公开(公告)号：US6408682B2

公开(公告)日：2002-06-25

申请号：US81386901

申请日：2001-03-21

Applicant: STERIS INC

Inventor： GRESZLER ALAN J

IPC: A61B1/00 ,  G01M3/26 ,  G01M3/28 ,  A61L2/00 ,  B08B7/04 ,  G01N27/00 ,  G01R31/12 ,  G05D7/00

CPC classification number: A61B1/00057 ,  G01M3/26 ,  G01M3/2838

Abstract: In automated reprocessing system (B), a leak detection system (10) evaluates the integrity of an endoscope (A), having an internal passage (66). The leak detection system includes an interior chamber (42) which is connected to the internal passage by quick connects (18, 20). A source of compressed air (22) pressurizes the chamber and internal passage to a suitable test pressure. A pressure sensor (50) and a temperature sensor (54) detect the pressure and temperature within the chamber and hence in the endoscope passage. Pressure and temperature measurements made over time are used to determine changes in the gas volume, indicative of whether leaks are present in the endoscope. If the endoscope is determined to be free of leaks, the endoscope is washed and microbially decontaminated in the reprocessing system. During the decontamination process, the pressure within the internal passage is maintained in a range at which ingress of fluid is avoided yet the endoscope is not subjected to a potentially damaging pressure.

Abstract translation: 在自动再处理系统（B）中，泄漏检测系统（10）评估具有内部通道（66）的内窥镜（A）的完整性。 泄漏检测系统包括通过快速连接（18,20）连接到内部通道的内部室（42）。 压缩空气源（22）将室和内部通道加压到合适的测试压力。 压力传感器（50）和温度传感器（54）检测室内的压力和温度，从而检测内窥镜通道中的压力和温度。 使用随时间推移的压力和温度测量来确定气体体积的变化，指示内窥镜中是否存在泄漏。 如果内窥镜被确定为没有泄漏，则内窥镜在再处理系统中被清洗和微生物净化。 在净化过程中，内部通道内的压力保持在避免流体进入的范围内，而内窥镜未受到潜在的破坏性压力。