Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for cleaning milking cups. Known devices of this type have a cleaning element which is adapted to be attached to a milking cup and which is adapted to be used for rinsing the milking-cup interior and for spraying rinsing liquid onto the end face of the milking cup so as to clean the outer surface thereof. The present invention provides an improved cleaning device comprising a cleaning element which is adapted to be attached to the milking cup such that a flow chamber is formed for producing a rinsing flow along an outer surface area of the milking cup which is to be cleaned. By means of this solution according to the present invention, an improved cleaning effect is achieved and the rinsing agent conducted through the flow chamber can then be used for cleaning the interior of the milking cup.

Abstract: A system for cleaning both the box and pin ends of tubular members, recovery of the fluid residue, filtering of the residue to recover the heavy solids, and disposing of each of the components of the residue in an environmentally safe manner. A first housing positionable over the end of a tubular member; a first bladder expandable from the housing to seal around the outer wall of the tubular member; a plurality of jets positioned adjacent the threads of the tubular member, so that as the jets are rotated around the threads, a high pressure fluid spray cleans the threads of the member; a second bladder expandable from the end of the jetting means for sealing the inner bore of the member beyond the threads, so that all fluid jetted into the housing from the jetting nozzles is captured within the housing and flows from the housing, and no fluid flows beyond the threaded pipe end either along the inner or outer walls of the tubular member.

Abstract: An evaporator system including a plurality of effects arranged in series for progressively concentrating a liquid, the effects each including: a header chamber for receiving liquid to be concentrated; a multiplicity of tubes adapted to provide evaporation of liquid from the inner surfaces of the tubes and a perforated distributor plate located in the header chamber to distribute liquid to the openings of the tubes; and wherein the evaporator system is provided with a branched wash liquid feed line for providing parallel feeding of wash liquid to the header chambers of the effects onto the distributor plates therein. Each distributor plate comprises an essentially planar plate member having a multiplicity of distributor holes therein for distributing liquid to be evaporated to the multiplicity of tubes therebelow and a series of overflow conduits for providing a flow of wash liquid through the plate to the tubes.

Abstract: A portion of the endoscope that has been withdrawn from the human body is inserted into the tubular body of the device and pressurized water, a liquid detergent, a liquid disinfectant and air are sequentially forced through a water injecting pipe, an inlet pipe and injection pipes that communicate with the tubular body, whereby not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the inner ducts through it are cleaned, disinfected and dried in a convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting brine shrimp from an aquatic environment includes a separator having a containment vessel having a perforated sidewall and a drive assembly for agitating the containment vessel, preferably in a rotational motion about a horizontal axis. A first liquid spray assembly positioned outside of the containment vessel is disposed to direct a spray of liquid over a portion of the exterior of the containment vessel to dislodge shrimp which may be lodged in the perforations of the containment vessel. A second liquid spray assembly, positioned within the hollow interior of the containment vessel, is positioned to drive shrimp eggs contained in the vessel outward through the perforations of the vessel sidewall.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a liquid sample probe in which the probe is positioned within a washing chamber inside a wash body and a purging liquid solution is pumped through the probe into the chamber. A cleaning liquid solution may also be pumped into the chamber around the probe. Either or both liquids are subsequently vacuumed from the chamber drawing air through an annular gap between the probe and the wash body thereby creating a cleaning air flow between the exterior probe surface and the wash body. The cleaning air flow removes all cleaning liquid solution and/or purging liquid solution as the probe is removed from the wash body.

Abstract: A wash station for washing probes which are used with robotic systems. In particular, the wash station is used with robotic systems to provide simultaneous cleaning of both the interior and the exterior of multiple probes employed by the system. The wash station consists of a base, multiple chambers and multiple cylinders. The robotic probe to be cleaned is inserted within one of the cylinders where it is immersed in wash liquid to wash the exterior walls. The cylinders are separated by chambers. The wash liquid is removed from the wash station via a drain located in the base. In a preferred embodiment, independent access for each probe into the wash station is provided. In addition, the wash station provides a large capacity for fluid handling and is constructed such that the station is water tight. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wash station is constructed from chemically compatible materials which will not be affected by exposure to the materials needed for general chemical synthesis.

Abstract: A device for washing the teat cups in a milking head, comprising an axially displaceable milking-head holder and a fitting therefor having rinsing nipples over which teat cups fit, wherein the milking-head holder has an axis which is eccentric to an axis of the fitting, and wherein the milking-head holder has an alignment rod mounted for sliding movement back and forth axially in a guide sleeve and whereas the device operates in a specific position wherein the axes of the milking-head holder and the milking-head fitting deviate from the vertical.

Abstract: A new and improved cleaning and storage system for a body cavity aspirator instrument includes a holder having a narrow mouth configuration for receiving an aspirator instrument therein for temporary storage purposes between periods of non-use. An inlet disposed in a base portion and spaced apart from a distal end of the holder permits the admittance of a cleaning agent in a sufficient volume into the base portion of the holder to clean the instrument according to the novel method of cleaning. A wiper cap disposed over the mouth of the holder, helps wipe the instrument of residual fluids when being inserted and removed from the holder. A mounting arrangement permits the holder to be supported from any convenient surface in close proximity to a patient/user.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. A flexible membrane is positioned to affect each chamber. By deforming the flexible membrane, inward and outward, a flow between the chambers is created. This flow must pass through the hollow item. Mechanical pressure from the flow cleanses the interior of the tubular item and if a sterilant is used as the medium, then the interior portion of the hollow item is also sterilized.

Abstract: A plurality of spray arms (26, 28) are rotatably supported in a washing chamber (14) for spraying a washing and rinsing fluid. An instrument basket (32) is positioned within the washing chamber for retaining instruments or equipment (44) to be washed. An instrument holder (38) associated with the instrument basket loosely holds an instrument (44). The instrument holder includes a tube body (74) having a cavity (80) for receiving an end portion of the instrument (44) and a flange (86) positioned on an external surface of the tube body (74). A retainer cap (76) has an outer wall (116) biased resiliently outwardly over the flange (86) and resilient end wall (118) covering an open end portion of the cavity (80). The end wall has a central aperture (120) which resiliently yields to the end portion of the instrument (44) when inserted in the cavity (80) and which loosely retains the end portion of the instrument in the cavity (80) during a washing and rinsing operation.

Abstract: A carousel receives a plurality of removable reagent containers, a turntable receives a plurality of sample fluid containers and a rotatable cuvette assembly holds an annular array of reaction and test cuvettes. A robotic arm carrying a fluid transfer needle coupled to a pair of syringes picks up one or more reagents and sample fluid for deposit into a cuvette. As the arm moves the needle tip exterior is washed and contaminants sent to a waste collector. At the end of a test cycle, the needle core is flushed and cleaned. A colorimetry photometric test is performed on the reacted fluids in each cuvette by a system employing ten interference filters, corresponding diode detectors and amplifiers employing two identical multiplexers providing identical filtered signals for logarithmic calculation of absorbance.

Abstract: An improved apparatus which can be used for cleaning and/or sterilizing tubular items. A container is partitioned into two chambers with the item to be cleaned and/or sterilized is positioned to extend through the partition such that one opening lies in one chamber and another opening lies in the other chamber. Pressure is applied to one chamber forcing the liquid to surge into the second chamber. The surging affect is facilitated through the use of either a flexible membrane in the second chamber, or the use of dual pistons which are one hundred eighty degrees out of synchronization such that one chamber is being pressurized while the second chamber is be de-pressurized.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking and preserving several paint roller covers in wet suspension in a receptacle comprising a rack on which several easily removable paint roller covers are positioned in spaced relationship. The apparatus provides economical cost saving use of paint rollers, convenience, time saving and ecological advantages whereby no washing or rinsing is necessary, from a faucet or hose, for instance, thereby conserving water. The resulting apparatus allows a person the capability of extending the useful life of a paint roller covers by preserving used paint roller covers and rejuvenating them for further use.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning long tubular instruments including an ultrasonically agitated sump containing cleaning solution into which the instrument to be cleaned is placed. A pump and filter arrangement is connected to an end of the instrument to impose a pulsating partial vacuum thereon and draw cleaning fluid through the full length of the instrument. The filtered cleaning solution is then returned to the sump.

