Inventors:
Bill R. Sanford - Willoughby OH
Jude A. Kral - Twinsburg OH
Joseph Tvergyak - Chardon OH
Bernard J. Moss - Willowick OH
Robert M. Priest - Eastlake OH
James C. Hlebovy - Chardon OH
Daniel N. Kelsch - Fairview Park OH
Alan J. Greszler - Elyria OH
David E. Minerovic - Concord OH
John C. Houston - Erie PA
Nancy A. Robinson - Hudson OH
Assignee:
Steris Inc. - Temecula CA
International Classification:
A61L 200
US Classification:
422 28, 1341022, 134168 C, 134170, 422 33, 422292, 422300, 422905
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.