Suction limiting device with variable control
First Claim
1. A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system, the device comprising:
- a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough from a first end to a second end;
a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore, the vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore; and
a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when a positive pressure state exists in the main vent body, wherein in the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore into the vent mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system is provided and includes a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore. The vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore. The suction limiting device also includes a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when positive pressure exists in the main vent body, wherein the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore out of the vent mechanism.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system, the device comprising:
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a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough from a first end to a second end;
a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore, the vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore; and
a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when a positive pressure state exists in the main vent body, wherein in the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore into the vent mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system, the device comprising:
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a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough;
adjustable vent means for introducing atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore so as to introduce positive pressure to the fluid carrying bore, the vent means being adjustable so that a degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a position where a main vent opening has a maximum area to a position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore; and
a valve associated with the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when a positive pressure state exists in the main vent body, wherein in the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore into the vent mechanism.
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35. A method of variably venting a suction line of a surgical system that includes a suction limiting device that has a safety valve and is operatively connected to a vacuum source and a surgical instrument, the method comprising the steps of:
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activating the vacuum source so that the suction limiting device is under negative pressure, the valve being urged opening when the suction limiting device is under negative pressure;
introducing a variable amount of atmospheric air into the suction limiting device for reducing the negative pressure that is applied to the suction limiting device by rotation of a switch that forms a part of the vacuum limiting device, the switch being positionable between a closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the suction limiting device and a fully open position where a main vent opening of the suction limiting device is opened a maximum amount to permit atmospheric air to flow therethrough; and
closing the valve when positive pressure within the suction limiting device exceeds a prescribed amount, wherein in the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow through the main vent opening. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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Specification