Abstract: A sample probe wash chamber for cleaning the exterior of a sample probe. The probe wash chamber includes an interior threaded passageway between a wash fluid inlet and outlet. The inlet tangentially opens into an annular chamber formed adjacent one end of the threaded passageway. The outlet opens into a second annular chamber formed adjacent the other end of the threaded passageway and has a vacuum applied to it. The outlet can open perpendicularly into the second annular chamber to remove any moisture from the end of the sample probe positioned at the outlet opening. The probe wash chamber and the sample probe are movable with respect to one another and preferably the probe wash chamber is movable over the sample probe for multiple sample aspiration and cleaning operations.

Abstract: A washing apparatus includes a pipet-outer-wall washing member embedding a through-hole in which a pipet is loosely inserted, a supply path for supplying washing solution to the through-hole, and a discharge path for discharging waste liquid from the through-hole. It further includes a pipet-interior washing device which connects to the pipet. A washing solution storage chamber is connected to the supply path in the pipet-outer-wall washing member and to the pipet-interior washing device and a suction device is connected to the discharge path of the washing member. The sucking device is used for sucking-up waste liquid which exits the through-hole at a side wall thereof. A waste liquid storage chamber is connected to the discharge path. Finally, a drive device causes at least one of the washing member and the pipet to move relative to the other to vary the relative position of the washing member versus the pipet to thereby allow for washing of the entire pipet.

Abstract: A container washing apparatus for washing containers such as beverage cans. An elongated liquid supply pipe includes a plurality of angled fittings connected along opposite sides of the pipe. Each fitting includes quick connect and disconnect structure on its outer end for mating with like structure of a fan spray nozzle. The fan spray nozzles may be turned onto the ends of the angled fittings in a quick twisting bayonet motion to align each of the elongated fan spray patterns parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the container washing apparatus is used in a washing system including a liquid permeable conveyor for moving a plurality of containers, such as beverage cans, past a plurality of elongated spray pipes of the invention which are mounted adjacent upper and lower sides of the conveyor in a perpendicular orientation relative to the movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization process particularly well suited for sterilizing instruments and other devices having long narrow lumens. Apparatus in which the process can be practiced is also provided. The process uses a multicomponent sterilant vapor wherein one component is water. The lumened instruments are fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold of the sterilizer. A deep vacuum is drawn in the sterilization chamber followed by the injection of pulses of the sterilant vapor until a higher, but still subatmospheric pressure level is reached. When the pressure level reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, a flow-through sterilization phase begins. It includes successive alternating periods of sterilant flow and the discontinuance of such flow. During sterilant flow periods, there are sterilant injection pulses where the sterilant flows through the chamber and the lumened instruments to exhaust. Each such flow period is followed by a hold period.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument with a channel-like cavity is cleaned by drawing a cleaning liquid through the cavity by vacuum suction. The instrument is placed into a holder in a container where one end of the instrument is dipped into a cleaning liquid held in the container. The other end of the instrument is connected to a suction line. A flushing action in the interior of the cavity is created which removes impurities residing there. A device is also proposed which can clean one or several instruments at the same time, and can be folded to a more compact position when not in use.

Abstract: A tube or pipe cleaning apparatus in which a rotatable conveyor drum is mounted within a container. The drum periphery is formed with pipe-receiving pockets, where a high pressure solution is simultaneously sprayed over, and within the pipes, to clean them.

Abstract: A method for cleaning medical instruments, particularly dental articles and dental instruments, with a cleaning fluid applied in a pulsating fashion comprises a step of gas being supplied to the cleaning fluid under high pressure in a pulsating fashion in pulse pauses of the fluid. The apparatus comprises a cassette into which the articles are placed and the cassette is inserted into a chamber of the apparatus which is closable pressure-tight. The cassette can contain adapters for holding the articles and the apparatus includes means for supplying both pulsating cleaning fluid as well as the pulses of gas or air.

