Surgery – Means and methods for collecting body fluids or waste material – Receptacle attached to or inserted within body to receive...
Reexamination Certificate
2003-02-19
2004-03-16
Lo, Weilun (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Means and methods for collecting body fluids or waste material
Receptacle attached to or inserted within body to receive...
C604S319000, C604S326000, C604S329000, C604S355000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06706027
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND ART
The use of human urinary collection and disposal systems is known in the prior art. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,508 (Washington, 1989) discloses a ladies' external catheter assembly, however this device does not use a vacuum pump for drainage or utilize a moisture sensor. Also U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,675 (Triunfol, 1986) teaches a device for collecting fluid discharged from female organs that is designed solely for incontinent women, not female aircrew members and the design includes a pad, vacuum pump and liquid sensor, however, the pad is more invasive because it is formed of plastic and has ridges to move the labia to an open position for free flow of liquid. The vacuum pump of the Triunfol patent is powered by an electrical outlet and does teach battery operation of these devices. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,631 (Marx, Sep. 2, 1997) a male external catheter assembly with vacuum retention is disclosed wherein a male external catheter attachment incorporates a vacuum or a means to produce reduced pressure to aid in installing and keeping the device in place. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,977 (Marx, Mar. 19, 1996) teaches another form of male external catheter with vacuum assist utilizing a rubber bulb that functions as a vacuum. As such, the basic concept of bladder discharge collection systems and their use are disclosed.
There are no acceptable bladder relief systems for incontinent adults. Urinary incontinence affects more than 13 million Americans in community and institutional settings. Thirty-eight percent of non-institutionalized patients older than 60 years of age experienced urinary incontinence, and almost 50 percent of institutionalized patients. The annual costs of bladder control problems in the United States for people older than 65 years of age was estimated at $26.3 billion in 1995, or $3,565 per affected person. Many incontinent males use commercially available diapers, which cannot contain urine from multiple urinations, and become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
While each of these prior art patents disclose bladder relief systems which fulfill their respective particular objectives and requirements, and are most likely quite functional for their intended purposes, it will be noticed that none of the prior art cited disclose an apparatus and/or method that allow a user the comfort of automatic operation and large volume capacity. As such, there apparently still exists the need for new and improved bladder relief system to maximize the benefits to the user and minimize the risks of injury from its use.
There is also no acceptable bladder relief system for male aircrew members flying extended flight operations in single or dual-seat fighter and reconnaissance aircraft that do not have toilet facilities. Male aircrew members use two types of bladder relief devices, “piddle pack” bag systems and uncomfortable external catheters with tubing. The entire procedure for using the piddle pack takes several minutes. During this procedure the pilot is significantly distracted from flying the aircraft, which can place both himself and his aircraft in danger. The current piddle pack bag system can also be dangerous to use if the pilot needs to eject from the aircraft while urinating. The optimum bladder relief system would allow the pilot to eject from the aircraft even while urinating, which would require it to be hands-free and at least semi-automatic. In this respect, the present invention disclosed herein substantially fulfills this need.
An automated or semi-automated bladder relief device is important not just for the aircrew member's comfort, health and safety, but also for the safety of the aircraft and squadron. The system will significantly reduce the pilot's distraction or downtime during bladder relief, which will improve pilot and aircraft safety.
Similarly, there is also no acceptable bladder relief system for female aircrew members flying extended flight operations in aircraft that do not have toilet facilities. Male aircrew members use two types of bladder relief devices, piddle pack bag systems and external catheters with tubing. Female aircrew members cannot use the catheter/tubing assemblies designed for males. Instead, most use commercially available adult diapers. These diapers have the following drawbacks:
1 Neither the Disposable Absorption Containment Device (DACD) developed by NASA nor commercially available diapers have the capacity to hold the 1000 cc of urine produced during some long duration flights.
2 High g maneuvers force the female aircrew member downward into the seat, displacing urine from the diaper and leaving the female to sit in a wet flight suit and seat for the duration of the flight.
3 Prolonged exposure to urine can cause skin irritation and may develop into more serious conditions such as ulcers.
In this respect, the present invention disclosed herein substantially corrects these problems and fulfills the need for such a device.
Lastly the present invention may also be effectively used by passengers in aircraft without toilet facilities, glider pilots, non-ambulatory patients, incontinent adults, astronauts, rescue workers in hazmat suits, and long-distance truckers and race car drivers.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the known types of bladder relief systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an apparatus that has been designed to automatically or semi-automatically collect urine in an environmentally challenging setting in a sanitary, safe and comfortable manner which are improvements which are patently distinct over similar devices and methods which may already be patented or commercially available. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a field designed apparatus and method of use that incorporates the present invention. There are many additional novel features directed to solving problems not addressed in the prior art.
To attain this the present invention generally comprises a secure gender specific leakproof urine collection means, a fluid sensing unit, a suction means, and a storage and disposal means.
Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
unlike the prior art urinary collection and disposal systems the present invention provides an automated or semi-automated collection system with a large urinary storage capacity. Also, unlike prior art this invention does provide a comfortable collection system that requires no manipulation to utilize leaving the user's hand free for vital tasks;
the present invention also provides for ease of set up, use, urine storage and disposal; and
the present invention also provides an advancement in ecological protection by eliminating the need for disposal of environmentally damaging and bulky diaper materials.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, will be pointed out with particularity in the claims which will be annexed to and forming a part of the full patent application once filed. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4447939 (1984-05-01), Taylor
patent: 4538100 (1985-08-01), Tuten et al.
patent: 4747166 (1988-05-01), Kuntz
patent: 5454798 (1995-10-01), Kubalak et al.
patent: 5678564 (1997-10-01), Lawrence et al.
patent: 6342049 (2002-01-01), Nichols
patent: 6500158 (2002-12-01), Ikeguchi
patent: WO 00/57784 (2000-10-01), None
Benson, Esq. Eric R.
Bogart Michael
Lo Weilun
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