Steris Inc.

Nancy A Robinson

James C Hlebovy

Alan J Greszler

Jude A Kral

Daniel N Kelsch

Bernard John Moss

John C Houston

Bill R Sanford

David E Minerovic

Robert M Priest

Joseph Tvergyak

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

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 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

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Hudson, OH, United States of America

Nancy A Robinson