Method of recoupling components during reprocessing
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10150252-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of recoupling components of a medical device in a desired orientation during reprocessing of the medical device. The method uses a binder to return the components to an adhered condition from a separated condition. The method comprises receiving the components of the medical device in the separated condition with the component spaced from the desired orientation. The components of the medical device are cleaned and arranged in the desired orientation. The binder is applied to recouple the components in the desired orientation to return the components to the adhered condition.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a medical-device reprocessing method for recoupling a plurality of strands of a used cable assembly in a desired orientation. The used cable assembly includes a fitting attached to a first end of each of the plurality of strands. The method includes cleaning the plurality of strands of the used cable assembly and arranging the plurality of strands in the desired orientation using a fixture.
After arranging, the method applies a binder on at least one of the plurality of strands in order to recouple the plurality of strands in the desired orientation. The arrangement is maintained by the fixture until the strands are adhered by the binder into a recoupled condition. The method then includes removing the plurality of strands from the fixture.
In the described implementations, the binder is applied in a form that supports recoupling after strands are cleaned and held in the desired orientation. The binder application and dispensing are refined by defining it as a continuous bead or as a plurality of longitudinally spaced deposits, and by configuring the arrangement using fixture grooves and gaps that separate strands during reprocessing. Additional embodiments describe binder application using a fixture-associated dispensing arrangement, including manifold ports or a movable binder container.
Claims Coverage
The document contains one independent claim directed to a method of recoupling strands of a used cable assembly in a desired orientation using a fixture and a binder, with four core inventive steps and additional dependent refinements.
Recoupling strands using fixture and binder
A method of recoupling a plurality of strands of a used cable assembly in a desired orientation using a fixture and a binder, the used cable assembly including a fitting attached to a first end of each of the plurality of strands.
Clean and arrange strands in desired orientation with fixture
The method comprising cleaning the plurality of strands of the used cable assembly, and arranging the plurality of strands in the desired orientation using the fixture.
Apply binder to recouple strands in desired orientation
Applying the binder on at least one of the plurality of strands to recouple the plurality of strands in the desired orientation.
Remove recoupled strands from fixture
Removing the plurality of strands from the fixture.
Continuous bead binder application
Applying the binder on at least one of the plurality of strands includes applying it along the strands to form a continuous bead of binder.
Spaced longitudinal binder deposits
Applying the binder includes applying it in multiple deposits spaced longitudinally from each other along the strands.
Fixture grooves define strand placement
Arranging the plurality of strands is defined by disposing each strand in a corresponding groove of the fixture.
Movable binder container along fixture for dispensing
Movably coupling a binder-containing container to the fixture and moving the container along the fixture to dispense binder onto at least one strand.
Electrocardiography connection via connector in electrical communication
The connector is configured to connect an electrocardiography device so the fittings are in electrical communication with the electrocardiography device.
Overall claim coverage centers on recoupling strands of a used cable assembly by cleaning, arranging the strands in a desired orientation with a fixture, applying a binder to recouple them, and removing the strands from the fixture. Dependent claims further specify strand placement, binder application geometry, binder dispensing structure, and an electrical configuration in which the fittings are electrically communicated with an electrocardiography device through a connector.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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