Abstract: An inflatable seal member for providing a fluid-tight seal. The inflatable seal member is particularly well suited to sealing a processing chamber having pressurized fluids therein. Outward forces (exerted by air pressure) to the inner surfaces of the seal member counteract inward forces (exerted by fluid pressure) to the outer surfaces of the seal member.

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: A guidance assembly (28) guides a door (22) to a cabinet (10) while it is moved between an open position, in which access to an interior chamber is provided through an opening (16) in the cabinet, and a closed position, in which the door covers the opening. The guidance assembly includes two pivotable support members (90, 92) which are pivotally connected to the door. The pivotable support members each include a roller (110, 112) which rolls along a horizontal rail (80) mounted to an exterior wall (18) of the cabinet, adjacent an upper end of the opening. A door positioning system (130), comprising upper and lower door positioners (132, 134, 136), maintains a space between the door the cabinet during opening and closing the door. This prevents damage to the door and the exterior wall of the cabinet and to a sealing member (70) disposed between the door and the cabinet.

Abstract: A closure assembly (20) for engaging a door (14) across the opening (16) of a chamber (12) includes first and second triangular plates (28) and (30) which are pivotally connected to opposite corners of a front face (32) of the door. The plates face each other at the longest sides of the triangles. The remaining sides of the triangles define engagement portions (72, 74, 76, 78). To restrain the door, the plates are pivoted (50, 52) until the engagement portions engage flanges (80, 82, 84, 86) situated around the perimeter of the opening. A seal (96) is then activated to seal the door around the opening. Preferably, a coupling member (33) is coupled to the plates to coordinate their pivoting. Cam slots (114, 116), defined in the coupling member, receive followers (118, 120) connected to the two plates. An operator rotates the coupling member, the followers are cammed or permitted to move by gravity as the plates are pivoted apart and together.

Abstract: A decontamination device (10) including a housing (12) and a chamber (16) for receiving articles to be decontaminated by at least one of washing, disinfecting and sterilizing. A control pad (20) for an operator to input control instructions for controlling decontamination cycles to which the articles are subjected. The control pad being disposed adjacent an exterior of the housing and being accessible to the operator through an opening (24) in the housing (12). A door (30) covering the opening (24) and being hingedly attached to the decontamination device by a mechanism (26) disposed entirely within the housing when the door is in a closed position. The mechanism (26) can be a leaf spring (36) having a first end connected with a pivot pin (42) to the door (30) and a second end secured to an internal region (40) of the housing (12).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening of a sterilizer or autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used in either motorized or non-motorized embodiments. The weight of the chamber door is offset by a counterweight and suspended using a cable and pulley system. In the non-motorized embodiment, the door/counterweight system is held in place by a securement, which, when disengaged, permits free motion of the door. In the motorized embodiment, a second cable and pulley system is used to connect the door and counterweight. The cable from this second system is looped around a sheave which is adapted to provide a predetermined frictional force. The sheave is then connected to and rotated by a motor, and upon activation of the motor, the rotating sheave displaces the cable, which respectively raises or lowers the door and counterweight.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening in a sterilizer or an autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door system wherein the door is slidably attached to the chamber by support brackets that are affixed to the end of the chamber. A first set of pulleys are attached to the lower corners of the door and a second set of pulleys, arranged perpendicular to and directly above the first pulleys, are attached to the chamber. A cable, having one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum that is attached to the chamber, is received on the first and second pulleys so that the door is suspended on two sides by the cable. The pulley and cable arrangement supports and controls the vertical movement of the door without interfering with the support brackets that are affixed to the chamber. The other end of the cable is attached to a weight for creating tension in the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the slack from motorized cables used to control doors on sterilizers and autoclaves without the need for electro-mechanical brakes or oversized gear motors. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door systems wherein a cable having the one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum and the other end thereof attached to a slack removing weight is used control the opening and closing of a door. The apparatus includes a stop plate that is rigidly fastened to the sterilizer or autoclave and a corresponding stop member that is rigidly attached to the cable. The stop plate, in conjunction with the stop member, serve to restrict the movement of the cable in only one direction thus keeping the portion of cable supporting the door taut. When additional cable is unwound from the take-up drum, the slack weight causes the cable to move in a direction away from the stop plate to keep the cable taut.

Abstract: A linkage for transmitting torque includes a stationary member, a movable member rotatably mounted to the stationary member, an input link having one end rotatably mounted to the stationary member and a second end connected to a linear actuator and a coupler link. The coupler link is connected to the second end of an output link, preferably integral to the movable member. The moment applied to the input link by the linear actuator is transferred through the coupler link to the output link, or movable member. The angle of rotation of the output link is greater than the angle of rotation of the input link.