CA1069409A - Fluid collection system - Google Patents
Fluid collection systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1069409A CA1069409A CA249,937A CA249937A CA1069409A CA 1069409 A CA1069409 A CA 1069409A CA 249937 A CA249937 A CA 249937A CA 1069409 A CA1069409 A CA 1069409A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum
- diameter
- conduit
- flow
- vacuum line
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A collection system having a vacuum source in flow communi-cation with a closed fluid collection vessel which is in flow communication with an inlet conduit disposed to apply the vacuum to non-gaseous fluids.
The non-gaseous fluids to be collected are ingested through the inlet con-duit through an inlet port to the closed collection vessel where they are retained. The collection vessel is kept at a negative gauge pressure through an outlet port connecting the collection vessel to the vacuum source. A
fixed restriction is provided at one point in the vacuum line to conserve energy by reducing the flow of gas through the system to the vacuum source.
A collection system having a vacuum source in flow communi-cation with a closed fluid collection vessel which is in flow communication with an inlet conduit disposed to apply the vacuum to non-gaseous fluids.
The non-gaseous fluids to be collected are ingested through the inlet con-duit through an inlet port to the closed collection vessel where they are retained. The collection vessel is kept at a negative gauge pressure through an outlet port connecting the collection vessel to the vacuum source. A
fixed restriction is provided at one point in the vacuum line to conserve energy by reducing the flow of gas through the system to the vacuum source.
Description
SPECIFIC~TION
Back~round oE the inv`ention The present invention reIates to materlal collection systems using gas flow induced by a vacuum source to convey non-gaseous material to be collected. ~ore particularly, the inven-tion relates to collection systems particularly adapted to suc-tioning body fluids by creating a negative gauge pressure in a collection vessel and ingesting ~he non-gaseous fluid through a conduit in flow com~lunication with the vessel.
Typical commercial collection systems operating in the aforementloned manner have several shortcomings not found in the present invention. When prior art systems expose the inlet to the atmosphere, they unnecessarily consume additional energy in driving the pump section of the vacu~m source by ingesting large quantities o air. The pumping of such large ~uantities of air through the prior art systems is, in addition to being wasteful of energy, excessively noisy. The present invention reduces the flow of gas through the system upon exposure of the inlet to the atmosphere therby reducing energy, waste and noise. This is accomplished without compromising the maximum attainable vacuum developed by such a system and without significant reductions in the final rate of collection of non-gaseous flùids.
~ The present invention is particularly well suited for - use in medical applications where the non-gaseous fluids to be collected are body fluids generated by surgical intrusion into the body. In such medical applications, the collection sys~em should initially exert rela~ively gentle forces on the fluids , available for collection. The system must also provide sufficient differential pressure between the collection vessel and the lnlet ~30 conduit so that when the inlet conduit tip is partially or/full~
contacting relatively viscous materials, the materials can be ingested into the inlet conduit and subsequently in~o the ; collection vessel.
Back~round oE the inv`ention The present invention reIates to materlal collection systems using gas flow induced by a vacuum source to convey non-gaseous material to be collected. ~ore particularly, the inven-tion relates to collection systems particularly adapted to suc-tioning body fluids by creating a negative gauge pressure in a collection vessel and ingesting ~he non-gaseous fluid through a conduit in flow com~lunication with the vessel.
Typical commercial collection systems operating in the aforementloned manner have several shortcomings not found in the present invention. When prior art systems expose the inlet to the atmosphere, they unnecessarily consume additional energy in driving the pump section of the vacu~m source by ingesting large quantities o air. The pumping of such large ~uantities of air through the prior art systems is, in addition to being wasteful of energy, excessively noisy. The present invention reduces the flow of gas through the system upon exposure of the inlet to the atmosphere therby reducing energy, waste and noise. This is accomplished without compromising the maximum attainable vacuum developed by such a system and without significant reductions in the final rate of collection of non-gaseous flùids.
~ The present invention is particularly well suited for - use in medical applications where the non-gaseous fluids to be collected are body fluids generated by surgical intrusion into the body. In such medical applications, the collection sys~em should initially exert rela~ively gentle forces on the fluids , available for collection. The system must also provide sufficient differential pressure between the collection vessel and the lnlet ~30 conduit so that when the inlet conduit tip is partially or/full~
contacting relatively viscous materials, the materials can be ingested into the inlet conduit and subsequently in~o the ; collection vessel.
-2-'' ~
3 ~V 3 ~ prio~ art dev~ce ~ described in U~, patent 3,812,855 where an ~pt~omalic surgical de~ice ~s d~sclosed hav-ing fluid dispensing and collection means. T~e device of this reference uses a variable flow restricting element to control the flow rate of fluid either delivered or ingested by a surgical probe. The extraction or delivery of fluid to the interior of the eye is, of course, a critical manipulation of material and the variation of fluid amounts and their flow rates of extrac-tion and insertion must be varied exactly. This prior art ref-erence co~trols the flow rate of fluid by acting on the fluiditself. The present invention controls the fluid flow rate by placing a fixed impediment to the gaseous flow at one point within the system, No attempt is made to precisely control or vary the rate of collection of the non-gaseous fluid. In addit-ion, the present invention does not contemplate the control of the rate of delivery of a fluid to the body.
U.S. Patent 3,763~ 62 discloses a vacuum collection system particularly applicab/e to multi-station dental apparatus.
This reference discloses a valve in the inlet portion of the apparatus whereby the vacuum applied for collection is controlled by opening the inlet portion of the system to the atmosphere~
The control of the vacuum by degradation at the inlet is in no way analogous to the control of the flGw rate by restricting gas flow in the vacuum line of a vacuum collection system as taught herein.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a non-gaseous fluid collection system that reduces the energy consump-tion of such systems when the inlet is exposed to the atmosphere. ~-The present invention also reduces the noise associated with such systems due to the passage of large quantities of gas through the ~acuum system. The invention also tends to avoid rapid increases in the negative pressure within the system when -3_ the inlet is blocked~ and thus ~ini~iz~ the potential f~
ingestion of undesirable mater~als ad~acent the inlet of such a system. In medical applications, ,the reduction in air Elow provided by the system avoids air exhaustion from the lungs dur-ing trachea suctioning and minimizes tissue grab adjacent the inlet.
Summary of the ~nvention The collection system of this lnvention comprises a ~ -vacuum source, a closed fluid collection vessel having an lmput port and an outlet port, an inlet conduit having its dlscharge end in flow communication with said inlet, a vacuum conduit connecting the vacuum source and the outlet port. The vacuum conduit and the outlet port form a vacuum line. A fixed gas flow restriction means is positioned across one point of the vacuum line.
A preferred embodiment of the restriction means is an orifice significantly smaller in cross sec~ional area than the vacuum line.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the ; 2~ orifice haa a diameter of from 1% to 75% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit.
; An additional preferred embodiment of the invention would have the restriction means consist~ng of a p~rous meMber.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention would have a first orifice of a diameter-about equal to the vacuum conduit and a second orifice of a diameter of from 1% to 75%
of the diameter of the ~acuum conduit witk the orifice capable of being selected from outside the vacuum line.
The ~iameter of t~e vacuum line should be equal ~o or greater than the diameter of the inlet conduit to minimize friction losses in the systemO The diameter of the restriction ~4~
,"~
means ls less th~n the dia~eter o~ the yacuu~ llne to th~ttle air flow into the vacuum llne ~hile the term lldiameterll has been used to de~cribe the interior dimenslon of Cl) the inlet conduit, (2) the vacuum conduit, and (3) the restriction means, it should be realized that while a circular cross section is preferred for these elements, each of these elements could have an interior cross sectional shape other than circular.
If one or more of the three elements is of another cross section, the equivalent diameter for sllch a cross section can be calculated, either from existing empirically determined relationships, or by taking flow and pressure measurements on a sample system.
When the diameter of`-the flow re~riction~means is fr~m 1% to 75% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit, the system provides a desirable rate of fluid collection and also functions to minimize energy losses if the inlet conduit is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention consists of the parts, constructions, ;20 arrangements, combinations and improvements shown and described.
The acccmpanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this qpecification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
: " "
Of the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the present invention. ~-FIG.2 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of the flow restriction means.
FIG. 3 is-a~partial~sectional vi-ew of another embodi-ment of a flow restriction means.
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of ~he flol~7 res~riction means in which -the restriction is a clamp ~43 on the vacuum conduit.
FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the flow restriction means utilizing two orifices which are capable of being positioned by external selection.
Detailed Description of the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are i:L-lustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to FIG. 19 the collection system consists of a vacuum source connected to a closed collection vessel 20.
The connection between the vacuum source and the collection vessel 20 is made through an outlet port 14, a vacuum conduit 12 and a flow restriction means. The outlet port 14 and the vacuum conduit 12 comprise a vacuum line generally 16. The flow restriction 10 is disposed to limit gas flow through the vacuum line 16 and while FIG. 1 shows the flow restriction lO between the vacuum source and outlet port 14, the flow restriction can be placed anywhere in the vacuum line 16 and still yield the improvements of the present in-- vention. ~or example, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 have the flow restriction lO at the outlet port 14. `~
It is the function of the flow restriction to reduce the rate of -gas glow through the vacuum line 16, particularly when an inlet conduit 22 is exposed to atmospheric air. Any significant reduction in the gas flow rate will improve the energy efficiency of the system. Preferably, the flow ; restriction means of the present invention has an effective dia~
meter available for flow of less than 75% of the average diameter of the vacuum conduit. The reduction of the gaseous flow rate caused by the floa reduction means reduces the rate of negative pressure build-up in the collection vessel 20`~when the inlet con-duit 22 is exposed to fluid materials, and is particularly desirable to avoid tissue grab in surgical site drainage systems. -~
In order to maintain acceptable fluid flow rates, it -is p--eferred not to reduce the effective diameter of flow ia3'~
restriction means to below about 1% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit. The present invention provides a desirable rate of negative pressure build-up for medical applications, and also provides energy savings.
For medical applications in which the volume of the collection vessel is typically about two lit`ers, and the vacuum line has an internal diameter of about 1/4 to about l/2 inches, the flow restriction means desirably has an ef-fective diameter oE about 5% to 25% of the diameter of the volume line.
Inlet conduit 22 is connected to the closed collec-tion vessel 20 by means of inlet port 21. Fluid material to be collected passes through inlet conduit and inlet port into collection vessel 20.
The fluid material passing through the inlet port 21 is retained in the collection vessel 20. The present invention is disclosed with a simple collection vessel, however, the invention is operable with any compatible means of collection of a non-gaseous fluid. Operable collection vessels would retain any non-gaseous fluids introduced through the inlet port 21 while preventing the fluids from being introduced to the outlet port 14 and the associated vacuum source. An ex-ample of a suitable collection vessel for medical uses is taught ln U.S. Patent 3,8633663. Such a collection vessel has a volume of about two liters.
The collection system will, of course, ingest all l~quids3 gases and free-flowing solid particles through the inlet because of the differential pressure generated by the vacuum source. The system passes a gaseous fluid from the in-let to the vacuum source with no collection of such as gaseous fluid. Thus, if the volume of the collection vessel is small, the flow restriction has a small effect on the ra-te of decrease of pressure at the end of the inlet conduit.~ If the collection vessel is made larger, than a flow restriction of a given dia~
meter will have a greater effect ~n the rate of vacuum build-up .
In general, in medical applications such as surgical site drainage systems, the volume of the collection vessel and the inlet conduit should be equal to or, preferably, greater than the volume of ~hat portion of vacuum line 16 extending between the flow restriction and the vacuum source. When the ratio of the volumes is as described above, the flow restric-tion means can effectively slow down Lhe rate of vacuum build-up if the inlet conduit becomes blocked or partially blocked to gas flow. This slowing down of the rate of vacuum build-up desirably prevents tissue grabbing when the end of the inlet conduits is adjacent human tissue during surgery.
From the foregoing discussion, it can be appreciated that the selection of the volume of the collection vessel and the effective diameter of the opening in the flow restriction ~-~
means are interrelated parameters which are determined by the desired rate of increase of negative pressure and the energy savings desired.
A non-gaseous fluid 24 is retained in the collection vessel 20. The present invention is operable with liquid or finely divided solid materials having sufficient low viscosity to be transported through the inlet conduit. While the present ;
invention is described in terms of medical apparatus and is particularly well suited for use in the collection of liquid body fluids, the invention would also be operable with foams and finely divided solids.
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention where the flow restriction 10 is an orifice. The diameter of the orifice determines the gaseous flow rate through the vacuum line 16. The flow rate and hence the orifice size is determined by the desired rate of negative pressure build-up induced in the collection vessel 20 when the inlet conduit 22 is immersed in a viscous fluid. The slower the rate of negative pressure build-up, the slower is the increase of flow rate of the ingested fluid. If the orifice is small, the negative pressure build-up is slower and the increase of flow rate of fluid through the inlet 22 lower./ The minimum acceptable increase oE flow rate of the fluid to be collected determined the minimum diameter of the orifice and hence the minimum flow rate through the vacuum line 16. The minimum acceptable increase of fluid flow rate also determines the dia ~ er or effective diameter of the flow restriction to be implemented by the other embodiments illust-rated in FIGS. 2 through 5.
To achieve the benefit of the invention, there must :
be a significant reduction in the gaseous flow rate. Without a reduction in the flow rate, the rate of negative pressure build-up is excessive when the inlet 20 is immersed in a viscous fluid, the ingestion of fluid is excessively fast, tissue grab may occur in medical uses, and the vacuum source consumes excessive amounts of energy if the inlet is exposed to the atmosphere. ~
FIG. 3 illustrated one embodiment of the invention ~:
- where the flow restriction io consists of a porous member 13.
The porous member can be a screen or partially sintered parti- -culate material, or a unitary molded or extruded article, hav-ing an effect on the gaseous flow rate through the vacuum line equivalent to the orifice of the previous embodiments. While the embodiments of the flow restriction means illustrated in ~ ;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown placed at the outlet port 14, their ~ 9 ~
3~ 3 placement within the vacuum line is not known to be critical.
Preferably, the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 are removably af-fixed at a location that would make access and removal con-venient.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the vacuum line includes a flexible portlon and the flow restriction means is a clamp attached to the exterior of the flexible portion. The deformation of the flexible portion is dispo~ed to impede the flow oE gas in the vacuum line 10 in a manner equivalent to the placement of an orifice with the vacuum conduit 12.
FIG. S illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the flow restriction means 10 consists of a control mem-ber 15 enclosed in a housing 18 having external means for selecting which orifice 17 or 27! is placed within the vacuum line 16. The external means 30 shown in FIG. 5 consists of a handle 30 affixed to the member 15 so as to be able to rotate the member 15 within the housing 1~.
In an embodiment where the invention is used to col-lect body fluids, the device of FIG. 5 has special utility.
PreEerably, the first orifice 27 would have an effective dia-meter at least equal to that of the vacuum conduit~ 12 with the second orifice 17 having a diameter area of about 5% to 25% of that of the vacuum conduit. The difference in the diameters is sufficient to reduce the gas flow within the vacuum line.
With such a preferred embodiment~, it is possible to arrange a ~ series of such collection vessels with the first collection : vessel disposed to place the larger orifice 27 within the vacuum line 12. In this manner, the flow restriction need not be applied to each collection element in a series arrangement of such devices.
: -- 1 0 - ~':
' ~ ' . .. , ,., : - .
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The entire system has been shown schematically and it should be obvious that the present invention is applicable to relatively complex state-of-the-art collection devices utili~ing, for example, such embodiments as flexible collections bags within or supported by a rigid container, and automatic fluid proximity valves associated 10with the outlet port. The invention is not limited to the apparatus disclosed hereln and the configuration of the figures was chosen simply to clearly illustrate the character-istics of the invention as claimed.
: ' , - 11 - , -:
::
U.S. Patent 3,763~ 62 discloses a vacuum collection system particularly applicab/e to multi-station dental apparatus.
This reference discloses a valve in the inlet portion of the apparatus whereby the vacuum applied for collection is controlled by opening the inlet portion of the system to the atmosphere~
The control of the vacuum by degradation at the inlet is in no way analogous to the control of the flGw rate by restricting gas flow in the vacuum line of a vacuum collection system as taught herein.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a non-gaseous fluid collection system that reduces the energy consump-tion of such systems when the inlet is exposed to the atmosphere. ~-The present invention also reduces the noise associated with such systems due to the passage of large quantities of gas through the ~acuum system. The invention also tends to avoid rapid increases in the negative pressure within the system when -3_ the inlet is blocked~ and thus ~ini~iz~ the potential f~
ingestion of undesirable mater~als ad~acent the inlet of such a system. In medical applications, ,the reduction in air Elow provided by the system avoids air exhaustion from the lungs dur-ing trachea suctioning and minimizes tissue grab adjacent the inlet.
Summary of the ~nvention The collection system of this lnvention comprises a ~ -vacuum source, a closed fluid collection vessel having an lmput port and an outlet port, an inlet conduit having its dlscharge end in flow communication with said inlet, a vacuum conduit connecting the vacuum source and the outlet port. The vacuum conduit and the outlet port form a vacuum line. A fixed gas flow restriction means is positioned across one point of the vacuum line.
A preferred embodiment of the restriction means is an orifice significantly smaller in cross sec~ional area than the vacuum line.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the ; 2~ orifice haa a diameter of from 1% to 75% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit.
; An additional preferred embodiment of the invention would have the restriction means consist~ng of a p~rous meMber.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention would have a first orifice of a diameter-about equal to the vacuum conduit and a second orifice of a diameter of from 1% to 75%
of the diameter of the ~acuum conduit witk the orifice capable of being selected from outside the vacuum line.
The ~iameter of t~e vacuum line should be equal ~o or greater than the diameter of the inlet conduit to minimize friction losses in the systemO The diameter of the restriction ~4~
,"~
means ls less th~n the dia~eter o~ the yacuu~ llne to th~ttle air flow into the vacuum llne ~hile the term lldiameterll has been used to de~cribe the interior dimenslon of Cl) the inlet conduit, (2) the vacuum conduit, and (3) the restriction means, it should be realized that while a circular cross section is preferred for these elements, each of these elements could have an interior cross sectional shape other than circular.
If one or more of the three elements is of another cross section, the equivalent diameter for sllch a cross section can be calculated, either from existing empirically determined relationships, or by taking flow and pressure measurements on a sample system.
When the diameter of`-the flow re~riction~means is fr~m 1% to 75% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit, the system provides a desirable rate of fluid collection and also functions to minimize energy losses if the inlet conduit is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention consists of the parts, constructions, ;20 arrangements, combinations and improvements shown and described.
The acccmpanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this qpecification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
: " "
Of the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the present invention. ~-FIG.2 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of the flow restriction means.
FIG. 3 is-a~partial~sectional vi-ew of another embodi-ment of a flow restriction means.
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of ~he flol~7 res~riction means in which -the restriction is a clamp ~43 on the vacuum conduit.
FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the flow restriction means utilizing two orifices which are capable of being positioned by external selection.
Detailed Description of the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are i:L-lustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to FIG. 19 the collection system consists of a vacuum source connected to a closed collection vessel 20.
