Control unit for intermittent suction system

• US 4,782,849 A
• Filed: 02/09/1987
• Issued: 11/08/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: BOC Group Pty Limited (Linde Plc)
• Original Assignee: BOC Group Pty Limited (Linde Plc)
• Inventors: Hodge, Colin G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schwadron, Martin P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hepperle, Stephen M.
• Application Number:
  US07/012,396
• Time in Patent Office: 638 Days
• Field of Search: 137/103, 137/105, 137/907, 137/624.18, 137/624.2, 137/624.14, 137/114, 604/31, 604/35, 604/118, 604/119, 604/120, 604/22
• US Class Current: 137/103
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/75 Intermittent or pulsating suction A61M1/63, A61M1/772 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2546 Vacuum or suction pulsator type [e.g., milking machine]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2572 One inflow supplements another
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86445 Plural, sequential, valve actuations

Abstract

An intermittent suction regulator is disclosed operating from a vacuum system and is used to provide a plurality of pneumatic output signals to a positive pulse device for returning fluids removed from a patient during drainage thereof to clear the removal passageways. The suction regulator or control unit provides two (2) timed output signals, from one (1) intermittent vacuum to atmospheric pressure input. One output signal continually switches from a regulated vacuum signal to an atmospheric pressure signal while the other output signal switches from providing an unregulated vacuum signal to an atmospheric pressure signal. The signals are timed such that both are initially set to provide vacuum signals simultaneously, however there is a predetermined time delay between the time the regulated vacuum output signal switches from vacuum to atmospheric and when the unregulated vacuum output signal switches from vacuum to atmospheric. Both output signals, however, again switch back to their vacuum signals simultaneously after a predetermined cycle time.

Claims

1. A control unit for use with an intermittent suction device for withdrawing fluids from a patient cavity, said control unit having an inlet for connecting to a source of vacuum and having first and second outlets,

(a) means connected to the inlet for providing a signal alternating between vacuum and atmospheric pressure at predetermined intervals,

(b) first and second passage means receiving said alternating signal and transmitting said signal to first and second outlets,

(c) means in said second passage means to delay by a predetermined amount of time, the time between said first and second passages sensing said signal changing from vacuum to atmospheric pressure and the time said change in signal is transmitted to said second outlet.

2. A control unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said first passage means includes a regulator to set the vacuum level of signal reaching said first outlet.

3. A control unit for use with an intermittent suction device for withdrawing fluids from a patient cavity, said control unit having an inlet for connecting to a source of vacuum and having first and second outlets,

(a) an intermittent suction unit connected to said inlet and having an outlet, said intermittent suction unit adapted to provide a signal at its outlet alternating at predetermined intervals between vacuum and atmospheric pressure,

(b) first passage means connecting said alternating vacuum/atmospheric pressure signal from said outlet of said intermittent suction unit to said first outlet of said control unit,

(c) said first passage means having a regulator to control the level of vacuum delivered to said first outlet,

(d) second passage means connecting said alternating vacuum/atmospheric pressure signal from said outlet of said intermittent suction unit to said second outlet,

(e) pause valve means in said second passage means comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, said pause valve having means to cause a predetermined delay in the time said pause valve inlet senses a change in the signal from said intermittent suction unit vacuum to atmospheric pressure and the time said pause valve outlet signal changes from vacuum to atmospheric pressure.