Patents Assigned to Steris Inc.
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Patent number: 11656641Abstract: A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Philippe Gaudreau, Daniel Rochette, Luc Tremblay, Jaime Estevez
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Publication number: 20220305504Abstract: Rotational speed of a spray arm is regulated based on centrifugal force and a liquid jet to create a variable angle corner spray nozzle. The regulator includes a weight on a pivot and a fluid jet, the weight having a curved surface to produce a variable angle corner spray nozzle depending on the weight angle. Centrifugal force created during rotation pushes the weight outward, which increases as the spray arm rotation speed increases. The liquid jet is located out from a pivot point and tends to push the weight inward. The pushing force of the liquid jet is maximum when the weight is most inward and minimum when the weight is most outward. The regulator stabilizes the arm speed at a specific speed independent from center pivot friction and the spray arm nozzle's orientation tolerance. Speed stabilizes when centrifugal force on the weight is equal to the pushing force of the fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Alain Chouinard
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Patent number: 11396027Abstract: Rotational speed of a spray arm is regulated based on centrifugal force and a liquid jet to create a variable angle corner spray nozzle. The regulator includes a weight on a pivot and a fluid jet, the weight having a curved surface to produce a variable angle corner spray nozzle depending on the weight angle. Centrifugal force created during rotation pushes the weight outward, which increases as the spray arm rotation speed increases. The liquid jet is located out from a pivot point and tends to push the weight inward. The pushing force of the liquid jet is maximum when the weight is most inward and minimum when the weight is most outward. The regulator stabilizes the arm speed at a specific speed independent from center pivot friction and the spray arm nozzle's orientation tolerance. Speed stabilizes when centrifugal force on the weight is equal to the pushing force of the fluid jet.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: STERIS INC.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Alain Chouinard
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Publication number: 20210311508Abstract: A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Philippe Gaudreau, Daniel Rochette, Luc Tremblay, Jaime Estevez
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Patent number: 11068001Abstract: A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Philippe Gaudreau, Daniel Rochette, Luc Tremblay, Jaime Estevez
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Publication number: 20210162431Abstract: Rotational speed of a spray arm is regulated based on centrifugal force and a liquid jet to create a variable angle corner spray nozzle. The regulator includes a weight on a pivot and a fluid jet, the weight having a curved surface to produce a variable angle corner spray nozzle depending on the weight angle. Centrifugal force created during rotation pushes the weight outward, which increases as the spray arm rotation speed increases. The liquid jet is located out from a pivot point and tends to push the weight inward. The pushing force of the liquid jet is maximum when the weight is most inward and minimum when the weight is most outward. The regulator stabilizes the arm speed at a specific speed independent from center pivot friction and the spray arm nozzle's orientation tolerance. Speed stabilizes when centrifugal force on the weight is equal to the pushing force of the fluid jet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2019Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Maxime Robert, Alain CHOUINARD
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Patent number: 10975981Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal device for a transfer cart used for transporting wet articles is comprised of a tray disposed below articles to be transported on a transfer cart. The tray has a drain opening. A conduit extends from the drain opening to an exterior side of the transfer cart. A valve assembly is connected to the conduit for controlling fluid flow through the conduit. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve element moveable between a closed, first position restricting flow of fluid through the conduit and an opened, second position allowing flow of fluid through the conduit. An actuator is provided for moving the valve element from the closed position to the open position. The actuator is moveable by physical engagement with an external stop.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Phillipe Gaudreau, Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Jaime Estevez, Luc Tremblay
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Publication number: 20200337543Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Applicant: STERIS INC.Inventors: Alain CHOUINARD, Louis MARTINEAU, Nicolas VERREAULT, Maxime ROBERT
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Publication number: 20200326731Abstract: A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Applicant: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Philippe Gaudreau, Daniel Rochette, Luc Tremblay, Jaime Estevez
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Patent number: 10772491Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: STERIS INC.Inventors: Alain Chouinard, Louis Martineau, Nicolas Verreault, Maxime Robert
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Patent number: 10724954Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignees: STERIS Inc., INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE/NATIONAL OPTICS INSTITUTEInventors: Daniel Rochette, Pascal Gallant, Ozge Mermut, Francois Baribeau, Isabelle Noiseux, Isabelle Gosselin
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Patent number: 10705020Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil in lumens of lumened or cannulated devices such as surgical endoscopes, after undergoing a decontamination process (e.g., a washing or rinsing operation). A soil detection system provides an indication of the presence of residual soil within a lumen by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil on the interior of the lumen in response to excitation light.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignees: STERIS Inc., National Optics InstituteInventor: Francois Baribeau
