Apparatus, plant and method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for treating surgical or laboratory instruments (101), comprising first containers (102a) each provided with a data storage device (104), at least one collection zone (15) of the first containers (102a) in which instruments (101) to be treated are disposed, and at least one treatment unit (31) of the instruments (101). The apparatus (10) comprises, in the collection zone (15), at least one reading and writing device (19) of the storage devices (104) and at least one viewing device (20) for the visual acquisition of one or more instruments (101) which are disposed in at least one first container (102a).

Description

[0001] “APPARATUS, PLANT AND METHOD FOR TREATING SURGICAL OR LABORATORY INSTRUMENTS”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical instruments, for example coming from one or several operating theatres, or laboratory instruments.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The instruments used during surgical operations are normally supplied to the medical team in kits, or sets, each comprising a certain number and type of surgical instruments. For example, each kit contains the instruments dedicated to a specific surgical intervention.

[0005] Normally, to prevent contamination during the washing and sterilization steps, a specific kit must never be broken up, so that at the end of the washing a kit always contains the same identical instruments that it contained at the end of the surgical operation.

[0006] Usually, the surgical instruments are washed in thermal-disinfection washing machines, or instrument washers, and they are sterilized in steam sterilizers, for example autoclaves. In addition, before the surgical instruments are properly washed in the instrument washers, they are subjected to a pre-wash in order to remove any solid residues of blood or other material deriving from the surgical operation, deposited on the surgical instruments to be washed.

[0007] The pre- wash provides to subject the instruments to a cold wash, an ultrasonic wash and possibly also a manual wash using manual equipment such as, for example, brushes for the removal of clotted blood or other material. In fact, usually, not all the instruments coming from an operating theatre have been used and require a thorough pre-wash.

[0008] In the pre-wash, an operator visually selects the surgical instruments and chooses whether to wash each of them in a cold- washing machine, or whether to wash them manually.

[0009] This solution, although widely used, is not very efficient and productive, especially when it is necessary to wash a large number of instruments, for example in hospitals or clinics that perform many surgical operations a day.

[0010] There is therefore the need to perfect an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art. To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of being able to automate the treatment of the instruments, by limiting the operations that an operator has to perform as much as possible, and at the same time guaranteeing a high level of cleanliness.

[0011] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments which can reduce the time required to treat and wash them.

[0012] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments which do not require the presence of specialized personnel. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments which are reliable and easy to use.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a plant and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments which allow to wash such instruments without breaking up the kits to which they belong, and to trace the instruments that make up the kits.

[0014] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0016] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an apparatus for treating surgical or laboratory instruments comprises first containers each provided with a data storage device, at least one collection zone of the first containers in which instruments to be treated are disposed, and at least one treatment unit of the instruments.

[0017] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises, in correspondence with the collection zone, at least one reading and writing device of the storage devices and at least one viewing device configured for the visual acquisition of one or more instruments which are disposed in at least one first container in the collection zone and to supply a signal correlated to the acquisition which is able to be processed in order to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues and organic residues on the instruments of the at least one first container. The at least one reading and writing device is configured to receive the information relating to the blood and organic residues and to write it on the storage device of the at least one first container. Moreover, the treatment unit is configured to select and perform, as a function of the information written in the storage device, a treatment of the instruments that is specific to the presence and position of the blood and organic residues, in particular a pre-washing treatment.

