 FAX 1 416 446 2725

SCI CAN

~013

Pressurizing

Upper Heat.ar: OFF

Lower Heater: OFF
Boiler; ON
water PumJl: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF

Air Heater. OFF

Boner Valve: Open
A"lr Valve: Closet!
Armature Valva: Closed
Redrwlation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closad
Vacuum Valve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

Read Annature PresGure Sensor

Read Cassette Pl'HSUre Sensor
Read Soifer Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber Temperawre Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph: evolulion of lhe cyde
Diepfay Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Do Water Pump Control

Sees

Page9

MAR 24 '99 10:37'

--------------------------------------CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

l 416 446 2725

PAGE.013

03124199

10:29 FAX 1 416 446 2725

SCI CAN

Ii!] 014

Do Boiler Control using PIO algorithm.

I.E. duiy eycte is constantly adjuS'led to
maintain the chamber pressure at the Sat
Point and/or by opening the exNll.lSI valve
for a very sho" period of Ume

Starlll:dng

Upper Heater: OFF

Lower Heater. OFF
Boiler:ON
water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Boller Valve: Open
Air Valve: Closed
Armature Valve: Closed
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum Valve: CloSf!d
Bleed Valve: Close

Read Armawre Pressure Sansor

Reed Cassetta Pressure Sensor
Read BoilerTemperalure Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Se11sor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Olspla~ graph: evolullon of the cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Do Water Pump Control

See5

Page 10

MAR 24 '99 10:38

FIG.24

I 416 446 2725

PAGE.014

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CA 02268042 1999-04-06

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SCI CAN

iaJ 015

Upper Heater: ON
Lower Heater: ON

Boiler: OFF=
Water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF
Air HeatGr: OFF
Boller Valve: Closed
Air Valve: Closed
Armature Valve: Closed
Rectrculalion Valve: Closed
E.'d'l3ust Valve; Open
vacuum Valve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

Read Annature Prassure Sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor
Read Boiler Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber T&mperature Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
ReaCI L.ower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph: evolution of Iha c:,,cte
DISplay Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Do Wall!r Pump COntrol

Sees

Oo Upper and Lower Heater Con!rol

See3

FIG.24
Page 11

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PAGE.015

03124/99

10:29 FAX 1 416 446 2725

SCI CAN

la] 016

Do Upper ancf Lower Heater control

See3

Do Water Pump Control

Upper Heater: ON
Lower Heater: ON
Boiler. OFF
Water Pump: OFF
vacuum Pump: OFF
Air Heater: OFF
Boller Valve: Open
Air Valve: CIOllecf
Armature Val11a: Close1;1
Raclrculation Valv&: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum Valve: Closed
Bleed Valve: Close

seas

Turn Vacuum Pump ON

See 12

Read Annature PrGS$ure Sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor
Read Boller Tempe'1ilture Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
Read Upper Heat.er Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display grapr,: evolution of lhe cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Page 12

MAR 24 '99 10:38

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

FIG.24

1 418 446 2725

PAGE.016

03/24199

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SCI CAN

~017

Vacuum Pump: ON
Bleed Valve: Open

Bleed Valve: Closed

Vacuum Valve: Open

FIG.24

Page 13

_______________________

MAR 24 '99 10:38

CA 02268042 1999-04-06

....

I 416 446 2725

------------

PAGE.017

03124199

10: 30 FAX 1 416 446 2.7....,2.:,:.5_ _

Air Drying

SCI CAN

~018

Read Armature Pressure Sansor

Read Cassette Pressure Sensor
Read Boiler Temperature Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph: evolution of the cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

Upper Hea111r: ON
Lower Heater: ON
Boller: OFF
water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: ON
/!Jr Heater. ON
Boller Valve; Open
Air Valve: Open
Anneture Valve: Closed
Recirculation Valve: Closed
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum Valve: Open
Bleed Valve: Close

Do Upper and Lower Heater Control

See3

TWll vacuum Pump ON

See 12

FIG.24
Page 14

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PAGE.018

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!0:30 FAX 1 .. 416

446

2725

SCI CAN

~019

Upper Heater: OFF

Lower Heater: OFF
BoHar: OFF
water Pump: OFF
Vacuum Pump: OFF
Air Heater, OFF
Boller Valve: Open
JIJr Valve: Open
Almawre Valve: Closed
Re~irculation Va Iva: Clos.:!
Exhaust Valve: Closed
Vacuum Vahle: Closed
Bleed Valve; Close

Raad Armature Pressure Sensor

Read Cassette Pressure Sen1;or
Read Boiler Tempera,ura Sensor
Read Chamber Temperature Sensor
Read Upper Heater Temperature Sensor
Read Lower Heater Temperature Sensor
Display graph: evolutlon of the cycle
Display Cycle Parameters
Save Cycle Parameters

FIG.24
Page 15

MAR 24 '99 10:39

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PAGE.019