Patent Grant
11491066
During medical procedures, fluid may come into contact with a floor of an operating room. Excess fluid may be removed from the floor during or after the medical procedure.
In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. Example apparatus may include a first layer including a plurality of inlets and a surface feature; a second layer, where the surface feature opposes the second layer; an outlet, and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the pattern comprises a grid, and where the grid defines the suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the suction paths from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet have substantially equal lengths.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the pattern comprises a perimeter disposed around the plurality of inlets, where the perimeter has one or more openings, and where the perimeter and one or more openings define the suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the surface feature is molded on the first layer.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the second layer includes a second surface feature, and where the second surface feature contacts the first surface feature.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the second surface feature is molded on the second layer.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the pattern is defined on the first layer and the second layer by sealing the first layer and the second layer.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the pattern is defined on the first layer and the second layer by pressing the pattern on the first layer and the second layer.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where at least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a surfactant that reduces surface tension of fluid.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a cover layer disposed over the first layer, where the cover layer is configured to distribute fluid to two or more inlets of the plurality of inlets.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets includes a perforation in the first surface.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the plurality of inlets has an area that is greater than an area of the outlet.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a tube coupled to the outlet, where the tube is disposed around the plurality of inlets, and where the tube comprises a plurality of perforations through a surface of the tube.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where the outlet is configured to be coupled to a suction source for applying suction between the first and second layers.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a plurality of dissolvable barriers disposed over the plurality of inlets.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where at least one dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers includes a gas-impervious film.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, where each dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers is configured to dissolve when contacted by liquid.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a dissolvable barrier layer disposed over the plurality of inlets and the first layer, where the dissolvable barrier layer includes a plurality of portions, where each portion of the plurality of portions is disposed over a respective inlet of the plurality of inlets.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. Example apparatus may include a first layer including a plurality of inlets; a second layer, where the second layer opposes the first layer; a perimeter outlet disposed between the first and second layer, where the outlet is configured to be coupled to a suction source configured to apply suction between the first layer and the second layer; and a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, where the third layer defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. Example apparatus may include a first layer including a plurality of inlets; a second layer, where the second layer opposes the first layer; one or more outlets; and a plurality of dissolvable barriers disposed over the plurality of inlets.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. Example apparatus may include a first layer including a plurality of inlets; a second layer, where the second layer opposes the first layer; one or more outlets; and a dissolvable barrier layer disposed over the plurality of inlets and the first layer.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. Example apparatus may include a first layer including a plurality of inlets and a surface feature; a second layer, where the surface feature opposes the second layer; two or more outlets; and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to at least one outlet of the two or more outlets.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a first side and a second side, where the second side opposes the first side, and where each outlet of the two or more outlets is disposed on the first side of the apparatus.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that further includes a first side and a second side, where the second side opposes the first side, where a first outlet of the two or more outlets is disposed on the first side of the apparatus, and where a second outlet of the two or more outlets is disposed on the second side of the apparatus.
In another aspect, a method is disclosed. Example methods may include positioning an apparatus in a location of a medical procedure, where the apparatus includes a first layer including a plurality of inlets and a surface feature, a second layer, where the surface feature opposes the second layer, an outlet, and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet; coupling the outlet of the apparatus to a suction source configured to apply suction between the first layer and the second layer; and operating the suction source, such that fluid that contacts the apparatus flows through at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets and flows along the respective suction path for the at least one inlet to the outlet.
In another aspect, a method is disclosed. Example methods may include positioning an apparatus in a location of a medical procedure, where the apparatus includes a first layer comprising a plurality of inlets and a surface feature, a second layer, wherein the surface feature opposes the second layer, two or more outlets, and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to at least one outlet of the two or more outlets; coupling the one or more outlets of the apparatus to one or more suction sources configured to apply suction between the first layer and the second layer; and operating the one or more suction sources, such that fluid that contacts the apparatus flows through at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets and flows along the respective suction path for the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and various ways in which it may be practiced.
I. Introduction
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for removing fluid associated with a medical procedure. For example, during a medical procedure in a room (e.g., operating room in a hospital, clinic, or the like) excess fluid may contact the floor of the room. Exemplary apparatus may be configured to be coupled to one or more suction sources that pull fluid through the apparatus. Beneficially, embodiments described herein may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus. For example, embodiments described herein may reduce closing of layers of the apparatus, which may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus. As another example, embodiments described herein may improve distribution of suction across the apparatus, which may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus.
II. Example Apparatus
The suction source 110 may be configured to apply suction to the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the suction source 110 may be configured to pull a vacuum in the apparatus 100. By applying suction to the apparatus 100, the suction source 110 may pull fluid that contacts the apparatus 100 through the apparatus 100 and to the suction source 110. In some embodiments, the suction source 110 may pull air, water, and/or other fluids associated with medical procedures through the apparatus 100. Further, in some embodiments, the suction source 110 may be any suitable hospital wall suction device.
The conduit 120 may be configured to convey suction from the suction source 110 to the apparatus 100. Further, the conduit 120 may be configured to convey fluid from the apparatus 100 to the suction source 110. In some embodiments, the conduit 120 may include a tube or piping.
The top layer 210 may include a plurality of inlets 212 and a surface feature 214. The plurality of inlets 212 may be through the top layer 210. In some embodiments, at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets 212 may be a perforation through the top layer 210. Fluid that contacts the top layer 210 may flow through some or all inlets of the plurality of inlets 212. In some embodiments, the plurality of inlets 212 may cover some or all of the top layer 210. Moreover, in some embodiments, the plurality of inlets 212 may include between 20 to 40 inlets, such as 20 inlets, 30 inlets, 35 inlets, and 40 inlets. Further, in some embodiments, at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets 212 may have a size between 0.75 to 1.5 millimeters, such as 0.75 millimeters, 1.09 millimeters, and 1.5 millimeters. Further still, in some embodiments, a size of at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets 212 may depend on the number of inlets in the plurality of inlets 212. However, in some embodiments, the plurality of inlets 212 may include more than 40 inlets or less than 20 inlets. Further, in some embodiments, at least one inlet may have a size greater than 1.5 millimeters or less than 0.75 millimeters.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the plurality of inlets 212 may have an area greater than an area of the outlet 230. For example, the plurality of inlets 212 may have an area (e.g., sum of the cross-sectional area of each inlet of the plurality of inlets 212) that is between 5% to 10% greater than an area (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the outlet 230, such as 5% greater than the area of the outlet 230 or 10% greater than the area of the outlet 230. Flow of fluid through the apparatus 200 may be improved (e.g., greater volumetric flow rate) when the area of the plurality of inlets 212 is greater than the area of the outlet 230.
The surface feature 214 may oppose the bottom layer 220. Further, the surface feature 214 may be configured to maintain space (void) between the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220. When the suction source applies suction to the apparatus 200, by maintaining space between the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220, the surface feature 214 may reduce the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220 from closing on each other, which may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus 200.
In the apparatus 200, fluid might not flow through the shortest path to the suction source. Instead, in the apparatus 200, fluid may flow through a least-resistance path. It may be desirable to improve distribution of suction across the apparatus 200, which may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the pattern 240 may improve distribution of suction across the apparatus 200. In the illustrated example, the pattern 240 is defined on the bottom layer 220. The pattern 240 may define a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets 212 to the outlet 230. Via the pattern 240, the suction source may apply the substantially same amount of suction to each inlet of the plurality of inlets 212. The term “substantially same,” as used in this disclosure, refers to exactly the same or one or more deviations from exactly the same that do not significantly change flow of fluid through apparatus described herein (e.g., less than or equal to a 25% change in volumetric flow rate of fluid).
The apparatus may further include a cover layer 260. The cover layer 260 may be disposed over the top layer 210. In some embodiments, the cover layer 260 may be attached to the top layer 210 by lamination, bonding, and/or adhesive. The cover layer 260 may be configured to distribute (e.g., wick) fluid to two or more inlets of the plurality of inlets 212. In some embodiments, the cover layer 260 may absorb and/or hold fluid across some or all of the top layer 210. Further, in some embodiments, the cover layer 260 may reduce pooling of fluid in one portion of the top layer 210. The cover layer 260 may include various materials and have various sizes. In some embodiments, the cover layer 260 may include melt blown polypropylene. Moreover, in some embodiments, the cover layer 260 may have a density between 200 to 300 grams per square meter (“GSM”), such as 200 GSM or 300 GSM. It may be desirable to reduce the thicknesses of the cover layer 260, which may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus 200 and/or reduce a saturated weight of the apparatus 200.
Further, in some embodiments, the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220 may include the same materials and have the same sizes. However, in other embodiments, the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220 may include different materials and/or have different sizes.
