Automated body fluid drain control apparatus and method
AssigneeBeckerSmith Medical, Inc.
InventorJan Eckermann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein is an automated fluid drain control apparatus and method which comprises a first collection chamber which is connected to a drain that has been inserted into the subarachnoid area in lumbar region of the body. The volume of fluid into the first collection chamber is controlled as a function of time by being constantly measured such that too much fluid will not be drained from the body.
Claims20
An automated body fluid drain control apparatus, comprising:
- a collection chamber of a predetermined size;
- a first controllable flow means having an open and a closed state and a second controllable flow means having an open and a closed state, wherein the first controllable flow means is normally open and the second controllable flow means is normally closed so that body fluids collect in the chamber;
- a measuring device that automatically controls the amount of fluid entering the collection chamber through the first controllable flow means as a function of time;
- wherein when a predetermined amount of fluid is collected by the collection chamber before a first predetermined period of time elapses, the first controllable flow means is closed and the collection chamber ceases to collect the fluid.
An apparatus for controlling the collection of body fluids, the apparatus comprising:
- a collection chamber,
- a first valve having an open and a closed state, wherein the first valve is normally open and allows body fluids to flow into the collection chamber,
- a second valve having an open and a closed state, wherein the second valve is normally closed so that body fluids collect in the chamber,
- a measuring device that measures the amount of fluid entering the collection chamber through the first valve during a predetermined first period of time,
- wherein if during the first period of time a predetermined volume of body fluid enters the chamber, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened,
- wherein after the first period of time, the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed and a second period of time starts, wherein the first period of time is equal to the second period of time.
An apparatus for controlling the collection of body fluids, the apparatus comprising:
- a collection chamber,
- a first valve in communication with the collection chamber, the first valve having an open and a closed state, wherein the first valve is normally open and allows body fluids to flow into the collection chamber,
- a second valve in communication with the collection chamber having an open and a closed state, wherein the second valve is normally closed so that body fluids collect in the chamber,
- a measuring device that measures the amount of fluid entering the collection chamber through the first valve as a function of time, and
- a controller that automatically controls the first and second valves,
- wherein the controller opens the second valve and closes the first valve if
- a) a first amount of fluid enters the collection chamber, or
- b) a first predetermined period of time elapses,
- wherein the controller opens the first valve and closes the second valve after the first period of time has elapsed, and a second period of time starts,
- wherein during the second period of time the controller opens the second valve and closes the first valve if
- a) the first amount of fluid enters the collection chamber, or
- b) the second period of time elapses,
- wherein the first period of time is equal to the second period of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.