Endoscope drying cabinet

Abstract

A drying cabinet (e.g., an endoscope drying cabinet) may include a housing. A drying cabinet may include a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing. A drying cabinet may include a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel. A drying cabinet may include a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector aligned with the vertical panel.

Description

ENDOSCOPE DRYING CABINETCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 511,038, filed on June 29, 2023, entitled “ENDOSCOPE DRYING CABINET,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Endoscopes, after use in a medical procedure, are cleaned and dried. Manual cleaning and Automated endoscope reprocessing (AER) procedures are often used to clean and sterilize endoscopes after use in medical procedures. Once reprocessed, additional moisture may be present on external surfaces of endoscopes, and inside channels of endoscopes. To dry this moisture and to keep the endoscope in a clean condition, endoscope drying cabinets are used.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] One aspect described herein relates to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel; and a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector aligned with the vertical panel.

[0004] Another aspect described herein relates to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon; and a connector mounted on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system.

[0005] Another aspect described herein relates to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slid laterally in and out of the housing; a connector on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; and an air distribution system fluidly coupled throughthe connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction.

[0006] Another aspect described herein relates to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing having a top panel and a bottom panel; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a connector aligned with the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; an air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction; and a drip pan beneath the bottom panel of the housing.

[0007] Another aspect described herein relates to a method of drying an endoscope, including: hanging the endoscope on a hanger mounted on a vertical panel in an endoscope drying cabinet; winding the endoscope around a plurality of endoscope supports mounted on the vertical panel; and connecting the endoscope to an air distribution system.

[0008] Another aspect described herein relates to a user interface device for use with an endoscope drying cabinet, including: a display screen; memory configured to store information associated with a plurality of endoscopes; and processing circuitry configured to present an interactive graphical user interface via the display screen, the processing circuitry configured to: provide a detailed view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a sortable listing of the information associated with the plurality of endoscopes, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope; identify user interaction with the detailed view to change the sortable listing of the information; and in response to the user interaction to change the sortable listing of the information, update the detailed view to present a modified version of the sortable listing of the information.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, byway of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drying cabinet in an example.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of a drying cabinet in an example.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a drying cabinet with endoscope slides in an example.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a drying cabinet with endoscope slides in an example.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a drying cabinet slide in an example.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a drying cabinet slide with endoscope supports in an example.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a drying cabinet slide with endoscope supports in an example.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an endoscope support in an example.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of an endoscope support in an example.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an endoscope connector and hanger with an endoscope on a slide in an example.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an endoscope connector and hanger with an endoscope on a slide in an example.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an endoscope connector on a slide in an example.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an endoscope connector on a slide in an example.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a user connecting an endoscope on a slide in an example.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates an endoscope hanger in an example.

[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates endoscope slide numbers in an example.

[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates a user checking a slide number in an example.

[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates an endoscope drying cabinet air distribution system in an example.

[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates an endoscope drying cabinet air distribution system in an example.

[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates flow of air within an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates flow of air within an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates an endoscope drying cabinet air distribution system plenum in an example.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates flow of air within an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates the bottom of an endoscope drying cabinet with a drip pan in an example.

[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates liquid flow in an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates a drip pan for an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0036] FIG. 27 illustrates another view of a drip pan for an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0037] FIG. 28 illustrates another view of a drip pan for an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0038] FIG. 29 illustrates a graphical user interface for use in an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0039] FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C illustrates another graphical user interface for use in an endoscope drying cabinet in an example.

[0040] FIG. 31 is a flow chart depicting a method of drying an endoscope in an example.

[0041] FIG. 32 depicts an electronic processing device in an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present disclosure describes, among other things, an endoscope drying cabinet. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example endoscope drying cabinet 100. The drying cabinet 100 can include a housing 110 with a top 111, bottom 112, side 113 and side 114, back 115, and front 117 with doors 118. The housing 110 can define a chamber 119. The drying cabinet 100, as shown in detail in the following drawings, can include several endoscope vertical panel 120 having endoscope supports 130, with endoscope airflow connectors 140 and hangers 150. The drying cabinet 100 can include an air distribution system 160 and a drip pan 170. Additionally, a user interface device 180 can be used with the cabinet 100 to display a status of endoscopes in the cabinet 100, and a barcode scanner 190 can be used with the cabinet to scan barcode or QR code identifiers provided on respective endoscopes and hangers.

[0043] The housing 110 can enclose the vertical panel 120 in the chamber 119. Endoscopes can be mounted on the vertical panel 120 using the endoscope supports 130 and the endoscope hangers 150. The endoscopes 200 can be connected to the air distribution system 160 through airflow connectors 140 on the vertical panel 120. The air distribution system 160 can run air through connector endoscopes from the top 111 of the drying cabinet 100 to the bottom 112. The drip pan 170 can catch extraneous liquid at the bottom 112.

[0044] The drying cabinet 100 can include several features that a beneficial to endoscope drying. The drying cabinet 100 can include vertical panel 120, such as sliding panels, on which endoscopes can be mounted for drying. The vertical panel 120 can be easily moved on a track in and out of the housing 110. The vertical panel 120 can be vertical panels which can be slid in and out of the chamber 119. In some cases, the vertical panel 120 can be partially or full moved in and out of the chamber 119. In some cases, the vertical panel 120 can be moved manually in and out, such as by an operator pulling the vertical panel 120. In an example, the vertical panel 120 can be moved automatically in and out of the chamber 119, such as by a coupled automated system. The vertical panel 120 can be vertical panels with supports 130, hangers 150, and airflow connectors 140, thereon for mounting and connecting of endoscopes. Discussed in more detail below are specifications of example endoscope supports, endoscope hangers, and endoscope connectors, with reference to FIGS. 4-17. Also discussed in more detail below are specifications of various user interface screens and options for the user interface device 180, with reference to FIGS. 29-30C.

[0045] -FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the drying cabinet 100 which illustrates components of the air distribution system 160, including the top space 162, the air plenum 164, the venting system 166, and the air duct 168. The air distribution system 160 is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 18-23, along with discussion of the drip pan 170 with reference to FIGS. 24-28.

[0046] ENDOSCOPE DRYING CABINET SLIDES AND ENDOSCOPE SUPPORTS

[0047] FIGS. 3-10 depict various views of the vertical panel 120 in the drying cabinet 100 and the endoscope supports 130 used on the vertical panel 120 for securing endoscopes thereon. The example drying cabinet 100 herein can include vertical panel 120 each with one ormore endoscope supports 130 for mounting endoscopes thereon. The endoscope supports 130 can be user-adjustable supports that can be used in conjunction with pull-out vertical panel 120. The endoscope supports 130 can be coupled in holes 131 or slots 134 on the vertical panel 120 that guide a user of where to position the endoscope supports 130. In some cases, the endoscope supports 130 can be slidable along a defined line or axis. In some cases, the endoscope supports 130 can have V-shaped profiles to allow for more effective fluid flow in hung endoscopes, as discussed below.

