Abstract:
A mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. The device comprises a cart including at least one receptacle for receiving an instrument container having instruments stored therein. The cart also includes plumbing for circulating processing fluids through the instrument container and a communications system for communicating tracking data associated with the instrument container and the cart.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/105,695, filed Apr. 18, 2008 which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the handling of medical instruments such as dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and mortuary devices; and the present invention relates more particularly to a mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Medical instruments (such as dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and mortuary devices) that are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids require thorough cleaning and anti-microbial deactivation between each use. Typically, a plurality of medical instruments is assembled together as a kit for use in a specific medical procedure. The procedure is performed in a specific location, i.e., a procedure room located within a facility such as a hospital. During the procedure, the medical instruments are often soiled such that they are coated with biological matter, e.g., blood and tissue. 
         [0004]    Typically, soiled medical instruments are placed in a container after being used during a procedure. A hospital staff member then transports the container from the procedure room to a cleaning room. In the cleaning room, the soiled medical instruments undergo a treatment process that includes a pre-cleaning step, a manual cleaning step, and a reprocessing step. During the pre-cleaning step, the instruments are moistened or hydrated to prevent biological matter, e.g., blood, tissue, etc. from drying prior to cleaning of the instruments. In the manual cleaning step, particulate matter and debris are removed from the instruments. In the reprocessing step, the instruments are microbially deactivated. 
         [0005]    One problem related to cleaning soiled medical instruments is that biological matter coating the medical instruments begins to dry soon after use. As the biological matter dries, it adheres to the medical instruments and becomes difficult to remove. Therefore, it is desirable to perform the pre-cleaning step in a timely matter. Accordingly, the soiled medical instruments are preferably transported from the procedure room to the cleaning room with as little delay as possible. 
         [0006]    However, delays can occur before and after the soiled medical instruments are transported to the cleaning room. For example, hospital staff may not be readily available to transport the soiled medical instruments to the cleaning room when needed. Any such delay that occurs before the instruments are exposed to the pre-cleaning step allows the coating of biological matter on the medical instruments to continue to dry and become increasingly difficult to remove. 
         [0007]    The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a device that facilitates tracking and transport of a container while preventing drying of biological matter that coats medical instruments stored within the container. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a transport device for moving instruments to various locations within a facility (e.g., hospital), the transport device including a cavity for receiving an instrument container, and plumbing for circulating fluids through the container, thereby treating instruments located inside the container. 
         [0009]    An advantage of the present invention is a transport device that is capable of transporting medical instruments. 
         [0010]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above having a cart that is dimensioned to receive a storage container for storing medical instruments. 
         [0011]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of rinsing medical instruments. 
         [0012]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of washing medical instruments. 
         [0013]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of circulating a fluid through a container for treatment, e.g., pre-cleaning, washing, rinsing, hydrating, etc., of medical instruments stored therein. 
         [0014]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of maintaining medical instruments in a moist environment to prevent drying of biological matter thereon. 
         [0015]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of drying medical instruments stored within a container. 
         [0016]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of obtaining data regarding a container for medical instruments. 
         [0017]    Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device as described above that is capable of communicating data (e.g., location, status, identification of medical instruments contained therein, etc.) regarding a container for medical instruments to a central information system. 
         [0018]    These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES   
         [0019]    The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, one embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the transport device includes a cart having a plurality of receptacles for receiving storage containers for storing medical instruments; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a storage container for storing medical instruments; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the transport device of  FIG. 1 , wherein storage containers are disposed within the plurality of receptacles of the cart; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial illustration showing a transportation route for a transport device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating one embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,  FIG. 1  shows a transport device  10  comprised of a cart  200  and at least one container  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, container  100  is dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments  52 . A plurality of medical instruments in each container  100  may form a kit  50 . Cart  200  is dimensioned to receive container  100  such that container  100  is fluidly connected thereto, as will be described in detail below. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , kit  50  is comprised of one or more medical instruments that are assembled together. The following description of the structure and operation of transport device  10  below can be understood in light of a typical medical instrument  52  of kit  50 . Medical instrument  52  has a lumen, i.e., an internal passageway (not shown), defined therethrough and a port  54  defined at one end of the lumen. It should be appreciated that illustrated instruments  52  are exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For instance, some medical instruments may not include a lumen. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , container  100  includes a tray  102  and a lid  126 . Tray  102  is generally cup-shaped and has a bottom wall  104  and a continuous side wall  106 . Continuous side wall  106  is disposed around the periphery of bottom wall  104 , and extends upward from bottom wall  104  to a top edge  112 . A cavity  108  is defined within tray  102  by bottom wall  104  and continuous side wall  106 . Cavity  108  of container  100  is dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments such as medical instrument  52 . 
