#$%^&*AU2017202665A120171109.pdf#####ABSTRACT A method of sterilizing medical instruments using a vacuum chamber connected to reservoir by a valve in a closed state is disclosed that includes placing instruments in a nonsterile state into a sterilization pack, opening a chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing sterilant into the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The process may further include the steps of repeatedly determining pressure within the chamber, calculating secondderivative values of pressure with respect to time, and determining whether any local maxima exist in a plot of second derivative values that correspond to pressures above and/or below the triple-point pressure of water.1/6 FIG. 1 18 12 20 22 1016 Vacuum 34 Pump 26Loa 36 44 24 230 -- 3 A2D2 40-- Sterilant Reservoir i Storage Timer I 38 42 45 28
