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US 2014/0150827 A1Published application
Washer / disinfector having a water inlet diffuser
AssigneeSTERIS Inc.
InventorsLouis Martineau, Maxime Robert
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.
Claims15
A washing apparatus for washing medical devices, said washing apparatus having:
- a washing chamber,
- a sump at the bottom of the washing chamber for collecting and holding fluids,
- a heating element in said sump for heating fluids in said sump,
- a sprayer for spraying said fluids on said medical devices to be cleaned;
- a pump for pumping fluids in said sump to said sprayer;
- and
- two or more fluid inlet lines for providing fluid to said washing chamber, each of said fluid lines connected to a fluid diffuser that is mounted to a wall defining said washing chamber, said diffuser comprised of a tubular body portion having a domed portion at one end thereof, said domed portion having an inner chamber, said inner chamber communicating with the exterior of said domed portion through a plurality of apertures extending through said domed portion, said apertures directed toward said wall defining said washing chamber, wherein fluid entering said washing chamber through said fluid inlet lines is directed toward said wall.
4 more elements
A method of washing medical devices in a washing apparatus, said washing apparatus having:
- a washing chamber,
- a sump at the bottom of the washing chamber for collecting and holding fluids,
- a sprayer for spraying said fluids on said medical devices to be cleaned, and
- a pump for pumping fluids in said sump to said sprayer;
- said method comprising the steps of:
- introducing water at a first temperature in said washing chamber through a first diffuser having a plurality of apertures directing said water toward a wall defining said washing chamber;
- collecting said water in said sump;
- initiating said pump to start a first phase of a washing cycle;
- deactivating said pump;
- draining said water from said washing chamber;
- introducing water at a second temperature in said washing chamber through a second diffuser having a plurality of apertures directing said water toward a wall defining said washing chamber;
- collecting said water in said sump;
- and
- initiating said pump to start a second phase of a washing cycle.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.