US20130144232A1 - Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods - Google Patents
Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130144232A1 US20130144232A1 US13/756,035 US201313756035A US2013144232A1 US 20130144232 A1 US20130144232 A1 US 20130144232A1 US 201313756035 A US201313756035 A US 201313756035A US 2013144232 A1 US2013144232 A1 US 2013144232A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collection
- piston
- fluid
- liquid
- cavity
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 0 CCC(C1)=C=*1NCC Chemical compound CCC(C1)=C=*1NCC 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A61M1/0001—
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
- A47L5/365—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the vertical type, e.g. tank or bucket type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0028—Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0038—Recovery tanks with means for emptying the tanks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0042—Gaskets; Sealing means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/1418—Impermeable dust collecting bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
- A61M1/602—Mechanical means for preventing flexible containers from collapsing when vacuum is applied inside, e.g. stents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
- A61M1/604—Bag or liner in a rigid container, with suction applied to both
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/73—Suction drainage systems comprising sensors or indicators for physical values
- A61M1/732—Visual indicating means for vacuum pressure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/74—Suction control
- A61M1/743—Suction control by changing the cross-section of the line, e.g. flow regulating valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/78—Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems
- A61M1/782—Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems using valves with freely moving parts, e.g. float valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/78—Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems
- A61M1/784—Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems by filtering, sterilising or disinfecting the exhaust air, e.g. swellable filter valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/79—Filters for solid matter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B13/00—Accessories or details of general applicability for machines or apparatus for cleaning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
- A61M1/63—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source with means for emptying the suction container, e.g. by interrupting suction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/75—General characteristics of the apparatus with filters
- A61M2205/7536—General characteristics of the apparatus with filters allowing gas passage, but preventing liquid passage, e.g. liquophobic, hydrophobic, water-repellent membranes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/08—Supports for equipment
- A61M2209/084—Supporting bases, stands for equipment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M27/00—Drainage appliance for wounds or the like, i.e. wound drains, implanted drains
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/85978—With pump
- Y10T137/86083—Vacuum pump
Definitions
- aspects of the present invention relate generally to fluid collection and disposal systems and related methods. More specifically, particular aspects relate to liquid collection and disposal systems that utilize flexible liners and related methods of use thereof.
- a typical suction canister is a temporary storage container that uses suction to create a negative pressure inside the canister to drain liquids or secretions from the patients' body.
- the canister containing the liquid waste is transported to a utility area to be disposed of as red-bag waste or to be emptied, cleaned, and disinfected for reuse.
- a new or cleaned canister is then brought into the operating room for a next medical procedure.
- This process can be labor intensive and time consuming. Furthermore, since this process is performed following every medical procedure, the frequency of the process may increase the clinicians' risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.
- various aspects of the invention may include providing a fluid collection system that utilizes disposable flexible liners to reduce the volume of medical wastes. Another aspect may include providing a lid for a fluid collection system that automatically connects to a suction source. Also, certain aspects of the invention may provide a waste disposal system, for use with the fluid collection system that may improve labor efficiency, safety, and convenience of the medical personnel participating in a medical procedure. In particular, the fluid collection systems and waste disposal systems in accordance with aspects of the present invention may provide a clean and convenient interface between the source of waste and the waste disposal station, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.
- a fluid collection container including a flexible liner; a lid attached to the flexible liner such that the lid and flexible liner define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween, the lid having: a first opening configured for communication with a first access port of a suction instrument through which the collection container receives fluid; a second opening configured for communication with a second access port of a suction source; a rupturable evacuation port for communication with a disposal station through which collected fluid is removed from the collection container; and a shelf formed on the surface of the lid facing the liner.
- the shelf may be located between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the shelf extends from a surface of the lid a sufficient distance to divert collected fluids away from the access port of the suction source.
- the shelf may be shaped to direct fluid entering the first opening toward the liner.
- the fluid collection container may further include a screen formed on the surface of the lid facing the liner surrounding the evacuation port, and the shelf may be further shaped to prevent the liner from collapsing against at least a portion of the screen during removal of the collected fluid.
- Aspects further include a mobile waste disposal system, including a mobile frame; a suction source; a first connector attached to the mobile frame configured to receive a water line; a second connector attached to the mobile frame configured to receive a waste depository line; and a third connector, attached to the mobile frame, configured to communicate the suction source with an opening in a lid of a collapsible fluid collection container, wherein the suction source is configured to evacuate contents of the collapsible fluid collection container into the waste depository line.
- the mobile disposal system may further include a backflow preventer connected between the first connector and the water line.
- aspects further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing having: a cavity; a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container; and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, wherein the piston assembly includes a main piston body and a scraper ring.
- the scraper ring may include a peripheral edge that extends above the main piston body and is configured to provide an interference fit with an interior surface of the cavity.
- the peripheral edge of the scraper ring may be configured to flex against the interior surface of the cavity.
- the peripheral edge of the scraper ring may extend from the main piston body to a height that enables the peripheral edge to conform to the interior surface of the cavity.
- the scraper ring may be attached to the main piston body such that the peripheral edge of the scraper ring maintains contact with the interior surface of the cavity when the main piston body is off center.
- the piston assembly may further include a support structure that supports the scraper ring.
- the support structure may include ribs formed in the scraper ring and/or ribs formed in the main piston body.
- the piston assembly may further include a valve assembly communicating between an area adjacent a first side of the piston and an area adjacent a second side of the piston, wherein the scraper ring includes a surface defining openings providing communication between an area between the first side of the piston and a first surface of the scraper ring and an area adjacent a second side of the scraper ring.
- the scraper ring may comprise an Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) material.
- the UHMW material may have a molecular weight of at least one million Daltons.
- the UHMW material may comprise UHMW polyethylene.
- the scraper ring may comprises a hydrophobic material.
- Aspects may further include a piston stop including a first opening in a cavity wall; a second opening in the cavity wall; and a channel connecting the first opening to the second opening, wherein the first opening is positioned above a desired piston stop height and the second opening is positioned below the desired piston stop height.
- the piston stop may further include a valve connected to the channel, wherein the valve has an open position to communicate a pressure differential through the channel between the first opening and the second opening and a closed position to prevent communication of a pressure differential between the first opening and the second opening.
- the piston stop may further include a third opening in the cavity wall, wherein the channel connects the second opening to the third opening, and wherein the location between the second opening and the third opening is different one of a plurality of desired piston stop positions.
- aspects may further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing having a cavity, a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container, and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity, wherein a portion of the filter comprises a hydrophobic material.
- the filter may comprise a material capable of filtering a gas.
- aspects may further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container having a collection port, and an opening configured to communicate a suction source with an interior of the disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing having a cavity, and a suction source connectable to the opening of the disposable collection container; and a suction instrument having a main body, a porous material attached to the main body, and tubing configured to connect to the collection port.
- the main body may a channel configured to communicate vacuum pressure from the suction source to the porous material, wherein the porous material is configured to draw fluid through the porous material into the disposable collection container.
- one exemplary aspect may provide a fluid collection system having a flexible liner.
- the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and the flexible liner attached to the lid.
- the liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening.
- the liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween.
- the lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid.
- the flexible liner may also be configured to collapse into a substantially collapsed state as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention, illustrating various components.
- FIGS. 2-4 are perspective views of a disposable liquid collection container in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention, illustrating various components.
- FIGS. 6-11 are perspective views of a lid for a disposable liquid collection container, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 12-13 are schematic illustrations of a liquid collection and disposal sequence, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a liquid disposal process, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a view of another exemplary liquid collection and disposal system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a see-through view of a liquid collection and disposal system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a liquid disposal station, illustrating various components and their operational characteristics associated with a liquid collection system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a disposal station, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary piston, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an exemplary piston stop feature, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exemplary filter, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 29-30 illustrate an exemplary flat surface suction tool, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1-5 show a portable fluid collection system 10 (herein also referred to interchangeably as a liquid collection system), according to exemplary aspects of the present invention.
- the portable fluid collection system may include any of the aspects described in co-pending application Ser. No. 12/076,842 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, titled LIQUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS or application Ser. No. 12/076,841 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, titled FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE COLLECTION AND OTHER FEATURES AND METHODS RELATING THERETO, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference
- the system 10 includes a main body, also interchangeably referred to herein as a container receiving housing 12 , defining a cavity 15 for receiving a fluid collection container 30 (also herein referred to interchangeably as a liquid collection container or a liquid/fluid collection bag) shown in this figure as an exemplary fluid collection bag.
- the cavity 15 may have various sizes and shapes.
- a piston 80 (illustrated in FIG. 5 ) is located in the cavity 15 .
- the system 10 may also include a handle 14 and wheels 19 to facilitate transport of the system 10 .
- the main body 12 may also include a container holder 18 for receiving a back-up storage container, such as a suction canister.
- liquid does not merely refer to a state of matter as defined in the thermodynamic and/or fluid mechanics art. Instead, the term “liquid” also includes any solid particles or gases that may incidentally flow with a liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid or blood) or that may be intentionally collected using a liquid medium.
- a liquid medium e.g., irrigation fluid or blood
- the term “liquid” may refer to a combination of liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid, blood, and other bodily liquid from the patient) and any solid particles including, but not limited to, resected tissue removed from the patient's body or harmful particles mixed with smoke or other particulates and/or gases such as may occur in connection with laser, cauterization, and/or other medical procedures.
- fluid as used herein may also refer to a liquid medium, solid particles, smoke, gases, particulates, and combinations thereof.
- system 10 may include a vacuum pump for supplying a suction force to the cavity 15 and to the liquid collection bag 30 .
- the system 10 may include appropriate suction conduits (e.g. 14 in FIG. 5 ) connecting the vacuum pump to the cavity 15 and the liquid collection bag 30 .
- an alternative suction source may be separately supplied to the system 10 .
- suitable conduits, tubing, fittings, connectors, and/or other hookups may be provided on the main body 12 to allow connection to an external source of vacuum or suction force, such as a wall vacuum in a hospital setting.
- the availability of an alternative suction source may enable a continuous liquid collection process even when the vacuum pump malfunctions or becomes otherwise unavailable, for example.
- the system 10 may include an interface board 13 for enabling control of various features of the system 10 .
- the board 13 may various buttons 56 for controlling the power supplied to the system 10 and for regulating suction power.
- the interface board 13 may also include one or more visual or audible indicators that provide various information relating to operational characteristics and/or the status of the system 10 , for example when the system is ready for operation, whether the storage bag is filled to an indicated level, whether the filter needs to be replaced, and a vacuum level indicator.
- the liquid collection bag 30 may be a disposable unit. As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the collection bag 30 may include a lid 31 and a flexible liner 35 attached to or integrally formed with the lid 31 , such that the liner 35 and the lid 31 define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween.
- the flexible liner 35 may comprise a sufficiently durable, yet collapsible material, so that, upon applying a negative pressure inside the interior space (e.g., during and/or after fluid is removed from the interior space), the liner 35 can collapse into a smaller volume.
- collapse includes and is interchangeably referred to herein as actions in which the sides of the liner 35 fall in, cave in, retract, unextend, compress in, fold, or roll, among other things, and/or which may optionally be forced or otherwise collapsed via operation of a scraping or other squeegee type apparatus.
- the liner 35 may additionally include one or more support structures that guide the liner 35 to expand/extend and collapse/retract in a predetermined manner.
- the liner 35 may include a plurality of support rings or a spiral shaped support 37 (e.g., ribs or spirals made of flexible wires), spaced apart from one another along the length of the liner 35 , so that the liner 35 may expand and collapse in a bellow-like manner.
- the liner 35 may not include such support rings 37 . In either case, in variations the liner 35 extends and retracts along its longitudinal axis. Other variations may include other directions in which the liner 35 extends and retracts.
- At least the front portion of the main body 12 may comprise a transparent or translucent material that allows visualization of the liquid being collected in the collection bag 30 .
- the front portion of the main body 12 , the liner 35 and/or the cylindrical body may include gradation marks to indicate the amount of liquid being collected in the collection bag 30 .
- the lid 31 may include one or more collection ports 32 configured to connect to various medical devices that draw liquid into (or extract liquid from) the collection bag 30 .
- the collection ports 32 may have various different sizes and shapes to accommodate various medical devices that may be used with the system 10 .
- the collection ports 32 may be configured to mate with one or more suction instruments or other devices (interchangeably referred to herein as “suction instruments” or “medical devices”) by way of suction tubings for the purpose of drawing liquid into the collection bag 30 .
- suction instruments or “medical devices”
- the collection ports define one or more fluid passageways via which liquid is transported from the individual (or multiple) suction instruments to the interior space of the collection bag 30 .
- Each of the collection ports 32 may be covered.
- the cover may be provided via a cap, plug, or flap among others, which closes the respective collection port when not in use.
- the lid 31 may include suitable valves (e.g., duckbill valves, check valves, spring loaded plungers) to prevent, or at least minimize, liquid dripping while the suction instruments and tubings are disconnected from the collection bag 30 and disposed of in a suitable disposal container (e.g., a red bag).
- suitable valves e.g., duckbill valves, check valves, spring loaded plungers
- the lid 31 may also include a back-up vacuum port 34 for connecting to a back-up storage container in case the collection bag 30 becomes full or inoperable during a liquid collection process.
- the lid 31 may also include a discharge port 38 for evacuating the collected liquid from the collection bag 30 , such as after a medical procedure is completed.
- the lid 31 may not have any separate discharge port 38 . Instead, one or more of the collection ports 32 may be used to empty the collection bag 30 .
- the liner 35 is extended to receive fluid, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the liner 35 may collapse again into a state that is substantially similar to its original fully-collapsed state. After an acceptable quantity of liquid is removed from the collection bag 30 , it may be removed for disposal in its near-collapsed state.
- the collection bag 30 is positioned, in its collapsed state, on the mouth portion 11 of the cavity 15 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- An unused, collapsed liquid collection bag may include a holding mechanism such as a strap or band that assists in maintaining the liner portion of the collection bag in a suitable collapsed position.
- the lid 31 of the collection bag 30 may sealingly engage the mouth portion 11 of the cavity 15 , so as to form a substantially air-tight enclosure inside the cavity 15 and exterior to the collection bag 30 .
- FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary aspects of lids for a disposable fluid collection container.
- the lid 30 defines a vacuum passageway 40 having a U-shaped configuration.
- the first end 41 communicates with an interior space of the collection bag, and the second end 14 communicates with a vacuum source 16 (in FIG. 5 ) so as to supply suction force to the interior space of the collection bag.
- the lid 30 Near the first end 41 of the vacuum passageway 40 , the lid 30 includes an overflow valve having a floating ball 44 housed in a cage-like structure 45 .
- Other exemplary lids 30 may include a hydrophilic valve 49 (in FIG. 1-11 ), such as a porous plastic valve (PPV).
- PPV porous plastic valve
- the floating check valve 44 , 45 rises to close the vacuum passageway 40 thereby preventing the liquid from flowing into the vacuum pump or the hydrophobic valve 49 blocks the pores of a hydrophobic material, for example using surface tension, and thereby prevents liquid from flowing past the material.
- the lids illustrated in FIGS. 4-11 differ from the lids 31 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 , in that, among other things, they include a breakable closure member, 39 (in FIG. 9 ) (e.g., a foil, plastic film, rubber) for closing an evacuation port 36 of the lid.
- the opening may also include a two-way check valve 42 , and a pin 43 , for example.
- FIGS. 5-11 show a variation of the lid in which the exterior of the passageway 40 providing communication between the liquid collection bag 30 and the suction source 14 is configured as a gripping member 33 on the exterior of the disposable lid. This gripping member 33 provides an area removed from the collection ports 32 and from the disposal port 36 by which a user can grip the disposable lid to attach and remove the disposable lid.
- the evacuation ports, 38 of FIGS. 4-5 and 36 of FIGS. 6-11 are not used during liquid collection operation and remain sealed by the closure member 39 until the collection bag is to be emptied.
- the lid 30 of FIGS. 5-11 also differs from the lids of FIGS. 1-4 , in that it forms an interstitial opening 47 for supplying a source of suction pressure to a space between the rigid receptacle defining a cavity and the collection bag during an evacuation process.
- the source of suction pressure may be used to equalize the pressures inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuation process, so that the collection bag may substantially maintain its normal shape during that process.
- the interstitial opening 47 like the evacuation port 36 , may be closed off during the liquid collection process by a breakable closure member 46 . Use of the interstitial opening will be explained in further detail in connection with FIGS. 12 and 17 .
- the lid may include a shelf 141 located between the interior opening of the plurality of ports and the opening communicating with the vacuum source.
- the shelf 141 extends a sufficient distance to divert collected fluids away from the vacuum source.
- the shelf may be shaped to direct entering fluid toward the liner walls and away from the shut off valve.
- the lid may also include a screen 142 surrounding the opening to the evacuation opening. The screen may be shaped to prevent solids collected in the fluid from exiting the collection container during disposal.
- the shelf 141 and the screen 142 may also be shaped to prevent the liner from collapsing against the opening to the evacuation port 36 , which could, without the present configuration, close off the evacuation port before the contents of the liner are fully evacuated.
- the contents are evacuated via suction through the evacuation port 36 .
- the liner collapses and is drawn toward the evacuation port during this process. If the liner blocks the openings in the screen before all of the contents are removed, the disposal system would be unable to remove the remaining contents.
