Steris Inc.

Alan J Greszler

James C Hlebovy

Bill R Sanford

Jude A Kral

Daniel N Kelsch

Robert M Priest

Nancy A Robinson

Bernard John Moss

John C Houston

David E Minerovic

Joseph Tvergyak

Yury Keselman

Francis John Zelina

David Jesurun

Lewis I Schwartz

Kenneth J Klobusnik

Steven H Rus

James Allyn Petrucci

Terry A Drabinski

Eric W Krieger

James L Marsden

A surgical light system () includes a lighthead () coupled to a suspension arm (') adapted for mounting to a surface () of a surgical room. A bulb () is disposed in the lighthead. A processor () in the lighthead is operatively coupled with the bulb for controlling an intensity of light of the bulb and is adapted to generate a lighthead status signal representative of a first status of the lighthead. A control apparatus () is in operative communication with the processor () in the lighthead. The control apparatus receives the lighthead status signal and selects a set of control algorithms from among a group of algorithms based on the lighthead status signal for controlling the lighthead. The lighthead status signal includes information regarding a size of the lighthead, an intensity of light from the bulb, a condition of the bulb, a level of current applied to the bulb, a level of current applied to the bulb, a level of voltage applied to the bulb, an internal temperature of the lighthead, and the presence of one or more of a video camera, a surgical task light, and a controllable ambient light. A human-readable display device () is provided for displaying information relating to the lighthead status signal. Several levels of redundancy are provided in the control system to minimize the potential loss of control due to failures. In that regard, the lightheads are operable when the control apparatus () fails.

Surgical lighting control and video system

A fluid delivery system ( ) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles ( ) in a chamber ( ) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack ( ) which is agitated by an activation system ( ). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system ( ) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Device support activation system

Cooked food products, such as cooked meats, and poultry, are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as

Surface decontamination of cooked sausage and processed meat and poultry products

A fluid delivery system ( ) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles ( ) in a chamber ( ) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also delivers the fluids to connection ports ( ) which connect with internal passages ( ) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors ( ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( ) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( ) controls 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 ( ) 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.

Liquid cleaning and sterilization system

A fluid delivery system ( ) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles ( ) 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 ( ) for connecting with internal passages ( ) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack ( ), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber ( ). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls ( ) and on a door ( ) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets ( ) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets ( ) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors ( ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( ) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( ) controls 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.

Fluid spray system for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices supported on a rack

A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber ( ) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles ( ) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports ( ) connect with internal passages ( ) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors ( ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( ) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( ) 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 ( ) 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.

Liquid cleaning and sterilization method

In automated reprocessing system (B), a leak detection system ( ) evaluates the integrity of an endoscope (A), having an internal passage ( ). The leak detection system includes an interior chamber ( ) which is connected to the internal passage by quick connects ( ). A source of compressed air ( ) pressurizes the chamber and internal passage to a suitable test pressure. A pressure sensor ( ) and a temperature sensor ( ) detect the pressure and temperature within the chamber and hence in the endoscope passage. Pressure and temperature measurements made over time are used to determine changes in the gas volume, indicative of whether leaks are present in the endoscope. If the endoscope is determined to be free of leaks, the endoscope is washed and microbially decontaminated in the reprocessing system. During the decontamination process, the pressure within the internal passage is maintained in a range at which ingress of fluid is avoided yet the endoscope is not subjected to a potentially damaging pressure.

Leak detection method for endoscopes

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Elyria, OH, United States of America

Alan J Greszler