Self cleaning shunt
First Claim
1. A fluid inlet head, comprising:
- a first tube comprising a plurality of openings disposed in its wall; and
a cleaning element comprising a plurality of bristles protruding therefrom, said cleaning element being adapted to be installed within said first tube such that one or more of said plurality of bristles can enter one or more of said plurality of openings;
wherein said cleaning element is adapted to vibrate when subjected to a vibration generating system, such that said one or more of said plurality of bristles moves at least one of;
(a) within said one or more of said plurality of openings, and(b) in and out of said one or more of said plurality of openings.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A self cleaning inlet head for use on a shunt. The head has a tube with openings disposed in predetermined positions in its wall, and a cleaning element installed inside the tube. The cleaning element may comprise a central shaft with a number of bristles protruding therefrom, preferably in locations substantially identical to the positions of the openings in the wall of the tube. Mutual vibratory motion between the cleaning element and the tube causes at least some of the bristles to enter the openings, thereby keeping them clear, and preventing tissue growth into them. The vibratory motion may be generated by the action of an external field on a responsive part of the cleaning element, such as an external magnetic field operating on a magnetic or magnetized part of the cleaning element or the bristles. Alternatively, the external field may be an ultrasound field operating on the bristles.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fluid inlet head, comprising:
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a first tube comprising a plurality of openings disposed in its wall; and a cleaning element comprising a plurality of bristles protruding therefrom, said cleaning element being adapted to be installed within said first tube such that one or more of said plurality of bristles can enter one or more of said plurality of openings; wherein said cleaning element is adapted to vibrate when subjected to a vibration generating system, such that said one or more of said plurality of bristles moves at least one of; (a) within said one or more of said plurality of openings, and (b) in and out of said one or more of said plurality of openings. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A fluid inlet head, comprising:
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a tube having a plurality of openings disposed in its wall; a cleaning element comprising a plurality of bristles protruding therefrom, said cleaning element being adapted to be installed within said tube; and a vibration generator disposed on said cleaning element; wherein said cleaning element is adapted to vibrate upon activation of said vibration generator, such that at least one of said plurality of bristles moves within at least one of said plurality of openings. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification