Filter bag and connector cartridge

Details Filter bag and connector cartridge Filter bag and connector cartridge

1998-06-05

2001-12-04

Kim, John (Department: 1723)

Pipe joints or couplings

With indicator, alarm or inspection means

C210S085000, C604S408000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06325422

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the art of systems for the collection of fluids. In particular, the invention relates to a bag for receiving fluids and a connector for connecting the bag to a supply pump.
BACKGROUND
It is known to collect fluids in containers such a flexible bags. For example, it is known to collect blood and other physiological fluids during surgery by pumping the blood into flexible bags. The fluids are then redelivered to the patient after processing. The fluids generally include debris that must be removed, and filters are used for this. Prior bags that include filters have not been effective, however, and are often expensive. Moreover, because the bags are disposable, the fluid lines are detachable, and it is necessary to provide an effective means for ensuring that the lines are properly connected before the pumping operation begins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a novel bag includes an internal filter, and a connector for attaching the bag to a fluid supply ensures that the bag is properly connected prior to operation of the pump.
The bag for receiving physiological fluids that have been recovered from a patient includes a filter for removing particles that are larger than a predetermined size. In the preferred embodiment, the filter is a 40&mgr; mesh. The bag is made of two layers of flexible plastic with the filter held between the two layers. The inlet to the bag is placed between the filter and one of the outer layers, and the outlet is placed between the filter and the other of the outer layers. The flexible plastic layers and the filter are bonded together by heat, radio frequency (RF), or ultrasonic welding at the edges.
The edges are bonded in two locations. First, the filter and the outer layers are bonded completely around the bag inward of the outer edge of the bag, except for the locations where the inlet and outlet are secured. Then, the two outer layers and inlet and outlet conduits are bonded without the filter between them. By this construction, the bond of all three layers positions the filter to separate the bag into two compartments, and the outer bond acts as a safeguard to ensure that the contents are not spilled even if the inner bond fails.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fluid supply line is connected to one or more lines, preferably inlet lines to the bag described above, by a verification connector. The verification connector includes means for verifying that the lines are properly connected and for controlling an interlock that prevents operation of the fluid pumps if the lines are not connected. The verification elements are easily attached to a base unit for cooperation with verification elements on the base unit to verify that the supply line is properly connected to the outlet lines. In the absence of such verification, operation of the fluid supply pump is inhibited. The verification connectors preferably include known Luer connectors for connecting the supply line to the inlet lines. Other types of connectors may, of course, be used.
In the preferred embodiment, the verification elements are optical. A light emitting diode, preferably infrared, and a photo detector, also preferably infrared, are contained in the base unit and are located with respect to the verification elements such that a beam from the light emitting diode will enter a transparent, conducting, portion of the verification elements when properly installed. The inlet line verification element will refract the light through an angle that will cause it to impinge on a detector in the base unit. Reflecting surfaces may be used to direct the incident and refracted beams to desired locations in the base unit. Signals from the photo detector are supplied to a control circuit that allows operation of a fluid supply pump only when the outlet lines are properly connected.


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