Enhanced Washing Appliance for Medical Devices

Publication ID: 24-11857383_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Washing Appliance for Medical Devices,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857383_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857383_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,383.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept provides a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original washing appliance for medical devices, increasing its efficiency, safety, and adaptability to various medical devices.

Background and Problem Solved

The original washing appliance patent, while effective, has limitations in terms of temperature control, device loading, and cleaning protocols. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adjustable temperature control, detachable device holders, and interchangeable nozzles, enabling more efficient and effective cleaning of medical devices.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced washing appliance system comprises a rinse tank with adjustable temperature control, allowing for optimal cleaning efficacy for various medical devices. A manifold with detachable device holders facilitates efficient loading and unloading of devices. The spray assembly features interchangeable nozzles for tailored cleaning protocols. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a UV-C light disinfection module and a drying module to reduce reprocessing time and increase device sterility. An integrated device inspection module, comprising a camera system and image processing software, detects occlusions or damage in medical devices during the washing process, reducing the risk of device failure. The appliance's modular design enables easy upgrading or replacement of individual components, increasing its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. The system can also be optimized for real-time washing parameter adjustments using sensors to monitor device cleanliness.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as adjustable temperature control, detachable device holders, and interchangeable nozzles, which are not present in the original patent. The combination of these features provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original washing appliance, increasing its efficiency, safety, and adaptability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the manifold, spray assembly, and device inspection module. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with different types of medical devices or in various medical settings.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced washing appliance system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturing facilities. The system's ability to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve device sterility makes it an attractive solution for medical professionals and device manufacturers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B90/70
A A61 A61B2090/701

Field of Art

Medical device reprocessing and cleaning technologies, specifically focusing on washing systems for medical instruments with complex geometries like catheters, endoscopes, and lumened devices

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device reprocessing specialist with expertise in cleaning protocols, sterilization technologies, and medical device design, typically holding a BS/MS in biomedical engineering or related field with 3-5 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the base washing appliance design, utilizing known techniques in medical device reprocessing to enhance cleaning efficiency, sterility, and device inspection capabilities. The modular enhancements like temperature control, interchangeable nozzles, and integrated inspection systems are logical extensions of existing medical device washing technologies that solve known limitations in device reprocessing.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Rinse tank with interior space for washing medical devices
PTD Variation
Rinse tank with adjustable temperature control for optimizing cleaning efficacy
Obviousness Reasoning
Temperature variation is a known parameter for improving cleaning performance, and a PHOSITA would recognize that precise temperature control represents a predictable optimization of existing washing techniques
Source Patent Element
Washing system for medical devices with lumens
PTD Variation
Integrated UV-C light disinfection and drying modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining disinfection technologies is a standard approach in medical device reprocessing, and UV-C sterilization is a well-established technique for reducing microbial contamination
Source Patent Element
Washing appliance for medical devices
PTD Variation
Device inspection module with camera system and image processing software
Obviousness Reasoning
Visual inspection and automated defect detection are known quality control techniques in medical device manufacturing and reprocessing, representing an obvious technological progression
Source Patent Element
Washing system for various medical devices
PTD Variation
Modular design with easily replaceable components
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular system design is a standard engineering approach for improving maintenance, repairability, and system adaptability, representing a predictable design evolution
Source Patent Element
Washing appliance for medical devices
PTD Variation
Real-time sensor monitoring of device cleanliness with adaptive washing parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive process control using sensor feedback is a known technique in manufacturing and medical technologies, representing an obvious application of standard control system principles
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857383 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed washing appliance enhancements obvious and non-patentable, as the proposed modifications represent predictable engineering improvements utilizing known techniques in medical device reprocessing technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,383
TitleWashing appliance and methods of using
Assignee(s)INNOVATIVE HEALTH