[0048] The use of the vertical panel 120 and the endoscope supports 130 can allow for an overall shorter height of the drying cabinet 100. This can be accomplished because the endoscopes within the drying cabinet 100 are not hung in a straight orientation, but instead are wound around the endoscope supports 130 on the vertical panel 120, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. In the example drying cabinet 100, the overall height of the cabinet is reduced, which consequently reduces the space for endoscopes to hang therein. By introducing gentle bends to the endoscope through the use of the endoscope supports 130 on the vertical panel 120, the endoscopes still fit in the shorter cabinet.

[0049] Moreover, endoscopes can vary in size, particularly in length. Thus, the endoscope supports 130 can be adjustable, such as to allow creation of particularly desired pathways and endoscope bends when the endoscopes are mounted on the vertical panel 120. This can allow for more flexibility to suit the size of endoscopes being stored. Discussed herein, such as with reference to FIGS. 5-6 below, the endoscope supports 130 can be mounted via holes or slots. This can help prevent slippage or movement of the endoscope supports 130 when endoscopes are mounted on the vertical panel 120. Avoiding endoscope slippage can help reduce potential scratches and dirt traps.

[0050] Overall, the drying cabinet 100 with the vertical panel 120 and the endoscope supports 130 can allow for mounting of endoscopes with reduced surface area contacting the endoscope supports 130. This can also reduce the risk of contamination while increase the flow of air around external surfaces of the endoscopes to aid in drying.

[0051] The discussed drying cabinet 100 with the vertical panel 120 and endoscope supports 130 has several advantages. For example, the discussed endoscope supports 130 can allow for a shorter cabinet with improved usability, increased flexibility to accommodateendoscopes of varying lengths, indications to a user of where to position the endoscope supports 130, and inexpensive replacement of such endoscope supports 130. Additionally, the proposed endoscope supports 130 can reduce risk of contamination, improve airflow around external surfaces of the endoscopes, have a flexible design suitable for various endoscope brands and types, are relatively easy to clean, and are relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0052] More specifically, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate perspective views of an example drying cabinet 100 with endoscope vertical panel 120 which can be pulled out parallel to the door. Here, the endoscope supports 130 can be mounted onto the pull-out vertical panel 120 that house the endoscope. Two types of the endoscope supports 130 are discussed herein. First, FIG.5 illustrates a schematic representation of an example drying cabinet vertical panel 120 with endoscope supports 130 that are mounted in holes 131. The holes 131 can be arranged in horizontal rows 132. The holes 131 can be drilled into the vertical panel 120. The endoscope supports 130 can be mounted on the holes 131, on either side of the vertical panel 120. The endoscope supports 130 can be pre-set for a particular endoscope. A user can move or adjust the endoscope supports 130, moving them between the various holes 131 in the horizontal rows 132. The endoscope supports 130 can be changeable or repositionable between the holes 131. Such repositionable endoscope supports 130 can be cost effective.

[0053] Second, FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a drying cabinet slide with slidable endoscope supports 130 in slots 134 an example. Here, the slots 134 can be horizontal slots within the vertical panel 120, in which the endoscope supports 130 can be mounted. The endoscope supports 130 mounted in the slots 134 can be horizontally moved as desired. For example, the endoscope supports 130 can be laterally moved within the slots 134.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a drying cabinet vertical panel 120 with endoscope supports 130 in an example. Here, endoscopes 200 are mounted on the vertical panel 120 in any of the holes shown in FIG. 7. The endoscopes 200 can be wound around the endoscope supports 130 such that there are gentle bends within the mounted endoscopes 200. For example, an insertion tube 202 of an endoscope 200 can be wound. In some cases, other portions of the endoscopes 200 such as a universal cord (“umbilical cord”) can be wound. The overall height of the vertical panel 120 on which the endoscopes 200 are mounted can be shorter than the length of the endoscopes 200 themselves.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates an endoscope support 130 in an example. The endoscope supports 130 can be, for example, knobs that define one, two, or more channels for guiding the storage position of an endoscope. The endoscope supports 130 can be releasable and positionable from the vertical panel 120. The endoscope supports 130 can be positioned on either side of the vertical panel 120 (e.g., to allow a first side of a vertical panel to host a first endoscope, and a second side opposite of the first side of the vertical panel to host a second endoscope). An endoscope can be mounts on either side of the vertical panel 120. More than one endoscope can be mounted simultaneously on a side of the vertical panel 120.

[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic front view of the endoscope support 130, while FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic side view of the endoscope support 130 in an example. The endoscope supports 130 in FIGS. 9-10 can be shaped to minimize the contact area with the endoscope. This can allow for decreased potential for water to collect and air flow to be restricted. The endoscope supports 130 can define one or more slots 136 which allow for endoscope tubes or cords to rest thereon, such as an insertion tube 202 or a universal cord 204.

[0057] Shown in FIG. 9, the endoscope supports 130 can have a V-shaped cross section. In some cases, the endoscope supports 130 can be triangle-shaped supports. The V-shaped cross section can allow for reduced surface area contact with endoscopes thereon, with air flow around it. The angled surfaces can reduce the probability of water collecting on the endoscope supports 130. With use of the V-shaped endoscope supports, the tubes and cords of the endoscopes 200 can be uncrimped on the endoscope supports 130. However, it will be understood that other support shapes and orientations may also be used.

[0058] ENDOSCOPE CONNECTORS

[0059] FIGS. 11-15 depict various views of example endoscope airflow connectors 140 and hangers 150. In some previous designs of endoscope drying cabinets, adapters for endoscopes may be very long, allowing for high interference between adapter tubing and endoscopes. Also, in some previous designs of endoscope drying cabinets, the connection point for an endoscope are inside the housing, making connection of an endoscope channel to irrigation systems difficult, and allowing contamination risks.

[0060] In the example drying cabinet 100 discussed herein, the airflow connectors 140 and corresponding adapters 142 can be shorter than conventional adapters. This can allow forless kinking and potential for contamination. The airflow connectors 140 themselves can be mounted on the vertical panel 120 where the endoscope will be mounted, allowing for easier access when connecting or disconnecting an endoscope. The airflow connectors 140 and corresponding adapters 142, along with the hangers 150, can be ergonomic and user friendly.

[0061] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an endoscope connector 140 and hanger 150 with an endoscope 200 on a vertical panel 120 in an example. The airflow connectors 140 can further include the corresponding adapters 142. Here, the airflow connectors 140 and the hanger 150 can optionally be integrated with each other. In some cases, the hanger 150 can be mounted on the vertical panel 120 separately from the airflow connectors 140. Here, the shorter corresponding adapters 142 can be used to connect the endoscopes 200 mounted on the vertical panel 120 to the airflow connectors 140. The corresponding adapters 142 can be tubing of shorter length. Because the airflow connectors 140, the hanger 150, and the endoscopes 200 are mounted on the vertical panel 120, they will move together when a user pulls the vertical panel 120 in and out of the drying cabinet 100.

