Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing trauma to a medical fluid while transporting the medical fluid from a surgical wound by reducing the air to fluid interface during transport. The apparatus includes a suction wand for collecting medical fluid and tubing for transporting the medical fluid to a reservoir. The reservoir repeatedly accumulates the medical fluid and discharges it in a bolus when a predetermined volume is achieved. The reservoir comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a gas outlet. A siphon is disposed inside the reservoir for removing the bolus of medical fluid once the predetermined fluid volume is accumulated. The siphon includes a first end for suctioning the medical fluid and a second end exiting the reservoir through the fluid outlet, thereby defining an external siphon length. A pump is attached to the second siphon end to provide suction to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooperative arrangement with a vacuum vehicle and a source of vacuum-transportable matter is provided for collecting vacuum-transportable matter within a matter collection chamber of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a vacuum hose connected at one end to the matter collection chamber and a hollow probe having an outlet connected at an opposite end. A pivoting structure is connected between the vehicle and the probe and is hydraulically and electrically controllable from the within the cab of the vehicle to thereby guide the probe. An extraction funnel is fluidly connected to the source of vacuum-transportable matter and is configured to be sealingly engageable with the probe outlet. The probe is guided from the cab of the vehicle into sealing engagement with the extraction funnel so that vacuum-transportable matter may flow from the source of vacuum-transportable matter into the matter collection chamber under the presence of vacuum generated therein.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid from first and second containers is disclosed herein. The liquid dispensing system includes a first media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the first container, for transferring liquid from the first container. A second media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the second container, is disposed to transfer liquid from the second container. When placed in a first state a switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the first media transfer line and allows liquid to flow through the second media transfer line. In a second state the switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the second media transfer line while allowing liquid to flow through the first media transfer line. A liquid storage reservoir connected in liquid-flow communication with the switchable valve stores liquid received from the first and second media transfer lines by way of the switchable valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control arrangement (10) for a shutoff valve, actuated by application of negative pressure, for use in a negative pressure wastewater system. The control arrangement includes a chamber (28) in which a main piston (22) is displaced as a function of negative pressure and a driver by way of which valves (70, 72) are actuated so as to operate independently of each other; the valves (70, 72) transmit or inhibit negative pressure to open or close a wastewater aspiration valve and a ventilation valve.

Abstract: A vacuum control valve controls the removal of sewage or other liquid removed from a tank by a vacuum discharge pipe. The control valve uses the amount of liquid in the tank, the atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum discharge pipe to open or close a pipe communicating section which attaches the vacuum discharge pipe to a suction pipe disposed within the tank. When the pipe communicating section is opened, the liquid is removed from the tank via the suction pipe and the vacuum discharge pipe. When the tank is emptied, a damping diaphragm allows for decompression of pressure around its peripheral portion to prevent excessive suction. An opening time adjusting valve automatically self-adjusts to control the time period for a single suction activity based on the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum discharge pipe.

Abstract: A non-venting hazardous material liquid dispensing system (25) includes a removable supply vessel (7) coupled to a gas source (1) and a permanent buffer vessel (11). The permanent buffer vessel (11) is additionally coupled through a suction pump (14) to the removable supply vessel (7). The suction pump (14) suctions pressure off the permanent supply vessel (11), transferring the pressure to removable supply vessel (7). The transfer of pressure causes hazardous material liquid (34) to be drawn from the removable supply vessel (7) into permanent buffer vessel (11). The permanent buffer vessel (11) dispenses hazardous material liquid (34) to a process tool.

Abstract: A hollow vessel with a top and a bottom. The top has a pair of ports therein. An inlet conduit is secured to one of the ports and terminates adjacent the bottom. The inlet conduit has a distal end adapted to be fixed with a trocar. The bottom bas a discharge opening with a valve. A vacuum/pressure source is located exterior of the hollow vessel. The vacuum/pressure source is connected to the other port by a second conduit with valving, a liquid trap, and pressure controls. The vessel may be used in accordance with the method to aspirate the veined and arterial network of a corpse during an embalming process.

Abstract: A system is provided for disposing of coolant/lubricant liquids containing production residue returned in gutters or the pipe lines to a collection space. A pressure resistant reservoir is provided with a liquid media inlet pipe opening into an upper reservoir area. The liquid media is sucked into the reservoir by an evacuation device connected to an upper reservoir area. The liquid media is fed from the bottom of the reservoir to a downstream collecting tank by means of a return pump. By sucking the liquid media into an upper area of the pressure resistant reservoir, the reservoir can be disposed above ground level while the gutters and collection space are disposed near or below ground level.

Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system including a suction pipe (12) which is communicated with a vacuum system (15) by opening a vacuum valve (14), and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve (14) is disclosed. Soil water in a soil water basin (10) is sucked through the suction pipe (12) and sent to a predetermined place by opening the vacuum valve (14). The vacuum valve controller is provided with a control device (20) which closes the vacuum valve (14) by detecting that the suction pipe has begun to suck air from a change of the pressure difference between two points (16 and 17) in the suction pipe (12) which are different in height from each other, which provide a vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system, which is simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.

Abstract: A vacuum valve including a casing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a valve seat, a valve body accommodated in the casing and adapted to move rectilinearly between a position where it rests on the valve seat and a position which is away from the valve seat, means for pressing the valve body to the resting position, and a piston chamber in which an air differential pressure acts so as to separate the valve body from the valve seat against the pressing means, wherein the casing has a front wall portion which is at an acute angle to the direction of a streamline connecting the inlet and outlet openings and so that elongate foreign matter flowing in from the inlet opening can readily flow out, and side and rear wall portions expanding outwardly in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the valve from a position near the valve seat so that bulk foreign matter flowing in from the inlet opening will not get caught between the valve body and the casing inner wall.

Abstract: In a device for the disposal of liquid media, such as cooling-lubricating liquids containing production residue, such as chips from industrial processes, wherein these media can be returned via at least one pipe line to a return reservoir and from there through a pipe line connected near the bottom to at least one collecting tank by means of at least one return pump, it is intended to prevent deposits of production residue in the return reservoir and to clean it. This is accomplished in that the return reservoir has the approximate shape of a standing circular cylinder, in which at least one pipe line supplying liquid media terminates approximately tangentially. Because of this a circulating flow of the liquid media is generated in the return reservoir, which cleans the interior wall of the return reservoir and prevents the deposit of production residues.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer system and a method of operating such system is disclosed. The system includes a sewage holding tank and a lateral flow line and a vacuum valve associated with the holding tank for permitting a quantity of wastewater to be drawn out of the holding tank by a vacuum environment. The wastewater is drawn through the lateral flow line and a main pipeline to a desired collection location. A plurality of air inlet valves are arranged at spaced locations along the main pipeline for facilitating the flow of wastewater through the lateral flow line so that a large volume of the wastewater can flow through the lateral flow line in a given time.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing waterlogging of the sensor and controller valves used to regulate operation of the vacuum interface valve in a sump vented vacuum sewerage system. A float valve operates in accordance with the sewage level in a sump pit and communicates atmospheric pressure to the sensor and controller valves while the sewage level is below a predetermined limit, but closes passage of sewage therethrough once the sewage level exceeds the predetermined limit. A pressure-relief valve may also be operatively connected to the float valve that vents excessive hydrostatic pressure buildups in the sump pit to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A self-contained, hermetic module for the transport of hazardous fluids such as space craft fuels. The module includes a base and a removable cover hermetically sealed to the base. The combination of the base and the cover define an enclosure. Located within this enclosure are a pressurized gas cylinder, a fuel tank and an evacuated vessel. An inert gas contained within the pressurized vessel expels a fuel contained in the fuel tank to fill the space craft. The evacuated vessel purges all lines and conduits to prevent hazardous fluids from escaping to the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying vacuum and compressed air utilities for dental and medical applications. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating piston air compressor for simultaneously producing vacuum pressure at an intake valve thereof and compressed air at an exhaust valve thereof, the vacuum being used to draw air, water vapor, and effluent such as bodily fluids and tissue through a conduit. Effluent and water vapor are separated from the air stream and discharged into a drain. The desired vacuum is maintained by a regulator carried by the compressor. A receiver is also carried by the compressor for receiving and storing the compressed air from the compressor.

Abstract: A storage vessel, such as a compartmented vacuum tank or a plurality of vacuum tanks, is connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is used to produce a vacuum in each compartment of a multi-compartmented vacuum tank or in each tank of a plurality of vacuum tanks such that a suction nozzle extending from each compartment of a compartmented vacuum tank or from each of a plurality of vacuum tanks can remove various operating liquids from fill ports of a salvage vehicle. The liquids are segregated according to type of liquid and fill a compartment of a multi-compartmented vacuum tank or a tank of a plurality of vacuum tanks to a level at which the vacuum to the compartment or tank is terminated by a float valve. During evacuation of the tank compartments or vacuum tanks, fumes drawn off through the vacuum line from the fluids in the compartments or tanks are fed through the vacuum pump to a discharge line and forced towards a vent to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum canister including a housing with a sealed vacuum chamber having a predetermined vacuum pressure therein and a valve having a first port for fluid communication with the vacuum chamber and a second port for receiving at least one of a fluid and a particulate material. The valve is operable between a first position to seal the vacuum chamber and retain the predetermined vacuum within the vacuum chamber, and a second position to access the vacuum chamber to permit vacuum fluid flow through the valve from the second port into the vacuum chamber. In operation of the vacuum canister to pick up material with the valve in the second position, when the second port is located adjacent at least one of a fluid and a particulate material, is effective to displace through the valve at least one of a fluid and a particulate material into the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum pump control apparatus for an evacuating-type waste water collecting system is disclosed. In the system, waste water discharged from houses and facilities is collected into a water collecting tank by vacuum sewer pipes provided with a negative pressure therein, and the waste water collected in the water collecting tank is discharged by a booster pump while the air in the water collecting tank is discharged by a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump control apparatus comprises a gas-liquid ratio detection arrangement for detecting the ratio of the amount of air to the amount of waste water to be collected into the water collecting tank, and a control system for regulating the operating time of the vacuum pump based upon the gas-liquid ratio detected by the gas-liquid ratio detecting arrangement, so that a target value of the gas-liquid ratio is recovered when it falls below the target value.

Abstract: A device for preparing a solution for medical use from a liquid and at least one powdered or crystallized salt, comprising:a main line (11) having a first end connected to a source (10) of liquid and a second end for delivering the solution,at least one secondary line (15, 19; 16, 20) joined as a by-pass to the main line (11), this secondary line comprising a reservoir (13, 14) containing a powdered or crystallized salt and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening situated respectively at a high point and a low point of the reservoir (13, 14),means (12, 21, 22) for causing liquid to circulate in the lines,means (17, 21; 18, 22) for producing the immersion of the powdered or crystallized salt in the reservoir (13, 14).

Abstract: Sewage system comprised of a collector pipe with one or more house connections and to which collector pipe an air compressor and/or vacuum pump is connected, wherein a house connection is comprised of a collection gully with a connection for the sewer pipe, and which gully, at its bottom side is provided with a valve, which may be operated under the control of a level switch arranged in the gully, while the valve at the discharge side is connected to the collected pipe which at that place is provided with a bend situated in a vertical plane, to the middle part of which the valve is connected and from which both the sideways running bend parts run upwards to a height below the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting and injecting liquid coolant from and into a reservoir for an engine cooling system. The apparatus includes a storage tank for the liquid coolant, and an air pressure system for selectively applying fluid pressure to the tank either above or below atmospheric pressure. A hose connects the tank to the engine cooling system reservoir through a double shut-off-type coupling. One part of the coupling is connected to the reservoir, and the other, to the end of the transfer hose each having its own independent shut-off valve. When the coupling is connected, the valves in both components are opened and conversely when the coupling is disconnected, the valves automatically close.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid from first and second containers is disclosed herein. The liquid dispensing system includes a first media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the first container, for transferring liquid from the first container. A second media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the second container, is disposed to transfer liquid from the second container. When placed in a first state a switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the first media transfer line and allows liquid to flow through the second media transfer line. In a second state the switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the second media transfer line while allowing liquid to flow through the first media transfer line. A liquid storage reservoir connected in liquid-flow communication with the switchable valve stores liquid received from the first and second media transfer lines by way of the switchable valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.

Abstract: An inverted siphon culvert of a vacuum sewerage in which a reduction in vacuum caused by a head at the time of passing under an obstacle such as a river is prevented. An upstream vacuum sewer 2 provided at one side of a river 1 and a downstream vacuum sewer 3 provided at the other side are connected by a water flow pipe 4 and an air pipe 5 passing under the river 1. Sewage water in the upstream vacuum sewer 2 flows into the downstream vacuum sewer 3 through the water flow pipe 4. The vacuum transmitted from a vacuum station to the downstream vacuum sewer 3 is transmitted to the upstream vacuum sewer 2 through the air pipe 5 without being reduced substantially.

Abstract: A housing for a vacuum valve unit is cylindrical in shape and made of synthetic resin. A vacuum valve assembly is mounted within the housing. The housing is composed of a pair of identical left and right housing halves shaped such that the housing is axially divided. Ribs are attached to the inner surfaces of the left and right housing halves to sandwich the vacuum valve assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum valve comprises inlet and outlet pipes connected together to form a pipe line through which sewage flows, a valve element inclined to the pipe line and providing a selective communication between the inlet and outlet pipes, and a flexible or movable partition mounted within the valve to define a pressure chamber and connected to the valve element. The valve element is moved in an inclined manner in response to pressure differential between the pressure chamber and the interior of the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe has an axis displaced in a direction parallel to the axis of the inlet pipe and away from the valve element.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A reservoir having a closure is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to remove the closure.

Abstract: A portable suction system is provided for use with collection chambers for pleural drainage devices and for autotransfusion systems. The portable suction system comprises a small container having an inlet port for connection with a collection chamber or autotransfusion bag and an outlet port for connection with a suction source. The container includes a one-way valve system to prevent air from passing into the collection chamber or auto-transfusion bag and further includes a suction regulator and indicator to visually indicate the suction level.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A freely movable reservoir is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to open the reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer arrangement comprises a valve controlled air inlet duct to let air into the vacuum sewer at a position downstream of the sewer valve. The sewer valve can then be closed immediately after the sewage has passed into the vacuum sewer, because the air required for the sewage transport is received from the air inlet duct. Hence, the amount of air that flows into the sewer through the sewer valve when the sewer valve opens is small, and when the sewer valve is closed, air flows through the air inlet duct into the sewer, which reduces the pressure difference acting on the sewer valve. These measures tend to considerably reduce the noise level. In the case of a vacuum toilet sewer arrangement, the noise level can be further reduced by providing the toilet bowl with a lid forming a substantially airtight and soundproof closure at the top of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing multiple alternating pressure vessels, chemicals are drawn from virtually any bulk source and delivered to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure.

Abstract: An in-line vapor trap for removing water and/or oil vapor from a compressed air line which includes a manifold having spaced coaxial inlet and outlet openings, a hollow base suspended from the manifold, and replaceable cartridges connecting the manifold inlet to the hollow base and connecting the hollow base to the manifold outlet. A honeycomb structure is disposed in the lower portion of the base within the enclosed volume defined thereby, and cooperates with the base side and bottom walls to define a zone of substantially zero air movement for collection of liquid droplets. A depression in the base bottom wall forms a liquid sump, and a drain opens into the sump for drainage of captured liquid.

Abstract: A liquid drain trap device of negative-pressure relay type, which comprises a vertically-elongated hollow container, a liquid drain pipe connected to the side wall of the container and negative-pressure suction device provided in an upper side of the container so as to maintain the interior of the container under a negative pressure and exert a suction force to drain the liquid through the pipe, the liquid drain pipe being made of fluorine resin material at least at its end section projecting into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A vacuum valve having a substantially tapered plunger for use in a vacuum operated sewerage transport system, the valve capable of facilitating a flow rate of thirty gallons per minute. It will not jam in the open or semi-open position as a result of repetitive cycling of the valve by the associated control unit. The plunger is mounted at one end of an axially disposed shaft of a piston operator in the valve chamber, which is effectively sealed to prohibit air leakage into a vacuum pressure conduit when the valve is in the closed position. Additional sealing elements are required and are designed to seal all liquids from entering the chambers containing the piston driving means or its associated control unit.

Abstract: An improved vacuum sewerage system for transmitting sewage, including at opposite ends a sewage collection tank at atmospheric pressure and a vacuum collection tank under vacuum pressure. The sewage is intermittently injected into a transport conduit under vacuum or subatmospheric pressure when a non-jamming vacuum control valve interposed in the conduit is opened in response to a predetermined pressure condition. The conduit is laid out in a saw-toothed fashion, having a riser, a low point, and a downslope. When no sewage is being transported through the conduit, any residual sewage collects in the low point, which generally does not completely fill with sewage so that vacuum or subatmospheric pressure is communicated throughout the conduit. When the control valve is opened, the sewage transported through the conduit forms a generally hollow cylindrical mass, which is propelled toward the vacuum collection tank.

Abstract: A liquid level valve control system includes pressure responsive means compring a first chamber containing a first diaphragm having a port for applying pressure; bleed means enabling air to pass this diaphragm; and passageway means enabling air then to pass into a further chamber also containing a diaphragm operatively linked to the valve operating apparatus; so that, when a predetermined and substantially constant pressure is applied at the port, air bleeds past the first diaphragm into the further chamber to move the diaphragm therein to activate the valve control system, but when a surge of pressure is applied at the port the first diaphragm moves to block the passageway into the further chamber, thus preventing pressure being applied to the latter's diaphragm to activate the valve control system.

Abstract: Known water or wastewater treatment methods, wherein a layer of fluid sludge is formed during operation of the method in a first chamber beneath a body of liquid partially filling the first chamber to an upper liquid level, fluid sludge from the first chamber is processed in a second chamber and a stream of fluid sludge is conveyed by a conduit from the first chamber as influent to the second chamber, are improved by creating upward flow of fluid sludge through a vertical stackpipe by introducing large bubbles within the stackpipe with its inlet end immersed in the layer of fluid sludge, discharging fluid sludge through an elongated, longitudinal side opening in the top portion of the stackpipe into a collector zone at least a portion of which is at a vertical height above the upper liquid level, controlling the rate of the discharge of fluid sludge by vertical adjustment of the position of the side opening relative to the upper liquid level in the first chamber and flowing fluid sludge from the collector zon

Abstract: An article useful in the suction-assisted removal of fluids, including gases, such as air, and liquids, such as blood, from a body cavity which will prevent flow of gases therethrough into said cavity without the intervention of any liquid seals, in the event the pressure within said cavity becomes negative relative to the pressure at the discharge end of said article comprising a cap assembly, for fluid connection to said cavity and an accumulation chamber, for applying a controlled suction to said cavity, said assembly comprising a horizontal wall comprising at its periphery and normal thereto an annular wall for attachment to a liquid collection container surrounding said accumulation chamber; inlet means in fluid connection with said cavity, and, as desired, a liquid accumulation chamber or the atmosphere, through which said fluids may pass when the pressure within the cavity is greater than at the discharge end of said means; first one-way valve means associated with the discharge end of said inlet means

Abstract: Apparatus and method for draining liquid from a vacuum line without interrupting the vacuum. The apparatus consists of a storage tank attached to a vacuum line by a drainage pipe having a one-way valve in the pipe permitting the flow of liquids away from the vacuum line and into the tank. A vacuum connection between the vacuum line and the tank through a three-way valve maintains the tank under vacuum while the three-way valve maintains the connection opened between the vacuum line and the tank. A high pressure line also connects to the tank through the three way valve. A sensor responsive to the level of fluid in the tank generates a signal to operate the three-way valve and simultaneously connect the high pressure line and disconnect the vacuum line from the tank. When the pressure condition in the tank is thus reversed, the tank is drained. The method described is that employed when using this apparatus to drain a vacuum line without interrupting the vacuum.

Abstract: An in-line vapor trap for removing water and/or oil vapor from a compressed air line which includes a manifold having spaced coaxial inlet and outlet openings, a hollow base suspended from the manifold, and replaceable cartridges connecting the manifold inlet to the hollow base and connecting the hollow base to the manifold outlet. A honeycomb structure is disposed in the lower portion of the base within the enclosed volume defined thereby, and cooperates with the base side and bottom walls to define a zone of substantially zero air movement for collection of liquid droplets. A depression in the base bottom wall forms a liquid sump, and a drain opens into the sump for drainage of captured liquid.

Abstract: A device for suctioning up and removing a contaminated liquid, especially dirty water, with a vacuumized tank having at the top at least one vacuum connection that communicates with a suction fan and a suction connection that communicates with a supply hose and at the bottom at least one outlet that can be closed off to prevent air from entering from outside. An outlet mechanism downstream of the outlet and controlled by the pressure of the air in the vacuumized tank keeps the liquid flowing out through the outlet even when there is a vacuum in the vacuumized tank at least for a prescribed length of time, during which it ensures that the outlet pressure represented by the sum of the liquid's hydrostatic pressure and the pressure of the air in the vacuumized tank is as high or higher than the counteracting air pressure downstream of the outlet.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source and water seal chamber and wherein the bottom end of the first and second columns are in flow communication with a float chamber and ballast sleeve to increase the effective dynamic water height of liquid in the suction control chamber and to decrease the overall height of the suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining the same operational vacuum pressure range as previous chest drainage devices.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns and wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source. The bottom end of the first and second columns are preferably in flow communication with a float chamber to increase the effective dynamic water height of the liquid in the suction chamber and to decrease the required overall height of suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining same operational range as prior chest drainage devices.

Abstract: An aspirator comprising a suction head fitted onto the top of a wheel-mounted bin designed to contain the aspirated material. The bin is composed of a bottom section carrying said wheels and of one or more intermediate sections open from above and below which can be stacked and removably secured together so as to form, together with the bottom section, a bin of variable vertical dimensions.

Abstract: A drainage device, particularly adapted for use in medical procedures for draining fluids from a body cavity of a patient, incorporating a suction control chamber dimensioned and configured to provide an enhanced air and liquid flow pattern within the chamber. The suction control chamber might also include a baffle plate for air and noise control. The drainage device might further include a seal chamber and an improved high negativity relief valve. The present invention also includes a device, having an integral sampling or injection port, for coupling tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring toxic waste liquid directly into a 55 gallon waste drum includes a mobile drum cradle that lifts the drum so it can be moved to a container presently holding the toxic liquid. A vacuum is produced in a transfer reservoir, and an inlet valve of the tank is opened and a dump valve of the tank is closed. The vacuum draws waste liquid through a tube and the inlet valve into the transfer reservoir until a full condition is sensed. The vacuum then is released, the inlet valve is closed, and the dump valve is opened, dumping waste liquid from the transfer reservoir through the dump valve directly into the drum. This procedure is automatically repeated until all of the waste liquid is transferred or a drum full condition is sensed. The drum is then carried to a disposal site by the mobile drum cradle.

Abstract: A chest drainage unit having a suction regulator in fluid communication with the suction control chamber for regulating the suction pressure applied to the pleural cavity of the patient wherein the suction regulator includes a valve device which provides a continuous amount of fluid communication between the atmosphere and the suction source in the normally closed position and being movable to an open position in response to the increased negative pressure to allow an increase in the amount of fluid communication between the atmosphere and the suction source.

Abstract: An in-line vapor trap for removing water and/or oil vapor from a compressed air line which includes a manifold having spaced coaxial inlet and outlet openings, a hollow base suspended from the manifold, and replaceable cartridges connecting the manifold inlet to the hollow base and connecting the hollow base to the manifold outlet. A honeycomb structure is disposed in the lower portion of the base within the enclosed volume defined thereby, and cooperates with the base side and bottom walls to define a zone of substantially zero air movement for collection of liquid droplets. A depression in the base bottom wall forms a liquid sump, and a drain opens into the sump for drainage of captured liquid.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner which has a rotatable air directional valve and a piping arrangement whereby the air can be either directed into the tank for pumping out a recovered liquid solution or admitted directly to the tank through an internal flapper valve and expelled around the periphery of the vacuum when functioning as a dry vacuum cleaner.