- the shelf 141 may be shaped and placed in relation to the screen 152 in a manner that prevents the liner 35 from blocking all of the openings in the screen.
- the shelf 141 may comprise a portion that extends from the surface of the lid adjacent the screen 142 in order to maintain fluid communication between the evacuation port and the distal portion of the liquid collection container.
- at least a partial opening is maintained to the evacuation port, at least in the area between the shelf 141 and the screen 142 to allow continued evacuation of the contents through the openings 143 in the screen 142 and out the evacuation port 36 .
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate exemplary aspects of a liquid collection and disposal sequence.
- the system includes a liquid collection bag 30 and a rigid container 15 configured to receive the collection bag 30 .
- the collection bag 30 may include a lid 31 and a collapsible liner 35 attached to the inner surface of the lid 31 to form a substantially sealed interior space therebetween.
- the lid 31 may substantially seal the opening of the container 15 .
- the collection bag 30 may include a suction conduit 233 for connecting the interior space of the collection bag 30 to a suitable suction source (e.g., vacuum pump).
- the lid 31 may define an access port 220 normally closed by a flexible valve 226 , such as an elastic slit valve that is deflected to open the access port 220 .
- the access port 220 may be configured to receive a hose junction 240 and/or an evacuation connector 66 .
- the lid may also define a second opening that will provide a connection to an evacuation connector.
- the container 15 may include a piston 80 (much like a syringe) slidably positioned inside the container 15 to separate the internal space of the container 15 into an upper space 281 and a lower space 289 . Aspects of the piston will be described in more detail below.
- the container 15 may also include a stopper 270 near its bottom, to prevent the piston 80 from descending below the level of the first connection 262 . As shown in position 12 A, the piston 80 may be initially positioned near the top of the container 15 to receive the collection bag 30 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates that cavity 15 may include three vacuum connectors: a first connector 62 , a second connector 64 , and a third connector 66 , each of which may be connected to a vacuum pump.
- the vacuum port 14 of the lid 31 may automatically connect to the first connector 62 , so as to supply suction force to the interior space of the collection bag 30 .
- This suction force is communicated to the collection ports 32 .
- Each of the vacuum connectors 62 , 64 , 66 may include a suitable valve to selectively open and close communication with the vacuum pump or to an alternate source of vacuum pressure.
- the valve associated with the third connector 66 may comprise a three-way valve that can selectively establish fluid communication between the cavity 15 (exterior to the bag 30 ) and atmosphere.
- the collection bag 30 may also include various valves associated with the collection ports 32 and the discharge port 38 . These valves associated with the collection ports 32 , discharge port 38 , and vacuum port 14 are schematically shown in FIG. 13 with circles adjacent the corresponding ports. Solid circles represent closed valves, and open circles represent open valves.
- the optional three-way valve 265 may be rotated to align the first connection 62 with the a suction source 268 to communicate such pressure within the lower space 289 .
- the suction pressure applied to the lower space 289 draws the piston 80 down into the container 15 , which in turn draws the liner 235 into the cavity, thereby expanding the liner into the cavity, as shown position 12 C and 13 B.
- position 13 B illustrates the valves associated with the collection ports 32 to be closed, at least one of the valves associated with the collection ports 32 or the discharge ports 38 may be opened to allow air to flow into the collection bag 30 .
- the suction force applied to the lower space 289 may be greater than the opening pressure of a check valve 86 in the piston 80 , so as to open a through-hole 284 and evacuate any excess air in the upper space 281 , which may enhance the seal between the lid 31 and the container 15 .
- check valve 86 it may be preferred for the check valve 86 to remain in a closed position during downward movement of the piston 80 , so as to further enhance the pressure differential between the lower space 289 and the upper space 281 , thereby further facilitating the downward movement of the piston 80 within the cavity.
- the liner 35 may not be drawn into the bottom portion of the cavity 15 prior to receiving the liquid. Instead, as the liquid is being collected, the weight of the liquid may cause the liner 35 to expand into the cavity 15 .
- the second connector 64 provides a connection to the interstitial area between the outside of the line 35 and the inner wall of the cavity 15 .
- the second connector 64 is shown in the figures to be located at a position vertically below the lowermost end of the collection bag 30 , as shown in FIG. 13 , it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the second connector 64 may selectively not be opened to atmosphere until the lowermost end of the collection bag 30 is positioned vertically below the elevational position of the second connector 64 .
- liquid may be drawn into the collection bag 230 , as shown in position 12 C and 13 C.
- Communication with a first connector 62 may be opened so as to supply suction force into the interior space of the collection bag 30 , and, in turn, via the collection bag 30 to the collection ports 32 .
- the second connector 64 may opened to counterbalance the vacuum force applied to the interior space of the collection bag 30 so that the liner 35 may substantially maintain its normal shape. That is, the second connector opens to a suction force thereby preventing the liner 35 from being drawn back up towards the lid 31 under the influence of the negative pressure within the interior space of the collection bag 30 .
- a continuously applied suction force in the lower space 289 may cause a check valve 86 in the piston to open, so as to communicate the suction pressure with the upper space 281 , which may counterbalance the suction force applied inside the interior space of the collection bag 230 to prevent or reduce collapse or deformation of the liner 235 during the liquid collection process.
- the liquid collection process may thereafter end because the medical procedure is completed, for example.
- This action may also end as a result of suction pressure shutoff, which may occur, for example, when the liquid level rises to the level of the shutoff device 238 .
- the shutoff device 238 may automatically shut off the conduit 233 to stop the liquid collection process, as shown in position D.
- the collection system 10 may be transported to a disposal station to extract the collected liquid from the collection bag 30 , as illustrated in positions 12 E and 13 D.
- the disposal connector 69 may include a drip-free connector valve 345 , which is biased to close the distal end of the disposal connector 69 . Inserting the disposal connector 69 may cause the connector valve 345 to open, so as to establish fluid communication between the access port 220 and the eductor 350 .
- the disposal connector 69 may also pierce a closure over an evacuator opening in the lid 31 . Once the valve associated with the discharge port is opened and connected to a disposal station 60 , and the collected contents of the collection bag 30 are evacuated.
- FIG. 12E illustrates that the disposal station may include an eductor 350 positioned between a source of water or other rinse fluid 305 and a sanitary sewer 390 to create a pumping force sufficient to draw liquid out of the collection bag 230 .
- a venturi 360 may be suitably positioned, (e.g., adjacent the eductor 350 in the discharge conduit 380 ) so as to create a greater pumping force.
- check valve 86 may be set in a closed position.
- the closed position of the check valve 86 prevents air from flowing into the space between the liner 35 and the container 15 . Because of the relatively limited air in the space outside of the liner 35 , the walls of the liner 35 will not be pulled away from the walls of container 15 and therefore will not close off the passage of liquid within the liner 35 .
- the optional three-way valve 265 may be aligned to communicate the lower space 289 with atmosphere via the first connection 62 and a fourth connection 264 , as shown in position E. This selection allows the pressure inside the lower space 289 to reach atmospheric pressure during the evacuation process, so as not to interfere with the collapse of the liner 235 .
- Maintaining the pressure inside the cavity at atmospheric pressure may provide a sufficient pressure difference between the cavity 15 and the interior space of the collection bag, such that the liner 35 may collapse itself toward the lid 31 as the collected liquid is drawn out of the collection bag 30 .
- maintaining the pressure in the lower space 289 at atmospheric pressure allows the piston 80 to rise during the evacuation process, due to a differential pressure between the upper space 281 (which is subject to a suction pressure) and the lower space 289 (which is open to atmosphere). Because the piston 80 moves up as the liner 35 collapses, the collapse of the liner 35 takes place primarily near the piston 80 , and occlusion of the sidewalls of the liner 35 during the evacuation process may be effectively prevented.
- Second connector 64 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be open to vacuum pressure or may be closed off entirely, so as to provide selective regulation of air pressure within the cavity 15 exterior to the collection bag.
- the discharge connector 69 is removed from the access port 220 .
- the liner 35 may be sufficient for the liner 35 to compact itself enough so as to make subsequent handling and disposal thereof more efficient.
- the valves associated with the collection ports 32 , the discharge port 38 , and the overflow valve are closed sufficiently to inhibit air from flowing into the interior space of the collection bag 30 . Minimizing the amount of air flow into the collection bag 30 allows the collection bag 30 to remain in a substantially collapsed state for disposal. That is, large quantities of air will not be allowed to leak back into the interior space of the bag 30 once the vacuum pressure is removed therefrom.
- the collection bag 30 is then removed from the container 15 and placed in a red bag for disposal, for example.
- a new collection bag may be placed onto the container 15 for the next series of medical procedures.
- the portable liquid collection system 10 may be transported to a disposal station by, for example a clinician 17 to evacuate the collected liquid from the collection bag 30 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
- evacuation of the collection bag 30 is not necessary for disposal thereof (e.g., a filled collection bag 30 may be disposed of with liquid still present within the interior space thereof), one aspect of the present invention allows for the evacuation of the collection bag 30 to reduce the volume of red-bag waste produced by disposal thereof.
- the disposal station may comprise a docking station 60 having a fluid connector configured to automatically (or manually) connect to the discharge/evacuation port 38 , 36 (for the implementation shown in FIG. 4 , 5 ), the inlet port 32 (for the variations shown in FIGS. 1-3 ).
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary portable liquid collection system docked at a disposal station 60 .
- FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates that the disposal station 60 may include a reference structure 62 and a latching member 61 fixed to the reference structure 62 for engaging a corresponding latching member 182 of the liquid collection system 10 .
- the disposal station may include a connection to a fluid supply, such as water, and a connection to a disposal supply through which collected liquid is evacuated and disposed.
- the disposal station may be attached to a fixed location, such as to a wall.
- the disposal station may be mobile.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a mobile disposal station.
- the mobile disposal station 160 is attached to a mobile frame 161 .
- the frame may include a relatively low friction component 162 that allows the station to be moved, such as wheels, rollers, skid plates, tracks, etc.
- the frame 161 may include front and/or rear supports 163 .
- the mobile disposal station has features similar to those discussed in connection with the disposal station of FIGS. 12-17 .
- the mobile disposal station includes a connection for receiving a water supply line 164 and a connection for receiving a disposal line 165 .
- the mobile disposal station may include a cord for attaching the disposal station to a power supply.
- the mobile station may further include an optional backflow preventer.
- the backflow preventer may be attached to the mobile frame and connected in series with the water source in order to prevent waste water from flowing back into the clean water supply.
- the backflow preventer may comprise a one-way valve.
- the line of clean water would connect to the backflow preventer 166 and then the backflow preventer 166 would be connected to opening 164 for receiving clean water into the disposal station 160 .
- the docking station 60 may utilize an eductor of the type described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0183780, entitled “Method and Apparatus for the Disposal of Waste Fluids” and published on Aug. 25, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the disposal station may include a movable connector (not shown) that can be manually connected to the collection bag 30 , 130 to evacuate the collected liquid therefrom.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a liquid disposal station 60 , illustrating various components and their operational characteristics associated with a liquid collection system 10 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates that the liquid disposal station 60 may include a user interface 67 for controlling the disposal station 60 .
- the process for evacuating liquid from the liquid collection system 10 may be automatically initiated upon engagement of the latching member, although the system may be configured such that an operator is required to manually initiate the evacuation process after the system 10 has been operatively engaged with the disposal station 60 .
- a liquid collection system 10 is securely positioned in the disposal station, such as via a latch 61 .
- An evacuation interface 64 and an optional interstitial interface 66 may align with the evacuation port 36 and an interstitial port 47 , respectively, of the liquid collection system 10 , as shown in FIGS. 6-11 .
- the evacuation interface 63 and the interstitial interface 69 may be connected to a suitable draining system 65 for evacuating the liquid from the liquid collection system.
- the draining system for the disposal station may include an eductor 350 that provides a source of suction pressure sufficient to draw the collected liquid out of the collection bag of a liquid collection bag 30 .
- other vacuum sources may be used to draw the fluid out of the collection bag.
- the eductor 350 and the associated flow connections for evacuating the collected liquid may operate similarly to those illustrated in FIGS. 12-13 , for example.
- the eductor 350 may be positioned between a source of water or other rinse fluid 305 and a sanitary sewer 390 , via a water conduit 315 and a discharge conduit 380 , respectively.
- Rinse fluid may consist of water, another wash fluid (e.g. a detergent or other fluid), or a mixture of water and another wash fluid.
- the term “fluid” may refer to a combination of a liquid medium along with solid particles, gases and/or particulates.
- the water conduit 315 may include a water valve 310 , which may be controlled manually or by other control, such as electric switch.
- the disposal connector 66 may be then connected to the eductor 350 via an evacuation conduit 335 .
- Opening the water valve 310 causes the water from the source of water 305 to flow into the eductor 350 to create a pumping force in the eductor 350 .
- This pumping force causes the liner 35 to collapse and then liquid collected in the collection bag 30 to flow into the eductor 350 and then into the sanitary sewer 390 via the discharge conduit 380 .
- the disposal station 60 may include a pipe conduit 325 that branches from the water conduit 315 to supply cleaning water or other cleaning substance to the disposal connector or evacuation hose junction 64 .
- the pipe conduit 325 may include a valve 320 (e.g., an electric solenoid valve, or a ball valve) that controls the water flow into the interior of the disposal connector 66 .
- clean water or other substance from the pipe conduit 325 may flow into the interior of the evacuation hose junction and around a valve, flushing the entire surface of the valve. This can be cycled on and off one or more times to rinse or flush it off as a preventive maintenance for the evacuation interface.
- the cleaning operation may be performed before the evacuation interface is removed from the evacuation port so that cleaning substance may flow to the exterior of the evacuation interface and then be suctioned back through the interior of the evacuation interface, thereby flushing any residual fluid or other particles from the components of the interior of the interface.
- conduit 325 (which supplies cleaning water to the disposal connector 66 ) is in fluid communication with discharge conduit 380 , which is used to “charge” the eductor 350 , and to thereby suction fluid from the collection bag 30 (as described above). In this manner, cleaning fluid will not be supplied to the disposal connection 66 unless the eductor is suctioning fluid from the collection bag 30 , thereby preventing unintended flooding of the collection bag 30 with cleaning water.
- the interstitial port 47 of the lid 31 may be in fluid communication with an interstitial space within a cavity external to a liquid collection bag, and the supply of a suction force to the interstitial space may equalize the pressure inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuation process, so that the collection bag may remain substantially uncollapsed during the evacuation process.
- Providing the interstitial port 47 in the lid 31 may eliminate the need for a power supply in the liquid collection system 10 during the evacuation process, which may otherwise be required to supply suction source to the interstitial space, similarly to the function of the second vacuum connector 64 in FIG. 13 .
- a seal between the lid of the liquid collection bag and the top 11 of cavity 15 and at least seal between the piston and the inner walls of the cavity maintain vacuum pressure on the outside of the collection bag by preventing air from entering the interstitial space so that the sides of the bag do not collapse during an evacuation process.
- air flow into the interstitial space may be controlled via a check valve in the piston.
- air flow may be allowed into the interstitial space near the end of an evacuation process in order to fully collapse the liquid collection bag 30 by allowing communication between the atmosphere and interstitial space.
- the disposal station may include a linear slide, along which the evacuation interface 63 and the interstitial hose junction may slidably engage the evacuation port 36 , 38 and the interstitial port 47 , respectively. Movement of the evacuation interface 63 and the interstitial interface relative to the linear slide 63 may be controlled, for example, pneumatically by a compressor or other suitable movement mechanism, a flow control pilot, and a flow control valve (e.g., a two-way solenoid valve).
- the evacuation port 36 , 38 and the interstitial port 47 may remain closed by breakable closure members during the liquid collection process. These breakable closure members may be pierced or broken when the evacuation interface 63 and the interstitial interface 970 engage the evacuation port and the interstitial port.
- the evacuation interface 63 may include a normally-closed valve (e.g., a duckbill valve, a check valve, a spring-loaded valve, a poppet valve) to open and close its passageway.
- a normally-closed valve e.g., a duckbill valve, a check valve, a spring-loaded valve, a poppet valve
- the valve includes a ball 345 biased against a distal end of the hose junction. The valve may be opened from its normally-closed position by an actuation rod or pin positioned inside the evacuation port, for example.
- FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary piston 80 .
- the piston 80 may include a main body 81 shaped to fit a cross section of the interior of the cavity 15 in the liquid collection system 10 .
- the main body may have at least one seal 88 configured to maintain a seal between the piston 80 and the interior wall of the cavity 15 .
- the main body 81 may include a plurality of seals 88 , such as the two illustrated.
- Each seal may include, for example, an O-ring attached to the outer peripheral edge of the main body.
- the O-ring may include a material or be coated with a material to enhance lubricity and/or durability.
- the piston 80 may also include a though hole 86 and a valve assembly 85 , as discussed in connection with FIG. 12 .
- the piston 80 may also include a scraper ring 83 configured to prevent a liner 35 of a liquid collection bag from being pinched between the inner wall of the cavity 15 and the piston 80 .
- the scraper ring includes a plurality of openings 84 that allow air flow through the scraper ring 83 and an outer peripheral edge 87 that extends above the main body of the piston 80 .
- the peripheral edge 87 of the scraper ring 83 may have a tight, interference fit with the interior wall of the cavity 15 .
