Abstract: The present disclosure relates to port connectors for sterilizing the exposed surfaces of a fluid port of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus. The port connector can include a housing that couples to the fluid port. The housing may define an inlet that fluidly couples to the fluid port, an outlet that fluidly couples to the sterilization apparatus, and a fluid passageway fluidly coupling the inlet and outlet. The port connector can include a porous member supported by the housing. The porous member has a porous structure defining a plurality of minute passageways. The porous member is arranged relative to the housing to engage the fluid port when the port connector is connected to the fluid port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An insertable port connector for connecting to a fluid port of a device to a sterilization apparatus. The port connector includes a connector body and a porous member. The connector body has an insertion portion, a connection portion, and a porous member brace. The insertion portion is insertable into a lumen of the fluid port and has an inlet. The connection portion connects to the sterilization apparatus. The connection portion has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the sterilization apparatus. The porous member is supported by the insertion portion. The porous member has a porous structure forming a plurality of minute passageways. The porous member is arranged to be inserted into the lumen with the insertion portion. The porous member is biased outward by the porous member brace so that the porous member engages an interior of the fluid port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A sterilization system and associated components and methods for sterilizing an article. The sterilization system includes a container for use with a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the article. The container includes an exterior fluid connector port facing an environment surrounding the container that is fluidly connectable to a first fluid connector of the sterilization apparatus. An interior fluid aperture face is fluidly coupled to the exterior fluid connector port and fluidly connects to the article. A valve is fluidly disposed between the exterior fluid connector port and the interior fluid aperture. The valve is arranged to be engaged by the sterilization apparatus to move a valve member to an open position to permit fluid flow between the first fluid connector and the article when the sterilization container is used with the sterilization apparatus and when the article is fluidly connected to the interior fluid aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to port connectors for sterilizing the exposed surfaces of a fluid port of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus. The port connector can include a housing that couples to the fluid port. The housing may define an inlet that fluidly couples to the fluid port, an outlet that fluidly couples to the sterilization apparatus, and a fluid passageway fluidly coupling the inlet and outlet. The port connector can include a porous member supported by the housing. The porous member has a porous structure defining a plurality of minute passageways. The porous member is arranged relative to the housing to engage the fluid port when the port connector is connected to the fluid port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A method for attaching a test fixture to a surgical instrument comprising removing a valve member from a valve chamber of a surgical instrument and removing another valve member from another valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting a valve member analogue extending from a frame of a test figure into the valve chamber, wherein the valve member analogue comprises a first seal and a second seal, and wherein the first and second seals are configured to seal at least a portion of the valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting another valve member analogue extending from the frame, wherein the valve member analogue and the another valve member analogue define a longitudinal axis extending substantially therebetween. The method further comprises securing the test fixture to the surgical instrument by moving the housing substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis into a locked position.

Abstract: Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a fluid port in a medical device such as an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a fluid conduit that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a fluid port in a medical device such as an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a fluid conduit that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.

Abstract: A method for attaching a test fixture to a surgical instrument comprising removing a valve member from a valve chamber of a surgical instrument and removing another valve member from another valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting a valve member analogue extending from a frame of a test figure into the valve chamber, wherein the valve member analogue comprises a first seal and a second seal, and wherein the first and second seals are configured to seal at least a portion of the valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting another valve member analogue extending from the frame, wherein the valve member analogue and the another valve member analogue define a longitudinal axis extending substantially therebetween. The method further comprises securing the test fixture to the surgical instrument by moving the housing substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis into a locked position.

Abstract: Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a fluid port in a medical device such as an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a fluid conduit that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.

Abstract: A decontamination system including a test fixture configured to engage an endoscope in order to retain the test fixture thereto, wherein the endoscope can comprise a valve chamber and a valve removable from the valve chamber such that the test fixture can be inserted therein. The test fixture can comprise, first, a frame having a first gripping portion and a valve member analog extending from the frame, and, second, a housing having a second gripping portion movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the second gripping portion is configured to be moved toward the first gripping portion to position the housing in its unlocked position. The second gripping portion can be configured to be moved away from the first gripping portion to position the housing in its locked position such that the housing can engage a locking feature on the endoscope.

Abstract: Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a plurality of fluid ports or channels in a medical device such as, an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a plurality of fluid conduits that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.