Patent ID: 6482358
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: A61L,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for decontaminating items, the system comprising:a vertical chamber for receiving the items to be decontaminated the chamber being closed by a vertical door after the items are received, the chamber having nozzles for spraying the items; a well defined at a bottom of the vertical chamber into which fluids drain from the items and the chamber for recirculation, the well being shaped to receive a container which includes a treatment material; a recirculation fluid flow path which recirculates the treatment material in liquid solution from the well to the nozzles; a cup cutter having a shaft extending into the well to pierce and open the container and release the treatment material; a restraining member within the chamber which is mounted for movement to a restraining position to prevent the container from being lifted as the shaft extends; and a means for assuring that the restraining member is in the restraining position during a decontamination cycle.