Abstract:
A disinfectant transfer system, which is essentially vapor tight, for transferring toxic and/or noxious fluid from a container to a reservoir without releasing fumes including: a transfer cap for securing onto a mouth of a container containing toxic and/or noxious fluid, the transfer cap having a first opening for letting a gas in through a valve, the transfer cap further having a second opening for allowing toxic and/or noxious fluid to be forced out of the container when the toxic and/or noxious fluid is displaced by the gas entering through the first opening, the gas forces the toxic and/or noxious fluid within the container to enter and flow through a first conduit, which is connected to the bottom of the second opening and leads to the bottom of the container, and to continue to flow through a second conduit which is connected to the top of the second opening and leads to a reservoir into which the toxic and/or noxious fluid can enter.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates generally to a system and method for the reprocessing of a contaminated device having internal passageways before such a device is reused in a clean environment.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Automated systems for reprocessing devices having internal passageways for reuse are generally available and are commonly relied upon. For example, systems for reprocessing medical instruments having passageways are used by hospitals to safeguard patients and hospital employees from exposure to infection and cross-contamination. Such prior art reprocessing units are manufactured by several different companies including, Custom Ultrasonics, Inc., of Ivyland, Pa., the assignee of the present invention and application. For example, there are reprocessing units in the prior art adapted for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing flexible scopes, e.g., upper and lower gastrointestinal scopes, colonoscopes and duodescopes.  
         [0005]     The term “reprocessing,” as used herein constitutes the washing, disinfecting, sterilizing and/or pasteurizing of such a device. The term “device” as used herein constitutes any devices having internal passageways that require such reprocessing, including, but not limited to, medical instruments and medical devices. The terms “medical instrument” and “medical device” are understood to constitute devices having one passageway or a plurality of passageways, including, but not limited to endoscopes, colonoscopes, and other flexible and rigid medical instruments.  
         [0006]     Prior art reprocessing systems, suitable in particular for reprocessing medical instruments, operate in accordance with a predetermined protocol of reprocessing steps. The protocol is based upon the specific cleaning requirements of the particular instruments being cleaned. The reprocessing steps are precisely timed and sequenced in order to assure optimal results, based upon the correct combination of water temperature, detergent and chemical agents.  
         [0007]     Thus, parameters such as wash and rinse cycle time, chemical immersion cycle time, and water temperature and pressure were preset by the reprocessing unit manufacturer and could not be altered by an end user of the system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,069, issued to Weber, et. al., teaches a system for cleaning medical instruments having a database of protocols corresponding to differing medical instruments for permitting a user to load and execute the protocol corresponding to the instrument being reprocessed.  
         [0008]     An exemplary protocol for cleaning a medical instrument could include the following reprocessing steps, after the instrument has been placed in the cleaning basin of the reprocessing unit: (1) wash the internal and external surfaces of the instrument with a measured detergent-water mixture for a preset period of time; (2) activate ultrasonic crystals while washing; (3) drain the detergent-water mixture after the wash cycle is completed; (4) after draining, rinse the internal and external surfaces of the instrument with water at a preset temperature for a preset period of time; (5) introduce and circulate disinfectant over and through the instrument for a preset period of time; (6) drain the disinfectant from the wash basin; and (7) after draining of the disinfectant is complete, rinse the instrument with water; and (8) re-rinse the instrument with water.  
         [0009]     Prior art reprocessing units adapted, in particular, for reprocessing medical equipment, typically comprise a variety of mechanical components, e.g., pumps, tubes, solenoid valves, ultrasonic transducers, heaters and probes that perform the various reprocessing steps. The pumps used in these units must be very precise and reliable over extended periods of time. Thus, pumps that are suitable for these units can be quite expensive.  
         [0010]     In many cases it is necessary to reprocess devices having passageways of differing diameters. The differing diameters can occur in a single device having passageways of differing diameters, or in multiple devices, each having passageways of differing diameters. The presence of differing diameter passageways creates a need for fluid flows of corresponding differing pressures, because more narrow passageways require a higher pressure to force fluid therethrough. Prior art reprocessing units suitable for reprocessing devices having passageways of differing diameters included a plurality of pumps and associated tubing systems, wherein each pump provided one of the differing pressures required to reprocess the differing passageways of the devices.  
         [0011]     Furthermore, some devices can have extremely narrow passageways, requiring dedicated high-pressure pumps that are capable of providing extremely high pressures. Pumps for such extremely narrow, high-pressure passageways have very low flow rates. Flow rates that are this low are difficult to monitor. For example, the flow rates of fluids through the passageways of some devices can be on the order of a drop a minute. Passageways this narrow can be found, for example, in flexible medical instruments, such as endoscopes.  
         [0012]     Known reprocessing units are typically equipped with a pressure sensor for measuring the overall flow of fluid through the pump for the purpose of detecting obstructions in the passageways of the devices. However, is possible for an obstruction preventing flow of in one of the passageways to go undetected by the pressure sensor since the flow can continue through the remaining passageways and only the overall pressure of the liquid is determined.  
         [0013]     Several governmental and independent agencies have issued guidelines for reprocessing particular types of medical instruments. For example, such guidelines often require that certain types of medical instruments be washed and sterilized using a chemical disinfectant, while other types of instruments need only be washed. The design of reprocessing units and the reprocessing steps they perform must conform to such guidelines. Additionally, guidelines have been created to reliably prevent instruments from being reused if an obstruction occurs in a single passageway of a plurality of passageways during reprocessing. Prior art reprocessing units are not reliably able to meet these guidelines.  
         [0014]     Chemical disinfectants useful for reprocessing medical instruments or devices include glutaraldehyde or ortho-phthaladehyde (OPA). One particularly effective type of chemical disinfectant is 2% or 3% glutaraldehyde which is marketed by a number of different companies under various brand names such as Cidex manufactured by Johnson &amp; Johnson. However such disinfectants are dangerous to handle because they can cause asthma, headaches, or hives, or maybe be sensitizing or carcinogenic. Typically workers handling such disinfectants pour them into a reservoir where the disinfectant can then be used to reprocess medical instruments or devices. Pouring, however, is disadvantageous because it may result in spilling or splashing of the disinfectant. The spilled or splashed disinfectant may get onto a worker or may fall onto a floor and be missed thereby causing a hazard. Additionally, noxious and/or toxic fumes are given off by the disinfectants when they are poured. Because of the danger such fumes pose they need to be controlled. The fumes are very heavy and tend to fall. Use of a vent overhead of the reservoir would not be useful because it would pull the fumes into a worker&#39;s face, and fumes from spilled or splashed disinfectant would likely be missed. Moreover, expensive equipment would be needed for the vent to work since it would have to be articulated to the area of the reservoir.  
         [0015]     In addition to pouring, it is also known to pump rather than to displace the chemical disinfectant. However, a problem with pumping the liquid is that not all of it is removed. The push of pump acting on a liquid leaves some liquid in the conduits through which the liquid passes and this liquid will fall back into bottle once the pump is turned off.  
         [0016]     While applicant is aware that devices for displacement of liquid with a gas, e.g. air, are known in the prior art, such devices are not suitable for situations in which there is a danger posed by toxic and/or noxious fumes. Nor do such devices involve the transfer of toxic and/or noxious liquid. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 349,598, 2,628,744, 4,619,072, 4,676,404, 5,299,608, 5,893,385, 6,341,628, and 6,435,379.  
         [0017]     The present invention would result in essentially no fumes being released when the disinfectant is transferred from a bottle to a reservoir. Thus resulting in increased safety and eliminating any need to exhaust outside.  
         [0018]     All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     A disinfectant transfer system, which is essentially vapor tight, for transferring toxic and/or noxious fluid from a container to a reservoir without releasing fumes including: a transfer cap for securing onto a mouth of a container containing toxic and/or noxious fluid, the transfer cap having a first opening for letting a gas in through a valve, the transfer cap further having a second opening for allowing toxic and/or noxious fluid to be forced out of the container when the toxic and/or noxious fluid is displaced by the gas entering through the first opening, the gas forces the toxic and/or noxious fluid within the container to enter and flow through a first conduit, which is connected to the bottom of the second opening and leads to the bottom of the container, and to continue to flow through a second conduit which is connected to the top of the second opening and leads to a reservoir into which the toxic and/or noxious fluid can enter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a prior art reprocessing unit wherein the cover of the reprocessing unit is disposed in an opened position to permit a view of a reprocessing basin containing devices to be reprocessed.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view of a reprocessing unit suitable for use with the system and method for reprocessing of a device.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the reprocessing basin of the reprocessing unit of  FIG. 2  including a device to be reprocessed.  
         [0024]     FIGS.  4 A-C show top, front and plan views of the pressure differentiation device of the reprocessing unit of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]     FIGS.  5 A-D are front and side views of the pressure control devices of the pressure differentiation manifold of FIGS.  4 A-C.  
         [0026]     FIGS.  6 A-C show top, front and plan views of the pressure distribution manifold of a system for reprocessing of a device.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the process flow of the operations performed by the reprocessing unit of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0028]     FIGS.  8 A-B show top and front views of a flowmeter of a system for reprocessing of a device.  
         [0029]     FIGS.  9 A-C show top, front and plan views of a pressure sensor of a system for reprocessing of a device.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of an embodiment of a system for reprocessing of a device, with a distribution manifold with pressure sensors mounted at two points of the flow path on each output port of the distribution manifold.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a view of a disinfectant transfer system according the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional blow-up view of the transfer cap shown in  FIG. 11  according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, there are shown representations of reprocessing systems and methods suitable for using conventional reprocessing protocols to reprocess devices having internal passageways, such as medical instruments. An example of such a reprocessing protocol is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,069, issued to Weber, et. al., which is incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a top view of a prior art reprocessing unit  10 , wherein a cover (not shown) is disposed in an open position. The reprocessing unit  10  includes a reprocessing basin  12 , the instrument carrier  14 , and a chemical disinfectant reservoir  16 . The instrument carrier  14  is shown seated within the reprocessing basin  12 . The instrument carrier  14  can be generally rectangular in shape and comprises a mesh-like bottom  18  which is arranged to hold the surgical instruments  15  during reprocessing, wherein the surgical instruments  15  each include a single passageway therethrough requiring reprocessing. The reprocessing basin  12  is also provided with a plurality of spray nozzles  26  for use during the rinse cycle.  
