Patent ID: 7641873

Claim:
A fully automated disinfection system for use with transesophageal ultrasonic probe assemblies incorporating an electronics containing portion and an elongated flexible shaft extending therefrom and terminating with a transducer, said disinfection system comprising: A. a housing; B. an elongated passageway supportingly mounted in the housing and constructed for receiving and retaining the flexible shaft and transducer of the ultrasonic probe assembly in their entirety, said passageway comprising a continuous, smooth, elongated pathway having a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end representing the lowest point of said elongated passageway, wherein said proximal end comprises a first substantially straight section, said distal end comprises a second substantially straight section, and an intermediate arcuately curved section is formed between and interconnects the first substantially straight section and the second substantially straight section; C. a holding member positioned in association with the elongated passage-way for receiving and retaining the electronics containing portion of the probe assembly in a position free from exposure to any disinfection solution; D. a disinfection solution dispensing section positioned in association with the elongated passageway and constructed for receiving a quantity of disinfection solution and dispensing the disinfection solution to the passageway for contact with the flexible shaft of the ultrasonic probe assembly; E. circulation means constructed for circulating the disinfection solution through the passageway to provide complete disinfection of the outer surface of the flexible shaft of the ultrasonic probe assembly; and F. control means for providing automatic activation and de-activation of the circulation means to achieve the required operational steps to assure complete disinfection of the flexible shaft of the ultrasonic probe assembly; whereby a single system is achieved for providing complete, automated disinfection of any desired ultrasonic probe assembly without requiring any operator intervention.