The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 06, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 07, 2000
Bill R. Sanford, Willoughby, OH (US);
Jude A. Kral, Twinsburg, OH (US);
Joseph Tvergyak, Chardon, OH (US);
Bernard J. Moss, Willowick, OH (US);
Robert M. Priest, Eastlake, OH (US);
James C. Hlebovy, Chardon, OH (US);
Daniel N. Kelsch, Fairview Park, OH (US);
Alan J. Greszler, Elyria, OH (US);
David E. Minerovic, Concord, OH (US);
John C. Houston, Erie, PA (US);
Nancy A. Robinson, Hudson, OH (US);
Steris Inc., Temecula, CA (US);
Abstract
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.