Sterilization container with valve cap position detection

Abstract

A system for a sterilization container can include a valve cap movable relative to an opening of the sterilization container between a closed position obstructing fluid flow through the opening and an open position permitting fluid flow through the opening. An included positioning detection system can include a magnet and a magnetic field sensor positioned such that one is a fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the other is a moveable component movable with the valve cap. The magnetic field sensor can output a signal indicative of the valve cap being in one of the open position or the closed position based on relative position of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor. The signal may be processed by a controller to provide user feedback, trigger process control actions, or communicate with external systems.

Description

PATENT Attorney Docket No.: 095461-1545269-000430WGSTERILIZATION CONTAINER WITH VALVE CAP POSITION DETECTIONCROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 753,795, filed on February 4, 2025, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Sterilization of items is used in various industries, including health care, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. A common and proven method used for sterilization applies pressurized high temperature steam in a pressure chamber or vessel for a prescribed period of time. Pressurized high temperature steam within a pressure chamber can be used for sterilization of laboratory equipment, and in the industrial manufacturing sector. In hospital and health care environments, laboratory environments, and in the pharmaceutical and food processing industry, sterilization may be accomplished by contacting the item to be sterilized with high temperature steam within a pressure vessel. Alternatively, the item to be sterilized can be contacted with a low temperature sterilizing medium (e.g., ethylene oxide or equivalent low temperature sterilizing medium) in a pressure vessel. Various types of sterilization pressure vessels and autoclave chambers can be used to sterilize items. In many instances, the sterilizing medium is contacted with the item being sterilized.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0004] Apparatus and related methods are provided for sterilizing items (e.g., surgical instruments, instrument trays, implants, and / or implant trays) within a sterilization chamber and subsequent storage and / or transportation thereof until use. An example apparatus includes asterilization container assembly with valve cap position detection. The assembly includes a valve cap that is movable relative to an opening in a boundary wall of a sterilization container between a closed position, obstructing fluid flow through the opening, and an open position, permitting fluid flow through the opening. A positioning detection system is provided, such as including a magnet and a magnetic field sensor, with the magnet and the magnetic field sensor positioned such that one is a fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the other is a movable component movable with the valve cap. The magnetic field sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the valve cap being in one of the open or closed positions based on the relative position of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor.

[0005] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a valve frame affixed to the lid or other boundary wall of the sterilization container. The valve frame may be arranged to retain the valve cap in alignment with the opening for movement between the open and closed positions. The valve frame may include an overlying portion extending over the valve cap and at least one support extending from the overlying portion to the boundary’ w'all, with passages between subportions or otherwise through the at least one support or the overlying portion permitting airflow relative to the opening.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a controller configured to receive the signal output by the magnetic field sensor and to trigger, continue, or halt a process or operation based on the position of the valve cap indicated by the signal, or to activate, deactivate, or modify an optical or non-optical indicator to provide feedback to a user regarding the system state.

[0007] In additional embodiments, the positioning detection system may include or be supplemented with an optical detection system, a conductive detection system, or both, thereby enabling redundant or alternative approaches for detecting the valve cap position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a sterilization container system with valve cap position detection according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve assembly in an open configuration with components for facilitating valve state detection, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG, 2 in a closed configuration according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve assembly with another arrangement of components for facilitating valve state detection, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 includes side views of the valve assembly with components for an optical position detection sy stem in different states, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 includes side views of the valve assembly with another arrangement of components for optical detection arrangement, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 includes side views of the valve assembly with another optical detection arrangement, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure,

[0015] FIG. 8 includes perspective and detail views of the valve assembly with a conductive detection system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 is perspective view of an example of a lid and base of a sterilization container that may include components for facilitating valve state detection according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the control module and its interaction with the position detection system and other components according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Apparatus and related methods are described for sterilizing items (e.g., surgical instruments, instrument trays, implants, and / or implant trays) within a sterilization chamber and subsequent transportation and / or storage of the sterilized items prior to use. For example, a filter-less, reusable sterilization apparatus is described that in an initial configuration (open configuration) provides a pathway to allow the flux of gases (e.g., air, water vapor, etc.) into and out of the apparatus, The apparatus includes a temperature-sensing component, apressure-sensing component, a humidity-sensing component, and / or a timer, which work together to initiate a reconfiguration of the apparatus to a closed configuration in which the apparatus is hermetically sealed. In many embodiments, the temperature-sensing component monitors temperature of the gases surrounding and / or within the apparatus until a target temperature is reached (e.g., a selected sterilization temperature for sterilizing items within the apparatus). Once the target temperature is reached, the apparatus becomes sensitive to the environmental pressure and / or humidity. Once the environmental pressure and / or humidity reaches a desirable level (e.g., sub-atmospheric and / or low humidity), the pressure sensor initiates reconfiguration of the apparatus into the closed configuration, thereby disrupting the gas pathway and stopping the flux of gases into or out of the apparatus. The apparatus can be kept in the closed configuration and will maintain the environment established within the apparatus at the time the reconfiguration of the apparatus and disruption of the gas pathway (e.g., a sub-atmospheric pressure and / or low humidity state) through a hermetic seal until the contents of the apparatus are accessed for use. When access to the contents of the apparatus is required, the apparatus may either be restored to its initial (open) configuration, which will allow access to the contents directly through the pathway described above, or the apparatus may be put into a third configuration to provide access (e.g., the apparatus’s lid is removed).

