Surgical instrument cleaning device

Abstract

A device is provided which is adapted for use in surface cleaning a soiled portion of a surgical instrument. The device includes a hollow casing having an elongated slot formed in an exterior surface of the casing. The slot permits the soiled portion of the surgical instrument to be inserted into the casing interior and be moved longitudinally of the slot. A friction medium is disposed within the hollow casing and has a segment thereof aligned with the slot. The aligned segment is adapted to exert frictional force on the inserted surgical instrument portion and effect surface cleaning thereof when the instrument is moved longitudinally of the slot. The device also includes an elongated directing element which is adapted to selectively assume a first or second mode. When in the first mode, the element is exposed and aligned with the slot and is engaged by the inserted instrument portion. The engaged element controls the lateral motion of the inserted instrument portion as the latter moves longitudinally of the slot. When in the second mode, the directing element is concealed within the casing and is not accessible for engagement by the inserted instrument portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.