Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: A roller for a conveyor system is comprised of a body portion that is generally cylindrical and rotatable about a central axis. A first bearing surface is defined around the body portion. A second bearing surface is raised above the first bearing surface and is generally concentric to the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface being more resilient than the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a basket or rack through a chamber having a system for stopping a rack at a predetermined location along the conveyor. The system is comprised of a rocker device mounted relative to the chamber. The rocker device has a first normal position wherein the rocker device is movable from the first normal position when the rack engages the rocker device. The rocker device has an upper arm and a lower arm. The rocker device is rotatable about an axis disposed between the upper arm and the lower arm. A magnet is disposed on the lower arm of the rocker device. A sensing element is aligned with the magnet when the rocker device is in the first normal position. The sensing element is operable to provide a signal to a system controller. A stop is mounted relative to the chamber. The stop is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The stop has a tab dimensioned to engage the rack in the conveyor system when the stop is in the first position.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a basket or rack through a chamber having a system for stopping a rack at a predetermined location along the conveyor. The system is comprised of a rocker device mounted relative to the chamber. The rocker device has a first normal position wherein the rocker device is movable from the first normal position when the rack engages the rocker device. The rocker device has an upper arm and a lower arm. The rocker device is rotatable about an axis disposed between the upper arm and the lower arm. A magnet is disposed on the lower arm of the rocker device. A sensing element is aligned with the magnet when the rocker device is in the first normal position. The sensing element is operable to provide a signal to a system controller. A stop mounted relative to the chamber. The stop is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The stop has a tab dimensioned to engage the rack in the conveyor system when the stop is in the first position.

Abstract: A roller for a conveyor system is comprised of a body portion that is generally cylindrical and rotatable about a central axis. A first bearing surface is defined around the body portion A second bearing surface is raised above the first bearing surface and is generally concentric to the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface being more resilient than the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A system capable of cleaning and disinfecting a filter. A filter element is flushed with a disinfectant solution in a direction opposite to fluid filtration. A filter integrity test checks the integrity of the filter by pressurizing the filter.

Abstract: An automated endoscope reprocessor (10) includes a removable rack (12) for receiving a container (16, 16?). The container has a clamshell housing (20) having two mating portions (24, 26). The portions together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving an endoscope head (22). The endoscope's connector cord (82) is carried through an outlet (80) to the chamber. The outlet is defined by channels (88, 90), one in each of the two housing portions (24, 26). A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130) positioned in each channel, each fin having a U-shaped slot (144, 146, 148). Pairs of fins overlap such that the slots together define openings (150) of diminishing size.

Abstract: A system capable of cleaning and disinfecting a filter. A filter element is flushed with a disinfectant solution in a direction opposite to fluid filtration. A filter integrity test checks the integrity of the filter by pressurizing the filter.

Abstract: An automated endoscope reprocessor (10) includes a removable rack (12) for receiving a container (16, 16′). The container has a clamshell housing (20) having two mating portions (24, 26). The portions together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving an endoscope head (22). The endoscope's connector cord (82) is carried through an outlet (80) to the chamber. The outlet is defined by channels (88, 90), one in each of the two housing portions (24, 26). A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130) positioned in each channel, each fin having a U-shaped slot (144, 146, 148). Pairs of fins overlap such that the slots together define openings (150) of diminishing size.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.