MEDICAL WASTE FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

• US 20090101219A1
• Filed: 10/06/2008
• Published: 04/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems Inc. (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems Inc. (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Martini, Anthony, Guerra, Lawrence
• Granted Patent: US 8,292,857 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/565.290
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/60 Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source containers not adapted for subjection to vacuum A61M1/69
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/78 Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems combined with drainage containers A61M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/784 by filtering, sterilising or disinfecting the exhaust air, e.g. swellable filter valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/08 Supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/08 Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/3109 Liquid filling by evacuating container
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4238 With cleaner, lubrication added to fluid or liquid sealing at valve interface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86099 Hand pump
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86131 Plural

Abstract

A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor. A coupler communicates with the station drain line, flushing line and the station data line and a station power line. The station coupler removably engages the cart receptacle so operation of the cart and station components can be coordinated by the processors for drainage and flushing of the cart canisters.

Claims

1. A coupler for removably connecting a medical waste fluid collection cart to a drainage station comprising:

a) a housing including a wash supply fitting and a wash drain fitting;

b) a ratchet pivotably positioned within said housing;

c) a handle attached to said ratchet and extending out of said housing so that said handle may be moved between a release position and a lock position; and

d) a hook arm having a proximal end attached to said ratchet and a distal end featuring a hook portion, said hook portion extending out of the housing when the handle is moved into the lock position so that a receptacle is engaged by the hook portion which prevents removal of the coupler from the receptacle until the handle is moved to the release position and the hook portion is retracted into the housing.

2. The coupler of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is positioned within the cart.

3. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising a composite hose including a wash supply line connected to the wash supply fitting and a wash drain line connected to the wash drain fitting.

4. The coupler of claim 3 wherein the housing also includes an electrical connector and the composite hose also includes a data line and a power line in communication with the electrical connector.

5. The coupler of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the hook arm is pivotally attached to the ratchet and wherein the hook arm features a generally L-shaped slot and further comprising a pin positioned in the housing, said pin traversing the L-shaped slot when the handle is moved between the release position and the lock position so that said hook portion extends out of the housing when the handle reaches the lock position.

6. The coupler of claim 5 further comprising:

e) a solenoid positioned within the housing and featuring a ram;

f) a toggle pivotally positioned within said housing and pivotally connected to said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth;

g) said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that the first tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the release position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that the second tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the lock position; and

h) a proximity sensor positioned in said housing and in communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activating said solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle so that said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so that the first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second tooth may engage the lock slot.

7. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising:

e) a solenoid positioned within the housing and featuring a ram;

f) a toggle pivotally positioned within said housing and pivotally connected to said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth;

g) said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that the first tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the release position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that the second tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the lock position; and

h) a proximity sensor positioned in said housing and in communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activating said solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle so that said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so that the first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second tooth may engage the lock slot when the handle is rotated into the lock position.

8. The coupler of claim 7 wherein the release slot and the lock slot are two separate slots.

9. The coupler of claim 7 further comprising a tension coil spring connected between the housing and the toggle so that said toggle is urged into a position where the first tooth engages the release slot of the ratchet and the second tooth is released from the lock slot of the ratchet.

10. The coupler of claim 9 further comprising an emergency release button positioned in said housing, said emergency release button in communication with said solenoid so that when said emergency release button is pressed, said solenoid is deactivated so that said tension coil spring causes the second tooth of said ratchet to be removed from the lock slot so that the handle may be pivoted into the release position to permit removal of the coupler from the receptacle.

11. The coupler of claim 7 further comprising a switch that is in circuit between the proximity sensor and the solenoid, said switch energizing the solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle.

12. A station for removably connecting to a medical waste fluid collection cart for draining and washing medical waste fluid containers of the cart comprising:

a) a drain pump;

b) a wash drain line in communication with the drain pump;

c) a flushing pump adapted to communicate with a source of washing liquid;

d) a wash supply line in communication with the flushing pump; and

c) a coupler including;

i. a coupler housing including a wash supply fitting in communication with the wash supply line and a wash drain fitting in communication with the wash drain line;

ii. a ratchet pivotably positioned within said coupler housing;

iii. a handle attached to said ratchet and extending out of said coupler housing so that said handle may be moved between a release position and a lock position;

iv. a hook arm having a proximal end attached to said ratchet and a distal end featuring a hook portion, said hook portion extending out of the coupler housing when the handle is moved into the lock position so that a receptacle of the cart is engaged by the hook portion which prevents removal of the coupler from the receptacle of the cart until the handle is moved to the release position and the hook portion is retracted into the coupler housing.