         [0035]     The instrument carrier  14  includes a manifold assembly  20  having a plurality of ports  20   a - f , each of which is shown applied to an internal passageway of a respective surgical instrument  15 . In order to reprocess the surgical instruments  15  having a single passageway within the reprocessing unit  10 , the surgical instruments  15  are disposed on the instrument carrier  14  for coupling to the ports  20   a - f . Since the surgical instruments  15  have a single passageway, only a single one of the ports  20   a - f  is required for each surgical instrument  15 . The manifold assembly  20  is connected to a port  22  by means of a tubing segment  24 , which conducts fluid flow from the port  22  to the manifold assembly  20  for distribution by way of the ports  20   a - f.    
         [0036]     The fluid flow of the port  22  is driven by an oscillating pump (not shown). The oscillating pump operates to draw fluid, e.g., wash water, rinse water or chemical disinfectant, from the reprocessing basin  12 , circulate that fluid through the ports  20   a - f  and the manifold assembly  20 , and through the respective passageways of the surgical instruments  15  disposed on the instrument carrier  14 , to effect the decontamination process during the wash, rinse and chemical immersion phases of the reprocessing protocol.  
         [0037]     In this manner, the pressure delivered to each of the passageways of the surgical instruments  15  can be substantially equal in the reprocessing unit  10 . Reprocessing unit  10  is thus suitable for reprocessing a plurality of surgical instruments  15  requiring such a single pressure to be applied to all of the passageways of the surgical instruments  15 . However, many surgical instruments are provided with passageways of differing diameters. Such surgical instruments require differing pressures, corresponding to the differing diameters, for providing the required circulation of wash water, rinse water and chemical disinfectants through the passageways.  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 3 , there is shown a reprocessing unit  83  suitable for use with the system and method for reprocessing of a device, and a view of a reprocessing basin  12  within the reprocessing unit  83 . The reprocessing basin  12  holds a device  96  having internal passageways  98   a - e  for reprocessing of the device  96  by the reprocessing unit  83 . In a preferred embodiment, the device  96  being reprocessed by the reprocessing unit  83  can be a medical instrument  96 . In particular, the system and method for reprocessing of a device are well suited for application to medical instruments including flexible scopes such as endoscopes that are used for upper and lower gastrointestinal studies.  
         [0039]     The reprocessing unit  83  includes a keyboard  40 , a monitor  28 , a printer  32 , and an associated personal computer (not shown) for permitting a user of the reprocessing unit  83  to communicate with and control the reprocessing unit  83 . The reservoir  16  of the reprocessing unit  83  includes the sensors  34 ,  36 ,  38  for controlling devices such as a heater, a pump and a vacuum device (not shown) in order to protect against failure conditions such as overflow conditions in the reservoir  16 . A removable door  42  within the reprocessing basin  12  covers additional sensors (not shown) for providing further operational capability and safety protection during the operation of the reprocessing unit  83 . The door stops  30  are provided to stop the motion of the rotatable doors  31  covering the reservoir  16  and the reprocessing basin  12  when they are opened.  
         [0040]     In the preferred embodiment, the reprocessing basin  12  can hold more than one device  96  upon a mesh for reprocessing of the internal passageways  98   a - e  thereof according to conventional reprocessing protocols. The reprocessing unit  83  is adapted to provide fluid flows of differing pressures to the device  96  or devices  96  being reprocessed when the internal passageways  98   a - e  have differing diameters. The reprocessing unit  83  is adapted to perform the multi-pressure reprocessing operations using a single pump (not shown), and to provide an indication of an obstruction in any of the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the device or devices  96  as described in more detail below. The single pump of the reprocessing unit  83  can be a diaphragm pump, an oscillating pump, or any other type of pump known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the reprocessing unit  83  can be adapted to perform the multi-pressure reprocessing operations using more than one pump. These pumps could supply pressurized fluid flows of differing pressures to the inputs ports  253 ,  255  of the pressure distribution manifold  250 .  
         [0041]     The reprocessing basin  12  includes the supply ports  123   a - l  that can be selectively used to apply fluids at different fluid flow rates to the medical instruments  96  for reprocessing of the medical instruments  96 . For example, the supply port  123   j  can be capped and reserved for use when needed. The supply port  123   a  can be used to blow off a fluid flow which is unusable due to difficulty in regulating and measuring their flow rates, as described in more detail below. In this example, at least the supply ports  123   a - l  that are not capped or blown off can be vented into the reprocessing basin  12  or coupled to the internal passageways  98   a - e  of a medical instrument  96  as needed  
         [0042]     For example, an internal biopsy passageway  98   a  of the medical instrument  96  can be coupled to the supply port  123   b  by way of the tubing segment  132   b , and an internal water channel passageway  98   b  of the medical instrument  96  can be coupled to the supply port  123   c  by way of the tubing segment  132   c . The internal passageway  98   c  can be coupled to the supply port  123   d  by way of the tubing segment  132   d , and the internal suction passageway  98   d  can be coupled to the supply port  123   e  by way of the tubing segment  132   e . The internal elevator water channel passageway  98   e  can be coupled to the supply port  1231  by way of the tubing segment  1321 .  
         [0043]     The fluid applied in the reprocessing method can be either liquid or gas. Gases that are used for the reprocessing of a medical device include, but are not limited to, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and plasma gases.  
