Liquid cleaning and sterilization method
US6558620B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S422/905
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing. A door locking and latching mechanism (90) ensures that the door remains locked during the washing, decontamination, and rinse cycle to avoid accidental injury to an operator from strong chemicals used in the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.