13. The station of claim 12 further comprising a station housing containing the drain and flushing pumps and further comprising a composite hose extending between the station housing and the coupler, said composite line including the wash supply line and the wash drain line.

14. The station of claim 13 further comprising a processor positioned within the station housing and wherein the coupler housing also includes an electrical connector and the composite lose also includes a data line and a power line in communication with the electrical connector and the processor.

15. The station of claim 12 wherein the proximal end of the hook arm is pivotally attached to the ratchet and wherein the hook arm features a generally L-shaped slot and further comprising a pin positioned in the housing, said pin traversing the L-shaped slot when the handle is moved between the release position and the lock position so that said hook portion extends out of the housing when the handle reaches the lock position.

16. The station of claim 15 further comprising:

e) a solenoid positioned within the coupler housing and featuring a ram;

f) a toggle pivotally positioned within said coupler housing and pivotally connected to said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth;

g) said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that the first tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the release position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that the second tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the lock position; and

h) a proximity sensor positioned in said coupler housing and in communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activating said solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the cart receptacle so that said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so that the first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second tooth may engage the lock slot.

17. The station of claim 12 further comprising:

c) a solenoid positioned within the coupler housing and featuring a ram;

f) a toggle pivotally positioned within said coupler housing and pivotally connected to said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth;

g) said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that the first tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the release position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that the second tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in the lock position; and

h) a proximity sensor positioned in said coupler housing and in communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activating said solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle so that said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so that the first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second tooth may engage the lock slot when the handle is rotated into the lock position.

18. The station of claim 17 wherein the release slot and the lock slot are two separate slots.

19. The station of claim 17 further comprising a tension coil spring connected between the housing and the toggle so that said toggle is urged into a position where the first tooth engages the release slot of the ratchet and the second tooth is released from the lock slot of the ratchet.

20. The station of claim 19 farther comprising an emergency release button positioned in said coupler housing, said emergency release button in communication with said solenoid so that when said emergency release button is pressed, said solenoid is deactivated so that said tension coil spring causes the second tooth of said ratchet to be removed from the lock slot so that the handle may be pivoted into the release position to permit removal of the coupler from the receptacle of the cart.

21. The station of claim 17 further comprising a switch that is in circuit between the proximity sensor and the solenoid, said switch energizing the solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle.

22. The station of claim 12 further comprising a station housing containing the drain and flushing pumps and the source of washing liquid, wherein the source of washing liquid includes a supply of bleach and a supply of enzyme.

23. A medical waste fluid collection cart comprising:

a) a first fluid collection canister and a second fluid collection canister;

b) a valve assembly selectively in communication with the first and second fluid collection canisters and adapted to communicate with a source of washing liquid, a drain and a vacuum source;

c) a valve drive system in communication with said valve assembly;

d) a first liquid level sensor positioned within said first fluid collection canister and a second liquid level sensor positioned within said second fluid collection canister; and

e) a processor in communication with the first and second liquid level sensors and the valve drive system, said processor configuring the valve assembly via the valve drive system for fluid collection during a medical procedure, draining and flushing based on the liquid levels in the first and second fluid collection canisters detected by the first and second liquid level sensors.

24. The cart of claim 23 further comprising a vacuum pump in communication with the processor, said vacuum pump capable of being activated when the valve assembly is configured by the processor for fluid collection during a medical procedure.

25. The cart of claim 24 wherein said vacuum pump is a variable speed vacuum pump and further comprising a vacuum line communicating with the vacuum pump and the first and second fluid collection canisters and a pressure sensor positioned within the vacuum line, said pressure communicating with the processor so that said processor controls the vacuum pump speed based on pressure within the vacuum line.

26. The cart of claim 24 further comprising an exhaust line in communication with an outlet of the vacuum pump and a filter.

27. The cart of claim 23 further comprising lights positioned adjacent said first and second fluid collection canisters, said lights illuminating the first and second fluid collection canisters so that the liquid levels therein may be observed.

28. The cart of claim 27 wherein the lights include light-emitting diodes.

29. The cart of claim 27 wherein the lights communicate with and are controlled by the processor and are automatically illuminated for a canister that is being used for fluid collection.

30. The cart of claim 23 further comprising a touch screen in communication with the processor and permitting an operator to control operation of the cart via the touch screen.

31. The cart of claim 30 wherein said touch screen provides a visual indication to the operator that at least one of the fluid collection canisters is nearly full.

32. The cart of claim 23 further comprising an audio device in communication with the processor, said audio device providing an audible indication to the operator that at least one of the fluid collection canisters is nearly full.

33. The cart of claim 23 wherein said valve drive assembly includes a gear train connected to said valve assembly and an electric drive motor connected to said gear train and said processor.