         [0027]    A flange  124  is defined around top edge  112  of side wall  104 . Flange  124  is generally perpendicular to side wall  106  and projects away from cavity  108 . An open channel  114  is defined in flange  124  and is dimensioned to receive an inflatable seal  116 . Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a gas conduit  118  for providing compressed gas, e.g., air, is defined within side wall  106  and extends from bottom wall  104  to inflatable seal  116 . At one end, gas conduit  118  is fluidly connected to a gas supply port  122  defined in bottom wall  104  of tray  102 . As will be discussed below, gas supply port  122  is connectable to a source (not shown) of compressed gas, e.g., air, for inflating inflatable seal  116 . 
         [0028]    A passage (not shown) is defined within bottom wall  104  of tray  102  for connecting cavity  108  and the lumen of medical instrument  52  to a circulation system  240  of cart  200 , discussed below. The passage has a first end and a second end. 
         [0029]    Bottom wall  104  of tray  102  is contoured and has an elevated portion  148  generally located in a central region thereof. A pair of recesses  152  are formed in elevated portion  148  of bottom wall  104 . Each recess  152  has a spray nozzle  156  disposed therein for introducing fluid into cavity  108 . A plurality of connection assemblies  162  is also formed in elevated portion  148  of bottom wall  104 . Spray nozzles  156  and connection assemblies  162  are connected to the first end of the passage defined within bottom wall  104 . 
         [0030]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , an inlet port  159  is formed on bottom wall  104  of tray  102  outside of cavity  108  at the second end of the passage defined within bottom wall  104 . In this respect, inlet port  159  is connected to spray nozzles  156  and connection assemblies  162  by the passage defined within bottom wall  104  of tray  102 . Inlet port  159  is connectable to circulation system  240  of cart  200  as will be discussed further below. 
         [0031]    Medical instrument  52  is connectable to circulation system  240  of cart  200  via connection assemblies  162  and the passage defined in bottom wall  104 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , each connection assembly  162  is fluidly connectable to a coupling  164  and self-sealable when disengaged from coupling  164 . Coupling  164  is also connectable to a flexible conduit  166  at a first end  168  thereof. Flexible conduit  166  has a second end  172  that is fluidly connectable to port  54  of medical instrument  52 . Flexible conduit  166  is operable to direct fluid from coupling  164  through port  54  such that fluid flows through the lumen defined within medical instrument  52 . In this manner, medical instrument  52  is connectable to inlet port  159  and to fluid systems of cart  200 . 
         [0032]    A drain opening  182  is defined through bottom wall  104 . Drain opening  182  is preferably located at the lowest point of cavity  108 . An outlet port  184  is formed on bottom wall  104  at drain opening  182 . Outlet port  184  is external to cavity  108 . 
         [0033]    A plurality of support structures  178 , seen in  FIG. 2 , is provided within cavity  108  for supporting medical instrument  52 . Support structures  178  are attached to either bottom wall  104  or side wall  106  and can be of various shapes in accordance with specific functions. For example, a light conduit  146  (a component of a medical instrument  52 ) is supported by support structures  178 , which are shaped accordingly. 
         [0034]    Lid  126  is attachable to tray  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, four latchable elements  128  are disposed such that a latchable element  128  is located on each side of lid  126 . Latchable elements  128  are dimensioned to engage flange  124  of tray  102  such that lid  126  is attached to tray  102 . A vent  132  is defined within lid  126 . Vent  132  allows gas to escape from cavity  108  while preventing liquid from escaping from cavity  108  as is conventionally known. 
         [0035]    Referring now to cart  200  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , cart  200  includes a housing  210 . In the illustrated embodiment at least one caster  214  and a traction device  218  are attached to a bottom of housing  210  and dimensioned to support housing  210 . A drive means  216  includes a motor (not shown) that is connected to traction device  218  and a steering means (not shown). The steering means is controlled by a controller  300  (discussed further below) and is operable to actuate traction device  218  to direct travel of housing  210 . Battery  222  powers drive means  216 . Battery  222  is preferably rechargeable. Drive means  216 , traction device  218  and the steering means comprise a drive system. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , housing  210  of cart  200  is formed to define three receptacles  292   a,    292   b,  and  292   c  that are each accessible through a front face  288  of housing  210 . Each receptacle  292   a,    292   b,    292   c  is dimensioned to receive a container  100 . Parts, including particular containers  100 , associated with a particular receptacle are designated with a letter. For example, parts designated with the letter “a” are associated with receptacle  292   a.  In this regard, each part that is associated with receptacle  292   a  is identified with an “a” and is analogous to parts associated with receptacles  292   b,    292   c  that are identified with the letters “b” and “c,” respectively. Receptacles  292   a,    292   b,    292   c  are generally similar such that receptacle  292   b,  receptacle  292   c,  and their associated parts can be understood from a description of receptacle  292   a  and its associated parts. 
         [0037]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , receptacle  292   a  is dimensioned to receive a container  100   a.  Receptacle  292   a  includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel rails  294   a  disposed such that one rail  294   a  is disposed on each side of receptacle  292   a.  Rails  294   a  are dimensioned to support container  100   a.  An enclosure  296   a  is disposed horizontally between rails  294   a  for enclosing components of circulation system  240 , discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, enclosure  296   a  is not dimensioned to provide support to container  100   a.    
         [0038]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , a proximity sensor  298   a  is disposed within receptacle  292   a.  Proximity sensor  298   a  is configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence of container  100   a  within receptacle  292   a.  By way of example and not limitation, proximity sensor  298   a  can be one of the following: a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a gas supply conduit  266   a  is disposed within housing  210  and is connected at a first end to a source for compressed gas (not shown). The compressed gas can be air. A gas supply connector  268   a  is formed on a second end of gas supply conduit  266   a.  Gas supply connector  268   a  is dimensioned to automatically engage and disengage gas supply port  122  of tray  102 . 
         [0040]    Cart  200  also includes a circulation system  240  that is contained within housing  210  and shown in  FIG. 3 . Some parts of circulation system  240  are associated with a particular receptacle  292   a,    292   b,    292   c  and are designated with an “a,” “b,” or “c” accordingly. Circulation system  240  includes a first reservoir  246 , a second reservoir  248 , and a third reservoir  251 . In one embodiment, first reservoir  246  stores a fluid such as a washing fluid. Washing fluid is active to treat biological matter coating medical instrument  52 . In one embodiment, washing fluid is a pre-cleaning chemistry that is an active chemical solution at a ready-to-use concentration. Second reservoir  248  stores a fluid such as a transporting gel. The transporting gel can be a hydrating gel that is active to prevent drying of biological matter. In one embodiment, the transporting gel is a fluid for preventing the drying and hardening of biological matter on medical instrument  52  stored within container  100   a.  Third reservoir  251  stores a fluid for rinsing, such as water. 
         [0041]    A supply conduit  244  provides for reservoirs  246 ,  248 , and  251  to be fluidly connected with containers  100   a,    100   b,  and  100   c,  which are respectively located within receptacles  292   a,    292   b,  and  292   c.  A first end of supply conduit  244  is fluidly connectable to first reservoir  246 , second reservoir  248 , and third reservoir  251 . A first valve  247  controls flow of fluid from first reservoir  246  to supply conduit  244 . A second valve  249  controls flow of fluid from second reservoir  248  to supply conduit  244 . A third valve  253  controls flow of fluid from third reservoir  251  to supply conduit  244 . First valve  247 , second valve  249 , and third valve  253  are each movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position fluidly connects the associated reservoir to supply conduit  244  and the closed position isolates the associated reservoir from supply conduit  244 . 
         [0042]    Supply conduit  244  is fluidly connected at a second end to a branch conduit  252   a,  which is associated with receptacle  292   a.  In this regard, branch conduit  252   a  has a first end  254   a  that is fluidly connected to supply conduit  244 . Branch conduit  252   a  has a second end  256   a  that is dimensioned to engage inlet port  159  of tray  102 . Second end  256   a  of branch conduit  252   a  is automatically openable upon being engaged with inlet port  159  and automatically sealable upon being disengaged from inlet port  159 . A branch valve  259   a,  for controlling flow through conduit  252   a,  is disposed between second end  256   a  and supply conduit  244 . Branch valve  259   a  is movable between an open position and a closed position. A pump  262 , driven by motor  264  (shown schematically in  FIG. 3 ), is disposed within supply conduit  244  between reservoirs  246 ,  248 , and  251  and branch conduit  252   a.    
