Multipurpose fluid applicator and method, with surgical uses
AssigneeBaxter International Inc.
InventorGordon Howard Epstein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multipurpose fluid applicators, particularly suitable for surgical purposes, are disclosed. The applicators are specifically designed for dispensing various combinations of sterile pressurized gas, suction, irrigation and sealant agents, including a mixed liquid sealant agent. Preferred embodiments employ a dual-acting valve selectively to control the flow of gas or suction which valve is capable of simultaneously varying flow from a source and the venting of that flow to atmosphere.
Claims21
A handheld fluid applicator for selectively applying multiple fluids to a work surface, the applicator comprising:
- a) a hand-grippable applicator body;
- b) at least one cannula through which fluid can be dispensed from the applicator;
- c) a suction pathway to provide suction to the at least one cannula, the suction pathway being supported by the applicator body and comprising a suction adapter for connecting the suction pathway to an external vacuum source;
- d) a pressurized gas pathway to provide pressurized gas to the at least one cannula, the pressurized gas pathway being supported by the applicator body and comprising a pressurized gas adapter for connecting the pressurized gas pathway to an external pressurized gas source;
- and
- e) manually operable fluid flow control valve supported by the body to control the flow rate of at least one of the fluids dispensed.
A handheld fluid applicator for selectively applying multiple fluids to a work surface, the applicator comprising:
- a) a hand-grippable applicator body;
- b) at least one cannula through which fluid can be dispensed from the applicator;
- c) a pressurized gas pathway to provide pressurized gas to the at least one cannula, the pressurized gas pathway being supported by the applicator body and comprising a pressurized gas adapter for connecting the pressurized gas pathway to an external pressurized gas source;
- d) a sealant agent source;
- e) a sealant agent pathway to deliver sealant agent to the at least one cannula the sealant agent pathway being supported by the applicator body;
- and
- f) a manually operable fluid flow control valve supported by the body to control the flow rate of the pressurized gas.
A method of treating a work surface by selectively dispensing multiple treatment fluids from a handheld applicator, the method comprising:
- a) manually setting a selector on the applicator to dispense a first gaseous fluid;
- b) manually operating a control valve on the applicator to control the flow rate of the dispensed gaseous fluid;
- and
- c) repeating steps a) and b) for a second gaseous fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.