Although in the example described above the top layer 210 includes the surface feature 214, in other embodiments, the bottom layer 220 may include the surface feature 214. In such embodiments, the surface feature 214 may oppose the top layer 210. Moreover, in some embodiments, the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220 may each include a surface feature.
Further, although in the example described above the pattern 240 is defined on the bottom layer 220, in other embodiments, the pattern 240 may be defined on the top layer 210. Moreover, in some embodiments, the pattern 240 may be defined on the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220.
In some embodiments, the surface feature 314 may contact the second surface feature 324. When a suction source applies suction to the apparatus 300, the surface feature 314 and the second surface feature 324 may reduce the top layer 310 and the bottom layer 320 closing on each other. In some embodiments, the surface feature 314 and the second surface feature 324 may reduce the top layer 310 and the bottom layer 320 closing on each other more than the surface feature 214 may reduce the top layer 210 and the bottom layer 220 closing on each other.
In some embodiments, the surface feature 314 may be molded on the top layer 310. Further, in some embodiments, the second surface feature 324 may be molded on the bottom layer 320. Moreover, in some embodiments, the surface feature 314 and the second surface feature 324 may have the same size and shape. However, in other embodiments, the surface feature 314 and the second surface feature 324 may have different shapes and/or sizes.
In some embodiments, the surface feature 314 may be offset from the second surface feature 324.
The layer 400 may include a surface feature 414 on at least one surface 411 of the layer 400. The surface feature 414 may include various shapes and have various sizes. As shown in
The pattern of apparatus described herein may take various forms. For example, the pattern may include a perimeter with one or more openings.
The pattern 540 may include a perimeter 542 disposed around the plurality of inlets 512 and one or more openings 544. The perimeter 542 and the one or more openings 544 may define a plurality of suction paths 560 for the plurality of inlets 512 to the outlet 530. In some embodiments, the perimeter 542 and one opening of the one or more openings 544 may define a suction path for each inlet of the plurality of inlets. In the illustrated example, the perimeter 542 and opening 544A may define suction path 560A for inlet 512A. Further, the perimeter 542 and opening 544B may define suction path 560B for inlet 512B. When the suction source applies suction to the apparatus 500, fluid may flow from inlet 512A along suction path 560A to outlet 530, and fluid may flow from inlet 512B along suction path 560B to outlet 530. The plurality of suction paths 560 may improve control (or predictability) of flow of fluid through the apparatus 500.
In some embodiments, the pattern 540 may be defined on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520 by sealing the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520. For example, the pattern 540 may be defined on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520 by sealing one or more portions of the top layer 510 and one or more corresponding portions of the bottom layer 520 together. Further, in some embodiments, the pattern 540 may be defined on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520 by pressing the pattern 540 on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520. For example, the pattern 540 may be defined on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520 by pressing one or more portions of the top layer 510 and one or more corresponding portions of the bottom layer 520 together. The pattern 540 may be defined on the top layer 510 and the bottom layer 520 before, after, or during the sealing of one or more edges of the top layer 510 to one or more corresponding edges of the bottom layer 520.
As another example, the pattern may include a grid.
The pattern 640 may include a grid 642 and the grid 642 may define a plurality of suction paths 660 for the plurality of inlets 612. In some embodiments, the grid 642 may define a suction path for each inlet of the plurality of inlets 612 to the outlet 630. In the illustrated example, the grid 642 may define a suction path 660A for inlet 612A. Further, the grid 642 may define a suction path 660B for inlet 612B. When the suction source applies suction to the apparatus 600, fluid may flow from inlet 612A along suction path 660A to outlet 630, and fluid may flow from inlet 612B along suction path 660B to outlet 630. The plurality of suction paths 660 may improve control flow of fluid through the apparatus 600.
As shown in
Further, example apparatus may include a tube coupled to the outlet and disposed around the plurality of inlets. The tube may improve distribution suction across the apparatus.
The apparatus 700 may include a second tube 770 coupled to the outlet 730. The second tube 770 may be disposed around the plurality of inlets 712. Additionally or alternatively, the second tube 770 may be disposed around a pattern. As shown in
In the illustrated example, the second tube 770 may extend around the plurality of inlets 712. In such embodiments, the second tube 770 may have a length of around 20 feet. Other lengths of the second tube 770 are possible as well. However, in other embodiments, the second tube 770 may only extend around some of the plurality of inlets 712. Further, in some embodiments, edges of the top layer 710 may be sealed to corresponding edges of the bottom layer 720, and the second tube 770 may be disposed between the top layer 710 and the bottom layer 720.
Moreover, example apparatus may include a support. The support may hold the apparatus in place during operation.
In addition, example apparatus may include dissolvable barriers disposed over the plurality of inlets.
Further, the apparatus 900 may include a plurality of dissolvable barriers 990 disposed over the plurality of inlets 912 and the top layer 910. Each dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers 990 may be disposed over a respective inlet of the plurality of inlets 912. Each dissolvable barrier may be configured to reduce (or block) flow of gas (e.g., air) through the respective inlet that it is disposed over. Further, each dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers 990 may be configured to dissolve when contacted by liquid (e.g., water and other fluids associated with medical procedures). When the suction source applies suction to the apparatus 900, dissolvable barriers of the plurality of dissolvable barriers 912 that have not dissolved may assist with maintaining suction (e.g., a vacuum) between the top layer 910 and the bottom layer 920. In some embodiments, at least one dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers 990 may include a gas-impervious film.
Although apparatus 900 includes a plurality of dissolvable barriers 990, in other examples an apparatus may include a dissolvable barrier layer disposed over the plurality of inlets.
Further, the apparatus 1000 may include a dissolvable barrier layer 1090 disposed over the plurality of inlets 1012 and the top layer 1010. The dissolvable barrier layer 1090 may include a plurality of portions and each portion (or some of the portions) may be disposed over a respective inlet of the plurality of inlets 1012. Each portion of the dissolvable barrier layer 1090 may be configured to reduce (or block) flow of gas. Further, each portion of the dissolvable barrier layer 1090 may be configured to dissolve when contacted by liquid. When the suction source applies suction to the apparatus 1000, portions of the dissolvable barrier layer that have not dissolved may assist with maintaining suction between the top layer 1010 and the bottom layer 1020. In some embodiments, the dissolvable barrier layer 1090 may include a gas-impervious film.
Although example apparatus described above may include a pattern defined on at least one of the top layer and bottom layer, in other examples an apparatus may include an intermediate (third) layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer and the pattern may be defined on the intermediate layer.
The apparatus 1100 may be similar to apparatus 200, except that the apparatus 1100 may include an intermediate layer 1115 disposed between the top layer 1110 and the bottom layer 1120. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 1115 may include a surface feature that opposes the top layer 1110 and/or a surface feature that opposes the bottom layer 1120. With this arrangement, the top layer 1110 might not include the surface feature 1114. Further, a pattern 1140 may be defined on the intermediate layer 1115. Similar to the pattern 240, the pattern 1140 may improve the distribution of suction across the apparatus 200. Further, similar to the pattern 240, the pattern 1140 may define a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets 212 to the outlet 230. Via the pattern 1140, the suction source may apply the substantially same amount of suction to each inlet of the plurality of inlets 1112. The pattern 1140 may take the form of or be similar in form to the pattern 540 or the pattern 640.
Although example apparatus described above may include one outlet, in other examples, apparatus may include two or more outlets. The two or more outlets may improve flow of fluid through the apparatus.
In the illustrated example, the first outlet 1230A and the second outlet 1230B may each be disposed on the first side 1202. Alternatively, the first outlet 1230A and the second outlet 1230B may each be disposed on the second side 1204. Further, the first outlet 1230A may be coupled to tube 1250A and the second outlet 1230B may be coupled to tube 1250B. In some embodiments, the tube 1250A and the tube 1250B may each be coupled to a suction source (not shown). Moreover, in some embodiments, the tube 1250A may be coupled to the suction source and the tube 1250B may be coupled to a second suction source (not shown). The second suction source may take the form of or be similar in form to the suction source.
Further, in some embodiments, the tube 1250A and the tube 1250B may each be coupled to a fitting (e.g., valve) disposed between the suction source and the apparatus 1200. Further still, in some embodiments, the first outlet 1230A and the second outlet 1230B may each be coupled to a fitting or a tube (e.g., the tube 770) disposed within the apparatus 1200. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first outlet 1230A may be coupled to the tube and the second outlet 1230B may be coupled to a second tube disposed within the apparatus 1200. The second tube may take the form of or be similar in form to the tube. Further, in some embodiments, the tube and the second tube may span different directions within the apparatus 1200.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 1200 may include a plurality of inlets similar in form to the plurality of inlets 212 and a pattern that is similar in form to the pattern 540 or the pattern 640. Further, in some embodiments, the pattern may define a suction path from each inlet to the plurality of inlets to the first outlet 1230A or the second outlet 1230B.
In other examples, two or more outlets may be disposed on opposing sides of an apparatus.
In the illustrated example, the first outlet 1330A may be disposed on the third side 1306 and the second outlet 1330B may be disposed on the fourth side 1308. Alternatively, the first outlet 1330A may be disposed on the first side 1302 and the second outlet 1330B may be disposed to the second side 1304. Other arrangements of the first outlet 1330A and the second outlet 1330B on opposing sides of the apparatus 1300 are possible as well.
The first outlet 1330A may be coupled to tube 1350A. Further, the second outlet 1230B may be coupled to tube 1350B. The tubes 1350A and 1350B may be arranged in a similar way as the tubes 1250A and 1250B may be arranged. In some embodiments, the tube 1350A and the tube 1350B may each be coupled to a suction source (not shown). Moreover, in some embodiments, the tube 1350A may be coupled to the suction source and the tube 1350B may be coupled to a second suction source (not shown).
Further, in some embodiments, the tube 1350A and the tube 1350B may each be coupled to a fitting disposed between the suction source and the apparatus 1300. Further still, in some embodiments, the first outlet 1330A and the second outlet 1330B may each be coupled to a fitting or a tube disposed within the apparatus 1300. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first outlet 1330A may be coupled to the tube and the second outlet 1330B may be coupled to a second tube disposed within the apparatus 1300. Further, in some embodiments, the tube and the second tube may span different directions within the apparatus 1300.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 1300 may include a plurality of inlets similar in form to the plurality of inlets 212 and a pattern that is similar in form to the pattern 540 or the pattern 640. Further, in some embodiments, the pattern may define a suction path from each inlet to the plurality of inlets to the first outlet 1330A or the second outlet 1330B.
Although apparatus 1200 and 1300 include two outlets, in other examples apparatus may include more than two outlets, including three outlets or four outlets.
Further, example apparatus may include multiple tubes for distributing suction across the apparatus.
The bottom layer 1520 may include a surface feature 1524. The surface feature 1524 may oppose the top layer. The bottom layer 1520 may take the form of or be similar in form to bottom layer 720, and the surface feature 1524 may take the form of or be similar in form to surface feature 214, 324, and 414. In some embodiments, the top layer may include a surface feature. The surface feature of the top layer may oppose the bottom layer 1520. The surface feature of the top layer may take the form of or be similar in form to the surface feature 214, 314, and 414.
The first tube 1570 may be disposed over the bottom layer 1520 and form a loop. The first tube 1570 may be disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer 1520. The top layer may have a plurality inlets, and the first tube 1570 may extend around some inlets of the plurality of inlets, including all of the inlets. The plurality of inlets may take the form of or be similar in form to plurality of inlets 712. In some embodiments, the first tube 1570 may be affixed to the bottom layer 1520 via a plurality of adhesive strips 1574.
The first tube 1570 may include a first plurality of perforations 1572 through a surface of the first tube 1570, as shown in
The second tube 1580 may be disposed over the bottom layer 1520 and inside the loop formed by the first tube 1570. The second tube 1580 may be disposed between the top layer and bottom layer 1570. In some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may be affixed to the bottom layer 1520 via a plurality of adhesive strips 1584.
The second tube 1580 may include a second plurality of perforations 1582 through a surface of the second tube 1580, as shown in
The first tube 1570 and the second tube 1580 may be coupled to an outlet 1530. The outlet 1530 may take the form of or be similar in form to the outlet 730. The outlet 1530 in turn may be coupled to a third tube (not shown). The third tube may take the form of or be similar in form to the tube 750. For example, the third tube may be coupled to a suction source.
The second tube 1580 may be arranged in the apparatus 1500 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may extend away from the outlet 1530. Further, in some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may extend in a straight direction from the first tube 1570. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may extend at an angle from the first tube 1570. In some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may be parallel to a portion of the loop formed by the first tube 1570. Further, in some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may extend along a centerline of the apparatus 1500 proximal to a first end of the apparatus 1500 to a location proximal to a second end of the apparatus 1500. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second tube 1580 may extend along the centerline of the apparatus 1500 from the first end of the apparatus 1500 to the second end of the apparatus 1500.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 1500 may include a connector 1592. The connector 1592 may be disposed over the bottom layer 1520. The connector 1592 may be disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer 1520. In some embodiments, the connector 1592 may be coupled to each of the outlet 1530, a first end 1570A of the first tube 1570, a second end 1570B of the first tube 1570, and the second tube 1580. In some embodiments, the first tube 1570 may be coupled to the second tube 1580 via the connector 1592. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first tube 1570 may be directly coupled to the second tube 1580.
The connector 1592 may include four ports 1592A, 1592B, 1592C, and 1592D. Further, in some embodiments, the first port 1592A may be coupled to the outlet 1530, the second port 1592B may be coupled to the first end 1570A of the first tube 1570, the third port 1592C may be coupled to the second tube 1580, and fourth port 1592D may be coupled to the second end 1570B of the first tube 1570. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first port 1592A may be opposite of the third port 1592C, and the second port 1592B may be opposite of the fourth port 1592D. In some embodiments, the first port 1592A may be perpendicular to the second port 1592B, and the first port 1592A may be perpendicular to the fourth port 1592D.
The second tube 1580 may include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the first end of the second tube 1580 may be coupled to the first tube 1570, and a cap 1594 may be disposed at the second end of the second tube 1580. In some embodiments, the first end of the second tube 1580 may be coupled to the connector 1592. Further, in some embodiments, the first end of the second tube 1580 may be coupled to the third port 1592C.
Although the first port 1592A is described above as coupled to the outlet 1530, in other embodiments, the outlet may be the first port 1592A. With this arrangement, the third tube may be coupled to the first port 1592A.
Beneficially, the first tube 1570 and the second tube 1580 may improve the distribution of flow through the apparatus 1550 compared to an apparatus including a first tube but not a second tube. The first tube 1570 and the second tube 1580 may improve suction performance of the apparatus 1500 without pulling flow away from each other. In some embodiments when fluid contacts a center portion of the apparatus and the suction source applies suction to the apparatus, an apparatus with a second tube, such as in apparatus 1500, may suction fluid more quickly than an apparatus without the second tube.
In some embodiments, the connector 1892 may be coupled to each of the outlet 1530, the first end 1570A of the first tube 1570, the second end 1570B of the first tube 1570, and the second tube 1580. In some embodiments, the first tube 1570 may be coupled to the second tube 1580 via the connector 1892.
The connector 1892 may include four ports 1892A, 1892B, 1892C, and 1892D. Further, in some embodiments, the first port 1892A may be coupled to the outlet 1530, the second port 1892B may be coupled to the first end 1570A of the first tube 1570, the third port 1892C may be coupled to the second tube 1580, and fourth port 1892D may be coupled to the second end 1570B of the first tube 1570. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first port 1892A may be opposite of the third port 1892C. In some embodiments, the first port 1892A may be oriented at an obtuse angle to the second port 1892B and an obtuse angle to the fourth port 1892D. Each of the ports (1892A-1892D) may be oriented at angle to another port. For example, the third port 1892C may be oriented at an acute angle to the second port 1892B and an acute angle to the fourth port 1892D.
Although the first port 1892A is described above as coupled to the outlet 1530, in other embodiments, the outlet may be the first port 1892A. With this arrangement, the third tube may be coupled to the first port 1892A.
III. Example Methods
Method 1400 continues at block 1404 with coupling the outlet of the apparatus to a suction source configured to apply suction between the first layer and the second layer. In some embodiments, the suction source may be configured to pull a vacuum between the first layer and the second layer. The suction source may take the form of or be similar in form to example suction sources described above with respect to
Method 1400 continues at block 1406 with operating the suction source, such that fluid that contacts the apparatus flows through at least one inlet of the plurality of inlets and flows along the respective suction path for the at least one inlet to the outlet.
IV. Conclusion
Examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention. Thus, various modifications and variations of the described methods and systems of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to the skilled artisan.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It also is to be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a structure” is a reference to one or more structures and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein.
Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the concentration of a component or value of a process variable such as, for example, size and the like, is, for example, from 1 to 90, specifically from 20 to 80, more specifically from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.
Particular methods, devices, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/479,552, filed Jul. 19, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,224,552, which claims priority to International Application No. PCT/US2018/014515, filed Jan. 19, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/448,955, filed Jan. 20, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16479552 | US | |
| Child | 17499843 | US |