[0019] High temperature steam can be used to sterilize surgical instruments and other medical devices. Steam sterilizes instruments by transferring the heat carried in the water vapor (gas) to the items within the sterilization chamber. This sterilization method exposes the instruments being sterilized to temperatures that generally exceed 120°C. Temperatures in this range may present a challenge to more delicate instruments that may be not able to endure exposure to high temperatures. Some sterilization methods may involve using a gas, a vapor, or a combination thereof as a sterilant to sterilize medical devices much like water vapor or steam can be used. These gases can sterilize instruments at significantly lower temperatures. Some of the gases employed can include ethylene oxide, which disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, hydrogen peroxide plasma, which attacks the membrane lipids, DNA and other cellular components of microorganisms, and ozone, which destroys microorganisms by oxidizing various cellularcomponents. Much like steam, these gases can be introduced into a sterilization container that holds instruments to be sterilized and allowed to dwell within the container for a defined time before being extracted from the container. A vacuum may be generated within the sterilization chamber and container to facilitate the removal of the sterilant. The sterilization container may be compatible with these and any other gas or vapor-based sterilization method in which the sterilant may be injected into a chamber and utilizes vacuum at the conclusion of the sterilization phase to extract the sterilant from the container.

[0020] In accordance with aspects of embodiments, a sterilization container may be loaded with instruments and a cover positioned over a container base and latched in position. Valves or trap doors are opened to allow sterilant to flow unobstructed into and out of the container to sterilize instruments during a sterilization process. Following sterilization, a vacuum may be generated w ithin the sterilization chamber to extract the sterilant from the chamber and sterilization container during an aeration phase of the sterilization cycle. Upon concluding the aeration phase, when the chamber begins to rise back toward atmospheric pressure, a control system managing the operation of the sterilization container will trigger the valves / trap doors to close, sealing the container from the external environment prior to the sterilization chamber being opened while maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure within the container.

[0021] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods improved for detecting and indicating the position of valves or valve caps, thereby enhancing reliability and process control in sterilization operations. These improvements may facilitate more accurate monitoring, user feedback, and / or automation of sterilization cycles. The system thus provides a technical improvement by integrating sensor-based detection of valve state with automated or semi-automated system control, reducing the risk of process errors and improving user awareness in a manner not achievable by manual inspection or generic computer processing.

[0022] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 100. The method 100 may be implemented for operating a sterilization container system with valve cap position detection according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The method 100 may be implemented relative to structures depicted and discussed relative to other figures herein. Accordingly, various element numbers represented in other figures are utilized in parentheticals in the following description of FIG. 1 for ease of understanding relative to the other figures, although it will be understood that the operations shown and / or described with FIG. 1 are not limited to implementation with the structures shown and / or described with theother figures (and similarly, the structures shown and / or described with the other figures are not limited to implementation with the operations shown and / or described w ith FIG. 1).

[0023] Block 102 of the method 100 involves detecting the position of a valve cap (206) using a sensor (221). The valve cap (206) may be moveable among positions relative to an opening (208) of a sterilization container (210). The sensor (221) may be included in a positioning detection system (220) that may include, for example, a magnetic, optical, conductive, or other sensor arrangement configured to determine whether the valve cap (206) is in an open position (226), a closed position (228), or a position therebetween. Further discussion below' addresses various examples of such detection systems (220), including magnetic (e.g., FIGS. 2-4), optical (e.g., FIGS. 5-7), and conductive (e.g., FIG. 8) arrangements,

[0024] Block 104 of the method 100 involves generating a signal indicative of the detected position of the valve cap (206). Generating the signal may include producing a signal or causing a change in a signal. Tire signal may be generated by the position detection system (220) and may take the form of an electrical, optical, or other output suitable for dow nstream processing or control.

[0025] Block 106 of the method 100 involves receiving the signal by a controller (240).Receiving the signal may include receiving the produced signal or change in signal. The signal may be indicative of the valve cap (206) position. The controller (240) may be implemented as a microcontroller, programmable logic controller, or other suitable electronic circuit or module associated with the sterilization container (210).

[0026] Block 108 of the method 100 involves, responsive to the received signal, controlling an indicator, a process, a recording, or a communication based on the position of the valve cap (206). Examples may include the controller (240) performing at least one of: activating, deactivating, or modifying an optical or non-optical indicator (230) to provide feedback to a user of a system state including the position of the valve cap (206); triggering, continuing, or halting a process or operation (such as a sterilization or aeration cycle) based on the position of the valve cap (206); recording or logging data associated with the valve cap (206) position; or transmitting data or a control signal to a remote system,

[0027] Such a flexible control approach may enable improved safety, automation, and traceability in sterilization container systems. Further details and example embodiments of each of these operations, including specific implementations of the position detection system (220) and controller (240), are provided in the descriptions of FIGS. 2-10 below.

[0028] Turning to FIGS. 2-4, various examples of arrangements of a valve assembly 200 for a sterilization container 210 are illustrated in open and closed configurations with components for facilitating valve cap position detection. The assembly 200 includes a valve cap 206 that is movable relative to an opening 208. The opening 208 may be in the sterilization container 210 at a boundary wall 212, such as a lid 216 or abase 214 (e.g., FIG. 9). The valve cap 206 is configured to move between an open position 226 (e.g., FIG. 2), which permits fluid communication through the opening 208, and a closed position 228 (e.g., FIG. 3), which obstructs fluid flow through the opening 208, such as to seal the internal volume of the container 210 from the external environment to maintain sterility of the contents.

[0029] The movement of the valve cap 206 may be facilitated or controlled by various actuation and / or biasing mechanisms. In some embodiments, an EPM 202 (electro-permanent magnet) is disposed above the valve cap 206 and integrated with the valve assembly 200. The EPM 202 can magnetically retain the valve cap 206 in the open position 226 when unpowered, and can release the valve cap 206 to allow movement to the closed position 228 upon activation, for example by neutralizing its magnetic field. However, the present disclosure is not limited to overhead EPM-based actuation, and springs, solenoids, mechanical latches, or other biasing and / or control mechanisms may be used and / or positioned above, below, laterally, or otherwise in addition to or as alternatives to the EPM 202 to facilitate movement and / or retention of the valve cap 206 in its various positions.

[0030] To support, guide, and / or constrain the movement of the valve cap 206, a valve frame 204 may be affixed to the boundary wall 212 (e.g., lid 216 or base 214 in FIG. 9) of the sterilization container 210. The valve frame 204 may support the EPM 202 and / or any other actuation and / or biasing mechanism. The valve frame 204 may retain the valve cap 206 in alignment with the opening 208 for movement between the open position 226 and the closed position 228. The valve frame 204 may include an overlying portion 242 extending over the valve cap 206 and at least one support 244 extending from the overlying portion 242 to the boundary wall 212. Passages 227 between subportions or otherwise through the at least one support 244 or the overlying portion 242 may permit airflow relative to the opening 208. As an example, the at least one support 244 may include multiple legs spaced apart to define the passages 227.

[0031] A positioning detection sy stem 220 is provided to detect and indicate the position of the valve cap 206. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the positioning detection system 220 is implemented as a magnetic detection system 250, including a magnet 222 (e.g., a permanent magnet) and a magnetic field sensor 224 (e.g., implemented for the sensor 221). The magnet 222and magnetic field sensor 224 are positioned such that one is a fixed component 232 fixed relative to the opening 208 (e.g., secured to the valve frame 204 or boundary wall 212), and the other is a moveable component 234 movable with the valve cap 206. In the particular examples shown in FIGS. 2-3, the magnet 222 is the moveable component 234 that moves with the valve cap 206, and the magnetic field sensor 224 is the fixed component 232, e.g., secured to the valve frame 204. in comparison, in FIG. 4, the magnet 222 is again depicted as the moveable component 234 that moves with the valve cap 206, while the magnetic field sensor 224 is shown as the fixed component 232 that is instead secured to the boundary wall 212. However, in other embodiments, arrangements may be reversed, e.g., with the magnetic field sensor 224 moving with the valve cap 206 as the moveable component 234, and with the magnet 222 being the fixed component 232 secured to the valve frame 204 or boundary wall 212. Thus, either the magnet 222 or the magnetic field sensor 224 may serve as the fixed component 232 or moveable component 234 in these arrangements.

[0032] The magnetic field sensor 224, which may be a Hall effect sensor, reed sensor, or other magnetic field sensor 224, is configured to output a signal indicative of the valve cap 206 being in one of the open position 226 or the closed position 228 based on the relative position of the magnet 222 and the sensor 224. As particular examples, reed switches and hall effect sensors can both qualify as magnetic sensors, although operating differently. Generally, reed sensors (also sometimes termed reed switches) can involve mechanical switches that include two ferromagnetic contacts sealed in a glass envelope and arranged so that when exposed to a magnetic field, the contacts close, completing the circuit. As they do not require power to operate when in the open state, they can be an energy-efficient option. Hall effect sensors can involve solid-state devices that generate a voltage in response to a magnetic field. Although they may utilize an ongoing power supply to operate even when not actively sensing a magnetic field, they may allow provision of both digital and analog outputs, e.g,, allowing them to measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field or otherwise facilitate a range of readings, such as to facilitate detection of a percentage of closure or other position reading within a range.

[0033] In operation, moving the valve cap 206 can cause a corresponding change in the output of the magnetic field sensor 224. As an illustrative example with respect to FIGS. 2-3, when the valve cap 206 is closed as in FIG. 3, the magnet 222 attached to the valve cap 206 may be spaced apart from the magnetic field sensor 224 by a gap 225 of sufficient size to cause the magnet 222 to be outside the main detection zone of the magnetic field sensor 224, and the output of the magnetic field sensor 224 is accordingly in one particular state or at one particular level (e.g. open circuit for a reed switch or high voltage for a Hall effect sensor). When the valve cap 206 isopen as in FIG. 2, the gap 225 may be eliminated or reduced compared to the closed state of the valve such that the magnet 222 attached to the valve cap 206 is within the main detection zone of the magnetic field sensor 224, and the output of the magnetic field sensor 224 is accordingly in a different state or at a different level (e.g. closed circuit for a reed switch or low voltage for a Hall effect sensor).

[0034] Generally, the output signal from the magnetic field sensor 224 can be used by a controller 240 (e.g,, FIG. 10) to provide feedback to a user, automate or control further operations (e.g., locking, unlocking, or logging events), or communicate with external systems. Additional examples of alternative detection arrangements —including optical and conductive systems—are described below with reference to subsequent figures, but the general structure and function of the valve assembly 200 and its components may be implemented with any suitable position detection system 220 as described herein individually or in combination.

[0035] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various example arrangements for detecting the position of the valve cap 206 using optical detection systems as part of the positioning detection system 220. In these embodiments, the optical detection system 260 may include a light emitter 262 (such as an LED or laser diode), an optical sensor 264 (such as a photodetector or photoresistor), and, in some cases, a reflector 266 or a deflector 268 associated with the valve cap 206. The valve cap 206 and associated structure to facilitate open and closed states may be similar to other arrangements described herein. For example, the valve cap 206 can remain movable relative to the opening 208 of the boundary’ wall 212, and may be supported and constrained by a valve frame 204. As in other arrangements, the valve frame 204 may generally facilitate mechanical support and include one or more passages 227 to avoid preventing fluid flow to the opening 208 in at least the open state of the valve cap 206.

[0036] In the examples of FIG. 5, the valve assembly 200 is shown in cross-sectional side views with an optical detection system 260 configured in a reflective mode. The light emitter 262 and the optical sensor 264 may be mounted to a portion of the valve frame 204 above the valve cap 206, and a reflector 266 may be positioned on the valve cap 206. In the upper left view 500A of FIG. 5, tire valve cap 206 is in a first position (e.g., closed), and light emitted from the emitter 262 is reflected by the reflector 266 on the valve cap 206 and received by the optical sensor 264, resulting in an output signal indicative of this position. In the upper right view 500B of FIG. 5, the valve cap 206 has moved to a different position (e.g., open), and the geometry is such that the reflected light is not directed to the optical sensor 264, so the output signal is absent or changes state. In alternative arrangements (e.g., including those depicted in the lower left view 500C and lower right view in FIG. 5), the logic may be reversed, such that the optical sensor 264 isactivated only when the valve cap 206 is in the open position 226 (e.g., with components aligned so that light emitted by the emitter 262 and directed by the reflector 266 misses the optical sensor 264 when the valve cap 206 is closed as in lower left view 500C and aligned so that light emitted by the emitter 262 and directed by the reflector 266 is received by the optical sensor 264 when the valve cap 206 is open as in lower right view 500D). In all such arrangements, the valve frame 204 (e.g., with passages 227 similar to those in FIGS. 2-4) may support the detection system components while also permitting relevant airflow relative to the opening 208 in at least the open state of the valve cap 206.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates another arrangement, where the optical detection system 260 includes both the light emitter 262 and the optical sensor 264 mounted remotely from the valve cap 206 and the valve frame 204. The light emitter 262 and the optical sensor 264 may be mounted to a stationary structure, such as included in a control package 902 (such as described with reference to FIG. 9). In the depictions in FIG. 6, the valve cap 206 again includes a reflector 266. In the upper view 600A of FIG. 6, the valve cap 206 is in a position such that the reflector 266 is aligned to return light from the emitter 262 to the sensor 264, resulting in an output signal indicative of that position (e.g., open). In the lower view 600B of FIG. 6, the valve cap 206 is in a different position (e.g., closed), and tire reflector 266 is misaligned or out of alignment, preventing the sensor 264 from detecting the emitted light. This arrangement can provide a contactless, robust indication of valve cap position and can be implemented with various emitter / detector wavelengths and types of reflector 266. Moreover, although shown both included in the same stationary structure in FIG. 6, the light emitter 262 and the optical sensor 264 alternatively may be in different structures, and the reflector 266 may be arranged to direct reflected light at a suitable angle to accommodate relative positioning of the light emitter 262 and the optical sensor 264.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a further optical detection arrangement with some changes relative to FIG. 6. In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 7, the optical sensor 264 is mounted to the valve frame 204, and the light emitter 262 is mounted remotely, for example on a stationary control package or elsewhere. A deflector 268 may be positioned on the valve cap 206 such that, as the valve cap 206 moves, the deflector 268 passes between the emitter 262 and the sensor 264 to deflect or block the light path (e.g., when the valve cap 206 is open as in the upper view 700A) or moves out of the way to allow the sensor 264 to receive the emitted light (e.g,, when the valve cap 206 is closed as in the lower view 700B). Alternatively, the arrangement may be reversed, with the emitter 262 positioned on the valve frame 204 and the optical sensor 264 positioned remotely (e.g,, with the deflector 268 on the valve cap 206 still moving to block or unblock thelight path as described). The present disclosure is also not limited to mounting on the valve frame 204. For example, in some embodiments, the emitter 262 and / or the sensor 264 can be mounted on the boundary wall 212 of the sterilization container 210 or otherwise each remote from the valve cap 206 (e.g., with the valve cap 206 therebetween) such that the valve cap 206 or the deflector 268 on the valve cap 206 is positioned to obstruct the light path in one state (e.g., by interposing itself between the emitter 262 and sensor 264) and permit the light path in the other state (e.g., by being out of the path of the light to permit light passage over or under the valve cap 206). As opposite illustrative examples, components may be arranged so that light travels under the valve cap 206 with the valve cap 206 open and elevated and so that light is blocked by the valve cap 206 with the valve cap 206 closed and lowered, or the components may be arranged so that light travels over the valve cap 206 with the valve cap 206 closed and lowered and so that light is blocked by the valve cap 206 with the valve cap 206 open and elevated. As a further example, in some embodiments, the emitter 262 and / or the sensor 264 can be mounted on valve cap 206, e.g., such that one is on the valve cap 206 and the other on the control package 902 or otherwise remote from the valve cap 206 and positioned so that these components align for facilitating detection in one state (e.g., aligned when open or aligned when closed) and are out of alignment in another state (e.g., opposite state).

[0039] Overall, configurations with optical detection can be used to generate a binary signal indicating the open or closed state, or to detect intermediate positions depending on the arrangement of the optical elements. In any of these optical detection examples, the output from the optical sensor 264 can be processed by the controller 240 (e.g., FIG. 10) to provide user feedback, automate system functions, record valve cap position data, or communicate with external systems, as described above. The optical detection system 260 can be implemented alone or in combination with other detection systems, such as the magnetic or conductive arrangements described herein,

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates example arrangements for detecting the position of the valve cap 206 using a conductive detection system 270 as part of the positioning detection system 220. The conductive detection system 270 may include one or more electrical leads 272 and a conductive element 274, such as a bridge, contact, or pad, associated with the valve cap 206. The conductive element 274 may be movable with the valve cap 206, such as by being included in or on the valve cap 206 or an associated structure (such as the reflector 266 or deflector 268 respectively discussed with respect to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). The valve cap 206 remains movable relative to the opening 208 of the sterilization container 210 and may be supported and constrained by a valveframe 204, which may include passages 227 to permit airflow relative to the opening 208 as described for other embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 8 includes multiple views, in which upper views 800A, 800B, show different states of the valve assembly 200 and lower views 800C, 800D show detailed views of the upper views for ease of viewing included components. In the left views 800A, 800C of FIG. 8, the valve cap 206 is depicted in a closed position 228, with the conductive element 274 electrically coupling or bridging the electrical leads 272. In this configuration, the circuit between the leads 272 is completed, and this closed-circuit condition can be detected by a controller 240 (e.g., FIG.10) or other circuitry as being indicative of the closed state of the valve cap 206. In the right views 800B, 800D of FIG. 8, the valve cap 206 is in the open position 226, and the conductive element 274 is separated from the leads 272 by a gap 225, resulting in an open circuit condition. This open-circuit condition can be detected as being indicative of the open state of the valve cap 206. In other embodiments, the arrangement may be reversed — such that the closed-circuit condition corresponds to the open position 226, and the open-circuit condition corresponds to the closed position 228.

