Apparatus, kit and method for disposal of surgical or laboratory instruments

Abstract

A device (10) for disposal of surgical or laboratory instruments (101) comprises first containers (102a), each of which is provided with a data storage device (104), at least one collection area (15) of the first containers (102a) in which the instruments (101) to be disposed are arranged, and at least one disposal unit (31) of the instruments (101). The device (10) comprises, in the collection area (15), at least one read-write device (19) of the storage devices (104), and at least one observation device (20) for visual acquisition of one or more instruments (101) arranged in at least one first container (102a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, plant, and method for disposing of surgical instruments (e.g., surgical instruments from one or more operating rooms) or laboratory instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Instruments used during surgical procedures are typically provided to medical teams in kits or sets, each kit containing a specific number and type of surgical instruments. For example, each kit may contain instruments specifically designed for a particular surgical procedure.

[0003] To prevent contamination during the cleaning and sterilization process, specific kits should never be disassembled, so that at the end of cleaning, the kit always contains the exact same instruments as at the end of the surgical procedure.

[0004] Surgical instruments are typically cleaned in a heat sterilizer or instrument cleaner and then sterilized in a steam sterilizer (e.g., an autoclave).

[0005] In addition, surgical instruments are pre-cleaned in an instrument cleaning machine before being properly cleaned to remove any solid residue of blood or other substances deposited on the instruments during the surgical procedure.

[0006] Pre-cleaning includes rinsing instruments with cold water, ultrasonic cleaning, and may also include manual cleaning using hand devices (e.g., brushes) to remove clotted blood or other substances. In fact, not all instruments from the operating room are typically used and require thorough pre-cleaning.

[0007] During pre-cleaning, the operator visually selects surgical instruments and chooses whether to immerse each instrument in a cold water cleaning machine or to clean them manually.

[0008] While this solution is widely used, it is not efficient or productive, especially in situations where a large number of instruments need to be cleaned, such as in hospitals or clinics where many surgical procedures are performed daily.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to improve the devices, equipment, and methods for handling surgical or laboratory instruments in order to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] Therefore, the technical problem that needs to be solved is to automate the handling of the equipment, minimize the operations that operators must perform, and at the same time ensure a high level of cleanliness.

[0011] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide apparatus, assemblies and methods for handling surgical or laboratory instruments that can reduce the time required to handle and clean them.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide devices, assemblies and methods for the treatment of surgical or laboratory instruments that do not require the presence of a professional.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide devices, assemblies and methods for the disposal of surgical or laboratory instruments that are reliable and easy to use.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus, kits and methods for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments, which can clean the instruments without disassembling the kit to which the instruments belong and can trace the instruments that make up the kit.

[0015] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0017] In accordance with the above objectives and to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in a novel and original manner, while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, an apparatus for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments includes: a first container, each first container being provided with a data storage device; at least one collection area of ​​the first container, in which the instrument to be disposed is arranged; and at least one disposal unit for the instrument.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes, at a location corresponding to a collection area: at least one read / write device for a storage device; and at least one observation device configured to visually acquire one or more instruments arranged in at least one first container in the collection area, and to provide acquisition-related signals that can be processed to obtain information regarding the presence and location of blood residues and organic residues on the instruments in the at least one first container. The at least one read / write device is configured to receive information regarding blood residues and organic residues and write it into the storage device of the at least one first container. Furthermore, a treatment unit is configured to select and perform treatment of the instruments based on the information written into the storage device, the treatment being specific to the presence and location of blood residues and organic residues, particularly a pre-washing treatment.

