GB1432368A - Apparatus for washing and decontaminating articles - Google Patents

Abstract

1432368 Washing containers and other articles ETHICON Inc 12 July 1973 [12 July 1972] 32609/72 Heading B8T [Also in Division F2] Automatic apparatus for washing and decontaminating hollow articles, e.g. of hospital anaesthetic equipment, comprises a treating bowl 2 containing a motor-driven impeller 4, a heater coil 24, and a support 10 for the articles comprising pipes 11 arranged for connection to the articles for passing liquid therethrough into the bowl, a motor-driven pump 6 for supplying liquid under pressure to the pipes 11, means, e.g. a pump 32 for feeding decontaminating liquid from the tank 23 to the bowl 2, means, e.g. a conduit 8 and valve 21, for returning the decontaminating liquid from the bowl 2 to the tank 23 at the end of a decontaminating cycle, the bowl surfaces being selfdraining, sloped and coated with water-repellent material, electrical control means for programming the operation of the impeller 4, pump 6, a bowl drain valve 21, and the supply and return of decontaminating liquid to the bowl 2, and means associated with the electrical control means to regulate automatically the operational life of the decontaminating liquid. In operation water is introduced into the bowl 2 via a solenoid valve 17, a detergent dispenser 19, and a tank 18. When the valve 17 has been closed by a level sensor 20 the impeller 4 and pump 6 are energized to circulate washing liquid over and through the articles to be washed, viz. corrugated hoses mounted between opposed pairs of pipes 11, re-breathing bags placed over vertical tubes 12 (Fig. 2, not shown), face masks on spigots (13) and endotracheal tubes on variously sized nozzles (15). Laryngoscope blades and sundry other small components are placed in a basket (16) suspended on the support 10. After washing the valve 21 passes washing liquid to a drain, and the articles are then rinsed, and aqueous glutaraldehyde solution is supplied as decontaminating liquid from the tank 23 by the pump 22 to the bowl 2, circulated by the pump 6 for a predetermined period and then returned via the valve 21 to the tank 23. Two rinsing steps follow, the final one with hot water heated by a heater 24 in the bowl 2. After 14 days in the apparatus the glutaraldehyde solution is evacuated to drain by a pump 22, via the bowl 2 the evacuation being effected automatically by actuation of the electrical control circuit by a timer. Specification 1,168,035 is referred to.