Automated endoscope reprocessor
US6919057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated endoscope reprocessor (10) includes a removable rack (12) for receiving a container (16, 16′). The container has a clamshell housing (20) having two mating portions (24, 26). The portions together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving an endoscope head (22). The endoscope's connector cord (82) is carried through an outlet (80) to the chamber. The outlet is defined by channels (88, 90), one in each of the two housing portions (24, 26). A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130) positioned in each channel, each fin having a U-shaped slot (144, 146, 148). Pairs of fins overlap such that the slots together define openings (150) of diminishing size. Depending on the diameter of the cord, the cord is contacted by one or more of the fins adjacent the respective slot. A reprocessing liquid, such as peracetic acid in solution, is pumped into the chamber (56). The liquid leaks slowly through the slots, allowing an above ambient pressur…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.