Abstract: A smoke evacuator that draws smoke generated during a medical surgical procedure away from the site at which the smoke is generated. The smoke evacuator includes a pump that draws air into a filter. A sensor internal to the filter monitors the smoke in the air stream drawn through the filter. Normally the pump runs at a low speed, a speed sufficient to draw some air in the filter. When the sensor detects the presence of an appreciable amount of smoke in the air stream the sensor sends a signal indicating the air stream is in this state to the pump controller. The controller then increases the pump speed to result in a like increase in the volume of air drawn through the smoke evacuator. Since the sensor is contained in the filter, a new sensor is installed in the system each time a new filter is installed.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.