×

Method and apparatus for manipulating a surgical drape via an inflatable device to collect surgical slush

  • US 5,950,438 A
  • Filed: 03/11/1998
  • Issued: 09/14/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for thermally treating a sterile medium comprising:

  • a system housing including a top surface;

    a basin recessed in said top surface of said housing for transferring thermal energy to said sterile medium;

    a drape covering and hanging down from said top surface of said housing with a portion of said drape disposed in said basin for collecting said sterile medium;

    thermal treatment means in thermal relation with said basin for thermally treating said sterile medium such that said sterile medium congeals and adheres to said drape adjacent walls of said basin;

    manipulation means disposed in said basin for automatically manipulating said drape wherein said manipulation means includes a plurality of individually inflatable sections; and

    pump means for inflating and deflating said individually inflatable sections in sequential order to manipulate said drape relative to said basin and dislodge said congealed sterile medium from said drape.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×