Surgical smoke evacuation system with replaceable filter cartridge module and accumulated filter usage display
US6203590A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2273/30
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An evacuation system is provided for removing smoke generated during a surgical procedure performed in a surgical room. The evacuation system includes a pre-filter assembly and a replaceable filter cartridge module disposed in the surgical room to permit replacement of used filter cartridge modules with new filter cartridge modules by personnel within the surgical room. A vacuum generator is disposed outside of the surgical room and includes a vacuum pump for establishing an air flow through the replaceable filter cartridge module. The pre-filter assembly includes an elongate flexible suction hose that is adapted for manipulation into position adjacent the medical procedure. A mechanical connection mechanism enables pre-filter assemblies to be easily replaced between each surgical procedure. An accumulated filter usage circuit calculates a quantity of filter capacity available and generates a filter loading signal based on the available capacity. The filter usage is calculated by adjusting usage counter in proportion to the speed of a vacuum motor and pump mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.