[0062] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the endoscope connector 140 on the vertical panel 120 (e.g., at the top of the vertical panel, next to a track) in an example. The airflow connectors 140 allows for integration of the air distribution system 160 with the vertical panel 120. The airflow connectors 140 can be mounted on the vertical panel 120, and thus can be pulled in and out with the vertical panel 120. The airflow connectors 140 can include a connection port shape for receipt of an endoscope, such as an endoscope channel. In some cases, the airflow connectors 140 can include one or more ports appropriate for connecting multiple endoscope channels. The airflow connectors 140 can be fluidly connected to such endoscope channels through the corresponding adapters 142. This can allow for air flow from the air distribution system 160 through the endoscope channels.

[0063] FIG. 15 illustrates a user connecting an endoscope on a panel 120 in an example. The corresponding adapters 142 can be a tube adapter for fluidly coupling the airflow connectors 140 hosted on the vertical panel 120 to the air distribution system 160 and the endoscopes 200.

[0064] ENDOSCOPE HANGERS

[0065] FIGS. 16-17 depict the hangers 150 with corresponding numeric identifiers and barcode labels 152. Shown in FIGS. 16-17 the airflow connectors 140 can optionally beintegrated with the hangers 150, and various elements can be used to track endoscope vertical panel 120. The hangers 150 can be mounted on the vertical panel 120. The hangers 150 can include a curved shape for receipt of the endoscope working portions. The hangers 150 can be fixed or user-adjustable on the vertical panels 120.

[0066] Here, the corresponding labels 152 can be provided by a barcode, or alternatively a QR code, RFID tag, and / or another associated identifier (e.g., alphanumeric identifier), such that use of the various hangers 150 can be tracked via a user interface device 180 and barcode scanner 190 (orand optionally, features of an integrated or external electronic tracking system) as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 29-30C. The corresponding numbers (e.g., at position 1, 2, 3, 4, and so forth, from left to right) labels 152 can allow for a user to easily understand the layout of the drying cabinet 100 (e.g., the location of a particular endoscope in the drying cabinet), and to record or track the placement, connection, disconnection, or removal of a particular endoscope at a particular hanger.

[0067] The hangers 150 can support the control body of the endoscopes 200 when mounted on the vertical panel 120. Here, the hangers 150 with corresponding labels 152 can be integrated with a numbering system, such as through the user interface. These can be correlated to airflow connectors 140, allowing easy tracking of which endoscope is connected where within the drying cabinet 100. From a usability perspective, the link between the touchscreen user interface and the hangers 150 in the cabinet 100 is not always apparent on visual inspection. This could potentially lead to endoscopes 200 being moved out of position resulting in confusion and potential delay to patient treatment. With the corresponding numbered positions, this can be more efficiently and effectively tracked, improving usability and customer satisfaction, in addition to reducing the risk of incorrect endoscope identification and selection.

[0068] Specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates endoscope hanger position numbers, while FIG. 17 illustrates a user verifying a hanger position in an example. Here, for example, the number 1 hanger may be situated on vertical panel 1 / 2, on side 1 of the vertical sliding panel. The barcode 152 on the hanger 150 can help situate the endoscope thereon and allow for user tracking. By integrating the endoscope hanger 150, hanger position number and barcode label 152 with airflow connectors 140, as shown on the in FIG. 17, the endoscope location is clear to the user and the link between the tracking system and the cabinet layout can be verified. This link isstrengthened by numbering arranging the hangers on the vertical panel 120 with the hanger numbers in the same layout as displayed on the user interface.

[0069] ENDOSCOPE CABINET AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

[0070] FIGS. 18-23 depict the air distribution system 160 in the drying cabinet 100. After reprocessing from automated endoscope reprocessing (AER), endoscopes are not necessarily fully dry, and macro drops of water can be present on the endoscope, particularly in gaps between an endoscope’s control knobs. The drying cabinet 100 air distribution system 160 discussed herein aids in water evaporation of these and other critical points on the exterior surfaces of an endoscope.

[0071] In an example, airflow can be driven through a duct into a plenum 164 over the top 162 of the cabinet, to allow the same air distribution along the cabinet 100 volume, as seen in FIGS. 19-21. Airflow at the top 162 of the cabinet 100 can be forced in the designed plenum (see FIG. 22) provided by nozzles on the roof of the cabinet 100 to accelerate air egress directly around the critical parts of the control sections of endoscopes such as operator control knobs and switches, as seen in FIG. 23.

[0072] The air distribution system 160 has several advantages. Specifically, air flow coming into the cabinet 100 from the top 111 to the bottom 112 can aid in drying of endoscopes and targeting of gaps between endoscope control knobs and other problem areas. This air distribution system 160 can allow for optimizing air distribution within the drying cabinet 100 volume. Here, the air flow can be accelerated and driven directly to the critical part of endoscopes. Additionally, the same air supply can be sent to each endoscope 200 in the drying cabinet 100.

[0073] FIG. 18 illustrates a closer view of the endoscope drying cabinet 100 air distribution system 160, while FIGS. 19-23 illustrate airflow within the air distribution system 160. The air distribution system 160 can include the top space 162, the air plenum 164, the venting system 166, and the air duct 168.

[0074] The air distribution system 160 can be fluidly coupled to the endoscopes 200 through the airflow connectors 140 and the corresponding adapters 142 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 11-15. This can allow for internal drying of endoscope channels and lumens. The air distribution system 160 can be configured to provide air flow to the endoscopes 200 in a vertically downwards direction.

[0075] ENDOSCOPE CABINET DRIP PAN

[0076] FIGS. 24-28 depict the drip pan 170 for use in the drying cabinet 100 in conjunction with the air distribution system 160. Here, the drip pan 170 can be a sloped drip pan designed such that excess water falling down from endoscopes hosted in the drying cabinet 100 falls into an external drawer. The air distribution system 160 can push air from the top 111 to the bottom 112 of the drying cabinet 100, directing liquid towards the drip pan 170. The drip pan 170 can be removable from the outside of the drying cabinet 100.

[0077] The drip pan 170 has a number of advantages. The external and pull-out nature of the drip pan 170 can allow for less overall contamination in the drying cabinet 100, and for easy accessibility. The drip pan 170 can also allow for better handling to drain and clean the drying cabinet 100.

[0078] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate the bottom 112 of the endoscope drying cabinet 100 with the drip pan 170 in an example, while FIGS. 26-27 illustrate the drip pan 170 for an endoscope drying cabinet in an example. The drip pan 170 can be removable from the housing 110.

[0079] The drip pan 170 has at least a collecting plate 172 accessible outside the drying cabinet 100 (e.g., accessible outside of the housing 110). The air distribution system 160 can push water droplets down to the drip pan 170. The drip pan 170 can be sloped downwards away from the housing 110, such that the water falls to the collecting plate 172.