[0042] The electrical leads 272 may be mounted to or supported by the valve frame 204, the boundary wall 212 (such as the lid 216 or base 214), or other suitable support structures in the sterilization container 210. For example, while the electrical leads 272 in the depiction in FIG. 8 are shown mounted to or supported by the valve frame 204 to facilitate detecting the open position 226 with the closed-circuit condition, the electrical leads 272 may be mounted or supported by the boundary wall 212 (such as tire lid 216 or base 214) to facilitate detecting the closed position 228 with the closed-circuit condition. The conductive element 274 may be fixed to, integral with, or moveable with the valve cap 206, or in alternative arrangements, one lead 272 may be associated with the valve cap 206 and another with the valve frame 204 or boundary wall 212 so that electrical contact is made or broken as the valve cap 206 moves. The particular arrangement of leads 272. and conductive element 274 may be selected based on mechanical, electrical, and reliability considerations.

[0043] As with other detection modalities, the output of the conductive detection system 270 can be provided to the controller 240 (e.g., FIG, 10) to provide user feedback, automate or control further operations, record position data, or communicate with external systems. Tire conductive detection system 270 can be implemented alone or in combination with other detection systems, such as the magnetic or optical arrangements described herein, such as to provide redundancy or enhanced reliability in valve cap position detection.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a sterilization container 210. The sterilization container 210 is depicted including a lid 216 and a base 214. The lid 216 and base 214 may be coupled together to define an interior volume for receiving instruments, trays, or other items to be sterilized. The lid 216 and base 214 may be configured to be fully separable in use, e.g., where the container 210 may be opened by lifting off the lid 216 and moving the lid 216 away from the base 214. In some embodiments, the lid 216 may be hinged, slidable, or otherwise movably coupled with the base 214 to facilitate opening of the container 210. For example, the container 210 may be implemented in a form factor of a cabinet in which the lid 216 corresponds to a door that remains attached or coupled with the base 214 and that can hinge, pivot, translate, slide, or otherw ise move betw een states of providing access and blocking access into a volume defined within the base 214. The example depicted in FIG. 9 includes a generalized valve assembly 200 positioned in a boundary’ wall 212 of the lid 216; however, in alternative embodiments, the valve assembly 200 may instead be positioned in a boundary wall of the base 214 or at another suitable location on the container 210. The valve assembly 200 may include any of the components or arrangements for state detection described herein, including components for magnetic, optical, conductive, or other detection modalities, such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2-8.

[0045] Also shown in FIG. 9 is a control package 902, which may include electronics such as a controller 240 (e.g., FIG. 10), power supply, user interface, and / or other circuitry for receiving signals from the positioning detection system 220 and / or performing system control, user feedback, data logging, or communication functions. The control package 902 is depicted as including a housing mounted centrally to atop side of the lid 216 in this example, but in other embodiments the housing and / or other components may be mounted to other portions of the lid 216, the base 214, or elsewhere on the container 210, as suitable for a particular implementation. An indicator 230 is also shown atop the control package 902, although the indicator 230 may be at any suitable location on the container 210 or remote from the container 210.

[0046] Tire lid 216 and / or base 214 may further include handles, latches, gaskets, or other features for sealing and transporting the container 210, as described above or as known in the art. In some embodiments, multiple valve assemblies 200 and / or control packages 902 may be included in a single container 210, for redundancy, process control, or to support multiple compartments or access ports. Tire arrangement shown in FIG, 9 is illustrative without being limiting and is intended to illustrate the general concepts of component placement and interconnection such that specific shapes, sizes, and mounting details may vary’ according to the needs of a particular sterilization protocol or user environment.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of an example control module 1000 with a controller 240 for a sterilization container 210 and associated components according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted, the sterilization container 210 includes a valve apparatus 200, which may be implemented as any of the valve assemblies or arrangements discussed above. The valve apparatus 200 is shown as a simplified block nested within another block for the sterilization container 210, and may include, as described with reference to prior figures, a valve cap 206, valve frame 204, positioning detection system 220, and associated components such as magnet 222, magnetic field sensor 224, sensor 221, light emitter 262, optical sensor 264, reflector 266, deflector 268, electrical leads 272, conductive element 274, and / or other features. To avoid obscuring details within the figure, these further numbered features are not individually set forth in separate blocks, but may be present as part of or accompanying the valve apparatus 200 as described elsewhere herein.

[0048] The controller 240 may include a processor 1002, and a memory 1004. The processor 1002 and memory’ 1004 may be integrated into a single housing or may be distributed from one another. The processor 1002 can include one processor or multiple processors. Non-limiting examples of the processor 1002 include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, etc. The processor 1002 can execute instructions 1006 stored in the memory 1004 to perform one or more operations, such as monitoring the state of the positioning detection system 220, processing signals indicative of the position of the valve cap 206, activating, deactivating, or modifying an indicator 230, triggering, continuing, or halting a process or operation, recording data, facilitating communication with external systems, and / or performing other operations. In some examples, the instructions 1006 can include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language.

[0049] The memory 1004 can include one memory device or multiple memory devices. The memory’ 1004 can be volatile or non-volatile, in that the memory’ 1004 can retain stored information when powered off. At least a portion of the memory’ device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions or other program code for operating the system as described herein.

[0050] As further depicted in FIG. 10, the memory 1004 may store a monitoring program 1008 and a valve control program 1010, each of which may be implemented as instructions 1006 or other software modules. The monitoring program 1008 may be configured to monitor and interpret signals from the positioning detection system 220 (e.g., signals from magnetic, optical, and / or conductive sensors for valve cap 206 position) and / or signals from other sensors such astemperature, pressure, humidity, or other environmental or system sensors associated with tire sterilization container 210, The monitoring program 1008 may thus determine the current position of the valve cap 206 and / or track environmental or process conditions within the container, The valve control program 1010 may be configured to use the position and / or environmental information obtained by the monitoring program 1008 to control other system functions, such as activating or deactivating indicators 230, triggering, continuing, or halting processes or operations (e.g., initiating or completing a sterilization cycle, actuating a locking mechanism, closing the valve cap 206, etc.), or communicating status and data to a user interface or remote system. These programs may operate together or independently to implement the automated and responsive control features described throughout this disclosure, and may be further configured or updated to support additional control logic as needed for specific sterilization protocols or container configurations.

[0051] The block diagram of FIG. 10 is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The control module 1000 may include additional or alternative components, such as user interface elements, wireless or wired communication modules, power supply or battery management circuits, or other features as suitable for a particular implementation. The control module 1000 may receive inputs from any of the detection systems discussed above (magnetic, optical, conductive, or other), and may be configured to operate one or more indicators 230, actuators, locks, or other process control elements associated with the sterilization container 210 or valve apparatus 200.

[0052] The functionality described above may be achieved by use of electronics such as microcontrollers or hard logic. A microcontroller can be a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input / output peripherals.Microcontrollers can be designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications. Microcontrollers can be used in automatically controlled products and devices. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input / output devices, microcontrollers can make it economical to digitally control many devices and processes. Hard logic can include a combination of electrical components that are operatively connected and designed to perform one or more specific tasks. In contrast, a microcontroller can be programmed to perform different tasks by modifying the programming code and uploading the programming code to the microcontroller. Sterilization apparatuses described herein can use such electronics to perform related functionality described herein including, but not limited to, reading a continuous signal from a position detection system 220, determining the detected position of the valve cap 206,initiating a timer, actuating an actuator or indicator 230, or otherwise controlling the operation of the valve apparatus 200 or sterilization container 210.

[0053] Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary’ skill in the art will appreciate other ways and / or methods to implement the various embodiments. While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of example rather than limitation, and does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Indeed, the methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Tire accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of tire present disclosure.

[0054] Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “identifying” or the like refer to actions or processes of a computing device, such as one or more computers or a similar electronic computing device or devices, that manipulate or transform data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing platform.

[0055] The system or systems discussed herein are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration. A computing device can include any suitable arrangement of components that provide a result conditioned on one or more inputs. Suitable computing devices include multipurpose microprocessor-based computing systems accessing stored software that programs or configures the computing system from a general-purpose computing apparatus to a specialized computing apparatus implementing one or more embodiments of the present subject matter. Any suitable programming, scripting, or other type of language or combinations of languages may be used to implement the teachings contained herein in software to be used in programming or configuring a computing device.

[0056] Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be performed in the operation of such computing devices. The order of the blocks presented in the examples above can bevaried — for example, blocks can be re-ordered, combined, and / or broken into sub-blocks.Certain blocks or processes can be performed in parallel,

[0057] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example,[0058 Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood within the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z. or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain examples require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0059] Use herein of the word “or” is intended to cover inclusive and exclusive OR conditions. In other words, A or B or C includes any or all of the following alternative combinations as appropriate for a particular usage: A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B only; A and C only; B and C only; and all three of A and B and C.

[0060] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed examples (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, lire terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that w hen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list, lire use of “adapted to” or “configured to” herein is meant as open and inclusive language that does not foreclose devices adapted to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if itwere individually recited herein. Additionally, the use of “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more recited conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those recited. Similarly, the use of “based at least in part on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process, step, calculation, or other action “based at least in part on” one or more recited conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those recited. Headings, lists, and numbering included herein are for ease of explanation only and are not meant to be limiting.

[0061] The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed examples. Similarly, the example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed examples.

[0062] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to tire same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising:a valve cap movable relative to an opening of a sterilization container between a closed position obstructing fluid flow through the opening and an open position permitting fluid flow through the opening; anda positioning detection system comprising a magnet and a magnetic field sensor, the magnet and the magnetic field sensor being positioned such that one is a fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the other is a moveable component movable with the valve cap,wherein the magnetic field sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the valve cap being in one of the open position or the closed position based on relative position of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a hall effect sensor or a reed sensor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein:the signal output by the magnetic field sensor is present when the valve cap is in the open position, and an absence of the signal or tire signal being below a threshold is indicative of the valve cap being in the closed position;the signal output by the magnetic field sensor is present when the valve cap is in the closed position, and an absence of the signal or the signal being below a threshold is indicative of the valve cap being in the open position; orthe signal output by the magnetic field sensor changes as the valve cap moves between the open position and the closed position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnet is the fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the magnetic field sensor is the moveable component movable with the valve cap.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensor is the fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the magnet is the moveable component movable with the valve cap.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fixed component of the positioning detection system is mounted to or included in a boundary wall penetrated by the opening of the sterilization container.

7. The system of claim 6. wherein the boundary wall comprises a portion of a lid of the sterilization container.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the boundary wall comprises a portion of a base of the sterilization container.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a valve frame configured to be affixed to a boundary wall penetrated by the opening of the sterilization container and configured to retain the valve cap in alignment with the opening for movement between the open position and the closed position.

10. The system of claim 9. wherein the fixed component is mounted to or included in the valve frame.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the valve frame comprises an overlying portion extending over the valve cap and at least one support extending from the overlying portion to the boundary wall, wherein passages between subportions or otherwise through the at least one support or the overlying portion permit airflow relative to the opening.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: an optical or non-optical indicator configured to undergo activation, deactivation, or modification to provide feedback to a user of a system state including position of the valve cap in response to the signal output by the magnetic field sensor; ora controller configured to trigger, continue, or halt a process or operation based on the position of the valve cap indicated by the signal output by the magnetic field sensor.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning detection system is a magnetic detection system, and wherein the system further comprising a supplementary valve cap position detection system comprising at least one of:an optical detection system comprising a light emitter and an optical sensor configured such that detection of light by the optical sensor is indicative of the valve cap being in the open position or the closed position; ora conductive detection system comprising a plurality of electrical leads and a conductive element configured such that an electrical circuit is completed or interrupted based on the position of the valve cap.

14. A sterilization container lid assembly comprising:a lid configured to be coupled to a sterilization container base and having an opening for permitting fluid flow therethrough;a valve cap movable relative to the opening of the lid between a closed position obstructing fluid flow through the opening and an open position permitting fluid flow through the opening;a valve frame affixed to the lid and arranged to retain the valve cap in alignment with the opening for movement of the valve cap between the open position and the closed position, the valve frame comprising an overlying portion extending over the valve cap and at least one support extending from the overlying portion to the lid, wherein passages between subportions or otherwise through the at least one support or the overlying portion permit airflow relative to the opening;a positioning detection system comprising a magnet and a magnetic field sensor, the magnet and the magnetic field sensor being positioned such that one is a fixed component fixed relative to the opening by being secured to or included in the valve frame or the lid and the other is a moveable component movable with the valve cap, the magnetic field sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the valve cap being in one of the open position or the closed position based on relative position of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor; and a controller configured to receive the signal output by the magnetic field sensor and to trigger, continue, or halt a process or operation based on the position of the valve cap indicated by the signal.

15. A method of operating a sterilization container system, comprising: receiving, by a controller, a signal or change in signal output by a magnetic field sensor of a positioning detection system, the signal being indicative of a position of a valve cap movable relative to an opening of a sterilization container between a closed position obstructing fluid flow through the opening and an open position permitting fluid flow through the opening, wherein the positioning detection system comprises a magnet and the magnetic field sensor, the magnet and the magnetic field sensor being positioned such that one is a fixed component fixed relative to the opening and the other is a moveable component movable with the valve cap; andin response to the signal, performing by the controller at least one of: activating, deactivating, or modifying an optical or non-optical indicator to provide feedback to a user of a system state including the position of the valve cap; or triggering, continuing, or halting a process or operation based on the position of the valve cap indicated by the signal.

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