System having an improved nozzle device for reducing the volume of hazardous waste

Abstract

Described is a system having an improved nozzle device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating the nozzle device itself. The nozzle device is adapted to puncture and penetrate the bag and to cooperate with a vacuum device that draws most of the air within the bag through the nozzle device and into the vacuum device through suitable filters, thus decreasing the volume of the bag. A sheath cooperates with the nozzle device such that when the nozzle device has penetrated the bag, only the sheath member is exposed to the hazardous contents of the bag, the sheath member remaining in the bag after volume reduction, mitigating the release and spread of hazardous contaminants out of the bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to a system for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste. More particularly, this invention pertains to a system having an improved nozzle device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating the nozzle device itself.

2. Description of the Related Art

Compressible waste, such as paper products, cardboard, plastics, and fabric, are typically deposited in a conventional trashcan that is lined with a receptacle bag. The composition of the receptacle bag varies with the type of waste deposited therein. For example, radioactive waste, medical waste, and harmless waste may each require a different type of receptacle bag for proper and safe storage. However, most conventional receptacle bags consist of a flexible plastic that is adapted to retain any hazardous aspects of the respective waste, such as radiation, infectious fluids, or harmful chemicals. When compressible waste is deposited in receptacle bags, it is typically not fully compressed, meaning the compressible waste is “crumpled” or folded and not organized to achieve a minimum volume within the receptacle bag. As a result, when the receptacle bag is sealed for disposal, unnecessary air is sealed within the receptacle bag, giving the receptacle bag a volume significantly greater than the volume of the compressible waste.

Compressible waste includes compressible hazardous waste, which is compressible waste that is contaminated with radiation, infectious bodily fluids, harmful chemicals, or other contaminants. Examples of compressible hazardous waste include paper suits used for protection from radiation, disposable gloves used by a surgeon during an operation, and paper or fabric used to absorb a harmful chemical in a laboratory. Disposal of receptacle bags containing compressible hazardous waste, such as radioactive waste, medical waste, or chemical waste, is typically performed by service providers that transport and store the hazardous waste in accordance with environmental and health standards. The cost of these services is typically based on the volume of each receptacle bag. Consequently, any unnecessary volume-creating air sealed within a receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste increases the costs of storage, disposal, and transportation of that receptacle bag.

Certain conventional devices for removing unnecessary air from a receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,520 to Jacob et al, require a specially fitted receptacle bag that cooperates with a compatible fitting of the conventional device. After the specially fitted receptacle bag is engaged with the conventional device, the conventional device removes any unnecessary air from the specially fitted receptacle bag by way of a suction. However, as previously discussed, compressible hazardous waste is typically discarded in a conventional trashcan lined with a conventional receptacle bag. Consequently, this type of conventional device is limited in that implementation of this conventional device would require every conventional trashcan to be replaced with a receptacle that is compatible with the required specially fitted receptacle bags, and conventional receptacle bags would have to be replaced with the specially fitted receptacle bags. Additionally, the volume of any conventional receptacle bags containing compressible hazardous waste can not be readily or easily reduced to lower the cost of disposal.

Other conventional devices for removing unnecessary air from a receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,520 to Arai, do not require a specially fitted receptacle bag. This type of conventional device includes a nozzle that is inserted into a conventional receptacle bag. The nozzle, along with a suction generating source, removes unnecessary air from the receptacle bag, reducing the volume of the receptacle bag such that the disposal cost for the receptacle bag is reduced. However, this type of conventional device is limited because the nozzle is exposed to the hazardous waste that is in the receptacle bag. As a result, after the nozzle is removed from the receptacle bag, it is contaminated by the hazardous waste and can contaminate the surrounding environment and individuals within the surrounding environment. Also, this device is not suitable for already sealed bags.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the various features of the present invention there is provided a system including an improved nozzle device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating the nozzle device itself. The nozzle device includes a base member and a sheath member and operates in conjunction with a vacuum device. The nozzle device is adapted to puncture and penetrate a conventional receptacle bag and to cooperate with the vacuum device such that the suction generated by the vacuum device draws a majority of the air within the receptacle bag through the nozzle device and into the vacuum device, thus decreasing the volume of the receptacle bag. The sheath member cooperates with the base member such that when the nozzle device has penetrated the receptacle bag, only the sheath member is exposed the hazardous contents of the receptacle bag. After the unnecessary volume-creating air has been drawn from the receptacle bag, the sheath member is removed from the base member as the nozzle device is pulled from the receptacle bag such that the sheath member is deposited within the receptacle bag. As a result, only the sheath member, which is deposited within the receptacle bag containing hazardous waste, is contaminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle device constructed in accordance with the various features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view the nozzle device of FIG. 1 illustrating the cooperation of various components of the nozzle device.

FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate operative features of the nozzle device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the vacuum device used in conjunction with the nozzle device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of a nozzle device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating the nozzle device itself and constructed in accordance with the various features of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The nozzle device 10 includes a base member and a sheath member and operates in conjunction with a vacuum device. The nozzle device 10 is adapted to puncture and penetrate a conventional receptacle bag and to cooperate with the vacuum system such that the suction generated by the vacuum device draws unnecessary air within the receptacle bag through the nozzle device and into the vacuum device, thus decreasing the volume of the receptacle bag. The sheath member cooperates with the base member such that when the nozzle device 10 has penetrated the receptacle bag, only the sheath member is exposed the hazardous contents of the receptacle bag. After the unnecessary volume-creating air has been drawn from the receptacle bag, the sheath member is removed from the base member as the nozzle device 10 is pulled from the receptacle bag such that the sheath member is deposited within the receptacle bag. As a result, only the sheath member, which is deposited within the receptacle bag containing hazardous waste, is contaminated.

FIG. 1 illustrates the nozzle device 10 in accordance with the various features of the present invention. The nozzle device 10 includes a base member 12, a sheath member 14, and a stopper member 16. The base member 12 is a substantially rigid cylindrical body that defines an axial first through-passage 18. Additionally, a first end 20 of the base member 12 has an aslant contour, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, such that the base member 12 is capable of puncturing and penetrating a conventional receptacle bag. A second end 22 of the base member 12 is opposite the first end 20 and is engaged with and secured to an air-suction hose 24 such that the engagement creates an air-tight passageway consisting of the first through-passage 18 and the passage defined by the air-suction hose 24. The air-suction hose 24 is a flexible tube that channels air and particles to a subsequently discussed vacuum device 26. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a non-flexible air-suction hose 24 may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The stopper member 16, of the illustrated embodiment, is a flat circular body that defines an axial through-passage, which is entirely occupied by the base member 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The stopper member 26 is mechanically secured to the base member 12 such that there is no passage-way between the stopper member 16 and the base member 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the stopper member 16 can have a shape other than a flat and circular shape without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

The sheath member 14 is a substantially rigid cylindrical body that defines an axial second through-passage 28. Additionally, one end of the sheath member 14 has an aslant contour parallel to that of the base member 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The aslant contour of the sheath member 14 provides the nozzle device 10 with the capability of puncturing and penetrating a conventional receptacle bag. The second through-passage 28 receives the base member 12, which fits concentrically within the second through-passage 28 such that the contour of first end 20 of the base member 12 aligns with the contour of the sheath member 14 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The base member 12 fits snuggly within the second through-passage 28 such that frictional force holds the sheath member 14 in its designed rotational position. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the axial length of the sheath member 14 is such that the sheath member 14 mechanically engages the stopper member 16 and extends beyond the base member 12. Consequently, when the sheath member 14 experiences the resistance associated with puncturing a receptacle bag, the sheath member 14 is not forced from its designed axial position with respect to the base member 12 such that the base member 12 is exposed to hazardous waste. Also, the length of the sheath member 14 can be increased so that a derivation from its designed axial position with respect to the base member 12 will not expose the base member 12.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the nozzle device 10 can have a general shape other than the illustrated circular shape, such as a rectangular shape or a triangular shape, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in art will also recognize that the illustrated interconnection of the components of the nozzle device 10, namely the base member 12, the sheath member 14, and the stopper member 16, may vary without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates various operative features of the present invention. To reduce the volume of a sealed receptacle bag of compressible hazardous waste 30, while mitigating the contamination of the surrounding environment, the nozzle device 10 is inserted into the receptacle bag 30 by puncturing the receptacle bag 30 using the aslant contour of the sheath member 14, as illustrated in FIG. 3a. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, the stopper member 16 prevents the entire nozzle device 10 from penetrating the receptacle bag 30 such that only the sheath member 14 is exposed to the hazardous contents of the receptacle bag 30. As previously discussed, the nozzle device 10 is secured to the air-suction hose 24, which cooperates with the vacuum device 26. The vacuum device 26 generates a suction that draws unnecessary volume-creating air from the receptacle bag 30, through the first through-passage 18 of the base member 12, and through the passage defined by the air-suction hose 24. As the unnecessary air is drawn from the receptacle bag 30, the receptacle bag's 30 volume is decreased. After most of the air is extracted from the receptacle bag 30, the nozzle device 10 is removed from the receptacle bag 30. As the nozzle device 10 is pulled from the receptacle bag 30, the sheath member 14 is removed from the base member 12 by the operator of the nozzle device 10. To remove the sheath member 14, the operator grips the sheath device 14 through the receptacle bag 30 and pulls the base member 12 with a force sufficient to overcome the frictional force holding the sheath member in place. The sheath member 14 is removed from the base member 12 such that the sheath member 14 remains in the receptacle bag 30 after the nozzle device 10 has been entirely removed, as illustrated in FIG. 3b. As a result, only the sheath member 14, which is deposited in the receptacle bag 30, is contaminated by the hazardous waste. Consequently, the nozzle device 10 is not contaminated by the hazardous waste and is not a threat to the surrounding environment.

Because the nozzle device 10 punctures the receptacle bag 30 upon penetration, after the nozzle device 10 is removed from the receptacle bag 30, an opening 31 in the receptacle bag 30 is created, as illustrated in FIG. 3b. The opening 31 is immediately sealed by manually applying a tying device or another sealing device, as illustrated in FIG. 4c. During the small window of time that the opening 31 exists, particles of hazardous waste do not escape from the receptacle bag 30 because a negative pressure in the bag 30 results in air flow into the bag 30. Consequently, the period of time that the opening 31 in the receptacle bag 30 exists does not compromise the designed functionality of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating various components of the vacuum device 26. These components include a first filter device 32, a second filter device 34, a first pressure gage 36, a second pressure gage 38, and a suction generating device 40. As previously discussed, the air-suction hose 24 acts as a conduit for air and particles drawn from the receptacle bag 30 to the vacuum device 26. The air-suction hose 24 initially directs the air and particles to the first filter device 32. The first filter device 32 is a series of multiple filters including High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, carbon filters, and chemical filters. The first filter device 32 extracts hazardous matter from the air drawn from the receptacle bag 30 such as radioactive particles, carbon, and harmful chemicals by way of the HEPA filter, the carbon filter, and chemical filter respectively. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first filter device 32 can be a single filter that is suitable for a particular application without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

After passing through the first filter device 32, the drawn air is directed to the first pressure gage 36. The first pressure gage 36 monitors the speed at which the drawn air and particles are passing through the first filter device 32. This is necessary because carbon filters require carbon contaminated air to be retained within the carbon filters for a period of time such that the organism volatiles are thoroughly extracted from the drawn air. Additionally, the pressure gage 36 indicates whether the first filter device 32 has become clogged by filtered particles.

After passing through the first pressure gage 36, the drawn air enters the suction generating device 40. The suction generating device 40 generates a suction sufficient to draw most air from the receptacle bag 30 such that the volume of the receptacle bag 30 is substantially reduced. The suction generating device 40 also governs the speed at which air is drawn from the receptacle bag 30 and, as a result, is in communication with the first pressure gage 36 such that the carbon filter of the first filter device 32 retains the contaminated air for a period of time sufficient to extract any harmful carbon. The suction generating device 40 then discharges the drawn air, which then passes through the second pressure gage 38. Similar to the first pressure gage 36, the second pressure gage 38 monitors the speed at which the air and particles are passing through the second filter device 34, which is, as is the first filter device 32, a series of multiple filters including HEPA filters, carbon filters, and chemical filters. Also similar to the first pressure gage 36, the second pressure gage 38 is in communication with the suction generating device 40, such that the speed at which the air and particles are passing through the second filter device 34 can be controlled to ensure proper operation of the carbon filter of the second filter device 34. Additionally, the second pressure gage 38 indicates whether the second filter device 34 has become clogged by filtered particles. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the second filter device 34 can be a single filter that is suitable for a particular application without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

After being treated by the vacuum device 26, the contaminated air drawn from the receptacle bag 30 is uncontaminated and is released from the vacuum device 26 by way of a discharge device 42. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular illustrated embodiment of the vacuum device 26 has merely explanatory value. The vacuum device 26 can include more, fewer, or different filters and/or pressure gages without departing from scope or spirit of the present invention. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the diagram in FIG. 4 is not intended to show every component or interconnection. For example, the manner in which the first pressure gage 36 and the second pressure gage 38 are in communication with the suction generating device 40 is omitted, but the communication will be understood by those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the nozzle device reduces the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible non-hazardous waste.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize that a device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste offering advantages over the prior art has been provided. The device provides a nozzle that punctures conventional receptacle bags such that custom or special receptacle bags are not necessary. Further, the device provides a nozzle that extracts unnecessary volume-creating air from a receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without becoming contaminated itself.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A nozzle device for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating said nozzle device, said nozzle device comprising:

a base member defining a first through-passage, the first through-passage having a first terminal and a second terminal, said base member comprising a first end at the first terminal of the first through-passage, said base member comprising a second end at the second terminal of the first through-passage, the second end of said base member cooperating with a vacuum device; and

a sheath member defining a second through-passage, the second through-passage of said sheath member receiving the first end of said base member such that the first end of said base member fits concentrically within the second through-passage of said sheath member, said sheath member being removable from said base member.

2. The nozzle device of claim 1 further comprising a stopper member, said stopper member secured to said base member between the first end of said base member and the second end of said base member.

3. The nozzle device of claim 2 wherein said sheath member engages said stopper member.

4. The nozzle device of claim 3 wherein said sheath member extends beyond the first end of said base member.

5. The nozzle device of claim 1 wherein said sheath member is capable of puncturing a conventional receptacle bag.

6. The nozzle device of claim 5 wherein said sheath member has an aslant contour.

7. The nozzle device of claim 5 wherein said sheath member extends beyond the first end of said base member.

8. The nozzle device of claim 1 wherein the first end of said base member is capable of puncturing a conventional receptacle bag.

9. The nozzle device of claim 8 wherein said sheath member extends beyond the first end of said base member.

10. The nozzle device of claim 8 wherein the first end of said base member has an aslant contour.

11. The nozzle device of claim 1 wherein said base member has a cylindrical contour.

12. The nozzle device of claim 11 wherein said sheath member has a cylindrical contour.

13. A system for reducing the volume of an already-sealed conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating said system, said system comprising:

a nozzle device, said nozzle device comprising a base member and a sheath member, the base member defining a first through-passage, the first through-passage having a first terminal and a second terminal, the base member comprising a first end at the first terminal of the first through-passage, the base member comprising a second end at the second terminal of the first through-passage, the sheath member defining a second through-passage, whereby the first end of said base member fits concentrically within the second through-passage, said sheath member being removable from said base member;

an air-suction hose comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of said air-suction hose cooperating with said nozzle device at the second end of the base member of said nozzle device such that a passageway is created from the first end of the base member of said nozzle device to the second end of said air-suction hose; and

a vacuum device generating a suction, said vacuum device cooperating with the second end of said air-suction hose such that said vacuum device generates a suction that extends to the first terminal at the first end of the base member of said nozzle device.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said vacuum device includes at least one air filter.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said air filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein said air filter is a carbon filter.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein said air filter is a chemical filter.

18. A method for reducing the volume of a conventional receptacle bag containing compressible hazardous waste without contaminating the surrounding environment, said method comprising the steps of:

inserting a nozzle device into an already-sealed receptacle bag, wherein the nozzle device includes a base member and a sheath member;

suctioning substantially all unnecessary volume-creating air from the receptacle bag;

extracting the nozzle device from the receptacle bag;

removing the sheath member of the nozzle device while extracting the nozzle device from the receptacle bag such that the sheath member remains within the receptacle bag after the nozzle device is removed.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of sealing an opening created when the nozzle device is extracted from the receptacle bag.