Patent ID: 7476368
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: A61L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A container for holding items to be microbially deactivated in a reprocessor, comprised of: a generally cup-shaped tray having a bottom wall and a continuous side wall extending to one side from the periphery of said bottom wall, said bottom wall and said side wall defining a cavity for receiving instruments and items to be microbially deactivated, said side wall having an upper edge and a channel formed in said upper edge, said channel extending continuously about said upper edge of said side wall; a lid attachable to said tray, said lid dimensioned to cover said cavity; a fluid inlet in said tray communicating with said cavity; a fluid outlet in said tray communicating with said cavity, said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet each having a one-piece, flexible valve element, said flexible valve element being movable by a mechanical actuator on said reprocessor between an open position to allow fluid flow through said container during a deactivation cycle and a closed position sealing said cavity; wherein each of said valve elements includes a first portion movable relative to said tray and a second portion fixed relative to said tray, said first portion being connected to said second portion by a plurality of radially extending arms; and a second fluid inlet having a flexible valve element that is movable between an open position and a closed position through contact with a mechanical actuator on a reprocessor, wherein one of said fluid inlets is in fluid communication with said channel formed in said upper edge of said side wall.