- the outer peripheral edge 87 of the scraper ring may be thin so that it does not allow a liner 35 from a liquid collection bag 30 to become caught between the scraper ring and the inner wall of the system.
- the edge of the scraper ring may also be thin enough that it can be flexed to contact the entire surface area of the inner wall of the cavity 15 .
- the peripheral edge may also comprise a material that is stiff enough to maintain a tight interference fit and to maintain the shape of the edge as it moves against the cavity wall.
- the peripheral edge of the scraper ring may extend above the main body of the piston to allow a thin edge to maintain compression against the inner cavity wall. This enables the scraper ring to move the bag away from the inner wall of the cavity 15 without catching the bag between the inner cavity wall and the piston.
- the scraper ring 83 may be attached to the main body 81 of the piston 80 in a relatively loose manner.
- the piston assembly may further include a movable connector that connects the scraper ring and the main piston body, wherein the movable connector allows the scraper ring to move with respect to the main piston body.
- This relatively loose connection with the main body 81 enables the scraper ring 83 to self center against the inner wall of the cavity even when the piston is not centered.
- the scraper ring may be attached to the main body 81 of the piston, for example, using a bolt such as a shoulder bolt.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary variation of the piston 80 having four bolts 89 and four washers 90 attaching the scraper ring to the main body 81 of the piston.
- the main body of the piston 81 may tip, e.g. become angularly offset, relative to the inner wall of the cavity 15 .
- a loose connection between the main body 81 of the piston and the scraper ring 83 allows the scraper ring to maintain its flat position, e.g. angular alignment, and to maintain contact between its outer peripheral edge 87 and the inner wall of the cavity 15 .
- no gap forms between the scraper ring 83 and the inner wall of the cavity such that the liner 35 may be caught.
- the scraper ring 83 may include a material having an Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW).
- UHMW Ultra High Molecular Weight
- the molecular weight may be above a million Daltons.
- the high molecular weight provides a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance for the scraper ring 83 .
- the lower coefficient of friction causes the scraper ring to have a characteristic similar to significant lubrication.
- the scraper ring may be formed from a material that is flexible enough to press against the inner wall of the cavity 15 in an interference fit, yet also rigid and stiff.
- the scraper ring may also include a material that is hydrophobic so that the scraper ring does not swell if it comes in contact with liquid.
- the scraper ring may comprise a material such as UHMW polyethylene.
- the piston may include a support structure to support the surface of the scraper ring 83 adjacent to the main body 81 .
- the support structure may include ribs 82 in at least one of the scraper ring 83 , as in FIG. 19 , or ribs 82 in the main body 81 of the piston, as in FIG. 21 , adjacent to the scraper ring.
- the ribs 82 may be configured to allow for air flow through the openings 84 in the scraper ring by supporting the scraper ring above the main body 81 .
- the thickness of the scraper ring may be increased in order to provide enough support for the scraper ring to maintain its shape.
- the edge of the scraper ring should be thin enough that it does not allow the liner 35 to be caught between the inner wall of cavity 12 and the edge of the scraper ring 87 .
- the scraper ring may be maintained at a flat position, thereby preventing gaps between the inner wall of the cavity 15 and the peripheral edge of the scraper ring 87 even when the scraper ring is firmly attached to the main body 81 of the piston, by increasing the thickness of the main body 81 .
- the thickness of the piston may be increased to about the same amount as the diameter of the piston. Increasing the thickness of the piston 80 prevents the piston from tipping relative to the inner wall of the cavity 15 .
- the collection system 10 may further include a piston stop feature.
- a piston stop feature This may include a stopper on the interior of the cavity 15 that physically stops the piston from rising, similar to the stop 270 illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- the housing 12 may include a piston stop feature that will function by regulating the pressure between the space above the piston 281 and the space below the piston 289 .
- FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary piston stop feature.
- the piston stop 110 has a structure that allows the area above the piston 281 to communicate with the area below the piston 289 , thereby regulating the pressure between them.
- Such a communication structure stops the movement of the piston because there is no pressure differential between the portions of the cavity on either side of the piston.
- the piston stop may include an opening 111 to the area above the piston and an opening 112 to the area below the piston.
- the channel 113 may further include a valve 114 that may be opened or closed. If the valve 114 is open, movement of the piston 80 will stop. However, if the valve 114 is closed, the piston 80 will continue to move because the pressure difference will not be regulated for the portions of the cavity above 281 and below 289 the piston.
- the piston stop feature may be configured at any height of the cavity, depending on the desired stopping position of the piston.
- the piston stop feature may be used to stop the movement of the piston in either direction.
- the interstitial opening (e.g. 64 in FIG. 13 ) to the cavity may be the same as one of the openings 111 , 112 for the piston stop 110 .
- the connection to the interstitial opening 114 may include a check valve 115 that allows the interstitial pressure to be regulated separate from the piston stop feature 110 .
- the piston stop 110 may also be used to stop a downward movement of the piston during collection.
- the stop feature may include any number of openings 111 , 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , etc. to allow the piston to be stopped at multiple positions, as illustrated in FIG. 23 .
- the piston may be stopped at a position based on which valve 114 a , 114 b , 114 c , etc. is open, which allows the movement of the piston to be stopped at a predetermined level.
- the piston stop may be set to stop the movement of the piston at a level corresponding to the collection of a plurality of volumes of fluid, e.g.
- the check valves 114 a , 114 b , 114 c between two particular openings 111 , 112 a , 112 b , 112 c may be opened to cause the piston to stop.
- the check valves 114 a , 114 b , 114 c may be closed to allow the piston to continue its movement.
- the interstitial opening may coincide with one of the openings illustrated in FIG. 23 as illustrated in FIG. 22 .
- FIGS. 24 and 25 further illustrate exemplary aspects of the piston stop 110 .
- the system 10 may include a filter unit 70 (e.g., a HEPA filter) to prevent relatively large particles from entering the vacuum pump.
- the filter unit 70 may include a filter housing comprised of an first housing portion 72 and a second housing portion 78 configured to mate with one another to define a substantially enclosed interior space for receiving a filter 75 .
- FIGS. 26-28 show housing portion 72 on top and housing portion 78 on bottom, this may be reversed.
- FIG. 26 depicts the filter 70 with housing portion 72 as a lower housing portion and housing portion 78 as an upper housing portion.
- housing portion 72 will be referred to as the first housing portion and housing portion 78 as the second housing portion.
- the first housing portion 72 may define an outlet opening 71 for connection to a vacuum, for example, and the second housing portion 78 may define one or more inlet openings 79 a , 79 b , 79 c for connection to various components utilizing the suction force generated by the vacuum pump.
- the number of inlet openings 79 a , 79 b , 79 c may depend upon the number of components that require connection to the vacuum pump. For example, if the system 10 includes only one component that requires connection to the vacuum pump, the second housing portion 78 may include only one inlet opening 79 a .
- the second housing portion 78 may include as many inlet openings 79 a , 79 b , 79 c as needed by the system 10 .
- the second housing portion may include two inlet openings.
- the first housing portion 72 and the second housing portion 78 may be joined together via one or more screws, or other attachment features, such as a suitable snap-fastening or thread-fastening mechanism or any other suitable fastening mechanism.
- a sealing gasket 76 may be disposed between the first housing portion 72 and the second housing portion 78 to seal the interface therebetween.
- the first housing portion 72 and the second housing portion 78 may be readily separable to facilitate replacement of the filter 75 disposed therein.
- the filter 75 may comprise a microporous (HEPA-grade) material.
- the filter 75 may have a generally cylindrical shape defining a hollow internal space 74 in fluid communication with the outlet opening 71 of the first housing portion 72 .
- the filter 75 may be formed of a hydrophobic material, such as expanded PTFE on thermally fused polyester (e.g., Tetratex® ePTFE available from Donaldson Company, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn.).
- the filter 75 may have hydrophobic characteristics that serve as a safety valve for preventing water from flowing into the vacuum pump, for example.
- only a portion of the filter may include a hydrophobic material.
- one side of the filter may include hydrophobic material.
- the structure of the filter including only a portion of a hydrophobic material, alone or in combination with the other features, may allow the filter to continue to function even when a significant amount of liquid has entered the filter.
- the filter 75 may be positioned between an upper gasket 73 and an end cap 77 .
- the upper gasket 73 may be made of polychloroprene material (e.g., neoprene) or microcellular urethane foam (e.g., Poron®), for example.
- the upper gasket 73 seals or partially seals the contact space between the top surface of the filter 75 and the first housing portion 72 .
- the filter unit 70 may be configured such that, when the first housing portion 72 and the second housing portion 78 are joined together to compressibly enclose the filter unit 70 , the filter 75 presses the upper gasket 73 so as to slightly compress the upper gasket 73 .
- the end cap 77 is configured to receive one end of the filter 75 .
- the end cap 77 may define an annular groove 77 a configured to receive the second end of the filter 75 , for example, as shown in FIG. 28 , for more securely holding the filter 75 in place.
- the end cap 77 is impermeable to fluid, thereby preventing any fluid from escaping via the first end of the filter 75 .
- the space between the end cap 77 and the second housing portion 78 may define one or more flow paths (e.g., via reinforcement ribs extending radially).
- all of the fluid entering the filter unit 70 through the inlet openings 79 a , 79 b , 79 c may flow around the end cap 77 , pass through the side wall 75 a of the filter 75 , and exit the filter unit 70 through the internal space 74 and the outlet opening 71 .
- the filter is capable of filtering smoke and other undesirable gases from the air that is drawn into the liquid collection system and that passes through the filter.
- FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an exemplary suction device for removing fluids from a surface.
- the suction device includes a housing 220 and a porous material 221 held in the housing.
- the housing 220 includes an opening for receiving a connector 222 , such as tubing, that connects the device to a source of suction or vacuum.
- the tubing 222 may be connected, for example, to one of the collection ports 32 on the liquid collection container.
- the housing 220 is configured to communicate the suction or vacuum from the connector 222 to the porous material 221 so that fluid may be drawn through the porous material 221 and into the tubing 222 , and subsequently into a container.
- the housing 220 may include a channel that communicates vacuum pressure from the suction source and tubing 222 to the porous material 221 .
- the fluid may be drawn through the porous material 221 into the tubing 222 to a collection port 32 and into the disposable fluid collection container 30 .
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
Abstract
A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/225,812, entitled “FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS” and filed on Jul. 15, 2009, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- 1. Technical Field of the Invention
- Aspects of the present invention relate generally to fluid collection and disposal systems and related methods. More specifically, particular aspects relate to liquid collection and disposal systems that utilize flexible liners and related methods of use thereof.
- 2. Brief Description of Related Art
- Hospital operating rooms, emergency rooms, and other healthcare facilities generate a large volume of liquid waste, which may include irrigation liquids and secretions removed from a patient's body (e.g., blood and other bodily liquids). To collect and dispose of such liquid waste, suction canisters are typically used. A typical suction canister is a temporary storage container that uses suction to create a negative pressure inside the canister to drain liquids or secretions from the patients' body. After each medical procedure (e.g., surgery), the canister containing the liquid waste is transported to a utility area to be disposed of as red-bag waste or to be emptied, cleaned, and disinfected for reuse. A new or cleaned canister is then brought into the operating room for a next medical procedure. This process can be labor intensive and time consuming. Furthermore, since this process is performed following every medical procedure, the frequency of the process may increase the clinicians' risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.
- Accordingly, there is a need for an improved waste collection and disposal system that may overcome one or more of the problems discussed above.
- Among others, various aspects of the invention may include providing a fluid collection system that utilizes disposable flexible liners to reduce the volume of medical wastes. Another aspect may include providing a lid for a fluid collection system that automatically connects to a suction source. Also, certain aspects of the invention may provide a waste disposal system, for use with the fluid collection system that may improve labor efficiency, safety, and convenience of the medical personnel participating in a medical procedure. In particular, the fluid collection systems and waste disposal systems in accordance with aspects of the present invention may provide a clean and convenient interface between the source of waste and the waste disposal station, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.
- While aspects and exemplary aspects of the present invention will be described in connection with a particular medical waste collection and disposal process, various aspects of the invention may be used in other suitable medical and non-medical applications, such as medical or non-medical cleaning devices and processes.
- Aspects may include a fluid collection container, including a flexible liner; a lid attached to the flexible liner such that the lid and flexible liner define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween, the lid having: a first opening configured for communication with a first access port of a suction instrument through which the collection container receives fluid; a second opening configured for communication with a second access port of a suction source; a rupturable evacuation port for communication with a disposal station through which collected fluid is removed from the collection container; and a shelf formed on the surface of the lid facing the liner.
- The shelf may be located between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the shelf extends from a surface of the lid a sufficient distance to divert collected fluids away from the access port of the suction source. The shelf may be shaped to direct fluid entering the first opening toward the liner. The fluid collection container may further include a screen formed on the surface of the lid facing the liner surrounding the evacuation port, and the shelf may be further shaped to prevent the liner from collapsing against at least a portion of the screen during removal of the collected fluid.
- Aspects further include a mobile waste disposal system, including a mobile frame; a suction source; a first connector attached to the mobile frame configured to receive a water line; a second connector attached to the mobile frame configured to receive a waste depository line; and a third connector, attached to the mobile frame, configured to communicate the suction source with an opening in a lid of a collapsible fluid collection container, wherein the suction source is configured to evacuate contents of the collapsible fluid collection container into the waste depository line. The mobile disposal system may further include a backflow preventer connected between the first connector and the water line.
- Aspects further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing having: a cavity; a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container; and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, wherein the piston assembly includes a main piston body and a scraper ring.
- The scraper ring may include a peripheral edge that extends above the main piston body and is configured to provide an interference fit with an interior surface of the cavity. The peripheral edge of the scraper ring may be configured to flex against the interior surface of the cavity. The peripheral edge of the scraper ring may extend from the main piston body to a height that enables the peripheral edge to conform to the interior surface of the cavity. The scraper ring may be attached to the main piston body such that the peripheral edge of the scraper ring maintains contact with the interior surface of the cavity when the main piston body is off center. The piston assembly may further include a support structure that supports the scraper ring. The support structure may include ribs formed in the scraper ring and/or ribs formed in the main piston body. The piston assembly may further include a valve assembly communicating between an area adjacent a first side of the piston and an area adjacent a second side of the piston, wherein the scraper ring includes a surface defining openings providing communication between an area between the first side of the piston and a first surface of the scraper ring and an area adjacent a second side of the scraper ring.
- The scraper ring may comprise an Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) material. The UHMW material may have a molecular weight of at least one million Daltons. The UHMW material may comprise UHMW polyethylene. The scraper ring may comprises a hydrophobic material.
- Aspects may further include a piston stop including a first opening in a cavity wall; a second opening in the cavity wall; and a channel connecting the first opening to the second opening, wherein the first opening is positioned above a desired piston stop height and the second opening is positioned below the desired piston stop height.
- The piston stop may further include a valve connected to the channel, wherein the valve has an open position to communicate a pressure differential through the channel between the first opening and the second opening and a closed position to prevent communication of a pressure differential between the first opening and the second opening. The piston stop may further include a third opening in the cavity wall, wherein the channel connects the second opening to the third opening, and wherein the location between the second opening and the third opening is different one of a plurality of desired piston stop positions.
- Aspects may further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing having a cavity, a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container, and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity, wherein a portion of the filter comprises a hydrophobic material. The filter may comprise a material capable of filtering a gas.
- Aspects may further include a fluid collection system, including a disposable collection container having a collection port, and an opening configured to communicate a suction source with an interior of the disposable collection container; and a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing having a cavity, and a suction source connectable to the opening of the disposable collection container; and a suction instrument having a main body, a porous material attached to the main body, and tubing configured to connect to the collection port.
- The main body may a channel configured to communicate vacuum pressure from the suction source to the porous material, wherein the porous material is configured to draw fluid through the porous material into the disposable collection container.
