Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also delivers the fluids to connection ports (150, 152, 154) which connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, 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.

Abstract: A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, 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.

Abstract: An outer, first container portion (50) has a peripheral wall (52) which has an opening at a first end (56) and at a second end (60). A porous filter (58) covers the second end. An inner, second container portion (70) has a peripheral wall (72) with a region which is formed from a first material which is impermeable to the powdered reagents but is permeable to water and to solutions containing dissolved reagents. The first and second container portions are configured such that the second container portion peripheral wall abuts and is connected to the first end of the outer first container portion. The first and second container portions define a first powdered reagent receiving chamber in the first container portion for receiving a first reagent and a second powdered reagent receiving chamber in the second container portion for receiving a second reagent. The porous filter is impermeable to the first reagent but permeable to water and to solutions containing dissolved reagents.

Abstract: An outer, first cup portion having a peripheral wall which has an opening at a first end and at a second end. An inner, second cup portion having a region which is formed from a first material which is impermeable to the powdered reagents but is permeable to water and to solutions containing dissolved reagents, the first and second cup portions being configured such that the second cup portion peripheral wall abuts and is connected to the first end of the outer first cup portion, the first and second being configured such that a first powdered reagent receiving chamber is defined in the first cup portion for receiving a first reagent and a second powdered reagent receiving chamber is defined in the second cup portion for receiving a second reagent, a closure secured to and closing the second end of the outer first cup portion, the closure being impermeable to the first reagent.

Abstract: The body portion (A) of a small portable sterilizer has a face panel (46) against which a door (B) is selectively closed. The face panel defines an access opening for a sterilization chamber (10) which receives a cassette (C), an access opening for an anti-microbial concentrate chamber (20) which receives a powdered or other sterilant concentrate, and an outlet opening (50) from a microbe filter which filters microbes from incoming rinse water. The face plate and the door define fluid flow channels (48, 52) therebetween for selectively directing sterilant solutions and rinse solutions among the anti-microbial concentrate chamber, the sterilization chamber, and the microbial filter. The cassette is configured to assure that it is inserted into the sterilization chamber with a unique orientation such that its fluid inlet apertures (114) and outlet apertures (124) are at preselected locations.