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Publication number: 20200030059Abstract: A robot-based system for processing racks used for transportation of articles in connection with an inactivation procedure, such as sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination. Robots are used to move full and empty racks between a plurality of a locations within soiled and clean areas of a workspace, including, but not limited to, a loading station where soiled medical instruments are loaded on the racks, washer/disinfectors for processing the medical instruments, and an unloading station where clean medical instruments are unloaded from the racks for sorting into trays.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Hugo St-Jean, Daniel Rochette
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Publication number: 20190346060Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal device for a transfer cart used for transporting wet articles is comprised of a tray disposed below articles to be transported on a transfer cart. The tray has a drain opening. A conduit extends from the drain opening to an exterior side of the transfer cart. A valve assembly is connected to the conduit for controlling fluid flow through the conduit. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve element moveable between a closed, first position restricting flow of fluid through the conduit and an opened, second position allowing flow of fluid through the conduit. An actuator is provided for moving the valve element from the closed position to the open position. The actuator is moveable by physical engagement with an external stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Hugo St-Jean, Louis-Phillipe Gaudreau, Xavier Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Jaime Estevez, Luc Tremblay
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Patent number: 10470841Abstract: A robot-based system for processing racks used for transportation of articles in connection with an inactivation procedure, such as sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination. Robots are used to move full and empty racks between a plurality of a locations within soiled and clean areas of a workspace, including, but not limited to, a loading station where soiled medical instruments are loaded on the racks, washer/disinfectors for processing the medical instruments, and an unloading station where clean medical instruments are unloaded from the racks for sorting into trays.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Hugo St-Jean, Daniel Rochette
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Patent number: 10451552Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignees: STERIS Inc., INSTITUTE NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE/NATIONAL OPTICS INSTITUTEInventors: Daniel Rochette, Pascal Gallant, Ozge Mermut, Francois Baribeau, Isabelle Noiseux, Isabelle Gosselin
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System for transporting and transferring a movable rack assembly and transfer cart assembly therefor
Patent number: 10160469Abstract: A system is provided for transporting a movable rack assembly and transferring the movable rack assembly between a transfer cart assembly and a station. The system includes a rack support assembly, a rack locking assembly, a docking enabling assembly, and an anti-return mechanism. The rack support assembly is configured to securely and movably support the movable rack assembly thereon. The rack locking assembly is configured to lock the movable rack assembly to the rack support assembly. The docking enabling assembly is configured to enable temporary docking of the transfer cart assembly with the station for the transfer of the movable rack assembly to the station or the receipt of the movable rack assembly from the station. The anti-return mechanism is configured to actively inhibit removal of the movable rack assembly from the station when the transfer cart assembly is not secured to the station by a cart locking assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventor: Francis Grou -
Patent number: 10117443Abstract: A method for decontaminating articles having porous outer surfaces. The method includes providing a decontamination chamber; conveying the articles through the decontamination chamber at a predetermined speed wherein the speed is selected such that the articles are disposed in the decontamination chamber for a predetermined period of time; providing a source of sterliant vapor, the source providing the sterilant vapor at a temperature within a predetermined acceptable temperature range and at a concentration within a predetermined acceptable concentration range; conveying a sterilant vapor from the source of sterilant vapor to the decontamination chamber; and exposing the articles to the sterilant vapor. The predetermined period of time and the predetermined acceptable concentration range of the sterilant vapor are selected such that the sterilant vapor does not penetrate the porous outer surfaces of the articles.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Peter A. Burke
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Publication number: 20180280112Abstract: A robot-based system for processing racks used for transportation of articles in connection with an inactivation procedure, such as sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination. Robots are used to move full and empty racks between a plurality of a locations within soiled and clean areas of a workspace, including, but not limited to, a loading station where soiled medical instruments are loaded on the racks, washer/disinfectors for processing the medical instruments, and an unloading station where clean medical instruments are unloaded from the racks for sorting into trays.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: STERIS Inc.Inventors: Hugo St-Jean, Daniel Rochette
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Patent number: 10048203Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: STERIS Inc., INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE / NATIONAL OPTICS INSTITUTEInventors: Daniel Rochette, Pascal Gallant, Ozge Mermut, Francois Baribeau, Isabelle Noiseux, Isabelle Gosselin