Instrument reprocessor and instrument reprocessing methods
US8920574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8601
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument reprocessor for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a medical instrument is disclosed. To reprocess instruments having one or more channels defined therein, the reprocessor can include one or more flow control systems configured to control a fluid flow through each channel. In various embodiments, a flow control system can include a differential pressure sensor and a proportional valve for controlling the fluid flow in a channel. The reprocessor can also include, one, a fluid circulation pump configured to supply the flow control systems with fluid and, two, a system for controlling the pressure of the fluid supplied to the flow control systems. The reprocessor can also include a system for supplying a metered amount of fluid to the fluid circulation system. The system can include a reservoir having a fluid height sensor to monitor the amount of fluid therein and a pump configured to supply the reservoir with fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.