         [0044]     The disk filters  94  and their tubing extensions can be disposed in line with the selected passageways  98   a - e  for preventing debris from reaching the medical instrument  96 . For example, the disk filters  94  can be provided in the tubing segments  132   c,d,e . The device for coupling the selected tubing segments  132   a - l  to the tubing extensions of the disc filters as shown can be the well known lure lock type of coupling. Typical diameters for some of the passageways  98   a - e  can be 0.508 millimeters to 4.8 millimeters.  
         [0045]     Referring now to FIGS.  4 A-C, there is shown a pressure differentiation device  252  for providing fluid flows of differing pressures from the output of a single conventional pump that provides a single pump output pressure. It is the different output pressures at the output of the pressure differentiation device  252  that are applied by way of the selected supply ports  123   a - l  to the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the medical instrument  96  for reprocessing the medical instrument  96  or any other device  96  having such passageways  98   a - e . The single pump applied to the pressure differentiation device  252  can be a conventional diaphragm type pump, an oscillating pump, or any other type of pump known to those skilled in the art. The pressure differentiation device  252  can be a conventional T-manifold that is known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0046]     The single pump output pressure is applied to the pressure differentiation device  252  at an input port  251   a  for application to the two output ports  251   b,c  of the pressure differentiation device  252 . The output ports  251   b,c  threadably receive and secure different pressure control devices which can have openings of different diameters, as described in more detail below. The pressure control devices secured in the output ports  251   b,c  permit the pressure differentiation device  252  to provide two different pressures for the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the medical instruments  96 . In the preferred embodiment the outport port  251   b  can be a high pressure output port and the output port  251   c  can be a low pressure output port.  
         [0047]     In a typical embodiment, the higher pressure of the high pressure output port  251   b  of the pressure differentiation device  252  can be approximately 25 to 50 pounds per square inch. The lower pressure of the low pressure output port  251   c  can be approximately 2 to 20 pounds per square inch. The pressures at the output ports  251   b,c  can fluctuate within these ranges depending on factors such as the number of medical instruments  96  coupled to the reprocessing unit  83 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a pressure differentiation device  252  having additional output ports with different pressure control devices can be used for reprocessing systems  83  requiring more than two differing pressures.  
         [0048]     Referring now to FIGS.  5 A-D, there are shown the pressure control devices  257 ,  259  of the pressure differentiation device  252  for providing the two different pressures to the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the medical instrument  96 . The pressure control devices  257 ,  259  can be conventional pressure control orifice fittings  257 ,  259  that are threadably received and secured in the output ports  251   b,c  of the pressure differentiation device  252 . The two different pressures are provided at the output ports  25 l b,c  when a single pressure is applied to the input port  251   a  of the pressure differentiation device  252  because of the different diameters of the openings within the pressure control orifice fittings  257 ,  259 . The pressure control orifice fitting  257  is a high pressure orifice fitting and the pressure control orifice fitting  259  is a low pressure orifice fitting.  
         [0049]     In the preferred embodiment, the pressure differentiation device  252  can be formed with an entrance  260  for permitting an FDA approved liquid chemical sterilant as well as alcohol to be injected into the fluid stream passing through the device  252  for transmission through the selected supply ports  123   a - l  of the reprocessing basin  12  to the medical instruments  96 . A disinfectant injection bulkhead communicating with the entrance  260  can be located on the exterior of the reprocessing unit  83  for convenience. Additionally, a filter (not shown) can be disposed in a conduit from the pump to the input port  251  a of the device  252  for filtering fluid in transit to the internal passageways  98   a - e . The filter can be, for example, a one-hundredth micron filter.  
         [0050]     Referring now to FIGS.  6 A-C, there are shown representations of the pressure distribution manifold  250  of the reprocessing unit  83 , including the manifold input ports  253 ,  255 , and the manifold output ports  121   a - l . The pressure distribution manifold  250  can be a conventional air manifold understood by those skilled in the art. It is adapted to receive the fluid flows of the two different pressures from the output ports  251   b,c  of the pressure differentiation device  252  by way of the manifold input ports  253 ,  255 . The fluid flows from the pressure distribution manifold  250  are applied by way of the manifold output ports  121   a - l  directly to the corresponding supply ports  123   a - l  of the reprocessing unit basin  12 . Therefrom, they are selectively applied to the devices  96  such as the medical instruments  96 . In the preferred embodiment, the manifold output ports  121   a - j  are low pressure ports and the manifold output ports  121   k,l  are high pressure ports.  
         [0051]     A high pressure fluid flow is received at the high pressure manifold input port  253  of the pressure distribution manifold  250  from the orifice port  251   b  of the pressure differentiation device  252 . A short longitudinal bore hole  140 , opening at the high pressure manifold input port  253 , is provided at one end of the pressure distribution manifold  250 . The pressure distribution manifold  250  is bored transversely from each of the high pressure manifold output ports  121   k,l  to the longitudinal high pressure bore hole  140  in order to permit the high pressure output ports  121   k,l  to communicate with the high pressure bore hole  140 . Thus, a high pressure fluid flow applied to the input port  253  of the pressure distribution manifold  250  is distributed to the high pressure, or narrower inner diameter, passageways of the medical instruments  96  by way of the high pressure bore hole  140  and the manifold output ports  121   k,l.    
         [0052]     A low pressure fluid flow is received at the low pressure input port  255  of the pressure distribution manifold  250  from the output port  251   c  of the pressure differentiation device  252 . A long longitudinal bore hole  142 , opening at the low pressure manifold input port  255 , is provided within the pressure distribution manifold  250 . Substantially as described with respect to the high pressure output ports  121   k,l , transverse bore holes extending from the low pressure output ports  121   a - j  to the longitudinal low pressure bore hole  142  are provided. Thus, the low pressure manifold output ports  121   a - j  communicate with the low pressure bore hole  142 . In this manner, a low pressure fluid flow applied to the low pressure input port  255  of the pressure distribution manifold  250  is distributed to the low pressure passageways of the medical instruments  96  byway of the low pressure bore hole  142  and the manifold output ports  121   a - j.    
         [0053]     Those skilled in the art will understand that possible turbulence at the distal end of the pressure distribution manifold  250 , in the region of the manifold output port  121  a can make the flow rates difficult to measure and/or difficult to control. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the fluid flows provided by way of the supply port  123   a  can be blown off into the reprocessing basin  12 , rather than applied to a medical instrument  96 .  
         [0054]     The pressure measurement openings  144  on the side of the pressure distribution manifold  250  individually communicate with the longitudinal bore holes  140 , 142 . The presence of the pressure measurement openings  144  on the pressure distribution manifold  250  permits measurement of the pressures within the bore holes  140 ,  142 , as described in more detail below.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a block diagram representation of a process flow  95  for performing a reprocessing protocol within the reprocessing unit  83  suitable for reprocessing devices such as the medical instruments  96 . During a fill step of the process flow  95 , a solenoid-type water valve  230  is placed in an open position to enable water to flow from an outside hot/cold water source  232  through a water line  234 , into the reprocessing basin  12  to immerse the medical instrument  96 . The reprocessing basin  12  is provided with a drain  44  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) located in the bottom of the reprocessing basin  12 . The drain  44  is connected to a drain line  212 . During the fill step, as wash water flows into the reprocessing basin  12  it begins to drain through the drain line  212 . A drain valve  164 , provided below the drain line  212  is normally in a closed state to prevent the draining of the water out of the system. This action enables the filling of the reprocessing basin  12 .  
         [0056]     A flow probe  220  is located adjacent the drain line  212  and is operative to detect the presence of liquid as wash water begins to fill the drain line  212  during filling of the reprocessing basin  12 . Once the probe  220  detects the presence of moisture, the probe  220  sends a signal indicative thereof to a system controller which provides an indication to the user that the reprocessing basin  12  is filling with water. Additionally, an operational float (not shown) is located within the reprocessing basin  12 . During filling, the operational float is buoyed upwardly and eventually reaches a predetermined height corresponding to a particular volume of wash water being present in the reprocessing basin  12 . When the operational float reaches this predetermined level, the reprocessing unit  83  indicates to the user that the reprocessing basin  12  has been filled and that the washing step can begin. Thereafter, the water valve  230  is closed so that no additional wash water enters the reprocessing basin  12 .  
         [0057]     As wash water fills into the reprocessing basin  12  over the immersed medical instruments  96 , a solenoid-type detergent valve  262  and a detergent pump  266  operate to withdraw a predetermined amount, e.g., three ounces, of detergent  254  from a detergent container  258  located adjacent the reprocessing unit  83  and inject the predetermined amount of detergent into the reprocessing basin  12  through a detergent line  264 . The detergent  254  may be of any suitable composition. One particularly effective type of detergent is sold under the trademark TERGAL 800 by Custom Ultrasonics, Inc.  
         [0058]     During the wash step, a pump  246 , such as a diaphragm pump, is activated to draw the water/detergent mixture contained in the reprocessing basin  12  through an intake valve  240  and to circulate the mixture through the circular reprocessing basin  12 , the output ports  121   a - i  of the pressure distribution manifold  250 , the tubing segments  132   a - l , and through the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the immersed medical instrument  96 . Any unused output ports  121   a - l  can be blown off into the basin  12 . The pump  246  is a single output pressure pump. In this manner fluid is recirculated through the immersed medical instrument  96  for a predetermined period of time in order to reprocess the internal passageways of the internal medical instrument  96  in accordance with a predetermined reprocessing protocol.  
         [0059]     Referring now to FIGS.  8 A-B, there is shown a flowmeter  256  for selectively coupling to the manifold output ports  121   a - l  and individually measuring the flow rates of the fluids within the manifold output ports  121   a - l  of the reprocessing unit  83  coupled thereto. The flowmeter  256  can be any conventional flow sensor suitable for measuring the flow rate through the ports  121   a - l , and thereby through the tubing segments  132   a - l . For example, the flowmeter  256  can be an in line straight-through flow tube sensor that uses ultrasonic sensing technology to measure the rate of flow of a fluid passing therethrough, such as the M-1500 Series provided by Malema Flow Sensors. The flowmeter  256  can be omitted from any unselected output ports  121   a - l  not supplying fluid to any internal passageways, for example the output ports  121   a  which is blown off into the reprocessing basin  12 .  
         [0060]     An ultrasonic sensing flowmeter  256  is preferred because it is non intrusive, thereby permitting the fluid flow to the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the medical instruments  96  to be measured without interference by the flowmeter  256 . Ultrasonic sensing flowmeters  256  of this type are believed to be accurate from one-half cubic centimeter per minute to infinity for a multiple number of outputs.  
         [0061]     The flowmeter  256  provides a flow rate signal according to the measured flow rate, for example by tripping a switch within the flowmeter  256  when the flow rate falls below a predetermined value.  
         [0062]     In another embodiment, the flowmeters  256  can be of the well know piston type, wherein the force of the fluid flow through the flowmeter  256  raises and suspends a piston therein, until the flow rate falls below a predetermined value. When the flow rate falls below the predetermined value, the piston falls and a switch within the flowmeter  256  is tripped. The tripping of the switch within the flowmeter  256  indicates that the predetermined flow rate through the flowmeter  256  has not been maintained. It is believed that a flowmeter  256  of this type is not as accurate the ultrasonic type since it can interfere with the fluid flow being measured.  
         [0063]     In one preferred embodiment, the minimum flow rate through the high pressure ports  121   k,l  can be approximately one cubic centimeter per minute. The minimum flow rate through the two lower pressure ports  121   a,b  at the distal end of the pressure distribution manifold  250  can be approximately fifty cubic centimeters per minute. The minimum flow rate through the remaining low pressure ports  121   c - j  can be 0.05 gallons per minute.  
         [0064]     Thus, the flowmeters  256  disposed in line with the internal passageways  98   a - e  provide an indication to the user of the reprocessing system  83  when the flow through any of the passageways  98   a - e  of the surgical instruments  96  coupled to the reprocessing unit  83  is obstructed. When any of the internal passageways  98   a - e  is determined to be obstructed in this manner, the reprocessing operation set forth in the process flow  95  is aborted, and the abort condition is communicated to the user of the reprocessing unit  83 . This feature prevents the inadvertent reuse of any device  96  that has not been completely reprocessed due to an obstruction in any of the internal passageways  98   a - e  being reprocessed. Without such a feature the operator can be left with a false sense of security regarding the success of the reprocessing operation.  
         [0065]     In the preferred embodiment, individual indicator lights (not shown) corresponding to each flowmeter  256  coupled to the pressure distribution manifold  250  are mounted on the exterior of the reprocessing unit  83 . The indicator lights permit an easy visual determination of which internal passageway  98   a - e  is obstructed when the reprocessing operation is aborted. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, a lag time of approximately ten seconds can be provided between the detection of an obstruction by a flowmeter  256  and the abort of the reprocessing operation to allow for the breaking up of an obstruction due to back pressure provided by the pump.  
         [0066]     Referring now to FIGS.  9 A-C, there are shown representations of the pressure sensing switch  320  of the reprocessing unit  83 . The pressure sensing switch  320  is adapted to measure the pressure of the longitudinal bore holes  140 ,  142  within the pressure distribution manifold  250 , and to provide an electrical pressure signal according to the measured pressure of the bore holes  140 ,  142 .  
         [0067]     In an alternate embodiment (not shown) a flowmeter  256  coupled to a manifold output port  121   a - l  of the pressure distribution manifold  250  can be omitted. In such an embodiment, the pressure sensing switch  230  is mounted in a pressure measurement opening  144  communicating with a longitudinal bore  140 ,  142  of the pressure distribution manifold  250 . For example, the flowmeters  256  can be removed from the manifold output ports  121   k,l , and the high pressure flow rate can be measured by a pressure sensing switch  320  mounted in the pressure measurement opening  144  disposed in communication with the longitudinal bore hole  140 .  
         [0068]     Thus, the pressure of the manifold output ports  121   k,l  is monitored using the pressure sensing switch  320  rather than measuring the fluid flow rate using a flowmeter  256 . In this alternate embodiment, an obstruction within a high pressure passageway of the medical instrument  96  is detected by sensing a change in pressure rather than a change in flow rate.  
         [0069]     Thus, the reprocessing of the instrument  96  is aborted according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensing switch  320  rather than a direct measurement of flow rate. In one embodiment the pressure sensing switch  320  can be adapted to provide an electrical pressure signal when the measured pressure is at a level in the range of 1.5 to 15 psi.  
         [0070]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a portion of the reprocessing unit  350 . The reprocessing unit  350  is an alternate embodiment wherein the flow paths  125   a - j  transmit fluid from the manifold output ports  121   a - j  of the distribution manifold  250  to the supply ports  123   a - j . The flow paths  125   a - j  can be, for example, tubing segments. Each flow path  125   a - j  is provided with two pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j . The two pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j  of each flow path  125   a - j  are spaced apart and mounted at two points on each of the flow paths  125   a - j.    
         [0071]     The flowmeters  256  can be omitted in this embodiment, as flow is monitored using the pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j . In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j  will measure two pressure values for each output port  121   a - j . These values can then be used to determine the flow rates through the flow paths  125   a - j . This calculation can easily be performed by one skilled in the art. For example, the two pressures can be applied to the well-known Bernoulli equation to calculate the flow through the output ports  121   a - j.    
         [0072]     Preferably, the pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j  should be positioned not to obstruct or restrict the flow path. This will ensure a more accurate pressure reading. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the flow through the flow paths  125   a - j  should be as close to laminar as possible. This also will increase the accuracy of the pressure readings. Preferably, the distribution manifold  250  is designed to achieve laminar flow.  
         [0073]     In this embodiment, the reprocessing of the instrument or device  96  is aborted according to the flow rate determined from the two measured pressures on each output port  121   a - j . Preferably, signals representing the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j  are transmitted to a computer equipped with software designed to process the signals. The software will translate the pressure values into flow rates, for example, by using the Bernoulli equation. When the pressure differential signifies no flow or minimum flow, according to predetermined minimum flow levels, the cycle is aborted.  
