Abstract: For cleaning endoscopes which have at least two channels with one inlet and one outlet that each open into a chamber of the endoscope, wherein the inlets are connectable to a source of cleaning fluid, the invention provides for an insertion element insertable into the chamber of the endoscope head, said insertion element features controllable seals that in the activated state rest against the wall of the chamber and thus form mutually separated annular spaces that communicate with each channel and connect one associated inlet in the sense of the flow with an associated outlet, whereas in the deactivated state they feature a distance between the insertion element and the wall. This ensures that each channel is individually cleaned, and that the cleaning can also be monitored. In order to clean the surface of the chamber covered by the activated seal, the seal is deactivated so that this location can then also be rinsed.

Abstract: The cleaning and disinfection machine for medical devices with narrow channels particularly endoscopes, has a pressure chamber (1) in which the objects to be cleaned are inserted. A circulating pump of the machine supplies the pressure chamber with pressurized cleaning fluid. Arranged inside the pressure chamber (1) is a pressure-increase unit (2) that consists of a two-stage piston-cylinder arrangement (3, 5, 8; 4, 6, 9). The two pistons (5, 6) have different diameters and thus different effective cross-sections. The inlet side of the larger piston is fed with pressurized cleaning fluid. The outlet side (9) contains cleaning fluid that is supplied to the channel to be cleaned. The second piston has a smaller diameter so that the pressure is greater on the outlet side (chamber 9). When the circulating pump is switched off, the pistons (5, 6) are forced back into a starting position by a spring (13).

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for medical equipment and instruments is provided. The apparatus includes at least one feed line constructed so as to be coupled for the supply of cleansing liquid and at least one outlet line for the discharge of spent cleansing liquid. A transportation and cleaning vessel is further provided which receives the articles to be cleaned and is adapted to be placed in and taken out of the apparatus. The vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being adapted to be connected to the feed line and the outlet being adapted for coupling to the discharge line. The inlets and outlets can be closed by non-return flaps on valves which are in closed position when inoperative and are opened by pressurized fluid.