AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPE REPROCESSOR

摘要

An endoscope head container (16, 16') has a clamshell housing (20) having tw o mating portions (24, 26) which together define an internal pressurizable chamber (56) for receiving the endoscope head (22). The endoscopeIs connecto r cord (82) is received through an outlet (80) defined by channels (88, 90), o ne formed in each of the two housing portions. A gasket assembly in the outlet provides a restricted fluid passage which allows a small portion of fluid to flow through the outlet when the connector cord is positioned therein. The gasket assembly (120) includes a number of resiliently flexible fins (126, 128, 130). Pairs of fins overlap such that slots (144, 146, 148) together define openings (150) of diminishing size. The cord is contacted by one or more of the fins adjacent the respective slot. A reprocessing liquid is pump ed into the chamber (56) and leaks slowly through the slots, allowing an above ambient pressure to be maintained in the chamber, while ensuring that all exterior surfaces of the endoscope are contacted with the reprocessing liqui d.