         [0043]    Circulation system  240  also includes a primary drain conduit  272  for conducting fluid from receptacles  292   a,    292   b,    292   c  to a drain reservoir  276 . Primary drain conduit  272  is fluidly connected at a first end to drain reservoir  276 , and at a second end to a branch drain conduit  282   a,  which is associated with receptacle  292   a.  Branch drain conduit  282   a  is connected at a first end to drain conduit  272 . A connector  258   a  is formed at a second end of branch drain conduit  282   a.    
         [0044]    Connector  258   a  is dimensioned to be fluidly connectable to outlet port  184  of tray  102 . In this regard, connector  258   a  is automatically openable upon being engaged with outlet port  184  and automatically sealable upon being disengaged from outlet port  184 . A branch drain valve  284   a  for controlling flow of fluid through branch drain conduit  282   a  is disposed in branch drain conduit  282   a  between drain conduit  272  and connector  258   a.  Branch drain valve  284   a  is movable between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0045]    With further reference to  FIG. 3 , a drying system  410 , for drying the contents of containers  100   a,    100   b,    100   c,  is disposed within housing  200 . Some parts of drying system  410  are associated with a particular receptacle  292   a,    292   b,    292   c  and therefore are designated with an “a,” “b,” or “c.” Drying system  410  includes a drying conduit  412 . Drying conduit  412  has a first end that is fluidly connected to a drying supply conduit  422   a  and a second end that is fluidly connected to a drying return conduit  462   a.  A combined dryer and blower unit  414 , operable to convey fluid through drying conduit  412  and to remove moisture therefrom, is disposed in drying conduit  412  between drying supply conduit  422   a  and drying return conduit  462   a.    
         [0046]    Drying supply conduit  422   a  has a first end  426   a.  First end  426   a  is fluidly connected to branch conduit  252   a  between valve  259   a  and second end  256   a  of branch conduit  252   a.  A drying supply valve  428   a  is disposed in drying supply conduit  422   a  between branch conduit  252   a  and drying conduit  412 . Drying supply valve  428   a  is movable between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0047]    Drying return conduit  462   a  has a first end  466   a  that is fluidly connected to branch drain conduit  282   a  between branch drain valve  284   a  and connector  258   a.  A return conduit valve  468   a  is disposed in return conduit  462   a  between drying conduit  412  and branch drain conduit  282   a.  Return conduit valve  468   a  is movable between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , housing  210  includes a horizontal top panel  232  that has a user interface  234 , a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver/transmitter  239 , and a controller  300  disposed therein. User interface  234  includes a visual indicator  236 , e.g., a display screen, as is commonly known. User interface  234  also includes an input means  238 , such as an alphanumeric keypad. RFID receiver/transmitter  239  is operable to determine an identity of container  100  as indicated by a RFID tag  241  disposed on container  100 . RFID transmitter  239  is configured to generate a first signal indicative of the identity of a container  100  in accordance with RFID tag  241 . 
         [0049]    Controller  300  is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 3  and is a microprocessor or micro-controller that is programmed to control the operation of cart  200 . Controller  300  is electrically connected to first valve  247 , second valve  249 , third valve  253 , branch conduit valve  259   a,  drain valve  284   a,  supply conduit valve  428   a,  return conduit valve  468   a,  combined dryer and blower unit  414 , drive means  216 , user interface  234 , proximity sensor  298   a,  and RFID transmitter  239  (electrical connections not shown). 
         [0050]    Controller  300  is programmed to use the signal generated by proximity sensor  298   a  to determine when container  100   a  is disposed within receptacle  292   a.  Controller  300  is also programmed to determine an identity of container  100  in accordance with the first signal provided by RFID transmitter  239 . Alternatively, a container  100  is identified by a conventionally known means, such as a bar code system. Controller  300  is also configured to communicate with a master computer  310  (shown schematically on  FIG. 4 ), and controller  300  includes a first data storage means. 
         [0051]    Master computer  310  comprises a central information system. Master computer  310  is programmed to provide instructions to cart  200  and includes a second data storage means for storing status information. By way of example and not limitation, status information can be related to: the location of cart  200 , if a container  100  is disposed within receptacle  292 , the particular receptacle  292  in which a container  100  is disposed, the identification of any container  100  disposed therein, the time when container  100  was placed into or removed from housing  210 , the treatment status of container  100 , and other information regarding container  100  or the instruments therein. 
         [0052]    The present invention will now be further described with respect to operation of transport device  10 . Operation of transport device  10  includes a treatment aspect and a transport aspect. For clarity, the following description of the operation of transport device  10  refers to container  100   a  as it relates to receptacle  292   a  of cart  200 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . It should be appreciated that the operation described below can be adapted to apply to receptacles  292   b,    292   c  and containers  100   b,    100   c.    
         [0053]    Prior to transport or treatment by transport device  10 , a medical instrument  52  is placed within cavity  108  of tray  102 . As indicated above, when disposed within cavity  108 , lumens and passageways within medical instrument  52  are connected to the passage defined within bottom wall  104 . 
         [0054]    Medical instrument  52  is connected to the passage defined within bottom wall  104  by fluid connection of a coupling  164  to a connection assembly  162  of bottom wall  104 . First end  168  of a flexible conduit  166  is fluidly connected to coupling  164 . Second end  172  of flexible conduit  166  is fluidly connected to port  54  on medical instrument  52 . In this manner, a lumen within medical instrument  52  is fluidly connected to inlet port  159  of tray  102 . It should be appreciated that the order in which the various components are connected, i.e., engaged, can be varied without affecting the operation of transport device  10 . After medical instrument  52  is placed within cavity  108  and connected to the passage within bottom wall  104 , lid  126  is placed over tray  102  such that cavity  108  is covered. Then, latchable elements  128  are engaged with flange  124  of tray  102  to secure lid  126  to tray  102  thereby closing container  100   a.    
         [0055]    Closed container  100   a  is inserted into receptacle  292   a  of cart  200  such that cart  200  receives and retains container  100   a.  All valves associated with receptacle  292   a,  i.e., branch conduit valve  259   a,  drain valve  284   a,  supply conduit valve  428   a,  and return conduit valve  468   a  are in a closed position before container  100   a  is inserted into receptacle  292   a.  Preferably, as container  100   a  is inserted into receptacle  292   a,  inlet port  159  of tray  102  automatically engages second end  256   a  of branch conduit  252   a  and outlet port  184  of tray  102  automatically engages connector  25   8   a.  In addition, gas supply port  122  automatically engages gas supply connector  268   a.  In this manner, container  100   a  is fluidly connected to the systems of cart  200 . 
         [0056]    Controller  300  determines that container  100   a  is disposed within receptacle  292   a  by using the signal generated by proximity sensor  298   a.  In addition, controller  300  receives a signal from RFID transmitter  239  that indicates the identity of container  100   a.  In one embodiment, whether container  100   a  is disposed within receptacle  292   a  and the identity of container  100   a  disposed within receptacle  292   a  comprise status information that is communicated to master computer  310 . It should be appreciated that status information could be stored by controller  300  in first data storage means for later use by controller  300 . Status information stored by controller  300  can also be retrieved at a later time by hospital staff via user interface  234  or transferred to master computer  310  at a later time. 
         [0057]    According to the treatment aspect of the present invention, cart  200  is operable to expose medical instruments disposed within container  100   a  to a treatment cycle. During a typical treatment cycle, a fluid is introduced into container  100   a  such that the fluid contacts the exterior surfaces and the interior surfaces of medical instruments contained therein. Preferably, the fluid is a washing fluid contained within first reservoir  246  and the washing fluid is a pre-cleaning chemistry as described above. It is appreciated that the washing fluid can be water or a concentrated chemical solution for cleaning that is diluted by water prior to use. If the washing fluid is a concentrated chemical solution for cleaning, then metering pumps (not shown) are provided to dilute the concentrated chemical solution for cleaning to a predetermined concentration using water. It should be appreciated that water for dilution could be stored in third reservoir  251  or in an additional reservoir (not shown). 
         [0058]    Referring now to a treatment cycle in one embodiment, after container  100   a  is inserted into receptacle  292   a,  hospital staff cause controller  300  to initiate a treatment cycle via input mechanism  238  of user interface  234 . To begin a treatment cycle, controller  300  causes inflatable seal  116  to inflate by operating the source for compressed gas. When inflatable seal  116  has been inflated, inflatable seal  116  contacts lid  126  and channel  114  such that cavity  108  is hermetically sealed. In this regard, inflatable seal  116  forms a microbial barrier when inflated. 
