Heated reprocessing of physiological sensors
First Claim
1. A method for reprocessing a previously used physiological sensor, the method comprising:
- moving the sensor on a conveyor belt;
applying, during a first phase, heat to the sensor via a first medium, wherein the first medium includes at least one of;
radiant heat, a fluid bath, a fluid spray, or a fluid steam;
after the first phase, further moving the sensor on the conveyor belt;
applying, during a second phase occurring after the first phase, heat to the sensor via a second medium, wherein the second medium is a different medium from the first medium;
applying to the sensor, during the first phase and/or second phase, at least one of;
agitation, vibration, or ultrasonic waves;
disassembling the sensor into sensor components including one or more reusable sensor components; and
assembling a reprocessed sensor by attaching one or more new sensor components to at least one of the reusable sensor components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of reprocessing physiological sensors may include applying heat to a physiological sensor so as to efficiently remove adhesives, adhesive layers, and/or other disposable components of the sensor. Heat may be applied to the physiological sensor efficiently via a medium, such as an aqueous solution (for example, water). Reusable components of the physiological sensor may then be reassembled with new disposable components and/or adhesives to produce a reprocessed sensor. The methods may further include testing and/or replacement of various reusable sensor components, testing of the reprocessed sensor, cleaning of the reprocessed sensor and/or sensor components, and/or sterilization of the reprocessed sensor, among other steps.
892 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for reprocessing a previously used physiological sensor, the method comprising:
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moving the sensor on a conveyor belt; applying, during a first phase, heat to the sensor via a first medium, wherein the first medium includes at least one of;
radiant heat, a fluid bath, a fluid spray, or a fluid steam;after the first phase, further moving the sensor on the conveyor belt; applying, during a second phase occurring after the first phase, heat to the sensor via a second medium, wherein the second medium is a different medium from the first medium; applying to the sensor, during the first phase and/or second phase, at least one of;
agitation, vibration, or ultrasonic waves;disassembling the sensor into sensor components including one or more reusable sensor components; and assembling a reprocessed sensor by attaching one or more new sensor components to at least one of the reusable sensor components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification