Abstract: A medical vacuum regulator (10) with a solenoid regulating valve (20) and a comparator (22) for electrically, automatically controlling the solenoid regulating valve (20) to intermittently open and close to achieve a preselected regulated vacuum (v) which is continuously provided or in intermittent mode decreases during a relaxation period (35) to atmosphere (30) and automatically increases during a ramp period (29) of a vacuum cycle (21) to prevent vacuum surge trauma to a patient (14). The regulating valve (20), in addition to regulating the vacuum during the vacuum cycle (21), continuously vents the system to atmosphere (30) when a patient venting solenoid valve (48) vents the patient (14) to atmosphere (30) to reduce the load on a vacuum pump (12). The continuous and intermittent modes of operation are selected by a mode selection circuit (36) with means for maintaining it in its selected state during a period of temporary power loss.

Abstract: A medical vacuum regulator (10) with a vacuum regulation chamber (20, 34) connected with a supply of unregulated vacuum (26) through a regulation control valve seat opening (24A) controlled by means of a valve head (28, 28A) at one end of a valve stem (30) extending through a valve stem guide (32) and coupled at its opposite end to a movable wall (36, 38) of the regulation chamber (20, 34) is provided with an antibinding valve stem connector assembly (12) comprising a ball and socket connector (46, 48) respectively coupled to the valve stem (30) and the movable wall (36, 38) to enable relative movement between the valve stem guide (32) and valve stem (30).

Abstract: A vacuum regulating cartridge (10) having a roller diaphragm (52), a coil spring (54) and a cantilevered spring arm (68) to form a regulation system for regulating vacuum in a medical regulating vacuum controller (26).

Abstract: A unidirectional fluidflow sensor system including: a sensing chamber for placement in a fluidflow to be monitored; the chamber including input port means facing toward the fluidflow and smaller, output port means spaced from the input port means and disposed transversely to the fluidflow; a sensing element in the chamber in the path between the first and second port means; and means, responsive to the element, for detecting a change in flow between the input and output port means.

Abstract: A disposable cap and float assembly for a drainage container or receiver in a vacuum system for receiving drainage from the body of a patient after wounding of or surgery performed on the patient or for other liquid withdrawal procedures. The assembly includes a bifurcated bracket mountable on a wall or in a floor stand and which removably retains the drainage receiver in the vertical direction. A cap for sealing the drainage receiver is vertically downwardly disposed over the top of the drainage receiver while retained in the bifurcations of the bracket for horizontally retaining the drainage receiver between the bifurcations of the bracket. The cap is snap fit over the bracket to retain the cap to the bracket and hold the receiver or container in the bracket. A float closes a vacuum passage in the cap when the receiver is filled, preventing the suction of drainage into the vacuum system.