         [0059]    After inflatable seal  116  has been inflated, controller  300  opens first valve  247  and branch conduit valve  259   a  and actuates motor  264  to operate pump  262  such that washing fluid is introduced into cavity  108  from first reservoir  246 . In one embodiment, the washing fluid is a pre-cleaning chemistry. Washing fluid is directed into cavity  108  through spray nozzles  156 . Washing fluid is also conducted through flexible connector  166  into the lumen within medical instrument  52 . In one embodiment, washing fluid is allowed to fill cavity  108  of tray  102 . Cavity  108  is determined to be full by means well understood in the art. 
         [0060]    After washing fluid has filled cavity  108 , controller  300  closes first valve  247  and branch conduit valve  259   a  and deactivates pump  262  such that flow of washing fluid into cavity  108  ceases. Then, controller  300  initiates a timer such that washing fluid is retained within cavity  108  for a predetermined exposure period. After the predetermined exposure period has elapsed, controller  300  actuates branch drain valve  284   a,  such that washing fluid flows from cavity  108  through drain branch conduit  282   a  and drain conduit  272  into drain reservoir  276 . After washing fluid is drained from cavity  108 , controller  300  closes branch drain valve  284   a.    
         [0061]    After washing fluid has been drained from cavity  108 , controller  300  opens second valve  249  and branch conduit valve  259   a,  and activates pump  262 , such that transporting gel is introduced into cavity  108 . In one embodiment, the transporting gel is a hydrating gel that is active to prevent drying of biological matter. Transporting gel flows from second reservoir  248  through supply conduit  244  and branch conduit  252   a  into cavity  108 . The flow of the transporting gel is similar to that discussed above regarding the flow of washing fluid into container  100   a.  In this respect, the transporting gel is directed into cavity  108  of tray  102  through spray nozzles  156  and through the lumen defined in medical instrument  52 . After the transporting gel is introduced into cavity  108 , controller  300  closes second valve  249  and branch conduit valve  259   a  and deactivates pump  262  such that flow of transporting gel into cavity  108  ceases. According to one embodiment, transporting gel is allowed to remain in container  100   a  until reprocessing of medical instrument begins. The treatment aspect of transport device  10  is complete when reprocessing begins. 
         [0062]    Alternatively, after washing fluid has been drained from cavity  108 , controller  300  opens third valve  253  and branch conduit valve  259   a  and actuates motor  264  to operate pump  262  such that rinsing fluid is introduced into cavity  108  from third reservoir  251 . In one embodiment, the rinsing fluid is water. Rinsing fluid is directed into cavity  108  through spray nozzles  156 . Rinsing fluid is also conducted through flexible connector  166  into the lumen within medical instrument  52 . In one embodiment, rinsing fluid is allowed to fill cavity  108  of tray  102 . 
         [0063]    After rinsing fluid has filled cavity  108 , controller  300  closes third valve  253  and branch conduit valve  259   a  and deactivates pump  262  such that flow of rinsing fluid into cavity  108  ceases. Then, controller  300  initiates a timer such that rinsing fluid is retained within cavity  108  for a predetermined exposure period. After the predetermined exposure period has elapsed, controller  300  actuates drain valve  284   a  such that rinsing fluid flows from cavity  108  through drain branch conduit  282  into drain reservoir  276 . It should be appreciated that third valve  253 , branch conduit valve  259   a,  and branch drain valve  284   a  can be in their respective open positions while pump  262  is active such that rinsing fluid flows continuously from third reservoir  251  to drain reservoir  276  for a predetermined period of time. 
         [0064]    After the rinsing fluid is drained from cavity  108 , controller  300  closes branch drain valve  284   a  and activates drying supply conduit valve  428   a  and drying return conduit valve  468   a  of drying system  410  such that both valves are in their respective open positions. Controller  300  then activates combined dryer and blower unit  414 . Combined dryer and blower unit  414  recirculates a gas through drying conduit  412  and container  100   a  to effect drying of the gas therethrough as is conventionally known. In this manner, moisture is removed from cavity  108  of tray  102  and medical instrument  52  is dried. 