34. The cart of claim 33 wherein the electric drive motor is connected to said gear train by a worm gear.

35. The cart of claim 33 wherein the electric drive motor is connected to said gear train by a drive chain and sprockets that are engaged by said drive chain.

36. The cart of claim 23 wherein the first and second liquid level sensors are magnorestrictive transducers.

37. The cart of claim 23 wherein the valve assembly includes a wash valve adapted to communicate with the source of washing liquid, a drain valve adapted to communicate with the drain and a vent valve, each of which selectively communicate with said fluid collection canisters.

38. The cart of claim 37 further comprising a gas collector in communication with the vent valve.

39. The cart of claim 37 further comprising a washing liquid supply line in communication with the wash valve and a receptacle and a washing drain line in communication with the drain valve and the receptacle, said receptacle adapted to communicate with the source of washing liquid and the drain.

40. The cart of claim 23 further comprising cleaning nozzles positioned within said first and second fluid collection canisters, said cleaning nozzles in communication with said valve assembly so that they may selectively receive washing liquid.

41. The cart of claim 40 wherein the nozzles rotate.

42. The cart of claim 23 wherein the canisters feature disposable lids having patient ports.

43. The cart of claim 23 wherein the canisters are constructed of acrylic and include a fluorinated coating.

44. The cart of claim 23 further comprising:

f) a top plate;

g) a bottom plate;

h) first and second cylinders positioned between the top and bottom plate, said first and second cylinders cooperating with the top and bottom plates to define the first and second fluid collection canisters.

45. The cart of claim 44 wherein said first and second cylinders are constructed of acrylic and include a fluorinated coating.

46. The cart of claim 44 further comprising a cabinet positioned beneath said bottom plate, said cabinet housing the valve assembly and valve drive system.

47. The cart of claim 46 further comprising casters positioned on a bottom portion of said cabinet housing and wherein said top plate features a handle.

48. The cart of claim 44 wherein the top plate features first and second circular openings and further comprising:

i) first and second cart lid ring assemblies positioned within said first and second circular openings, respectively, each of said first and second cart lid ring assemblies including;

i. a cart lid ring engaging one of the first and second circular openings of the cart top plate, said cart lid ring featuring a central opening and a circumferential lip portion;

ii. a lid alignment member positioned within the central opening of the cart lid ring, said lid alignment member including a lid alignment spud;

iii. a lid removably engaging the lip portion of the cart lid ring, said lid featuring a port that, when engaged by the lid alignment spud of the lid alignment member, is properly positioned on the cart lid ring.

49. The cart of claim 48 wherein each cart lid ring assembly further includes:

iv. a lower O-ring positioned between the cart lid ring and the top plate of the cart; and

v. an upper O-ring positioned between the cart lid ring and the lid alignment member.

50. The cart of claim 48 wherein each cart lid ring assembly further includes a dowel pin positioned between the cart lid ring and the lid alignment member.

51. A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system comprising:

a) A medical waste fluid collection cart including;

i. a first fluid collection canister and a second fluid collection canister;

ii. a valve assembly selectively in communication with the first and second fluid collection canisters;

ill. a valve drive system in communication with said valve assembly;

iv. a first liquid level sensor positioned within said first fluid collection canister and a second liquid level sensor positioned within said second fluid collection canister;

v. a cast processor in communication with the first and second liquid level sensors and the valve drive system,

vi. a cart drain line in communication with the valve assembly;

vii. a cart flushing line in communication with the valve assembly;

viii. a cart data line in communication with the cart processor;

b) i station including;

i. a drain pump having an outlet adapted to communicate with a drainage system and an inlet;

ii. a flushing pump having an outlet and an inlet;

iii. a source of washing liquid in communication with the inlet of said flushing pump;

iv. a station processor in communication with the drain pump and the flushing pump;

v. a station drain line in communication % with the drain pump inlet;

vi. a station flushing line in communication with the flushing pump outlet;

vii. a station data line in communication with the station processor;

c) a coupler for removably coupling the cart and station drain lines, the cart and station flushing lines and the cart and station data lines so that cart and station processors may cooperate in operating the cart valve assembly and the station drain and flushing pumps based on liquid levels in the first and second fluid collection canisters of the cart so that medical waste fluids may be drained and flushed from the first and second fluid collection canisters.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein said cart further includes a cart power line in communication with the cart processor and the coupler and said station includes a station power line in communication with the coupler so that said cart and station power lines are removably coupling so that said cart processor receives power from the station power line.

