Gas seal manifold assembly for surgical gas delivery system

Abstract

This invention discloses a manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system, the manifold assembly comprising: a manifold body including an inlet for receiving gas from the outlet side of a compressor and an outlet for recirculating gas to the inlet side of the compressor; a bypass valve communicating with the inlet and outlet of the manifold body; an air vent valve for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere; a smoke exhaust valve for dynamically controlling the exhaust of gas from the manifold assembly when the gas delivery system is operating in smoke exhaust mode; and a gas injector for dynamically controlling the intake of gas from a surgical gas source.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 340,519, filed June 7, 2021, which is a partial continuation of U.S. Application No. 17 / 155,478, filed January 22, 2021, and U.S. Application No. 17 / 155,572, filed January 22, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to minimally invasive surgery, and more specifically, to a gas-sealed manifold assembly of a surgical gas delivery system for gas-sealed inhalation and recirculation during endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedures. Background Technology

[0004] Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgical techniques are becoming increasingly common in procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and nephrectomy. The benefits of such procedures include reduced trauma to the patient, a lower risk of infection, and shorter recovery time. These procedures, performed within the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, are typically performed using a device called a trocar or cannula, which facilitates the introduction of laparoscopic instruments into the patient's abdominal cavity.

[0005] Additionally, such procedures typically involve filling or “blowing” the abdominal cavity with a pressurized fluid such as carbon dioxide to create a surgical space known as pneumoperitoneum. Blowing can be performed via a surgical access device, such as a cannula, equipped to deliver the blown fluid, or via a separate blow-in device, such as a blow-in (pneumoperitoneum) needle. The aim is to introduce surgical instruments into the pneumoperitoneum in order to maintain it without significant loss of the blown-in gas.

[0006] During a typical laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon makes three to four small incisions, each typically no larger than about twelve millimeters. These incisions are usually formed by the surgical access device itself using a separate insert or packing placed within it. After insertion, the packing is removed, and a cannula allows instruments to be inserted into the abdominal cavity. A typical cannula provides a pathway for blowing into the abdominal cavity, giving the surgeon an open internal space to work within.

[0007] The cannula must also provide a way to maintain intracavitary pressure while still allowing at least a minimum amount of freedom of movement for the surgical instrument by sealing between the cannula and the surgical instrument being used. Such instruments may include, for example, scissors, grasping and occluding instruments, cauterization units, cameras, light sources, and other surgical instruments. Sealing elements or mechanisms are typically provided on the cannula to prevent blown-in gas from escaping from the abdominal cavity. These sealing mechanisms typically include a duckbill-shaped valve made of a relatively flexible material to seal the outer surface of the surgical instrument passing through the cannula.

[0008] SurgiQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ConMed Corporation, has developed unique gas-sealed surgical access devices that allow immediate access to inflated surgical cavities without the need for conventional mechanical valve seals, as described, for example, in U.S. Patents 7,854,724 and 8,795,223. These devices consist of several nested components comprising an inner tubular body portion and a coaxial outer tubular body portion. The inner tubular body portion defines a central lumen for introducing conventional laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical instruments into the patient's surgical cavity, and the outer tubular body portion defines an annular lumen surrounding the inner tubular body portion for delivering inflated gas into the patient's surgical cavity and facilitating periodic sensing of abdominal pressure.

[0009] SurgiQuest has also developed multimodal surgical gas delivery systems for use with the unique gas-sealed entry device described above. For example, these gas delivery systems, disclosed in U.S. Patents 9,199,047 and 9,375,539, have a first operating mode for providing gas-sealed entry into a body cavity, a second operating mode for performing smoke extraction from the body cavity, and a third operating mode for providing blown gas into the body cavity.

[0010] In existing SurgiQuest gas delivery systems, the delivery or outflow of inhaled gas into the body cavity is controlled by a solenoid valve, which has certain limitations in its ability to dynamically control the gas flow rate. For example, a solenoid valve with a 6mm orifice has two flow states: zero; and a 6mm orifice flow that varies with differential pressure. However, a 6mm orifice proportional valve has an unlimited number of intermediate flow settings or equivalent orifice diameters.