         [0065]    Referring now to the transporting aspect of the operation of the present invention, cart  200  is operable as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to automatically transport a container  100  from a first location to a second location. It should be appreciated that the transport aspect of the present invention can be performed independently of the treatment aspect of the present invention. In other words, transport of container  100  can occur before, during, or after treatment of medical instrument  52  within container  100 . 
         [0066]    The operation of the transporting aspect of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, cart  200  is summoned to procedure room  18 . Preferably, hospital staff summon cart  200  by activating a signaling means (not shown). The signaling means is electrically linked, or networked, to master computer  310  and may be a computer terminal or other input device. 
         [0067]    Cart  200  travels along a pathway or route  322  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The route includes a cleaning room  22  and one or more procedure rooms  18 . After container  100  is placed within cart  200 , cart  200  departs from the procedure room. In the illustrated embodiment, cart  200  returns directly to cleaning room  22 . It is appreciated that cart  200  could be directed to proceed other procedure rooms and pick up additional containers  100  prior to returning to cleaning room  22 . 
         [0068]    Alternatively, cart  200  can arrive at procedure room  18  in the course of a regular circuit of route  322 . In this case, when cart  200  arrives at procedure room  18 , hospital staff acknowledge the presence of cart  200  via user interface  234  and insert container  100  having medical instrument  52  contained therein into one of receptacles  292   a,    292   b,    292   c.  It is further appreciated that hospital staff can acknowledge cart  200  by utilizing user interface  234  such that cart  200  leaves procedure room  18  without having container  100   a  inserted therein. 
         [0069]    In one embodiment, hospital staff terminates any ongoing treatment cycle via user interface  234  after cart  200  arrives at cleaning room  22  with container  100   a.  Container  100  is then removed from cart  200 . Controller  300  is programmed to detect that container  100  has been removed from a receptacle  292  using the signal generated by one of proximity sensors  298   a,    298   b,    298   c  and to indicate via visual indicator  236  that container  100   a  has been removed. Preferably, controller  300  communicates the status of cart  200  and container  100  to master computer  310 . By way of example and not limitation, the status of container  100  can include the following information: the time that container  100  was delivered to cleaning room  22 , whether  100  container has been delivered to cleaning room  22 , whether a treatment cycle has been performed, and where container  100  is to be delivered after reprocessing is complete. After removal of container  100  from cart  200 , cart  200  returns to a staging area or continues along route  322  as described above. 
         [0070]    After removal of container  100  from cart  200 , medical instrument  52  disposed within container  100  is cleaned and reprocessed according to cleaning and reprocessing methods known in the art. After reprocessing, medical instrument  52  is dried and stored in sterile conditions. When medical instrument  52  is required for use during a procedure it can be placed within a container  100 . Container  100  is then inserted into cart  200  and transported to a procedure room  18 . Upon arrival at the second procedure room, container  100  is removed from receptacle  292   a,  and controller  300  communicates an update regarding the status of container  100  to main computer  310 . 
         [0071]    Alternatively, the contents of container  100  are not dried after reprocessing and are wet when transported by cart  200  to a procedure room according to just-in-time (JIT) principles as are conventionally known. 
         [0072]    In an alternative embodiment, container  100   a  is placed in a receptacle  292   a,  and fluid is introduced into cavity  108  before seal  116  is inflated such that fluid overflows tray  102 . In this embodiment, means for capturing fluid (not shown) as it overflows is provided within housing  210 . In addition, means for directing the captured fluid to drain reservoir  276  is provided. 
         [0073]    In another alternative embodiment, medical instrument  52  has an optic/electronic channel defined therethrough. The optic/electronic channel is a passageway through which electrical and optical components pass. The optic/electronic channel is dimensioned to protect such components from the potentially harmful effects of contact with fluids. Leak testing of optic/electronic channels defined within the medical instruments can be done after liquids have been drained from cavity  108 . In one embodiment, valves, fittings, pressure indication, and compressors are provided such that leak testing can be performed automatically according to a treatment cycle and governed by controller  300 . Leak testing would be performed according to known methods. 
         [0074]    In still another alternative embodiment (not shown), conduit and connectors are provided in circulation system  240  for allowing recirculation through supply conduit  244  and at least one container  100 . 
         [0075]    The foregoing descriptions are specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated that these embodiments are described for purposes of illustration only and that those skilled in the art may practice numerous alterations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.