Patent ID: 6044855
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for rinsing a channel of a medical instrument with a fluid supplied by a fluid supply under a pressure, the medical instrument having a channel connector communicating with the channel, comprising:a fluid injector for selectively forming a sealed connection with the channel connector for transferring fluid from the fluid supply thereto, said fluid injector comprising:a hollow tubular housing having a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end sized and configured to selectively connect to the channel connector of the medical instrument;an opening for receiving fluid supplied by the fluid supply; anda plunger movably disposed at least partially within said tubular housing, said plunger having a front portion, a rear portion, a fluid passage running axially therein, and being movable along the central longitudinal axis, wherein said front portion of said plunger is sized and configured to form a sealable connection with the channel connector of the medical instrument, such that when said tubular housing and said front portion of said plunger are axially aligned with the channel connector and fluid from the fluid supply is delivered into the housing, the pressure exerted by the fluid on said plunger is sufficient to cause said plunger to move along said central longitudinal axis of said housing into a sealed connection with the channel connector for delivery of the fluid through said fluid passage thereto.