- To attain the advantages and other features of aspects of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one exemplary aspect may provide a fluid collection system having a flexible liner. The fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and the flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to collapse into a substantially collapsed state as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
- Additional objects and advantages of aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice thereof. Such objects and advantages may be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
- A better understanding of the invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention, illustrating various components. -
FIGS. 2-4 are perspective views of a disposable liquid collection container in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention, illustrating various components. -
FIGS. 6-11 are perspective views of a lid for a disposable liquid collection container, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention. -
FIGS. 12-13 are schematic illustrations of a liquid collection and disposal sequence, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a liquid disposal process, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a view of another exemplary liquid collection and disposal system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a see-through view of a liquid collection and disposal system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a liquid disposal station, illustrating various components and their operational characteristics associated with a liquid collection system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a disposal station, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention. -
FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary piston, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an exemplary piston stop feature, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exemplary filter, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. -
FIGS. 29-30 illustrate an exemplary flat surface suction tool, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
-
FIGS. 1-5 show a portable fluid collection system 10 (herein also referred to interchangeably as a liquid collection system), according to exemplary aspects of the present invention. The portable fluid collection system may include any of the aspects described in co-pending application Ser. No. 12/076,842 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, titled LIQUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS or application Ser. No. 12/076,841 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, titled FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE COLLECTION AND OTHER FEATURES AND METHODS RELATING THERETO, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference - The
system 10 includes a main body, also interchangeably referred to herein as acontainer receiving housing 12, defining acavity 15 for receiving a fluid collection container 30 (also herein referred to interchangeably as a liquid collection container or a liquid/fluid collection bag) shown in this figure as an exemplary fluid collection bag. Thecavity 15 may have various sizes and shapes. A piston 80 (illustrated inFIG. 5 ) is located in thecavity 15. Thesystem 10 may also include ahandle 14 andwheels 19 to facilitate transport of thesystem 10. Themain body 12 may also include acontainer holder 18 for receiving a back-up storage container, such as a suction canister. - The term “liquid,” as used herein, does not merely refer to a state of matter as defined in the thermodynamic and/or fluid mechanics art. Instead, the term “liquid” also includes any solid particles or gases that may incidentally flow with a liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid or blood) or that may be intentionally collected using a liquid medium. For example, when the
fluid collection system 10 is used in a surgical procedure, the term “liquid” may refer to a combination of liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluid, blood, and other bodily liquid from the patient) and any solid particles including, but not limited to, resected tissue removed from the patient's body or harmful particles mixed with smoke or other particulates and/or gases such as may occur in connection with laser, cauterization, and/or other medical procedures. The term “fluid,” as used herein may also refer to a liquid medium, solid particles, smoke, gases, particulates, and combinations thereof. - Although not shown in
FIG. 1 ,system 10 may include a vacuum pump for supplying a suction force to thecavity 15 and to theliquid collection bag 30. Thesystem 10 may include appropriate suction conduits (e.g. 14 inFIG. 5 ) connecting the vacuum pump to thecavity 15 and theliquid collection bag 30. In certain exemplary implementations, instead of, or in addition to, providing the vacuum pump in themain body 12, an alternative suction source may be separately supplied to thesystem 10. For example, suitable conduits, tubing, fittings, connectors, and/or other hookups may be provided on themain body 12 to allow connection to an external source of vacuum or suction force, such as a wall vacuum in a hospital setting. The availability of an alternative suction source may enable a continuous liquid collection process even when the vacuum pump malfunctions or becomes otherwise unavailable, for example. - The
system 10 may include aninterface board 13 for enabling control of various features of thesystem 10. For example, theboard 13 mayvarious buttons 56 for controlling the power supplied to thesystem 10 and for regulating suction power. Theinterface board 13 may also include one or more visual or audible indicators that provide various information relating to operational characteristics and/or the status of thesystem 10, for example when the system is ready for operation, whether the storage bag is filled to an indicated level, whether the filter needs to be replaced, and a vacuum level indicator. - The
liquid collection bag 30 may be a disposable unit. As shown inFIGS. 2-4 , thecollection bag 30 may include alid 31 and aflexible liner 35 attached to or integrally formed with thelid 31, such that theliner 35 and thelid 31 define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. - The
flexible liner 35 may comprise a sufficiently durable, yet collapsible material, so that, upon applying a negative pressure inside the interior space (e.g., during and/or after fluid is removed from the interior space), theliner 35 can collapse into a smaller volume. The term collapse as used herein, includes and is interchangeably referred to herein as actions in which the sides of theliner 35 fall in, cave in, retract, unextend, compress in, fold, or roll, among other things, and/or which may optionally be forced or otherwise collapsed via operation of a scraping or other squeegee type apparatus. - In some exemplary applications, the
liner 35 may additionally include one or more support structures that guide theliner 35 to expand/extend and collapse/retract in a predetermined manner. For example, as shown inFIG. 4 , theliner 35 may include a plurality of support rings or a spiral shaped support 37 (e.g., ribs or spirals made of flexible wires), spaced apart from one another along the length of theliner 35, so that theliner 35 may expand and collapse in a bellow-like manner. Alternatively, as seen inFIG. 3 , theliner 35 may not include such support rings 37. In either case, in variations theliner 35 extends and retracts along its longitudinal axis. Other variations may include other directions in which theliner 35 extends and retracts. - At least the front portion of the
main body 12 may comprise a transparent or translucent material that allows visualization of the liquid being collected in thecollection bag 30. In some exemplary implementations, the front portion of themain body 12, theliner 35 and/or the cylindrical body may include gradation marks to indicate the amount of liquid being collected in thecollection bag 30. - The
lid 31 may include one ormore collection ports 32 configured to connect to various medical devices that draw liquid into (or extract liquid from) thecollection bag 30. Thecollection ports 32 may have various different sizes and shapes to accommodate various medical devices that may be used with thesystem 10. Thecollection ports 32 may be configured to mate with one or more suction instruments or other devices (interchangeably referred to herein as “suction instruments” or “medical devices”) by way of suction tubings for the purpose of drawing liquid into thecollection bag 30. The collection ports define one or more fluid passageways via which liquid is transported from the individual (or multiple) suction instruments to the interior space of thecollection bag 30. Each of thecollection ports 32 may be covered. The cover may be provided via a cap, plug, or flap among others, which closes the respective collection port when not in use. Thelid 31 may include suitable valves (e.g., duckbill valves, check valves, spring loaded plungers) to prevent, or at least minimize, liquid dripping while the suction instruments and tubings are disconnected from thecollection bag 30 and disposed of in a suitable disposal container (e.g., a red bag). Thus, thelid 31 may reduce the risk of the clinicians' exposure to potentially hazardous materials. - In an exemplary implementation, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , thelid 31 may also include a back-upvacuum port 34 for connecting to a back-up storage container in case thecollection bag 30 becomes full or inoperable during a liquid collection process. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , thelid 31 may also include adischarge port 38 for evacuating the collected liquid from thecollection bag 30, such as after a medical procedure is completed. In an alternative variation, thelid 31 may not have anyseparate discharge port 38. Instead, one or more of thecollection ports 32 may be used to empty thecollection bag 30. - During use, the
liner 35 is extended to receive fluid, as shown inFIG. 3 . As will be explained in detail herein, while thecollection bag 30 is being emptied, theliner 35 may collapse again into a state that is substantially similar to its original fully-collapsed state. After an acceptable quantity of liquid is removed from thecollection bag 30, it may be removed for disposal in its near-collapsed state. - To begin a liquid collection process, the
collection bag 30 is positioned, in its collapsed state, on themouth portion 11 of thecavity 15, as shown inFIG. 1 . An unused, collapsed liquid collection bag may include a holding mechanism such as a strap or band that assists in maintaining the liner portion of the collection bag in a suitable collapsed position. Once positioned in place, thelid 31 of thecollection bag 30 may sealingly engage themouth portion 11 of thecavity 15, so as to form a substantially air-tight enclosure inside thecavity 15 and exterior to thecollection bag 30. -
FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary aspects of lids for a disposable fluid collection container. InFIGS. 6-11 , thelid 30 defines avacuum passageway 40 having a U-shaped configuration. Thefirst end 41 communicates with an interior space of the collection bag, and thesecond end 14 communicates with a vacuum source 16 (inFIG. 5 ) so as to supply suction force to the interior space of the collection bag. Near thefirst end 41 of thevacuum passageway 40, thelid 30 includes an overflow valve having a floatingball 44 housed in a cage-like structure 45. Otherexemplary lids 30 may include a hydrophilic valve 49 (inFIG. 1-11 ), such as a porous plastic valve (PPV). As the liquid level in thecollection bag 35 reaches the elevational position of the valve, the floatingcheck valve vacuum passageway 40 thereby preventing the liquid from flowing into the vacuum pump or thehydrophobic valve 49 blocks the pores of a hydrophobic material, for example using surface tension, and thereby prevents liquid from flowing past the material. - The lids illustrated in
FIGS. 4-11 differ from thelids 31 depicted inFIGS. 1-3 , in that, among other things, they include a breakable closure member, 39 (inFIG. 9 ) (e.g., a foil, plastic film, rubber) for closing anevacuation port 36 of the lid. The opening may also include a two-way check valve 42, and apin 43, for example.FIGS. 5-11 show a variation of the lid in which the exterior of thepassageway 40 providing communication between theliquid collection bag 30 and thesuction source 14 is configured as a grippingmember 33 on the exterior of the disposable lid. This grippingmember 33 provides an area removed from thecollection ports 32 and from thedisposal port 36 by which a user can grip the disposable lid to attach and remove the disposable lid. - Unlike the
collection ports 32 shown inFIG. 1-3 , which are used to both collect and remove liquid for thecollection bag 30, the evacuation ports, 38 ofFIGS. 4-5 and 36 ofFIGS. 6-11 are not used during liquid collection operation and remain sealed by theclosure member 39 until the collection bag is to be emptied. - The
lid 30 ofFIGS. 5-11 also differs from the lids ofFIGS. 1-4 , in that it forms aninterstitial opening 47 for supplying a source of suction pressure to a space between the rigid receptacle defining a cavity and the collection bag during an evacuation process. The source of suction pressure may be used to equalize the pressures inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuation process, so that the collection bag may substantially maintain its normal shape during that process. Theinterstitial opening 47, like theevacuation port 36, may be closed off during the liquid collection process by abreakable closure member 46. Use of the interstitial opening will be explained in further detail in connection withFIGS. 12 and 17 . - The lid may include a
shelf 141 located between the interior opening of the plurality of ports and the opening communicating with the vacuum source. Theshelf 141 extends a sufficient distance to divert collected fluids away from the vacuum source. The shelf may be shaped to direct entering fluid toward the liner walls and away from the shut off valve. The lid may also include ascreen 142 surrounding the opening to the evacuation opening. The screen may be shaped to prevent solids collected in the fluid from exiting the collection container during disposal. - The
shelf 141 and thescreen 142 may also be shaped to prevent the liner from collapsing against the opening to theevacuation port 36, which could, without the present configuration, close off the evacuation port before the contents of the liner are fully evacuated. For example, during evacuation of the contents in the disposableliquid collection container 30, the contents are evacuated via suction through theevacuation port 36. The liner collapses and is drawn toward the evacuation port during this process. If the liner blocks the openings in the screen before all of the contents are removed, the disposal system would be unable to remove the remaining contents. In an aspect, theshelf 141 may be shaped and placed in relation to the screen 152 in a manner that prevents theliner 35 from blocking all of the openings in the screen. For example, theshelf 141 may comprise a portion that extends from the surface of the lid adjacent thescreen 142 in order to maintain fluid communication between the evacuation port and the distal portion of the liquid collection container. Thus, at least a partial opening is maintained to the evacuation port, at least in the area between theshelf 141 and thescreen 142 to allow continued evacuation of the contents through theopenings 143 in thescreen 142 and out theevacuation port 36. - Liquid Collection and Disposal Sequence
-
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate exemplary aspects of a liquid collection and disposal sequence. As shown inFIG. 12 , the system includes aliquid collection bag 30 and arigid container 15 configured to receive thecollection bag 30. Thecollection bag 30 may include alid 31 and acollapsible liner 35 attached to the inner surface of thelid 31 to form a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. When thecollection bag 30 is placed on the top of therigid container 15, thelid 31 may substantially seal the opening of thecontainer 15. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , thecollection bag 30 may include asuction conduit 233 for connecting the interior space of thecollection bag 30 to a suitable suction source (e.g., vacuum pump). Thelid 31 may define anaccess port 220 normally closed by aflexible valve 226, such as an elastic slit valve that is deflected to open theaccess port 220. Theaccess port 220 may be configured to receive ahose junction 240 and/or anevacuation connector 66. The lid may also define a second opening that will provide a connection to an evacuation connector. - The
container 15 may include a piston 80 (much like a syringe) slidably positioned inside thecontainer 15 to separate the internal space of thecontainer 15 into anupper space 281 and alower space 289. Aspects of the piston will be described in more detail below. Thecontainer 15 may also include astopper 270 near its bottom, to prevent thepiston 80 from descending below the level of the first connection 262. As shown in position 12A, thepiston 80 may be initially positioned near the top of thecontainer 15 to receive thecollection bag 30. -
FIG. 13 illustrates thatcavity 15 may include three vacuum connectors: afirst connector 62, asecond connector 64, and athird connector 66, each of which may be connected to a vacuum pump. When thecollection bag 30 is placed in thecavity 15, thevacuum port 14 of thelid 31 may automatically connect to thefirst connector 62, so as to supply suction force to the interior space of thecollection bag 30. This suction force, in turn, is communicated to thecollection ports 32. Each of thevacuum connectors third connector 66 may comprise a three-way valve that can selectively establish fluid communication between the cavity 15 (exterior to the bag 30) and atmosphere. - The
collection bag 30 may also include various valves associated with thecollection ports 32 and thedischarge port 38. These valves associated with thecollection ports 32,discharge port 38, andvacuum port 14 are schematically shown inFIG. 13 with circles adjacent the corresponding ports. Solid circles represent closed valves, and open circles represent open valves. - In
FIG. 12 , the optional three-way valve 265 may be rotated to align thefirst connection 62 with the asuction source 268 to communicate such pressure within thelower space 289. The suction pressure applied to thelower space 289 draws thepiston 80 down into thecontainer 15, which in turn draws the liner 235 into the cavity, thereby expanding the liner into the cavity, as shown position 12C and 13B. Although position 13B illustrates the valves associated with thecollection ports 32 to be closed, at least one of the valves associated with thecollection ports 32 or thedischarge ports 38 may be opened to allow air to flow into thecollection bag 30. This action draws theliner 35 into thecavity 15 without distorting the shape of the bag and facilitates the downward movement of thepiston 80 The suction force applied to thelower space 289 may be greater than the opening pressure of acheck valve 86 in thepiston 80, so as to open a through-hole 284 and evacuate any excess air in theupper space 281, which may enhance the seal between thelid 31 and thecontainer 15. - However, it may be preferred for the
check valve 86 to remain in a closed position during downward movement of thepiston 80, so as to further enhance the pressure differential between thelower space 289 and theupper space 281, thereby further facilitating the downward movement of thepiston 80 within the cavity. - In an alternative implementation, the
liner 35 may not be drawn into the bottom portion of thecavity 15 prior to receiving the liquid. Instead, as the liquid is being collected, the weight of the liquid may cause theliner 35 to expand into thecavity 15. - The
second connector 64 provides a connection to the interstitial area between the outside of theline 35 and the inner wall of thecavity 15. Although thesecond connector 64 is shown in the figures to be located at a position vertically below the lowermost end of thecollection bag 30, as shown inFIG. 13 , it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thesecond connector 64 may selectively not be opened to atmosphere until the lowermost end of thecollection bag 30 is positioned vertically below the elevational position of thesecond connector 64. - Thereafter, liquid may be drawn into the collection bag 230, as shown in position 12C and 13C. Communication with a
first connector 62 may be opened so as to supply suction force into the interior space of thecollection bag 30, and, in turn, via thecollection bag 30 to thecollection ports 32. During the liquid collection process, thesecond connector 64 may opened to counterbalance the vacuum force applied to the interior space of thecollection bag 30 so that theliner 35 may substantially maintain its normal shape. That is, the second connector opens to a suction force thereby preventing theliner 35 from being drawn back up towards thelid 31 under the influence of the negative pressure within the interior space of thecollection bag 30. - Alternatively, a continuously applied suction force in the
lower space 289 may cause acheck valve 86 in the piston to open, so as to communicate the suction pressure with theupper space 281, which may counterbalance the suction force applied inside the interior space of the collection bag 230 to prevent or reduce collapse or deformation of the liner 235 during the liquid collection process. - The liquid collection process may thereafter end because the medical procedure is completed, for example. This action may also end as a result of suction pressure shutoff, which may occur, for example, when the liquid level rises to the level of the
shutoff device 238. For example, when the liquid level reaches the level of theshutoff device 238, theshutoff device 238 may automatically shut off theconduit 233 to stop the liquid collection process, as shown in position D. - When the collection bag is full and/or otherwise needs to be emptied, the
collection system 10 may be transported to a disposal station to extract the collected liquid from thecollection bag 30, as illustrated in positions 12E and 13D. Thedisposal connector 69 may include a drip-free connector valve 345, which is biased to close the distal end of thedisposal connector 69. Inserting thedisposal connector 69 may cause theconnector valve 345 to open, so as to establish fluid communication between theaccess port 220 and theeductor 350. Thedisposal connector 69 may also pierce a closure over an evacuator opening in thelid 31. Once the valve associated with the discharge port is opened and connected to adisposal station 60, and the collected contents of thecollection bag 30 are evacuated. - The operation of the disposal station will be described in more detail in connection with
FIG. 17 .FIG. 12E illustrates that the disposal station may include an eductor 350 positioned between a source of water or other rinse fluid 305 and asanitary sewer 390 to create a pumping force sufficient to draw liquid out of the collection bag 230. In addition, a venturi 360 may be suitably positioned, (e.g., adjacent theeductor 350 in the discharge conduit 380) so as to create a greater pumping force. - To control the collapse geometry of the
liner 35 in a manner that does not occlude and prevent the desired discharge liquid flow,check valve 86 may be set in a closed position. The closed position of thecheck valve 86 prevents air from flowing into the space between theliner 35 and thecontainer 15. Because of the relatively limited air in the space outside of theliner 35, the walls of theliner 35 will not be pulled away from the walls ofcontainer 15 and therefore will not close off the passage of liquid within theliner 35. - At this stage, the optional three-
way valve 265 may be aligned to communicate thelower space 289 with atmosphere via thefirst connection 62 and afourth connection 264, as shown in position E. This selection allows the pressure inside thelower space 289 to reach atmospheric pressure during the evacuation process, so as not to interfere with the collapse of the liner 235. - Maintaining the pressure inside the cavity at atmospheric pressure may provide a sufficient pressure difference between the
cavity 15 and the interior space of the collection bag, such that theliner 35 may collapse itself toward thelid 31 as the collected liquid is drawn out of thecollection bag 30. - For example, maintaining the pressure in the
lower space 289 at atmospheric pressure allows thepiston 80 to rise during the evacuation process, due to a differential pressure between the upper space 281 (which is subject to a suction pressure) and the lower space 289 (which is open to atmosphere). Because thepiston 80 moves up as theliner 35 collapses, the collapse of theliner 35 takes place primarily near thepiston 80, and occlusion of the sidewalls of theliner 35 during the evacuation process may be effectively prevented. -
Second connector 64 illustrated inFIG. 13 may be open to vacuum pressure or may be closed off entirely, so as to provide selective regulation of air pressure within thecavity 15 exterior to the collection bag. - Once an acceptable quantity of the liquid is removed from the
collection bag 30, and thecollection bag 30 is collapsed, thedischarge connector 69 is removed from theaccess port 220. For practical purposes, it may be sufficient for theliner 35 to compact itself enough so as to make subsequent handling and disposal thereof more efficient. After the collected liquid is substantially removed from thecollection bag 30, the valves associated with thecollection ports 32, thedischarge port 38, and the overflow valve are closed sufficiently to inhibit air from flowing into the interior space of thecollection bag 30. Minimizing the amount of air flow into thecollection bag 30 allows thecollection bag 30 to remain in a substantially collapsed state for disposal. That is, large quantities of air will not be allowed to leak back into the interior space of thebag 30 once the vacuum pressure is removed therefrom. - The
collection bag 30 is then removed from thecontainer 15 and placed in a red bag for disposal, for example. A new collection bag may be placed onto thecontainer 15 for the next series of medical procedures. - Disposal Station
- Once the
collection bag 30 is full or otherwise needs to be emptied, the portableliquid collection system 10 may be transported to a disposal station by, for example aclinician 17 to evacuate the collected liquid from thecollection bag 30, as shown inFIG. 14 . Although evacuation of thecollection bag 30 is not necessary for disposal thereof (e.g., a filledcollection bag 30 may be disposed of with liquid still present within the interior space thereof), one aspect of the present invention allows for the evacuation of thecollection bag 30 to reduce the volume of red-bag waste produced by disposal thereof. - In some exemplary variations, the disposal station may comprise a
docking station 60 having a fluid connector configured to automatically (or manually) connect to the discharge/evacuation port 38, 36 (for the implementation shown inFIG. 4 , 5), the inlet port 32 (for the variations shown inFIGS. 1-3 ).FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary portable liquid collection system docked at adisposal station 60. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates that thedisposal station 60 may include areference structure 62 and a latching member 61 fixed to thereference structure 62 for engaging a corresponding latching member 182 of theliquid collection system 10. Among other things, this approach allows theliquid collection system 10 to be securely and accurately positioned at a predetermined location relative to thedisposal station 60. The disposal station may include a connection to a fluid supply, such as water, and a connection to a disposal supply through which collected liquid is evacuated and disposed. - The disposal station may be attached to a fixed location, such as to a wall. Alternatively, the disposal station may be mobile.
