Method and apparatus for disposing of liquid surgical waste for protection of healthcare workers
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for handling waste fluid, comprising:
- (a) a negative pressure source;
(b) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said negative pressure source, said separation chamber having an inlet through which waste fluid from said waste fluid source is drawn into said separation chamber by said negative pressure source;
(c) a holding chamber in fluid communication with said separation chamber;
(d) an outlet in fluid communication with said holding chamber;
(e) a pump disposed to pump said waste fluid from said holding chamber through said outlet, while said negative pressure is maintained in said separation chamber;
(f) a first sensor electrically coupled to said pump and disposed to detect when said waste fluid reaches a predetermined high level in said holding chamber, whereupon said pump is activated to begin pumping said waste fluid from said holding chamber through said outlet;
(g) a second sensor electrically coupled to said pump and disposed to detect when said waste fluid reaches a predetermined low level in said holding chamber, whereupon said pump is de-activated;
(h) a microprocessor electrically coupled to said first sensor and said second sensor, said microprocessor programmed to determine and record a volume of waste fluid pumped through said outlet by said pump.
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Abstract
An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to while minimize healthcare worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for handling waste fluid, comprising:
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(a) a negative pressure source; (b) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said negative pressure source, said separation chamber having an inlet through which waste fluid from said waste fluid source is drawn into said separation chamber by said negative pressure source; (c) a holding chamber in fluid communication with said separation chamber; (d) an outlet in fluid communication with said holding chamber; (e) a pump disposed to pump said waste fluid from said holding chamber through said outlet, while said negative pressure is maintained in said separation chamber; (f) a first sensor electrically coupled to said pump and disposed to detect when said waste fluid reaches a predetermined high level in said holding chamber, whereupon said pump is activated to begin pumping said waste fluid from said holding chamber through said outlet; (g) a second sensor electrically coupled to said pump and disposed to detect when said waste fluid reaches a predetermined low level in said holding chamber, whereupon said pump is de-activated; (h) a microprocessor electrically coupled to said first sensor and said second sensor, said microprocessor programmed to determine and record a volume of waste fluid pumped through said outlet by said pump. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification