Back to results
US 2006/0041238 A1Published application
Fluid collection system and method
OwnerMichael Boweninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid collection mat and a system for collecting fluids using a vacuum source is disclosed. The fluid collection mat may be formed from multiple layers of material. At least one layer of the material may be formed from absorbent material. Another layer may be used to regulate fluid flow from the absorbent layer. Still another layer of the material distributes suction from a vacuum source through the mat adjacent to the layer regulating fluid flow from the absorbent layer.
Claims28
A fluid collection pad comprising:
- a base layer formed from generally fluid impervious material;
- a second layer disposed on the base layer;
- the second layer formed from fluid pervious material offering very little or no resistance to fluid flow therethrough;
- a third layer of material disposed on the second layer opposite from the first layer;
- the third layer of material formed from generally fluid impervious material;
- a limited number of flow paths formed in and extending through the third layer of material to regulate fluid flow through the third layer of material;
- a fourth layer of material disposed on the third layer of material opposite from the second layer of material;
- the fourth layer of material formed from fluid absorbent material;
- and
- a fluid barrier formed around a perimeter of the layers of material to prevent undesired fluid flow therefrom.
7 more elements
A disposable fluid collection mat comprising:
- a base layer of material with a second layer disposed on the base layer;
- the second layer formed from material offering very little resistance to fluid flow therethrough;
- a third layer of material disposed on the second layer opposite from the base layer;
- the third layer formed from material having high resistance to fluid flow therethrough;
- a limited number of openings formed in and extending through the third layer of material to regulate fluid flow through the third layer of material;
- a fourth layer of material disposed on the third layer of material opposite from the second layer of material;
- the fourth layer of material formed from generally absorbent material;
- each layer of material having a perimeter;
- a fluid barrier formed around the perimeter of the layers of material to prevent undesired fluid flow therethrough;
- and
- a fluid coupling extending from at least one portion of the mat.
8 more elements
A fluid collection system comprising:
- a fluid collection mat coupled with a vacuum source whereby the vacuum source may apply a suction to at least portions of the mat;
- the mat defined in part by a first layer of material, a second layer of material disposed on the first layer, a third layer of material disposed on the second layer opposite from the first layer, and a fourth layer of material disposed on the third layer opposite from the second layer;
- each layer of material having a perimeter;
- a fluid barrier formed around the perimeter of the layers to prevent undesired fluid flow therethrough;
- the second layer formed from fluid pervious material allowing substantially unrestricted fluid flow therethrough;
- the third layer formed from material offering high resistance to fluid flow therethrough;
- a limited number of fluid flow paths formed in and extending through the third layer of material to regulate fluid flow therethrough;
- and
- the fourth layer formed from fluid absorbent material.
6 more elements
A method of collecting fluid comprising:
- placing a fluid collection mat at a location proximate the fluid;
- applying a suction to a portion of the mat;
- communicating the suction with other portions of the mat;
- absorbing the fluid in a layer of absorbent material;
- and
- regulating the flow of fluid from the layer of absorbent material to the other portions of the mat communicating with the suction.
3 more elements
A method of forming a fluid collection pad comprising:
- forming a base layer with desired dimensions corresponding with a desired surface area and perimeter for the mat;
- forming a second layer from generally fluid pervious material;
- placing the second layer of material on the first layer of material;
- forming a third layer of material from generally fluid pervious material with a limited number of fluid flow paths extending through the third layer of material to regulate fluid flow through the third layer;
- placing the third layer of material on the second layer of material;
- forming a fourth layer of material from generally absorbent material;
- placing the fourth layer of material on the third layer of material;
- and
- forming a fluid barrier around the perimeter of the mat with a fluid coupling extending therefrom.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.