The connection between the vacuum source and the collection vessel 20 is made through an outlet port 14, a vacuum conduit 12 and a flow restriction means. The outlet port 14 and the vacuum conduit 12 comprise a vacuum line generally 16. The flow restriction 10 is disposed to limit gas flow through the vacuum line 16 and while FIG. 1 shows the flow restriction lO between the vacuum source and outlet port 14, the flow restriction can be placed anywhere in the vacuum line 16 and still yield the improvements of the present in-- vention. ~or example, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 have the flow restriction lO at the outlet port 14. `~
It is the function of the flow restriction to reduce the rate of -gas glow through the vacuum line 16, particularly when an inlet conduit 22 is exposed to atmospheric air. Any significant reduction in the gas flow rate will improve the energy efficiency of the system. Preferably, the flow ; restriction means of the present invention has an effective dia~
meter available for flow of less than 75% of the average diameter of the vacuum conduit. The reduction of the gaseous flow rate caused by the floa reduction means reduces the rate of negative pressure build-up in the collection vessel 20`~when the inlet con-duit 22 is exposed to fluid materials, and is particularly desirable to avoid tissue grab in surgical site drainage systems. -~
In order to maintain acceptable fluid flow rates, it -is p--eferred not to reduce the effective diameter of flow ia3'~
restriction means to below about 1% of the diameter of the vacuum conduit. The present invention provides a desirable rate of negative pressure build-up for medical applications, and also provides energy savings.
For medical applications in which the volume of the collection vessel is typically about two lit`ers, and the vacuum line has an internal diameter of about 1/4 to about l/2 inches, the flow restriction means desirably has an ef-fective diameter oE about 5% to 25% of the diameter of the volume line.
Inlet conduit 22 is connected to the closed collec-tion vessel 20 by means of inlet port 21. Fluid material to be collected passes through inlet conduit and inlet port into collection vessel 20.
The fluid material passing through the inlet port 21 is retained in the collection vessel 20. The present invention is disclosed with a simple collection vessel, however, the invention is operable with any compatible means of collection of a non-gaseous fluid. Operable collection vessels would retain any non-gaseous fluids introduced through the inlet port 21 while preventing the fluids from being introduced to the outlet port 14 and the associated vacuum source. An ex-ample of a suitable collection vessel for medical uses is taught ln U.S. Patent 3,8633663. Such a collection vessel has a volume of about two liters.
The collection system will, of course, ingest all l~quids3 gases and free-flowing solid particles through the inlet because of the differential pressure generated by the vacuum source. The system passes a gaseous fluid from the in-let to the vacuum source with no collection of such as gaseous fluid. Thus, if the volume of the collection vessel is small, the flow restriction has a small effect on the ra-te of decrease of pressure at the end of the inlet conduit.~ If the collection vessel is made larger, than a flow restriction of a given dia~
meter will have a greater effect ~n the rate of vacuum build-up .
In general, in medical applications such as surgical site drainage systems, the volume of the collection vessel and the inlet conduit should be equal to or, preferably, greater than the volume of ~hat portion of vacuum line 16 extending between the flow restriction and the vacuum source. When the ratio of the volumes is as described above, the flow restric-tion means can effectively slow down Lhe rate of vacuum build-up if the inlet conduit becomes blocked or partially blocked to gas flow. This slowing down of the rate of vacuum build-up desirably prevents tissue grabbing when the end of the inlet conduits is adjacent human tissue during surgery.
From the foregoing discussion, it can be appreciated that the selection of the volume of the collection vessel and the effective diameter of the opening in the flow restriction ~-~
means are interrelated parameters which are determined by the desired rate of increase of negative pressure and the energy savings desired.
A non-gaseous fluid 24 is retained in the collection vessel 20. The present invention is operable with liquid or finely divided solid materials having sufficient low viscosity to be transported through the inlet conduit. While the present ;
invention is described in terms of medical apparatus and is particularly well suited for use in the collection of liquid body fluids, the invention would also be operable with foams and finely divided solids.
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention where the flow restriction 10 is an orifice. The diameter of the orifice determines the gaseous flow rate through the vacuum line 16. The flow rate and hence the orifice size is determined by the desired rate of negative pressure build-up induced in the collection vessel 20 when the inlet conduit 22 is immersed in a viscous fluid. The slower the rate of negative pressure build-up, the slower is the increase of flow rate of the ingested fluid. If the orifice is small, the negative pressure build-up is slower and the increase of flow rate of fluid through the inlet 22 lower./ The minimum acceptable increase oE flow rate of the fluid to be collected determined the minimum diameter of the orifice and hence the minimum flow rate through the vacuum line 16. The minimum acceptable increase of fluid flow rate also determines the dia ~ er or effective diameter of the flow restriction to be implemented by the other embodiments illust-rated in FIGS. 2 through 5.
To achieve the benefit of the invention, there must :
be a significant reduction in the gaseous flow rate. Without a reduction in the flow rate, the rate of negative pressure build-up is excessive when the inlet 20 is immersed in a viscous fluid, the ingestion of fluid is excessively fast, tissue grab may occur in medical uses, and the vacuum source consumes excessive amounts of energy if the inlet is exposed to the atmosphere. ~
FIG. 3 illustrated one embodiment of the invention ~:
- where the flow restriction io consists of a porous member 13.
The porous member can be a screen or partially sintered parti- -culate material, or a unitary molded or extruded article, hav-ing an effect on the gaseous flow rate through the vacuum line equivalent to the orifice of the previous embodiments. While the embodiments of the flow restriction means illustrated in ~ ;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown placed at the outlet port 14, their ~ 9 ~
3~ 3 placement within the vacuum line is not known to be critical.
Preferably, the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 are removably af-fixed at a location that would make access and removal con-venient.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the vacuum line includes a flexible portlon and the flow restriction means is a clamp attached to the exterior of the flexible portion. The deformation of the flexible portion is dispo~ed to impede the flow oE gas in the vacuum line 10 in a manner equivalent to the placement of an orifice with the vacuum conduit 12.
FIG. S illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the flow restriction means 10 consists of a control mem-ber 15 enclosed in a housing 18 having external means for selecting which orifice 17 or 27! is placed within the vacuum line 16. The external means 30 shown in FIG. 5 consists of a handle 30 affixed to the member 15 so as to be able to rotate the member 15 within the housing 1~.
In an embodiment where the invention is used to col-lect body fluids, the device of FIG. 5 has special utility.
PreEerably, the first orifice 27 would have an effective dia-meter at least equal to that of the vacuum conduit~ 12 with the second orifice 17 having a diameter area of about 5% to 25% of that of the vacuum conduit. The difference in the diameters is sufficient to reduce the gas flow within the vacuum line.
With such a preferred embodiment~, it is possible to arrange a ~ series of such collection vessels with the first collection : vessel disposed to place the larger orifice 27 within the vacuum line 12. In this manner, the flow restriction need not be applied to each collection element in a series arrangement of such devices.
: -- 1 0 - ~':
' ~ ' . .. , ,., : - .
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The entire system has been shown schematically and it should be obvious that the present invention is applicable to relatively complex state-of-the-art collection devices utili~ing, for example, such embodiments as flexible collections bags within or supported by a rigid container, and automatic fluid proximity valves associated 10with the outlet port. The invention is not limited to the apparatus disclosed hereln and the configuration of the figures was chosen simply to clearly illustrate the character-istics of the invention as claimed.
: ' , - 11 - , -:
::
Claims (13)
1. A system for collecting non-gaseous fluids comprising: a vacuum source, a closed fluid collection vessel having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet conduit having its discharge end in flow communication with said inlet port, a vacuum conduit connecting said vacuum source and said outlet port, said vacuum conduit having a diameter at least equal to the diameter of said inlet conduit, said vacuum conduit and said outlet port forming a vacuum line, and a fixed gas flow restric-tion means positioned across the interior of said section of said vacuum line for reducing at one point the cross section of said vacuum line available for fluid flow.
2. The system of claim 1 where said restriction means has a diameter of from 1% to 75% of the diameter of said vacuum conduit.
3. The system of claim 2 where said restriction means is an orifice.
4. The system of claim 3 in which said orifice has a diameter of from 5% to 25% of the diameter of said vacuum con-duit.
5. The system of claim 2 where said restriction means consists of a porous member.
6. The system of claim 2 where said vacuum line in-cludes a flexible portion, and said restriction means consists of a clamp attached to the exterior of said flexible portion.
7. The system of claim 1 where said collection vessel and said inlet conduit have a volume no less than the volume of that portion of said vacuum line between said flow restric-tion and said vacuum source.
8. The system of claim 1 where said restriction is a control means including two orifices, positioned inside said vacuum line, and means positioned outside said vacuum line for selecting which orifice is placed across said vacuum line.
9. The system of claim 8 where said control means has a first orifice of a diameter about equal to that of said vacuum conduit and a second orifice of a diameter of from 1%
to 75% of the diameter of said vacuum conduit.
to 75% of the diameter of said vacuum conduit.
10. A system of collecting body fluids comprising:
a vacuum source, a closed fluid collection vessel having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet conduit leading to said body fluids and having its discharge end in flow communication with said inlet port, a vacuum conduit connecting said vacuum source and said outlet port, said vacuum conduit and said out-let port forming a vacuum line, and positioned at one point along the vacuum line, a gas flow restriction means fixed across the interior of said vacuum line, said flow restriction means having a diameter available for flow of from 1% to 75% of the diameter of said vacuum conduit.
a vacuum source, a closed fluid collection vessel having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet conduit leading to said body fluids and having its discharge end in flow communication with said inlet port, a vacuum conduit connecting said vacuum source and said outlet port, said vacuum conduit and said out-let port forming a vacuum line, and positioned at one point along the vacuum line, a gas flow restriction means fixed across the interior of said vacuum line, said flow restriction means having a diameter available for flow of from 1% to 75% of the diameter of said vacuum conduit.
11. The system of claim 10 where said flow restriction means is an orifice member.
12. The system of claim 10 where said flow restriction means is a porous member.
13. The system of claim 10 where said flow restriction means is a control means including a plurality of orifice members, and means positioned outside said vacuum line for selecting which orifice member is placed across said vacuum line.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US56698775A | 1975-04-10 | 1975-04-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1069409A true CA1069409A (en) | 1980-01-08 |
Family
ID=24265291
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA249,937A Expired CA1069409A (en) | 1975-04-10 | 1976-04-09 | Fluid collection system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1069409A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4396386A (en) * | 1981-05-07 | 1983-08-02 | Bioresearch Inc. | Surgical drainage apparatus with suction control and indication |
| US4650477A (en) * | 1982-10-15 | 1987-03-17 | Sorenson Research Co. Inc. | Suction drainage apparatus |
-
1976
- 1976-04-09 CA CA249,937A patent/CA1069409A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4396386A (en) * | 1981-05-07 | 1983-08-02 | Bioresearch Inc. | Surgical drainage apparatus with suction control and indication |
| US4650477A (en) * | 1982-10-15 | 1987-03-17 | Sorenson Research Co. Inc. | Suction drainage apparatus |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4191204A (en) | Pressure responsive fluid collection system | |
| JP3980058B2 (en) | A container that combines a pump and a platen | |
| US6071095A (en) | Container with integral pump platen | |
| US6254581B1 (en) | Pleural cavity drainage device | |
| MY132402A (en) | Inhalation device | |
| US4304578A (en) | Water separator for a gas analyzer | |
| GB2239675A (en) | Pump for pumping liquid | |
| JP6215421B2 (en) | Portable vacuum equipment | |
| US3982539A (en) | Medical/surgical suction equipment | |
| GB2000685A (en) | Vented filter assembly | |
| EP1108440A3 (en) | High frequency oscillator ventilator | |
| AU601949B2 (en) | A catheter | |
| US20040193100A1 (en) | Drain assembly with a piercing member for removing liquid from a gas directing tube | |
| ES2020832A6 (en) | Automatic relief valve | |
| GB1536184A (en) | Method and device for mixing anti-coagulant with aspirated blood | |
| EP0911045A3 (en) | Medical dye delivery system | |
| US20040193101A1 (en) | Drain assembly for removing liquid from a gas directing tube | |
| US3537455A (en) | Drainage apparatus | |
| CA1069409A (en) | Fluid collection system | |
| EP0659948A3 (en) | Air pressure driven vacuum sewer system. | |
| EP1055432A3 (en) | Medical dye delivery system | |
| US5890516A (en) | Stomach suction pump connector valve | |
| CA2008924A1 (en) | Integrated soft shell reservoir | |
| US4538620A (en) | Inhalation valve | |
| EP1418406A3 (en) | Device for the measurement and/or the volumetric control of a fluid |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |