Fluid spray system for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices supported on a rack
US6582654B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid delivery system (20) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports (150, 152, 154) for connecting with internal passages (187) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack (21), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber (12). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls (114, 116, 118) and on a door (18) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets (102, 104) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets (122) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.