Abstract:
A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.
Abstract:
A movable rack assembly for a washer having a generally rectangular frame. The frame includes a central hub connectable to a fluid source. A plurality of elongated tubular base members extends from the central hub and defines a bottom of the frame. A pair of spaced-apart elongated, tubular side members defines side portions of the frame and a space therebetween. Each of a plurality of spaced-apart transverse members has ends that are connected to one of the side members. The transverse members transverse the space defined between the side members. A rotary spray arm is attached to each of the transverse members. A plurality of corner spray nozzles on the frame directs fluid toward corners of the frame. The bottom members, the side members and the transverse members are fluidly connected with each other and fluidly connect the rotary spray arms and the corner spray nozzles with the central hub.
Abstract:
A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.
Abstract:
A system for injecting liquid hydrogen peroxide using a closed-loop flow control for controlling the injection rate of the liquid hydrogen peroxide. An injection rate is determined from measuring the rotational speed of a pump motor. If the determined injection rate varies from the desired injection rate, the speed of the pump motor is modified. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is used to control the pump motor speed.
Abstract:
A contaminant detecting system for determining the presence of a miscible or immiscible contaminant in a fluid. The fluid acts as a dielectric between the plates of a capacitive sensing element. The measured capacitance value varies in accordance with the composition of the fluid, to indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant in the fluid.
Abstract:
A lighting system (10) suited to use in an operating theater includes one or more lightheads, each having a housing (28) and a bezel (50) extending therefrom. A light source (38) is disposed within the housing. A handle (36) extends below the bezel and is rotatable relative thereto. A lighting control input means (60), associated with the bezel allows adjustment of the intensity of light emitted by the light source. A sterile cover (54) can be placed over both the handle and the bevel, allowing the input means to be manipulated by pressure on the cover with the thumb of the operator's hand, while simultaneously grasping the handle in the palm and fingers.
Abstract:
A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process. The solution exits the cartridge through a plurality of bores (80) at an upper end of the base.
Abstract:
A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.
Abstract:
An interface apparatus provides a sterile barrier between a sterile field and non-sterile portions of an associated surgical lighthead. The interface apparatus is a sterile disposable cover including a lower grippable portion, an intermediate cone-shaped portion, and an upper window area. The lower grippable portion is adapted to connect onto the handle portion of an associated surgical lighthead. An intermediate cone-shaped portion connects the lower grippable portion with an upper window area. The upper window area overlays control input means of the associated surgical lighthead such as, for example, light intensity controls. At least a portion of the upper window area is transparent to enable visualization of the control inputs beneath the sterile disposable cover. The interface apparatus is of a unitary or composite construction.
Abstract:
A lighting system (10) suited to use in an operating theater includes one or more lightheads (14, 16), and an ambient lighting system (28) comprising one or more light emitting components (60). The light emitting components are mounted within a canopy assembly (49) of the lighthead and arranged around a central support hub (33) to provide even illumination throughout the room. The canopy assembly includes a canopy and a canopy extension (70, 70null), which is removably mounted to the canopy, allowing the ambient lighting system to be retrofitted to an existing lighting system.