Abstract: In a bottle filling machine having a toroidal liquid tank and several filling units arranged circularly about the tank, each filling unit has a support which can be moved radially by means of an actuator. Each movable support supports a liquid flow inverter cup which can be connected to the filling unit for closing the opening of the gas return tube of the unit when cleansing solution is circulated through gas and liquid passageways of the machine. The converter cup, during a normal filling operation, is parked behind a circular barrier wall which is mounted radially inwardly from the filling units for surrounding the inverter cups and their movable support members during normal bottle filling operations. There is a doorway hole in the barrier wall aligned with each movable inverter cup support and a door is mounted to the movable support so that it keeps the doorway closed during regular bottle filling operations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument cleaner includes a containment chamber with an intake opening on a front thereof and an exhaust vent on a rear thereof. A manifold is positioned in the intake opening, and connected to a steam source. Nozzles arranged around the manifold emit converging steam jets at a single point positioned away from a plane defined by the nozzles. The steam jets are directed rearwardly into the containment chamber, so that they create a front-to-rear airflow between the intake and the exhaust vent. An instrument is positionable at the jet convergence point for cleaning. The airflow carries steam and airborne debris blasted from the instrument safely away from the user.

Abstract: This single portable single-cup washer comprises a container having a locking cover. A water driven elongated member has a plurality of water-spray nozzles there along and at its base radial blades defining radial water-spray nozzles, and water passages for the water-spray nozzles. The elongated member is rotatably mounted at its base, inside the container and has a water inlet joining the water passage for revolving that member. The container has at the bottom a water-outlet. A cup holder is mounted onto the container above and adjacent the radial blades, for receiving a cup upside down and a spring fasten to the locking cover to urge against the bottom of the cup and thereby the top of the cup is pressing against the cup holder and thereby frictionally holding the cup and counteracting the water against the cup.

Abstract: A plurality of engine-run components are fixtured on a cleaning fluid manifold disposed in a cleaning chamber with the internal passage of each component communicated to a respective fluid spray nozzle on the cleaning fluid manifold, a heated caustic cleaning fluid is pumped to the manifold for flow through the nozzle and then the internal passage of each component for a time to remove the deposits, and the heated cleaning fluid is discharged from each component into the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning baby bottles inside and out comprising a base in a generally rectangular configuration having a floor, a drain thereabove and offset from parallel therewith for water run off and parallel side walls therebetween; a centrally-located cylindrical manifold extending upwardly through the drain to a location thereabove; a plurality of baby bottle holders rotatably mounted for rotation above the drain, the bottle holders being annular in configuration with an upstanding cylindrical side wall and internal threads for receiving the upper extent of inverted baby bottles to be washed, the holders having apertures in the lower extents of their walls for the draining of water therefrom; a peripheral tube extending upwardly for rotation and with apertures therein for spraying the insides of bottles; and a drive gear beneath the drain, the drive gear including a central gear for acting through a motion imparting assembly for rotating the manifold and a plurality of upper peripheral g

Abstract: In a process for cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or maintaining medical or dental instruments, in a washing container filled with liquid, particularly water, the at least one tool holder being washed internally and externally and additionally having ultrasound applied thereto, in the case of a hollow or sleeve-shaped instrument, particularly tool holder, the cavity of the instrument, in particular the cavity or cavities of the tool holder accommodating the mechanical drive elements, is drained and ultrasound is then applied to the tool holder.

Abstract: Endoscope washer and washing method for providing an endoscope washer which self-disinfects the washing basin and the fluid tubes automatically, each time an endoscope is washed and disinfected. The endoscope washer includes a washing and disinfecting basin having an endoscope holding portion for holding an endoscope and a washing fluid well for storing a washing fluid. The washer also including a water supply pipe, connected to a first water supply tube and a second water supply tube, for supplying a washing fluid to the endoscope holding portion and the washing fluid well. The washer also has a disinfectant tank for supplying a disinfectant to the endoscope holding portion and the washing fluid well through the water supply pipe, to provide a self-washing function for washing and disinfecting both the endoscope and the pipes, e.g., the water supply pipes, at the same time.