[0080] The collecting plate 172 can be a drawer shape as opposed to a collecting mat. This can allow for collection and cleaning of the drip pan 170 without reaching into the chamber 119 of the drying cabinet 100, reducing a chance of contamination from maintenance operations. This also avoids the use of a mat inside the drying cabinet 100, and avoids the need for humid mats that can facilitate microorganism growth. In contrast, the collecting plate 172 can work as a drawer, which can be pulled out of the housing 110 without a need to open the doors 118 of the drying cabinet 100. This can reduce chances of contamination during cleaning.

[0081] The collecting plate 172 can, for example, be on a track to allow easy pull in and push out, either manually, or through an automated process. In such an automated process, the drip pan 170 may be operably coupled to a controller, such as in communication with the user interface discussed below with reference to FIGS. 29-30C.

[0082] In some cases, the drip pan 170 can include two main portions 174 and 176, that work in conjunction with the collecting plate 172. The two main portions 174 and 176 can catch the water pushed downwards from the air distribution system 160. The two main portions 174 and 176 can be sloped to push that water to the collecting plate 172, which can be removable.

[0083] ENDOSCOPE CABINET USER INTERFACE

[0084] FIG. 29 depicts a graphical user interface 181 to be presented by the user interface device 180 of the drying cabinet 100 discussed herein. For example, the user interface device 180 may include a display screen (e.g., with touchscreen input capabilities) and processing circuitry (e.g., microprocessor) configured to present an interactive graphical user interface via the display screen. The graphical user interface 181, in particular, can be used to present a status of whether an endoscope contained in the drying cabinet 100 is available for use (e.g., available for immediate use in an endoscopy procedure) or unavailable for use (e.g., is drying, or has been stored in the drying cabinet beyond its recommended “hang time” or “shelf life” for use without additional reprocessing, also referred to as being “expired”).

[0085] The graphical user interface 181 in FIG. 29 depicts a summarized view that includes a listing of respective drying cabinet positions associated with an identifier (e.g., shown as numbered positions 1 through 20). The summarized view arranges the listing of endoscope positions based on the position of the numbered hangers (e.g., hangers 150) within the drying cabinet 100, with separate groupings (e.g., groups 184 A, 184B) corresponding to hangers located on the same sliding panel (e.g., a first side and a second opposite side of the sliding panel). Each position of an available (unexpired, ready-for-use) endoscope may include a progress bar to approximate the amount of time remaining until expiration.

[0086] In the summarized view of the graphical user interface 181, each position of an endoscope may include an icon (e.g., warning symbol) and / or designated color (e.g., green for available and not-soon-to-expire, yellow for available but soon-to-expire, or red for expired, gray for drying or unknown, etc.) to easily show the status information of multiple endoscopes to a user. For instance, status box 185 A includes a time-based status bar to show that a large amount of time remains available for use of the endoscope at hanger 5; status box 185B includes an icon to show that the endoscope at hanger 8 is not available for use; status box 185C includes a timebased status bar to show that a small amount of time remains available for use of the endoscopeat hanger 10; and status box 185D includes a different shading or color to show that the endoscope is drying and is not available for use.

[0087] The graphical user interface 181 also includes input fields such as a user identifier field 182A to select or confirm the identity of a user who is handling the endoscopes, and an endoscope identifier field 182B to select or confirm the identity of a particular endoscope. The graphical user interface 181 also presents a toggle button 183 which allows a user to easily switch between the summarized view (e.g., in FIG. 29) and a detailed view (e.g., in FIGS. 30 A, 30B, 30C).

[0088] FIG. 30A depicts another graphical user interface 186A to be presented by the user interface device 180. Here, the graphical user interface 186A depicts a detailed view that includes a multi-column table with rows of data entries for each endoscope in the cabinet, grouped into columns by hanger position (e.g., presenting hanger column information 191), type of endoscope (e.g., presenting endoscope type information 192), and status (e.g., presenting drying status 193 including remaining time for use of the particular endoscope). The respective columns may be sorted by ascending or descending values by selection of the hanger column button 187, endoscope type column button 188, or status column button 189, with the selection of any of these buttons used to present a modified version of the sortable listing of endoscopes.

[0089] The detailed view may include a navigation control such as a scrollbar 194 to allow a user to see more information on the listing of endoscopes, and the toggle button 183 to switch from the detailed view (e.g., shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C) to the summarized view (e.g., shown in FIG. 29) and vice versa. Other interactive features may enable a user to select and view information on a particular endoscope within the detailed view. For instance, the user may select an endoscope (e.g., via a touchscreen or navigation button) to view additional information (e.g., endoscope identifier, model identifier) or to take an action such as to check out the endoscope when a particular row of the table is selected from the detailed view. This additional information may be overlaid or presented as a “pop-up” on the user interface screen, or the user interface may present another screen to present this information.

[0090] The information that is used to present the status 193 may include various colors, shading, text, icons, status or progress bars or bar graphs, animations, or the like, to indicate an active / available or expired / unavailable status (or, a soon-to-expire or not-soon-to-expire status).For instance, the detailed view of FIG. 30A depicts how endoscopes that are positioned in hangars 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 have a respective status of: available (shown with status 195A), with a large amount of time until expiration; expired (shown with status 195B and 195D); drying (shown with status 195E); available (shown with status 195C), with a large but decreasing amount of time until expiration. Other statuses may include a soon-to-expire, with a small amount of time until expiration, ready-to-use-soon, and the like. Similar to the summarized view, the detailed view of FIG. 30A may use a status or progress bar to roughly approximate the amount of time remaining until expiration. Although only hanger position, endoscope type, and status information is depicted in the graphical user interface 186A, additional or fewer fields may be included in the detailed view.

[0091] FIG. 30B depicts another perspective of the graphical user interface 186B, which provides another detailed view that is sorted by type of endoscope. Likewise, FIG. 30C depicts another perspective of the graphical user interface 186C, which provides another detailed view that is sorted by status. In the graphical user interface 186B, the sorting by type of endoscope (e.g., based on alphabetical sorting of the endoscope type name) allows a user to easily view all hangers in a cabinet that include a particular type of endoscope (e.g., enteroscope). Here, statuses 195C, 195E, 195F, 195G, 195H are presented to correspond to hangers 7, 9, 15, 18, and 14, respectively. In some examples, a secondary sorting or grouping may be performed based on hanger position, based on status / time, such as to prominently show the scope of a particular type that is available for use before expiration, or that requires immediate processing.

[0092] In the graphical user interface 186B, sorting by status using the endoscope type button 188 allows a listing of endoscope types along with the hanger positions and status to be easily presented. For instance, this view would enable a user to see an inventory of all types of a particular endoscope stored in a cabinet (e.g., colonoscope)). In the graphical user interface 186C, sorting by status using the status button 189, allows a listing of expired endoscopes (or, soon-to-be expired endoscopes) along with the endoscope types and hanger positions of the expired endoscopes to be easily presented. Here, statuses 195D, 195B, 1951, 195 J, 195K are presented to correspond to hangers 8, 6, 18, 10, and 11, respectively. For instance, this view would enable a user to see an inventory of all scopes which require maintenance, or which are soon to expire.

[0093] METHOD OF DRYING AN ENDOSCOPE

[0094] FIG. 31 is a flow chart depicting a method 1000 of drying an endoscope in an example. The method can include blocks 1010, 10203110, 3120, and 3130.

[0095] First, at block 1010, an endoscope can be hung on a hanger and mounted on a vertical panel in an endoscope drying cabinet. The vertical panel can be pulled outwards from the cabinet. The hanger, which may be mounted on the vertical panel, can be used to handle the endoscope working portion.

[0096] Second, at block 1020, the endoscope can be wound in and around endoscope supports mounted on the vertical panel. In some cases, the endoscope supports can be first attached to the vertical panel in a desired formation.

[0097] Third, at block 1030, the endoscope can be connected to an air distribution system. Here, one or more endoscope channels can be fluidly connected to the air distribution system but connectors. The connectors can include connection ports mounted on the vertical panel, integrated with the hanger, and / or tubing.

[0098] Subsequently, once the endoscope is hung, wound, and connected, the vertical panel can be pushed back into the cabinet. Then, the user can begin the process of flowing air through the connected endoscope channels. This can be done, for example, by flowing air in the air distribution system from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the cabinet, such as with an air plenum. In some cases, fluid that drips or flows off the endoscope can be collected at the bottom of the cabinet, such as by use of a drip pan.

[0099] Other method operations not shown in FIG. 31 but discussed above may include the identification of users, barcode / QR code / RFID scanning of endoscopes and hangers, scope tracking operations, and drying status tracking and control operations. Thus, a variety of operations in electronic devices and subsystems may be invoked or controlled based on actions performed by a user in the drying cabinet. Additionally, although many of the actions discussed herein performed by a user refer to those of a human user, the same or similar actions may occur based on partially or fully-automated entities (e.g., robots or human-guided agents designed for handling and reprocessing endoscopes).

[0100] COMPUTER IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE

[0101] FIG. 32 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system machine 1100 (e.g., computer, robot, standalone device, etc.) that may be programmed into a special purpose computer suitable for implementing one or more embodiments of the user interface, scope tracking, data processing, or electronic operations disclosed herein. For instance, the user interface described above may be implemented on any general-purpose processing component, such as a computer or specialized electronic user interface device with sufficient processing power, memory resources, and communications throughput capability to handle the necessary workload placed upon it. The computer 1100 in the example of FIG. 32 includes a processor 1102 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage 1104, read only memory (ROM) 1106, random access memory (RAM) 1108, input / output (I / O) devices 1110, and network connectivity devices 1112. The processor 1102 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips or may be part of one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0102] The secondary storage 1104 can include one or more storage drives or memory units for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 1108 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 1104 can be used to store programs that are loaded into RAM 1108 when such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 1106 is used to store instructions and perhaps data that are read during program execution. ROM 1106 is a non-volatile memory device that typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage 1104. The RAM 1108 is used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 1106 and RAM 1108 is typically faster than to secondary storage 1104.

[0103] The devices described herein may be configured to include computer-readable non-transitory media storing computer readable instructions and one or more processors coupled to the memory, and when executing the computer readable instructions configure the computer 1100 to perform steps and operations described above for electronic systems or devices (e.g., to display a user interface, perform tracking operations, etc.). The computer-readable non-transitory media includes all types of computer readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash media and solid-state storage media. It should be further understood thatsoftware including one or more computer-executable instructions that facilitate processing and operations as described above with reference to any one or all of steps of the disclosure may be installed in and sold with networked devices (e.g., servers or cloud computing systems) consistent with the disclosure. Alternatively, the software may be obtained and loaded (or, re- loaded / upgraded) from one or more servers and / or cloud computing systems, such as software stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

[0104] Method examples or other operations described herein can be machine or device (e.g., computer, robotic)-implemented at least in part. The components of the illustrative devices, systems and methods employed in accordance with the illustrated embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, in digital electronic circuitry, analog electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. These components may be implemented, for example, as a computing program product such as a computing program, program code or computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier, or in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computing program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for accomplishing the techniques described herein may be easily construed as within the scope of the present disclosure by programmers skilled in the art. Method steps associated with the illustrative embodiments may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computing program, code or instructions to perform functions (e.g., by operating on input data and / or generating an output). Method steps may also be performed by, and apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (applicationspecific integrated circuit), for example.

[0105] Thus, in implementation in an endoscope drying cabinet, various logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discretehardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Processors suitable for the execution of a computing program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Information carriers suitable for embodying computing program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory or ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory devices, and data storage disks (e.g., magnetic disks, internal hard disks, or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD- ROM disks). The processor and the memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0106] As used herein, “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” means a device able to store instructions and data temporarily or permanently and may include, but is not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, optical media, magnetic media, cache memory, other types of storage (e.g., Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)), and / or any suitable combination thereof. The term “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store processor instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable of storing instructions for execution by one or more processors (or other processing circuitry), such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” or “machine- readable storage medium” refers to a single storage apparatus or device, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storage networks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. A non-transitory “machine-readable medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” as used herein excludes signals per se.

[0107] Various Notes & Examples

[0108] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel; and a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector mounted on the vertical panel.

[0109] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel includes a plurality of horizontal slots in which the plurality of endoscope supports are mounted.

[0110] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel includes a plurality of holes in which the plurality of endoscope supports are mounted.

[0111] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of holes are drilled into the vertical panel, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are changeable within the plurality of holes.

[0112] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of holes includes one or more horizontal rows.

[0113] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports include knobs.

[0114] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are releasable from the vertical panel.

[0115] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are positionable on the first side of the vertical panel.

[0116] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are positionable on a second side of the vertical panel opposite the first side of the vertical panel.

[0117] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports include a pattern which, when an endoscope is wound thereabout, arrange an insertion tube of the endoscope with one or more bends.

[0118] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports enable a winding of an insertion tube of the endoscope along a surface of the vertical panel for a total height less than that of the insertion tube of endoscope itself.

[0119] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

[0120] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are user-adjustable.

[0121] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports include triangle-shaped supports.

[0122] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein each of the plurality of endoscope supports includes a slot in which a tube of the endoscope can rest.

[0123] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the tube of the endoscope includes an insertion tube or a universal cord.

[0124] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the slot includes a V-shaped cross section.

[0125] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the slot includes an angled surface.

[0126] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein when an endoscope is resting in the slot, airflow is allowable through the endoscope.

[0127] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein when an endoscope is resting in the slot, the endoscope is uncrimped.

[0128] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein each of the plurality of endoscope supports includes two slots in which an endoscope can rest.

[0129] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a track arranged within the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track to slide laterally in and out of the housing.

[0130] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

[0131] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel is operably coupled to an automated system to permit movement to an open position.

[0132] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a door on the housing.

[0133] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon.

[0134] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the connector is integrated with the endoscope hanger.

[0135] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including an air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope.

[0136] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a drip pan on a bottom of the housing.

[0137] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a user interface device situated within the housing.

[0138] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the user interface device is a touchscreen that presents an interactive graphical user interface to present information associated with respective endoscopes hosted within the cabinet.

