Abstract: The invention described herein is drawn to a hollow cylindrical filter for use with a suction canister including a first portion having an open end and a first wall thickness, a second portion having a closed end and second wall thickness less than said first wall thickness, and an elongate central chamber having a substantially uniform diameter along its length. The filter is composed of a composite material including a porous plastic material and material adapted to increase the viscosity of a liquid coming into contact therewith. The filter is constructed to accommodate the changes associated with air flow velocity and shear force across the filter material as the fluid level in the canister rises, and automatically shuts off the vacuum to the interior environment of the suction canister.

Abstract: A gasketless valve for use, among other applications, with a vacuum suction canister or bottle that is adapted to collect fluids, such as for purposes of example without limitation, fluids resulting from various medical procedures including surgery as well as wound irrigation applications, to name a few of many possible applications. The gasketless valve can be integrated with a canister lid that incorporates a valve seat that is formed with a smoothly finished sealing ramp or valving surface or face that can surround a vacuum source port adapted to communicate fluid to establish a vacuum within the canister.

Abstract: The invention described herein is drawn to a hollow cylindrical filter for use with a suction canister comprising a first portion having an open end and a first wall thickness, a second portion having a closed end and second wall thickness less than said first wall thickness, and an elongate central chamber having a substantially uniform diameter along its length. The filter is composed of a composite material comprising a porous plastic material and material adapted to increase the viscosity of a liquid coming into contact therewith. The filter is constructed to accommodate the changes associated with air flow velocity and shear force across the filter material as the fluid level in the canister rises, and automatically shuts off the vacuum to the interior environment of the suction canister.