Abstract: In the program-controlled cleaning of endoscopes in a cleaning apparatus, the head parts are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pressure chambers and, at the same time, the insertion tubes are cleaned, rinsed, disinfected and rinsed clean in pipes, attached to these pressure chambers, in a number of cleaning stages using cleaning liquid which is introduced via a circulation pump at a pressure of approximately 200 mbar. Prior to each of these cleaning stages, compressed air generated in the compressed air unit of the cleaning apparatus is introduced from there through the pressure test attachment of each endoscope, which pressure test attachment is connected by means of a pressure test adaptor to a compressed air attachment of the cleaning apparatus, until an internal pressure of 250 mbar is reached.

Abstract: A hollow tubular housing is provided having a freely rotatable support frame for holding a paint roller pad while cleaning. The housing is closed at one end and includes a series of openings down one side. A movable spray-tube is provided on the outside of the housing and includes a series of spray jets which correspond to the openings to spray water into the housing. The movability of the spray tube allows the user to change the direction of the water spray before or during cleaning in order to vary the speed and/or direction of the rotating roller pad inside. A second spray tube having a series of spray-openings therein is fixedly provided as the center shaft of the rotating internal support frame. A closable valve on the outside spray tube allows the user to adjust the flow of water to the sprayers. A specially formed gapped end piece is provided in the support frame to allow water from the inside spray tube to escape.

Abstract: A system for cleaning paint from objects such as spray guns, associated cups and paint cans comprising: an enclosed housing divided into a work chamber and a fluid storage reservoir containing paint solvent and a fluid, having a specific gravity greater than that of the solvent; spray nozzles attached to a first and a second outlet adapted to receive and spray pressurized solvent therefrom; the first outlet includes a tube for receiving and supporting a spray gun and for directing solvent to flow through an inlet of the gun; a foraminous layer definesg a surface for supporting articles to be cleaned in a preferred orientation relative to the second outlet. The system includes additions spray nozzles for spraying the exterior of the articles being cleaned. In addition the system includes a bracket for orienting a paint can in a relatively rotational manner relative to a spray nozzle interior to the paint can for enhancing the cleaning thereof.

Abstract: An automatic pipetting device comprising only one pipetting needle having a tip end and an open end. The device comprises a metering syringe having an outlet. The device also comprises a mechanism for cleaning the pipetting needle with a cleaning fluid when the pipetting needle is positioned in a cleaning position. The mechanism comprises a plunger pump, a second tube having a first end and a second end, a first valve, a second valve, and a third tube having a first end and a second end, the second end of the tubing immersed in a cleaning fluid. The second end of the first tube is in fluid communication with both the outlet of the metering syringe and the first valve. The first end of the second tube is in fluid communication with the first valve. The second end of the second tube is in fluid communication with both the plunger pump and the second valve. The first end of the third tube is in fluid communication with the second valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an appratus for cleansing and/or disinfection of a rotating instrument in a dental clinic wherein the instrument is disposed within a casing provided with at least two openings and is sprayed with cleansing and/or disinfecting agents, wherein the casing is connected via an opening to the vacuum network of the dental clinic and an air current entraining and distributing the injected agent is sucked through the casing. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, portion of the sucked-in air current is used for driving a propeller by which the instrument to be cleaned is set in rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially removing the top, puncturing the sides, simultaneously washing the interior and exterior of a drum and crushing the drum.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods of cleaning, for example, machining waste from holes in work pieces such as metal castings. The invention depends upon submerging, in a liquid, openings of the respective holes to be cleaned, aligning a nozzle with each such hole, with liquid disposed between the nozzle and the hole, and expressing one or more blasts of pressurized gas from the nozzles, through the intervening liquid, and into the holes. The apparatus contemplates a system having an array of nozzles positioned and arranged around the work piece such that a nozzle is positioned at each hole to be cleaned. The apparatus can be configured for cleaning a family of related work pieces, having differing arrangements of holes to be cleaned, by providing a nozzle for each hole included in the combination of all the arrays of all the work pieces to be cleaned.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus 10 comprises an enclosed washtank 12 and a screen loading unit 13. A pump is arranged to deliver high pressure heated water to an internal screen cleaning nozzle arrangement 14 and a ring-shaped external screen cleaning nozzle arrangement 15 which nozzle arrangements 14, 15 are arranged in a gap 19 between a screen support skid 16 and an entry screen support skid 17. The nozzle arrangement 14 is arranged to direct a spray of water outwardly; the nozzle arrangement 15 is arranged to direct a spray of water inwardly. In use, a cylindrical printing screen to be cleaned is pushed into the apparatus whilst high pressure heated water is being delivered by the internal and external nozzle arrangements 14, 15. As each portion of the screen is disposed opposite the gap 19, between support skids 16 and 17, that portion of the screen is washed on its inside and outside by water directed from the nozzle arrangements 14 and 15 respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing paint spray guns and associated equipment with a liquid solvent for the purpose of cleaning and removing paint therefrom after use in painting operations. The apparatus includes a cleaning chamber having solvent dispersing nozzles therein, the nozzles being structured and disposed for spraying the liquid solvent onto exterior and interior surfaces of the spray gun, paint canister and other equipment supported within the cleaning chamber for cleaning thereof. The used solvent is collected in a holding chamber having a float switch therein which activates a solenoid controlled valve upon the used solvent reaching a predetermined level, releasing the contaminated solvent into a distillation chamber for boiling. Purified vapors pass through a condenser where they are cooled to a liquid state, yielding pure solvent which is directed into a clean solvent tank. A pump circulates the purified solvent from the clean solvent holding tank to the dispersing nozzles in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A dirty swimming pool filter is journaled for rotation about a vertical array of nozzles and spun about a vertical axis by the action of the spray. The rotation can be fast enough that centrifugal forces aid in the cleaning operation by sloughing dirt off the outside of the filter. One version of the apparatus includes a second vertical array of nozzles external to the filter and directing a spray against the outer face of the filter, which aids in sloughing dirt off it. This second array is rotatable about its own vertical axis and can be used to control the rate of rotation of the filter being cleaned. A sealed bearing is provided at the base of the filter to allow free rotation about the first vertical array of nozzles.

Abstract: A system for cleaning both the box and pin ends of tubular members, recovery of the fluid residue, filtering of the residue to recover the heavy solids, and disposing of each of the components of the residue in an environmentally safe manner. A first housing positionable over the end of a tubular member; a first bladder expandable from the housing to seal around the outer wall of the tubular member; a plurality of jets positioned adjacent the threads of the tubular member, so that as the jets are rotated around the threads, a high pressure fluid spray cleans the threads of the member; a second bladder expandable from the end of the jetting means for sealing the inner bore of the member beyond the threads, so that all fluid jetted into the housing from the jetting nozzles is captured within the housing and flows from the housing, and no fluid flows beyond the threaded pipe end either along the inner or outer walls of the tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which has the capability of cleaning a waste or used filter assembly with a broad spectrum of chemical agents in an automated fashion. The cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaner vessel for accommodating the filter assembly to carry out triethylene glycol cleaning, sodium hydroxide cleaning, nitric acid cleaning and water washing in a predetermined cleaning sequence. First to fourth reservoirs communicate with the cleaner vessel through their corresponding pipelines to feed such chemical detergent liquids as triethylene glycol solution, sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid solution and pure water into the vessel. The detergent liquids will circulate within the cleaning vessel by means of a stream generator, whereby the filter assembly can be cleaned to a higher degree of detergency.

Abstract: A dental handpiece sterilizer includes a sterilization chamber with an internal manifold system having outlet connectors into which dental handpieces can be plugged. A sterilant vapor introduced to the manifold flows through the dental handpieces coupled to the manifold and into the interior of the chamber so that it contacts the exterior surfaces of the handpieces before exiting the sterilant chamber.

Abstract: A treating apparatus is shown for removing cloggants from the pores and surfaces of aeration diffuser elements used in an activated sludge treatment process or the like. The apparatus pumps a liquid acid solution through the aeration piping network of the system and out through the diffusers for reacting the acid with the cloggants in the pores of the diffusers. After the cleaning action has been completed, the apparatus produces an agitation throughout the diffuser system being cleansed as the liquid acid is being pumped out of the system and the air flow is being reestablished.

