Ecolab Inc.

Minntech Corporation

Patricia M Stanley

Bradley K Onstad

Thomas R Oakes

Lynne A Olson

Ward J Sly

John E Marxer

Kurt J Weimer

Mary Beth Henderson

Raymond Paul Oberleitner

Bruce D Martin

Gregory Worsnick

Jerome D Keller

Mary Beth B Henderson

A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used endoscope having at least one lumen is disclosed. The reprocessing system includes a reaction chamber into which individual chemical components of a sterilant are transferred by pneumatic force. The system includes a central processor which controls the asynchronous reprocessing and sterilization of at least two endoscopes. A novel sterilant is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of the sterilization device and the sterilant and methods of using the same.

Endoscope reprocessing and sterilization system

A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing tubular structures particularly, long, narrow tubular structures such as lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by reversing the flow of fluid in interconnected tubular structures. The device comprises a first and second valve in fluid communication with a first and second tubular structure. The valves selectively switch between a first and second position causing a first and second flow path within the tubular structures, at least a part of the second flow path opposite the first flow path.

Reverse flow sterilizing method

The present invention relates to a two-part or multi-part concentrate system for preparing an activated solution which can be diluted with water to a use-dilution solution having improved anti-corrosive properties at room temperature. The concentrate system contains a first component containing at least one oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide and a second component containing at least formic acid in a concentration of about 25 wt %. At least one corrosion inhibitor and at least one surfactant are also included in the concentrate system. When mixed and diluted, the resulting solution is excellent in its sterilization and anti-corrosive properties.

Multi-part anti-microbial concentrate system, activated solution, use-dilution solution, method of making same, and method of sterilizing with the use-dilution solution

A method for cleaning the lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by providing a flow and a reverse flow of fluids in interconnected lumens of the medical device.

Reverse flow cleaning method for medical devices

A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid, and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 peroxyacid. The combination of these acids produces a synergistic effect, providing a much more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these components separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as hydrotrope coupling agents, stabilizers, etc. An effective antimicrobial use solution is formed at low concentrations when the concentrate composition is diluted with water to a pH in the range of about 2 to 8. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, 'in-place' processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food processing operations is one utility of the composition.

Peroxyacid antimicrobial composition

Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a 'stone-washed', distressed or 'used and abused' look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, 'stone-washed' or 'acid washed look' are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqueous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.

Compositions and methods that introduce variations in color density into

Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a 'stone-washed', distressed or 'used and abused' look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, 'stone-washed' or 'acid washed look' are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqeuous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.

Growing community of inventors

Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Patricia M Stanley