-
FIG. 18 illustrates a mobile disposal station. Themobile disposal station 160 is attached to amobile frame 161. As illustrated inFIG. 18 , the frame may include a relativelylow friction component 162 that allows the station to be moved, such as wheels, rollers, skid plates, tracks, etc. Theframe 161 may include front and/or rear supports 163. The mobile disposal station has features similar to those discussed in connection with the disposal station ofFIGS. 12-17 . - The mobile disposal station includes a connection for receiving a
water supply line 164 and a connection for receiving a disposal line 165. The mobile disposal station may include a cord for attaching the disposal station to a power supply. - The mobile station may further include an optional backflow preventer. The backflow preventer may be attached to the mobile frame and connected in series with the water source in order to prevent waste water from flowing back into the clean water supply. For example, the backflow preventer may comprise a one-way valve. Thus, in an aspect, the line of clean water would connect to the
backflow preventer 166 and then thebackflow preventer 166 would be connected to opening 164 for receiving clean water into thedisposal station 160. - To evacuate the collected liquid from the
collection bag 30 in some exemplary implementations, thedocking station 60 may utilize an eductor of the type described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0183780, entitled “Method and Apparatus for the Disposal of Waste Fluids” and published on Aug. 25, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or additionally, the disposal station may include a movable connector (not shown) that can be manually connected to thecollection bag 30, 130 to evacuate the collected liquid therefrom. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of aliquid disposal station 60, illustrating various components and their operational characteristics associated with aliquid collection system 10.FIG. 17 illustrates that theliquid disposal station 60 may include auser interface 67 for controlling thedisposal station 60. - In certain exemplary variations, the process for evacuating liquid from the
liquid collection system 10 may be automatically initiated upon engagement of the latching member, although the system may be configured such that an operator is required to manually initiate the evacuation process after thesystem 10 has been operatively engaged with thedisposal station 60. - A
liquid collection system 10 is securely positioned in the disposal station, such as via a latch 61. Anevacuation interface 64 and an optionalinterstitial interface 66 may align with theevacuation port 36 and aninterstitial port 47, respectively, of theliquid collection system 10, as shown inFIGS. 6-11 . Theevacuation interface 63 and theinterstitial interface 69 may be connected to a suitable draining system 65 for evacuating the liquid from the liquid collection system. - In some exemplary variations, the draining system for the disposal station may include an
eductor 350 that provides a source of suction pressure sufficient to draw the collected liquid out of the collection bag of aliquid collection bag 30. In addition to the eductor, other vacuum sources may be used to draw the fluid out of the collection bag. Theeductor 350 and the associated flow connections for evacuating the collected liquid may operate similarly to those illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 , for example. - The
eductor 350 may be positioned between a source of water or other rinse fluid 305 and asanitary sewer 390, via awater conduit 315 and adischarge conduit 380, respectively. Rinse fluid may consist of water, another wash fluid (e.g. a detergent or other fluid), or a mixture of water and another wash fluid. As noted above, the term “fluid” may refer to a combination of a liquid medium along with solid particles, gases and/or particulates. Thewater conduit 315 may include awater valve 310, which may be controlled manually or by other control, such as electric switch. Thedisposal connector 66 may be then connected to theeductor 350 via anevacuation conduit 335. - Opening the
water valve 310 causes the water from the source ofwater 305 to flow into theeductor 350 to create a pumping force in theeductor 350. This pumping force causes theliner 35 to collapse and then liquid collected in thecollection bag 30 to flow into theeductor 350 and then into thesanitary sewer 390 via thedischarge conduit 380. - The
disposal station 60 may include apipe conduit 325 that branches from thewater conduit 315 to supply cleaning water or other cleaning substance to the disposal connector orevacuation hose junction 64. Thepipe conduit 325 may include a valve 320 (e.g., an electric solenoid valve, or a ball valve) that controls the water flow into the interior of thedisposal connector 66. - After liquid is removed from a collection bag, clean water or other substance from the
pipe conduit 325 may flow into the interior of the evacuation hose junction and around a valve, flushing the entire surface of the valve. This can be cycled on and off one or more times to rinse or flush it off as a preventive maintenance for the evacuation interface. The cleaning operation may be performed before the evacuation interface is removed from the evacuation port so that cleaning substance may flow to the exterior of the evacuation interface and then be suctioned back through the interior of the evacuation interface, thereby flushing any residual fluid or other particles from the components of the interior of the interface. - According to one aspect of the present invention, conduit 325 (which supplies cleaning water to the disposal connector 66) is in fluid communication with
discharge conduit 380, which is used to “charge” theeductor 350, and to thereby suction fluid from the collection bag 30 (as described above). In this manner, cleaning fluid will not be supplied to thedisposal connection 66 unless the eductor is suctioning fluid from thecollection bag 30, thereby preventing unintended flooding of thecollection bag 30 with cleaning water. - The
interstitial port 47 of thelid 31 may be in fluid communication with an interstitial space within a cavity external to a liquid collection bag, and the supply of a suction force to the interstitial space may equalize the pressure inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuation process, so that the collection bag may remain substantially uncollapsed during the evacuation process. Providing theinterstitial port 47 in thelid 31 may eliminate the need for a power supply in theliquid collection system 10 during the evacuation process, which may otherwise be required to supply suction source to the interstitial space, similarly to the function of thesecond vacuum connector 64 inFIG. 13 . - In other variations, a seal between the lid of the liquid collection bag and the top 11 of
cavity 15 and at least seal between the piston and the inner walls of the cavity maintain vacuum pressure on the outside of the collection bag by preventing air from entering the interstitial space so that the sides of the bag do not collapse during an evacuation process. By limiting air flow into the interstitial space between the bag and the inner walls of the cavity, communication between a suction source and the interstitial space is unnecessary/optional during an evacuation process. In addition, air flow into the interstitial space may be controlled via a check valve in the piston. These seals assist in equalizing the pressure inside and outside of the collection bag during a collection process and continue to maintain that pressure up through at least part of an evacuation process. - In exemplary variations, air flow may be allowed into the interstitial space near the end of an evacuation process in order to fully collapse the
liquid collection bag 30 by allowing communication between the atmosphere and interstitial space. - According to certain exemplary implementations, the disposal station may include a linear slide, along which the
evacuation interface 63 and the interstitial hose junction may slidably engage theevacuation port interstitial port 47, respectively. Movement of theevacuation interface 63 and the interstitial interface relative to thelinear slide 63 may be controlled, for example, pneumatically by a compressor or other suitable movement mechanism, a flow control pilot, and a flow control valve (e.g., a two-way solenoid valve). - The
evacuation port interstitial port 47 may remain closed by breakable closure members during the liquid collection process. These breakable closure members may be pierced or broken when theevacuation interface 63 and theinterstitial interface 970 engage the evacuation port and the interstitial port. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , theevacuation interface 63 may include a normally-closed valve (e.g., a duckbill valve, a check valve, a spring-loaded valve, a poppet valve) to open and close its passageway. In the exemplary variation, the valve includes aball 345 biased against a distal end of the hose junction. The valve may be opened from its normally-closed position by an actuation rod or pin positioned inside the evacuation port, for example. - Piston
-
FIGS. 19-21 illustrate anexemplary piston 80. Thepiston 80 may include amain body 81 shaped to fit a cross section of the interior of thecavity 15 in theliquid collection system 10. In one aspect, the main body may have at least oneseal 88 configured to maintain a seal between thepiston 80 and the interior wall of thecavity 15. In another aspect, to provide additional sealing capability, themain body 81 may include a plurality ofseals 88, such as the two illustrated. Each seal may include, for example, an O-ring attached to the outer peripheral edge of the main body. The O-ring may include a material or be coated with a material to enhance lubricity and/or durability. Thepiston 80 may also include a thoughhole 86 and a valve assembly 85, as discussed in connection withFIG. 12 . - The
piston 80 may also include ascraper ring 83 configured to prevent aliner 35 of a liquid collection bag from being pinched between the inner wall of thecavity 15 and thepiston 80. The scraper ring includes a plurality ofopenings 84 that allow air flow through thescraper ring 83 and an outerperipheral edge 87 that extends above the main body of thepiston 80. When inserted into thecavity 15, theperipheral edge 87 of thescraper ring 83 may have a tight, interference fit with the interior wall of thecavity 15. The outerperipheral edge 87 of the scraper ring may be thin so that it does not allow aliner 35 from aliquid collection bag 30 to become caught between the scraper ring and the inner wall of the system. The edge of the scraper ring may also be thin enough that it can be flexed to contact the entire surface area of the inner wall of thecavity 15. As the peripheral edge of the scraper ring is thin, the peripheral edge may also comprise a material that is stiff enough to maintain a tight interference fit and to maintain the shape of the edge as it moves against the cavity wall. Additionally, the peripheral edge of the scraper ring may extend above the main body of the piston to allow a thin edge to maintain compression against the inner cavity wall. This enables the scraper ring to move the bag away from the inner wall of thecavity 15 without catching the bag between the inner cavity wall and the piston. - While the
scraper ring 83 has an interference fit with the inner wall of thecavity 15, thescraper ring 83 may be attached to themain body 81 of thepiston 80 in a relatively loose manner. For example, the piston assembly may further include a movable connector that connects the scraper ring and the main piston body, wherein the movable connector allows the scraper ring to move with respect to the main piston body. This relatively loose connection with themain body 81 enables thescraper ring 83 to self center against the inner wall of the cavity even when the piston is not centered. The scraper ring may be attached to themain body 81 of the piston, for example, using a bolt such as a shoulder bolt.FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary variation of thepiston 80 having fourbolts 89 and fourwashers 90 attaching the scraper ring to themain body 81 of the piston. - As the
piston 80 moves during liquid collection and disposal, the main body of thepiston 81 may tip, e.g. become angularly offset, relative to the inner wall of thecavity 15. As the piston becomes cocked, a loose connection between themain body 81 of the piston and thescraper ring 83 allows the scraper ring to maintain its flat position, e.g. angular alignment, and to maintain contact between its outerperipheral edge 87 and the inner wall of thecavity 15. Thus, based on the described configuration, no gap forms between thescraper ring 83 and the inner wall of the cavity such that theliner 35 may be caught. - The
scraper ring 83 may include a material having an Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW). The molecular weight may be above a million Daltons. The high molecular weight provides a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance for thescraper ring 83. The lower coefficient of friction causes the scraper ring to have a characteristic similar to significant lubrication. Also, the scraper ring may be formed from a material that is flexible enough to press against the inner wall of thecavity 15 in an interference fit, yet also rigid and stiff. The scraper ring may also include a material that is hydrophobic so that the scraper ring does not swell if it comes in contact with liquid. For example, the scraper ring may comprise a material such as UHMW polyethylene. - The piston may include a support structure to support the surface of the
scraper ring 83 adjacent to themain body 81. The support structure may includeribs 82 in at least one of thescraper ring 83, as inFIG. 19 , orribs 82 in themain body 81 of the piston, as inFIG. 21 , adjacent to the scraper ring. Theribs 82 may be configured to allow for air flow through theopenings 84 in the scraper ring by supporting the scraper ring above themain body 81. - This allows, for example, vacuum pressure from air released through the piston check valve 85 to be distributed across the openings in the scraper ring to the bottom surface of
liner 35. - In addition to ribs, the thickness of the scraper ring may be increased in order to provide enough support for the scraper ring to maintain its shape. However, the edge of the scraper ring should be thin enough that it does not allow the
liner 35 to be caught between the inner wall ofcavity 12 and the edge of thescraper ring 87. - In addition, the scraper ring may be maintained at a flat position, thereby preventing gaps between the inner wall of the
cavity 15 and the peripheral edge of thescraper ring 87 even when the scraper ring is firmly attached to themain body 81 of the piston, by increasing the thickness of themain body 81. For example, the thickness of the piston may be increased to about the same amount as the diameter of the piston. Increasing the thickness of thepiston 80 prevents the piston from tipping relative to the inner wall of thecavity 15. - Piston Stop Feature
- The
collection system 10 may further include a piston stop feature. This may include a stopper on the interior of thecavity 15 that physically stops the piston from rising, similar to thestop 270 illustrated inFIG. 12 . In order to prevent damage to the piston and/or the liner becoming caught between the stopper and thepiston 80, thehousing 12 may include a piston stop feature that will function by regulating the pressure between the space above thepiston 281 and the space below thepiston 289.FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary piston stop feature. - For example, during an evacuation of collected contents in the liquid disposal bag, there may be a positive pressure under the piston. The portion of the cavity under the
piston 289 may be open to the atmosphere, while theupper portion 281 is subject to a lower pressure. Thus, the piston is drawn toward the upper portion of the cavity and assists in the evacuation of the contents of the liquid collection bag. In this aspect, thepiston stop 110 has a structure that allows the area above thepiston 281 to communicate with the area below thepiston 289, thereby regulating the pressure between them. Such a communication structure stops the movement of the piston because there is no pressure differential between the portions of the cavity on either side of the piston. For example, in an aspect, the piston stop may include anopening 111 to the area above the piston and anopening 112 to the area below the piston. These openings are connected via achannel 113. Thechannel 113 may further include avalve 114 that may be opened or closed. If thevalve 114 is open, movement of thepiston 80 will stop. However, if thevalve 114 is closed, thepiston 80 will continue to move because the pressure difference will not be regulated for the portions of the cavity above 281 and below 289 the piston. - The piston stop feature may be configured at any height of the cavity, depending on the desired stopping position of the piston. The piston stop feature may be used to stop the movement of the piston in either direction. The interstitial opening (e.g. 64 in
FIG. 13 ) to the cavity may be the same as one of theopenings piston stop 110. The connection to theinterstitial opening 114 may include acheck valve 115 that allows the interstitial pressure to be regulated separate from thepiston stop feature 110. - Although the use of the stop feature was described above for evacuation, the
piston stop 110 may also be used to stop a downward movement of the piston during collection. In addition, the stop feature may include any number ofopenings FIG. 23 . The piston may be stopped at a position based on whichvalve check valves particular openings check valves FIG. 23 as illustrated inFIG. 22 .FIGS. 24 and 25 further illustrate exemplary aspects of thepiston stop 110. - Filter
- In certain variations, the
system 10 may include a filter unit 70 (e.g., a HEPA filter) to prevent relatively large particles from entering the vacuum pump. Referring toFIGS. 26-28 , thefilter unit 70 may include a filter housing comprised of anfirst housing portion 72 and asecond housing portion 78 configured to mate with one another to define a substantially enclosed interior space for receiving afilter 75. AlthoughFIGS. 26-28 show housing portion 72 on top andhousing portion 78 on bottom, this may be reversed. For example,FIG. 26 depicts thefilter 70 withhousing portion 72 as a lower housing portion andhousing portion 78 as an upper housing portion. In this description,housing portion 72 will be referred to as the first housing portion andhousing portion 78 as the second housing portion. Thefirst housing portion 72 may define anoutlet opening 71 for connection to a vacuum, for example, and thesecond housing portion 78 may define one ormore inlet openings inlet openings system 10 includes only one component that requires connection to the vacuum pump, thesecond housing portion 78 may include only one inlet opening 79 a. If, however, the system includes multiple components that require connections to the vacuum pump, thesecond housing portion 78 may include asmany inlet openings system 10. For example, as shown inFIG. 23( b) the second housing portion may include two inlet openings. - The
first housing portion 72 and thesecond housing portion 78 may be joined together via one or more screws, or other attachment features, such as a suitable snap-fastening or thread-fastening mechanism or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In the illustration shown inFIG. 28 , a sealinggasket 76 may be disposed between thefirst housing portion 72 and thesecond housing portion 78 to seal the interface therebetween. Thefirst housing portion 72 and thesecond housing portion 78 may be readily separable to facilitate replacement of thefilter 75 disposed therein. - The
filter 75 may comprise a microporous (HEPA-grade) material. Thefilter 75 may have a generally cylindrical shape defining a hollowinternal space 74 in fluid communication with the outlet opening 71 of thefirst housing portion 72. Thefilter 75 may be formed of a hydrophobic material, such as expanded PTFE on thermally fused polyester (e.g., Tetratex® ePTFE available from Donaldson Company, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn.). Thefilter 75 may have hydrophobic characteristics that serve as a safety valve for preventing water from flowing into the vacuum pump, for example. - In addition, only a portion of the filter may include a hydrophobic material. For example, one side of the filter may include hydrophobic material. The structure of the filter including only a portion of a hydrophobic material, alone or in combination with the other features, may allow the filter to continue to function even when a significant amount of liquid has entered the filter.