Abstract: Cleaning of multi-pore diffusion elements in place with cleaning gases while submerged in liquid media by applying said elements in improved gas cleaning apparatus. Such apparatus may for example include diffusion element retaining rings or other retaining devices, positioned at the peripheries of the respective elements, for securing them in gas-tight relationship with their respective plenums for preventing escape of treating and cleaning gas. Another aspect of the apparatus includes diffusers having diffusion elements with upper and lower surfaces bounded by porous peripheral sides, said diffusers also including apparatus for preventing escape of air through the element sides. In another embodiment of diffusers with diffusion elements having upper and lower surfaces bounded by peripheral sides, there are plenums comprising gas tight enclosures that enclose these lower surfaces and that include upstanding walls facing and adjacent to said sides.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used catheter having at least one lumen is disclosed. The catheter is provided with a housing and enclosed within the housing. Heated sterilant is provided to the housing and the catheter. The lumen is tested during the reprocessing and sterilizing cycle for blockages and integrity. If the catheter is of a type having a balloon tip, the balloon is also tested for integrity by inflating and deflating it a plurality of times. The housing is pressurized to a level above the ambient pressure and maintained at such pressure whereby the sterility of the catheter is maintained for up to one week. Further disclosed is an apparatus for selectively coupling used catheters to a source of sterilant. The apparatus includes a housing having a tray for holding the catheter in place during reprocessing, a door for enclosing and locking the catheter within the housing, and a plurality of valves for coupling the housing to a source of sterilant.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for medical equipment and instruments is provided. The apparatus includes at least one feed line constructed so as to be coupled for the supply of cleansing liquid and at least one outlet line for the discharge of spent cleansing liquid. A transportation and cleaning vessel is further provided which receives the articles to be cleaned and is adapted to be placed in and taken out of the apparatus. The vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being adapted to be connected to the feed line and the outlet being adapted for coupling to the discharge line. The inlets and outlets can be closed by non-return flaps on valves which are in closed position when inoperative and are opened by pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument cleaning apparatus includes a syringe coupled to a flushing chamber by a form-fitting stopper. A distal, or instrument receiving end of the flushing chamber is inserted into a supply of cleaning fluid and the plunger of the syringe is drawn out to its fully retracted length, thereby filling the syringe and the flushing chamber with cleaning fluid. Then the distal end of an endoscopic instrument is inserted about through an aperture in a stopper having the shape of a conical frustum and is inserted into the flushing chamber to a depth of about 4 inches (10 cm) and the plunger of the syringe is thrust forward to inject pressurized cleaning solution through the endoscopic instrument. In another embodiment, the syringe receiving stopper is recessed within a proximal end of the flush chamber by about 3/8 inches (0.95-1.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and testing endoscopes by injecting pressurized air into the sheath and pressurized air and washing liquid into the ducts, and monitoring the same. A washing chamber is provided which contains retractable cages to hold the endoscopes during cleaning and testing. The cages include a coupler for detachably connecting tubes supplying the air and washing liquid to the endoscopes. The cages also have markings for automatically activating the apparatus when a cage containing an endoscope is inserted into the washing chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning tank comprised of a fluid container, an air-driven motor, a drive shaft, a filtered submersible pump, fluid transport conduits and outlet nozzles is disclosed. Supports are provided for workpieces to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vapor containment apparatus for washing an ink pump and sucker tube with a volatile ink solvent has a closed receptacle with a liquid solvent sump. An elongated sleeve encases the sucker tube within the receptacle and positions an inlet end of the sucker tube in the sump. A solvent applicator directs solvent into contact with an outer surface of the sucker tube to drain into the sump and wash the outer surface. An solvent return tube delivers solvent from the ink pump to the sump such that solvent can be drawn through the sucker tube and the pump to wash the pump and the inner surface of the sucker tube. A vacuum exhaust draws solvent vapor through openings on the elongated sleeve and the return tube and evacuates the vapor from the closed receptacle.