Pumps – With condition responsive pumped fluid control – Expansible chamber pump distributor operation modified
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-02
2001-01-09
Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)
Pumps
With condition responsive pumped fluid control
Expansible chamber pump distributor operation modified
C417S290000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171072
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an electric motor driven, compact, combination vacuum pump and air compressor apparatus, particularly adapted for use in medical procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain medical procedures require a source of controlled vacuum or aspiration as well as a source of compressed air. For example, liposuction procedures require a controllable source of vacuum for aspirating debris that is removed during the liposuction procedure through an aspirating cannula and the like. In this regard, it has been considered desirable to provide such a vacuum source as a compact, quiet, electric motor driven pump apparatus which is easily controllable to control the vacuum pressure and airflow. Since a vacuum pump may also be operated as an air compressor it is desirable to provide this feature in an electric motor driven apparatus which is otherwise adapted primarily for use as a vacuum source.
Generally, a combination vacuum pump and air compressor unit adapted for use in medical procedures should be light weight, quiet and portable. For example, it would be desirable to mount the apparatus on a stanchion or the like in the vicinity of the medical procedure itself so that the user of the source of vacuum may adjust the operating parameters of the apparatus.
As a consequence of the need for a compact, quiet and easily controlled motor driven combination vacuum pump and air compressor apparatus, certain requirements of such an apparatus have posed problems in the development thereof. These problems have been solved by the present invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a compact motor driven vacuum pump or aspirator and air compressor apparatus, particularly useful in medical procedures.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a combination aspirator or vacuum pump and air compressor apparatus is provided which includes a control system operable to automatically convert operation of the apparatus between a vacuum pump and an air compressor and provide simultaneous operation by operation of remotely and automatically controlled valves. Vacuum control and pressure air control are carried out by automatic regulators. The apparatus includes a control system which is operable to provide rapid shutoff of vacuum, which is advantageous for a certain medical procedures, such as liposuction procedures.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention an electric motor driven vacuum pump/compressor apparatus is provided with a control system which reduces a start-up load on the pump motor.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention an advantageous arrangement for pump discharge air aftercooling or heat exchange is provided and a compressed air reservoir or receiver tank is provided with controls to automatically drain condensate to a condensate evaporator container which is arranged to exchange heat with the pump/compressor unit aftercooler.
Still further in accordance with the invention, a compact, electric motor driven, combination vacuum pump and air compressor unit is provided with a cabinet which includes a unique cooling air flow circuit, improved sound suppression and may be easily mounted on a stanchion or floor or table mounted, if desired.
The above described features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description which follows in conjunction with the drawing.
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Fowler Reginald H.
West Joe E.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld & LLP
Fastovsky Leonid
Scion Valley, Inc.
Walberg Teresa
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