摘要:
A fluid delivery system (20) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports (150, 152, 154) for connecting with internal passages (187) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack (21), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber (12). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls (114, 116, 118) and on a door (18) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets (102, 104) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets (122) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) 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.
摘要:
The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period. Following the sterilization phase, there are one or more aeration steps to remove sterilant from the chamber.
摘要:
The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period. Following the sterilization phase, there are one or more aeration steps to remove sterilant from the chamber.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for metering a predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant into a vaporization system. A single vacuum source is used to fill an injector with the predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant and to also establish a vacuum in a chamber. The chamber is injected with the liquid decontaminant filling the injector. The liquid decontaminant is vaporized in the chamber to produce a vaporized decontaminant.
摘要:
Blockage in sterilizers due to the solidification of spilled liquid agar downstream from the sterilization chamber is prevented by heating the drain stream exiting the sterilization chamber so that the temperature of the liquid agar stays above 45.degree.-50.degree. C. prior to discharge from the sterilization plumbing system.An improved modular plumbing system for sterilizers is provided, where the piping and valving requirements for a discrete operation performed by the sterilizer are segregated in a single manifold.