CN100574812C - Cassette assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of cartridge could of steriliser has one or more little lattice that hold antibacterial, and this cartridge could is incorporated in the overcoat and this overcoat has the bar code of encoding with a tube chamber requirement.This tube chamber requires relevant with the sterilization cycle of the designed use of this cartridge could.

Description

Cassette assembly

The application's case is the part continuation application of the U.S. patent application case sequence number 10/856,435 of application on May 28 in 2004, holds being incorporated herein by reference within this 10/856, No. 435 case.

[technical field]

The application relates to and is used for antibacterial is transported to the cartridge could of an instrument steriliser, particularly relates to these cartridge could and packing thereof.

[background technology]

A kind of welcome method that is used for sterilize instruments such as medical treatment device is that these devices are contacted with a vapour phase chemical bactericide such as hydrogen peroxide.In many these type of sterilisers, preferably carry antibacterial and it is vaporized in steriliser with liquid form.A kind of convenient and accurate especially delivering liquid antibacterial method is that the antibacterial of scheduled volume is put into a cartridge could and this cartridge could is delivered to steriliser.Steriliser automatically extracts antibacterial and is used for carrying out sterilizing program from this cartridge could then.Generally speaking, this cartridge could can need a plurality of little lattice that hold the equivalent liquid germicide, takes antibacterial by a sterilizing program from one or more little lattice.This system is used for now and can obtains it from the AdvancedSterilization Products of California, USA Irvine

Disinfection system.

United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 817, No. 800; 4,869, No. 286; 4,899, No. 519; 4,909, No. 287; 4,913, No. 196; 4,938, No. 262; 4,941, No. 518; 5,882, No. 611; 5,887, No. 716; And disclose these cartridge could for 6,412, No. 340 and a kind ofly draw the method for liquid germicide from the little lattice of a cartridge could, hold being incorporated herein by reference within these patents.

Past is known in this cartridge could or take in and put the use bar code outside one of cartridge could.Generally speaking, a specific steriliser model is used a specific cartridge could design.Bar code on the cartridge could can comprise for example the information of the expiration date of its model that is designed the steriliser that uses and this cartridge could.Therefore, if insert wrong or out of date cartridge could, steriliser can be judged mistake and refuse this cartridge could then by reading this bar code.

[summary of the invention]

One cartridge could that is used for steriliser according to the present invention comprises a body and has the little lattice that one or more holds some liquid germicides.This body is incorporated in the overcoat, and the bar code that should outer put requires to encode with a tube chamber.

Preferred, this bar code is enrolled the steriliser kind relevant with this tube chamber requirement or the identifier of model within it.

In one aspect of the invention, this antibacterial comprises hydrogenperoxide steam generator.

In one aspect of the invention, this tube chamber requires to specify the length and the internal diameter of a tube chamber.In addition, it can illustrate the constituent material of this tube chamber.Coding can be an identifier of represent length and internal diameter, perhaps can be that physical length and internal diameter are encoded.

Bar code in one aspect of the invention is positioned on the label that attaches to this overcoat.Another selection, it is printed on this outer putting.

In a preferred embodiment, this cartridge could has a plurality of little lattice.

[description of drawings]

Fig. 1 is the block chart of a use according to the steriliser of one of the present invention cartridge could;

Fig. 2 is a back perspective view according to one of the present invention cartridge could processing system;

Fig. 3 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system;

Fig. 4 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows the concentrated case of a useless cartridge could among the figure;

Fig. 5 is the back perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that its balladeur train is on position;

Fig. 6 is the back perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, and its balladeur train of demonstration is being shifted to original position among the figure;

Fig. 7 is the back perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that its balladeur train is in the position of reading the bar code on the cartridge could;

Fig. 8 is the back perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that its balladeur train is in original position;

Fig. 9 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that its balladeur train is in the position of the first little lattice of connecting cartridge could;

Figure 10 is a cartridge could cross-sectional view, shows its interior one little lattice among the figure;

Figure 11 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, and the upper and lower syringe needle that is presented among the figure on the withdrawal device subsystem thrusts the first little lattice of cartridge could;

Figure 12 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that the upper and lower syringe needle on this withdrawal device subsystem is in the position that will thrust last little lattice of cartridge could;

Figure 13 is the front perspective view of Fig. 2 cartridge could processing system, shows among the figure that cartridge could is just withdrawed from;

Figure 14 is one of a cartridge could carrying program flow chart;

Figure 15 is the back perspective view of alternate embodiment of the cartridge could processing system of the present invention of a utilization RFID technology;

Figure 16 is the memory figure of the RFID label of Figure 15 cartridge could;

Figure 17 one is used for forming the plan view from above of the expansion blank of the useless cartridge could collecting box of Fig. 4;

Figure 18 one has been folded to form the perspective view of Figure 17 blank of useless cartridge could collecting box;

Figure 19 one has the perspective view of the cartridge could of an outer jacket according to the present invention;

Figure 20 one is used to handle the side elevational view of the cartridge could processing system of the cartridge could of Figure 19 and overcoat;

Figure 21 one is incorporated in the plan view from above of the cartridge could of the present invention in the packaging system according to the present invention; And

Figure 22 is cartridge could and the plan view from above of packaging system before the final closure of packing material of Figure 21.