[0019] The device includes at least one visual recognition device at a collection area, configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of one or more instruments arranged in at least one first container in the collection area to provide scan-related signals that can be processed to obtain information about the type and shape of the instruments in the at least one first container. Furthermore, at least one read / write device is configured to receive additional information about the instruments and write it to a storage device in the at least one first container.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes a control and processing unit configured to receive signals related to acquisition, process them using an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of blood residues and organic residues on the device, and then generate information about the blood residues and organic residues and transmit it to a reading and writing device.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one observation device includes at least one multispectral camera capable of acquiring images containing spectral data. Furthermore, the image processing algorithm is a machine learning algorithm appropriately trained with spectral samples, thereby processing the spectral data acquired by the multispectral camera during use to identify blood residues and organic residues on the device.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one observation device includes a corresponding processing unit configured to preprocess images acquired by a multispectral camera and transmit signals related to the acquisition to a control and processing unit.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one visual recognition device includes a 3D scanning camera and a corresponding processing unit, the processing unit being configured to preprocess the acquired 3D image to provide scanning-related signals to the control and processing unit.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one processing unit includes at least one other read / write device of the storage device, the read / write device being configured to read information present in at least each of the storage devices in order to properly perform a specific processing of the instrument.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one other read / write device is also configured to modify and / or delete information present in each storage device, thereby preparing it for subsequent use.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes, at a corresponding collection area: another collection area with an empty second container, the second container being capable of containing cleaned instruments; and at least one humanoid robotic arm configured to move the first and second containers toward a movement mechanism associated with at least one disposal unit, the movement mechanism including at least a first movement device for the first container and a second movement device for the second container.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one disposal unit includes: at least one identification subunit, wherein at least one other read / write device is present; a cleaning subunit; and another humanoid robotic arm operatively associated with the cleaning subunit and configured to move one or more instruments toward the cleaning unit based on information read by the at least one other read / write device.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes an additional control and processing unit operatively connected to the control and processing unit and the at least one treatment unit for selecting an instrument-specific treatment cycle.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, at the exit station corresponding to the treated instrument, there is another additional control unit operatively connected to the control unit, which is connected to the command unit of an additional humanoid robotic arm configured to pick up a second container present in the extraction area of ​​the exit station and place it on a corresponding movable support.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the identification subunit includes at least one second visual identification device configured to perform another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments arranged in a respective first container.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning subunit includes a receiving structure in which one or more cleaning devices are arranged, the cleaning devices being provided with one or more nozzles configured to deliver a corresponding cleaning fluid to the instrument.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one treatment unit includes a detection subunit provided with an observation device configured to detect the possible presence and location of blood residues and organic residues on at least one treated instrument.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a complete set of equipment for handling surgical or laboratory instruments, comprising a device according to the invention, at least one heat sterilizer for instruments, and an additional moving mechanism configured to automatically move instruments exiting the device to at least one heat sterilizer.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a method for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments using a device. The method includes a preparation step and a disposal step, wherein in the preparation step, the instruments to be disposed of are arranged in corresponding first containers at a collection area, each first container being provided with a data storage device; and in the disposal step, the instruments are disposed of in at least one disposal unit.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, a detection step is performed at the corresponding collection area, wherein at least one observation device visually acquires one or more instruments arranged in at least one first container and provides a signal related to the acquisition, which is then processed to obtain information about the presence and location of blood residues and organic residues on the instruments in at least one first container; and wherein at least one read / write device of the storage device receives the information about the blood residues and organic residues and writes it into the storage device of at least one first container. Furthermore, in the disposal step, a disposal unit selects and performs disposal of the instruments based on the information written into the storage device, the disposal being specific to the presence and location of the blood residues and organic residues.

[0036] In this method, at least one visual recognition device is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of one or more instruments arranged in at least one first container in a collection area to provide a scan-related signal that can be processed to obtain information about the type and shape of the instruments in at least one first container, and at least one read / write device is configured to receive additional information about the instruments and write it to a storage device in at least one first container.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, in the detection step, the control and processing unit receives signals related to acquisition, processes them using an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of blood residues and organic residues on the device, and then generates information about the blood residues and organic residues and transmits it to the reading and writing device.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, in the disposal step, at least one other read / write device present in at least one disposal unit reads the information present in each storage device in order to correctly perform a specific disposal on the instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0039] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of some embodiments (given by way of non-limiting examples) with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 This is a schematic simplified plan view of an apparatus for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments according to the present invention; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged detail of the device; - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the treatment station of the device; - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the exit station of the device; - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A simplified representation of the electrical block diagram of the device; and - Figure 6 It is a schematic simplified plan view of a complete set of equipment including the apparatus according to the invention.

[0040] It must be noted that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures and their descriptive methods in the accompanying drawings, serve only to better illustrate and explain the invention. Their purpose is to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The device 10 according to the invention is configured to automatically perform treatment on surgical or laboratory instruments 101 or other similar objects, preferably with targeted pre-cleaning.

[0043] Preferably, the device 10 of the present invention can be a complete set of processing equipment 200 ( Figure 6 It is part of and arranged upstream of one or more heat sterilizers 201, which are configured to dispose of and further clean the instruments 101 cleaned by the device 10.

[0044] The instruments 101 to be cleaned, for example, come from one or more operating rooms or laboratories, and can be grouped into a kit 103 of instruments 101. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In particular, here and below, the term “kit” 103 refers to a specific group of instruments 101.

[0045] The device 10 also includes multiple containers 102 in which the instruments 101 of each kit 103 are placed. The top of the container 102 is open and provided with holes, so as to drain, for example, water generated by the instruments 101 being cleaned.

[0046] Each container 102 is associated with a corresponding data storage device 104, which contains information about the instrument 101 present in the corresponding container 102 and the kit 103 to which the container belongs. For example, the storage device 104 may be an RFID tag, or a similar electronic device configured to transmit and receive data via electromagnetic waves, or a similar and equivalent type.

[0047] Advantageously, storage device 104 can be of a read-write type, thus enabling the reading of data present therein as well as the writing of additional data.

[0048] Device 10 includes, in sequence: - Entrance station 11, where instruments 101 to be cleaned are collected and placed, preferably arranged in corresponding containers 102; - Treatment station 12, in which instruments 101 are treated (particularly moved and cleaned); - Exit station 13, where the cleaned instruments 101 are retrieved and transported to other processing areas of the complete set of equipment 200.

[0049] The container 102 can be divided into a first container 102a and a second container 102b. Preferably, the first container 102a is capable of holding the instrument 101 to be cleaned, and the second container 102b is capable of holding the cleaned instrument 101.

[0050] Device 10 includes a collection area 15 at the location corresponding to entrance station 11. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The instrument 101 to be disposed of is arranged therein. For example, the collection area 15 may be defined by a platform for collecting and supporting the instrument 101 and / or container 102a. The collection area 15 includes a plurality of receiving positions 16 for the first container 102a.

[0051] The device 10 includes one or more read / write devices 19 of storage device 104 at the location corresponding to collection area 15, and one or more observation devices 20 of one or more instruments 101 arranged in at least one first container 102a.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the device 10 includes a first control and processing unit 18 connected to the read / write device 19 and the observation device 20. Figure 5 ).

[0053] Each read / write device 19 is able to acquire information present in a specific storage device 104 and write additional information therein, such as information transmitted by the first control and processing unit 18.

[0054] According to some embodiments, each accommodating position 16 corresponds to a read / write device 19.

[0055] Each observation device 20 is configured to visually acquire one or more instruments 101 arranged in a corresponding first container 102a and provide acquisition-related signals that can be processed to obtain information about the presence and location of blood residues R1 and possibly other organic residues R2 on the instruments 101. Figure 2 ).

[0056] According to some embodiments, each accommodating position 16 corresponds to a first observation device 20.

[0057] Each first observation device 20 may include at least one multispectral camera 21 capable of acquiring images containing spectral data. For example, the multispectral camera 21 may employ NIR technology. Additionally, a emitter and a reflected light receiving sensor (not shown) may be provided.

[0058] Each observation device 20 may also include a corresponding or first processing unit 22 for preprocessing the images acquired by the multispectral camera 21 and transmitting the acquisition-related signals to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the first control and processing unit 18 is located outside the observation device 20. Alternatively, the first control and processing unit 18 may be integrated into the observation device 20.

[0060] The first control and processing unit 18 is configured to receive signals and process them using an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on the device 101, and then generate information about blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 and transmit it to the reading and writing device 19.

[0061] These image processing algorithms are machine learning algorithms appropriately trained with spectral samples, enabling the processing of spectral data acquired by the multispectral camera 21 during use to identify blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on the device 101.

[0062] In other words, for each device 101 present in a given container 102a, both general information, such as device type and / or belonging to kit 103, and information regarding the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 are known.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the device 10 may also include one or more first visual recognition devices 24 at the location corresponding to the collection area 15, the first visual recognition devices being configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of the corresponding container 102a to identify the type of device 101 present therein.

[0064] According to some embodiments, each accommodating position 16 corresponds to a corresponding first visual recognition device 24.

[0065] Each first visual recognition device 24 includes a 3D scanning camera 25 and a corresponding or second processing unit 26 for preprocessing the acquired 3D images to provide scanning-related signals to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0066] The first control and processing unit 18 is configured to receive and process scan-related signals to obtain additional information about the type, shape, and location of the instrument 101.

[0067] In addition, each read / write device 19 is configured to receive additional information about the device 101 and write it to the storage device 104 of the corresponding first container 104.

[0068] The entrance station 11 also includes another collection area 23, which is configured to allow the placement of an empty second container 102b.

[0069] The device 10 includes at least a first humanoid robotic arm 27 at the location corresponding to the entrance station 11. Figure 1 and Figure 6 The first anthropomorphic robotic arm 27 is configured to be able to grab at least one first container 102a containing a device 101 to be processed from the collection area 15 each time and transfer it to the processing station 12, and also to grab at least one second container 102b each time and transfer it to the processing station 12.

[0070] The first anthropomorphic robotic arm 27 includes a gripper 29 at one end and is controlled by a corresponding instruction unit 28. The instruction unit 28 can be connected to the first control and processing unit 18 so that information about the device 101 is taken into account when the first container 102a moves.

[0071] In an embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, two first anthropomorphic robotic arms 27 may be present in the entrance station 11.

[0072] Thus, device 10 has the advantage of automating the initial process performed at entry station 11, thereby significantly reducing the activities that operators may perform (operators only intervene when necessary). This also reduces the setup operation time for pre-cleaning equipment 101.

[0073] The device 10 includes at least one treatment unit 31 of the instrument 101, which is configured to select and perform specific treatments of the instrument 101 based on the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2, according to information written in each storage device 104.

[0074] Preferably, the device includes a plurality of disposal units 31 at the corresponding processing station 12, which are associated with the moving mechanism 30 of the first container 102a and the second container 102b.

[0075] The moving mechanism 30 may include a first moving device 32 of the first container 102a for defining a supply line L1 having a first inlet E1 and a first outlet U1. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 30 may include a second moving device 33 of the second container 102b for defining a feed line L2 having a second inlet E2 and a second outlet U2. The first inlet E1 of the supply line L1 is located near the collection area 15, and the second inlet E2 is located near another collection area 23.

[0076] The first mobile device 32 and the second mobile device 33 are arranged parallel to the central alignment axis A, and can be conveyor belts.

[0077] The first mobile device 32 can be arranged below the processing unit 31. Furthermore, the first mobile device 32 ( Figure 3 Each disposal unit 31 may include: a first support 34a configured to support one of the first containers 102a; and a first transfer device 35a configured to transfer the first container 102a from the first mobile device 32 to the first support 34a and vice versa.

[0078] The second mobile device 33 may be arranged below the processing unit 31. In addition, the second mobile device 33 may include for each processing unit 31: a second support 34b configured to support one of the second containers 102b; and a second transfer device 35b configured to transfer the second container 102b from the second mobile device 32 to the second support 34b and vice versa.

[0079] Device 10 may include a second control and processing unit 36, which may be operatively connected to the first control and processing unit 18. Figure 5 The connection between the first control and processing unit 18 and the second control and processing unit 36 ​​is preferably wireless.

[0080] The second control and processing unit 36 ​​can be operatively connected to each disposal unit 31. Figure 1 and Figure 6 The second control and processing unit 36 ​​is used to select a specific treatment cycle for the instrument 101. In addition, the second control and processing unit 36 ​​can also be operatively connected to the movement mechanism 30 to manage the movement of the instrument 101 within the processing station 12 in a manner coordinated with each treatment unit 31.

[0081] In addition, an identification device (not shown in the figure) can be set at the corresponding first inlet E1 and second inlet E2. The identification device can identify the storage device 104 of containers 102a and 102b and transmit information about the time when containers 102a and 102b are placed on the first mobile device 32 or the second mobile device 33 to the second control unit 36.

[0082] In the example given in this article, the processing unit 31 is along the alignment axis A ( Figure 1 and Figure 6 The arrangement is as follows: each processing unit 31 includes multiple operating subunits 37 and a control mechanism 39, which is configured to move the instrument 101 between the operating station 37 and the moving mechanism 30. Figure 3 ).

[0083] Specifically, in each treatment unit 31, the actuation mechanism 39 is configured to actuate the instruments 101 to be treated arranged in the first container 102a, move them from one sub-unit 37 to another sub-unit, and place them into the corresponding second container 102b along the advance line L2 after treatment.

[0084] In this specific case, the manipulation mechanism 39 includes a second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41, which is controlled by a corresponding instruction unit 42. The instruction unit 42 can be connected to the second control and processing unit 36.

[0085] A gripper 43 (e.g., a claw) is attached to one end of the anthropomorphic robotic arm 41, which is adapted to grasp one or more instruments 101.

[0086] Preferably, each processing unit 31 ( Figure 3 Each of the processing units 31 may include at least an identification subunit 45, a manipulation subunit 46, and a cleaning subunit 47. Alternatively, each processing unit 31 may also include a detection subunit 48, for example, arranged downstream of the cleaning subunit 47.

[0087] The identification subunit 45 includes at least one other or second read / write device 51 of the storage device 104, configured to read information present in each of the storage devices to correctly perform a specific procedure on the instrument 101. The second read / write device 51 is capable of transmitting this information to the second control unit 36.

[0088] In addition, the second read / write device 51 is also configured to modify and / or delete information present in each storage device 104, thereby preparing it for subsequent use.

[0089] The second read / write device 51 is associated with the receiving structure 50. For example, the second read / write device 51 is attached inside the receiving structure 50.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the identification subunit 45 further includes at least one second visual recognition device 52 configured to perform another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments 101 arranged in the respective first container 102a to provide scan-related signals that can be processed to obtain information about the type, shape, and position of the instruments 101, thereby confirming the information previously detected by the first visual recognition device 52.

[0091] The second visual recognition device 52 can also transmit the information to the second control and processing unit 36. Furthermore, the second visual recognition device 52 is also associated with the housing structure 50; for example, it is attached inside the housing structure 50.

[0092] For example, the second control unit 36 ​​is configured to receive information from the second read / write device 51 and possibly from the second visual recognition device 52 in order to transmit information about the relative position between the second humanoid robotic arm 41 and the instrument to be disposed of 101 to the instruction unit 42 of the second humanoid robotic arm 41.

[0093] The manipulation subunit 46 includes a receiving structure 55 having a front opening 56 and a resting surface 57. The manipulation members 59 and 60 of the device 101 are disposed inside the receiving structure 55. Furthermore, the manipulation subunit 46 may also contain one or more retaining members 61 for temporarily holding multiple different clamping members 43 configured to be connected to the end of the second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41.

[0094] The cleaning subunit 47 is operatively connected to the second control and processing unit 36 ​​to perform specific treatments on one or more instruments based on information read from the corresponding storage device 104 by the second read / write device 51.

[0095] The cleaning subunit 47 includes a receiving structure 63 with a front opening 64 for inserting the instrument 101 to be cleaned.

[0096] The cleaning subunit 47 includes one or more cleaning devices 65 disposed within the housing structure 63. The cleaning device 65 may be provided with one or more nozzles 66 configured to deliver a corresponding cleaning fluid to the instrument 101, particularly taking into account the location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2.

[0097] Detection subunit 48 ( Figure 3 It includes a receiving structure 68 with a front opening 69 for inserting a cleaned instrument 101.

[0098] The detection subunit 48 may include at least one corresponding or second observation device 70 configured to detect the possible presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on at least one instrument 101 disposed below and already cleaned. This allows for further inspection of the cleaning quality performed on the instrument 101.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the second observation device 70 may be identical to the first observation device 20. It must be noted that the second control unit 36 ​​is preferably located outside the second observation device 70. Furthermore, the location of any remaining blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on the instrument 101 can be identified relative to a reference point on the second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41.

[0100] The exit station 13 includes a first extraction area 80 arranged corresponding to the exit end U1, in which untreated instruments 101, or a first empty container or a non-empty container 102a, transported by the first mobile device 32 are stored; and a second extraction area 81 arranged corresponding to the exit end U2, in which a second container 102b containing treated (e.g., pre-cleaned) instruments 101 is arranged.

[0101] Exit Station 13 ( Figure 4 It may also include a grouping area 82 configured to arrange a second container 102b present in a second extraction area 81 onto a movable support 83, which can be inserted into a corresponding heat sterilizer 201 arranged downstream. The movable support 83 may be, for example, a trolley having multiple resting surfaces for the second container 102b.

[0102] A third anthropomorphic robotic arm 85 can be set at the corresponding position in the grouping area 82. It is configured to pick up the second container 102b existing in the second extraction area 81 and place it on the corresponding movable support 83.

[0103] A third control unit 86 is also provided at the corresponding location of exit station 13. This third control unit is operatively connected to the first control unit 18 and the second control unit 36. The third control unit 86 ( Figure 5 It can also be operatively connected to the instruction unit 87 of the third anthropomorphic robotic arm 85 to control the robotic arm in coordination with the moving mechanism 30.

[0104] According to other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, instead of three control and processing units 18, 36 and 86 that are operatively connected to each other, there is a single central control and processing unit that performs all their functions.

[0105] Preferably, the complete set of equipment 200 includes a plurality of heat sterilizers 201 and a transport mechanism 202, the transport mechanism being configured to automatically move the cleaned instruments 101 exiting the device 10 to at least one heat sterilizer 201.

[0106] The transport mechanism 202 includes a first transport section 203 and a second transport section 205, and a rotating platform 206 may be provided therebetween. The rotating platform 206 is configured to change the direction of a movable support member 83, which is transported on the transport mechanism 202 and is provided with a second container 102b.

[0107] Optionally, an insertion section 207 of a transport mechanism 202 is provided in front of each heat sterilizer 201, which allows the movable support 83 to be inserted into the corresponding heat sterilizer 201.

[0108] The operation of the above-mentioned device 10 (corresponding to the method according to the present invention) includes the following steps.

[0109] It must be noted that the operational steps of the method will be described in detail below with reference to the first container 102a and the corresponding second container 102b in which the instrument 101 is provided. Obviously, this applies to all other first containers 102a and second containers 102b.

[0110] The method includes a preparation step in which the instrument 101 is arranged in a corresponding container 102a and the container 102a is placed in a corresponding receiving position 16.

[0111] Subsequently, in the detection step, the read / write device 19 obtains information from the storage device 104 about the corresponding first container 102a and the device 101 contained therein.

[0112] Then, the observation device 20, by means of a corresponding multispectral camera 21, visually acquires images of one or more instruments 101 arranged within the first container 102a and provides signals related to the acquisition. These signals are then processed to obtain information about the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on the instruments 101. The spectral images acquired by the multispectral camera 21 can be preprocessed by a corresponding first processing unit 22 to transmit the signals to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0113] The control and processing unit 18 receives the signal and processes it using an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 on the device 101, and then generates information about blood residue R1 and organic residue R2 and transmits it to the reading and writing device 19.

[0114] If possible, and if present, the first visual recognition device 24 performs a 3D scan of the corresponding first container 102a. In this case, the acquired 3D image is preprocessed by the corresponding processing unit 26 to provide scan-related signals to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0115] Then, the first control and processing unit 18 receives and processes the scan-related signals to obtain additional information about the type, shape, and location of the instrument 101.

[0116] Subsequently, the first control and processing unit 18 transmits the received information, particularly information about blood residue R1 and organic residue R2, to the first read / write device 19, which writes it to the storage device 104 for later reading.

[0117] The method provides an introduction step in which each first container 102a containing the instrument 101 to be cleaned is located on a first mobile device 32, and each empty second container 102b is located on a second mobile device 33. This positioning can be advantageously accomplished by a first anthropomorphic robotic arm 27.

[0118] Subsequently, in the moving step, the first container 102a containing the instrument 101 to be cleaned is advanced along the supply line L1, and the second container 102b is advanced along the advance line L2. This step can be commanded by the second central control unit 36.

[0119] A stopping step is also provided during the moving step, wherein the first mobile device 32 stops such that the first container 102a and the second container 102b correspond to the corresponding disposal unit 31 on the first support 34a and the second support 34b, respectively.

[0120] The method then provides a treatment step in which the treatment unit 31 selects and performs a specific treatment of the device 101 based on the information written into the storage device 104, for the presence and location of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2.

[0121] The treatment steps include an identification step, wherein a first container 102a containing the instrument 101 is located below the identification subunit 45. Then, a second read / write device 51 reads information previously written to the storage device 104 to correctly perform a specific treatment on the instrument 101. In this case, the information read by the second read / write device 51 is transmitted to a second control unit 36, which is able to correctly select the specific treatment.

[0122] In the identification step, a second visual recognition device 52 may be activated to perform another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments 101 arranged in the corresponding first container 102a to provide scan-related signals that can be processed by the second control and processing unit 36 ​​to obtain information about the type, shape and position of the instrument 101.

[0123] The second control unit 36 ​​transmits the information obtained in this way to the second instruction unit 42 of the second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41. The second anthropomorphic robotic arm can move each device 101 correctly according to the type, shape, position of each device 101 and the presence and position of blood residue R1 and organic residue R2.

[0124] A manipulation step can also be provided, in which the second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41 collaborates with the manipulation subunit 46 to correct the orientation of each instrument 101, or better position it, to properly prepare it for the cleaning step.

[0125] Then, in the cleaning step, each instrument 101 is brought into the cleaning subunit 47 by a second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41, and at least one cleaning device 65 is activated to perform a specific treatment. It must be noted that each instrument 101 to be cleaned is positioned to expose blood residue R1 and / or organic residue R2 to the jet stream of the cleaning device 65.

[0126] After cleaning, a control procedure can be provided, in which a second anthropomorphic robotic arm 41 brings the cleaned instrument 101 into the detection subunit, and a second visual recognition device 52 verifies any blood residue R1 and / or organic residue R2 that may be present after cleaning. Based on the control results, the instrument 101 can be placed into the second container 102b, or it can be cleaned again and then re-inspected before being placed into the second container 102b.

[0127] It must be noted that the inspection, manipulation, cleaning, and control steps are repeated for all instruments 101 to be cleaned.

[0128] Subsequently, the method provides an extraction step in which a second container 102b containing the cleaned instrument 101 is advanced along the feed line L2 and delivered to the second extraction zone 81. Figure 1 and Figure 6 The second container is extracted from it and placed on the movable support 83, preferably by a third anthropomorphic robotic arm 85.

[0129] Then, the movable support 83 is used to deliver the plurality of containers 102b to the heat sterilizer 201 located downstream of the device 10, as in the kit 200 according to the invention. Figure 6 As shown in the figure.

[0130] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the apparatus 10, the kit 200 and the method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments 101 as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0131] It is equally clear that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will be able to implement other equivalent forms of the apparatus 10, the kit 200, and the method for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments having the features described in the claims, and all of these fall within the scope of protection thus defined.

[0132] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments (101), comprising: A first container (102a), each first container being provided with a data storage device (104); at least one collection area (15) of the first container (102a), in which an instrument (101) to be disposed is arranged; and at least one disposal unit (31) of the instrument (101), characterized in that the device (10) includes, corresponding to the collection area (15): At least one read / write device (19) of the storage device (104). At least one observation device (20) configured to visually acquire one or more instruments (101) arranged in at least one first container (102a) in the collection area (15) and provide signals associated with the acquisition, the signals being processable to obtain information about the presence and location of blood residues (R1) and organic residues (R2) on the instruments (101) in the at least one first container (102a); at least one read / write device (19) configured to receive information about the blood residues (R1) and the organic residues (R2) and write it into the storage device (104) of the at least one first container (102a); the disposal unit (31) configured to select and perform disposal of the instruments (101), particularly pre-cleaning, based on the information written into the storage device (104), the disposal being specific to the presence and location of the blood residues (R1) and the organic residues (R2); and At least one visual recognition device (24) is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of one or more instruments (101) arranged in the at least one first container (102a) in the collection area (15) to provide a signal associated with the scan, the signal being processable to obtain information about the type and shape of the instrument (101) in the at least one first container (102a), and the at least one read / write device (19) is configured to receive additional information about the instrument (101) and write it into the storage device (104) of the at least one first container (102a).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a control and processing unit (18) configured to receive the signal associated with the acquisition and process it by an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) on the device (101), and then generate the information about the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) and transmit it to the read / write device (19).

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one observation device (20) includes at least one multispectral camera (21) capable of acquiring images containing spectral data; and is characterized in that the image processing algorithm is a machine learning algorithm appropriately trained with spectral samples, thereby processing the spectral data acquired by the multispectral camera (21) during use to identify the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) on the instrument (101).

4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one observation device (20) includes a corresponding processing unit (22) configured to preprocess the images acquired by the multispectral camera (21) and transmit signals related to the acquisition to the control and processing unit (18).

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The at least one visual recognition device (24) includes a 3D scanning camera (25) and a corresponding processing unit (26), the processing unit being configured to preprocess the acquired 3D image to provide signals related to the scan to the control and processing unit (18).

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one processing unit (31) includes at least one other read / write device (51) of the storage device (104), which is configured to read information present in at least each of the storage devices to perform the specific processing of the apparatus (101).

7. The apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one other read / write device (51) is also configured to modify and / or delete information present in each storage device (104) in preparation for subsequent use.

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The collection area (15) includes: another collection area (23) containing an empty second container (102b) capable of holding the cleaned instrument (101); and at least one humanoid robotic arm (27) configured to move the first container (102a) and the second container (102b) toward a moving mechanism (30) associated with the at least one disposal unit (31), the moving mechanism including at least a first moving device (32) for the first container (102a) and a second moving device (33) for the second container (102b).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The at least one disposal unit (31) includes: at least one identification subunit (45) in which the at least one other reading / writing device (51) is present; a cleaning subunit (47); and an anthropomorphic robotic arm (41) operatively associated with the cleaning subunit (47) and configured to move one or more instruments (101) toward the cleaning unit (47) based on information read by the at least one other reading / writing device (51).

10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, Includes an additional control and processing unit (36) operatively connected to the control and processing unit (18) and the at least one treatment unit (31) for selecting a specific treatment cycle for the instrument (101).

11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, At the exit station (13) corresponding to the disposed instrument (101), there is another additional control unit (86) operatively connected to the control unit (18, 36), and the other additional control unit (86) is connected to the instruction unit (87) of an additional anthropomorphic robotic arm (85) configured to pick up the second container (102b) present in the extraction area (81) of the exit station (13) and place it on the corresponding movable support (83).

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The identification subunit (45) includes at least one second visual identification device (52) configured to perform another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments (101) arranged in a corresponding first container (102a).

13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cleaning subunit (47) includes a receiving structure (63) in which one or more cleaning devices (65) are arranged, the cleaning devices being provided with one or more nozzles (66) configured to deliver a corresponding cleaning fluid to the instrument (101).

14. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one treatment unit (31) includes a detection subunit (48) equipped with an observation device (70) configured to detect the possible presence and location of blood residues (R1) and organic residues (R2) on at least one treated instrument (101).

15. A complete set of equipment for handling surgical or laboratory instruments (101), characterized in that, Includes the device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, at least one heat sterilizer (201) for the instrument (101), and an additional moving mechanism (202) configured to automatically move the instrument (101) from the device (10) toward the at least one heat sterilizer (201).

16. A method for disposing of surgical or laboratory instruments (101) via a device (10), the method comprising a preparation step and a disposal step, wherein in the preparation step, the instruments (101) to be disposed of are arranged in corresponding first containers (102a) at a collection area (15) corresponding to the device (10), each first container being provided with a data storage device (104); and in the disposal step, the instruments (101) are disposed of in at least one disposal unit (31) of the device (10), characterized in that, At the location corresponding to the collection area (15), a detection step is performed, in which at least one observation device (20) visually acquires one or more instruments (101) arranged in at least one first container (102a) and provides a signal associated with the acquisition, the signal being processed to obtain information about the presence and location of blood residue (R1) and organic residue (R2) on the instruments (101) of the at least one first container (102a); and in the detection step, at least one read / write device (19) of the storage device (104) receives the information about the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) and writes it into the storage device (104) of the at least one first container (102a), wherein, in the disposal step, the disposal unit (31) based on According to the information written into the storage device (104), the treatment of the instrument (101) is selected and performed, the treatment being specific to the presence and location of the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2); and wherein at least one visual recognition device (24) is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of one or more instruments (101) arranged in the at least one first container (102a) in the collection area (15) to provide a signal associated with the scan, the signal being processable to obtain information about the type and shape of the instrument (101) in the at least one first container (102a), and the at least one read / write device (19) is configured to receive the additional information about the instrument (101) and write it into the storage device (104) of the at least one first container (102a).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the detection step, the control and processing unit (18) receives the signal associated with the acquisition, processes it by an image processing algorithm to identify the presence and location of the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) on the device (101), and then generates the information about the blood residue (R1) and the organic residue (R2) and transmits it to the reading and writing device (19).

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the disposal step, at least one other read / write device (51) present in the at least one disposal unit (31) of the storage device (104) reads the information present in each storage device (104) to correctly perform the specific disposal on the instrument (101).

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