Systems and methods for managing moisture of medical devices

Abstract

A moisture management system for a medical device is disclosed. A water trap has an inlet that receives a gas from a supply connection and an outlet that returns the gas to a patient connection. The water trap removes moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, with the removed moisture being held in a first reservoir. The system also includes an evaporation chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir. The inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain of the water trap to receive the moisture from the first reservoir. The moisture is subsequently held in the second reservoir. The evaporation chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as a vapor via the exhaust. An evaporator increases the rate at which the moisture in the second reservoir evaporates via the exhaust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for managing moisture in medical devices, and more particularly to managing moisture in medical devices having a supply connection for receiving a gas. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices that have a connection to an external gas supply source, such as, for example, anesthesia machines and ventilators. Anesthesia machines are medical devices known in the art for delivering a mixture of gas and anesthetic to a patient for the purpose of inducing and maintaining anesthesia. An exemplary anesthesia machine currently known in the art is the GE Aisys CS 2 Similarly, a ventilator is a medical device that provides mechanical ventilation to move air into and out of a patient's lungs, either alone or in conjunction with an anesthesia machine. An exemplary ventilator currently available on the market is the GE Carescape R860 ventilator.

[0003] In each case, the medical device is typically connected to an incoming gas supply connection, which in the example used in a hospital setting may include medical grade oxygen to be delivered to the patient. The oxygen may be mixed with other gases and / or anesthetic agents as required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a range of concepts that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure generally relates to a moisture management system for a medical device having a supply connection for receiving gas and a patient connection for supplying gas to a patient, the system comprising a water trap having an inlet, an outlet, a first reservoir, and a drain, the inlet receiving gas from the supply connection and the outlet returning gas to the patient connection, wherein the water trap is configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is retained in the first reservoir. The system also comprises: an evaporation chamber having an inlet, an exhaust port, and a second reservoir, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain port of the water trap to receive moisture from the first reservoir, wherein the moisture is then retained in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporation chamber is configured to cause the moisture to evaporate from the second reservoir and exit as vapor via the exhaust port. The evaporator increases the rate at which moisture in the second reservoir evaporates via the exhaust port.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the evaporator is a fan that blows air through the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the rate of evaporation from the evaporation chamber.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the evaporator is a wick positioned to draw moisture from the second reservoir upward to increase the rate of evaporation from the evaporation chamber.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the evaporator is a heater positioned in the second reservoir such that the heater warms the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the rate of evaporation from the evaporation chamber.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the heater is a PTC heater.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the heater is configured to remain at or below 50°C.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises: a first liquid level sensor positioned to detect when the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds a first threshold; and a drain valve fluidically coupled between a drain of the water trap and an inlet of the evaporation chamber to control flow therebetween, wherein the drain valve is normally closed. The system further comprises: a control system coupled to the first liquid level sensor and the drain valve, wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system causes the drain valve to open.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises: a bypass valve fluidically coupling the supply connection and the patient connection, bypassing the water trap, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed, and wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system further causes the bypass valve to open.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises: a first water trap valve fluidically coupled between the supply connection and one of an inlet and an outlet of the water trap to control flow therebetween, wherein the first water trap valve is normally open, and wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system further causes the first water trap valve to close.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first water trap valve is fluidically coupled between the supply connection and the inlet of the water trap, the system further comprising: a second water trap valve fluidically coupled between an outlet of the water trap and the patient connection to control flow therebetween, wherein the second water trap valve is normally open, and wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system further causes the second water trap valve to close.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the evaporator is a powered device, the system further comprising: a second liquid level sensor positioned to detect when moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold, wherein the control system increases power to the evaporator when the second liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises: a second liquid level sensor positioned to detect when moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold; and a control system coupled to the second liquid level sensor and the evaporator, wherein the evaporator is a powered device, and wherein the control system increases power to the evaporator when the second liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the UV light is positioned to irradiate moisture within at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0018] In certain embodiments, at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is configured to be antibacterial.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the supply connection supplies gas from an anesthesia machine to a patient, and the patient connection receives gas from the patient back to the anesthesia machine.

[0020] Another embodiment generally relates to a method for managing moisture of a medical device having a supply connection for receiving gas and a patient connection for supplying gas to a patient. The method includes fluidly coupling a water trap to a primary conduit, the water trap having an inlet, an outlet, a first reservoir, and a drain, the inlet receiving gas from the supply connection and the outlet returning gas to the patient connection, wherein the water trap is configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is held in the first reservoir. The method includes fluidly coupling an evaporation chamber to the drain of the water trap, the evaporation chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain of the water trap to receive the moisture from the first reservoir, wherein the moisture is then held in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporation chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as vapor via the exhaust. The method further includes positioning an evaporator proximate to the second reservoir such that the evaporator acts on the moisture within the second reservoir to increase a rate at which the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir via the exhaust.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the method further includes positioning a first liquid level sensor to detect when moisture in the first reservoir exceeds a first threshold, fluidly coupling a drain valve between a drain of the water trap and an inlet of the evaporative chamber to control flow therebetween, wherein the drain valve is normally closed, and coupling a control system to the first liquid level sensor and the drain valve, and configuring the control system to cause the drain valve to open when the first liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the method further includes fluidly coupling a bypass valve that bypasses the water trap to fluidly couple the supply connection and the patient connection, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed, fluidly coupling a first water trap valve between the supply connection and one of the inlet and the outlet of the water trap to control flow therebetween, wherein the first water trap valve is normally open, and configuring the control system to further cause the bypass valve to open and the first water trap valve to close when the first liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the evaporator is a powered device, the method further includes positioning a second liquid level sensor to detect when moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold, and the method further includes configuring the control system to increase power to the evaporator when the second liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

[0024] Another embodiment generally relates to a moisture management system for a medical device having a supply connection for receiving a gas and a patient connection for supplying the gas to a patient. The system includes a water trap having an inlet coupled to the supply connection via a first water trap valve for receiving the gas from the supply connection, an outlet coupled to the patient connection via a second water trap valve for supplying the gas to the patient connection, wherein the first and second water trap valves are normally open, wherein the water trap valves are configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is held in a first reservoir. The system includes an evaporation chamber having an inlet fluidically coupled to the water trap's drain via a drain valve to receive the moisture from the first reservoir, an exhaust, and a second reservoir, wherein the drain valve is normally closed, wherein the moisture is subsequently held in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporation chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as vapor via the exhaust. A bypass valve fluidically couples the supply connection and the patient connection bypassing the water trap, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed. First and second level sensors are positioned to detect when the moisture in the first and second reservoirs exceeds first and second thresholds, respectively. A fan blows air through the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate of the moisture from the evaporation chamber. A heater is positioned in the second reservoir such that the heater warms the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate from the evaporation chamber. A control system coupled to the first and second level sensors, the bypass valve, the first and second water trap valves, and the drain valve, wherein when the first level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system causes the bypass valve to open, the first and second water trap valves to close, and the drain valve to open, and wherein when the second level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold, the control system increases the power of the evaporator.

[0025] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The disclosure is described with reference to the following drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a front view of a medical device incorporating a moisture management system according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a patient currently receiving a gas mixture from a medical device, such as Figure 1 the medical device shown;

[0029] Figure 3is a side perspective view of a medical device similar to the medical device shown in Figure 1 but incorporating a cartridge system including a water trap system as currently known in the art;

[0030] Figure 4A is a front isometric view of another cartridge system having a water trap system as currently known in the art;

[0031] Figure 4B is a front perspective view of a water trap system removed from the cartridge system of Figure 4A ;

[0032] Figure 5 is an exemplary schematic of a moisture management system according to the present disclosure such as incorporated within the medical device shown in Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 6 is another exemplary schematic of a moisture management system according to the present disclosure such as incorporated within the medical device shown in Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for managing moisture of a medical device according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8A and Figure 8B depict side and top views of an alternative embodiment of a water trap that can be incorporated within the systems depicted in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ;

[0036] Figure 9A and Figure 9B depict side and top views of another alternative embodiment of a water trap that can be incorporated within the systems depicted in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ; and

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic of an exemplary control system that can be incorporated within the moisture management systems depicted in Figure 5 and Figure 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for managing moisture in medical devices. Through experimentation and development, the inventors have recognized problems with moisture management with respect to current art known medical devices, including but not limited to medical devices having a supply connection that is connected to a gas supply that subsequently supplies a gas mixture to a patient. Exemplary gases, as currently known in the art, include oxygen, nitrogen, anesthetics, other atmospheric gases, and / or other mixtures thereof. In particular, the inventors have recognized problems with moisture management with respect to anesthesia devices and ventilators that are connected in a clinical setting at their respective supply connections to wall gas (providing oxygen or other gases) at a hospital or clinic, whereby a patient is then connected via a hose to a patient connection to receive a desired anesthetic gas mixture, ventilation support, or both.

[0039] The inventors have recognized that incoming gases provided at the supply connection generally introduce moisture into the medical device, which can be condensation water, oil from various compressors or facility equipment, or other contaminants other than the intended gas being supplied. Such moisture can cause damage to many different components within the medical device, including for example damage from electrical, mechanical, and / or chemical bases. Such moisture also introduces the opportunity for contamination in terms of pathogen growth inside the medical device, which can then in turn be transferred to the patient.

[0040] The inventors have recognized that similar phenomena occur on the patient connector side of the medical device, whereby moisture is introduced into the medical device due to the patient being connected via a hose to the patient connection. For example, moisture is introduced into the medical device via condensation of the patient's warm exhaled gases. As discussed previously, this can cause damage to internal components of the medical device and / or can introduce pathogens into the medical device. Unintended moisture also causes problems with the soiling of seals, which over time affects the performance of these seals.

[0041] Certain medical devices currently known in the art provide water traps in an attempt to collect such unintended moisture. Such unintended moisture can include moisture entering the system from the supply connection as well as moisture introduced from the patient. However, as discussed further below, the inventors have found that these currently known systems are severely deficient in preventing the above-mentioned damage and pathogenic risks, and most systems do not provide prophylactic measures at all.

[0042] Figure 1 An exemplary medical device 2 incorporating a moisture management system 40 in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted. The medical device 2 can be similar to the Aisys CS of GE Healthcare® except for the addition of the moisture management system of the present disclosure. 2Anesthesia delivery system. The medical device 2 is controlled via the user interface device 4 in order to operate the main hardware 6 in a manner known in the art. Incoming gas is supplied to the medical device 2 via the supply connection 8, which can receive oxygen, for example, from a wall gas of a hospital.

[0043] The medical device 2 comprises a breathing system 12, which in some examples comprises a manual breathing bag 14. The breathing system 12 provides a gas flow to a patient via the patient connection 10. Also as shown, Figure 2 the patient connection 10 provides gas to a patient via a patient hose 16, which in the present example has an inhalation side 18 coupled to the patient connection 10 for delivering gas to the patient 1 and an exhalation side 20 for returning gas from the patient 1 to the medical device 2, specifically to the return connection 11 Figure 1 ) of the medical device 2. Figure 2 The patient hose 16 of

[0044] In some examples, as Figure 2 shown, an auxiliary line 17 provides an alternative route for gas from the patient 1 to the medical device 2, as discussed further below. Figure 2 The depiction also includes a moisture trap 19, which in some examples is connected between the patient 1 and the medical device 2 as a device for preventing moisture transfer between the patient and the medical device.

[0045] Figure 3 and Figure 4A to Figure 4B depicts an exemplary system for preventing moisture from the patient 1 from entering the medical device 2, which is currently known in the art. Figure 3 depicts a cassette system 30 that can be inserted into a side of the medical device 2, which is similar to the medical device shown in Figure 1 the cassette system comprises a water trap system 32. Similar cassette systems 30 are also in Figure 4A and the water trap system 32 of the similar cassette system is removed from the similar cassette system in Figure 4B The cassette system 30 is generally an add-on that provides additional functionality to the medical device 2, such as additional gas analysis. In each example of the cassette system 30 shown, the water trap system 32 comprises, for example, a Figure 2The illustrated auxiliary line 17 receives gas from the patient at an inlet 34. The water trap system 32 also includes a reservoir 36, which in the present example is threadably removable from a base 38. In the illustrated example, a Z-shaped pattern is defined within the water trap system 32 (as is known in the art) such that moisture introduced via the inlet 34 condenses and is directed to the reservoir 36. When the reservoir 36 fills, it must then be periodically, manually, emptied by the clinician to prevent moisture from overflowing and damaging the cassette system 30.

[0046] A similar Z-shaped pattern can also be defined within the medical device 2 itself (i.e., so as to protect the medical device 2 in a similar manner to the cassette system 30), typically only downstream of the supply connection 8. For current medical devices known in the art that include such Z-shaped patterns, the condensed moisture is either directed to a tray inside the medical device or onto the floor of the room. These solutions either result in puddles on the floor or otherwise require manual draining of the tray before overflow, leading to the problems described above. That is, the manual intervention to drain the various trays or traps is problematic because an unsuccessful such manual draining can result in moisture entering the medical device and / or breathing circuit, thereby damaging the equipment and / or introducing pathogens to the patient. Similarly, the drain system presents a risk when it overflows, such as resulting in water on the floor.

[0047] Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present disclosure address the unmet need of not only providing for the collection of moisture from the incoming supply line and / or moisture introduced from the patient, but also eliminating the requirement for manually draining such collected moisture. As discussed further below, the systems and methods of the present disclosure generally provide for the collection of such moisture from various sources and then vaporizing such moisture for automatic and as-needed harmless return to the room.

[0048] Figure 5 A first moisture management system 40 for a medical device 2 in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted. The supply connection 8 is configured for receiving gas within the medical device 2, such as gas connected to a wall of a hospital room. Likewise, the patient connection 10 is provided for supplying gas from the medical device 2 to a patient in the manner previously discussed. Accordingly, the remaining elements of the presently illustrated moisture management system 40 can be contained within the medical device 2 so as to be not visible to the practitioner or patient in typical use. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure also contemplates the moisture management system 40 being wholly or partially external to the medical device 2 so as to facilitate accessibility, ease of retrofit into existing medical devices, etc.

[0049] The moisture management system 40 includes a water trap 50 extending between a top 52 and a bottom 54. In the example shown, an inlet 56 and an outlet 58 for communicating gases to and from the water trap 50, respectively, are each disposed within the top 52 of the water trap 50. However, it is recognized that the positioning of the inlet 56 and / or outlet 58 can be in an alternative location, such as on one of the sides of the water trap 50 between the top 52 and the bottom 54. Conduits CI-CI 2 (see Figure 6 ) connect the inlet 56 and the outlet 58 to the supply connection 8 and the patient connection 10, which conduits can be made of flexible tubing, rigid plastic, metal, or other materials known in the art for communicating gases and liquids configured to withstand all types of gases and anesthetics to flow therethrough.

[0050] With continued reference to Figure 5 , the water trap 50 includes a first reservoir 60 through which moisture 62 is condensed from gases flowing between the inlet 56 and the outlet 58, such as via methods known in the art, including a Z-pattern in the water trap. Unlike current systems known in the art, this first reservoir 60 will automatically drain as needed via a drain 68, which is discussed further below. In this example, the drain 68 is disposed in a side 51 of the water trap 50 directly above a fill level 64 at which it is desired to begin draining the moisture 62 within the water trap 50. However, it is recognized that the present disclosure contemplates other locations for positioning the drain 68 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 ). In this way, the water trap 50 is configured to remove moisture from gases flowing from the inlet 56 to the outlet 58, with this moisture 62 being retained within the first reservoir 60, which is currently shown at the fill level 64.

[0051] The moisture management system 40 also includes an evaporation chamber 70 extending between a top 72 and a bottom 74. An inlet 76 is disposed in the top 72 of the evaporation chamber 70, which inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain 68 of the first reservoir 60 in the water trap 50 (e.g., using a conduit C9 as discussed above). The evaporation chamber 70 also includes an exhaust 78. A second reservoir 80 is fluidly coupled to both the inlet 76 and the exhaust 78. Thus, moisture received from the water trap 50 via the inlet 76 of the evaporation chamber 70 is retained within the second reservoir 80, which is shown as having a fill level 84 of moisture 82.

[0052] With continued reference to Figure 5, the evaporation chamber 70 is configured such that moisture 82 retained within the second reservoir 80 evaporates from the second reservoir 80 (e.g., into the room in which the medical device 2 is located) to exit as vapor via the exhaust vent 78. This evaporation process is accelerated by the inclusion of one or more evaporators 99, which act on the moisture 82 within the second reservoir 80 to increase the rate at which this moisture 82 evaporates via the exhaust vent 78 relative to a system in which the evaporators 99 are not present.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, two evaporators 99 are provided. The first evaporator 99 is a wick 100 extending between a top 102 and a bottom 104. In the case of water 82 having a fill level 84, as currently shown, the bottom 104 of the wick 100 is completely immersed in the water 82, while the top 102 extends at least partially above the fill level 84, so that the wick 100 can draw the water 82 upward to promote evaporation from the second reservoir 80. The wick 100 can be made of solid or woven materials known in the art for drawing liquids, such as plastics with tuned porosity (e.g., Delrin), cotton fibers, wool, sintered metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel), ceramics, nylon, or acrylic, etc. In this example, a second evaporator 99 is also provided, which is here an electrical device 110, and specifically a fan 120. As shown, the fan 120 directs air across the surface of the moisture 82 within the second reservoir 80, thereby promoting evaporation from the second reservoir, and directs air over the wick 100 to improve the performance of the wick 100 in evaporating moisture from the second reservoir. In this way, the fan 120 accelerates the rate at which moisture 82 evaporates from the second reservoir 80 via the exhaust port 78. In the example shown, the fan 120 can draw room air from one side of the evaporation chamber 70, such as from the back of the medical device 2, with the exhaust port 78 positioned on the opposite side of the second reservoir 80 to optimize air flow therebetween. The fan 120 can be an AC or DC electric fan as currently known in the art.

[0054] In certain embodiments, an air funnel 90 is also provided within the evaporation chamber 70 to help focus the air flow provided by the fan 120 through the exhaust port 78. The air funnel 90 is comprised of a first wall 94 extending downward from the top 72 of the evaporation chamber 70, a second wall 96 substantially parallel to the top 72, and a third wall 97 connected to the second wall 96 and the top 72. Figure 5In the configuration of FIG. 6, the air funnel 90 effectively divides the second reservoir 80 into a first chamber 91 before the air funnel 90, a second chamber 93 below the air funnel 90, and a third chamber 95 downstream of the air funnel 90. This configuration is intended to direct the flow of air from the fan 120 downward toward the moisture 82 retained in the second reservoir 80, thereby increasing the flow across the surface, and thus increasing the efficiency of the accelerated evaporation. In the example shown, specifically the first wall 94 of the air funnel 90 directs this air movement toward the wick 100, thereby also enhancing the efficiency of the evaporation.

[0055] In the configuration of FIG. 6, the air funnel 90 effectively divides the second reservoir 80 into a first chamber 91 before the air funnel 90, a second chamber 93 below the air funnel 90, and a third chamber 95 downstream of the air funnel 90. This configuration is intended to direct the flow of air from the fan 120 downward toward the moisture 82 retained in the second reservoir 80, thereby increasing the flow across the surface, and thus increasing the efficiency of the accelerated evaporation. In the example shown, specifically the first wall 94 of the air funnel 90 directs this air movement toward the wick 100, thereby also enhancing the efficiency of the evaporation. Figure 5

[0056] As shown, other examples of evaporators 99 can also or alternatively be incorporated, such as a heater 130 provided as an additional power device 110. In this example, the moisture 82 within the second reservoir 80 is heated by the heater 130 to again promote evaporation from this second reservoir. The heater 130 can work alone or in conjunction with other evaporators 99, in this example the fan 120. In certain embodiments, the heater 130 is a PTC heater configured to heat the moisture 82 to a preconfigured temperature without the need for a dedicated control system. In certain embodiments, the PTC heater is preconfigured to no more than 50°C. The inventors have recognized that by configuring the PTC heater in this way is advantageous in terms of eliminating the risk of burning a user or patient if in accidental contact with the heater 130 and / or moisture 82 contained within the second reservoir 80. The inventors have recognized that this is further advantageous in terms of avoiding expensive safeguards or mitigating features to prevent such accidental burning, thereby providing cost savings measures and simplifying the design for retrofitting current medical devices known in the art. However, it should be recognized that other temperatures for the heater 130 are also contemplated by the present disclosure, including those in which the heater 130 is configured to boil the moisture 82, thereby producing steam for evaporation. Figure 6

[0057] Embodiments of the moisture management system 40 also depict various other features that are different from those shown in FIG. 1. Figure 6 Figure 5 The moisture management system 40 of FIG. 1 includes a series of valves and sensors that provide additional safety safeguards and intelligence to the drainage and evaporation processes. It should be recognized that in the configuration of FIG. 1, the air funnel 90 effectively divides the second reservoir 80 into a first chamber 91 before the air funnel 90, a second chamber 93 below the air funnel 90, and a third chamber 95 downstream of the air funnel 90. This configuration is intended to direct the flow of air from the fan 120 downward toward the moisture 82 retained in the second reservoir 80, thereby increasing the flow across the surface, and thus increasing the efficiency of the accelerated evaporation. In the example shown, specifically the first wall 94 of the air funnel 90 directs this air movement toward the wick 100, thereby also enhancing the efficiency of the evaporation. Figure 6 Figure 5 Figure 6 ​​​​Additional hybrid forms are contemplated between the embodiments shown, for example including different numbers and locations of valves and different sensors, for example. In the embodiment shown, a bypass valve 144 is coupled between the supply connection 8 and the patient connection 10. The bypass valve 144 is normally closed, but can be actuated to fluidly couple the supply connection 8 and the patient connection 10 to thereby bypass the water trap 50. Likewise, a first water trap valve 146 and a second water trap valve 148 are provided between the supply connection 8 and the inlet 56 of the water trap 50 and between the outlet 58 of the water trap 50 and the patient connection 10, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the first water trap valve 146 and the second water trap valve 148 are normally open, thereby causing the water trap 50 to draw moisture from the gas being exchanged between the supply connection 8 and the patient connection 10 in a manner known in the art. It will be appreciated that this path is most efficient when the bypass valve 144 is closed, whereby the bypass valve 144 would otherwise provide a least resistance path directly between the supply connection 8 and the patient connection 10.

[0058] Figure 6 Embodiments of the water management system 40 also include a drain valve 140 and a check valve 142 that together provide a fluid connection between the drain 68 of the water trap 50 and the inlet 76 of the evaporator chamber 70. In the embodiment shown, the drain valve 140 is normally closed, but is operable to open the water trap 50 and thereby drain the water trap in situations such as described below.

[0059] Figure 6 Further depicted is a water management system 40 that includes a first sensor 66 configured to detect a fill level 64 of moisture 62 within a first reservoir 60 of the water trap 50 and a second level sensor 86 that detects a fill level 84 of moisture 82 within a second reservoir 80 of the evaporator chamber 70. It will be appreciated that the first level sensor 66 and / or the second level sensor 86 can be configured to measure the level within the first reservoir 60 and the second reservoir 80 on a continuous basis, or can be configured as a go / no go detector, such as a float within a sump pump or toilet tank.

[0060] In Figure 7 An exemplary method 200 is provided for operating a configuration of Figure 6 In the method 200 shown, a step 202 provides for closing the bypass valve 144, which as previously described is configured as a normally closed valve of a type currently known in the art. Similarly, a step 204 provides for opening the first water trap valve 146, which step in certain embodiments (such as the embodiment shown) also opens the second water trap valve 148. A step 206 provides for closing the second water trap valve 148, which step in certain embodiments (such as the embodiment shown) also closes the first water trap valve 146. A step 208 provides for opening the drain valve 140, which step in certain embodiments (such as the embodiment shown) also opens the check valve 142. A step 210 provides for closing the check valve 142, which step in certain embodiments (such as the embodiment shown) also closes the drain valve 140. Figure 6The illustrated embodiment) also provides for opening a second water trap valve 148, which as previously discussed is a normally open and currently art-known valve type. Step 206 then provides for measuring the fill level in the first reservoir with the first liquid level sensor. If it is then determined in step 208 that the fill level in the first reservoir is measured to exceed a first threshold, the process continues with steps 210-214, while in the alternative the process returns to step 202.

[0061] When as determined in step 208 the fill level does exceed the first threshold, step 210 provides for opening the bypass valve 144 and the drain valve 140, thereby enabling the moisture 62 within the first reservoir 60 of the water trap 50 to be drained via the drain port 68 and thereby into the evaporation chamber 70. Simultaneously, step 212 provides for closing the first water trap valve 146 (and in the example of the Figure 6 second water trap valve 149) to prevent any communication between the water trap 50 and the supply connection 8 and / or the patient connection 10, while the draining of the water shaft 50 is ongoing. It will be appreciated that in all embodiments such closing of the first water trap valve 146 and the second water trap valve 148 is not necessary; however, the inventors have found it advantageous in certain configurations to limit the movement of the moisture 62 from the water trap 50 in unintended directions, i.e., to only allow such moisture 62 to exit the water trap 50 via the drain port 68.

[0062] In embodiments providing a powered device 110, this powered device is turned on in step 214 (e.g., the fan 120 and the heater 130). It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments one or more of the powered devices 110 can remain operational at all times, and / or in these cases step 214 can provide for one or more of the powered devices 110 to operate at different power levels. For example, as the moisture is introduced from the water trap 50 to the evaporation chamber 70 and / or as a function of the fill level 84 as discussed below, the powered devices 110 can be controlled to increase the flow rate of the fan 120 and / or to increase the heat generated by the heater 130.

[0063] Step 216 then provides for measuring the fill level 84 within the second reservoir 80 of the evaporation chamber 70 with the second liquid level sensor 86. If it is determined in step 218 that the fill level 84 in the second reservoir 80 exceeds a second threshold, the process continues with steps 220-226. In the alternative, if it is not determined in step 218 that the fill level exceeds the second threshold, the process returns to step 208.

[0064] When as determined in step 218 the fill level 84 in the second reservoir 80 exceeds the second threshold, step 220 provides for opening the first water trap valve 146 (and in the example of theFigure 6 the second water trap valve 148) and step 222 provides for closing the drain valve 140.

[0065] The closing of the drain valve 140 is to prevent additional moisture 62 from entering the evaporation chamber 70 until the fluid level 84 within the second reservoir 80 again returns to the fill level 84 below the second threshold. In other words, the drain valve 140 prevents the evaporation chamber 70 from overflowing. The closing of the drain valve 140 also prevents the moisture 82 from returning from the evaporation chamber 70 towards the water trap 50, particularly in embodiments not incorporating a one-way valve 142 as shown. Figure 6

[0066] Once it is determined in step 224 that the fill level in the second reservoir 80 is at or below the second threshold, step 226 provides for turning off the power device 110, or intentionally modifying one or more of the powered devices 110 to operate at a reduced power level as previously described.

[0067] It will be recognized that the one or more powered devices 110 need not operate in a simple two-step process (e.g., on to off or low power to high power), but can also operate at intermediate levels depending on the measurements of, for example, the first and / or second level sensors 66, 86.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the moisture management system 40 includes a disinfecting feature for preventing the growth or accumulation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other harmful agents within the system, such as but not limited to within the water trap 50 and the evaporation chamber 70. For example, in embodiments of the Figure 5 antimicrobial coating 152 is applied to the interior of the second reservoir 80 to prevent growth therein. This disinfecting feature can be provided as a coating such as previously described and / or by selecting the material that comprises the element itself. In this way, the moisture management system 40 serves as a failsafe for the medical device 2 to both prevent moisture from reaching undesirable locations and to prevent the growth of pathogens (in this case, redundancy is provided via the disinfecting feature and the evaporator 99).

[0069] Figure 8A to Figure 9B Two additional embodiments are depicted for providing disinfection to the moisture management system 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. In Figure 8A to Figure 8B ​In embodiments, the UV light source 154 is disposed at least partially within the first reservoir 60 of the water trap 50 (e.g., in addition to or in lieu of providing a UV light source in the vaporization chamber 70). In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light source 154 extends into the first reservoir 60, powered by a power unit 155 positioned outside of the water trap 50. The UV light source 154 is configured to irradiate the moisture 62 within the water trap 60 to kill pathogens in the moisture, thereby preventing growth of the contaminated medical device 2 and / or causing the contaminated vaporized moisture to exit the exhaust port 78 of the vaporization chamber 70.

[0070] In other embodiments, such as Figure 9A to Figure 9B In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light source 154 is disposed outside of the water trap 50, but positioned to emit UV light against the moisture 62 retained within the first reservoir 60. In this example, the water trap 50 and specifically the first reservoir 60 can be constructed of a transparent or otherwise UV-emit-able material, such as polycarbonate. A reflector 156 is disposed on the side of the UV light source 154 opposite the water trap 50 so as to direct the light beam 158 from the UV light source 154 into the first reservoir 60. This configuration again provides for elimination of pathogens within the moisture 62 on the first reservoir 60, which simplifies the design by not requiring the UV light source 154 to be provided in contact with the moisture 62.

[0071] Figure 10 An exemplary control system 300 for operating the valves and / or powered devices 110 of the above-discussed moisture management system 40 or other aspects is depicted. The control system 300 can be specific to the moisture management system 40 (e.g., in the case of a retrofit design) and / or a modified version of an existing control system that operates the medical device 2. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are described or depicted as functional and / or logical block components or steps of processing, which can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, certain embodiments employ integrated circuit components such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which are configured to perform various functions under the control of one or more processors or other control devices. The connections between functional and logical block components and logical blocks are shown by example only and can be direct or indirect, and can follow alternative paths.

[0072] In certain examples, the control system 300 is in communication with each of the one or more components of the system 40 via a communication link CL, which can be any wired or wireless link. The control module 300 is able to receive information and / or control one or more operating characteristics of the system 40 and its various subsystems by sending and receiving control signals via the communication link CL. In one example, the communication link CL is a controller area network (CAN) bus; however, other types of links can be used. It will be recognized that the degree of connectivity and the communication link CL can in fact be one or more shared connections or links between some or all of the components in the system 40. Further, the communication link CL lines are intended to merely demonstrate that the various control elements are able to communicate with one another and are not intended to represent an actual wiring connection between the various elements, nor do they represent the sole communication path between the elements. Additionally, the system 40 can incorporate various types of communication devices and systems, and thus the communication link CL shown can in fact represent various different types of wireless data communication systems and / or wired data communication systems.

[0073] The control system 300 can be a computing system that includes a processing system 310, a memory system 320, and an input / output (I / O) system 330 for communicating with other devices, such as the input device 299 (e.g., fill level sensor) and the output device 301 (e.g., the powered device 110 and / or the valve), any of which can also or alternatively be stored in the cloud 302. The processing system 310 loads and executes executable programs 322 from the memory system 320, accesses data 324 stored within the memory system 320, and directs the operation of the system 40 as described in further detail below.

[0074] The processing system 310 can be implemented as a single microprocessor or other circuit, or distributed across multiple processing devices or subsystems that cooperate to execute the executable programs 322 from the memory system 320. Non-limiting examples of processing systems include general purpose central processing units, specialized processors, and logic devices.

[0075] The memory system 320 can include any storage media readable by the processing system 310 and capable of storing executable programs 322 and / or data 324, such as including thresholds for controlling the moisture management system. The memory system 320 can be implemented as a single storage device, or distributed across multiple storage devices or subsystems that cooperate to store computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The memory system 320 can include volatile and / or non-volatile systems, and can include removable and / or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information. For example, the storage media can include non-transitory and / or transitory storage media, including random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, virtual and non-virtual memory, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed by an instruction execution system.

[0076] Accordingly, the systems and methods described above eliminate the need for manual draining of the water trap, while also providing for the collection of moisture within the medical device 2, condensing the water back into the room to directly eliminate the risk of water being produced on the floor and / or bacterial growth occurring within the medical device 2. This also prevents water from entering the respiratory system, including through Figure 6 Embodiments in which the first and second water traps 146, 148 are closed and the bypass valve 144 is open during the draining process. This effectively creates a failsafe system in the event that one of the valves to the evaporative chamber 70 fails and / or the evaporative system 70 generally fails.

[0077] In certain embodiments, moisture detectors 160, 170 are also provided, as shown in Figure 6 The moisture detectors 160, 170 can be of a type currently known in the art. In this example, the moisture detector 160 is used as an indication that incoming gas from the supply connection 8 can be out of specification. This can provide a warning of poor quality to the user (e.g. as an alert or error message provided on the user interface device or a separate alert), and / or an indication that the moisture management system 40 can not be able to keep up with the amount of moisture being introduced. Similarly, the moisture detector 170 can be provided between the water trap 50 and the patient connection 10, where it is determined that the moisture management system 40 is not keeping up or has failed to some extent, and excess moisture is being delivered to the patient. The user can again be warned via the user interface device 4 or a separate alert. In certain embodiments, the measurements from the moisture detector 170 are used for how the moisture management system 40 will operate, such as increasing the input of energy provided to the powered device 110 in that moisture management system.

[0078] The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow diagrams provided in the drawings represent exemplary architectures, environments, and methodologies for implementing the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Although the methodologies included herein can be embodied in a variety of different forms, for the sake of simplicity, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts in a flow diagram. It is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the sequence. Accordingly, some acts can, in appropriate circumstances, occur in a different order, parallel with, or be omitted altogether. Other acts can be performed contemporaneously. In addition, it is to be understood that not all acts are required of a methodology. It is to be further understood that the methodologies can be carried out by specific hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0079] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice and use the application. Certain terms are used throughout the description for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, as such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements in common with those recited in the literal language of the claims or if they do not differ from the literal language of the claims significantly.

Claims

1. A moisture management system for a medical device having a supply connection for receiving a gas and a patient connection for supplying the gas to a patient, the system comprising: a water trap having an inlet, an outlet, a first reservoir, and a drain, the inlet receiving the gas from the supply connection and the outlet returning the gas to the patient connection, wherein the water trap is configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is held in the first reservoir; an evaporation chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain of the water trap to receive the moisture from the first reservoir, wherein the moisture is subsequently held in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporation chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as vapor via the exhaust; and an evaporator that increases the rate at which the moisture in the second reservoir evaporates via the exhaust.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporator is a fan that blows air through the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate from the evaporation chamber.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporator is a wick positioned to draw the moisture upward from the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate from the evaporation chamber.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaporator is a heater positioned in the second reservoir such that the heater warms the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate from the evaporation chamber.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the heater is a PTC heater.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the heater is configured to remain at or below 50°C.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first liquid level sensor positioned to detect when the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds a first threshold; a drain valve fluidly coupled between the drain of the water trap and the inlet of the evaporation chamber to control flow therebetween, wherein the drain valve is normally closed; and a control system coupled to the first liquid level sensor and the drain valve, wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system causes the drain valve to open.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a bypass valve fluidly coupling the supply connection and the patient connection around the water trap, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed, and wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold, the control system further causes the bypass valve to open.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a first water trap fluidly coupled between the supply connection and one of the inlet and the outlet of the water trap to control flow therebetween, wherein the first water trap is normally open, and wherein the control system further causes the first water trap to close when the first level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first water capture valve is fluidly coupled between the supply connection and the inlet of the water capture, the system further comprising: a second water trap fluidly coupled between the outlet of the water trap and the patient connection to control flow therebetween, wherein the second water trap is normally open, and wherein the control system further causes the second water trap to close when the first level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the evaporator is a powered device, the system further comprising: a second level sensor positioned to detect when the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold, wherein the control system increases power to the evaporator when the second level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second level sensor positioned to detect when the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold; and a control system coupled to the second level sensor and the evaporator, wherein the evaporator is a powered device, and wherein the control system increases power to the evaporator when the second level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising: UV light positioned to irradiate the moisture within at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is configured to be antibacterial.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the supply connection supplies the gas from an anesthesia machine to the patient, and wherein the patient connection receives the gas returned from the patient to the anesthesia machine.

16. A method for managing moisture of a medical device having a supply connection for receiving a gas and a patient connection for supplying the gas to a patient, the method comprising: fluidly coupling a water trap to a primary conduit, the water trap having an inlet, an outlet, a first reservoir, and a drain, the inlet receiving the gas from the supply connection and the outlet returning the gas to the patient connection, wherein the water trap is configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is held in the first reservoir; evaporator chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir, wherein the inlet is fluidically coupled to the drain of the water trap to receive the moisture from the first reservoir, wherein the moisture is then held in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporator chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as a vapor via the exhaust; and positioning an evaporator proximate the second reservoir such that the evaporator acts on the moisture within the second reservoir to increase a rate at which the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir via the exhaust.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: positioning a first liquid level sensor to detect when the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds a first threshold; fluidically coupling a drain valve between the drain of the water trap and the inlet of the evaporator chamber to control flow therebetween, wherein the drain valve is normally closed; and coupling a control system to the first liquid level sensor and the drain valve, and configuring the control system to cause the drain valve to open when the first liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: fluidically coupling a bypass valve that bypasses the water trap to fluidically couple the supply connection and the patient connection, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed; fluidically coupling a first water trap valve between the supply connection and one of the inlet and the outlet of the water trap to control flow therebetween, wherein the first water trap valve is normally open; and configuring the control system to further cause the bypass valve to open and the first water trap valve to close when the first liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the evaporator is a powered device, the method further comprising: positioning a second liquid level sensor to detect when the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds a second threshold, and further comprising configuring the control system to increase a power of the evaporator when the second liquid level sensor detects that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold.

20. A moisture management system for a medical device having a supply connection to receive a gas and a patient connection to supply the gas to a patient, the system comprising: a water trap having an inlet, an outlet, a first reservoir, and a drain, the inlet being coupled to the supply connection via a first water trap valve for receiving the gas from the supply connection, the outlet being coupled to the patient connection via a second water trap valve for supplying the gas to the patient connection, wherein the first and second water trap valves are normally open, wherein the water trap is configured to remove moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the removed moisture is held in the first reservoir; an evaporative chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir, wherein the inlet is fluidically coupled to the drain of the water trap via a drain valve to receive the moisture from the first reservoir, wherein the drain valve is normally closed, wherein the moisture is then held in the second reservoir, and wherein the evaporative chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as vapor via the exhaust; a bypass valve fluidically coupling the supply connection and the patient connection around the water trap, wherein the bypass valve is normally closed; a first and second liquid level sensor positioned to detect when the moisture in the first and second reservoirs, respectively, exceeds a first and second threshold value; a fan to blow air through the moisture in the second reservoir to increase an evaporation rate of the moisture from the evaporative chamber; a heater positioned in the second reservoir such that the heater warms the moisture in the second reservoir to increase the evaporation rate from the evaporative chamber; and a control system coupled to the first and second liquid level sensors, the bypass valve, the first and second water trap valves, and the drain valve, wherein upon the first liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the first reservoir exceeds the first threshold value, the control system causes the bypass valve to open, the first and second water trap valves to close, and the drain valve to open, and wherein upon the second liquid level sensor detecting that the moisture in the second reservoir exceeds the second threshold value, the control system increases a power of the heater. ​

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