US 11,712,491 B2
Apparatus and method for detecting improper positioning of removable component of sterilizing system
Doug Vo Truong, Irvine, CA (US); and Lawrence Y. Mok, Hacienda Heights, CA (US)
Assigned to ASP Global Manufacturing GMBH
Filed by ASP Global Manufacturing GmbH, Schauffhausen (CH)
Filed on Oct. 29, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/666,454.
Application 16/666,454 is a division of application No. 15/356,724, filed on Nov. 21, 2016, granted, now 10,500,297.
Prior Publication US 2020/0129651 A1, Apr. 30, 2020
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61L 2/00 (2006.01); A61B 1/00 (2006.01); B08B 3/00 (2006.01); A62C 13/62 (2006.01); G07F 11/72 (2006.01); A61L 2/24 (2006.01); A61L 2/28 (2006.01); A61L 2/18 (2006.01); A61L 2/20 (2006.01); A61L 2/04 (2006.01); A61L 2/14 (2006.01)
CPC A61L 2/24 (2013.01) [A61L 2/18 (2013.01); A61L 2/20 (2013.01); A61L 2/208 (2013.01); A61L 2/28 (2013.01); A61L 2/04 (2013.01); A61L 2/14 (2013.01); A61L 2202/121 (2013.01); A61L 2202/14 (2013.01); A61L 2202/15 (2013.01); A61L 2202/24 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A sterilization system comprising:
(a) a sterilization chamber configured to receive and sterilize at least one medical device;
(b) a processor; and
(c) a sterilization module in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber and in electrical communication with the processor, wherein the sterilization module comprises:
(i) a frame assembly comprising a sensor in communication with the processor,
(ii) an extraction assembly in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber and in electrical communication with the processor, wherein the extraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber, and
(iii) a carriage assembly configured to actuate relative to the frame assembly, wherein the carriage assembly comprises:
(A) a carriage slidably mounted to the frame assembly between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein the carriage defines a cartridge channel configured to receive the cartridge,
(B) a translating flag configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the carriage in response to the carriage assembly receiving the cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of the translating flag from the first position to the second position, and
(C) a static flag fixed to the carriage, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the static flag, wherein the processor is configured to measure a first distance between the static flag and the translating flag in the first position, wherein the processor is configured to measure a second distance between the static flag and the translating flag in the second position, wherein the processor is configured to compare the first distance and the second distance to determine if the cartridge is properly inserted within the carriage assembly.