You’re using a public version of DrugPatentWatch with 5 free searches available | Register to unlock more free searches. CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Claims for Patent: 7,879,289


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Summary for Patent: 7,879,289
Title:Automated endoscope reprocessor self-disinfection connection
Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor having a water supply disinfection filter and a method for self-disinfection of the filter employ a pair of connectors to switch from a normal operating mode into a self-disinfection mode in which circulating germicidal fluid within the reprocessor flows through the filter, while the water supply remains connected to the system and isolated from the circulating fluid.
Inventor(s): Williams; Hal (San Clemente, CA)
Assignee: Ethicon, Inc. (Somerville, NJ)
Application Number:12/774,769
Patent Claims:1. A method of self disinfecting a water supply filter in an endoscope reprocessor comprising an enclosure for holding an endoscope, a sterile water supply system comprising a water supply line having the filter, the filter being adapted to filter out potentially contaminating microorganisms, a fluid distribution system associated with the enclosure which is adapted to direct a germicidal fluid into the enclosure; and a passage from the fluid distribution system to an air gap, the method comprising the steps of: a) disconnecting the water supply line from the filter; b) disconnecting the passage from the air gap; c) connecting the passage to the filter; d) connecting the water supply line to the air gap; and e) directing the germicidal fluid through the filter to disinfect the filter and lines downstream thereof leading to the air gap, while maintaining isolation of the water supply line from the fluid distribution system.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein steps a) and b) are performed simultaneously.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein steps c) and d) are performed simultaneously.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein there is a cleaning position in which the water supply line is connected to the air gap and the passage is connected to the filter and wherein the method comprises the step of detecting that the cleaning position has been established prior to performing step e).

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein there is a normal operating position in which the supply line is connected to the filter and the passage is connected to the air gap and wherein the method comprises the step of detecting that the normal operating position has been correctly established prior to performing an instrument processing cycle.

6. A method according to claim 1 and further comprising the step of identifying via a visual indicia that steps c) and d) have been performed prior to performing step e).

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the germicidal fluid comprises water having a temperature of 70.degree. C. or higher.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the germicidal fluid comprises water having a temperature of 80.degree. C. or higher.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the germicidal fluid comprises a chemical germicide.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the chemical germicide comprises ortho-phthalaldehyde.

11. A method according to claim 1 wherein steps a), b), c) and d) are performed automatically.

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.