Back to results
US 5,242,474 AGranted
Dual mode laser smoke evacuation system with sequential filter monitor and vacuum compensation
AssigneeSorenson Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsRoyce Herbst, James L. Sorenson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A surgical laser smoke evacuation system includes a sensor positioned at the surgical site to determine the need for evacuation. A vacuum pump draws smoke from the site through a system of conduits, including an in line filter. The filter tends to become clogged over time. A sensor determines changes in the pressure drop across the filter, and is connected to a control mechanism which adjusts the speed of the vacuum pump to maintain an approximately constant flow across the filter.
Claims26
A smoke evacuation system for removing surgically produced smoke, comprising:
- a support frame;
- a variable speed electric motor mounted on said frame;
- a vacuum pump having an inlet and an outlet mounted on said frame;
- means coupling said motor to said pump to drive said pump in response to operation of said motor;
- a filter to remove harmful components from surgically produced smoke, said filter having an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom;
- first duct means having one end connected to the outlet of said filter and another end connected to said inlet of said vacuum pump;
- second duct means having one end connected to the inlet of said filter and a movable other end to be positioned in an area where smoke is surgically produced;
- and
- means for controlling the speed of said variable speed motor in accordance with the amount of smoke present at said movable other end of said second duct means.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.