Cabinet for storing containers containing deactivated instruments and devices
A storage cabinet for storing a device container containing instruments and devices that have been microbially deactivated. The device container has an inlet port and an outlet port. The storage cabinet is comprised of a housing having a series of compartments defined therein. Each compartments is dimensioned to accept a device container. Connector ports are disposed within each of the compartments. The connector ports are dimensioned to matingly engage the inlet port and the outlet port of a device container. A circulation system within the housing communicates with the connector ports in each compartment. A means is provided to move air along the circulation system. A heating means is provided to heat the air flowing within the circulation system.
1 . A storage cabinet for storing a device container containing instruments and devices that have been microbially deactivated, said device container having an inlet port and an outlet port, said storage cabinet comprised of:
a housing having a series of compartments defined therein, each of said compartments dimensioned to accept a device container;
connector ports disposed within each of said compartments, said connector ports dimensioned to matingly engage said inlet port and said outlet port of a device container;
a circulation system within said housing, said circulation system communicating with said connector ports in each of said compartments;
means of moving air along said circulation system; and
means of heating the air flowing within said circulation system.
2 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:
a control means for selectively connecting said circulation system to said connector ports in each of said compartments.
3 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein circulation system is operable to flow air into a device container through said connector ports matingly engaged to said inlet ports and exhaust air from a device container through said connector ports matingly engaged to said outlet ports of a device container disposed in each of said compartments.
4 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:
a barrier element disposed within said connector ports in each of said compartments, said barrier element comprised of a material that is permeable to gas and water vapor but is impermeable to liquids, bacteria and organisms.
5 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said means of moving air in said circulation system is a blower.
6 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said means of heating air in said circulation system is a heater.
7 . An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:
a filter disposed within said circulation system, said filter comprised of a material that restricts the flow of liquids, bacteria and organisms therethrough.