[specific embodiment]

The steriliser unitary construction

Fig. 1 presents one with block diagram form and uses the vapour phase steriliser 10 of a cartridge could processing system 12 according to the present invention.Steriliser 10 comprises the vacuum pump 16 that a vacuum chamber 14 and is used for the emptying indoor gas.One carburator 18 receives liquid germicide and makes this antibacterial be fed to vacuum chamber 14 with vapour phase from cartridge could processing system 12.One screen electrode 20 is provided at and is used in the vacuum chamber 14 during a part of sterilization cycle content being excited into plasma state.One micro-filtration mouth 22 and valve 24 allow filtrated air to enter vacuum chamber 14 and destroy indoor vacuum.One control system 28 is incorporated into all primary clusterings, sensor and analog in the steriliser 10 with the control sterilization cycle.

One typical sterilization cycle can comprise makes water from vacuum chamber 14 vaporize draw to vacuum chamber 14 evacuation and counter electrode 20 connection electric power.Cut off the electric power of electrode 20 then and vacuum chamber 14 is taken out one and be lower than 1 rough vacuum of holding in the palm (torr).Antibacterial such as hydrogenperoxide steam generator are through carburator 18 vaporization and be imported in the vacuum chamber 14, contact and kill the microorganism on the article this indoor diffusing to treating germ-resistant article.When the circulation end, once more electric power is supplied with electrode 20 and antibacterial is excited into plasma state.Cut off the electric power of electrode 20 and via valve 24 with filterable air suction.This program can be repeated.People's such as Jacobs U.S. patent application case is announced No. 20030235511 and is described in detail this circulation, holds being incorporated herein by reference within this case.

The cartridge could processing system

Also referring to Fig. 2 to 4, it illustrates the cartridge could processing system 12 according to the present invention.It comprises that substantially one is used for box frame 32, one driving screws 36 and motor 38, the one withdrawal device subsystems 40 and the one scan device 42 of fixing one cartridge could 34.

Box frame 32 comprises a base plate 44, side plate 46 and top board 48, is used to catch the little vertical flanges 50 and 52 of cartridge could 34 in addition respectively on top board and base plate 48 and 44.Base plate, side plate and top board 44,46 and 48 insert toward extending out with assistance cartridge could 34 at one of this box frame inlet 54.Two spring catchers 56 on the flange 50 and 52 are engaged in the irregular surface of cartridge could 34 so that cartridge could 34 is positioned in the box frame 32 securely.

Box frame 32 is advanced and is supported on a upper track 58 along driving screw 36.One attaches to base plate 44 and has one and has the driving screw nut 60 of a threaded openings 62 and a no threaded openings 63 to receive driving screws 36 and cause the horizontal movement of box frame 32 in response to the rotation of driving screw 36.Flange 64 extends and flange 66 extends outward from side plate 46 outward from top board 48, this two flanges all be useful on receive upper track 58 open 69.Motor 38 is a stepper motor and be connected in driving screw 36 with the horizontal level of accurate control cartridge could 34 with respect to a framework 68 preferably.

Withdrawal device assembly 40 comprises a top syringe needle 70 and a bottom syringe needle 72, and each syringe needle all is one the structure of tube chamber to be arranged.This top syringe needle is connected to an air pump 74, but this pump forced air is discharged via top syringe needle 70.Bottom syringe needle 72 is connected to a valve 76 and thus perpendicular to carburator 18.

Scanning device 42 is oriented so that one of can read on the cartridge could 34 bar code 80 and a useless cartridge could and one of concentrates on the case 84 bar code 82.After cartridge could 34 was inserted in the box frame 32, scanning device 42 read cartridge could bar code 80.Bar code 80 preferably with cartridge could 34 within tolerant relevant information coding, comprise lot number and expiration date.Whether whether this information can be used to judge that cartridge could 34 is whether fresh and be once to be used in before right type and the cartridge could 34 in the system and thereby to have part emptying at least.This bar code notice control system 28 is made these decisions by it.

Scanning device 42 moves and also can see that useless cartridge could concentrates case bar code 82 during away from scanning device 42 toward interior at box frame 32.Each useless cartridge could concentrates case 84 to preferably have twice bar code 82, in each relative corner bar code is arranged one, makes scanning device 42 no matter useless cartridge could concentrates case 84 is which end elder generation insertion can both see wherein one bar code with.When useless cartridge could concentrated case 84 to fill, useless cartridge could 34 was blocked bar code 82, and this warning control system 28 has not had the space to take in more useless cartridge could 34.Preferred, this message can be exported to a user, for example outputs to (not shown) on the display screen.If cartridge could 34 is empty, then to arrives one and have when the spatial useless cartridge could of taking in a useless cartridge could 34 concentrates case 84 to put into steriliser 10 and just this cartridge could can be withdrawed from and carry out new circulation.

One flag 86 and flag 88 is down outstanding outward from box frame side plate 46 backward forward.Its slippage is by one of a slotted eye sensor 92 slotted eye 90, and this sensor detects the existence of these flags slotted eye 90 in, such as by blocking light beam one.Preceding flag 86 and back flag 88 provide one of box frame 32 reference position by the action of slotted eye sensor 92 to control system 28.

