Abstract: A connecting device of a cleaning or care apparatus or a cleaning cassette comprises a blocking device which is movable between a first position and a second position and prevents loosening or displacement of an instrument that is to be cleaned during a cleaning or care operation because of the pressure exerted by the cleaning or care media. In some embodiments, a direct or indirect operative connection between the blocking device and a component of the cleaning or care apparatus or between the blocking device and at least a part of the cassette is provided, which transmits to the blocking device the force required to move the blocking device from the first position into the second position. In other embodiments, the blocking device is moved from the first position into the second position by the action of the media in the line, e.g., either by direct contact with the media or indirectly through contact with another intermediate element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a medical instrument, in particular a handpiece, with the method involving the following steps: pre-rinsing the instrument with a pre-rinsing liquid whose temperature is below the coagulation temperature of protein; rinsing the instrument with a liquid mixture that comprises water and an enzymatic cleaning agent, wherein the liquid mixture comprises a temperature of 40° C. to 70° C.; disinfecting the instrument with a liquid mixture that comprises water and an oxidant, wherein the liquid mixture has a minimum temperature of 50° C. The invention further relates to a device for implementing such a method.

Abstract: A connecting device of a cleaning or care apparatus or a cleaning cassette comprises a blocking device which is movable between a first position and a second position and prevents loosening or displacement of an instrument that is to be cleaned during a cleaning or care operation because of the pressure exerted by the cleaning or care media. In some embodiments, a direct or indirect operative connection between the blocking device and a component of the cleaning or care apparatus or between the blocking device and at least a part of the cassette is provided, which transmits to the blocking device the force required to move the blocking device from the first position into the second position. In other embodiments, the blocking device is moved from the first position into the second position by the action of the media in the line, e.g., either by direct contact with the media or indirectly through contact with another intermediate element.

Abstract: A care or cleaning device for a medical instrument and a process for determining whether an instrument is connected to one or more coupling devices of the care or cleaning device. Compressed air supplied to each coupling device through a compressed air line causes a backpressure and an increase in the air pressure applied in the compressed air line. If no instrument is connected to a coupling device, then the compressed air can escape through the comparatively large opening in the coupling device and without any great resistance, so there is no increase in the air pressure in the compressed air line. When an instrument is connected, a sensor element senses the air pressure applied in the compressed air line and sends an input signal to a control device. By analyzing the received input signal, the control device detects whether or not the coupling device is occupied by an instrument. In the same way, this process can also be used to differentiate different types of instruments.