CA1109747A - Chest drainage collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed is a chest drainage collection system including a manifold to which a suction control container, a water seal container, and one or more collection containers are releasably secured. The manifold includes a first passage communicating between the suction control and water seal containers and a second passage communicating between the water seal and collection containers. The system includes a suction control apparatus including means for reducing the loss of liquid in the suction control container due to entrainment in air and means for attenuating noise in the suction control container. A flexible plastic sleeve is provided for transmit-ting atmospheric air into an air chamber above the liquid in the suction control container without contact with the liquid in that container during the transmission.

Description

7~7 The present invention relates to a drainage collection system and particularly relates to a novel ancd improved closed drainage system for the pleural cavity.
. Systems for draining gases and fluids from a patient's pleural cavity are currently used routinely. Probably the oldest, mos-t commonly used and simplest drainage system, yet not devoid of difficulties and disadvantages as explained below, is the classic three-bottle closed drainage system. In that system, a suction control bo-tt]e, a water seal bottle, and a collection bottle are interconnected by tubes extending through stoppers in the bottle openings. A vacuum source is connected through the stopper of either the suction control bottle or the water seal bottle to rnaintain a negative pressure within the system. The sucti.on control bottle carries a tube which extends a specified distance below the levelof water in the suction control bottle.
The depth of the tube in the suction control bottle controls the suction or negative pressure obtained in the system and in the pleural cavity. That is, the negative pressure in the system is a ¦
functionof the head of water in the suction control bottle above the lower end of the suction control tube. In this classic three-bottle system, a tube from the collection bottle is connected Witil the patient's plcural cavity. ~lso, the lower end of the tube interconnecting the water seal bottle and the collection bottle . extends slightly below the level of the water in the water seal bottle to form a water seal between the collection bottle and p].eura]. cavity on one hand and the suction control bottle and vacuum source on the other hand.
When this system obtains a neyative pressure exceeding ¦ the desired suction pressure, i.e. a higher vacuum, atmospheric air flows through the suction control tube and bubbles through the suction control water into the air space above the water in ..

the suction control bottle to maintain the desired vacuum level in the system. As evident, this classical system is readily understood because its operation involves simple physical relationships easily observed du.ing operation. Many difficulties and disadvantages, however, occur in using the classic three-bottle system. For example, there is the constant danger of breaking the bottles. Also, the bubbling of air through the water in the suction control bot~le is noisy and frequently disturbing to the patient. Further, there are no safeguards to prevent high positive or negative pressures in the system or to eliminate or minimize the danger of loss of suction control through evaporation or entrainment of suction control water in the air bubbled through the water in the suc~ion control bottle.Also, there is nothing in this classic three-bottle system to prevent high negative pressure in the collection bottle and the pleural cavity from causing loss of water in the water seal bottle and consequent loss of the water seal.
~ore current closed drainage systems have improved the safety and handling characteristics of the classic three-bottle system. However, concurrently with improved safety and handling, these current designs also increase the difficulty of understandiny the operation of the system. That is, these systems provide apparatus which appears foreign or unrelated to the classic three-bottle system with the result that the technician or user of such current designs misconceives them as totally new concepts and pieces of equipment. This frequently frustrates proper use of the new equipment and leads to its abuse with possible serious consequences to the patient.

~,i - 2 -79~7 The present invention represents a significant advance over the suction control apparatus used in the tradi- -tional prior art three-bottle drainage systems. While the principle by which the two systems operate, as a whole, is basically the same, the invention has provided a totally new suction control apparatus structure which achieves significantly improved results. Specifically, the prior art three~hottle drainage system utilized a suction control apparatus in which air was allowed to bubble through the liquid in the suction control bottle in order to relieve high negative pressure with-in the system. In such an apparatus, suction control liquid is lost due to entrainment of the liquid in the air passing through the liquid. This results in a danger of loss of suction control and a need to frequently refill the suction control bottle with liquid.
By contrast, the present invention provides a novel suction control apparatus including means for reducing the loss of liquid in the suction control container due to air entrain-ment. This apparatus significantly reduces the loss of liquid due to air entrainment and correspondingly reduces the risks of danger due to loss of suction control. In addition, the present invention also includes means for attentuating noise in the suction control apparatus. This noise is caused by the bubbling of air in previous systems. The present invention allows for quiet operation of a chest drainage system, while providing safe efficient suction control. Also, visual evi~
dence of system operation may be provided by the fluttering of a flexible sleeve in the preferred form of the invention.
The invention therefore in one aspect provides a suction control apparatus comprising; a suction control con-tainer adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of liquid thereby defining an air chamber above the level of liquid therein, said air chamber being in fluid communication with a vacuum source; and a passage for communicating atmospheric air external to said apparatus into said suction control con-tainer to a location below the level of liquid in said con-tainer, said atmospheric air flowing from said location into said air chamber for controlling the negative pressure of said vacuum source; said passage including means for reducing the loss of liquid from said suction control container due to liquid entrainment in the air flowing through the container and for attenuating noise in said suction control apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the invention said means for reducing the loss of liquid and for attenuating noise includes a tube extending into said suction control con-tainer to a point below the level of liquid in said container, the upper end of said tube being in communication with atmos-pheric air external to said apparatus; means for confining a portion of said liquid for transmitting said atmospheric air from the lower end of said tube into said air chamber through said confined portion of said liquid; and means for returning liquid entrained by said transmitted atmospheric air to the liquid in said suction control container.
According to a further aspect of the invention said means for reducing the 105s of liquid and for attenuating noise in said suction control, apparatus includes an air inlet in said suction control container at a predetermined distance below the level of liquid in said container; and a flexible sleeve open at opposite ends, having one end in communication with said inlet and the opposite end extending above the level of liquid in said container for transmitting atmospheric air from said inlet into the air chamber without contact with the liquid in the suction control container during said transmis-sion of air.

Aeeording to a still further aspect of the invention said means for reducing the loss of liq~id and for attenuating noise in said suction control apparatus includes a tube extending into said suction control container to a point below the lavel of liquid in said suction control container, and means for trans-mitting atmospheric air from said lower tube end directly into said air chamber without contaet with the li~id in the suetion control container during said transmission of air.

Aeeording to a still further aspeet of the invention said apparatus also ineludes an alternative passage for eommunieating atmospherie air external to said apparatus into said suetion eontrol eontainer for egress tnerein at a location below the level of liquid within said suction eontrol eontainer for bubbling through the liquid into said air chamber, and means for seleetively bloeking one of said passages for communieating atmospherie air into said air chamber through either of said passages.

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IN THE DRAWINGS:
_ _ FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a drainage collection system constructed in accordance with the present invention;
l FIGURE 2 is a top plan view thereof;
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken generally about on line 3~3 in Figure 2;
FIGI]RE 4 is a top plan view of a manifold with its cover removed and which manifold forms part of the drainage collection s~stem illustrated in Figure l;
FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of the manifold i].]ustrated in Figure ~;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the drainage collection system taken generally about on line 6-6 in Figure l;
FIG[]RE 7 is a cross-sectional view of a suction control container forming part of the drainage collection system hereof taken generally about on line 7-7 in Figure 3;
FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the suction control container taken generally about on line 8-8 in Figure 2;
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the underside of an adapter for use with the suction control container and taken generally about on line 9-9 in Fiqure 8;
FIGURES 10 and 11 are views similar to Figures 1 and

2 respectively i].lustrating a gravity drainage sys-tem according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 12 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of a device for preventing entrainment of liquid in the l suction control container during ingress of air in accordance 74~
'' I
with a further embodiment, of the present invention;
FIGURES 14 and 1~ are perspective view,s ~ ,ective i diffe,rent embodiments of the device illustrated in Figur,e~ ~3 FIGURE 16 ls a vertical cross-sectional view of a still further form of a suction control container constructed in accordance with the present invention;
¦ FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken ¦ generally about on line 17-17 in Figure 16;
¦ FIGURE 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a further form of drainage collection system constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 19 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sec'tional view illustrating the upper end of,the suction control container of the drainaye collection system illustrated in Figure 18;
FIGURE 20 is a vertical fragmentary cross-sectional vie~ illustrating a valve structure to prevent positive pressure in the system;
FIGURE 21 is a view similar to Figure 20 illustrating à .
further form of valve for preventing positive pressure in the 20 ¦ system;
FIGURES 22 and 23 are vertical cross-sectional views illustrating the lower ends of the water seal tube and suction control tube respectively and valves associated therewith;
. FIGURE 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a suction control container constructed in accordance with a still further form of the present invention;
FIGURE 25 is a view similar to Figure 24 illustrating a still further embodiment of a suction control chamber construct in acoordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken ~ gene: lly about on line 26-2~ in ~igure 25 ., ~ 7~7 FIGURE 27 is a fragmentary perspective view with parts broken out and in cross-section of a further form of suction control container constructed in accordance with the l present invention;
5 ¦ FIGURE 28 is a view similar to Figure 27 illustrating a combination water seal and suction control container;
FIGURE 29 is a view similar to Figure 28 illustrating a still further form of a combina-tion water seal and suction .
control container constructed in accordance with the present 1 invention;
FIGUP~S 30 and 31 are cross-sectional views thereof taken generally about on lines 30-30 and 31-31, respectively in Figure 29;
¦ FIGURE 32 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional I view of a suction control container constructed in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURFS 33-36 are views similar to Figure 32 illustrating rèspective further embodiments of suction control containers construc-ted in accordance with the present invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention as well as to various embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now -to Figures 1-9 which illus-trate a preferrecl embodiment of the present invention, and particularly to Figures 1-3, there is illustratcd a drainage collection system constructed in accordance with the present invention including a manifold, generally designa-ted M, and a plurality of longitudinal]y spaced and aligned containers, yenerally designated C, releasably coupled in a manner set forth below to l the underside of manifold M. Containers C include a suction , ' control aontainer 12, a seal container 14, sometimes herein-after referred to as a water seal container, and one or more collection containers 16. Each container C is generally cylindrical in shape having an open upper end terminating in -a neck 18 which is externally threaded at 20 (Figure 3), a closed lower end or bottom, and side walls which are recessed at 22 adjacent the container bottom to reinforce the container.
The cross-sectional shape of the containers could be other than cylindrical, for example containers having square cross sections could be used to minimize space requirements for a given capacity unit. The containers C are preferably formed of a clear plastic material such as Lexan (trade mark) or an equivalent polycarbonate resin, to minimize breakage and weight.
The containers C could, however, be formed of glass or other material if desired.
While the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 wherein the containers are longitudinally aligned in spaced relation one to the other along manifold M is preferred, it will be appreciated that containers C and consequently manifold M
could be arranged otherwise, such as in a square construction provided the interconnections between the containers within the manifold and their connection externally of the device through manifold M, all as set forth below, are maintained in accordance with the function of the individual containers.
Also, while the embodiment of Figures 1-9 utilizes five con-tainers, three of which comprise collection containers 16, it will be appreciated that a fewer or larger number of collection containers could be utilized in lieu of the three collection containers illustrated. Further, where combination water seal and suction control containers are utilized, as hereinafter described in detail, one or more collection X

chambers could be utilized in conjunction therewith.
Manifold M is preferably formed of two parts includ-ing a header 24 and a cover 56. As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 the under or lower side of header 24 is pro-vided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced and aligned stations to which - 9a -the varlous c~ntalners C are preferably releasa~ secured.
j Particularly, manifold M carries at each station a depending ¦ internally threaded, circular, flange 32. Consequently, it will I be appreciated that containers C are releasably secured to ~I manifold M at the various stations by threading the container ¦necks 18 to depending flanges 32. An annular seal 34 is disposed ¦between the upper end of each container and manifold M before such securement to ensure sealing engagement between each . container and manifold M.
I Inwardly of each manifold flange 32, there is provided p~t~ r\~
~, la recess. More p~t,~-~lally/l recesses 26 and 28 formed adjacent the right-hand end of manifold M inwardly on flanges 32 as illustrated in Figure 3 lie in communication with suction control container 12 and water seal container 14 respectively when such containers are secured to manifold M. Similarly, recesses 30, spaced along the central and left-hand end portion of manifold M in Figure 3, lie in communication with respective collection chambers 16 when the latter are secured to manifold M.
Il Manifold M also contains a plurality of internal 20 ¦¦ passage.s communicating between the recesses. Particularly, 'manifold M includes a first passaqe 36 which communicates between the recesses 26 and 28 lying in communication with suction control container 12 and water seal container 1~, respectively, when coupled to manifold M. A second passage 38 provides communication between the central collec-tion chamber 16 and the water seal container 14 when secured to manifold M.
Particul.arly, maniold ~ has a nipple 40 which depends into recess ¦28 and which nipple 40 has a bore 42 in communication with passages 38. A rigid sleeve ~4 is secured to and depends from ~0 nipple 40 which, a-t its lower end, terminates short of the . .

Q7~7 ¦ bottom of water seal container 14 for reasons discussed 7 ~ I hereinafter. A wall portion A~prevents direct intercommunication between passages 36 and 38. Additional passages 46 and 48 are provided in manifold M providing for communication serially between collection containers 16.
As best illustrated in Figure 3, one end of manifold M has an upstanding nipple 50 to which is suitably attached a pair of concentric tubes 52 and 54. Tube 52 is utilized to l secure the tube 54 to nipple 50. Inner tube 54 extends within j nipple 50 in communication with the first of the serially connected collection containers 16. The opposite end of tube 54 is adapted for connection with the p]eural cavity to be evacuated.
~'he passayes 38, 46 and 48 open through the upper side of header 24 through an elongated slot 53 while passage 36 opens through the upper side of header 24 through a slot 55. A
cover 56 overlies both slots 53 and 55 to close such passages and is suitably secured to header 24. Suction control container 12, water seal container 14, and collection containers 16 are thus in communication serially one wi-th the other through such passages.
Turning now to Figures 3 and 8, header 24 is provided with a depending nipple 60 to which a tube 62 is rigidly secured. The upper end of tube 62 is provided with an adaptor 64. Adaptor 64 has la-teral passages 66 (Figures 8, 9)which, wllen suitab]y seated on the upper end of tube 62, enable the passage in tube 62 to communicatc Erecly with thc atmosphcre. Also provided through header 24 is an opening 68 which is normally closed by a plug 70. Plug 70 is carried on a tab 72, an end of which is ro-tatably coupled to the upper end of tube 62. Opening 68 is provided to enable suction control container 12 to be l"'~

:

filled to the appropriate liquid level as discussed hereinafter.
Manifold M is provided with an opening 74 in communi-cation with water seal container 14 when secured to manifold M.
Opening 74 can be utilized to fill the water seal container 14 to the appropriate level as discussed hereinafter. A tube 76 is receivable within opening 74 when the apparatus is in use and connects with a source of suction, for example a vacuum pump, not shown. Manifold M is also provided with a pair of openings 78 adjacent its opposite ends and along one side of header 24 for receiving hangers 80 (Figure 6) whereby the apparatus can be suitably hung from a support when in use. It will be appre-ciated from a review of Figures 1 and 2 that suitable indicia are provided on cover 56 and containers C containing instruc-tions for use and that ancillary instructional material is not necessary.
Referring again to Figures 3 and 8, a pouch or flexible sleeve 82 is attached at suitable points of contact to the tube 62. Sleeve 82 is formed preferably of a flexible material, such as Tuftane (trade mark), a urethane film, 2 mil thick type TF-310 manufactured by B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company, 299 Market Street, Saddlebrook, New Jersey. Sleeve 82 is preferably heat sealed along its sides and bottom 84 and 86, respectively, the top 88 being left open. Disposed in the lower end of tube 62 is a stand-off or inverted T-shaped member 90. The stem 92 of stand-off 90 is inserted into the lower end of tube 62 while the lat-eral extremities of the stand-off 90 extend beyond the diameter of tube 62. When sleeve 82 is disposed about tube 62, stand-off 90 prevents the lower portion of sleeve 82 from sealing about the lower end of tube 62. Sleeve 82 may be suitably attached along lines of contact to tube 62 for example by a suitable adhesive~

X
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In use, the apparatus may be provided with containers C secured to manifold M. If they are not, the containers , - 12a -are labelled and may be readily threadedly secured to the appropriate flanyes of the manifold as indicated by the indicia on the manifold (Figure 1). Water for the water seal bottle is ,~ provided~water seal container 14 through opening 74 to the level indica-ted on the side of container 14 (see Figure 1). This level is above the lower end of tube 44 thus affording a water seal between the air chamber or space above the water in container 14 and the collection containers 16. The conduit 76 is then inserted into filler opening 74 and attached to a vacuum pump,not l shown. Plug 70 is removed and water is additionally suppliedA
suction control container 12 through filler opening 68 to the desired level dependent upon the suction required. Suitable ind.icia is provided along the height of the suction control l container and the desired suction in the system can be ¦ established by filling container 12 to the appropriate level.
Once filled, plug 70 is reinserted into opening 68 to seal the system. Fluids other than water may be used in either container 12 or ].4 but water is preferred due to i-ts ready availability.
It will be appreciated that with tube ~ coupled to 7/
the cavity to be drained, i.e. a patient's pleural cavity, and tube 76 coupled to a suction or vacuum pump, not shown, suction pressure is provided in each contalner C through the serially connected passages 36, 38, 46 and 48, respectively, and to the cavity to be drained. When a negative pressure develops within the container 12 which exceeds the height of the water column between the lower end of tube 62 and the water level in suction control container 12, i.e. the water head above the lower end of tube 62, atmospheric air is admitted through passages 66 in adaptor 64, tube 62 and into sleeve 82. The air entering the lower end of sleeve 82 through tube 62 rises within sleeve 82 out of contact with the water in suction control container 12 and l ~.~
l .. ~ . .

7~7 exits into the air space or chamber above the water level in suction container 12. When the negative pressure in container 12 is equal to or decreases below the desirPd negative pressure, flexible sleeve 82 collapses and seals about tubing 62 to main-tain the vacuum level in the system at the desired negative pressure. Thus, air flowing into the suction control container cannot entrain any liquid particles or vapor during its passage into the suction control container since it does not contact the suction control water during such passage. Accordingly, the level of suction control water in the suction control con-tainer is maintained without loss due to air entrainment and the suction in the system is not therefore subject to variation by reason of any water loss whereby greater accuracy in con-trolling the suction applied to the cavity is achieved and maintained over extended periods of time.
Preferably, sleeve 82 is formed of thin highly flex-ible material which offers negligible resistance to collapse about sleeve 62 due to liquid pressure acting on it. With this type of material, sleeve 82 will seal about the tube until the vacuum in the system exceeds a negative pressure equivalent to the height of the liquid column defined between the lower end of suction control tube 62 and the liquid level in container 12, i.e. the water or fluid head above the lower end of suction control tube 62. Moreover, when the atmospheric air flows up sleeve 82, it causes sleeve 82 to flutter thereby affording visual evidence that the suction control system is working properly, and, in accordance with the present invention, with-out the danger of loss of suction control water as normally occurs by entrainment and evaporation in the prior class three-bottle drainage and other systems.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is illus-trated a vacuum or gravity drainage system utilizing the principles ~f the present invention. This embodiment of the present in-vention is similar in many respects to the embodiment illus-trated inFigures 1-9 and parts therein similar or identical in structure and/or function to parts in the embodiment of Figures 1-9 bear like reference characters followed by the suffix a.
In Figures 10 and 11, the system constitutes a vacuum or gra-vity drainage system without a suction control container. Thus, the manifold Ma is formed similarly as the manifold M of the prior embodiment with the exception that the left-hand end of manifold Ma is closed and does not contain passages for use with a suction control container. In this form, however, a vent 61 is provided in manifold Ma in communication with the air chamber above the water level in the water seal container 14a. Vent 61 is preferably also provided with a filter such as cotton to prevent air borne contaminants from getting into the system when used for gravity drainage. Alternately, a flap or flutter valve can be used for this purpose. Vent 61 may be coupled to a vacuum source for vacuum drainage collec-tion.
In use, this drainage system of Figures 10-11 func-tions similarly as the drainage collection system of the embod-iment illustrated in Figures 1-9 except that external suction may or may not be applied. That is, the water seal container is filled to the appropriate level of the lower end of the water seal tube 44a and vent 61 is opened, if previously capped. The tube 52a is coupled to the patient's pleural cavity and fluids and gases flow thereErom by gravity or suction into the collec-tion containers 16a.
Various further embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 12-36. These illustrations are schematic in nature. However, it will be appreciated that the various passages which interconnect the three types of con-.j ~ .
~ .

tainers are preferably formed integrally with the manifold as in the embodiment hereof illustrated in Figuresl-9, although ~:
discrete tubing interconnecting these containers and the system externally lD

- 15a -, . . ' ~ ~

of the manifold, is sometimes illustrated and described and can ¦ be utilized. Also, like parts in function and/or structure as in the embodiment of Figures 1-9 are designated with like reference numerals followed by the letters a', b-v in the respective emhodiments of Figures 12-36.
¦I Referring now to Figure 12, there is schematically illustrated a drainage collection system having an anti-high -negative pressure valve for preventing loss of the water seal.
As will be appreciated, if the patient develops a high negative pressure within his pleural cavity or a high neyative pressure ¦l is developed due to transient over-evacuation of the system by improper vacuum source setting or partial occlusion of the inter-¦ connecting passages and tubes, the water in the water seal ¦ chamber, unless prevented, may rise rapidly in water seal tube ¦ 44a and be siphoned into the liquid collection chambers 16a'.
This would cause loss of the water seal both during and after the period of high negative pressure. To prevent loss of water seal, a check valve 100 is placed in the passage communicatiny between the water seal container 14 and suction control container 12. This check valve is illustrated at 100 in Figure 12 in the passage 36a' interconnecting suction control container 12a' and the water seal container 14a. Check valve 100 may compris any suitable type permitting flow in a direction from water seal container 14a' to suction control container 12a' but preventing backflow from the latter to the former in the event of high negative pressure in the plcural cavity. The water within water seal tube 4~a' will rise and fall to some extent notwith-standing check valve 100 but will rise insufficiently to permit transfer of water from water seal container 14a' to collection chambers 16a'.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate variations of the pouch or flexible sleeve shown at 82 in the embodiment of .`~? _ ~

7~7 ¦ Figures 1-9 hereof. Particularly, in Figure 13, suction control ~! tube 62b terminates at its lower end in a bevelled edge 110.
¦ The pouch or f]exible sleeve 82b may be secured to the suction ¦ control tube 62b at the top of sleeve 82b by tape 112. Alternate ¦ forms of attachment of the sleeve 82b to tube 62b may be provided. For example, the tape 112 could be replaced by a tab I with a hole formed through the tab for receiving the sleeve.
¦l Alternately, a hole can be provided in the sleeve wall near its Il upper open en~ for receiving the suction control tube. In both ¦I cases, an interference fit could be provided.
ll When the pressure in the system is equal to or less ~
than the desired negative pressure, sleeve 82b collapses and seals¦
about tube 62. When the negative pressure exceeds the water head, ~ the atmospheric air enters tube 62b and rises within the sleeve I 82b to the top of the suction control chamber. This rising air 1 flutters the sleeve 82b and thus gives visual indication that the ¦ system is working properly.
!¦ In Figure 14, sleeve 82c may be formed similarly as ¦¦ the sleeve 82 illustrated in Figure 3. Additionally, however, ¦I two distinct passages 114 and 116 are formed. Preferably, opposite walls of sleeve 82c are heat sealed one to the other at 118 intermediate the sides of the sleeve which are heat sealed one to the other at 84c. This intermediate heat seal 118 extends ~bl~ l¦ close to ~but is spaced from~the bottom heat seal 86c thereby j forming a passageway 115 between passages 114 and 116. The ¦¦ passage 114 is formed to receive suction control tube 62c such I¦ that the lower encl of tube 62c terminates short of the bottom ¦¦ 86c of sleeve 82c. Thus, passage 116 communicates with the lower end of suction control tube 62c through passageway 115 ¦ between in-termediate seal 118 and bottom seal 86c. Sleeve 82c may be connected to suction control tube 62c by interference fit Il ~D _,,~9f_ 1, ~74~7 ¦¦ although any other suitable connection could be utilized. Also, ¦ sleeve 82c may be readily formed simply by sealing two flat pieces of thin wall plastic film together along their outer side edges and bottom and also intermediate the side heat seals as illustrated in Figure 14.
In operating a drainage collection system using sleeve ¦ 82c, the water pressure seals the walls of the passage 116 to one another for pressures within the system equal to or less than the desired negative pressure. When the system pressure obtains a negative pressure greater than the desired negative pressure, the air entering tube 62c passes into and upwardly through passage 116 into the top of the suction control container. As in the prior embodiment, this passage of air does not trap or entrain water. It does, however, flutter the sleeve 82c to give visual indication of proper system operation.
Figure 15 illustrates another embodiment o the pouch 82 constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this rorm two flat pieces of thin wall plastic film are heat sealed one to~
the other along their opposite margins at 84d and along the bottom at ~6c. ~clditionally, the opposite sides of the sleeve 82d are heat sealed along two vertically extending laterally spaced lines indicated 120 to define a central passage 122 flanked by passages 12~. The intermediate heat seals 120 are spaced from the bottom seal 86 ancd thus define passageways 115d which communicate between the suction control tube 62d receivable within central passage 122 and the flanking passages 124. This embodiment functions similarly as the sleeve 82c of Figure 14 except that instead of one passage there are two passages 122 and 124 for transmitting atmospheric air to the top of the suction control container and providing visual indication of proper system operation.
Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in ~lhich the user has the option of ~ . ~

controlling suction quietly with visual indication of proper Il system operation or controlling the suction by bubbling air ¦~ through water thereby providing both visual and audible indicatio ¦ of proper system operation. In this form, the manifold Me is S , provided with a suction control tube 62e, a filler opening 1 68e and plug 70e closing filling opening 68e, a passage 26e ¦¦ communicating with the water seal container, not shown, and a ¦¦ pouch or flexible sleeve 82e similarly as in the embodiment Il illustrated in Figures 1-9. In this form, however, manifold Me ~1 is also provided with another opening 124 in which is received ¦ a second suction control -tube 126. Both tubes 62e and 126 extend into the suction control container 12e such that their lower ends terminate at like elevations.
l If it is desired to avoid water entrainment, and loss of suction control water, as well as to provide for quiet opera-tion with only visual indication of proper system operation, tube 126 is stoppered by suitable cap or plug, not shown, and the operation of the device proceeds as previously described.
Visual indication of proper system operation is provided by the fluttering action of the sleeve 82e upon upward passage of air therethrough as previously discussed. If bo-th visual and audible indication of proper system operation is desired, tube 62e is capped and tube 126 left open to the atmosphere. Atmos-pheric air will bubble through -the water within suction control container 12e similarly as in the classic three-bottle system.
Thus, the patient is given both audible and visual assurance that the system is functioning properly by the bubbling noise and through visual observation of the bubbles.
Referring now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, there is illustrated another form of ~ drai~ac~ collection system for lnhibiting suction control water ... ,'.': ~ ~c~~
' ' loss as well as water seal water loss. Particularly, there is illustrated a drainage system comprised of a manifold Mf having , hermetically sealed thereto a plurality of collection containers 16f, a water seal container 14f and a suction control container 1 12f. Passage 130 along the underside of manifoldMf provides for free communication between collection chambers 16f while a I passage 132 provides communication between suction control ¦ container 12f and water seal container 14f. ~ conduit 134 ¦ communicates with passage 132 and is coupled to a source of ,¦ suction, not shown.
Within the suction control container 12f, there is provided a suctlon control tube 62f surrounded by a concentric ll sleeve 136 which is radially spaced from tube 62f to define an ¦ annular chamber 138 therewith. The lower end of tube 136 is ¦ provided with openings 140 whereby the suction control water external to tube 136 is in free communication with annular chamber 138. ~s in the previous embodiments, suction control tube 62f termina-tes short of the bottom of the suction control , container 12f and the water head above the lower end of tube 62f ¦ determines the suction pressure applied to the system. ~t the upper end of the suction control container 12f, there is provided ;' a splash shield 142 including a f~ ~5 tvc~rllcal hood. The upper end of tube 136 has a plurality of openings 143 (Fiqure 19) whereby the air space in annular chamber 138 above the liquid level therein lies in free communication with the air space above the ]iquid level in suction control container 12f.
In water seal container 14f, there is provided a water seal tube 4~f including an upper section 144 in communication witll passage 130, a diametrically enlarged generally tubular intermediate section 146 and a diametrically ¦ reduc~d lower secbion 148 which terminates below the level of 7~7 water seal CGntainer 14f.
¦ The operation of the drainage collection system according to this embodiment is similar to the operation of I the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1-9 hereof except with I respect to the apparatus for preventing entrainment of water in the air in the suction control chamber and for preventing loss of water seal. Particularly, when the pressure within the system ¦ exceeds a predetermined negative pressure, atmospheric air ¦ entering suction control tube 62f bubbles upwardly in the I annular space 138. The annular space 138 thus confines the bubbles which impinge against the underside of the splash shield 142 Shield 142 directs the water entrained in the air bubbles ¦ downwardly outside the bubble confining tube 136 for return to I the water within suction control container 12f. In this manner, ~ water and vapor loss in the suction control container is minimized and, to a very significant extent, water lost throucJh e~trainmentwith the air bubbles is returned by use of the bubble.
j confining tube 136 and splash shield 142.
¦ The intermediate section 146 of water seal tube 44f in the water seal container 14f prevents loss of the water seal water by reflux of water into the collection chambers. For example, when the patient's pleural cavity develops a high negative pressure water could undesirably flow from the water seal container 14f through the water seal tube 44f into the collection chambers with ultimate loss of water and consequent loss of water seal in the water seal container 12f. The enlarged in-termediate section 146 prevents such water loss by providing an enlarged volwne into which the water in the water seal I container 14f may flow before flowing into the collection containers 16f. That is, in the event of high negative pressure ~ in the pleural cavity, water seal water flows into the enlarged _~_ ~: . ~ :
.' .

volume 146 until the lower end of the water seal tube is exposed jand the vacuum broken. Once this occurs, water in the enlaryed volume 146 flows back into water seal container 14f.
Il In Figure l9, there is provided a positive pressure ¦I relief valve 150 in communication with passage 132 and preferably ¦
formed of an elastomeric material overlying openings to the li atmosphere formed in the manifold wall. This positive pressure ¦Irelief valve opens in response to a predetermined positive pressur ¦I within the system and serves as a pressure relief for-such positiv~
1¦ pressures. For example, valve 150 may open under 1 to 2 inches of ¦
water pressure but remains closed for pressures less than that. ~¦
I This positive pressure relief may prevent lung collapse and loss ¦ of suction control water.
! Referring now to Figures 20, 21 and 22, there is ¦ illustrated various means for preventing development of a Il predetermined positive pressure in the system. This positive ¦¦ pressure could occur when air leakage into the patient's pleural~
¦¦ cavity exceeds pump capacity or when the patient coughs or when ~¦ the suction tubing to the vacuum source is partially or fully ¦l occluded. In Figure 20 there is illustrated an anti-positive I¦ pressure check valve 160 provided in the wall of water sea].
¦¦ container 14g. Valve 160 is preferably formed of a molded one Il piece elastomeric material. ~s in previous embodiments, water seal ¦¦ tube ~4g, a tube 80g for connection with the suction pump, not 11 shown, and a passage 36g for connection to the suction control Il container are provided through manifold ~Ig. Thus, pressure valve ¦¦ 160 opens when the pressure within water seal chamber l~g exceeds ¦ a predetermined positive pressure, for example, on the order of I 1-2 cms H2O. Backflow of atmospheric air through the valve into the water sea]. container is prevented. ~hile not illustrated, it I will be appreciated that this valve can be located in the header ~ 79~7 above the water seal in container 14g.
In Figure 21, there is illustrated a water seal container 14h which is secured to manifold Mh. Conduit 36h extendc ~ through manifold Mh providing communication between water seal S container l~h and the suction control container, not shown. Tube 80h is adapted for connection to the vacuum source, also not shown in this Figure. Water seal tube 44h includes a tube or conduit 170 in communication with the collection chambers and having one or more circumferentially spaced openings-l72 over which an elastomeric sleeve 174 is positioned. When pressures in excess of the predetermined positive pressure obtain in the collection containers, this pressure forces sleeve 174 to yield and become spaced from tube 170 to vent the containers and thereby prevent positlve pressures beyond a predetermined pressur~ .
1 To prevent loss of suction control water in suction control container 12, in the event of a predeter~ined positive pressure in the system, the lower end of suction control tube 62j ¦ may be bevelled and provided with a flap valve 180 (see Figure 22) .
I With negative pressure within the system, atmospheric air flows ¦ unrestricted past flap valve 180 and into the air chamber within ¦ the suction control container provided the negative pressure ¦ exceeds the height of the water column above the lower end of suction control tube 62j. If the system pressure becomes positive instead of negative, the flap 180 seals tube 62j preventing egress of water through the tube out of the suction control container. This avoids loss of suction control water and consequent loss of suction control. Flap valve 180 is preferably utilized in conjunction with the anti-positive pressure check valve illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 respectively I A bleed vent may be provided in flap 180 to enable ¦ siphoning of suction control water from the suction controlcontair c ~3 . .

1~ 37~ j This may be necessary in the event of changes in the patient's condition. This bleed vent is sufficiently small to preclude escape of suction control water up the suction control tube durin transient periods of positive pressure but sufficiently large S to enable siphoning from the suction control container.
It will be appreciated that high negative pressure in the collection containers and pleural cavity can also occur due to transient over-evacuation of the system by improper vacuum source settings or partial obstructions in the interconnecting passages. Water seal water could be lost by siphoning through the water seal tube into the collection containers. To avoid this and referring to Figure 23, there is provided an anti-high negative pressure check valve at the lower end of water seal tube 44k. The lower end of tube 44k is bevelled and a flap 190 having a small vent opening 192 is provided. Consequently, if the pressure in the collection containers and the patient's pleural cavity exceeds a predetermined negative pressure, valve 190 seals the opening in tube 44k, except for the bleed vent 192, preventing the water in the water seal container from being siphoned into the collection containers. It will be appreciated that other appropriate types of check valves, i.e. ball or flutter type check valves, affording substantially unrestricted ingress into the water seal container from the collection container and limited or no egress from the water seal container to the collection containers would be suitable.
Figure 24 illustrates a suction control container 12-1 having a check valve 200 located adjacent the lower end of the container at an eleva-tion corresponding to the elevation of the lower ends of the suction control tubes previously discussed. Chec]c valve 200 permits air to enter the container in response to system pressures in excess of the height of . _ ~_ '~ _ ¦ water above valve 200 but prevents the water from exiting the container. Thus, check valve 200 controls the system vacuum similarly as the suction control tube of the previous embodiments.
Container 12-1 is also provided with a downwardly projecting splash shield 202 adjacent the passage 26-1 communicating between the suction control air chamber and the water seal container, not shown in this Figure. The splash shield minimizes water loss due to entrainment or evaporation. This embodiment has I¦ the advantage that the suction control tube and flap type check ¦¦ valve, for example of the embodiment of Figure 22, can be replaced by a simple check valve. Also it facilitates adjustment of the water level which can be accomplished simply by forcing the check I valve open to permit drainage.
¦ In Figures 25 and 26, a still further form of suction ¦! control apparatus is illustrated. In this form, the rigid suction control tube 62 is replaced by an elbow fltting 210 formed in the side of the suction control container 12m. A flat flexible tube 212 extends upwardly from fitting 210 and terminates at an elevation above the level of liquid in suction control container ¦ 12m. The tube 212 may be suitably affixed to the interior wall of container 12m along its length or at its top, for example by an adhesive or a mechanical fixture. Tube 212 may be formed of a suitable rubber or flexible film material that is capable of sealing and opening under small pressure differentials on the ¦ or~er of .S -to 1 inches of 1-l2O.
¦ Flexible tube 212 lays flat and remains sealed as illustrated particularly in Figure 26 until the negative pressure in air chamber above the liquid level in the suction control I container exceeds the height of the water column to the fitting 210. At that time, atmospheric air is admitted through fittin~
210 and through flexible tube 212. As in the embodiment of Figures 1-9, -there is no air entrainment of water since there . I

ll ~J - ~_ is no air-water contact until the air flows into the air chamber above the liquid level in the suction control container.
Thus, loss of suction control water is minimized. Also, air l passing through tùbe 212 vibrates the wall of tube 212 providing I visual indication that the vacuum control system is operative and that the vacuum is at the correct predetermined level.
Referring now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in Figure 27, another form of suction control is disclosed. In this l form, spillage, air entrainment, and evaporation of suction control water is prevented. Particularly, suction control container 12n is attached to manifold ~n and lies in communicatio with the water seal container, not shown in this Figure, by a passage 26n. Disposed within container 12n is a flexible bag or container, the upper end of which receives and is suitably secured to a Eiller tube 222. Bag 220 may be hermetically sealed about tube 222 but may have a small apening 22~ above the level of the liquid within the bag.
At the lower end of container 12n, there is provided l an opening 226 providing communication into container 12n exteriorly of bag 220. It will be appreciated that bag 220 substantially fills container 12n such that when the negative pressure within the system is at or less than the predetermined negative pressure, the bag 220 and prcssure developed by the water therein seals opening 226 from the air chamber above bag 220 and within container 12n. When the pressure exceeds the predetermined negative pressure, atmosphcric air displaces the wall of the bag inwardly and pulsates upwardly between the bag ~o~ c~\ o~
and container walls for ~ ul~i~dtl~n with the air space above ba 220 within container 12n. A check valve may be provided in opening 226 if desired whereby air is permitted to enter container 12n but prevented from exiting therefrom.

~ ~ ----2~--!

.. . . .

Flexible bay 220 may be formed of a palr of opposed thin I flexible sheets heat sealed along their sides and bottom and ¦ gathered at the top about filler tube 222. Tube 222 is provided Il with a cap 228 which seals its upper end when the bag is 5 l¦ filled with the water to the desired level. Consequently, air ingresses into container 12n to control the suction in the system without entrainment or evaporation of water. Also, water from the suction control container cannot be spilled in the absence ~ of puncturing the bag 220.
¦ Referring now to Figure 28, there is illustrated another l form of suction control device for the drainage system hereof ¦~ whereby spillage, air entrainment andevaporation of suction Il control water is prevented. In this form, there lS provided ¦¦ a combination water seal and suction control container 230 15 ¦I connected to manifold Mp. In this form, container 230 ¦ communicates with a vacuum source through passage 232 in manifold Mp and collection containers, not shown in this Figure, through . ¦ passage 234. Container 230 is ~arLioncd~ y a wall 236 which is l inset at its upper and lower ends at 238 and 239 respectively, to ¦ provide for air and water communication between the chambers 240 and 242 Eormed by wall 236 and container 230. A flexible bag 220p contalning suction con-trol water, and constructed similarly as bag 220 of the previous cmbodiment, is disposed within chamber 242 on one side of partition 236. Bag 220p is closed at its upper end by a filler tube 222p and cap 228p. An opening 226p is provided through the wall of containcr 230 adjacent its lower end for communication with chamber 242 but which opening is sealed by hag 220p in like manner as discussed above with respect to I the embodiment of Figure 27. The opening is provided with a I check valve.

I _ ~_ D

7jr~7 ¦¦ ~ water seal tube 44p depends from manifold Mp and lies ¦ in communication with passage 234. The lower end of tube 44p ¦ extends below the water level within container 230 external to I water bag 220p.
¦ The operation of this form of the invention is believed I evident from the description of the opera-ti.on of the embodiments ¦ of Fiyures 1-9 and 27, the difference here being the consolidation of the water seal and suction control functions in l a single container secured to the manifold. It will be evident ~ that when the desired negative pressure within the system is exceeded, atmospheric air enters container 230 through opening 226p and passes upwardly between the walls of containers 230 and bag 220 into the space above bag 220p. The air then passes ln-to chamber 240 through the inset openings 238 in partition ~. It will be appreciated tha-t the compartments 2~0 and 242 may ~' be sea].ed at their lower ends with water for the water seal q/~
provided only in water seal compartment 240.

! Referriny now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in Fiyure 2~, there is illustrated a combined water seal and z~o~
suc-tion control con-tainer ~3 secured to the underside of a manifold Mq. Manifold Mq contains a passage 232q in communication with the container 230q and a vacuum source, a passage 234q communicatin~ with collec-tion containers, not shown in this ~ Figure, a dependiny water seal tube 44q) and an openiny 240 for receiviny a filler tube 222q.
Within con-tainer 230q, there is disposed a dual column air sleeve 242 formed preferably by heat sealing a pair of film sheets along their side and bottom margins 244 and 24~ respective .
The opposed films are also heat sealed one to the other along a vertical line indicated 248 intermediate side margins 244, this intermediate seal extending from the top of sleeve 242 to an ., ~
'.'. : . l elevation spaced above the bottom margin seal 246 whereby discrete air channels 250 and 252 are formed which lie in ~¦ communication one with the other at the bottom of the dual ¦ column air sleeve 242. Channel 250 is closed at its top by heat I sealing the top portion of the opposed films at 254. The top of the opposed films forming channel 252 are left open. A nipple 256 is provided through the wall of container 230q in communication with the upper end of channel 250 whereby air I may enter the dual column sleeve through nipple 255 pass I downwardly along channel 250 and then upwardly along channel 252 into the air space adjacent the top of container 230q.
A third film 258 is preferably similarly heat sealed along one side margin 244, intermediate seam 248, and bottom seam ¦ 246 to form a third channel or column 257. Column 257 receives ¦ water through filler tube 222q which is received within the top ¦i of column 257 between film 258 and the intermediate film forming ¦
the interior side of the air channel 252. The water received in column 257 is thus contained therein by the plastic film.
In use, container 230q is provided with a level of water just above the lower end of water seal tube 4~q. Passage 232q is also coupled to a vacuum source, not shown. Column 257 is filled with water to an appropriate level corresponding to the desired negative pressure required in the system. When the negative pressure in the system is equal to or less than the ~ predetermined negative pressure, the intermediate film forming the interior side of air channel 252, bears against the opposed film to seal air channel 252 under the pressure of the water in column 257 whereby air is prevented from entering the air chamber in container 230q through the dual column air sleeve 242. When the negative pressure in the system exceeds the desired negative pressure, the air pulsates upwardly from the bottom of air channel 253 between the plastic films into the ~ _ ~_ j ~! ~ ~

I ~ 7 air space above the water in container 230q. Thus the vacuum ¦ level in the system is maintained at a predetermined level. When ¦ the air pulsates upwardly through channel 252, the film ~ material undulates whereby a visual indication that the system is working properly is provided. As in the prior embodiment, spillage, air entrainment and evaporation of the suction control water is precluded.
Referring now to Figure 32, there is provided a suction control container 12r secured to a manifold Mr having a 10 ~ passage 232r in ~ with a vacuum source and a passage 36r in communication with a water seal container, not shown in ¦ this Figure. Manifold Mr also has an opening 240r for receiving a filler tube 222r in communication at its lower end with a dual air and water column sleeve 260. Sleeve 260 is formed by heat sealing three facing plastic films 262,264 and 266 along their side and bottom margins thereby defining a water column 268 ¦ between films 262 and 264 and an air column 270 between films 264 and 266. ~ir column 270 is open at lts top between walls 264 and 266. At the lower end of air column 270 there is provided a nipple 272 which extends through the side wall of container 12r.
In use, when the negative pressure within the system is equal to or less than the predetermined negative pressure, the intermediate film 264 under the force of the water pressure I within the water column 268 seals agairlst outer film 266 closing air column 270 wher~byair cannot enter the suction control container 12r by way of nipple 272. When the negative pressure within the system exceeds the desired negative pressure, air enters nipple 272 and pulsates upwardly through the air column 27 .
Thus, as in the prior embodiment, the air entering the system l . -,-3~-: I ~;

..

, 11 ~provides a visual indication that the system is working l¦properly by fluttering the plastic film 266.
¦¦ It will be appreciated that the container 12r llillustrated in Figure 32 may also comprise a combined water seal ¦~and suction control container similarly as in the embodiment ¦illustrated in Figures 29-31, the dual water and air column f Figure 32 being substituted for the dual column of Figures . ¦
29-31.
I¦. Referring now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in IlFigure 33, there i.s illustrated a further form of suction control I
container si.milar to the suction control container illustrated in ¦
Figure 27. In this form, a manifold Ms is provided having a passag~
l:26s in communication hetween a vacuum source not shown, and llsuction control container 12s secured to manifold ~Is. Manifold Ms lS llalso has a passage 36s in communication between a water seal ~¦container, not shown in this Figure, and -the suction control container 125. As in the embodiment of Figure 27, manifold Ms is provi~ed with opening for receiving a filler tube 222s about which l the uppcr end of a flexib~e bag 220s is secured, bag 220s being ¦ disposed ~ithin suction control container 12s. A flexible air sleeve 280 formed preferably by heat sealing a pair of thin plastic films ¦
¦!together along their side and top margins at 282 and 284 ¦respec-tively is disposed along -the insi.de wall of container 12s ~ etween it and bag 220s. Thc lower end or air sleeve 280 is open.
~l In operation, when the vacuum pressure within the ~¦system is cqu~l to or less than the desired negative pressure, the¦
¦¦water prcssure within bag 220s bears an(1 seals th~ opposi.te ~¦walls of the air column 280 against one another to prevent ¦lingress of air into the container 12s through nipple 286. When l¦the negative pressure in the system exceeds the desired negative ~pressure, atmospheric air flows into the air chamber definecl above jl , _ 3~_ 1 bag 220s through the nipple 286 and sleeve 280 and exits at the bottom of the sleeve to pulsate upwardly between the walls 12s and the container 220s into the air chamber above bag 220s. The arrangemen-t of this embodiment not only prevents spillage, air entrainment and evaporation of suction control water but enables continued operation even in the event bag 220s ispunctured or breaks.
Referring now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in ~igure 34, -there is illustrated a suction control container 12t secured to a manifold ~t having a passage 232t in communica-tion between a vacuum source and suction control container 12t. Manifold Mt also has a passage 36t in communication between a water seal container,not shown in this Figure and suction control container 12t. Manifold Mt also has an opening 240t for receiving a filler tube 222t for filling the suction control container 12t to the appropriate level.
A dual air column sleeve 290 is provided in suction control container 12t. The dual air column sleeve 290 is preferably formed by heat sealing a pair of plastic, thin film, sheets along their side and bottom margins at 292 and 294 respectively. The opposed films are also heat sealed one to the other along a vertical line indicated 296, in-termediate side margins 292. This intermediate seal extends from the top of sleeve 290 to an elevation spaced slightly above the bottom margin seal 294 whereby discrete air channels 298 and 300 are formed and which channels lie in communication one with the other at the bottom of ¦
the dual column air sleeve 290. Channel 293 is closed a-t its top by heat sealing the upper margin of the opposed films at 302.
The top of the opposed films forming channel 300 are left open.
A nipple 304 is provided through the wall of con-tainer 12-t in communication with the upper end of channel 298 whereby air may enter the dual column sleeve through nipple 304, pass downwardly ~.; _~_ ' ..