The top board 48 of box frame 32 can be around upper track 58 rotations.One spring 94 between top board 48 and side plate 46 is down moving partially so that cartridge could 34 is retained in the box frame 32 with top board 48. and a discharging cam 96 is positioned at side plate 46 and ejects tab 98 and aims at behind and with one, and this tab down extends and it can pass one of side plate 46 opening 100 and gives prominence to when top board 48 up changes outward from top board 48.This kind top board 48 rotation discharges its fixing effects to cartridge could 34, and to pass opening 100 outstanding and cartridge could 34 is released box framves 32 enter useless cartridge could and concentrate case because eject tab 98.

The rotation of discharging cam 96 control top boards 48.The shape that it comprises a general triangular, have one side laterally 102, towards the front side 104 and towards rear side 106.Also referring to Fig. 5, it is installed as and is used for up extending rotation on the axle 108 one.It is moving partially that one spring 110 will discharge cam 96 counterclockwises, will be towards the outside 102 shifts onto with a pedestal 112 and contact.The past interior motion of box frame 32 allow to eject tab 98 skim over (cam over) discharging cam 96 towards rear side 106, thereby allow discharging cam 96 with rotate clockwise and allow to eject tab 98 through and do not cause top board 48 rotations. still, the outward movment of box frame 32 cause ejecting tab 98 skim over discharging cam 96 towards the front side 104.Between this moving period, discharge rotating of cam 96 towards the discharging of the contact preventing between the outside 102 and the pedestal 112 cam 96.Eject the camming movement (camming) of tab 98 thereby cause it laterally to move toward side plate 46, by this top board 48 is up changeed and with cartridge could 34 from 32 releases of box frame.

Before inserting cartridge could 34, box frame 32 is fully retracted to it toward external position (left as shown in Figure 5).Equally in this position, forward end 114 engages one and ends part 116 and use the position of positioning box frame 32 correctly one of on the driving screw nut 60.Also referring to Fig. 6, the manual insertion of cartridge could 34 causes moving in the box frame 32 (right-hand as shown in Figure 6) and preceding flag 86 is moved on in the slotted eye sensor 92.This motion preferably causes because inserting the physical force of cartridge could 34, still, also can bestow a moment of torsion or other sensors and take over this motion to allow stepper motor 38 when cartridge could 34 just is being inserted into strength in the box frame 32 perceiving.Permission causes this athletic meeting to guarantee that cartridge could 34 sat idly in the box frame 32 fully before this motion beginning from the power of the insertion of cartridge could 34.

In case preceding flag 86 is read by slotted eye sensor 92, stepper motor 38 is taken over and is begun and will move in the box frame 32.Also referring to Fig. 7, in this stage, the bar code 80 on the scanning device 42 scanning cartridge could 34.Whether control system 28 deciphers once were used in the steriliser 10 from the information of bar code 80 and before judging cartridge could 34, and whether this cartridge could holds fresh antibacterial, and other proper datas.Preferred, the information on the bar code 80 encrypted in case without permission the person produce the cartridge could that may not be inconsistent the required quality standard of correct sterilization.

If control system 28 refusal cartridge could 34 are then moved a box frame 32 in fully so that allow and eject tab 98 by discharging cam 96, then this box frame is retracted on position shown in Figure 5, to eject unaccepted cartridge could 34.If cartridge could 34 is accepted, then 32 continuation of box frame move to original position as shown in Figure 8 toward in, and wherein back flag 88 is just above slotted eye sensor 92.

Also referring to Fig. 9 and 10, cartridge could 34 comprises a plurality of little lattice 118 that holding liquid germicide 120.Can adopt the cartridge could of different structure.Cartridge could shown in the figure 34 comprises a hard shell 122, preferably constitute by an injection molding polymer such as high impact polystyrene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or high density poly propylene, it encases each little lattice 118, and little lattice 118 are made of a blowing polymer such as low density polyethylene (LDPE).Right also available one firmer material forms the little lattice 118 of cartridge could, and this moment, shell 122 can be omitted.In the cartridge could 34 shown in the figure, pass one of shell 122 upper hole 124 and bottom hole 126 and allow upper and lower syringe needles 70 and 72 to thrust shell.Little lattice 118 are easy to be constituted by the material that syringe needle thrusts by one.If little lattice 118 are made of a more blocky material, then can will thrust the attenuate that part provides material by syringe needle 70 and 72.

The original position of control system 28 usefulness Fig. 8 is as a reference position that is used for the little lattice 118 of difference are positioned withdrawal device subsystem 40 fronts.By making box frame 32 move a scheduled volume, known little lattice 118 can be taken to and regard to extractor system 40 from this original position.In Fig. 9, the first little lattice have been placed to extractor system 40 fronts.Also referring to Figure 11, an actuator 128 is taken to cartridge could 34 with withdrawal device subsystem 40 and is caused upper and lower syringe needle 70 and 72 to thrust hole, upper and lower 124 and 126 and enter little lattice 118.During by full extension, air pump 74 orders about air and enters little lattice 118 via top syringe needle 70 at syringe needle.System waits the several seconds to guarantee syringe needle correct arrangement and the location in little lattice 118 at starting air pump 74 and before opening valve 76. and antibacterial 120 flows out via bottom syringe needle 72 and is transported to carburator 18 by pump.After one period sufficient time of extracting antibacterial 120, air pump 74 is stopped and also this actuator with withdrawal device subsystem 40 from cartridge could 34 withdrawals.

Carburator 18 is connected to vacuum chamber 14, and this allows bottom syringe needle 72 to be easy to be placed in a pressure that is lower than environment atmospheric pressure.Therefore, pump 74 can optionally be replaced by a valve (not shown) of opening to ambient air, and in this case, the ambient pressure air that enters can provide the driving force of the little lattice 118 of emptying.

Be different from the mode of using upper and lower syringe needle 70 and 72, the syringe needles with two perforation tube chambers are just enough.Provide pressurization gas and another of these tube chambers can extract liquid germicide for a moment.Another alternative arrangement can be vertically or generally perpendicularly to puncture little lattice 118 from one of little lattice 118 top part, preferably uses such double lumen syringe needle.This can make the sewing of hole of causing because syringe needle enters little lattice 118 reduce to minimum on every side.This kind mode of infection also can allow the minimum point of the more close little lattice 118 of syringe needle tip to ask for the highest extraction efficiency.If want to extract the amount of lacking than the entire contents of little lattice 118, it is to be positioned under the height of wanting to extract of little lattice 118 extracting the syringe needle of antibacterial such as bottom syringe needle 72 or described just now double lumen syringe needle that a kind of method is arranged.Can be extracted at this liquid germicide more than position, and can be left at this antibacterial below position.This is convenient especially for described vertical row inserting needle head just now.

Also referring to Figure 12, each control system 28 judges that needing a new antibacterial 120, stepper motor 38 to move cartridge could makes next little lattice 118 be positioned withdrawal device subsystem 40 fronts and carry out one and newly extract operation.One known sterilization cycle may be used and repeatedly extract operation.When cartridge could 34 is used up, thereby box frame 32 moves as previously mentioned and causes ejecting tab 98 as shown in figure 13 toward on position and skims over discharging cam 96 top board 48 is up changeed, and makes and eject tab 98 and pass opening 100 and give prominence to and drive cartridge could 34 out of box frame 32.Cartridge could 34 drops to useless cartridge could and concentrates in the case 84 and box frame 32 is got back to as shown in Figure 5 on position.

More than just describe the running of cartridge could processing system to a certain degree in detail.Figure 14 illustrates the basic running of cartridge could processing system 12 with block chart.

The tube chamber requirement

Generally speaking, steriliser and loop parameter thereof have been optimized to can sterilizing within it so that be unlikely to excessively to limit which device to the tote sterilization that the overwhelming majority may suffer from.Treating in the middle of the germ-resistant article that one of tool challenge zone person's long and narrow tube chamber has at last become the real standard (de facto standard) of the effectiveness that defines a sterilizing program, that is it is to the germ-resistant ability of device of tube chamber with a special diameter and length.Can be long more narrow more by germ-resistant tube chamber, the steriliser circulation is just effective more.Steriliser thereby be called as and reach the tube chamber requirement that lumen diameter is taken advantage of tube chamber length, such as 1mm * 100mm.Tube chamber requires also can comprise the material that constitutes tube chamber.Generally speaking, the tube chamber requirement can be through the requirement of a competent authority such as food and drug administration approval, so also can only represent steriliser and the circulation can germ-resistant effectively tube chamber.Generally speaking, the sterilization operation makes the target microorganism reduce by 6 log.In peroxidating Hydrogen disinfection system, preferred target microorganism is a bacstearothermophilus.

Continue the running steriliser to reach its maximum tube chamber requirement with it, also might want to operate this steriliser with the difference circulation according to being loaded into steriliser 10 interior devices.Preferred, an operator selects a tube chamber to require then this tube chamber to be required in the input control system 28 according to the tool challenge lumen device that is loaded into when loading steriliser 10.Another selection, these devices can oneself be encoded, and for example possess one of to be read bar code when device is packed into, and control system 28 select to be suitable for circulation to satisfy a special tube chamber requirement according to scanned tool challenge lumen device.The tube chamber that is programmed in the steriliser requires the circulation set to comprise: a) 1mm * 1000mm, b) 1mm * 500mm, c) 2mm * 100mm, and d) there is not a tube chamber.The circulation that the tube chamber of low degree of requirement requires can for example be injected less antibacterial, use one low concentration antibacterial, a vacuum than the low degree of requirement of short contacting time or (big pressure) through adjusting.By and large, use a low concentration antibacterial can provide and be subjected to the gentle benefit of handling by the instrument of sterilization.

For the motility among the different tube chamber sterilization cycle of optimization being provided, preferably providing the cartridge could 34 that has at the tote of the antibacterial of a known tube chamber requirement loop optimization.Preferred, tube chamber requires to be encoded on the bar code 80 together with the steriliser model and the expiration date of other data such as cartridge could 34 expection uses.

One of bar code 80 suggestion data layout comprises following hurdle: a) the steriliser model used of cartridge could 34 expections (three binary digit-relevant with a look-up table); B) expiration date (eight binary digits, the moon number that representative was started at from a fixed dates); C) tube chamber requires (three binary digit-relevant with a look-up table).Another selection, tube chamber require can be by independently lumen diameter and length column representative, and its unit is respectively mm and cm.In addition, shown in last column of table 1a, some tube chambers with different size still might have the equivalent process demand.Preferred, one of equivalent tube chamber person can be encoded on the bar code 80, and the control system of steriliser is programmed with these equivalents.Many encoding schemes all belong to feasible within the scope of the invention.

How some parameter of table 1a and the circulation of 1b illustration can be modified to handle specific tube chamber.

Table 1a-possesses the 173L chamber of two kinds of totes

Device	Peroxide concentrations	Amount of peroxides	Kill about 1*106 Lu Sheng fat bacillus acidocldarius spore required time
				Stainless steel surfaces	59% weight	1 gram	5 minutes
1mm * 1000mm TEFLON* tube chamber	50% weight	2 grams	15 minutes
				1mm * 125mm, 2mm * 250mm or 3mm * 400mm rustless steel tube chamber	59% weight	1.7 gram	20 minutes

* politef, TEFLON is the trade mark of 3M company.

Table 1b-possesses a kind of 51L chamber of tote

Device	Peroxide concentrations	Amount of peroxides	Kill about 1*106 Lu Sheng fat bacillus acidocldarius spore required time
				2mm * 400mm rustless steel tube chamber	90% weight	0.23 gram	3 minutes
1mm * 150mm rustless steel tube chamber	90% weight	0.34 gram	3 minutes
				1mm * 500mm rustless steel tube chamber	90% weight	0.45 gram	7 minutes
1mm * 350mm TEFLON* tube chamber	90% weight	0.45 gram	3 minutes

* politef, TEFLON is the trade mark of 3M company.

Only import outside the tube chamber data, control system 28 can be constructed to obtain multiple input and utilize this information to judge how a follow-up sterilization cycle should carry out.These inputs can comprise: tote is to be wrapped or unfolded (for example in the spooling thing of center fed chamber " CSR "); Tote weight; Number of articles, better is the quantity of special article type such as rigidity or flexible endoscope; The tote material, the for example ratio of plastics, the existence or the ratio of hydrogen peroxide superabsorbent polymer, the non-limitation of these polymer is for example polyamide-based for example, polyurethane class, silicone rubber class, PVC class, polymethyl methacrylate class and polysulfones; And needs is thoroughly sterilization or as long as high level disinfection.In these inputs some can be judged that for example tote weight can be judged or judge by measuring plasma power via certain platform scale of preferably incorporating in the steriliser 10 for instance by the machine that is equipped with suitable sensor.

Steriliser 10 has many sensors, wherein comprises to be used for measuring temperature, pressure, concentration of sterilant and plasma power person.The parameter that control system is used these sensors person of being used in combination to import to adjust sterilization cycle is so that handle tote fully in the mode of full blast.How corresponding several user inputs are modified one circulation of table 2 illustration.

Table 2-is in response to the circulation of user input

The tote attribute	Response	Controlling organization
			Sterilization or high level disinfection	High level disinfection-low concentration of sterilant or quality/shorter open-assembly time sterilization-Gao concentration of sterilant or quality	Judge antibacterial/decontaminant concentration level and the amount that reaches required antibacterial level; By antibacterial sensor monitoring concentration/measure and maintain desired level
Be wrapped or unfolded tote	Unfolded-low concentration/mass transport is wrapped-higher concentration/mass transport	Judge antibacterial/decontaminant concentration level and the amount that reaches required antibacterial level; By antibacterial sensor monitoring concentration/measure and maintain desired level
			Tote volume and weight	Large volume: the big weight of bigger absorbtivity might be arranged: higher coagulation is arranged probably	Monitoring is also kept required antibacterial/decontaminant concentration level; Temperature is set in higher level to be absorbed and condensation effects to lower; Optionally preheat tote; High aerofluxus/residue is removed and is handled
It is the material of a distintegrant or absorbent that tote contains for antibacterial/disinfectant	May need bigger implantation quality/concentration and temperature	Monitoring is also kept required antibacterial/disinfectant level; If then carrying out high aerofluxus/residue, taken in excess effect (being confirmed by the output of concentration of sterilant sensor) removes processing
			Tote contains tube chamber: short in long	High concentration and/or quality; Longer open-assembly time and pretreatment barometric gradient	Set concentration and barometric gradient level according to this

In one aspect of the invention, user at first will be done selection to design a circulation in the middle of carrying out one or more standard cycle or one or more user program cycles or input tote and flow data.Under the option of input tote data, it is will sterilize or high level disinfection that user at first can be selected.If select sterilization, then user preferably can be imported tote and whether contains be wrapped outstanding container or article.Secondly, user can be imported tote and whether contain tube chamber.With regard to a tote that does not have a tube chamber, tote gross weight and material can be transfused to.These inputs can be article ground of article to be carried out, and perhaps adds up to input.With regard to tube chamber, excessive data such as tube chamber length and internal diameter can be transfused to.Same, these data can be input as challenging single tube chamber of tool or input one by one.In the 3rd step, whether user can be imported tote preparation information and for example should preheat or dampness removal step tote.Another is selected, and control system can advise or determine whether should carry out these steps according to the data that are transfused to.These steps can extend the disposed of in its entirety time, and user may wish to get rid of the use of these steps with acceleration cycle in some cases.In the 4th step, user can be imported and antibacterial source (bulk or cartridge could), concentration of sterilant, antibacterial volume and the relevant data of antibacterial type.Same, some of them can be for being advised according to the data that are transfused to by control system or determine, this also can be user and provides one for example relevant for the message of which class cartridge could of should packing into.At last, can import the information of relevant removing residues, that is whether should carry out a removing residues step at the end of circulation and whether should use heat, plasma, filtrated air cleaning, vacuum or above combination.Same, this information can be for being advised according to the data that are transfused to by control system or determining.User has the option that stores this cycle sets, causes it to select recycling in the future similar installation from a circulation menu.Can name cycle sets,, allow by this in the future be easy to retrieve suitable circulation for example to be subject to processing the instrumentation set name.

Can make the judgement of circulation change based on the look-up table of the circulation correction of the known loop modification relevant according to utilization, preferably backup with test data with the tote modification.For instance, can judge the open-assembly time and the concentration of sterilant that can produce reliable sterilization functions for the test running of the tube chamber of different-diameter and ID.In addition, can use the comprehensive antibacterial degrees of exposure value of calculation of (amount and time).For instance, show that through experiment a specific tube chamber can successfully be sterilized by a particular integration antibacterial degrees of exposure; Change amount or time still can be reached a reliable sterilization functions when keeping the whole synthesis degrees of exposure.

The system that reads the bar code on cartridge could 34 and the useless cassette carton and crate 84 can be replaced by RFID tag, generally is referred to as the RFID label.One rfid system 130 is shown in Figure 15.It comprises that a controller 132 is connected to one via a SPDT reed repeater 134 and is positioned at cartridge could on the box frame 32 and inserts the cartridge could that antenna 136 and is positioned under the useless cassette carton and crate 84 and abandon antenna 138.Each cartridge could 34 has a cartridge could RFID label 140.Similarly, each useless cartridge could is concentrated case 84 to have one and is concentrated case RFID label 142.Preferred, controller 132 comprises a Texas Instruments multi-functional reader module S4100 and RFID label 140 and 142 comprises Texas Instruments RFID label RI-101-112A, each all can be from Texas Instruments, Dallas, and Texas obtains.

Control system 28 (Fig. 1) chooses one of these antenna such as cartridge could is inserted antenna 136, and sends a signal so that this antenna is connected with RFID controller 132 to repeater 134.This antenna reads the information that is stored on the cartridge could insertion RFID label 140, its identification cartridge could 34 and content thereof.The information reading operation is similar to the information reading operation that uses bar code, but best RFID label 140 has the ability of the information of updated stored.In view of the above, the occupied state of each little lattice of excessive data such as cartridge could 34 can be stored on this RFID label.Therefore, if cartridge could 34 is removed and then inserts in the steriliser 10 or even insert in the different sterilisers 10, control system 28 can be apprised of the state of each little lattice 118 of cartridge could 34.This allows a part of exhausted cartridge could 34 to utilize again.Again, because RFID label 140 can be possessed the data than bar code more than 80, more data relevant for cartridge could 34, its content and manufacturing can be contained within on this label.

The useless case antenna 138 of concentrating reads the useless case RFID label 142 of concentrating to judge useless cartridge could concentrates case 84 whether to exist.It is not empty how many cartridge could 34 being arranged in the capacity of one of other data such as case 84 unique identifier, case 84, the case 84 at present and what little lattice 118 are wherein arranged, and all can be inclusive on the RFID label 142.Traceable existing how many cartridge could 34 of control system 28 are fallen back in the case judging whether and are had living space to how useless cartridge could 34.Antenna 138 also can read cartridge could 34 quantity in cartridge could RFID label 140 and the counting case 84.When case 84 is filled, control system 28 alarm operation persons for example warn by the message on the screen.This message also can comprise the information relevant with the interior cartridge could of case 84 34.For instance, all drain fully if not all cartridge could 34, then the operator can be apprised of this thing to determine whether can issue orders more careful abandoning.

The RFID technology has been disclosed in following United States Patent (USP): United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 600, No. 420; 6,600, No. 418; 5,378, No. 880; 5,565, No. 846; 5,347, No. 280; 5,541, No. 604; 4,442, No. 507; 4,796, No. 074; 5,095, No. 362; 5,296, No. 722; 5,407, No. 851; 5,528, No. 222; 5,550, No. 547; 5,521, No. 601; 5,682,143 and 5,625, No. 341, hold all being incorporated herein by reference within the above patent.

The RFID label comprises an antenna and the integrated circuit made with a thin shape coefficient usually can be placed on an object such as the cartridge could 34 it boldly.The radio-frequency (RF) energy of being sent by the antenna 136 and 138 abundant electric current of inducting in the antenna of RFID label 140 and 142 inside is powered to the integrated circuit in the label.The RFID label of some type possesses own power supply and detection range far away is arranged, but this can increase extra cost and perhaps not conform to the rules concerning current purposes.

Figure 16 illustrates the memory figure of RFID label 140 and 142 interior memory bodys.The unique ID of one 64 bits (UID) are in factory set and can't be changed.Each RFID label has its own unique number at this.64 32 bit blocks can be write formula by user.These can be implanted such as build date, expiration date, product IDs, sequence number, lot number, manufacturing location, the filling state of little lattice, intensity and type, the time of spending in steriliser 10 and the similar information of antibacterial.

There are some antibacterial to be influenced by heat.If RFID label 140 optionally comprise temperature and collect utensil and upgrade this information on the label. surpass the design temperature curve, a maximum temperature or excessive temperature is arranged for example through after a while, then cartridge could 34 may controlled system 28 refusals.Thermometric RFID label can be from KSW-Microtec, Dreseden, and Germany and IdentecSolutions, Inc., Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada obtains.The steriliser 10 inner comparable ambient temperature height at cartridge could 34 places.Therefore, preferably a maximum indwelling time (shipment shelf time) can be put on the label 140 or even the cartridge could upgraded on the label 140 in steriliser, spend the time.

Be the antibacterial measurement device in the test steriliser 10, preferably can be provided at has water or other fluidic cartridge could 34 in one or more little lattice 118.The information of the special essence of relevant cartridge could 34 and content thereof can be written on the RFID label.

In a cycle period, steriliser may only need a tolerant part within the little lattice 118.For instance, a specific cycle may need the little lattice content of lattice half.Partly being full of essence and can being stored then for recycling next time and allowing little lattice 118 be drained of little lattice 118.

Preferred, label 140 and 142 with controller 132 between communicate by letter through encryption.For instance, UID must handle (XORed) to form different keys that are used for enciphered data through one eight bit master key XOR.Encryption algorithm such as data encryption standards (DES), triple des, asymmetric encryption standard (AES) or RSA maintain secrecy and all can be used for encrypting.RFID controller 132 reads the interior algorithm data decryptions of data and control system 28 to disclose the information of storage.

Available additive method communicates between cartridge could 34 and steriliser 10.For instance, information can magnetically be stored on the cartridge could 34, for example be utilized a magnetic code band, and is read by magnetic reader one of on the steriliser.It is cheap day by day that wireless technology becomes, and can imagine that cartridge could 34 can comprise an active transmitters and a power supply (that is a battery), such as active RFID tag or bluetooth, 802.11b or other communication standards.

In addition, steriliser 10 can be set to back and for example its manufacturer or whole seller's contact of a central source, and the information of relevant its performance and cartridge could 34 performances is provided.The cartridge could 34 of performing poor can be recognized, such as the antibacterial monitor in the steriliser did not detect antibacterial thereby points out that some disappearances for example have unaccommodated antibacterial in an empty cartridge could or its in a cycle period.Can confirm and regain 34 batches of the problematic cartridge could of production then fast.This contact can be through phone, beeper or wireless telephony network or internet networking and takes place.

Also referring to Figure 17 and 18, useless cartridge could concentrates case 84 preferably by monolithic the cardboard of printing to be arranged or other raw materials are folding forms.Figure 17 illustrates one and launches blank 150 and Figure 18 and blank 150 is shown is folded to form useless cartridge could and concentrates case 84.

Blank 150 is divided into a base plate 152, side plate 154, end plate 156 and top flaps 158 by a series of fold line (being represented by dotted lines) and line of cut.Folding flap sheet 160 laterally stretches out from side plate 154.Extra fold flap sheet 162 laterally stretches out from end plate 156.Bar code 82 be printed on the side plate 154 should useless cartridge could when useless cartridge could concentrates case 84 to be folded into structure shown in Figure 180 concentrate case 84 can descried position in a upper inner corner.A pair of top flaps fixedly flap sheet 164 is stretched out from top flaps 158, and it is to penetrate in the slotted eye 166 of opposite top flaps 158 when shutting at case 84, and in case 84 is the slotted eye 168 that stretches into when opening in base plate 152 and side plate 154 confluces.

Fold this case, the folding flap sheet 160 on the side plate 154 is up rolled over then side plate 154 is up rolled over, make the confluce of folding flap sheet 160 by this in alignment with 156 of base plate 152 and end plates.Then end plate 156 is up rolled over and end plate is folded flap sheet 162 and down fold on the folding flap sheet 160.The fixedly flap sheet 170 of the folding flap sheet 162 of end plate is penetrated in the slotted eye 172 of confluce of 156 of base plate 152 and end plates.

When making case 84 be in as shown in figure 18 the release position, top flaps 158 down folded to the outside and makes fixedly flap sheet 164 penetrates in the slotted eye 168.In case case 84 is filled useless cartridge could, top flaps 158 is up folded to the top, fixedly flap sheet 164 penetrates in the slotted eye 166 on the top flaps 158 over there then.This unique fold arrangement allows useless cartridge could 34 to fall into easily in the open case 84 and does not have top flaps 158 and be in the way, and allows case to be easy to close when filling.

