Exhalation Disposal System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exhalation disposal system for collecting, transporting and properly disposing of a bio-waste exhalation from an infectious patient in a closed system, thereby minimizing, if not completely eliminating, contact between medical personnel and the infectious patient's bio-waste exhalation. The system utilizes a length of flexible vacuum tubing in communication with both a specialized patient mouthpiece and a waste drain, and a check valve positioned along the length of the tubing to prevent backflow of the bio-waste exhalation. In an exemplary embodiment, the disposal system further comprises at least one sensor, a window and an access point for clearing blockages that may arise in the disposal system during use. The disposal system is configured to service multiple infectious patients simultaneously.

Claims

1. A kit for retrofitting a ventilation system comprising: a mouthpiece sized and configured for an individual patient, the mouthpiece having a connection fitting; an extraction hose having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the mouthpiece; a valve for controlling a flow of air and a flow of aspirants within the extraction hose; and a drain line having a first end, a second end, and a fitting positioned on the first end of the drain line, wherein the extraction hose extends from the mouthpiece to the fitting on the drain line.

2. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is disposable.

3. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the extraction hose is a flexible hose.

4. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising at least one tee joint for connecting one or more patients to the drain line.

5. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the valve is a one-way valve.

6. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 5, wherein the one-way valve comprises a trap.

7. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1, wherein each of the valve, the drain line, the fitting and the connection fitting are constructed of a PVC material.

8. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system of claim 1, wherein each of the mouthpiece and the extraction hose are comprise of an antimicrobial material.

9. The kit for retrofitting a ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the extraction hose comprises an access point for clearing the extraction hose of a blockage.

10. A ventilation system comprising: a patient treatment facility comprised of an HVAC system; a treatment room in communication with the HVAC system, wherein the treatment room comprises a patient ventilation system and a drain; and a discharge system for discharging an aspirant from a patient, wherein the discharge system is in fluid communication with the drain and the discharge system utilizes the HVAC system to create a negative pressure to withdraw the aspirant from the patient and discharge the aspirant to the drain.

11. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the discharge system is comprised of a disposable mouthpiece, and a length of flexible hose in fluid communication with each of the disposable mouthpiece and the drain.

12. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the discharge system comprises a one-way valve that prevents the flow of a substance from the drain to the patient.

13. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the discharge system is constructed from a PVC material.

14. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the discharge system further comprises an anti-microbial material.

15. The ventilation system of claim 11, wherein the length of flexible hose comprises a window and an access point for accessing a blockage in the length of flexible hose.

16. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the discharge system further comprises at least one sensor for detecting at least one of a bacteria, a virus, a temperature and a humidity.

17. The ventilation system of claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to a system for monitoring the patient.

18. A treatment system for respiratory illness comprising: a negative pressure system for circulating an air flow and for withdrawing an aspirant from a patient; a hose and a mouthpiece for collecting the aspirant from the patient, wherein the hose comprises at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece; and a drain line in a treatment room in fluid communication with the hose, wherein the drain line is comprised of a one-way valve to prevent a return of the aspirant to the patient after it enters the drain line and passes through the one-way valve.

19. The treatment system for respiratory illness of claim 18, wherein the hose further comprises a window and an access point for clearing a blockage in the hose.

20. The treatment system for respiratory illness of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor detected at least one of a bacteria, a virus, a temperature and a humidity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of one potential embodiment of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one possible arrangement of the various components of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible arrangement of a bio-waste exhalation disposal circuit of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible method of using the bio-waste exhalation disposal system of the present invention to draw exhaled air and other aspirants from an infectious patient in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a patient bio-waste exhalation disposal system that provides minimal exposure to a medical provider while disposing of exhaled waste from an infectious patient, and that transports bio-waste exhalation from the patient directly to an appropriate disposal location (e.g., a lavatory drain) without manual intervention by medical or other personnel. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a bio-waste exhalation disposal system that utilizes a transporting system connected to a mouth cover, such as a mouthpiece for a patient, which leads the bio-waste directly to the inlet of the drain in an entirely closed system. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a bio-waste exhalation disposal system that is cost-efficient, easy to install, and that can be integrated into the existing infrastructure of the hospital or other medical facility. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bio-waste exhalation disposal system that improves safety for the medical personnel treating patients with infectious diseases, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and is safe and easy to use.

[0028] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an exhaled bio-waste containment, transit and disposal system comprised of an improved medical mouthpiece used for transporting bio-waste exhalation from an infectious patient directly to a lavatory drain in an entirely closed system. More specifically, the disposal system comprises a length of flexible vacuum tubing that is in fluid, one way communication with both the medical mouthpiece and an inlet on the lavatory drain, wherein the exhalants and the aspirants from the infectious patient are only permitted to flow in the direction or the drain and not vice versa. The disposal system provides minimal exposure to medical professionals treating patients infected with dangerous illnesses and diseases, and provides for immediate containment, transit and disposal of diseased air, fluid and solid waste from the patient.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of one potential embodiment of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 is comprised of a customizable mouthpiece 300 to be worn by a patient suffering from an infectious disease and that is in fluid communication with a first end 1020 of a flexible vacuum hose 102. An opposite or second end 1022 of the hose 102 is in fluid communication with a compatible and custom PVC fitting 108, which in turn is in fluid communication with a PVC tee fitting 104. The PVC tee fitting is comprised of three openings, namely a right end 1042, an opposing and in line left end 1044, and an opening 1040 positioned approximately midway between, and perpendicular to, the right and left ends 1042, 1044.

[0030] In one embodiment, the hose 102 can be a PVC pipe or a rubber pipe. However, the flexible tubing or hose 102 may also be transparent, or have a viewing window 106 therein so that the medical professionals and other treatment personnel can see the waste material passing through the hose 102. The flexible tubing or hose 102 may also comprise an access point to allow the hose 102 to be unclogged with dismantling the entire system 100.

[0031] The tee fitting 104 allows a single line to be split into two separate lines with a 90-degree connection, or the tee fitting 104 can be used to connect two lines into one main line. Also, a second end 1080 of the custom fitting PVC 108 has a slot to be fitted into slot 1040 of the PVC 104 at an approximately 90-degree angle. The end 1044 of the PVC 104 may be fixed to a pipe that extends through a wall or other static structure and is connected to a sewer entrance so that the waste exhaled by the patient wearing the mouthpiece travels through the hose 102 in a unilateral direction and into the sewer or drain 110. More specifically, the end 1042 of the PVC 104 is connected to a drain 110 to draw the exhalation waste thereto, and the hose 102 enables a path from the mouthpiece 301 to the drain 110 to conduct exhaled waste without restriction.

[0032] The sewer line 110 may also include a vent 112. More specifically, the vacuuming force provided by the lower pressure of the sewer 110 and vent 112 combination and the relatively higher-pressure air flow of, for example, the hospital's HVAC system will draw exhalation air from the patient and drive the exhaled air to the sewer or drain 110. In this manner, the system 100 removes diseased vapors, fluids, and other waste from the patient in a unilateral direction (i.e., no backflow), without restriction, and without a need for contact between medical personnel, support staff and the like and the infectious patients during bio-waste removal process. In one embodiment, the flexible vacuum hose 102 may have an interior diameter of 16 mm or more, and a length of at least 4 feet. The system 100 may use or tie into an existing sewer or drain infrastructure, or a new sewer or drain entrance, as per the existing construction and drainage system of the medical facility.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one possible arrangement of the various components of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a generally straight-line hose or tube 102 descending from an elevation associated with a patient lying on a bed 204 to a sewer 110. The hose or tube 102 is present and provides positive containment, movement, and disposal of patient exhalation waste. The tube 102 is in fluid communication with both the patient's mouthpiece 301 on one end (i.e., the elevated portion) and the drain 110 on the opposite end (i.e., at a lower elevation).

[0034] Additionally, the vacuum lines or pipes 102 with an extrusion coating provide a relatively straight path for the exhaled waste to be transported and disposed of without restriction or contact by others. The arrangement offers a convenient method for addressing the exhalation and aspiration needs of a patient lying on the patient's bed 204 in a non-invasive manner, and without unnecessarily exposing healthcare personnel to the patient's bio-waste. The vacuum tubing 204 is relatively flexible, and may be supported via one or more J channel supports (not shown). In one embodiment, 200-degree semicircle J channel supports are used for supporting vacuum tubing 102 to transport the waste from the patient to the sewer or drain entrance 110. In another embodiment, 160-degree J channel supports are used for supporting vacuum tubing 102 to transport the waste from the patient to the sewer or drain entrance.

[0035] Ideally, the vacuum tube 102 descends from the patient level at an angle suitable for easy gravitational movement of the waste within the tube 102. For example, the vacuum tube 102 may have inclination in the range of 30-75 degrees from the floor of the room in which the bed 204 of the patient is placed. Also, as previously stated, the sewer or drain 110 may have a custom PVC fitting 108, which would have a slot therein for securely attaching to the descending tube 102. More specifically, the tubing 102 is fitted into the slot in the PVC fitting 108 and carries the vapor, fluid, and other waste from the mouthpiece 301 of the patient to the drain 110. In one embodiment, the vacuum line 102 may be a flexible vacuum hose that utilizes the lower pressure sewer-vent and the higher-pressure hospital air to draw exhalation from the patient and drive the same toward the sewer drain 110.

[0036] As previously stated, the tubing 102 may also include a window 106, which can be used to both view material passing through the flexible tubing 102, and/or as an access point in order to clear a blockage and service the system 100 if necessary. In one embodiment, the disposal system 100 may also include one or more sensors 117 disposed in the flexible tubing 102 and that can detect the presence of bacteria or a virus, as well as an environmental condition such as temperature and humidity. The sensors 117 can also be in communication with a computer or other system (not shown), such as those used to monitor the well-being of the patient. The sensors 117 can transmit information wirelessly to the monitoring system, or may be a visual type of sensor that changes color (or emits an audible sound) depending, for example, on the presence of a particular pathogen or condition, such as temperature or humidity.

[0037] The size of the vacuum hose 102 may be selected to accommodate the anticipated quantity and flow rates of the anticipated bio-waste that will be transported thereby, as well as the size of the custom PVC fitting 108 at the entrance of the drain 110. In one embodiment, one sewer or drain 110 inlet having an inside diameter of 1½″ can draw exhaled waste from up to six infectious patients with a vacuum hose 102 having an interior diameter of ½″ and a customized mouthpiece. In another embodiment, one sewer inlet of 2½″ I.D. can draw exhaled waste from up to ten infectious patients with a vacuum hose having an inside diameter of ⅝″ and a customized mouthpiece. Nonetheless, the size of the sewer or drain inlet and vacuum line/hose 102 can be set based on the requirements of the user.

[0038] The vacuum hose 102 is relatively lightweight, yet durable, and both the hose 102 and the mouthpiece 301 may be comprised of a disposable, bio-degradable, and/or anti-microbial material. In one embodiment, the flexible hose 102 may be comprised of a sturdy and flexible polyethylene material and can be of a translucent or opaque nature to make the content invisible while transporting to the sewer 110. The material selected for the hose 102 should also have excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasives.

[0039] The disposal system 100 of the present invention is a splash-free, drip-free, and completely contained system, which alleviates the problem of cross-contamination with other patients and/or medical personnel, thus alleviating the problems caused by exhaled waste from infectious patients. More specifically, the disposal system 100 provides a sealed-flow passageway extending between the mouthpiece 301 worn by the patient, and the entrance to the sewer or drain 110, and may further comprise a check valve 302, as explained more fully below.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible arrangement of a bio-waste exhalation disposal circuit 300 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the disposable circuit 300 provides immediate containment, transit and disposal of diseased air, fluids and other wastes exhaled by the patient. The disposable circuit 300 may be marketed and made commercially available as a complete kit comprising a length of flexible vacuum tubing or hose 102, a non-return or check valve 302, and a customizable mouthpiece 301. The valve 302 may include a trap in order to prevent material from entering the circuit 300 or backflowing through the tubing 102 (e.g., in the direction of the patient). The disposable mouthpiece 301 may be molded to fit the opening of the mouth of a specific patient, wherein the patient may seal the mouthpiece 301 by wrapping his or her lips around the same during an exhalation process or procedure. Also, the length of vacuum tube 102 is relatively flexible, and may be of a standard diameter, such that it fits into any standard sewer or drain inlet present at a hospital or other medical facility.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible method of using the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 of the present invention to draw exhaled air and other aspirants from an infectious patient in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The disposal system 100 acts as a completely contained ventilator system wherein the vacuuming action will assist and encourage the patient's exhalation of the bio-waste in an efficient and safe manner. The method begins at step 401, wherein a patient suffering from an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, installs a mouthpiece 301, wherein the mouthpiece is customizable to fit the specific patient's mouth to provide for an adequate seal. At step 402, a first end of a vacuum line 102 of the present invention is connected to the custom mouthpiece 301. At step 403, the second end of the vacuum line 102 leads, and is attached to, an inlet on a drain or sewer 110 to properly dispose of the patient's bio-waste. At step 404, the system 100 provides immediate containment, transit and disposal of diseased air, fluid and other waste exhaled by the patient. The system enables the medical personnel to provide treatment to, for example, a COVID-19 patient without the risk of becoming infected by the exhaled contents from the infectious patient. As described above, the system 100 may further comprise anti-microbial materials to kill bacteria, germs, viruses and other pathogens, a check valve 302 to prevent backflow to the patient from the drain 110, a sensor 117 to monitor the condition of the system 100, a window 106 for viewing the interior space of the tubing 102 to ensure proper operation, and an access point for clearing any clogs in the tubing 102.

[0042] In one embodiment, the system 100 may be implemented using a separate sewer or drain entrance for bedside urinals such as those available from recreational camper suppliers. The separate sewer entrance would be connected through a vacuum hose 102 to draw exhalations from the patient and direct the same to the sewer or drain 110 through the separate sewer entrance.

[0043] Thus, according to broad aspect, the present invention provides a system for collecting, transporting and discharging bio-waste to a disposal passageway in a manner that protects medical and other personnel, as well as protecting areas where such persons work and related support devices from contamination. It should be noted that the contaminated waste material from the patient remains securely transported through the flexible vacuum line 102 to the sewer 110 in a closed system.

[0044] Thus, the disposal system 100 of the present invention minimizes contact between medical personnel and infected patients during bio-waste exhalation removal. The disposal system 100 also improves safety in hospitals and other medical centers, and is cost-effective and user-friendly with minimal installation costs and negligible operating costs. The disposal system 100 provides a closed drainage system in which gaseous exhalations from the patient are purged without exposure to the ambient atmosphere.

[0045] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name, but not structure or function. As used herein “bio-waste exhalation disposal system”, “exhalation disposal system”, “patient exhalation disposal system”, and “containment, transit and disposal system” are interchangeable and refer to the bio-waste exhalation disposal system of the present invention.

[0046] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 of the present invention can have components of any suitable size and configuration as are known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, arrangement and material of the components of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other arrangements, sizes and shapes of the bio-waste exhalation disposal system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0048] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.