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. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: An interface apparatus provides a sterile barrier between a sterile field and non-sterile portions of an associated surgical lighthead. The interface apparatus is a sterile disposable cover including a lower grippable portion, an intermediate cone-shaped portion, and an upper window area. The lower grippable portion is adapted to connect onto the handle portion of an associated surgical lighthead. An intermediate cone-shaped portion connects the lower grippable portion with an upper window area. The upper window area overlays control input means of the associated surgical lighthead such as, for example, light intensity controls. At least a portion of the upper window area is transparent to enable visualization of the control inputs beneath the sterile disposable cover. The interface apparatus is of a unitary or composite construction.

Abstract: An interface apparatus provides a sterile barrier between a sterile field and non-sterile portions of an associated surgical lighthead. The interface apparatus is a sterile disposable cover including a lower grippable portion, an intermediate cone-shaped portion, and an upper window area. The lower grippable portion is adapted to connect onto the handle portion of an associated surgical lighthead. An intermediate cone-shaped portion connects the lower grippable portion with an upper window area. The upper window area overlays control input means of the associated surgical lighthead such as, for example, light intensity controls. At least a portion of the upper window area is transparent to enable visualization of the control inputs beneath the sterile disposable cover. The interface apparatus is of a unitary or composite construction.

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 fluid delivery system (20) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports (150, 152, 154) for connecting with internal passages (187) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack (21), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber (12). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls (114, 116, 118) and on a door (18) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets (102, 104) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets (122) do not cancel each other out.

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: A sequential delivery assembly (30) sequentially releases three different treatment materials into a fluid flow path (24) to form a treatment fluid with a composition which varies throughout a cleaning and microbial decontamination cycle. A chamber (12) receives items to be cleaned and decontaminated. A pump (22) pumps the treatment fluid from the sequential delivery assembly along a fluid flow line (24) to nozzles (16, 18) disposed within the chamber. The nozzles spray the treatment fluid over the items to be cleaned and decontaminated. The delivery assembly includes a well (34) for receiving a three compartment cup (44). The cup contains a first compartment (70) which includes a cleaning material (76), such as a detergent. A second compartment (72) contains pre-treatment materials (78), such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors, which prepare the system for receiving a microbial decontaminant (80), such as a concentrated solution of peracetic acid, contained in the third compartment (74).

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. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A seamless plastic pressure vessel having a heat exchanger encased therein is disclosed. The pressure vessel is a unitary seamless wall and the wall surrounds a heat exchanger unit comprising a length of hollow tubing having ends retained in a mounting fitting. The pressure vessel may be formed by a rotational casting or blow molding technique.

Abstract: An insulated composite hot water heater is disclosed. The heater comprises an inner plastic pressure vessel for storing and heating water. The pressure vessel has an access opening provided with a removable closure plate. A heat exchanger unit is provided within said pressure vessel and retained therein by the closure plate. An outer housing surrounds the inner plastic pressure vessel and a thermal insulating material is interposed between the vessel and the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing for a reverse osmosis filter. The housing is preferably cylindrical and features a unique sealing assembly at each of its ends. The end assemblies enable the interior of the housing to be readily accessed and securely sealed. Each end assembly can be provided with one or more inlet and/or outlet ports.

Abstract: A plastic pressure vessel having an access fitting is disclosed. The pressure vessel has a liner defining a container with an access opening. The fitting comprises a body portion defined by a hollow cylindrical neck portion having an upper annular rim and a radially flaring flanged portion. The fitting further comprises a plastic covering portion surrounding the neck portion and covering and conforming to an upper surface of the flanged portion and conforming to the upper annular rim. The body portion is formed from a plastic material having a higher tensile modulous and higher deflection temperature than the plastic covering portion which forms a fusion bond with the liner.