Apparatus for blocking the movement of a chamber door

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for preventing the opening of a chamber door of a sterilizer or an autoclave. The apparatus is used on sterilizer and autoclave door systems wherein the door is slidably attached to the chamber. However, the present invention may also be used to control other doors. The apparatus includes a cylinder and piston in fluid communication with the chamber which is actuated when the pressure within the chamber is above a threshold level. A cam, pivotally attached to the side guide bar of the sterilizer, cooperates with the piston to prevent movement of the cam with the piston in the extended position but to allow movement when the piston is retracted. A pin, mounted to the door, cooperates wiht the cam such that the pin must slide along the lobe surface of the cam in order for the door to open. When the piston is in the extended position, the cam cannot move and the pin is received in a recess in the cam surface. The cylinder and piston are mounted to accept a lateral force on the piston without damage to the piston or cylinder. An adjustable stop screw, mounted perpendicular to the piston, prevents movement of the piston beyond acceptable limits. The cylinder is mounted to a housing by bolts which have between the bolt head and the housing resilient washers which allow the cylinder to pivot slightly so that the piston is not damaged by the impact of the cam.