- As shown in
FIG. 28 , thefilter 75 may be positioned between anupper gasket 73 and anend cap 77. Theupper gasket 73 may be made of polychloroprene material (e.g., neoprene) or microcellular urethane foam (e.g., Poron®), for example. Theupper gasket 73 seals or partially seals the contact space between the top surface of thefilter 75 and thefirst housing portion 72. In some exemplary variations, to enhance the sealing effect, thefilter unit 70 may be configured such that, when thefirst housing portion 72 and thesecond housing portion 78 are joined together to compressibly enclose thefilter unit 70, thefilter 75 presses theupper gasket 73 so as to slightly compress theupper gasket 73. - The
end cap 77 is configured to receive one end of thefilter 75. Theend cap 77 may define anannular groove 77 a configured to receive the second end of thefilter 75, for example, as shown inFIG. 28 , for more securely holding thefilter 75 in place. Theend cap 77 is impermeable to fluid, thereby preventing any fluid from escaping via the first end of thefilter 75. The space between theend cap 77 and thesecond housing portion 78 may define one or more flow paths (e.g., via reinforcement ribs extending radially). Thus, all of the fluid entering thefilter unit 70 through theinlet openings end cap 77, pass through theside wall 75 a of thefilter 75, and exit thefilter unit 70 through theinternal space 74 and theoutlet opening 71. - As noted above, smoke and/or gases may occur in connection with certain medical procedures. The filter is capable of filtering smoke and other undesirable gases from the air that is drawn into the liquid collection system and that passes through the filter.
- Floor Suction Tool
- One example of a suction device to which the liquid collection container may be attached is a device for collecting fluid from a surface, such as a floor. During medical procedures, fluids may fall to the floor and require removal.
FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an exemplary suction device for removing fluids from a surface. The suction device includes ahousing 220 and a porous material 221 held in the housing. Thehousing 220 includes an opening for receiving a connector 222, such as tubing, that connects the device to a source of suction or vacuum. The tubing 222 may be connected, for example, to one of thecollection ports 32 on the liquid collection container. Thehousing 220 is configured to communicate the suction or vacuum from the connector 222 to the porous material 221 so that fluid may be drawn through the porous material 221 and into the tubing 222, and subsequently into a container. For example, thehousing 220 may include a channel that communicates vacuum pressure from the suction source and tubing 222 to the porous material 221. For example, the fluid may be drawn through the porous material 221 into the tubing 222 to acollection port 32 and into the disposablefluid collection container 30. - While aspects of the present invention have been described and illustrated with reference to one or more preferred variations thereof, it is not the intention of the applicants that these aspects be restricted to such detail. Rather, it is the intention of the applicants that aspects of the present invention be defined by all equivalents, both suggested hereby and known to those of ordinary skill in the art, of the variations falling within the scope thereof.
Claims (5)
1-22. (canceled)
23. A fluid collection system, comprising:
a disposable collection container; and
a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing including:
a cavity;
a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container; and
a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity, wherein a portion of the filter comprises a hydrophobic material.
24. The fluid collection system according to claim 23 , wherein the filter comprises a material capable of filtering a gas.
25. A fluid collection system, comprising:
a disposable collection container including:
a collection port; and
an opening configured to communicate a suction source with an interior of the disposable collection container; and
a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the housing including:
a cavity; and
a suction source connectable to the opening of the disposable collection container; and
a suction instrument comprising:
a main body;
a porous material attached to the main body; and
tubing configured to connect to the collection port.
26. The fluid collection system according to claim 25 , wherein main body comprises a channel configured to communicate vacuum pressure from the suction source to the porous material, and wherein the porous material is configured to draw fluid through the porous material into the disposable collection container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/756,035 US20130144232A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2013-01-31 | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US22581209P | 2009-07-15 | 2009-07-15 | |
US12/837,297 US8460256B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-07-15 | Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
US13/756,035 US20130144232A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2013-01-31 | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/837,297 Division US8460256B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2010-07-15 | Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130144232A1 true US20130144232A1 (en) | 2013-06-06 |
Family
ID=43449790
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/837,297 Active 2030-11-07 US8460256B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2010-07-15 | Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
US13/754,571 Abandoned US20130247326A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2013-01-30 | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
US13/756,035 Abandoned US20130144232A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2013-01-31 | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/837,297 Active 2030-11-07 US8460256B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2010-07-15 | Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
US13/754,571 Abandoned US20130247326A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2013-01-30 | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8460256B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011008961A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9889239B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2018-02-13 | Allegiance Corporation | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
CN109310808A (en) * | 2016-08-28 | 2019-02-05 | 阿利吉安斯公司 | Fluid collection system and application method |
US10252856B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2019-04-09 | Allegiance Corporation | Fluid collection and disposal system having interchangeable collection and other features and methods relating thereof |
KR20200074055A (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-24 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
KR102208334B1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-01-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and control method thereof |
US11129928B2 (en) | 2016-07-06 | 2021-09-28 | Serres Oy | Assembly for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation |
US11134817B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-10-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102013208108A1 (en) * | 2013-05-03 | 2014-11-20 | Paul Hartmann Ag | Fluid container for a device for providing negative pressure for medical applications, method for producing the container, and device |
US9498605B2 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2016-11-22 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | External volume-limiting CSF drainage system |
GB2523675B (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2016-01-20 | Alan Graham Burr | Vacuum cleaner envelope |
AU2017250817A1 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2018-12-06 | Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited | Handheld vacuum cleaner |
AU201712063S (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2017-04-26 | Tti Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd | Handheld vacuum cleaner |
AU201712064S (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2017-04-27 | Tti Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd | Handheld vacuum cleaner |
AU201812645S (en) | 2017-12-05 | 2018-07-31 | Tti Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd | Housing for a vacuum filter |
CN108721710A (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2018-11-02 | 张姝杰 | A kind of cardiology department's drainage device |
US11607637B2 (en) | 2018-08-31 | 2023-03-21 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Power tool including an air filter and debris collector |
CN211674084U (en) * | 2019-05-09 | 2020-10-16 | 嘉兴捷顺旅游制品有限公司 | Device for cleaning mop |
US11452806B2 (en) * | 2019-10-04 | 2022-09-27 | Covidien Lp | Outflow collection vessels, systems, and components thereof for hysteroscopic surgical procedures |
USD959658S1 (en) | 2020-10-12 | 2022-08-02 | Stryker Corportation | Medical waste collection unit |
WO2024089965A1 (en) * | 2022-10-28 | 2024-05-02 | 株式会社エクセルシア | Treatment agent, waste liquid treatment implement, and downstream-side waste liquid treatment implement |
Family Cites Families (321)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US687790A (en) | 1901-04-19 | 1901-12-03 | William S Scales | Paint-tube. |
US1703834A (en) * | 1927-11-09 | 1929-02-26 | Milton D Thompson | Propeller or the like |
US2057238A (en) | 1934-11-05 | 1936-10-13 | Philip P Krug | Liquid-dispensing apparatus |
US2452503A (en) * | 1944-06-21 | 1948-10-26 | Perfect Circle Co | Piston ring |
US2686625A (en) | 1947-07-24 | 1954-08-17 | Our Savior S Evangelical Luthe | Grease dispensing pail base |
US3035623A (en) | 1961-05-04 | 1962-05-22 | Stylette Plastics Inc | Containers |
US3164186A (en) * | 1962-07-13 | 1965-01-05 | Eberhard E H Weber | Plastic container |
US3307746A (en) * | 1965-06-28 | 1967-03-07 | Illinois Tool Works | Frangible opening device for containers |
US3397648A (en) | 1967-04-17 | 1968-08-20 | Gomco Surgical Mfg Corp | Suction pump |
US3515127A (en) | 1967-05-19 | 1970-06-02 | Ralph D Reymond | Manostat pump |
US3537455A (en) | 1967-06-08 | 1970-11-03 | Baxter Laboratories Inc | Drainage apparatus |
US3773211A (en) | 1970-08-13 | 1973-11-20 | H Bridgman | Uterine aspiration collection bag |
US3780738A (en) | 1971-12-08 | 1973-12-25 | Deaton Medical Co | Method and apparatus of medical suction |
US3814098A (en) | 1971-12-08 | 1974-06-04 | Deaton Medical Co | Medical suction apparatus |
US3699815A (en) * | 1971-12-13 | 1972-10-24 | Medical Dev Corp | Improvements in body fluid collection bottle |
US3804090A (en) * | 1972-05-08 | 1974-04-16 | Medical Dev Corp | Additive structure for vacuum operated liquid-fill bottles |
US3830238A (en) | 1972-11-07 | 1974-08-20 | Deknatel Inc | Surgical drainage system with pressure measuring device |
US3805788A (en) * | 1972-12-20 | 1974-04-23 | Bristol Myers Co | Aspirator jar |
IT1007292B (en) | 1974-02-08 | 1976-10-30 | Fidenza Vetraria Spa | LID WITH HERMETIC CLOSURE FOR CONTAINERS |
US3915189A (en) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-10-28 | Medical Dev Corp | Aspiration container structure including handle mount |
US4015603A (en) * | 1975-10-10 | 1977-04-05 | Deknatel Inc. | Surgical drainage system with pressure indicator |
US4022258A (en) | 1975-10-28 | 1977-05-10 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Ported closure and connector therefor |
US4181140A (en) * | 1978-02-10 | 1980-01-01 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Frangible resealable closure for a flexible tube having hold open means |
US4173295A (en) | 1977-11-21 | 1979-11-06 | European Design Corporation | Barrel dispensing support |
US4245637A (en) * | 1978-07-10 | 1981-01-20 | Nichols Robert L | Shutoff valve sleeve |
US4392860A (en) | 1979-01-11 | 1983-07-12 | Howmedica, Inc. | Disposable wound drainage device |
WO1980001558A1 (en) | 1979-01-29 | 1980-08-07 | K Taniuchi | Easy-to-open lid for container |
US4340049A (en) * | 1979-10-18 | 1982-07-20 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Breakaway valve |
US4379455A (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1983-04-12 | Deaton David W | Medical receptacle with disposable liner assembly |
US4419093A (en) | 1980-01-21 | 1983-12-06 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Method of receiving and disposing of fluids from the body |
US4321922A (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1982-03-30 | Deaton David W | Medical receptacle with disposable liner assembly |
US4460361A (en) | 1980-07-31 | 1984-07-17 | American Hospital Supply Corp. | Vacuum port connector assembly on fluid collection apparatus |
US4346711A (en) | 1981-01-16 | 1982-08-31 | Sherwood Medical Industries Inc. | Body fluid collection device with disposable liner |
US4397643A (en) | 1981-05-04 | 1983-08-09 | Sherwood Medical Company | Drainage collection device with disposable liner |
WO1983001767A1 (en) | 1981-11-13 | 1983-05-26 | Suzuki, Hiro | Bung for jars |
US4455140A (en) | 1981-12-18 | 1984-06-19 | Sherwood Medical Company | Body fluid collection device |
US4541457A (en) | 1982-03-17 | 1985-09-17 | Colder Products Company | Two-way uncoupling valve assembly |
US4568006A (en) * | 1982-06-03 | 1986-02-04 | American Flange & Manufacturing Co. Inc. | Nestable self-venting spout |
US4569674A (en) * | 1982-08-03 | 1986-02-11 | Stryker Corporation | Continuous vacuum wound drainage system |
US4650477A (en) * | 1982-10-15 | 1987-03-17 | Sorenson Research Co. Inc. | Suction drainage apparatus |
US4578060A (en) * | 1983-07-20 | 1986-03-25 | Howmedica, Inc. | Wound drainage device |
US4492313A (en) * | 1984-05-29 | 1985-01-08 | William Touzani | Collapsible bottle |
US4642128A (en) * | 1985-09-11 | 1987-02-10 | Xanar, Inc. | Smoke evacuator system with electronic control circuitry |
IT206497Z2 (en) | 1985-12-31 | 1987-08-10 | Lameplast Di Ferrari & C Snc S | PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR THE CONTROLLED DISPENSING OF DUST AND LIQUIDS IN DROPS, EQUIPPED WITH PERFORATING CLOSING CAPS OPERABLE AT THE TIME OF USE |
JPS62227243A (en) | 1986-03-29 | 1987-10-06 | Toshiba Corp | Transmission control system |
US4950247A (en) | 1986-09-02 | 1990-08-21 | Rosenblatt/Ima Invention Enterprises | Aspirator for collection of bodily fluids including improved safety and efficiency elements |
US4775366A (en) | 1986-09-02 | 1988-10-04 | Richard Rosenblatt | Aspirator for collection of bodily fluid |
US4799924A (en) * | 1986-09-02 | 1989-01-24 | Richard Rosenblatt | Aspirator for collection of bodily fluids |
US4799925A (en) * | 1986-09-02 | 1989-01-24 | Richard Rosenblatt | Aspirator for collection of bodily fluids |
US4928245A (en) | 1987-01-27 | 1990-05-22 | Storage Technology Corporation | Automated cartridge system |
US4769019A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1988-09-06 | Sherwood Medical Company | Drainage apparatus |
US4930997A (en) | 1987-08-19 | 1990-06-05 | Bennett Alan N | Portable medical suction device |
US4957491A (en) | 1988-03-17 | 1990-09-18 | Parker Richard D | Combination fluid collection and disposal apparatus |
US4863446A (en) | 1988-03-17 | 1989-09-05 | Parker Richard D | Combination fluid collection and disposal apparatus |
US4980913A (en) | 1988-04-19 | 1990-12-25 | Vindicator Corporation | Security system network |
US4981473A (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1991-01-01 | Rosenblatt/Ima Invention Enterprises | Aspirator without partition wall for collection of bodily fluids including improved safety and efficiency elements |
US4925447A (en) | 1988-06-22 | 1990-05-15 | Rosenblatt/Ima Invention Enterprises | Aspirator without partition wall for collection of bodily fluids including improved safety and efficiency elements |
US5002534A (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1991-03-26 | Rosenblatt/Ima Invention Enterprises | Aspirator without partition wall for collection of bodily fluids including improved safety and efficiency elements |
US4874023A (en) | 1988-09-30 | 1989-10-17 | Liqui-Box Corporation | Decap dispensing system for water cooler bottles |
US5295518A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1994-03-22 | Elkay Manufacturing Company | Two-piece hygienic cap with resealable plug and tearable skirt with pull tab |
US4986839A (en) * | 1988-11-10 | 1991-01-22 | Surgical Laser Products, Inc. | Self-contained air enhancement and laser plume evacuation system |
US4957492A (en) | 1988-12-07 | 1990-09-18 | Cabot Medical Corporation | Apparatus for collecting and handling tissue during uterine evacuation procedure |
US4976694A (en) | 1988-12-15 | 1990-12-11 | Gary Schreibman | Apparatus and method for preventing infection |
US4979628A (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1990-12-25 | Robbins Edward S Iii | Containers having one or more integral annular bands of increased thickness |
US5027963A (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1991-07-02 | Robbins Edward S Iii | Containers having one or more integral annular bands of increased thickness |
US5124126A (en) | 1989-01-24 | 1992-06-23 | Ripp Gerard A | Medical/dental office waste disposal |
US5039494A (en) | 1989-02-21 | 1991-08-13 | Martin Juan N | Method of treating exhaust from laser surgery |
US4921679A (en) | 1989-02-21 | 1990-05-01 | Martin Juan N | Exhaust system for laser surgery |
US4963134A (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1990-10-16 | United States Medical Corporation | Laser surgery plume evacuator with aspirator |
US4906261A (en) * | 1989-03-10 | 1990-03-06 | Mohajer Reza S | Smoke evacuation system |
IE901130A1 (en) * | 1989-03-30 | 1991-02-13 | Abbott Lab | Suction drainage infection control system |
DK0391219T3 (en) | 1989-03-30 | 1993-10-25 | Abbott Lab | Suction drainage device with infection control device |
DK0390094T3 (en) * | 1989-03-30 | 1994-08-29 | Abbott Lab | Suction drainage system with infection control |
US4948010A (en) | 1989-04-07 | 1990-08-14 | Wiggins E Todd | Waste liquid collection and disposal apparatus |
GB2233494A (en) | 1989-06-26 | 1991-01-09 | Philips Nv | Providing an electrode on a semiconductor device |
FR2653661A1 (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1991-05-03 | Faure Jean Marie | PACKAGING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF STERILE LIQUIDS, ESPECIALLY PHARMACEUTICAL LIQUIDS. |
US5256160A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1993-10-26 | Mectra Labs, Inc. | Medical device valving mechanism |
US5014389A (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1991-05-14 | Concept Inc. | Foot manipulated suction head and method for employing same |
US5252290A (en) | 1989-11-30 | 1993-10-12 | Jun Uesugi | Process for treatment and disposal of medical waste materials |
US5010179A (en) * | 1989-12-26 | 1991-04-23 | The B. F. Goodrich Company | Process for the preparation of mixed, symmetrical azonitrile dicarboxylic dicyano acids and initiators |
IL93045A (en) * | 1990-01-12 | 1995-01-24 | Rosenberg Lior | Vacuum device particularly useful for draining wounds |
US5084250A (en) * | 1990-01-29 | 1992-01-28 | Bromac Enterprises, A Partnership | Apparatus for treating and disposing of bio-hazardous waste and solid waste |
US5318516A (en) | 1990-05-23 | 1994-06-07 | Ioan Cosmescu | Radio frequency sensor for automatic smoke evacuator system for a surgical laser and/or electrical apparatus and method therefor |
US5072762A (en) | 1990-06-21 | 1991-12-17 | Jesus Jimenez | Seal puncture fitting on a liquid container |
US5173442A (en) | 1990-07-23 | 1992-12-22 | Microelectronics And Computer Technology Corporation | Methods of forming channels and vias in insulating layers |
US5156602A (en) | 1990-09-05 | 1992-10-20 | Stryker Corporation | Hydrophobic filter protector for wound drainage system |
US5178828A (en) * | 1990-11-21 | 1993-01-12 | Shin-ichi Koyama | Apparatus for treatment of medical waste materials |
US5242434A (en) | 1990-12-20 | 1993-09-07 | Terry William M | Medical waste handling system |
US5217688A (en) | 1991-01-25 | 1993-06-08 | Lersner Wolf A | Process for the disposal of medical waste |
US5413152C1 (en) | 1991-10-07 | 2001-11-13 | Oasis Corp | Bottle cap and valve assembly for a bottled water station |
US5370270A (en) | 1991-10-08 | 1994-12-06 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Non-spill bottle cap used with water dispensers |
CA2122594A1 (en) | 1991-11-01 | 1993-05-13 | Royce Herbst | Dual mode laser smoke evacuation system with sequential filter monitor and vacuum compensation |
US5269030A (en) | 1991-11-13 | 1993-12-14 | Ssi Medical Services, Inc. | Apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and treatment |
FR2685301B1 (en) | 1991-12-20 | 1995-03-10 | Oreal | ASSEMBLY FOR MIXING TWO DIFFERENT PRODUCTS SEPARATELY STORED. |
US5268666A (en) | 1991-12-23 | 1993-12-07 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Appliance control system providing out-of-context usage |
US5519858A (en) | 1992-01-10 | 1996-05-21 | Digital Equipment Corporation | Address recognition engine with look-up database for storing network information |
US5607411A (en) * | 1992-02-10 | 1997-03-04 | Scott N. Heironimus | Containment and treatment aspirator system and method |
US5330464A (en) * | 1992-03-11 | 1994-07-19 | Baxter International Inc. | Reliable breakable closure mechanism |
US5333761A (en) | 1992-03-16 | 1994-08-02 | Ballard Medical Products | Collapsible bottle |
US5910291A (en) | 1992-03-16 | 1999-06-08 | Envirosurgical, Inc. | Surgery plume filter device and method of filtering |
AU4102493A (en) | 1992-03-16 | 1994-11-08 | Envirosurgical, Inc. | Surgery plume filter device and method of filtering |
US5217038A (en) | 1992-03-31 | 1993-06-08 | Pppk, Inc. | Apparatus for emptying a hazardous waste container |
US5309924A (en) | 1992-04-29 | 1994-05-10 | Peabody Alan M | Spill-proof blood collection device |
US5316041A (en) * | 1992-10-27 | 1994-05-31 | Colder Product Company | Quick connection coupling valve assembly |
US5380289A (en) * | 1993-01-19 | 1995-01-10 | The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma | Fluid collection device |
US5336169A (en) | 1993-03-02 | 1994-08-09 | Divilio Robert J | Attachment for removal of smoke in laparoscopic surgery |
JPH08507995A (en) | 1993-03-08 | 1996-08-27 | ケイヴィエム・テクノロジィズ・インコーポレイテッド | Liquid sample container |
US5637103A (en) | 1993-03-17 | 1997-06-10 | Kerwin; Michael J. | Fluid collection and disposal system |
US5807359A (en) | 1993-06-08 | 1998-09-15 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Medical suction system |
IE69360B1 (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1996-09-04 | Abbott Lab | Gelling treatment for suction drainage system |
US5470324A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1995-11-28 | Baxter International Inc. | Non-refluxing suction canister system and components therefor |
US5423779A (en) | 1993-11-02 | 1995-06-13 | Yeh; Charles R. | High efficiency filtration particulate and smoke evacuator system |
AU682424B2 (en) | 1993-12-27 | 1997-10-02 | Abbott Laboratories | Overfill protection for suction drainage system |
US5551001A (en) | 1994-06-29 | 1996-08-27 | Exponential Technology, Inc. | Master-slave cache system for instruction and data cache memories |
US5514119A (en) | 1994-08-19 | 1996-05-07 | Curtis; John L. | Embryo collection device |
US5520668A (en) | 1994-09-30 | 1996-05-28 | Stackhouse, Inc. | Medical suction system and method |
DE69529165T2 (en) | 1994-10-11 | 2003-10-02 | Res Medical Pty Ltd | Improved device for wound drainage |
US5645540A (en) | 1994-10-11 | 1997-07-08 | Stryker Corporation | Blood conservation system |
US5620428A (en) * | 1994-12-29 | 1997-04-15 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Suction canister apparatus and method |
US5688255A (en) | 1994-12-29 | 1997-11-18 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Method and apparatus for removing and disposing of body fluids |
US6358232B1 (en) | 1994-12-29 | 2002-03-19 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Method and apparatus for removing and disposing of body fluids |
US6244311B1 (en) | 1994-12-29 | 2001-06-12 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Method and apparatus for removing and disposing of body fluids |
US5683371A (en) | 1994-12-29 | 1997-11-04 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Suction canister apparatus and method |
AU4854596A (en) * | 1995-01-06 | 1996-07-24 | Colder Products Company | Low spill high flow quick coupling valve assembly |
US6082401A (en) | 1995-01-06 | 2000-07-04 | Colder Products Company | Low spill high flow quick coupling valve assembly |
US5776118A (en) * | 1995-12-13 | 1998-07-07 | Steris Corporation | Medical and biological fluid collection and disposal system |
US5741238A (en) * | 1995-03-02 | 1998-04-21 | Steris Corporation | Medical and biological fluid collection and disposal system |
US6261276B1 (en) | 1995-03-13 | 2001-07-17 | I.S.I. International, Inc. | Apparatus for draining surgical wounds |
US5741237A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1998-04-21 | Walker; Kenneth Gordon | System for disposal of fluids |
US6652495B1 (en) | 1995-04-10 | 2003-11-25 | Kenneth Gordon Walker | System for disposal of fluids |
AU5631896A (en) | 1995-05-04 | 1996-11-21 | Waterstone Medical, Inc. | Fluid collection canister for use in medical procedures |
US5685835A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1997-11-11 | Cobe Laboratories, Inc. | Technique for using a dialysis machine to disinfect a blood tubing set |
US5853034A (en) | 1995-08-04 | 1998-12-29 | Ecolab Inc. | Dispensing system and method for dispensing a concentrated product and container for use therewith |
US5835723A (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1998-11-10 | Intel Corporation | Dynamic assignment of multicast addresses |
AU729137B2 (en) | 1996-01-24 | 2001-01-25 | Radford, Fred R. | Contaminated medical waste disposal system and method |
EP0819437A1 (en) | 1996-02-01 | 1998-01-21 | Daiken Iki Co. Ltd. | Method for disposal of waste liquid including humor, and apparatus therefor |
EP0913999B1 (en) * | 1996-02-02 | 2005-10-05 | Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. | Copy management method |
US5655258A (en) * | 1996-03-12 | 1997-08-12 | Heintz; J. Aaron | Device for aspirating fluids from hospital operating room floor |
US5807230A (en) | 1996-05-10 | 1998-09-15 | Argenta; Louis | Multi-purpose waste disposal system |
US5991817A (en) * | 1996-09-06 | 1999-11-23 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Apparatus and method for a network router |
US5901717A (en) | 1996-08-16 | 1999-05-11 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | Liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method |
US5776260A (en) | 1996-08-16 | 1998-07-07 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | Liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method |
US5975096A (en) | 1996-08-16 | 1999-11-02 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | Liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method |
US5836909A (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1998-11-17 | Cosmescu; Ioan | Automatic fluid control system for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery and method therefor |
US6161578A (en) | 1996-10-09 | 2000-12-19 | Colder Products Company | Low spill high flow quick coupling valve assembly |
US6842430B1 (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 2005-01-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method for configuring and routing data within a wireless multihop network and a wireless network for implementing the same |
US5859847A (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 1999-01-12 | Square D Company | Common database system for a communication system |
US5808885A (en) | 1996-12-20 | 1998-09-15 | Square D Company | Weld controller system for coupling to a common database system on a communication network |
US5797506A (en) | 1997-01-27 | 1998-08-25 | Amway Corporation | Closure with seal opening member |
US5947171A (en) | 1997-01-30 | 1999-09-07 | American Cyanamid Company | Valve assembly for use with containers in a closed application system |
US6105093A (en) | 1997-02-21 | 2000-08-15 | General Electric Company | Interface monitor for communicating between different communication protocols |
US5867555A (en) * | 1997-03-04 | 1999-02-02 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Adaptive dose modulation during CT scanning |
US6045596A (en) * | 1997-04-07 | 2000-04-04 | Medtek Devices, Inc. | Filter system to remove a contaminant from a fluid stream |
US5855289A (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 1999-01-05 | Beckman Instruments, Inc. | Centrifugally loaded self-sealing integral one-piece cap/closure |
US5906025A (en) * | 1997-05-20 | 1999-05-25 | Johnson; Theodore D. | Ring-shaped suction head for evacuating fluids from surgical operating room floors |
US6152902A (en) | 1997-06-03 | 2000-11-28 | Ethicon, Inc. | Method and apparatus for collecting surgical fluids |
DE19723197C2 (en) | 1997-06-03 | 1999-07-29 | Braun Melsungen Ag | Suction device for body fluids |
US5985009A (en) | 1997-06-11 | 1999-11-16 | Marsala; Vincent J. | Automatic carpet cleaning waste water disposal apparatus |
US6198479B1 (en) | 1997-06-25 | 2001-03-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd | Home network, browser based, command and control |
US5914047A (en) | 1997-06-30 | 1999-06-22 | Grifco, Llc | On-site biohazardous liquid medical waste collection and treatment system and method of using such system |
US6078952A (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2000-06-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for maintaining directory services for a video transmission network |
US6017493A (en) * | 1997-09-26 | 2000-01-25 | Baxter International Inc. | Vacuum-assisted venous drainage reservoir for CPB systems |
NO973993L (en) | 1997-09-01 | 1999-03-02 | Opticom As | Reading memory and reading memory devices |
US6511598B2 (en) * | 1997-09-02 | 2003-01-28 | Moshe Gershenson | Concentrically arranged filter element assembly |
US6233248B1 (en) | 1997-10-14 | 2001-05-15 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | User data protocol for internet data communications |
US6058106A (en) | 1997-10-20 | 2000-05-02 | Motorola, Inc. | Network protocol method, access point device and peripheral devices for providing for an efficient centrally coordinated peer-to-peer wireless communications network |
US6183453B1 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2001-02-06 | Sherwood Services, Ag | Blood evacuation container with blood spike nesting feature |
US6280867B1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2001-08-28 | Griff Consulting, Inc. | Apparatus for pumping a fluid in a fuel cell system |
US6160808A (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2000-12-12 | 3Com Corporation | Technique for transmitting incoming multi-link point-to-point (PPP) packet traffic over multiple outgoing links in a multi-link bundle |
US6258232B1 (en) | 1997-12-25 | 2001-07-10 | Denso Corporation | Gas component concentration measuring apparatus |
US6006272A (en) | 1998-02-23 | 1999-12-21 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Method for network address translation |
US6148197A (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 2000-11-14 | Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. | Intelligent roaming system with over the air programming |
US6222283B1 (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2001-04-24 | American Immuno Tech, Llc | Current sensor switch |
US5997733A (en) | 1998-03-17 | 1999-12-07 | American Immuno Tech, Llc | Surgical waste liquid and smoke disposal system |
US5968032A (en) | 1998-03-30 | 1999-10-19 | Sleister; Dennis R. | Smoke evacuator for a surgical laser or cautery plume |
US6522654B1 (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 2003-02-18 | Harris-Exigent, Inc. | Method for hosting the internet protocol suite on the IEEE-1394 high speed serial bus |
JP3205300B2 (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 2001-09-04 | プラス医科工業株式会社 | Medical aspirator |
JP3225924B2 (en) | 1998-07-09 | 2001-11-05 | 日本電気株式会社 | Communication quality control device |
US6136098A (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2000-10-24 | Waterstone Medical, Inc. | Method for aspirating fluid from an operating room |
US6231089B1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 2001-05-15 | Colder Products Company | Two piece molded female coupling |
MY131509A (en) * | 1999-03-15 | 2007-08-30 | Sony Corp | Data processing method, apparatus and system for encrypted- data transfer |
US6203590B1 (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2001-03-20 | Steris Corp | Surgical smoke evacuation system with replaceable filter cartridge module and accumulated filter usage display |
US7412538B1 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2008-08-12 | Sony Corporation | Request event manager and event lists for home and office systems and networks |
US6615243B1 (en) | 1999-04-01 | 2003-09-02 | Thomson Licensing S.A. | System and method for programming and transmitting macros for controlling audio/video devices |
US7213061B1 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2007-05-01 | Amx Llc | Internet control system and method |
US6618764B1 (en) | 1999-06-25 | 2003-09-09 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method for enabling interaction between two home networks of different software architectures |
DE19930104C1 (en) | 1999-07-01 | 2001-02-15 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Method of making an electrode assembly |
US6980079B1 (en) | 1999-07-13 | 2005-12-27 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Control network system of household electric appliance |
JP3318289B2 (en) | 1999-08-10 | 2002-08-26 | 松下電送システム株式会社 | Home network gateway equipment |
US7200683B1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2007-04-03 | Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. | Device communication and control in a home network connected to an external network |
US6824533B2 (en) | 2000-11-29 | 2004-11-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Wound treatment apparatus |
CZ20021868A3 (en) | 1999-11-29 | 2002-11-13 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Device for treating wounds |
US6631476B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2003-10-07 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Safety network for industrial controller providing redundant connections on single media |
US6891850B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2005-05-10 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Network independent safety protocol for industrial controller |
US6721900B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2004-04-13 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Safety network for industrial controller having reduced bandwidth requirements |
US7035270B2 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2006-04-25 | General Instrument Corporation | Home networking gateway |
DE10000090A1 (en) | 2000-01-04 | 2001-08-30 | Elfo Ag Sachseln Sachseln | Electrical connecting element production method has embossed substrate provided with selectively etched conductive galvanic coating |
US6453687B2 (en) | 2000-01-07 | 2002-09-24 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Refrigeration monitor unit |
US20020011923A1 (en) * | 2000-01-13 | 2002-01-31 | Thalia Products, Inc. | Appliance Communication And Control System And Appliance For Use In Same |
US6263887B1 (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2001-07-24 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | Liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method |
US6588436B2 (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2003-07-08 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | Liquid waste disposal with canister flushing system having removable lid and method therefor |
US6731201B1 (en) | 2000-02-23 | 2004-05-04 | Robert Shaw Controls Company | Communications module and system |
KR20010092525A (en) | 2000-03-22 | 2001-10-26 | 윤종용 | Interfacing apparatus controling a non ip-based network device to ip-based network access and method therefor |
US7585292B2 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2009-09-08 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Medical suction apparatus and draining of same |
WO2001072350A1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2001-10-04 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Medical suction apparatus and methods for draining same |
WO2001080030A1 (en) | 2000-04-12 | 2001-10-25 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | System and methods for home network communications |
US6331246B1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2001-12-18 | Stryker Corporation | Waste filter and manifold system |
JP4576675B2 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2010-11-10 | ソニー株式会社 | Control system, control device and server |
US6501180B1 (en) | 2000-07-19 | 2002-12-31 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Structure and method for controlling copper diffusion and for utilizing low K materials for copper interconnects in integrated circuit structures |
US7349967B2 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2008-03-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Architecture for home network on world wide web with private-public IP address/URL mapping |
CN1398469A (en) | 2000-07-26 | 2003-02-19 | 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 | Server-based multi-standard home network bridging |
AU2001279055A1 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2002-02-13 | Genentech, Inc. | Apo-2L receptor agonist and CPT-11 synergism |
US7917602B2 (en) * | 2000-08-08 | 2011-03-29 | The Directv Group, Inc. | Method and system for remote television replay control |
US7167923B2 (en) * | 2000-08-24 | 2007-01-23 | 2Wire, Inc. | System and method for selectively bridging and routing data packets between multiple networks |
DE10041803C2 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-12-19 | Federal Mogul Burscheid Gmbh | piston oil control ring |
US7403994B1 (en) | 2000-08-29 | 2008-07-22 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method of doing business over a network by transmission and retransmission of digital information on a network during time slots |
US7389358B1 (en) | 2000-09-13 | 2008-06-17 | Fortinet, Inc. | Distributed virtual system to support managed, network-based services |
KR20020022317A (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2002-03-27 | 윤종용 | Home gateway and Method for operating the same |
US6934740B1 (en) | 2000-09-19 | 2005-08-23 | 3Com Corporation | Method and apparatus for sharing common data objects among multiple applications in a client device |
MY127154A (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2006-11-30 | Intest Corp | Apparatus and method for balancing and for providing a compliant range to a test head |
US7327754B2 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2008-02-05 | Teridian Semiconductor, Corp. | Apparatus and method for freezing the states of a receiver during silent line state operation of a network device |
US6856999B2 (en) * | 2000-10-02 | 2005-02-15 | Microsoft Corporation | Synchronizing a store with write generations |
US6423570B1 (en) | 2000-10-18 | 2002-07-23 | Intel Corporation | Method to protect an encapsulated die package during back grinding with a solder metallization layer and devices formed thereby |
US6854053B2 (en) * | 2000-10-25 | 2005-02-08 | Signet Scientific Company | Method for identifying and communicating with a plurality of slaves in a master-slave system |
JP4595190B2 (en) | 2000-10-30 | 2010-12-08 | 株式会社デンソー | Download method and user terminal and distribution server for executing the download method |
US7152099B1 (en) | 2000-10-31 | 2006-12-19 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. | Friend configuration and method for network devices |
WO2002037217A2 (en) | 2000-11-02 | 2002-05-10 | Sony Electronics, Inc. | Content and application download based on a home network system configuration profile |
US7149792B1 (en) | 2000-11-20 | 2006-12-12 | Axeda Corporation | Device registration mechanism |
US6976977B2 (en) | 2000-12-06 | 2005-12-20 | Sherwood Services Ag | Vacuum setting and indication system for a drainage device |
JP3522686B2 (en) | 2000-12-13 | 2004-04-26 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Mobile terminal, automatic remote control system and automatic remote control method |
AU2002235206A1 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2002-07-01 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Low exposure waste disposal suction system |
US20030037166A1 (en) * | 2000-12-27 | 2003-02-20 | Reiko Ueno | Routing processing and method for home bus system |
TW561358B (en) | 2001-01-11 | 2003-11-11 | Force Corp Z | File switch and switched file system |
US6672477B2 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2004-01-06 | Bemis Manufacturing Company | Method and apparatus for disposing of bodily fluids from a container |
US6499495B2 (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2002-12-31 | Allegiance Corporation | Waste treatment system for suction canisters |
US20020103898A1 (en) | 2001-01-31 | 2002-08-01 | Moyer Stanley L. | System and method for using session initiation protocol (SIP) to communicate with networked appliances |
US6494391B2 (en) | 2001-02-05 | 2002-12-17 | M.C.M. Environmental Technologies Ltd. | Apparatus for treating waste, particularly medical waste, to facilitate its disposition |
JP3959282B2 (en) | 2001-02-14 | 2007-08-15 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Device master function migration method, communication network system and device |
JP4608789B2 (en) | 2001-02-27 | 2011-01-12 | 日本電気株式会社 | Multi-access communication system and data transmitting / receiving apparatus |
JP4491980B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2010-06-30 | ソニー株式会社 | COMMUNICATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION PROCESSING METHOD, COMMUNICATION TERMINAL DEVICE, AND PROGRAM |
US6982960B2 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2006-01-03 | Motorola, Inc. | Protocol for self-organizing network using a logical spanning tree backbone |
US7111100B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2006-09-19 | The Boeing Company | Systems and methods for assigning an address to a network device added to an existing network |
JP4547832B2 (en) | 2001-05-02 | 2010-09-22 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Wireless LAN system and communication method thereof |
AR033319A1 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2003-12-10 | Invensys Metering Systems Nort | PROVISION AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL OF AUTOMATED METER READING |
KR100434270B1 (en) | 2001-05-30 | 2004-06-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Control System for Home Appliance Network |
TW560151B (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2003-11-01 | Ibm | Packet-oriented data communications between mobile and fixed data networks |
US20030014630A1 (en) * | 2001-06-27 | 2003-01-16 | Spencer Donald J. | Secure music delivery |
EP1416760A1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2004-05-06 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Device control apparatus and device control system |
US20030067910A1 (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2003-04-10 | Kaveh Razazian | Voice conferencing over a power line |
US7394758B2 (en) | 2001-09-04 | 2008-07-01 | Rumi Sheryar Gonda | Method for supporting SDH/SONET APS on Ethernet |
US7389332B1 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2008-06-17 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus for supporting communications between nodes operating in a master-slave configuration |
JP2003087293A (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2003-03-20 | Hitachi Ltd | Network device, network controller and method for controlling network device |
US6915444B2 (en) * | 2001-09-12 | 2005-07-05 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Network independent safety protocol for industrial controller using data manipulation techniques |
US7107358B2 (en) * | 2001-09-12 | 2006-09-12 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Bridge for an industrial control system using data manipulation techniques |
KR100562380B1 (en) * | 2001-09-17 | 2006-03-20 | 주식회사 플레넷 | Method for joining node into subnet of power line communication network, electronic appliance connected to subnet and, communication module used in electronic appliance |
WO2003030252A2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2003-04-10 | Hrl Laboratories, Llc | Process for producing interconnects |
US6705591B2 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2004-03-16 | Colder Products Company | Poppet valve and method of making same |
US6524307B1 (en) * | 2001-10-05 | 2003-02-25 | Medtek Devices, Inc. | Smoke evacuation apparatus |
US20030079000A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-04-24 | Chamberlain Robert L. | Methods and apparatus for configuring multiple logical networks of devices on a single physical network |
US7430591B2 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2008-09-30 | Renesas Technology America, Inc. | Methods and arrangements for configuring functional networks |
KR100441743B1 (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2004-07-27 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Remote appliance control system and method |
US7069091B2 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2006-06-27 | Salton, Inc. | Intelligent microwave oven appliance |
US20030083758A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2003-05-01 | Williamson Charles G. | Remote updating of intelligent household appliances |
KR100458253B1 (en) | 2001-11-07 | 2004-11-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | The creation method of house code in home network |
KR100440999B1 (en) | 2001-11-08 | 2004-07-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Starting control apparatus for home automation and therof method |
US6957219B1 (en) * | 2001-11-15 | 2005-10-18 | Microsoft Corporation | System and method of pipeline data access to remote data |
US6759946B2 (en) | 2001-12-06 | 2004-07-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. | Home appliances network |
US6745303B2 (en) | 2002-01-03 | 2004-06-01 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Data synchronization of multiple remote storage |
WO2003067453A1 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2003-08-14 | Bermai, Inc. | Medium access control in a wireless network |
EP1337080A3 (en) | 2002-02-15 | 2005-06-08 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Method of controlling the network devices |
US6893425B2 (en) | 2002-03-04 | 2005-05-17 | Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. | High volume liquid waste collection and disposal system |
US7421478B1 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2008-09-02 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus for exchanging heartbeat messages and configuration information between nodes operating in a master-slave configuration |
KR100440969B1 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2004-07-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method and apparatus of networking |
US20040164076A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2004-08-26 | Baker Loren G. | Lidded container with linear brim segments and medial sealing beads |
US6902673B2 (en) | 2002-07-25 | 2005-06-07 | Stryker Instruments | Single port manifold |
US20040023122A1 (en) | 2002-08-01 | 2004-02-05 | Felder Thomas C. | Optical element resistant to pressure-induced defects |
JP3821069B2 (en) * | 2002-08-01 | 2006-09-13 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Method for forming structure by transfer pattern |
US7480312B2 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2009-01-20 | Tehuti Networks Ltd. | Network traffic accelerator system and method |
DE60313000T2 (en) | 2002-08-21 | 2007-12-13 | Biodrain Medical, Inc., Orono | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF LIQUID SURGICAL WASTE FOR THE HEALTH PROTECTION OF STAFF |
KR100456174B1 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2004-11-09 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Wet and dry vacuum cleaner |
US7337241B2 (en) | 2002-09-27 | 2008-02-26 | Alacritech, Inc. | Fast-path apparatus for receiving data corresponding to a TCP connection |
US7294839B2 (en) * | 2002-10-08 | 2007-11-13 | Ric Investements, Inc. | Low volume sample cell and gas monitoring system using same |
US8931010B2 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2015-01-06 | Rovi Solutions Corporation | Methods and apparatus for client aggregation of media in a networked media system |
KR20040049667A (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2004-06-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Home network's system and its operating method for the same |
US7048724B2 (en) | 2002-12-17 | 2006-05-23 | Denver Biomedicals, Inc. | Device for withdrawing body fluids |
GB0230265D0 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2003-02-05 | Amersham Biosciences Ab | Piston and scraper assembly |
US6814109B2 (en) * | 2003-01-03 | 2004-11-09 | Packaging Technologies, Inc. | Zero clearance rotor valve for product filling |
US7686778B2 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2010-03-30 | Nxstage Medical, Inc. | Waste balancing for extracorporeal blood treatment systems |
US20040224261A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 | 2004-11-11 | Resnick Douglas J. | Unitary dual damascene process using imprint lithography |
WO2004107708A1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2004-12-09 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Home network system |
KR100638030B1 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2006-10-23 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Network electric device |
KR100605216B1 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2006-07-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 0network device |
KR100605218B1 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2006-07-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Network adaptor |
TW200507175A (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2005-02-16 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Pattern forming method, and manufacturing method for semiconductor device |
US6987482B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2006-01-17 | Intel Corporation | Wireless signal processing methods and apparatuses including directions of arrival estimation |
CN100483672C (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2009-04-29 | 国际商业机器公司 | Fabrication method |
US7205051B2 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2007-04-17 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Medical implant or medical implant part |
WO2005042061A1 (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2005-05-12 | Stryker Instruments | Manifold assembly |
US7581249B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2009-08-25 | Enterasys Networks, Inc. | Distributed intrusion response system |
GB0326936D0 (en) | 2003-11-19 | 2003-12-24 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | Mobile communications |
US7328816B2 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2008-02-12 | Carlisle Foodservice Products, Incorporated | Beverage dispenser |
US20050171495A1 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Austin Timothy W. | Waste collection unit with manifold interface assembly |
CA2556566A1 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2006-02-23 | Stryker Instruments | Waste collection unit |
US7497340B2 (en) * | 2004-02-19 | 2009-03-03 | Stryker Corporation | Manifold and filter assembly with filter basket |
US7481243B2 (en) * | 2004-02-19 | 2009-01-27 | Allegiance Corporation | Method and apparatus for the disposal of waste fluids |
US20050187528A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2005-08-25 | Ent By The Sea, Llc | Self-cleaning apparatus for material transfer, collection and disposal |
US7435074B2 (en) | 2004-03-13 | 2008-10-14 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for fabricating dual damascence structures using photo-imprint lithography, methods for fabricating imprint lithography molds for dual damascene structures, materials for imprintable dielectrics and equipment for photo-imprint lithography used in dual damascence patterning |
US8137329B2 (en) | 2004-03-25 | 2012-03-20 | Medindica-Pak, Inc. | Method and apparatus for transforming a delivery container into a waste disposal system |
US20050250052A1 (en) | 2004-05-10 | 2005-11-10 | Nguyen Khe C | Maskless lithography using UV absorbing nano particle |
US7148142B1 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2006-12-12 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | System and method for imprint lithography to facilitate dual damascene integration in a single imprint act |
US7314646B2 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2008-01-01 | University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. | Low friction and low wear polymer/polymer composites |
CN100571627C (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2009-12-23 | 贝克顿·迪金森公司 | Flashback blood collection needle |
US7114518B2 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2006-10-03 | Tuthill Corporation | Flow regulating valve |
EP1815330A4 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2011-11-09 | Cadence Design Systems Inc | Methods of model compilation |
US7348272B2 (en) * | 2005-08-03 | 2008-03-25 | United Microelectronics Corp. | Method of fabricating interconnect |
EP3666302B1 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2022-03-02 | Stryker Corporation | A waste collection unit for collecting waste material through a plurality of suction lines during a medical procedure |
US7615037B2 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2009-11-10 | Stryker Corporation | Removable inlet manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system, the manifold including a driver for actuating a valve integral with the waste collection system |
US7468330B2 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2008-12-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Imprint process using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane based imprint materials |
US8172817B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2012-05-08 | Allegiance Corporation | Liquid collection system and related methods |
US8392634B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2013-03-05 | Omron Corporation | Programmable controller with building blocks having modules that can be combined into a single unit |
CA2681734A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-10-02 | Allegiance Corporation | Fluid collection and disposal system having interchangeable collection and other features and methods relating thereto |
-
2010
- 2010-07-15 WO PCT/US2010/042145 patent/WO2011008961A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-07-15 US US12/837,297 patent/US8460256B2/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-01-30 US US13/754,571 patent/US20130247326A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-01-31 US US13/756,035 patent/US20130144232A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10252856B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2019-04-09 | Allegiance Corporation | Fluid collection and disposal system having interchangeable collection and other features and methods relating thereof |
US9889239B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2018-02-13 | Allegiance Corporation | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods |
US11285255B2 (en) | 2016-07-06 | 2022-03-29 | Serres Oy | Collection liner for a medical or a surgical operation |
US11129928B2 (en) | 2016-07-06 | 2021-09-28 | Serres Oy | Assembly for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation |
CN109310808B (en) * | 2016-08-28 | 2021-09-14 | 阿利吉安斯公司 | Fluid collection system and method of use |
CN109310808A (en) * | 2016-08-28 | 2019-02-05 | 阿利吉安斯公司 | Fluid collection system and application method |
KR20200074055A (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-24 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
KR102166773B1 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2020-10-16 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
US11134817B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-10-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
US11134818B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-10-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
US11382472B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2022-07-12 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
US12004703B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2024-06-11 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
US11382471B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2022-07-12 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station |
KR102208334B1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-01-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and control method thereof |
US11484168B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2022-11-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
US11497365B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2022-11-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
US11503969B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2022-11-22 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
US11864718B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2024-01-09 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
US11903552B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2024-02-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
US11357374B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2022-06-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130247326A1 (en) | 2013-09-26 |
WO2011008961A1 (en) | 2011-01-20 |
US8460256B2 (en) | 2013-06-11 |
US20110118680A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8460256B2 (en) | Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods | |
US10252856B2 (en) | Fluid collection and disposal system having interchangeable collection and other features and methods relating thereof | |
CN109310808B (en) | Fluid collection system and method of use | |
KR101395491B1 (en) | Removable inlet manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system, the manifold including a driver for actuating a valve integral with the waste collection system | |
US8419697B2 (en) | Liquid collection system and related methods | |
US9889239B2 (en) | Fluid collection and disposal system and related methods | |
WO1994014045A1 (en) | An apparatus for collecting a fluid sample from a patient and container for storing the same | |
US11839578B2 (en) | Bodily waste collection using periodic pressure | |
US20210196866A1 (en) | Fluid collection systems | |
US20230091118A1 (en) | Flexible urine collection container and related systems and methods | |
US20220273862A1 (en) | Device and process for receiving suctioned secretion, including a backflow barrier |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MICHAELS, THOMAS;JOHNSON, RUSSELL;HILL, ERIC;SIGNING DATES FROM 20101020 TO 20101104;REEL/FRAME:030360/0378 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |