Patent ID: 7135142
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: A61L,C02F

Abstract:
1. In a reprocessor having a circulation system for circulating a liquid sterilant or microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber that forms a part of said circulation system, a water filtration system for filtering water used in said reprocessor, said water filtration system, comprising: a fluid feed line forming a portion of said circulation system, one end of said fluid feed line in fluid communication with said chamber; a directional valve disposed in said fluid feed line; a first filter element disposed in said fluid feed line for filtering fluids flowing therethrough, said first filter element located upstream from said chamber; a second filter element disposed in said fluid feed line for filtering fluids flowing therethrough, said second filter element located between said first filter element and said chamber, said second filter element having the capacity to filter particles smaller than said first filter element; a water line connectable to a source of pressurized water, said water line connected to said fluid feed line at a location between said directional valve and said first filter element; and a bypass line connected to said fluid feed line to define a fluid path that bypasses said first and second filter elements, said bypass line connected at one end to said fluid feed line upstream of said directional valve and connected at another end to said fluid feed line between said second filter element and said chamber, wherein all water entering said reprocessor from the water line first passes through said filter elements, and a portion of all fluid circulated through said circulation system passes through said fluid feed line and said filter elements.