| abstract |
A fluid delivery system ( 20 ) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles ( 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 ) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports ( 150, 152, 154 ) for connecting with internal passages ( 187 ) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack ( 21 ), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber ( 12 ). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls ( 114, 116, 118 ) and on a door ( 18 ) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets ( 102, 104 ) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets ( 122 ) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors ( 184 ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( 196 ) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( 80 ) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing. |