[0139] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a sortable listing of the information associated with the plurality of endoscopes, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope.

[0140] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel tohang an endoscope thereon; and a connector mounted on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system.

[0141] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the connector is integrated with the endoscope hanger.

[0142] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the connector includes a connection port shaped for receipt of an endoscope.

[0143] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the connector includes multiple channels.

[0144] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including an air distribution system fluidly coupled to the endoscope through the connector.

[0145] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a tube adapter to fluidly couple the connector on the vertical panel to the air distribution system.

[0146] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the tube adapter is mounted on the vertical panel.

[0147] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the hanger is mounted on the vertical panel in one or more slots therein.

[0148] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein a position the hanger is user-adjustable on the vertical panel.

[0149] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the hanger includes a curved shape.

[0150] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a plurality of endoscope supports on the vertical panel arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel.

[0151] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a track in the housing, wherein the vertical panel is attached on the track.

[0152] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

[0153] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

[0154] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel can be moved outwards by an automated system.

[0155] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slid laterally in and out of the housing; a connector on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; and the air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction.

[0156] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a tube adapter fluidly coupling the connector on the vertical panel to the air distribution system.

[0157] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, the air distribution system including an air plenum at a top end of the housing, the air plenum configured to supply air to the connector.

[0158] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, the air distribution system further including a venting system fluidly coupled to the air plenum.

[0159] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, the air distribution system further including an air duct fluidly coupled to the air plenum.

[0160] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a plurality of endoscope supports on the vertical panel for securing an endoscope on the vertical panel.

[0161] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a track arranged within the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track.

[0162] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

[0163] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

[0164] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the vertical panel is operably coupled to an automated system to permit movement to an open position.

[0165] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an endoscope drying cabinet including: a housing having a top panel and a bottom panel; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a connector aligned with the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; an air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction; and a drip pan beneath the bottom panel of the housing.

[0166] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the drip pan is sloped downwards away from the housing.

[0167] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the drip pan is removable from the housing.

[0168] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein in the housing includes a door, and wherein the drip pan is removable when the door is shut.

[0169] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a track on the bottom panel of the housing, wherein the drip pan is positionable on the track.

[0170] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the drip pan is manually removable along the track.

[0171] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the drip pan is operably coupled to an automated system to permit automatic removable along the track.

[0172] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, wherein the drip pan includes a first metallic portion and a second metallic portion, wherein the first metallic portion is shaped to slide in and out of the second metallic portion.

[0173] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including an external drawer situated at an edge of the drip pan to receive liquid flowing down a slope of the drip pan.

[0174] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cabinet, further including a track in the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track.

[0175] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an endoscope drying cabinet, including: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel; an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon; a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector mounted on the vertical panel; the air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction; and a drip pan beneath the bottom panel of the housing.

[0176] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of drying an endoscope, including: hanging the endoscope on a hanger mounted on a vertical panel in an endoscope drying cabinet; winding the endoscope around a plurality of endoscope supports mounted on the vertical panel; and connecting the endoscope to an air distribution system of the endoscope drying cabinet.

[0177] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including laterally pulling out the vertical panel prior to hanging the endoscope.

[0178] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein winding the endoscope includes securing the endoscope in slots on the plurality of endoscope supports.

[0179] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein connecting the endoscope includes attaching a channel of the endoscope to a connector adjacent the hanger.

[0180] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein connecting the endoscope includes attaching a channel of the endoscope to a connector integrated with the hanger.

[0181] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including flowing air through the endoscope.

[0182] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein running airflow through the endoscope includes running air from a top of the endoscope to a bottom of the endoscope.

[0183] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein flowing air includes using an air plenum above the vertical panel in the endoscope drying cabinet.

[0184] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including collecting fluid below the vertical panel in the endoscope drying cabinet.

[0185] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein collecting fluid includes using a drip pan.

[0186] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a user interface device for use with an endoscope drying cabinet, including: a display screen; memory configured to store information associated with a plurality of endoscopes; and processing circuitry configured to present an interactive graphical user interface via the display screen, the processing circuitry configured to: provide a detailed view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a sortable listing of the information associated with the plurality of endoscopes, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope; identify user interaction with the detailed view to change the sortable listing of the information; and in response to the user interaction to change the sortable listing of the information, update the detailed view to present a modified version of the sortable listing of the information.

[0187] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the sortable listing of the information is presented as a multi-column table, and wherein respective columns of the multi-column table correspond to the position, the type, and the status of the respective endoscope.

[0188] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the multi-column table is sortable based on: positions of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the positions causes a descending or an ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on identifiers of the respective hangers; types of the plurality of endoscopes stored at the respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the types causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on names of the types of the plurality of endoscopes; and statuses of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sortingby the statuses causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired.

[0189] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the statuses of the plurality of endoscopes are represented by respective bar graphs, and wherein the respective bar graphs use values and colors that represent an amount of time left within the defined time period for use of a corresponding endoscope.

[0190] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein a first portion of the multi-column table is presented via the display screen, and wherein the detailed view includes a navigation control to receive the user interaction to present a second portion of the multi-column table in the update of the detailed view.

[0191] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, the processing circuitry further configured to: identify user interaction to select a particular endoscope of the plurality of endoscopes; and in response to the user interaction to select the particular endoscope, present additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope.

[0192] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope are provided in a message that is overlaid on the detailed view within the interactive graphical user interface.

[0193] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the detailed view is presented in response to selection of a toggle button in the interactive graphical user interface.

[0194] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: provide a summarized view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a listing of respective positions in the drying cabinet for each of the plurality of endoscopes; wherein the detailed view and the summarized view includes the toggle button, and wherein selection of the toggle button switches display between the detailed view and the summarized view.

[0195] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the summarized view includes respective graphical indicators corresponding to theplurality of endoscopes, wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a color that corresponds to one of a plurality of statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired; and wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a bar graph or symbol to depict an amount of the time remaining for drying or use.

[0196] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the display screen is a touchscreen, and wherein the user interaction is received via the touchscreen.

[0197] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an user interface device, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a selectable feature to allow selection of a particular endoscope for removal from the drying cabinet.

[0198] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations to present an interactive graphical user interface for a drying cabinet, the operations including: displaying a detailed view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a sortable listing of information associated with a plurality of endoscopes to be stored in a drying cabinet, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope; identifying user interaction with the detailed view to change the sortable listing of the information; and in response to the user interaction to change the sortable listing of the information, updating the detailed view to present a modified version of the sortable listing of the information.

[0199] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the sortable listing of the information is presented as a multi-column table, and wherein respective columns of the multi-column table correspond to the position, the type, and the status of the respective endoscope.

[0200] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the multi-column table is sortable based on: positions of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the positions causes a descending or an ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on identifiers of the respective hangers; types of the plurality of endoscopes stored at the respective hangers in thedrying cabinet, wherein sorting by the types causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on names of the types of the plurality of endoscopes; and statuses of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the statuses causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired.