¦1 along channel 298, and then upwardly along channel 300 into the ¦ air space above the water level in suction control container 12t.
¦ When negative pressure in the system is equal to or I less than the predetermined negative pressure, the water pressure I within container 12t forces the opposite sides of the films forming the air channels 298 and 300 toward one another to seal the air channels defined therebetween whereby air is prevented from entering the air chamber in the suction control container ~l 12t. When the negative pressure in the system exceeds the desired 1l negatlve pressure, air enters nipple 304, passes downwardly ¦ along channel 298 and then upwardly along channel 300 into the space above the water in suction control container 12t. Thus, the vacuum level in the system is maintained at a predetermined level without spillage, air entrainment, or evaporation of the suction control water. The flexible dual column sleeve also un-clulates when air passes through it to provide a visual indication that the system is working properly.
¦ Referring now to Figure 35, there is illustrated ¦ another form of suction control container 12u secured to manifold Mu. Manifold Mu has a passage 232u in communication between a vacuum source and suction control container 12u. Manifo]d Mu also has passage 36u in communication between a water seal container, not shown in this Figure and suction control container 12u.
Manifold Mu also has an opening 240u for receiving a filler tube 222u, about the lower end of which is gathered and secured a flexible bag or container 220u Eor containing suction control water disposed therein to the desired level. ~ flexible air sleeve 280u, formed preferably by heat sealing a pair of thin l plastic films together along their side and bottom margins at 310 and 312 respectively, is disposed along the inside wall of ~¦ container 12u between it and bag 220u. The upper end of the air ~3 11~ 7 ¦ sleeve 280u is open and its bottom end lies in communication with a nipple 314 extending through the wall of suction control container 12u.
In operation, when the vacuum pressure within the system is equal to or less than the desired negative pressure, the water pressure within bag 220u bears against and seals the opposite walls of the air column 280u to one another to prevent ingress of air into container 12u through nipple 314. When the negative pressure in the system exceeds the desired negative p~essure, atmospheric air flows into the air chamber defined at the upper end of container 12u between it and bag 220 through the nipple 314 and the air column 280. ~s in previous forms, the air column may be adhesively secured to the wall of the container 12u if desired.
l This arrangement also prevents spillage, air entrainment and lS ¦ evaporation of suction control water and enables continued operation even in the event bag 220u is punctured or brea~s.
Referring now to the final embodiment disclosed in this`
application in Figure 36, there is illustra-ted a suction control container 12v carrying a container or bag 220v which is gathered and sealed about the lower end of filler tube 222v.
Filler tube 222v extends through an opening 240v formed in manifold Mt. Manifold Mv has a passage 232v in communication between a vacuum source, not shown, and suction control container 12v. Manifold Mv also has a passage 36v in communication between the water seal cont~ainer not shown in this Figure and the suction control container 12v. There is also provided a dual column air sleeve 290v which is similar in all respects to the dual column air sleeve 290 illustrated in Figure 34. Thus, the suction control container of this embodiment is, in effect, the dual column air sleeve disclosed in Figure 34 combined with the bag 222 disclosed in Figure 35.

~ , ' )9~

In operation, when the vacuum pressure within the system is equal to or less than the desired negative pressure, the water pressure within bag 220v bears against and seals the opposite walls of the dual column air sleeve 290v to one another . 5 to prevent ingress of air into the container 12v through nipple 304v. When the negative pressure in the system exceeds the desired negative pressure, the atmospheric air flows into the air chamber above bag 220v through nipple 304v, along channel l 298v and 300v. Visual indication of proper system operation is j provided by the fluttering action of the sleeve.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Il ~ I

Claims (10)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A suction control apparatus comprising: a suction control container adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of liquid thereby defining an air chamber above the level of liquid therein, said air chamber being in fluid communication with a vacuum source; and a passage for communicating atmospheric air external to said apparatus into said suction control container to a location below the level of liquid in said container, said atmospheric air flowing from said location into said air chamber for controlling the negative pressure of said vacuum source; said passage including means for reducing the loss of liquid from said suction control container due to liquid entrainment in the air flowing through the container and for attenuating noise in said suction control apparatus.

2. The suction control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for reducing the loss of liquid and for attenuating noise includes a tube extending into said suction control container to a point below the level of liquid in said container, the upper end of said tube being in communication with atmospheric air external to said apparatus; means for confining a portion of said liquid for transmitting said atmospheric air from the lower end of said tube into said air chamber through said confined portion of said liquid; and means for returning liquid entrained by said transmitted atmospheric air to the liquid in said suction control container.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for reducing the loss of liquid and for attenuating noise in said suction control, apparatus includes an air inlet in said suction control container at a predetermined distance below the level of liquid in said container; and a flexible sleeve open at opposite ends, having one end in communication with said inlet and the opposite end extending above the level of liquid in said container for transmitting atmospheric air from said inlet into the air chamber without contact with the liquid in the suction control container during said transmission of air.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for reducing the loss of liquid and for attenuating noise in said suction control apparatus includes a tube extending into said suction control container to a point below the level of liquid in said suction control container, and means for trans-mitting atmospheric air from said lower tube end directly into said air chamber without contact with the liquid in the suction control container during said transmission of air.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said transmitting means includes a sleeve lying in communication with said lower tube end and having an open end located in said air chamber.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sleeve is formed of a flexible material, said sleeve being responsive to a negative pressure within said suction control container equal to or less than a predetermined negative pressure to seal said passage and responsive to a negative pressure within said suction control container above said predetermined negative pressure for opening said passage.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said sleeve is elongated and envelops at least a portion of said tube, said sleeve being closed at its lower end for defining an air passageway from said lower tube end to said chamber.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 including means carried by said tube for spacing the closed lower end of said sleeve from said lower tube end.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus also includes an alternative passage for communicating atmospheric air external to said apparatus into said suction control container for egress therein at a location below the level of liquid within said suction control container for bubbling through the liquid into said air chamber, and means for selectively blocking one of said passages for communicating atmospheric air into said air chamber through either of said passages.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said alternative passage is defined by a second tube extending into said suction control container such that one end thereof lies at a like elevation in said suction control container as the one end of said first tube.