Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: In a tunnel-like region of a sterilizing tunnel, containers are advanced by means of a conveyor device. For sterilization, a heated air flow oriented vertically in the region of the containers is used, which is generated by means of a fan and a heater. To prevent particles from being torn out of a sterile filter during the heating phase, there is a provision for adapting the rpm of the fan during the heating phase. According to the invention, this rpm adaptation is done by ascertaining the requisite rotary speeds of the fan beforehand at both room temperature and the sterilization temperature, whereupon a control unit of the sterilizing tunnel, on the basis of a predetermined functional relationship, raises the rpm of the fan as the temperature of the air flow is raised.

Abstract: An instrument bracket, primarily for holding medical instrumentation, having a clip part which is mountable to a plate and a holder part. The plate may form a part of a sterilization tray or similar container. The clip part is of an inverted U-shaped configuration having spaced upwardly projecting legs. The clip part fits about the holder part which is flexible and shape retaining and which includes a recess to accommodate the instrumentation. The clip part compresses and retains the holder part and is secured to the plate.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is formed of a liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. The container is strong yet has thin walls so that condensation is minimized. Suitable polymers include wholly aromatic polyesters such as: polybenzoate-naphthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-bisphenol-isophthalate; polybenzoate-terephthalate-ethylene glycol; and polynaphthalate-amino terephthalate.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an instrument having an exterior surface at substantially room temperature includes a chamber having an interior compartment for receiving and housing the instrument. The interior compartment is maintained at a predetermined compartment temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber is releasably engagable with a portion of the instrument to support the instrument within the interior compartment. A fluid injection mechanism is in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying fluid to the chamber and for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined fluid temperature while the instrument is being sterilized. The chamber includes at least one fluid outlet for directing a flow of fluid onto the exterior surface of the instrument. The chamber further includes at least another fluid outlet to direct the flow of fluid onto the portion of the instrument engaged by the chamber.

Abstract: An instrument holder for securing an instrument in a chamber of a sterilizer. The instrument has an external surface and a proximal end. The sterilizer has a source of fluid. The instrument holder comprises a housing, an instrument coupler and an instrument retaining assembly. The housing has a base with a bore therethrough. The instrument coupler is for engaging the proximal end of the instrument and is movable within the bore. The instrument retention assembly is connected to the base and comprises a first grip and a second grip for alternately securing the instrument to the base.

Abstract: A safety sensor mechanism (10) for a rotary sterilizer (16) including a slider plate (40) positioned in the revolving path of cans (11) and movable away from a discharge opening (28) of the sterilizer. The safety mechanism includes slider bars (44) and tubular housings (48) with coil springs (50) for creating a spring-loaded slider plate that yields if engaged by a misaligned can that does not proper eject from the sterilizer.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: An apparatus for operative cleaning and preparation of dental handpieces is made as an integrated unit having holding stubs (6) for receiving the handpieces inside a treating chamber (1, 30), which is designed in a pressure resisting manner and with heating means (12, 56) such that it is directly usable for autoclave treatment of the handpieces. Through the holding stubs (6) and in accordance with a control program it is possible to supply warm water and oil to the respective channels in the handpieces. The apparatus may appear as a table unit (32) holding all what is required for a complete cleaning lubrication and sterilization cycle.

Abstract: The air cleaner comprises an air cleaner body, an air passage, a fan for forming air flow flowing in the air passage and a filter to which pollutant included in the air. The air cleaner body has fitting parts. When the turned angle of the grille with the body is small, a turning arm of the grille can be inserted or detached into/from the space between the fitting parts when the turned angle of the grille with the body is large, the grille is temporarily held in the air cleaner body by fitting the turning arm to the fitting parts. Further a photocatalytic holder containing a photocatalytic substance is provided in the air cleaner. A light emitting diode (LED) is provided for radiating light on the photocatalytic substance. Illumination of the LED is controlled in accordance with an actual voltage and the rated voltage of a power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution, and that minimizes the surface area and air exposure of the disinfecting solution. In architecture, the endoscope disinfecting apparatus includes a disinfecting basin, an endoscope body section, an insertion tube section and a basin lid. The disinfecting basin is for disinfecting the air/water and light tube of the endoscope. The endoscope body section is for disinfecting a body and eye piece of the endoscope, and is connected to the disinfecting basin. The insertion tube section is connected to the endoscope body section and is for disinfecting a insertion tube of the endoscope. A basin lid connects to the disinfecting basin and provides a watertight seal over the disinfecting basin.

Abstract: A microscope slide stainer includes a waste bin with an open top, and supporting notches arranged on the top edges of opposite sides. A slide supporting rack is supported in a horizontal position across the top of the bin in the supporting notches. The rack includes a pair of rails extending along a horizontal base. Brackets arranged on top of the rails define a plurality of spaced-apart slide holding positions. A hot plate is positioned between the rails and spaced above the horizontal base. A control box is attached to the hot plate for temperature control. Pins extending from opposite sides of the hot plate ride in direction-changing slots in the rails to enable the hot plate to be moved between a raised position engaged against the bottom of the slides, and a lowered position disengaged from the slides. Grooves are arranged on top surface of the hot plate to prevent the wet slides from sticking to it. A cover is removably positioned over the rack to define a heating and humidity chamber.

Abstract: A sterilization container includes a base defining a volume for receiving medical instruments and a lid engaging the base and closing the top thereof. A latching mechanism mounted on the lid includes latching rods slidably mounted on the lid for engagement with apertures on the base to thereby secure the lid to the base. A camming member is rotatably mounted on the lid and includes slots engaged with the latching rods so that upon manual rotation of the camming plate in one direction the latching rods are moved into the apertures and upon rotation of the camming plate in the opposite direction, the latching rods are withdrawn from the apertures.

Abstract: An autoclave sterilization installation has a recovery outlet for recovering sterilized objects in such a way that the objects can be transferred in total safety. The recovery outlet is equipped with a removable rigid closure member which is adapted to withstand high pressures and includes an annular coupling flange which receives a recovery container which is preferably disposable. The closure member closes off the opening in the flange during the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: The vessel for high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization is a vessel for accommodating at least an endoscope and performing high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization, comprising: an accommodating recess section for accommodating an elongated and thin insertion part of the endoscope having a flexible section; and pressing force preventing means for preventing local pressing forces from being applied to the outer surface of the flexible section when accommodated in the accommodating recess section.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization system includes a sterilization tray having a bottom wall and an array of ventilation/mounting holes in the bottom wall. The ventilation/mounting holes are arranged evenly spaced at least in part in the bottom wall. Preferably the ventilation/mounting holes comprise a central portion and one or more lobes. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ventilation/mounting holes comprise a plurality of like cruciform-shaped holes. Completing the invention are one or more rigid brackets having posts arranged to project through the ventilation/mounting holes for anchoring at selected positions on the tray.

Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing and filling containers with a product, for which method and machine the containers are grouped in rows at right angles to the transporting direction with the container openings facing upwardly and aligned at a distance from one another. The containers are swiveled, row by row, into an at least approximately vertical position with the container openings facing downwardly and rinsed jointly on the inside with a cleansing agent. The rinsed containers are dried on the inside in a first drying station and, after passing through the first drying station, are charged into a sterile environment. After a row of containers has entered the sterile environment, the containers are sterilized on the inside by means of a sterilizing agent and, in a second drying station, residues of sterilizing agent are expelled from the sterilized containers.

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a device has a chamber, a source of sterilant or disinfectant and ports for admitting and exhausting the sterilant or disinfectant but lacks a source of sterile rinse. A related method similarly lacks the step of rinsing with a sterile solvent yet leaves the device essentially free of the sterilant or disinfectant. Preferably the sterilant or disinfectant is removed from the device by vaporizing it and drawing it out of the chamber.

Abstract: A separator device to separate a plurality of articles in a sterilization chamber has a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion therebetween. The body portion has a thickness with a plurality of openings therein through which a sterilizing medium circulates. The body portion is interposed between and maintains separation between layers of articles located within the sterilization chamber. The separation maintained between the layers facilitates circulation of the sterilizing medium between the layers and to each of the plurality of articles being sterilized.

Abstract: A transfer valve assembly (10) for use as a feed valve or a discharge valve includes a series of open-faced pockets (46) biased by leaf springs (48) off of a central hub (44) and an arcuate saddle piece (22) mounted at an opening (14) of a sterilizer vessel (12) for transferring containers from an infeed conveyor (34) onto an interior reel (18). The engagement of open-faced pockets (46) with saddle (22) creates a seal to prevent the escape of steam, but gaps are provided between pockets (46) which allow for a controlled escape of steam in a manner that allows the pressure within the sterilizer vessel to be maintained at a slightly elevated level.

Abstract: A device for sterilization of instruments, particularly dental instruments, in an autoclave provided with an instrument holder. The autoclave has an inlet and an outlet for different fluids, such as cleaning and rinsing liquids, and sterilization and maintenance media. The autoclave incorporates several gas-tight closable chambers each of which is equipped with at least one instrument holder. Each chamber and instrument holder is provided with an individually adjustable and controllable inlet and outlet for the fluids and media. Each chamber, as a result of the autoclaving process, defines a sterile package in the form of a closed storage vessel for at least one treatment instrument. The chambers are connected to a central unit for choosing a sterilization program, depending upon the exposure of the instrument outside the autoclave, as well as preparing and controlling the fluids and media.

Abstract: The killing of microorganisms on the surface of porous and non-porous materials including agricultural commodities is accomplished by use of methods and apparatus which expose the material to controlled applications of a biocidal treatment gas into a sub-atmospheric environment. The material is first exposed to a vacuum then, without an intervening flush step, full treated with an air-free treatment gas prior to being re-exposed to a vacuum. The method and apparatus successfully kill microorganisms both on the surface and within the pores or structural recesses of the material without causing significant deleterious changes to the material.

Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow there along by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: The invention comprises a sterilization case having a body having a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls upstanding from the bottom defining an interior cavity, the sidewalls having edges defining a cavity top opening; the edges of the first and second sidewalls have flanges protruding away from the interior of the cavity; a lid sized to cover the top opening and close the cavity, the lid having first an second edges corresponding to the first and second sidewalls of the body, the first and second edges having grooved members for slidably engaging the flanges, the lid being slidably movable between a closed position wherein the lid fully covers the top opening and is secured to the body by engagement of the grooved members with the flanges, and an open position ad wherein the grooved members are disengageable from the flanges and the lid is removable from the body. Methods for using the sterilization case are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealed system for handling, manipulating and formulating materials in an isolated environment which includes an isolation system for performing operations on the materials, an accessory for receiving, performing a procedure, and providing items, and a sealing device interconnecting the isolation system and the accessory. The isolation system has an interior at least partially defined by a plurality of walls and a transfer port positioned on one of the walls for transferring items into and out of the isolation system. The accessory is selectively coupled to the transfer port and has an interior accessed by an opening. The sealing device includes a trough of predetermined configuration and a blade of corresponding configuration. The trough has a sealing substance disposed therein, and the blade and the trough each surround one of the transfer port and the opening. The blade is sealingly mounted to a mounting member which is sealingly mounted to the accessory to seal the interior of the accessory.

Abstract: A sterilization container has an improved elastomeric instrument holder. The instrument holder comprises a panel of elastomer having a projection depending downwardly therefrom and received within an perforation through a perforated surface within the container to hold the panel thereto. An aperture through the panel is adapted for receiving and holding an instrument to be sterilized. An inner surface of the aperture is adapted to have a reduced area of contact with an instrument received within the aperture. For example, the surface may comprise chamfers which meet to form a sharp ridge which contacts the instrument. The contact surface may also be textured to reduce the area of contact with the instrument. Alternatively, the surface may be formed of a material which is sufficiently permeable to a sterilizing gas so as to allow the area of the instrument in contact with the surface to receive a sufficient amount of sterilizing gas to become sterilized.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, including the steps of a) transmitting a ultrasonic energy field toward a pair of contact lenses being suspended in a solution medium in a cleaning cup, causing a cavitation to be produced to remove dirt from the contact lenses; b) keeping the solution medium to be maintained standing still in for about 3-5 minutes for permitting suspended substance to settle to the bottom of the solution medium; c) using heating means to heat the solution medium to about 90° C. for about 15-20 minutes so as to disinfect bacteria and degrade toxic substance carried on the contact lenses; and d) gradually cooling down the temperature of the solution medium to room temperature.

Abstract: An system for treatment of infectious waste including a impactor coupled to a mixing drum that can be pressurized, infectious waste and a treatment fluid comprising a substance effective in killing pathogenic organisms being introduced directly into the impactor where the waste is pulverized forming unrecognizable particulate matter mixed with fluid, and the waste from there being introduced into the drum for mixing and subsequently pressure treatment by providing a superatmospheric pressure in the drum to drive chemicals effective in killing pathogenic organisms into voids in the solids and also into spore walls and cell membranes to provide a more speedy and effective kill.

Abstract: A toothbrush sterilization unit for sterilizing the bristle-head of at least one toothbrush with a disinfectant. The toothbrush sterilization unit includes a housing having an interior compartment. The interior compartment includes a plurality of docking stations for holding in place a plurality of toothbrushes. The housing includes a pumping system assembly for dispensing a disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the toothbrushes during a dispensing cycle. The housing also includes a rotary fan and a heating member for drying the disinfectant on the bristle-heads of the plurality of toothbrushes during a drying cycle.

Abstract: A method of and system for sterilizing the internal surfaces of one or more elongate relatively narrow passages of interest contained in a device of interest, said passages having end openings and being susceptible of sustaining flow therealong by inducing a positive flow of sterilizing gas through each passage of interest in a selected direction. Gas flow through a device of interest is caused by a passive two-chamber device which generates a transient pressure gradient between the ends of the lumens of the device in response to externally imposed variations of pressure. Sterilant gas is provided from outside the two chamber systems.

Abstract: An autoclave type sterilization device which includes an autoclave sterilization chamber with an electrical heating arrangement mounted thereon. This electrical heating arrangement employs one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors as heating elements. These heating elements are in direct thermal and electrical contact on opposing sides, which are coated with a conductive metal such as aluminum, with electrodes to supply electrical current. These electrodes are, in turn, in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with plates which are formed of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating ceramic material such as AL.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the plates are in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with heat radiation units which include heat transfer portions which are fabricated to engage and are in direct thermal contact with a portion of the wall of the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A tray having a pair of stamped instrument racks includes a pair of side walls which taper transversely and longitudinally toward each other at their opposite ends. The tapered ends form wedge-like extensions which lead into a pair of rounded end walls. The tapered ends and rounded end walls form a chisel shaped profile which facilitates insertion of the tray into an autoclave bag. A spring-actuated retainer is operable with one hand to secure or release a plurality of instruments held in the racks.

Abstract: A sterilization tray for supporting medical instrumentation during the sterilization process. The tray includes a base having a perforated bottom wall to allow the passage of sterilization steam into the tray. A removable floor is fitted into the base and supported spacedly above the base bottom wall. The floor also includes perforations to allow for the passage of sterilization steam into the tray and above the instrumentation therein. One or more instrument holders are supported by the floor, extending upwardly from the floor in a direction opposite the location of the base bottom wall. The instrument holders can be removed from the floor with the floor being removed from the base, reversed in orientation and fitted into the base in its spaced relationship from the base bottom wall. The instrument holders are then repositioned upon the floor, extending upwardly from the opposite side of the floor.

Abstract: A toothbrush case is a unitary receptacle having a bristle chamber and a handle chamber separated by a fluid seal. The case opens for insertion and removal of the toothbrush and closes to form a sealed container where the brushes and handle are stored in separate, fluid-impervious, sanitizing environments. The case has ports with uni-directional flow valves through which sterilizing agents in the form of aerosol spray or fluid may be selectively admitted into the brush compartment or the handle compartment. Upon application of the sterilizing agent, the toothbrush is sterilized and maintained in a sterile environment until the case is opened for use.

Abstract: In a wet processing system included in a semiconductor device production line, a wafer carrier has bars formed with grooves for receiving the edge portions of wafers, and a pair of support plates each having a width smaller than the diameter of the wafers. The carrier reduces a volume required of a processing bath and promotes the smooth flow of aqueous solutions. Hence, the system reduces the consumption of chemicals and pure water as well as the cleaning time and other processing times.

Abstract: A system for providing fluid to a device comprises an interface separating a first space from a second space. The interface has at least one opening for receiving the device. The opening has a contact surface which contacts the device forming a contact area. Means for enhancing penetration of the fluid to the contact area is coupled to the opening. This system significantly reduces or total eliminates the occlusion area on the surface of the device.

Abstract: A storage container for autoclaving and storage of a medical instrument cassette includes a tray portion and a lid assembly which are securely closed together by means of a pair of spring-biased end latches. The lid assembly includes a lid gasket which is compressed by an outer lip of the tray portion and further includes a pair of low profile filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a retainer plate with an assembled edge seal, a paper filter, and a cover plate. The stack of these components creates a low profile design whose overall thickness in a direction normal to the surface of the lid is less than 3/8 of an inch. The cover plate is easily attached and removed for replacing the paper filter by means of keyhole-shaped apertures in the cover plate and lock studs assembled to the lid assembly which fit within the keyhole-shaped apertures. The two latch assemblies provide a visual indication as to whether the lid assembly is securely sealed onto the tray portion or is open.

Abstract: An autoclave is disclosed which includes direct heating and improved access. The autoclave includes a heating system which is placed directly into the pressurized chamber such that materials which are placed directly into the autoclave are directly heated. The autoclave includes doors which are disposed inside of the pressure vessel which seal against the inside surface of the pressure vessel upon pressurization. In one embodiment a pivot system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. In an alternate embodiment a robotic system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. The robotic system is also used to move the door out of the way after depressurization.

Abstract: A sterilizable passageway for a sterilizable enclosure which includes an enclosure having an outer wall, which has a passageway therethrough. A collar lines a periphery of the passageway, the collar having a sealing surface and a heated surface. A heater is positioned to deliver heat to the heated surface of the collar to selectively heat the collar for sterilization. A selectively positionable door is moveable between an operating position wherein it is spaced away from the passageway to permit the passage of articles into or out of the enclosure and a sterilizing position wherein it substantially seals the passageway. This door optimally includes a gasket positioned to contact the sealing surface of the collar when the door is in its sterilizing position.

Abstract: A sterilization mat has a mesh-like backing with opposite faces composed of intersecting stringers defining relatively large openings in the backing. The stringers have rounded or inclined surfaces at one face of the backing and a multiplicity of resilient pins or fingers project from those surfaces for supporting and fixating medical instruments. Preferably, rounded or inclined surfaces are also provided at the underside of the backing. During sterilization, the mat minimizes the accumulation of condensed moisture on and under the mat and promotes efficient sterilization of the instruments on the mat.

Abstract: A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rinsing device for trocar sleeves. A rinsing and accommodating tube for a trocar sleeve integrated into a basket system may be pivoted from a horizontal rinsing position into a vertical equipping and removal position by way of a pivoting part which is pivotably mounted on a base. All disassemblable individual parts of the trocar sleeve are mounted in a basket system with point contact free of areas shaded to rinsing and may after assembly of the individual parts remain in the basket for sterilization.

Abstract: A method and a support for supporting a package in a steam sterilizer, featuring support members configured and positioned to support only at least a portion of at least two opposed side edges, but not a side face, of the package. A diamond shape is particularly preferred for the support members as, when rotated at an angle, its facets provide line contact with appropriate side edges of the package.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/sterilizing a medical device with a lumen comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having one enclosure and one openable and closeable interface separating the container and the enclosure, b) placing the device on a tray, c) placing the tray into the container and enclosure so that one end of the device and a portion of the tray are located in the container and the other end of the device and another portion of the tray are located in the enclosure, d) creating a pressure difference between the two ends, e) cleaning the device with a cleaning solution, f) rinsing the device with rinse solution, g) treating the device with a chemical germicide. An apparatus for cleaning/sterilizing a device with a lumen comprises a container having at least two separated close compartments. An openable and closeable interface separates the container into the compartments.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/sterilizing a device having a lumen with at least two open ends comprises the steps of: a) providing a container having at least one enclosure and at least one interface separating the enclosure from the container, the interface having at least one opening thereon, b) placing the device across the opening with one open end in the container and another open end in the enclosure, c) generating a flow of a cleaning solution through the lumen to clean the inner surface of the lumen, d) generating a flow of rinse solution through the lumen to rinse the inner surface of the lumen, e) treating the device with a chemical germicide, and f) adjusting the opening in any of steps c) to e) to reduce the areas on surface of the device occluded by contacting with the opening. An apparatus for cleaning/sterilizing a lumen device comprises a container having a fluid port for flowing and draining a fluid in and out the container.