[0201] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the statuses of the plurality of endoscopes are represented by respective bar graphs, and wherein the respective bar graphs use values and colors that represent an amount of time left within the defined time period for use of a corresponding endoscope.

[0202] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein a first portion of the multi-column table is presented via the interactive graphical user interface, and wherein the detailed view includes a navigation control to receive the user interaction to present a second portion of the multi-column table in the update of the detailed view.

[0203] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, the operations further including: identifying user interaction to select a particular endoscope of the plurality of endoscopes; and in response to the user interaction to select the particular endoscope, present additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope.

[0204] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope are provided in a message that is overlaid on the detailed view within the interactive graphical user interface.

[0205] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the detailed view is presented in response to selection of a toggle button in the interactive graphical user interface.

[0206] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, the operations further including: providing a summarized view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a listing of respective positions in the drying cabinet for each of the plurality of endoscopes; wherein the detailed view and the summarized view includes thetoggle button, and wherein selection of the toggle button switches display between the detailed view and the summarized view.

[0207] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the summarized view includes respective graphical indicators corresponding to the plurality of endoscopes, wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a color that corresponds to one of a plurality of statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired; and wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a bar graph or symbol to depict an amount of the time remaining for drying or use.

[0208] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the user interaction is received via a display screen integrated into the drying cabinet.

[0209] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a selectable feature to allow selection of a particular endoscope for removal from the drying cabinet.

[0210] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0211] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0212] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0213] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0214] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An endoscope drying cabinet comprising: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel; and a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector mounted on the vertical panel.

2. The cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the vertical panel comprises a plurality of horizontal slots in which the plurality of endoscope supports are mounted.

3. The cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the vertical panel comprises a plurality of holes in which the plurality of endoscope supports are mounted.

4. The cabinet of claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes are drilled into the vertical panel, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are changeable within the plurality of holes.

5. The cabinet of claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes comprises one or more horizontal rows.

6. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports comprise knobs.

7. The cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are releasable from the vertical panel.

8. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are positionable on the first side of the vertical panel.

9. The cabinet of claim 8, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are positionable on a second side of the vertical panel opposite the first side of the vertical panel.

10. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports comprise a pattern which, when an endoscope is wound thereabout, arrange an insertion tube of the endoscope with one or more bends.

11. The cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of endoscope supports enable a winding of an insertion tube of the endoscope along a surface of the vertical panel for a total height less than that of the insertion tube of endoscope itself.

12. The cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

13. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports are user- adjustable.

14. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endoscope supports comprise triangle-shaped supports.

15. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of endoscope supports comprises a slot in which a tube of the endoscope can rest.

16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the tube of the endoscope comprises an insertion tube or a universal cord.

17. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the slot comprises a V-shaped cross section.

18. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the slot comprises an angled surface.

19. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein when an endoscope is resting in the slot, airflow is allowable through the endoscope.

20. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein when an endoscope is resting in the slot, the endoscope is uncrimped.

21. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of endoscope supports comprises two slots in which an endoscope can rest.

22. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a track arranged within the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track to slide laterally in and out of the housing.

23. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

24. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the vertical panel is operably coupled to an automated system to permit movement to an open position.

25. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a door on the housing.

26. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon.

27. The cabinet of claim 26, wherein the connector is integrated with the endoscope hanger.

28. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising an air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope.

29. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a drip pan on a bottom of the housing.

30. The cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a user interface device situated within the housing.

31. The cabinet of claim 30, wherein the user interface device is a touchscreen that presents an interactive graphical user interface to present information associated with respective endoscopes hosted within the cabinet.

32. The cabinet of claim 31, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a sortable listing of the information associated with the plurality of endoscopes,wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope.

33. An endoscope drying cabinet comprising: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon; and a connector mounted on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system.

34. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the connector is integrated with the endoscope hanger.

35. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the connector comprises a connection port shaped for receipt of an endoscope.

36. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the connector comprises multiple channels.

37. The cabinet of claim 33, further comprising an air distribution system fluidly coupled to the endoscope through the connector.

38. The cabinet of claim 37, further comprising a tube adapter to fluidly couple the connector on the vertical panel to the air distribution system.

39. The cabinet of claim 38, wherein the tube adapter is mounted on the vertical panel.

40. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the hanger is mounted on the vertical panel in one or more slots therein.

41. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein a position the hanger is user-adjustable on the vertical panel.

42. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the hanger comprises a curved shape.

43. The cabinet of claim 33, further comprising a plurality of endoscope supports on the vertical panel arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel.

44. The cabinet of claim 33, further comprising a track in the housing, wherein the vertical panel is attached on the track.

45. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

46. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

47. The cabinet of claim 33, wherein the vertical panel can be moved outwards by an automated system.

48. An endoscope drying cabinet comprising: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slid laterally in and out of the housing; a connector on the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; and the air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction.

49. The cabinet of claim 48, further comprising a tube adapter fluidly coupling the connector on the vertical panel to the air distribution system.

50. The cabinet of claim 48, the air distribution system comprising an air plenum at a top end of the housing, the air plenum configured to supply air to the connector.

51. The cabinet of claim 50, the air distribution system further comprising a venting system fluidly coupled to the air plenum.

52. The cabinet of claim 50, the air distribution system further comprising an air duct fluidly coupled to the air plenum.

53. The cabinet of claim 48, further comprising a plurality of endoscope supports on the vertical panel for securing an endoscope on the vertical panel.

54. The cabinet of claim 48, further comprising a track arranged within the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track.

55. The cabinet of claim 48, wherein the vertical panel has a height shorter than a length of an insertion tube of the endoscope.

56. The cabinet of claim 48, wherein the vertical panel is pullable outwards by a user.

57. The cabinet of claim 48, wherein the vertical panel is operably coupled to an automated system to permit movement to an open position.

58. An endoscope drying cabinet comprising: a housing having a top panel and a bottom panel; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel configured to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a connector aligned with the vertical panel, the connector for fluidly coupling the endoscope to an air distribution system; an air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction; and a drip pan beneath the bottom panel of the housing.

59. The cabinet of claim 58, wherein the drip pan is sloped downwards away from the housing.

60. The cabinet of claim 58, wherein the drip pan is removable from the housing.

61. The cabinet of claim 58, wherein in the housing comprises a door, and wherein the drip pan is removable when the door is shut.

62. The cabinet of claim 58, further comprising a track on the bottom panel of the housing, wherein the drip pan is positionable on the track.

63. The cabinet of claim 62, wherein the drip pan is manually removable along the track.

64. The cabinet of claim 62, wherein the drip pan is operably coupled to an automated system to permit automatic removable along the track.

65. The cabinet of claim 58, wherein the drip pan comprises a first metallic portion and a second metallic portion, wherein the first metallic portion is shaped to slide in and out of the second metallic portion.

66. The cabinet of claim 58, further comprising an external drawer situated at an edge of the drip pan to receive liquid flowing down a slope of the drip pan.