         [0074]     The reprocessing unit can include a plurality of pumps (not shown) and associated tubing systems  132   a - l , wherein each pump provides one of the differing pressures required to reprocess the differing passageways of the devices  96 . Each individual tube of the tubing assembly can have its flow monitored separately by flow determining sensors on each tube. The flow determining sensors can be pressure sensors, or flow meters (piston type or ultrasonic).  
         [0075]     In another embodiment, the reprocessing unit can include individual pumps (not shown) associated with each individual flow path  125   a - j . The single pump  246  with the pressure differentiation device  252  would be omitted, as well as the pressure distribution manifold  250 . In this embodiment, the fluid is pulled from within the reprocessing basin  124 , through the purge intake filter  240 , feeding the inputs of the individual pumps (not shown). Each pump then supplies a flow path  125   a - j , for example tubing segments, to the supply ports  123   a - j  located on the reprocessing basin  124  at a predetermined flow and/or pressure rate. This predetermined flow and/or pressure rate is monitored separately by flow determining sensors. The flow determining sensors can be pressure sensors, or flow meters (piston type or ultrasonic).  
         [0076]     In the preferred embodiment, individual indicator lights (not shown) corresponding to each pair of pressure sensors  60   a - j ,  61   a - j  mounted to the pressure distribution manifold  250  are mounted on the exterior of the reprocessing unit. The indicator lights permit an easy visual determination of which internal passageway  98   a - e  is obstructed when the reprocessing operation is aborted. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, an adjustable lag time can be provided between the detection of an obstruction by the pressure differential and the abort of the reprocessing operation to allow for the breaking up of an obstruction due to back pressure provided by the pump.  
         [0077]     In another alternate embodiment (not shown) of the reprocessing unit  83  an ultrasonic flow sensor such as the flowmeter  256  can be mounted on the pressure distribution manifold  250 , for example, at the input end of the pressure distribution manifold  250 . This type of ultrasonic measurement of flow rate is extremely sensitive, allowing the detection of changes in flow rate as small as a few drops per minute. The reprocessing operations of the process flow  95  are aborted when the flow detected by such an ultrasonic measurement device mounted on the pressure distribution manifold  250  in this manner is below the predetermined level.  
         [0078]     Once the water/detergent mixture has passed through the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the immersed medical instrument  96 , it flows back into the reprocessing basin  12  where it is again recirculated by the pump  246  for a predetermined minimum period of time based upon guidelines provided by the detergent manufacturer, e.g., one-hundred eighty seconds. During the wash step, the ultrasonic crystals  282  located below the reprocessing basin are activated. When activated, the ultrasonic crystals  282  generate ultrasonic vibrations that act in combination with the detergent-water mixture to cause a cleansing action that breaks down, loosens and removes contaminants from the exterior and interior surfaces of the flexible medical instrument  96  to provide enhanced cleaning.  
         [0079]     Once the predetermined time period for the wash step has elapsed, the drain step begins.  
         [0080]     During the drain step, the drain valve  164  is opened and the drain pump  216  is activated. While the pump  246  continues to pump the water/detergent mixture through the medical instrument  96 , the mixture begins to drain out of the reprocessing basin  12  by means of the drain pump  216  which pumps the water/detergent mixture down the drain line  212  and into a T-assembly  217 . The mixture travels through drain valve  164 , through a standpipe  165  and into a sewer drain  167 . Once the flow probe  220  detects the absence of moisture in the drain line  212 , the drain pump  216  is shut off and the drain valve  164  is returned to its closed position.  
         [0081]     After the drain pump  216  is shut off, an air pump  224  is activated and a solenoid-type air valve  226  is opened. By use of the air pump  224  forced air is directed through the pump  246 , the manifold assembly  250 , the tubing segments  132   a - e , and through the internal channels of the medical instrument  96 . The forced air acts to purge and clear away any residual water/detergent mixture remaining in the interior channels of the medical instrument  96 . The purged residual water/detergent mixture flows down the drain line  212  located below the reprocessing basin  12  and collects in the bottom of the T-assembly  217  located below the drain line  212 . The purged residual water/detergent mixture is removed from the bottom of the T-assembly  217  by means of a residual drain line  310  and a residual drain pump  314  that is activated simultaneously with the air pump  224 .  
         [0082]     The first rinse cycle comprises the steps of fill, rinse and drain steps. During the fill step, water is introduced into the reprocessing basin  12  from the outside source  232  by means of water valve  230  and water line  234 . Since this is a rinse cycle, as opposed to a wash cycle, no detergent  254  is introduced during the fill step. During the rinse step of the process flow  95 , the pump  246  draws the rinse water contained in the reprocessing basin  12  through the intake valve  240  and recirculates the rinse water for a predetermined minimum period of time in a manner as previously described above in connection with the wash step. Also, during the rinse step, the ultrasonic crystals  282  are activated.  
         [0083]     Thereafter, the drain step begins. During the drain step, rinse water is pumped out of the reprocessing basin  12  by the drain pump  216 . The water travels down the drain line  212  through the drain pump  216  and into the T-assembly  217 . Because the drain valve  164  is in the opened position, the water travels through drain valve  164  and through standpipe  165  and into a sewer drain  167 .  
         [0084]     Once the flow probe  220  detects the absence of moisture in the drain line  212 , the drain pump  216  is shut off. Some residual water remains in the bottom of the T-assembly  217  that cannot be removed by the drain pump  216 . This residual rinse water is removed from the bottom of the T-assembly  217  by means of the residual drain line  310  and the residual drain pump  314  in the manner previously described. By removing all residual rinse water from the T-assembly  217 , chemical disinfectant introduced in the next step of the protocol will not become diluted with any residual rinse water.  
         [0085]     Once the drain step  141  is complete and all residual rinse water has been removed from the T-assembly  217 , the next fill step begins and a chemical disinfectant  288  is introduced into the reprocessing basin  12 . One particularly effective type of chemical disinfectant is 2% or 3% glutaraldehyde which is marketed by a number of different companies under various brand names such as Cidex manufactured by Johnson &amp; Johnson. The introduction of the disinfectant  288  is effected by opening a reservoir feed valve  298  to cause a reservoir pump  294  to pump the chemical disinfectant  288  from a chemical disinfectant reservoir  290  through a chemical line  306  into the reprocessing basin  12 . The chemical disinfectant  288  enters and fills the reprocessing basin  12  to a predetermined height as previously described.  
         [0086]     Once the reprocessing basin  12  has been filled with the chemical disinfectant  288  to the predetermined level, the pump  246  is activated to draw the chemical disinfectant  288  contained in the reprocessing basin  12  through the intake valve  240 . This action circulates the chemical disinfectant  288  through the ports of the manifold  250 , the tubing segments  132   a - e  and through the internal passageways  98   a - e  of the immersed medical instrument  96 . Once the chemical disinfectant  288  has passed through the internal passageways of  98   a - l  of the immersed medical instrument  96 , it flows back into the reprocessing basin  12  where it is recirculated by the pump  246  for a predetermined minimum period of time based upon guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the chemical disinfectant  288 . Once the predetermined minimum time period for the chemical immersion step has elapsed, the pump  246  is turned off.  
         [0087]     Thereafter, the chemical disinfectant  288  is returned to the chemical disinfectant reservoir  290  for reuse. To enable the return of the chemical disinfectant  288  to the reservoir  290 , the drain valve  164  is closed and the reservoir return valve  302  is opened. The drain pump  216  is activated and the chemical disinfectant  288  is pumped through the chemical line  306 , through the reservoir return valve  302  and back into the chemical reservoir  290 . Once the flow probe  220  detects the absence of moisture in the drain line  212 , the drain pump  216  is tuned off. Thereafter, two additional rinse cycles are performed. The first rinse cycle comprises a first rinse and a drain phase. The rinse cycle is performed in a manner similar to the rinse cycle previously described. However, this rinse cycle does not include use of the residual drain line  310  and residual drain pump  314 . The ultrasonic crystals  282  are activated during the rinse step of this rinse cycle.  
         [0088]     The second rinse cycle comprises fill, second rinse and drain phases. This rinse cycle is performed in a manner similar to the rinse cycle previously described, i.e., fill, rinse and drain phases, and includes use of the residual drain line  310  and residual drain pump  314 . The ultrasonic crystals  282  are activated during the rinse step of this rinse cycle. Once this rinse cycle has been completed, the reprocessing protocol is complete and the instrument may be removed from the reprocessing chamber for reuse.  
         [0089]     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , there is shown a disinfectant transfer system according to the invention. A transfer cap  500  is fitted onto a bottle  502  containing a chemical disinfectant  288 . The transfer cap  500  has a first opening  504  for letting air, or some other gas, in through a valve  506  which is inserted in the first opening  504 . A second opening  508  on the transfer cap  500  is provided for allowing the chemical disinfectant  288  to exit the bottle  502  when the chemical disinfectant  288  is displaced by air entering through the valve  506  in the first opening  504 . Preferably the valve  506  is a spring loaded self-closing locking valve of a type well known to those skilled in the art. A first conduit  510  connected to the bottom of the second opening  508  and extending to the bottom of the bottle  502 , allows for a pathway by which the chemical disinfectant  288  can exit the bottle  502 . From the first conduit  510  the chemical disinfectant can then enter a second conduit  512 , which is connected to the top of the second opening  508 , and flow into a reservoir  290  into which the chemical disinfectant  288  can enter.  
         [0090]     In a preferred embodiment, a manifold  250  linked to the first opening  504  by a third conduit  514  can be used to supply the air which enters the bottle  502  through the first opening  504 . However, any source of air can be used. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment an o-ring  516  is fitted between the second opening  508  and the second conduit  512  to assist in creating an essentially vapor tight seal. Still furthermore, in a preferred embodiment the valve  506  is a one-way check valve for only allowing air to enter the bottle  502 .  
         [0091]     It should be appreciated that the disinfectant transfer system described is a closed system from inside of the bottle, or other suitable container, to inside of the reservoir. Therefore, essentially no fumes escape during the transfer of the disinfectant from the bottle to the reservoir.  
         [0092]     If should further be appreciated that the transfer cap detachably attaches onto the bottle, or other suitable container, and can therefore be removed and detachably attached onto another bottle, or other suitable container. As a result, disinfectant contained in multiple bottles, or other suitable containers, can be easily transferred to a reservoir through the closed system.  
         [0093]     Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate the invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under the various conditions of service.