[0018] The apparatus comprises, in correspondence with the collection zone, at least one visual recognition device configured to perform a three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments disposed in the at least one first container in the collection zone, to supply a signal correlated to the scan able to be processed to obtain information relating to the type and shape of the instruments of the at least one first container. Moreover, the at least one reading and writing device is configured to receive the additional information relating to the instruments and to write it on the storage device of the at least one first container.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a control and processing unit configured to receive the signal correlated to the acquisition and process it by means of image processing algorithms in order to identify the presence and position of the blood and organic residues on the instruments, then generating and communicating to the reading and writing device the information relating to the blood and organic residues. According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one viewing device comprises at least one multispectral camera capable of acquiring images containing spectral data. Moreover, the image processing algorithms are machine learning algorithms suitably trained with spectral samples so that, during use, the spectral data acquired by the multispectral camera are processed to recognize the blood and organic residues on the instruments.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one viewing device comprises a respective processing unit configured to pre-process the images acquired by the multispectral camera and transmit a signal correlated to the acquisition to the control and processing unit.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one visual recognition device comprises a 3D scanning camera and a respective processing unit configured to pre-process the 3D images acquired in order to supply a signal correlated to the scanning to the control and processing unit.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one treatment unit comprises at least one other reading and writing device of the storage devices configured at least to read the information present in each of them, for the correct execution of the specific treatment of the instruments.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one other reading and writing device is also configured to modify and / or delete the information present in each storage device, thus preparing them for a subsequent use.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises, in correspondence with the collection zone, another collection zone of empty second containers, which are able to contain the already washed instruments, and at least one robotic anthropomorphic arm configured to move the first and second containers toward movement means associated with the at least one treatment unit and comprising at least a first movement device of the first containers and a second movement device of the second containers.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one treatment unit comprises at least one recognition sub-unit in which the at least one other reading and writing device is present, a washing sub-unit, and another robotic anthropomorphic arm which is operationally associated with the latter and is configured to move one or more instruments toward the washing unit in relation to the information read by the at least one other reading and writing device.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises an additional control and processing unit which is operationally connected to said control and processing unit and to said at least one treatment unit for the selection of the specific treatment cycle for the instruments.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, in correspondence with an exit station of the treated instruments there is another additional control unit operationally connected to said control units, the other additional control unit being connected to a command unit of an additional anthropomorphic arm which is configured to pick up the second containers present in an extraction zone of the exit station and to position them on a corresponding mobile support member.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the recognition sub-unit comprises at least one second visual recognition device configured to perform another three- dimensional scan on one or more instruments disposed in a respective first container.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the washing sub-unit comprises a containing structure where one or more washing devices are disposed, which are provided with one or more nozzles configured to deliver a respective washing liquid onto the instruments.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one treatment unit comprises a detection sub-unit, provided with a viewing device configured to detect the possible presence and position of blood and organic residues on at least one instrument already subjected to treatment. The present invention also concerns a plant for treating surgical or laboratory instruments comprising an apparatus according to the present invention, at least one machine for the thermal-disinfection of the instruments and additional movement means configured to automatically move the instruments exiting from the apparatus toward the at least one thermal-disinfection machine. The present invention also concerns a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments by means of the apparatus. The method comprises a preparation step in which, in correspondence with a collection zone, instruments to be treated are disposed in respective first containers each provided with a data storage device, and a treatment step in which the instruments are treated in at least one treatment unit.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in correspondence with the collection zone, a detection step is performed in which at least one viewing device performs the visual acquisition of one or more instruments disposed in at least one first container and supplies a signal correlated to the acquisition which is then processed to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues and organic residues on the instruments of the at least one first container, and in which at least one reading and writing device of the storage devices receives the information relating to the blood and organic residues and writes it on the storage device of the at least one first container. Moreover, in the treatment step the treatment unit selects and performs, as a function of the information written in the storage device, a treatment of the instruments that is specific to the presence and position of the blood and organic residues. In this method, at least one visual recognition device is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments disposed in the at least one first container in the collection zone, in order to supply a signal correlated to the scan which is able to be processed in order to obtain information relating to the type and shape of the instruments of the at least one first container, the at least one reading and writing device being configured to receive the additional information relating to the instruments and to write it on the storage device of the at least one first container.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, in the detection step a control and processing unit receives the signal correlated to the acquisition, processes it by means of image processing algorithms to identify the presence and position of the blood and organic residues on the instruments, then generates and communicates to the reading and writing device the information relating to the blood and organic residues.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, in the treatment step at least one other reading and writing device of the storage devices, present in the at least one treatment unit, reads the information present in each storage device, for the correct execution of the specific treatment of the instruments.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0036] - fig. 1 is a schematic and simplified plan view of an apparatus for treating surgical or laboratory instruments according to the present invention; - fig. 2 is an enlarged detail of the apparatus of fig. 1 ;

[0037] - fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a part of a treatment station of the apparatus of fig. 1;

[0038] - fig. 4 is another three-dimensional view of an exit station of the apparatus of fig. 1;

[0039] - fig. 5 is a simplified representation of an electrical diagram of the apparatus of fig. 1 ; and

[0040] - fig. 6 is a schematic and simplified plan view of a plant containing the apparatus according to the present invention. We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims. To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention is configured to automatically perform a treatment, preferably a targeted pre-wash, of surgical or laboratory instruments 101, or other similar objects.

[0042] Preferably, the apparatus 10 of the present invention can be part of a treatment plant 200 (fig. 6) and is disposed upstream of one or several thermal-disinfection machines 201 configured to treat and further wash the instruments 101 washed using the apparatus 10.

[0043] The instruments 101 to be washed come, for example, from one or more operating theatres, or from laboratories, and can be grouped into kits 103 (figs. 2 and 3) of instruments 101. In particular, here and hereafter, the term “kit” 103 refers to a specific group of instruments 101.

[0044] The apparatus 10 also comprises a plurality of containers 102 in which the instruments 101 of each kit 103 are placed. The containers 102 are open at the top and provided with holes to allow, for example, to drain the water deriving from the instruments 101 being washed.

[0045] With each container 102 there is associated a respective data storage device 104 containing information on the instruments 101 present in the corresponding container 102 and on the kit 103 to which the latter belong. By way of example, the storage device 104 can be an RFID tag, or a similar electronic device configured to transmit and receive data via electromagnetic waves, or similar and comparable types.

[0046] Advantageously, the storage device 104 can be of the readable and writable type, to allow both the reading of the data present therein and also the writing of additional data.

[0047] The apparatus 10 comprises, in succession:

[0048] - an entry station 11, in which the instruments 101 to be washed are collected and positioned, preferably already disposed in respective containers 102;

[0049] - a treatment station 12, in which the instruments 101 are treated, in particular moved and washed;

[0050] - an exit station 13, in which the instruments 101 already washed are picked up and transported toward other processing zones of the plant 200.

[0051] The containers 102 can be divided into first containers 102a and second containers 102b. Preferably, the first containers 102a are able to contain the instruments 101 to be washed, and the second containers 102b are able to contain the already washed instruments 101.

[0052] The apparatus 10 comprises, in correspondence with the entry station 11, a collection zone 15 (figs. 1 and 2) in which the instruments 101 to be treated are disposed. For example, the collection zone 15 can be defined by a bench for collecting and supporting the instruments 101 and / or the containers 102a. The collection zone 15 comprises several housing positions 16 of the first containers 102a.

[0053] The apparatus 10 comprises, in correspondence with the collection zone 15, one or more reading and writing devices 19 of the storage devices 104 and one or more viewing devices 20 of one or more instruments 101 disposed in at least one first container 102a.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises a first control and processing unit 18 (fig. 5) connected to the reading and writing devices 19 and to the viewing devices 20.

[0055] Each reading and writing device 19 is capable of acquiring the information present in a particular storage device 104 and of writing additional information therein, for example information transmitted by the first control and processing unit 18.

[0056] According to some embodiments, for each housing position 16 there is one reading and writing device 19.

[0057] Each viewing device 20 is configured for the visual acquisition of one or more instruments 101 disposed in a corresponding first container 102a and to supply a signal correlated to the acquisition which is able to be processed in order to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues R1 and, possibly, of other organic residues R2 on the instruments 101 (fig. 2).

[0058] According to some embodiments, for each housing position 16 there is one first viewing device 20. Each first viewing device 20 can comprise at least one multispectral camera 21 capable of acquiring images containing spectral data. For example, the multispectral camera 21 can be of the type with NIR technology. In addition, light emitters and reflected light reception sensors, not visible in the drawings, can also be provided. Each viewing device 20 can also comprise a respective, or first, processing unit 22 for pre-processing the images acquired by the multispectral camera 21 and transmitting a signal correlated to the acquisition to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0059] According to preferred embodiments, the first control and processing unit 18 is external to the viewing device 20. Alternatively, the first control and processing unit 18 can be integrated into the viewing device 20.

[0060] The first control and processing unit 18 is configured to receive the signal and process it by means of image processing algorithms in order to identify the presence and position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues on the instruments 101, then generating and communicating to the reading and writing device 19 the information relating to the blood R1 and organic R2 residues.

[0061] These image processing algorithms are machine learning algorithms suitably trained with spectral samples, so that during use the spectral data acquired by the multispectral camera 21 are processed to recognize the blood R1 and organic R2 residues on the instruments 101.

[0062] In other words, for each instrument 101 present in a given container 102a, both generic information, such as the type of instrument and / or the kit 103 to which it belongs, as well as information regarding the presence and position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues are known.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 10 can also comprise, in correspondence with the collection zone 15, one or more first visual recognition devices 24 configured to perform a three-dimensional scan on a corresponding container 102a to identify the type of instruments 101 present therein.

[0064] According to some embodiments, for each housing position 16 there is a respective first visual recognition device 24.