67. The cabinet of claim 58, further comprising a track in the housing, wherein the vertical panel is mounted on the track.

68. An endoscope drying cabinet, comprising: a housing; a vertical panel within the housing, the vertical panel arranged to slide laterally in and out of the housing; a plurality of endoscope supports arranged on the vertical panel to secure an endoscope on a first side of the vertical panel;an endoscope hanger positioned on the vertical panel to hang an endoscope thereon; a connector to fluidly couple the endoscope to an air distribution system, the connector mounted on the vertical panel; the air distribution system fluidly coupled through the connector, wherein the air distribution system is configured to provide air to the endoscope in a vertically downwards direction; and a drip pan beneath the bottom panel of the housing.

69. A method of drying an endoscope, comprising: hanging the endoscope on a hanger mounted on a vertical panel in an endoscope drying cabinet; winding the endoscope around a plurality of endoscope supports mounted on the vertical panel; and connecting the endoscope to an air distribution system of the endoscope drying cabinet.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising laterally pulling out the vertical panel prior to hanging the endoscope.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein winding the endoscope comprises securing the endoscope in slots on the plurality of endoscope supports.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein connecting the endoscope comprises attaching a channel of the endoscope to a connector adjacent the hanger.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein connecting the endoscope comprises attaching a channel of the endoscope to a connector integrated with the hanger.

74. The method of claim 69, further comprising flowing air through the endoscope.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein running airflow through the endoscope comprises running air from a top of the endoscope to a bottom of the endoscope.

76. The method of claim 74, wherein flowing air comprises using an air plenum above the vertical panel in the endoscope drying cabinet.

77. The method of claim 69, further comprising collecting fluid below the vertical panel in the endoscope drying cabinet.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein collecting fluid comprises using a drip pan.

79. A user interface device for use with an endoscope drying cabinet, comprising: a display screen; memory configured to store information associated with a plurality of endoscopes; and processing circuitry configured to present an interactive graphical user interface via the display screen, the processing circuitry configured to: provide a detailed view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a sortable listing of the information associated with the plurality of endoscopes, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope; identify user interaction with the detailed view to change the sortable listing of the information; and in response to the user interaction to change the sortable listing of the information, update the detailed view to present a modified version of the sortable listing of the information.

80. The user interface device of claim 79, wherein the sortable listing of the information is presented as a multi-column table, and wherein respective columns of the multi- column table correspond to the position, the type, and the status of the respective endoscope.

81. The user interface device of claim 80, wherein the multi-column table is sortable based on: positions of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the positions causes a descending or an ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on identifiers of the respective hangers; types of the plurality of endoscopes stored at the respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the types causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on names of the types of the plurality of endoscopes; and statuses of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the statuses causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired.

82. The user interface device of claim 81, wherein the statuses of the plurality of endoscopes are represented by respective bar graphs, and wherein the respective bar graphs use values and colors that represent an amount of time left within the defined time period for use of a corresponding endoscope.

83. The user interface device of claim 80, wherein a first portion of the multi-column table is presented via the display screen, and wherein the detailed view includes a navigation control to receive the user interaction to present a second portion of the multi-column table in the update of the detailed view.

84. The user interface device of claim 79, the processing circuitry further configured to: identify user interaction to select a particular endoscope of the plurality of endoscopes; and in response to the user interaction to select the particular endoscope, present additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope.

85. The user interface device of claim 84, wherein the additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope are provided in a message that is overlaid on the detailed view within the interactive graphical user interface.

86. The user interface device of claim 79, wherein the detailed view is presented in response to selection of a toggle button in the interactive graphical user interface.

87. The user interface device of claim 86, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: provide a summarized view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a listing of respective positions in the drying cabinet for each of the plurality of endoscopes; wherein the detailed view and the summarized view includes the toggle button, and wherein selection of the toggle button switches display between the detailed view and the summarized view.

88. The user interface device of claim 87, wherein the summarized view includes respective graphical indicators corresponding to the plurality of endoscopes, wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a color that corresponds to one of a plurality of statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired; and wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a bar graph or symbol to depict an amount of the time remaining for drying or use.

89. The user interface device of claim 79, wherein the display screen is a touchscreen, and wherein the user interaction is received via the touchscreen.

90. The user interface device of claim 79, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a selectable feature to allow selection of a particular endoscope for removal from the drying cabinet.

91. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations to present aninteractive graphical user interface for a drying cabinet, the operations comprising: displaying a detailed view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a sortable listing of information associated with a plurality of endoscopes to be stored in a drying cabinet, wherein the information includes: a position in the drying cabinet of a respective endoscope; a type of the respective endoscope; and a status of the respective endoscope; identifying user interaction with the detailed view to change the sortable listing of the information; and in response to the user interaction to change the sortable listing of the information, updating the detailed view to present a modified version of the sortable listing of the information.

92. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the sortable listing of the information is presented as a multi-column table, and wherein respective columns of the multi-column table correspond to the position, the type, and the status of the respective endoscope.

93. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 92, wherein the multi-column table is sortable based on: positions of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the positions causes a descending or an ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on identifiers of the respective hangers; types of the plurality of endoscopes stored at the respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the types causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on names of the types of the plurality of endoscopes; and statuses of the plurality of endoscopes stored at respective hangers in the drying cabinet, wherein sorting by the statuses causes a descending or ascending listing of the plurality of endoscopes based on statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired.

94. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 93, wherein the statuses of the plurality of endoscopes are represented by respective bar graphs, and wherein the respective bar graphs use values and colors that represent an amount of time left within the defined time period for use of a corresponding endoscope.

95. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 92, wherein a first portion of the multi-column table is presented via the interactive graphical user interface, and wherein the detailed view includes a navigation control to receive the user interaction to present a second portion of the multi-column table in the update of the detailed view.

96. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 91, the operations further comprising: identifying user interaction to select a particular endoscope of the plurality of endoscopes; and in response to the user interaction to select the particular endoscope, present additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope.

97. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 96, wherein the additional status information and options relating to the particular endoscope are provided in a message that is overlaid on the detailed view within the interactive graphical user interface.

98. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 91 , wherein the detailed view is presented in response to selection of a toggle button in the interactive graphical user interface.

99. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 98, the operations further comprising: providing a summarized view in the interactive graphical user interface to present a listing of respective positions in the drying cabinet for each of the plurality of endoscopes;wherein the detailed view and the summarized view includes the toggle button, and wherein selection of the toggle button switches display between the detailed view and the summarized view.

100. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 99, wherein the summarized view includes respective graphical indicators corresponding to the plurality of endoscopes, wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a color that corresponds to one of a plurality of statuses including: drying, available for use, expiring within a defined time period, and expired; and wherein each of the respective graphical indicators includes a bar graph or symbol to depict an amount of the time remaining for drying or use.

101. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 96, wherein the user interaction is received via a display screen integrated into the drying cabinet.

102. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 96, wherein the interactive graphical user interface includes a selectable feature to allow selection of a particular endoscope for removal from the drying cabinet.

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