Abstract: A multi-story building (200) is described for manufactured homes (212) such as container homes. The building (200) includes a ground floor (202), a number of intermediate floors (204), and a top floor (206). The building (200) includes a throughway (208) on the ground floor (202) that allows passage of a transportation vehicle (210) such as a flatbed truck carrying a manufactured home (212). The transportation vehicle (210) can use the throughway (208) to position the manufactured home (212) in alignment with a hoistway (214). A hoist mounted on the roof (216) can then be used to hoist the home (212) to a desired floor (204 or 206).

Abstract: A filtration system for trapping airborne contaminants as exemplified in evacuating smoke generated during a surgical procedure wherein operation efficiency thereof is automatically reported in relation to filter structure cumulative use time and cumulative airflow volume. In a first embodiment a system processor correlates cumulative vacuum pump motor speed, operation duration, and air pressure difference measurements over an airflow filter path into a cumulative value and automatically compares that value to a plurality of known pre-determined correlated values to thereby provide filter life expectancy which is conveyed to a memory device of the filter structure for retention and. conveyance for display. In a second embodiment a self-contained microprocessor and memory device of the filter structure is in communication with the system processor to receive, store, and send filter structure time-duration operability data which is sent to a data display site for display.

Abstract: A combination of electrical surgical apparatus includes a first electrical surgical apparatus having a first operative state and a second operative state. A conductor for conducting electrical energy to the first apparatus has first characteristics when the first apparatus is in the first operative state and has second characteristics when the first apparatus is in the second operative state. A sensor is coupled between the first apparatus and a second electrical surgical apparatus having a first operative state and a second operative state. The sensor is responsive to a change from one of the first and second characteristics of the conductor to the other of the first and second characteristics of the conductor to produce a transition signal.

Abstract: A surgical smoke evacuator comprising a housing, an airflow channel through the housing, at least one filter placed in an operative position along the air flow channel, filter alignment means between the filter and housing for guiding the filter relative to the housing along a predetermined circuitous path extending between the inlet of the housing and the filter cavity within the housing during loading and unloading of the filter in the smoke evacuator, said circuitous path including at least one axial portion wherein the filter is movable axially relative to the the housing and at least one angular portion wherein the filter is movable angularly about the longitudinal axis of the filter relative to the housing.

Abstract: A combination of electrical surgical apparatus includes a first electrical surgical apparatus having a first operative state and a second operative state. A conductor for conducting electrical energy to the first apparatus has first characteristics when the first apparatus is in the first operative state and has second characteristics when the first apparatus is in the second operative state. A sensor is coupled between the first apparatus and a second electrical surgical apparatus having a first operative state and a second operative state. The sensor is responsive to a change from one of the first and second characteristics of the conductor to the other of the first and second characteristics of the conductor to produce a transition signal.

Abstract: The disclosed air filtration system filters both entering and exiting air. A primary structural element of the air filtration system is the unitary helmet member, which fits over the user's head. The unitary helmet member includes both a front aperture near the user's forehead and a rear aperture near the upper rear portion of the user's head. The unitary helmet member is blow-molded and therefore simple in construction. An interior channel connects the front aperture to the rear aperture, and a fan located over the rear aperture circulates air between these two apertures. A hood filter and a face shield fit over the unitary helmet member. The hood filter filters air passing through the rear aperture, and further filters air passing through a rear portion of the hood filter. Only the single fan is needed to draw air into the hood filter and remove air from the hood filter.

Abstract: A surgical gown is adapted to be operatively disposed to substantially cover a surgeon wearing a ventilator having a waist-mounted power unit, a head-mounted manifold structure, and at least one tube extending therebetween. The gown includes a head section, a waist section, and a shoulder section appropriately configured to cover analogous portions of the surgeon's body. A ventilator section, disposed between the head section and the waist section when the gown is operatively disposed on the surgeon, defines tube channel to receive the tube of the ventilator. This ventilator section forms an enlargement which facilitates movement of the head of the surgeon without substantial restriction by the head section of the gown. An interior tie gathers a front section of the gown around the neck of the surgeon to isolate movement between the head section and shoulder section.

Abstract: A laparoscopic smoke evacuation system for removing surgical smoke containing undesirable contaminants, including a trocar having a working channel adapted to provide access to an operative site and a stopcock communicating with the working channel. A source of vacuum is coupled through a fluid conduit to the stopcock to remove the smoke. Filtration is provided along the fluid conduit to remove the undesirable contaminants and the residual gas is exhausted to the room or the source of vacuum. A liquid collector can also be disposed along the fluid conduit together with valve means which is either mechanically or electrically operable to control application of suction to the trocar.

Abstract: A surgical suction system and method includes a source of suction and a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. At its distal end, the conduit has a diameter not greater than about 5/8 inch to provide limited access to the surgical site and an inside diameter not less than about 1/4 inch to accommodate the bone fragments in the waste slurry. A coupling is provided for connecting the proximal end of the conduit to the suction source in order to provide suction at the distal end of the conduit at a velocity not less than about ninety miles per hour. A fluid containment vessel can be connected between the conduit and the source of suction to provide a liquid trap for the waste slurry passing along the conduit. An associated method includes the step of activating the suction source to provide suction at the distal end of the conduit with a velocity not less than ninety miles per hour.

Abstract: A surgical smoke evacuator includes a housing and means defining an air flow channel through the housing. At least one filter having a longitudinal axis is disposed in the air flow channel with portions of the housing defining an inlet for receiving the filter and a filter cavity for receiving the filter in the air flow channel. Tabs on the filter and associated guide slots on the housing, guide the filter along a circuitous path between the inlet and filter cavity during loading and unloading of the filter. This path includes axial portions which facilitate axial filter movement and angular portions which facilitate angular filter movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: A suction delivery system for removing surgical smoke from an operative site includes a hose having the configuration of a first tube and adapted to extend generally between a suction source and the operative site. A wand coupled to the distal end of the hose has the configuration of a second tube with first portions of the wand define a major suction inlet while second portions of the wand define a lateral opening which relieves suction pressure when the major inlet is blocked by tissue. A tip section of the wand includes a vane extending at least partially across the major opening and a strut extending to support the vane outwardly of the major opening. The tip section also includes means providing a laterally visible indication of the degree of contamination of the system.

Abstract: An integral surgical gown incudes a body tube with front and back portions, and shoulder portions supporting the gown on a user. A pair of body sleeves and a hood assembly are permanently attached to the body tube. The hood assembly includes a hood, and a transparent shield and mask permanently attached to the hood. Fluid impervious panels cover the sleeves and front of the body tube while an open mesh provides ventilation at the back portions of the body tube. By merely donning the single integral gown, these protective elements are automatically positioned on the user.

Abstract: A surgical air vacuum apparatus includes an air pump disposed in a primary air channel for moving air between an inlet port and an outlet port of the vacuum. The air pump has properties for generating heat while moving the air, and the moving air has characteristics for cooling the pump. An air filter disposed in the primary channel has a tendency to block the air that would otherwise cool the air pump. Means is provided for combining a secondary air channel and the primary air channel along at least one passage to introduce bleed air to the pump when the filter blocks the primary channel.