# US 5,704,088 A · Apparatus for cleaning of sharp medical and dental instruments > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,704,088 A - Document ID: US5704088A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/611,645 - Filed: 1996-03-06 - Granted: 1998-01-06 - Earliest claimed: 1996-03-06 - Inventors: Peter M. Cerroni - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5704088A ## CPC - A61B 90/70: Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments - B08B 1/143: {Wipes} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - B08B: CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL ## Abstract The present invention is directed to an inexpensive apparatus and a method of use thereof which provides for more safe cleaning of soiled, sharp health care instruments. The instrument to be cleaned is inserted into a flexible, sealed chamber containing a means for controllably brushing and cleaning the instrument. The user compresses the apparatus with one hand while manipulating the instrument with the other hand to clean the instrument. The user is provided more protection than conventional methods and devices against being injured by the instrument and both the user and the environment are provided more protection against being contaminated by debris carried on the instrument during cleaning of the instrument. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for cleaning sharp, slender instruments comprising: a first housing component made from a material which is non-porous, said first housing component having a first depression therein defined by side walls and a first bottom surface; a second housing component made from a material which is pliable, resiliently flexible and non-porous matingly and fluid-tight connectable to said first housing component, said second housing component having a second depression therein, said second depression defined by second housing side walls and a second bottom surface; means for matingly connecting said first and second housing components at perimeters of each said first and second housing components, said first housing component and said second housing component, when matingly connected, forming thereby a substantially fluid-tight chamber having walls defined by each said first and second depressions; brush element configured within at least one of said bottom surfaces; and a guiding entrance aperture formed in one of said side walls of said second depression whereby said instrument is guided into said chamber. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first housing material is pliable and resiliently flexible. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said guiding entrance aperture is substantially funnel-shaped. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a hinge component connecting thereby said first and said second housing component. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for substantially fluid-tight sealing said guiding entrance aperture when said instrument is withdrawn from said chamber. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising means for substantially fluid-tight sealing said guiding entrance aperture when said instrument is withdrawn from said chamber. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising means for substantially fluid-tight sealing said fluiding entrance aperture when said instrument is withdrawn from said chamber. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising a breakable bubble of cleaning solution disposed within said chamber. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a breakable bubble of cleaning solution disposed within said chamber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising a breakable bubble of cleaning solution disposed within said chamber. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said first housing component and said second housing component is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastics, stainless steel and rubber. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said brush element is affixed to said at least one of said bottom surfaces and wherein said brush element is made of material chosen from the group consisting of hook portion of a hook and loop fastener, artificial turf flooring material, sponge, wool and rough, absorbent cloth. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for removably attaching said apparatus to a hand-held instrument. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is removably attachable to a cord hung around the neck of an operator. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus has a closure shaped to fit said guiding entrance aperture permanently tethered adjacent to said guiding entrance aperture on said side wall of said second depression.