Richard J Terry

US Patent:

57412383, Apr 21, 1998

Filed:

Mar 2, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/398161

Inventors:

John R. Bradbury - Strongsville OH
Richard L. Terry - DeSoto MO
Clayton W. Spangler - Dittmer MO

Assignee:

Steris Corporation - Mentor OH

International Classification:

A61M 100

US Classification:

604322

Abstract:

A vessel (20) which is divided into compartments (22, 24) receives medical and biological fluid wastes through inlet fitting (12, 14). As the fluid is received, air in the vessel is displaced and is discharged through a vent line (32), either to atmosphere or to a vacuum source. When a level sensor (34) senses that a level of fluid in the vessel is approaching a preselected maximum, a control circuit (40) closes a valve (30) in the vent line, blocking the discharge of air from the vessel and creating a backpressure that stops the receipt of further fluid. Tubing connected to the fittings (12, 14) is disconnected from the patient or other source of fluid and a valve (64) is manually opened to vent the vessel, allowing any residual fluid in the tubing to be drained into the vessel. A drain valve (74) is opened to drain the vessel and the cleaning cycle is commenced. A fittings bell (194) is placed over each inlet fitting such that water with entrained disinfectant from disinfectant reservoir (122) disinfects the inlet nozzles inside and outside.

US Patent:

58852409, Mar 23, 1999

Filed:

Jun 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/878506

Inventors:

John R. Bradbury - Strongsville OH
Richard L. Terry - DeSoto MO
Clayton W. Spangler - Dittmer MO

Assignee:

Steris Corporation - Mentor OH

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604 4

Abstract:

A vessel (20) which is divided into compartments (22, 24) receives medical and biological fluid wastes through inlet fitting (12, 14). As the fluid is received, air in the vessel is displaced and is discharged through a vent line (32), either to atmosphere or to a vacuum source. When a level sensor (34) senses that a level of fluid in the vessel is approaching a preselected maximum, a control circuit (40) closes a valve (30) in the vent line, blocking the discharge of air from the vessel and creating a backpressure that stops the receipt of further fluid. Tubing connected to the fittings (12, 14) is disconnected from the patient or other source of fluid and a valve (64) is manually opened to vent the vessel, allowing any residual fluid in the tubing to be drained into the vessel. A drain valve (74) is opened to drain the vessel and the cleaning cycle is commenced. A fittings bell (194) is placed over each inlet fitting such that water with entrained disinfectant from disinfectant reservoir (122) disinfects the inlet nozzles inside and outside.