Figure 19 illustrates a cartridge could 200 similar to cartridge could 34.Yet; cartridge could 200 is packed in the overcoat 202; this overcoat protection cartridge could 200 and its preferably can absorb liquid germicide; cause any liquid germicide drop that may remain on the cartridge could 200 after through a sterilization cycle to be absorbed, thereby prevent that user from touching antibacterial by overcoat 202.Figure 20 is illustrated in a cartridge could 200 that substitutes in the cartridge could processing system 204.

In this system 204, cartridge could 200 and overcoat 202 enter via an opening 205.Roller 207 moves on to cartridge could 200 and overcoat 202 in the system 204, sees through a window 211 that penetrates overcoat 202 at this by a bar code reader 210 and reads the bar code 206 on the flap 208 and information delivered a control system 212.Control system 212 checks that a correct cartridge could 200 whether in the insertion system 204, to notify roller 207 from overcoat 202 extraction cartridge could 200 then.Preferred, bar code 206 requires coding with a tube chamber as previously mentioned.

When cartridge could 200 is got back to overcoat 202, flap 208 is pushed away original position, causes it can not to be read by time in the insertion system 204 once more at cartridge could 200 and overcoat 202, prevents useless cartridge could 200 uses by this.Certainly, if do not use flap 208, also bar code can be imprinted on the overcoat 202 that does not have flap, or be imprinted on the cartridge could 200 and can to see through window 211 in sight.In this example, preferably utilize the described method of preamble to guarantee that cartridge could was not used.

The packing of cartridge could

Figure 21 illustrates the packaging system 300 of one of similar to cartridge could 34 cartridge could 302.Cartridge could 302 is incorporated in the outside spooling thing 304 of a transparent liquid-tight.It is in sight that one label 306 and bar code 308 can see through spooling thing 304.One RFID or other labels can replace or additional bar code 308.Spooling thing 304 preferably is made of the transparent, oriented polypropylene.One absorption fabric 310 that attaches to spooling thing 304 inboards surrounds the part that cartridge could 302 is held hydrogen peroxide.Absorption fabric 310 is preferably blown polyacrylic matrix of nonwoven filament and is flooded a superabsorbent polymers and constitute by molten.With regard to the present invention, " superabsorbent polymers " speech means at least 30 times cartridge could 302 liquid germicides that can absorb and keep here own wt under a 0.5psig pressure.The superabsorbent polymers of share comprises polyacrylamide and polyacrylate, particularly crosslinked sodium polyacrylate.A kind of suitable superabsorbent fabric is can be from BPAFiberweb of Nashville, the Korma HY0301038. that TN obtains

This packaging system preferably by with absorption fabric 310 attached (for example passing through adhesive bond) in a transparent polypropylene sheet 312 and cartridge could 302 is put thereon (referring to Figure 22) constitute.Make sheet 312 and fabric 310 be wrapped in cartridge could 302 and make its side edge and form a sealer 314.

Absorption fabric 310 is fireproof and preferably can be with the antibacterial reaction of causing danger preferably.Even the amount of superabsorbent polymers preferably is enough to absorb and keeps all antibacterial in the cartridge could here and also can not disengage antibacterial having per square inch under 2 or 3 pounds the extraneous pressure.Can utilize the described overcoat as previous embodiment, so it is preferably by a same fire prevention and can not constitute with the cause danger material of reaction of antibacterial.The one variable color index that shows the existence of antibacterial is present in the outside spooling thing 304 and can to see through this spooling thing in sight, warns user not open the spooling thing when using antibacterial has spilt cartridge could 302 outside.When using the antibacterial of an aqueous solution, this index can be pointed out the existence of water, for example the ULTRATHIN WATER CONTAT INDICATOR TAPE 5559 that can obtain from 3M company.

Though below with regard to specific embodiments the present invention is described specially, it will be appreciated that this is example explanation and unrestricted, and the scope of appended technical scheme should be as far as possible broadly explained with the degree that prior art can allow.

Claims (11)

1. cartridge could that is used for steriliser, this cartridge could comprises:

One body;

These intrinsic one or more little lattice hold one of at least some liquid germicides in these one or more little lattice;

Syringe needle with luminal structure; And

With the bar code that this cartridge could is associated, this bar code is enrolled a tube chamber requirement within it.

2. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this bar code is enrolled the steriliser type relevant with this tube chamber requirement or the identifier of model within it.

3. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this antibacterial comprises hydrogenperoxide steam generator.

4. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this tube chamber requires to specify the length and the internal diameter of tube chamber.

5. cartridge could as claimed in claim 4, wherein this tube chamber requires to specify the material that constitutes this tube chamber.

6. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this bar code is enrolled the length and the internal diameter of this tube chamber requirement within it.

7. cartridge could as claimed in claim 6, wherein this bar code is enrolled the material of this tube chamber requirement within it.

8. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this bar code is positioned on the label that attaches to this body.

9. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, wherein this bar code is printed on this body.

10. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, it comprises a plurality of little lattice.

11. cartridge could as claimed in claim 1, it also comprises an overcoat around this body, and this bar code is positioned at this outer putting.

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