초록 ▼

The present invention provides for an improved air-flow sensitive float valve interposed between the collection chamber and one arm of the water seal chamber for allowing the patient to draw as much vacuum pressure as is required during deep inspiration. The float valve also functions to provide for

The present invention provides for an improved air-flow sensitive float valve interposed between the collection chamber and one arm of the water seal chamber for allowing the patient to draw as much vacuum pressure as is required during deep inspiration. The float valve also functions to provide for an automatic controlled release of excess negative pressure in the collection chamber during either continuous autotransfusion or when there is a low air flow rate condition present. By tailoring a specific amount of water to a given size chamber, the water column inside the water seal chamber is allowed to momentarily engage the floating mechanism before the water seal chamber is emptied of water and a column of air is subsequently forced through the water column towards the momentarily sealed valve. Once the air column reaches the valve, the water supporting the valve is displaced and the valve is released until the air column is replaced by another rising water column. This displacement of air through the water column causes the valve to "shuttle" between open and closed positions as the alternating rising water and air pocket engages the valve so that sub-atmospheric pressure in the collection chamber is maintained and excess negative pressure is relieved.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for the collection of fluids, comprising a closed vessel defining first, second and third intercommunicating chambers, said vessel being interposed between, and in fluid flow communication with, an infusion pump and a patient, said vessel having first, second and third ope

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for the collection of fluids, comprising a closed vessel defining first, second and third intercommunicating chambers, said vessel being interposed between, and in fluid flow communication with, an infusion pump and a patient, said vessel having first, second and third openings for communication with the atmosphere, a vacuum source, and a fluid collection tube, respectively,a first water column and a water seal included in said first and second chambers, respectively, to define during normal operation first and second pressure differentials for establishing unidirectional flow from said first and third openings to said second opening while maintaining a desired sub-atmospheric pressure range in said third chamber, said second opening being in direct communication with a low pressure side of each of said first water column and said water seal, andan automatically releasing valve interposed between said second and third chambers for preventing fluid flow communication to said third chamber, the valve comprising,a valve chamber having a top and bottom portions, said top portion forming an aperture in fluid communication with said third chamber, said bottom portion being substantially open to said second chamber,a second water column, said second water column being interposed between said valve chamber and said water seal,a valve body disposed inside said valve chamber, said valve body defining a hollow interior chamber having a top section, said top section including a guide for facilitating engagement of said valve body to said aperture,a seal interposed between said valve body and said aperture, said seal closing off fluid flow communication between said second and third chambers when said valve body is engaged to said aperture,said valve body being shaped so that when, due to a negative pressure condition in said third chamber when said second water column rises to cause said valve body to be seated against said aperture in fluid-tight engagement thereto, an air pocket subsequently rises through said second water column and engages said valve body, thereby momentarily releasing said valve body from its engaged position in a shuttling action between said water column closing said valve and said air pocket releasing said valve until said negative pressure condition is eliminated.