Patent ID: 8287816

Claim:
A mobile device for transporting at least one medical instrument from a first location to a second location while maintaining said at least one medical instrument in a moist environment prior to said at least one medical instrument being cleaned at said second location, comprising: a container including: a cavity dimensioned to receive at least one medical instrument, and a first opening for providing fluid access to said cavity; and a cart including: a receptacle for receiving said container, wherein said container is dimensioned for insertion into and removal from said receptacle, a circulation system for supplying a fluid to said container, said circulation system including: a reservoir for storing a fluid, and a supply conduit having a first end fluidly connected to said reservoir and a second end fluidly connectable to said first opening of said container, a controller configured to receive a signal from an operator to summon said cart wherein said cart travels along a pathway from said first location to said second location, a drive system connected to said controller, said drive system including: a traction device for supporting said cart and for propelling said cart, and a steering device for directing travel of said cart based on said commands received from said controller, and a power system for supplying power to said drive system and said controller, wherein said controller is programmed to control said drive system and said circulation system to move said cart along said pathway while conveying said fluid to said container.