53. The system of claim 51 wherein the cart further comprises a touch screen that communicates with the cart processor, said touch screen permitting a operator to control both the cart and station processors when the cart and station data lines are coupled by the coupler.

54. The system of claim 51 wherein the source of washing liquid includes a supply of bleach and a supply of enzyme.

55. The system of claim 51 wherein the coupler includes a composite hose including station drain line, the station flushing line and the station data line and a coupler housing, including wash supply fitting in communication with the station flushing line, a wash drain fitting in communication with the station drain line and an electrical connector in communication with the station data line.

56. The system of claim 55 wherein said cart includes a receptacle in communication with the cart drain line, the cart flushing line and the cart data line, said receptacle sized to receive the coupler housing.

57. The system of claim 56 wherein said composite hose also includes a station power line that is in communication with the electrical connector of the coupler housing and wherein said cart includes a cart power line in communication with the cart processor and the receptacle.

58. The system of claim 51 wherein the coupler includes a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and a release configuration, said locking mechanism in communication with the station processor and said station processor maintaining the locking mechanism in the locked configuration as medical waste fluids are drained and flushed from the first and second fluid collection canisters.

59. A lid assembly for a canister comprising:

a) a lid ring adapted to engage an opening of the canister, said lid ring featuring a central opening and a circumferential lip portion;

b) a lid alignment member positioned within the central opening of the lid ring, said lid alignment member including a lid alignment spud and a slot;

c) a lid removably engaging the lip portion of the lid ring, said lid featuring an alignment port and a suction port positioned in the lid so that when the alignment port is engaged by the lid alignment spud of the lid alignment member, the suction port is aligned with the slot of the lid alignment member.

60. The lid assembly of claim 59 wherein the lid is disposable.

61. The lid assembly of claim 60 wherein the lid includes a vacuum port and a filter in communication with the vacuum port.

62. The lid assembly of claim 61 wherein the filter is a hydrophobic filter.

63. The lid assembly of claim 59 further comprising:

d) a lower O-ring adapted to be positioned between the lid ring and the canister; and

e) an upper O-ring positioned between the lid ring and the lid alignment member.

64. The lid assembly of claim 59 further comprising a dowel pin positioned between the lid ring mid the lid alignment member.

65. The lid assembly of claim 59 wherein the lid ring and the lid alignment member are two separate pieces.

66. The lid assembly of claim 59 wherein the

67. A lid assembly for a canister comprising:

a) a lid ring adapted to engage an opening of the canister, said lid ring featuring a central opening and a circumferential lip portion;

b) an insert positioned within the central opening of the lid, said insert including a aperture;

c) a flap attached to said insert and pivotable between a closed position, where the flap covers the aperture of the insert, and an open position where the aperture is not covered;

d) a spring engaging said flap so that said flap is biased in the closed position; and

e) a lid featuring a suction port, said lid sized to engage the aperture of the insert and the flap so that said flap is in the open position when the lid is positioned within the aperture of the insert.

68. The lid assembly of claim 67 further comprising an O-ring adapted to be positioned between the lid ring and the canister.

69. She lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the spring is a torsion spring.

70. The lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the flap is mounted to a bottom surface of the insert.

72. The lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the flap includes an opening member.

73. The lid assembly of claim 72 wherein the opening member is arcuate-shaped.

74. The lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the lid includes a head portion and a cylindrical portion, wherein the head portion includes the suction port and the cylindrical portion engages the flap when the lid is inserted through the aperture of the insert.

75. The lid assembly of claim 74 wherein the head portion includes a tab and the insert includes a wall defining the aperture, said wall featuring a notch which receives the tab when the lid is positioned within the aperture of the insert.

76. The lid assembly of claim 75 wherein the wall further includes a horizontal slot in communication with the notch, said horizontal slot receiving the tab of the lid when the lid is rotated about a vertical axis.

77. The lid assembly of claim 74 wherein the cylindrical portion is hollow and communicates with the suction port.

78. The lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the lid is disposable.

79. The lid assembly of claim 78 wherein the lid includes a vacuum port and a filter in communication with the vacuum port.

80. The lid assembly of claim 79 wherein the filter is a hydrophobic filter.

81. The lid assembly of claim 67 wherein the aperture is located generally in the horizontal center of the insert.

82. A disposable lid for a canister comprising a head portion and a cylindrical portion, said head portion including a suction port and a vacuum port and the cylindrical portion being hollow and in communication with the suction and vacuum ports.

83. The disposable lid of claim 82 further comprising a filter in communication with the vacuum port.

84. The disposable lid of claim 83 wherein the filter is a hydrophobic filter.

85. The disposable lid of claim 82 further comprising a tab mounted on a circumferential edge of the head portion.