[0065] Each first visual recognition device 24 comprises a 3D scanning camera 25 and a respective, or second, processing unit 26 for pre-processing the acquired 3D images in order to supply a signal correlated to the scan to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0066] The first control and processing unit 18 is configured to receive the signal correlated to the scan and process it to obtain additional information relating to the type, shape and position of the instruments 101. Furthermore, each reading and writing device 19 is configured to receive the additional information relating to the instruments 101 and to write it on the storage device 104 of a respective first container 104.

[0067] The entry station 11 also comprises another collection zone 23 configured to allow to position the empty second containers 102b. The apparatus 10 comprises, in correspondence with the entry station 11 , at least a first robotic anthropomorphic arm 27 (figs. 1 and 6) configured both to pick up at least one first container 102a at a time, provided with instruments 101 to be treated, from the collection zone 15 and to transfer it toward the treatment station 12, and also to pick up also at least one second container 102b at a time to transfer it toward the treatment station 12.

[0068] The first anthropomorphic arm 27 comprises a gripping member 29 at one end, and is commanded by a corresponding command unit 28. The command unit 28 can be connected to the first control and processing unit 18 so that the movement of the first containers 102a is performed taking the information relating to the instruments 101 into account.

[0069] According to embodiments not shown in the drawings, two first anthropomorphic arms 27 can be present in the entry station 11.

[0070] In this way, the apparatus 10 has the advantage of automating the initial processes performed in the entry station 11 to achieve a clear reduction in the possible activities performed by an operator, who intervenes only if necessary. This also reduces set-up operating times for pre-washing the instruments 101.

[0071] The apparatus 10 comprises at least one treatment unit 31 of the instruments 101 configured to select and perform, as a function of the information written in each storage device 104, a specific treatment of the instruments 101 in relation to the presence and position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues.

[0072] Preferably, the apparatus comprises, in correspondence with the treatment station 12, a plurality of treatment units 31 associated with movement means 30 of the first 102a and second 102b containers.

[0073] The movement means 30 can comprise a first movement device 32 of the first containers 102a, defining a feed line LI having a first entry El and a first exit Ul. Furthermore, the movement means 30 can comprise a second movement device 33 of the second containers 102b defining an advance line L2 having a second entry E2 and a second exit U2. The first entry El of the feed line LI is positioned close to the collection zone 15, and the second entry E2 is positioned close to the other collection zone 23.

[0074] The first 32 and second 33 movement devices are disposed parallel to a central axis of alignment A and can be conveyor belts.

[0075] The first movement device 32 can be disposed below the treatment units 31. Furthermore, the first movement device 32 (fig. 3) can comprise, for each treatment unit 31, a first support 34a configured to support one of the first containers 102a, and a first transfer device 35a configured to transfer a first container 102a from the first movement device 32 to the first support 34a, and vice versa.

[0076] The second movement device 33 can be disposed below the treatment units 31. Furthermore, the second movement device 33 can comprise, for each treatment unit 31, a second support 34b configured to support one of the second containers 102b, and a second transfer device 35b that is configured to transfer a second container 102b from the second movement device 32 to the second support 34b, and vice versa.

[0077] The apparatus 10 can comprise a second control and processing unit 36 which can be operationally connected to the first control and processing unit 18 (fig. 5). The connection between the first 18 and the second 36 control and processing unit is preferably in wireless mode.

[0078] The second control and processing unit 36 can be operationally connected to each treatment unit 31 (figs. 1 and 6) for the selection of the treatment cycle specific to the instruments 101. In addition, the second control and processing unit 36 can also be operationally connected to the movement means 30 to manage the movement of the instruments 101 inside the treatment station 12 in a manner that is coordinated with each treatment unit 31.

[0079] In addition, in correspondence with the first El and second E2 entry there can be recognition devices, not visible in the drawings, able to recognize the storage device 104 of the containers 102a, 102b and transmit to the second control unit 36 information relating to the instant in which a container 102a, 102b has been positioned on the first 32 or second 33 movement device.

[0080] In the example given here, the treatment units 31 are aligned along an axis of alignment A (figs. 1 and 6) and each of them comprises a plurality of operating sub-units 37 and manipulation means 39 configured to move the instruments 101 between the operating stations 37 and the movement means 30 (fig. 3).

[0081] In particular, in each treatment unit 31, the manipulation means 39 are configured to manipulate the instruments 101 to be treated which are disposed in the first containers 102a, moving them from one sub-unit 37 to the other, and to position them, once treated, in respective second containers 102b along the advance line L2.

[0082] In this specific case, the manipulation means 39 comprises a second robotic anthropomorphic arm 41 commanded by a corresponding command unit 42. The command unit 42 can be connected to the second control and processing unit 36.

[0083] A gripping member 43, for example a gripper, is attached at one end of the robotic anthropomorphic arm 41, suitable to grip one or more instruments 101.

[0084] Preferably, each treatment unit 31 (fig. 3) can comprise at least a recognition sub-unit 45, a manipulation sub-unit 46, and a washing sub-unit 47. Possibly, each treatment unit 31 can also comprise a detection sub-unit 48, for example disposed downstream of the washing sub-unit 47.

[0085] The recognition sub-unit 45 comprises at least one other, or second, reading and writing device 51 of storage devices 104 which is configured to read the information present in each of them, for the correct execution of the specific treatment of the instruments 101. The second reading and writing device 51 is able to transmit this information to the second control unit 36.

[0086] In addition, the second reading and writing device 51 is also configured to modify and / or delete the information present in each storage device 104, thus preparing them for a subsequent use.

[0087] The second reading and writing device 51 is associated with a containing structure 50. For example, the second reading and writing device 51 is attached inside the containing structure 50. According to some embodiments, the recognition sub-unit 45 also comprises at least one second visual recognition device 52 configured to perform another three- dimensional scan on one or more instruments 101 disposed in a respective first container 102a, to supply a signal correlated to the scan able to be processed to obtain the information relating to the type, shape and position of the instruments 101, confirming what was previously detected by the first visual recognition device

[0088] 52.

[0089] The second visual recognition device 52 is also able to communicate this information to the second control and processing unit 36. In addition, also the second visual recognition device 52 is associated with the containing structure 50; for example, it is attached inside the containing structure 50.

[0090] For example, the second control unit 36 is configured to receive the information from the second reading and writing device 51 and possibly from the second visual recognition device 52 in order to transmit to the command unit 42 of the second anthropomorphic arm 41 information regarding the relative position between the latter and the instruments 101 to be treated.

[0091] The manipulation sub-unit 46 comprises a containing structure 55 provided with a front aperture 56 and a rest surface 57. Inside the containing structure 55 there are manipulation members 59, 60 of the instruments 101. In addition, one or more holding members 61 can also be present in the manipulation sub-unit 46 to temporarily hold a plurality of different gripping members 43 configured to be connected to the end of the second anthropomorphic arm 41.

[0092] The washing sub-unit 47 is operationally connected to the second control and processing unit 36 to perform a specific treatment on one or more instruments in relation to the information read by the second reading and writing device 51 from a corresponding storage device 104.

[0093] The washing sub-unit 47 comprises a containing structure 63 having a front aperture 64 for the insertion of the instruments 101 to be washed. The washing sub-unit 47 comprises one or more washing devices 65 disposed inside the containing structure 63. The washing devices 65 can be provided with one or more nozzles 66 configured to deliver a respective washing liquid onto the instruments 101, in particular taking into account the position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues. The detection sub-unit 48 (fig. 3) comprises a containing structure 68 having a front aperture 69 for the insertion of an already washed instrument 101.

[0094] The detection sub-unit 48 can comprise at least one respective, or second, viewing device 70 configured to detect the possible presence and location of blood R1 and organic R2 residues on at least one instrument 101 disposed below and already subjected to washing. This allows to carry out a further check on the quality of the washing performed on the instruments 101.

[0095] According to preferred embodiments, the second viewing device 70 can be the same as a first viewing device 20. We must clarify that the second control unit 36 is preferably external to the second viewing device 70. Furthermore, the position of any blood R1 and organic R2 residues still present on the instruments 101 can be identified with respect to a reference on the second anthropomorphic arm 41.

[0096] The exit station 13 comprises a first extraction zone 80, disposed in correspondence with the exit end Ul, in which the untreated instruments 101, or the first empty or not empty containers 102a, transported by the first movement device 32, are left, and a second extraction zone 81, disposed in correspondence with the exit end U2, in which the second containers 102b containing the treated, for example pre-washed, instruments 101 are disposed.

[0097] The exit station 13 (fig. 4) can also comprise a grouping zone 82 configured to allow to dispose the second containers 102b present in the second extraction zone 81 on a mobile support member 83 able to be inserted into a corresponding thermal-disinfection machine 201, disposed downstream. The mobile support member 83 can be, for example, a trolley having a plurality of rest surfaces for the second containers 102b.

[0098] In correspondence with the grouping zone 82 there can be a third robotic anthropomorphic arm 85, configured to pick up the second containers 102b present in the second extraction zone 81 and position them on a corresponding mobile support member 83. In correspondence with the exit station 13 there is also a third control unit 86 operationally connected to the first 18 and second 36 control unit. The third control unit 86 (fig. 5) is also operationally connected to a command unit 87 of the third anthropomorphic arm 85, in order to control its drive in coordination with the movement means 30. According to other embodiments, not shown in the drawings, instead of three control and processing units 18, 36 and 86 operationally connected to each other, there is a single central control and processing unit that performs all the functions thereof.

[0099] Preferably, the plant 200 comprises a plurality of thermal-disinfection machines 201 and transport means 202 configured to automatically move the washed instruments 101 at exit from the apparatus 10 toward the at least one thermaldisinfection machine 201.

[0100] The transport means 202 comprise a first transport segment 203 and a second transport segment 205, between which there can be a rotating platform 206 configured to allow the change of direction of the mobile support members 83, provided with the second containers 102b, which transit on the transport means 202.

[0101] Optionally, in front of each thermal-disinfection machine 201 there is an insertion segment 207 of the transport means 202, able to allow the insertion of a mobile support member 83 in the respective thermal-disinfection machine 201.

[0102] The operation of the apparatus 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0103] We must clarify that the operating steps of the method will be described in detail below with reference to a first container 102a provided with instruments 101 and a corresponding second container 102b. It is clear that this applies to all the other first containers 102a and second containers 102b.

[0104] A preparation step in which the instruments 101 are disposed in a respective container 102a, which is positioned in the corresponding housing positions 16.

[0105] Subsequently, in a detection step, the reading and writing device 19 acquires from the storage device 104 the information relating to the corresponding first container 102a and to the instruments 101 present therein.

[0106] Then, the viewing device 20, by means of the respective multispectral camera 21, performs the visual acquisition of one or more instruments 101 disposed in the first container 102a and supplies a signal correlated to the acquisition, which is then processed to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues R1 and organic residues R2 on the instruments 101. The spectral images acquired by the multispectral camera 21 can be pre-processed by the respective first processing unit 22 to transmit the signal to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0107] The control and processing unit 18 receives the signal and processes it by means of image processing algorithms in order to identify the presence and position of blood R1 and organic R2 residues on the instruments 101, then it generates the information relating to the blood R1 and organic R2 residues and communicates it to the reading and writing device 19.

[0108] Possibly, if present, the first visual recognition device 24 performs a three- dimensional scan on the corresponding first container 102a. Also in this case, the acquired 3D images are pre-processed by a respective processing unit 26 to supply a signal correlated to the scan to the first control and processing unit 18.

[0109] Then, the first control and processing unit 18 receives the signal correlated to the scan and processes it to obtain additional information relating to the type, shape and position of the instruments 101.

[0110] Subsequently, the first control and processing unit 18 transmits the received information, in particular the information relating to the blood R1 and organic R2 residues, to the first reading and writing device 19, which writes it on the storage device 104 so that it is subsequently readable.

[0111] The method provides an introduction step, in which each first container 102a with the instruments 101 to be washed is positioned on the first movement device 32, and each empty second container 102b is positioned on the second movement device 33. This positioning can advantageously be done by means of the first anthropomorphic arm 27. Subsequently, in a movement step, the first container 102a with the instruments 101 to be washed is made to advance along the feed line LI and the second container 102b is made to advance along the advance line L2. This step can be commanded by the second central control unit 36.

[0112] A stop step is also provided during the movement step, in which the first movement device 32 is stopped so that the first container 102a and the second container 102b are in correspondence with a corresponding treatment unit 31 , on the first 34a and second 34b support, respectively.

[0113] The method then provides a treatment step in which the treatment unit 31 selects and performs, as a function of the information written in the storage device 104, a treatment of the instruments 101 specific to the presence and position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues.

[0114] The treatment step comprises a recognition step in which the first container 102a, with the instruments 101 inside it, is positioned below in the recognition subunit 45. Then, the second reading and writing device 51 reads the information previously written in the storage device 104, for the correct execution of the specific treatment of the instruments 101. In this case, the information read by the second reading and writing device 51 is transmitted to the second control unit 36 which allows the correct selection of the specific treatment.

[0115] In the recognition step, it can be provided to activate a second visual recognition device 52 that performs another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments 101 disposed in a respective first container 102a, to supply a signal correlated to the scan able to be processed by the second control and processing unit 36 in order to obtain information relating to the type, shape and position of the instruments 101. The second control unit 36 transfers the information thus obtained to the second command unit 42 of the second anthropomorphic arm 41, which can correctly move each instrument 101 in relation to its type, shape, position, and to the presence and position of the blood R1 and organic R2 residues. A manipulation step can also be provided in which the second anthropomorphic arm 41 cooperates with the manipulation sub-unit 46 to correct the orientation of each instrument 101, or to better position it, correctly preparing it for a washing step. Then, in the washing step, by means of the second anthropomorphic arm 41, each instrument 101 is taken into the washing sub-unit 47 and at least one washing device 65 is activated in order to perform the specific treatment. We must clarify that each instrument 101 to be washed is positioned in such a way as to expose the blood R1 and / or organic R2 residues to the jets of the washing device 65. Following the washing, a control step can be provided, in which the washed instrument 101 is taken by the second anthropomorphic arm 41 in the detection sub-unit and the second visual recognition device 52 verifies the presence of blood R1 and / or organic R2 residues possibly present after washing. In relation to the outcome of the control, the instrument 101 can be placed in a second container 102b or it can be washed again and then re-checked before being deposited in the second container 102b.

[0116] We must clarify that the detection, manipulation, washing and control steps are repeated for all the instruments 101 to be washed.

[0117] Subsequently, the method provides an extraction step in which the second container 102b with the washed instruments 101 inside it is made to advance along the advance line L2 and is taken toward the second extraction zone 81 (figs. 1 and 6), from which it is extracted and positioned on the mobile support member 83, preferably by means of the third anthropomorphic arm 85.

[0118] Then, the mobile support member 83 is used to take a plurality of containers 102b toward a thermal-disinfection machine 201 disposed downstream of the apparatus 10, as in the plant 200 (fig. 6) according to the present invention.

[0119] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10, to the plant 200 and to the method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments 101 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0120] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of an apparatus 10, a plant 200 and a method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0121] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for treating surgical or laboratory instruments (101), comprising first containers (102a) each provided with a data storage device (104), at least one collection zone (15) of said first containers (102a) in which instruments (101) to be treated are disposed, and at least one treatment unit (31) of said instruments (101), said apparatus (10) being characterized in that it comprises, in correspondence with said collection zone (15): at least one reading and writing device (19) of said storage devices (104); at least one viewing device (20) configured for the visual acquisition of one or more instruments (101) which are disposed in at least one first container (102a) in said collection zone (15) and to supply a signal correlated to said acquisition which is able to be processed in order to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues (Rl) and organic residues (R2) on the instruments (101) of said at least one first container (102a), said at least one reading and writing device (19) being configured to receive said information relating to said blood (R 1 ) and organic (R2) residues and to write it on the storage device (104) of said at least one first container (102a), said treatment unit (31) being configured to select and perform, as a function of said information written in said storage device (104), a treatment of said instruments (101), in particular pre- washing, which is specific to the presence and position of said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues; and at least one visual recognition device (24) configured to perform a three- dimensional scan on one or more instruments (101) disposed in said at least one first container (102a) in said collection zone (15), to supply a signal correlated to said scan able to be processed to obtain information relating to the type and shape of said instruments (101) of said at least one first container (102a), said at least one reading and writing device (19) being configured to receive said additional information relating to said instruments (101) and to write it on the storage device (104) of said at least one first container (102a).

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control and processing unit (18) configured to receive said signal correlated to said acquisition and process it by means of image processing algorithms to identify the presence and position of said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues on said instruments (101), then generating and communicating to said reading and writing device (19)said information relating to said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues.

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said at least one viewing device (20) comprises at least one multispectral camera (21) capable of acquiring images containing spectral data, and in that said image processing algorithms are machine learning algorithms suitably trained with spectral samples so that, during use, said spectral data acquired by said multispectral camera (21) are processed to recognize said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues on said instruments (101).

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said at least one viewing device (20) comprises a respective processing unit (22) configured to pre-process the images acquired by the multispectral camera (21) and transmit a signal correlated to said acquisition to said control and processing unit (18).

5. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 2 to 4, characterized in that said at least one visual recognition device (24) comprises a 3D scanning camera (25) and a respective processing unit (26) configured to pre-process the 3D images acquired to supply a signal correlated to said scanning to said control and processing unit (18).

6. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said at least one treatment unit (31) comprises at least one other reading and writing device (51 ) of said storage devices (104) configured at least to read the information present in each of them, for the execution of said specific treatment of said instruments (101).

7. Apparatus (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said at least one other reading and writing device (51) is also configured to modify and / or delete the information present in each storage device (104), thus preparing them for a subsequent use.

8. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises, in correspondence with said collection zone (15), another collection zone (23) of empty second containers (102b), which are able to contain said already washed instruments (101), and at least one robotic anthropomorphic arm (27) configured to move said first (102a) and second (102b) containers toward movement means (30) associated with said at least one treatment unit (31) and comprising at least a first movement device (32) of said first containers (102a) and a second movement device (33) of said second containers (102b).

9. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 6 to 8, characterized in that said at leastone treatment unit (31) comprises at least one recognition sub-unit (45) in which said at least one other reading and writing device (51) is present, a washing subunit (47), and a robotic anthropomorphic arm (41) which is operationally associated with the latter and configured to move one or more instruments (101) toward said washing unit (47) in relation to the information read by said at least one other reading and writing device (51).

10. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 2 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an additional control and processing unit (36) which is operationally connected to said control and processing unit (18) and to said at least one treatment unit (31 ) for the selection of the treatment cycle specific to the instruments (101).

11. Apparatus (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that in correspondence with an exit station (13) of the treated instruments (101) there is another additional control unit (86) operationally connected to said control units (18, 36), said other additional control unit (86) being connected to a command unit (87) of an additional anthropomorphic arm (85), which is configured to pick up said second containers (102b) present in an extraction zone (81) of said exit station (13) and to position them on a corresponding mobile support member (83).

12. Apparatus (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said recognition sub-unit (45) comprises at least one second visual recognition device (52) configured to perform another three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments (101) disposed in a respective first container (102a).

13. Apparatus (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said washing sub-unit (47) comprises a containing structure (63) where one or more washing devices (65) are disposed, which are provided with one or more nozzles (66) configured to deliver a respective washing liquid onto the instruments (101).

14. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said at least one treatment unit (31) comprises a detection sub-unit (48), provided with a viewing device (70) configured to detect the possible presence and position of blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues on at least one instrument (101) already subjected to treatment.

15. Plant for treating surgical or laboratory instruments (101), characterized in that it comprises an apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, at least one machine (201) for the thermal-disinfection of said instruments (101) and additionalmovement means (202) configured to automatically move said instruments (101) exiting from said apparatus (10) toward said at least one thermal-disinfection machine (201).

16. Method for treating surgical or laboratory instruments (101) by means of an apparatus (10), said method comprising a preparation step in which, in correspondence with a collection zone (15) of said apparatus (10), instruments (101) to be treated are disposed in respective first containers (102a) each provided with a data storage device (104), and a treatment step in which said instruments (101) are treated in at least one treatment unit (31) of said apparatus (10), characterized in that, in correspondence with said collection zone (15), a detection step is performed in which at least one viewing device (20) performs the visual acquisition of one or more instruments (101) disposed in at least one first container (102a) and supplies a signal correlated to said acquisition which is then processed to obtain information relating to the presence and position of blood residues (Rl) and organic residues (R2) on the instruments (101) of said at least one first container (102a), and in which at least one reading and writing device (19) of said storage devices (104) receives said information relating to said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues and writes it on the storage device (104) of said at least one first container (102a), wherein in said treatment step said treatment unit (31) selects and performs, as a function of said information written in said storage device (104), a treatment of said instruments (101) specific to the presence and position of said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues, and wherein at least one visual recognition device (24) is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan on one or more instruments (101) disposed in said at least one first container (102a) in said collection zone (15), in order to supply a signal correlated to said scan which is able to be processed to obtain information relating to the type and shape of said instruments (101) of said at least one first container (102a), said at least one reading and writing device (19) being configured to receive said additional information relating to said instruments (101) and to write it on the storage device (104) of said at least one first container (102a).

17. Method as in claim 16, characterized in that in said detection step a control and processing unit (18) receives said signal correlated to said acquisition, processes it by means of image processing algorithms to identify the presence andposition of said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues on said instruments (101), then generates and communicates to said reading and writing device (19) said information relating to said blood (Rl) and organic (R2) residues.

18. Method as in claim 16, characterized in that in said treatment step at least one other reading and writing device (51) of said storage devices (104), present in said at least one treatment unit (31), reads the information present in each storage device (104), for the correct execution of said specific treatment of said instruments (101).

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