[0011] Because flow varies with the square of the orifice diameter, the additional intermediate valve position of the proportional valve provides finer control beyond a simple linear relationship, enabling stable flow rates at low pressures, reducing pressure oscillations, and eliminating pneumatic hammer. Furthermore, the first 10% of the valve opening, or 0.6 mm of the effective orifice diameter, regulates one percent (10%) of the fully open flow rate. 2 This could be advantageous in pediatric applications. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a novel and useful manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system, the manifold assembly comprising: a manifold body having an inlet port for receiving gas from the outlet side of a compressor and an outlet port for recirculating gas to the inlet side of the compressor; and a bypass valve communicating with the inlet port and the outlet port of the manifold body, wherein the bypass valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the airflow through the bypass valve.

[0013] The manifold assembly also includes an air vent valve operatively associated with the compressor's inlet side upstream of the bypass valve. The air vent valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere. An exhaust valve is operatively associated with the compressor's outlet side upstream of the bypass valve. The exhaust valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the exhaust of gas from the manifold assembly when the gas delivery system is operating in exhaust mode.

[0014] A gas injection valve is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor, upstream of the bypass valve. The gas injection valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the reception of gas from a surgical gas source. The manifold assembly also includes an overpressure relief valve, operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor, downstream of the bypass valve, for controlling the release of gas from the manifold assembly. Preferably, the overpressure relief valve is a solenoid valve.

[0015] The manifold body includes a delivery port for delivering gas to a gas-tight inlet and a receiving port for receiving gas from the gas-tight inlet. Additionally, the manifold body includes a gas quality sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve and operatively connected to the compressor outlet side for monitoring CO2 levels in the gas recirculated through the manifold assembly. The manifold body also includes a first pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve and operatively connected to the compressor inlet side, and a second pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve and operatively connected to the compressor outlet side.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, each electromechanical valve actuator is an electric linear actuator comprising a corresponding rack and pinion mechanism. Each rack and pinion mechanism includes a horizontal actuation shaft, a horizontal drive rack gear operatively associated with the horizontal actuation shaft, a rotatable drive pinion driven by the horizontal drive rack, and a vertical drive rack gear driven by the drive pinion and operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem. Preferably, each horizontal drive rack gear is mounted to translate along a first horizontal axis, and each rotatable drive pinion is mounted to rotate about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, each electromechanical valve actuator is an electric rotary actuator comprising a reduction gear assembly operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem. In yet another embodiment of the invention, each electromechanical valve actuator is an electric rotary actuator comprising an axial drive screw operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

[0018] These and other features of the manifold assembly of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to readily understand how to manufacture and use the gas delivery system and method of the present invention without improper experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multimodal gas delivery system of the present invention, which includes a gas-sealed manifold for communicating with a gas-sealed inlet port and a blow-in manifold for communicating with both the gas-sealed inlet port and a valve-sealed inlet port.

[0021] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a gas-sealed manifold assembly of a gas delivery system, the gas-sealed manifold assembly including multiple electrically operated linear valve actuators;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The right-side front view of the gas-sealed manifold assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The left front view of the gas-sealed manifold assembly shown;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Front view of the gas-sealed manifold assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Rear front view of the gas-sealed manifold assembly shown;

[0026] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line 7-7;

[0027] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line 8-8;

[0028] Figure 9 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line 9-9;

[0029] Figure 10 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line 10-10;

[0030] Figure 11 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of another gas-sealed manifold assembly of the gas delivery system, which includes multiple electrically operated rotary valve actuators;

[0031] Figure 12-14 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows a related view of an exemplary electric rotary valve actuator, which includes a stepper motor and an axial drive screw, wherein... Figure 12 This is a front view of a rotary actuator. Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the rotary actuator taken by line 13-13, and Figure 14 It is a perspective view of a rotary actuator; and

[0032] Figure 15-17 This is a related view of another electric rotary valve actuator that includes a stepper motor and a reduction gear assembly, in which Figure 15 This is a front view of a rotary actuator. Figure 16 It is a rotary actuator along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view taken from line 16-16, and Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a rotary actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements and features of the invention, Figure 1A novel and useful multimodal surgical gas delivery system 10 is shown, which is adapted and configured for gas-tight blow-in, recirculation, and fume extraction during endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The multimodal surgical gas delivery system 10 of the present invention includes a gas-tight manifold 110 for communication with a gas-tight inlet 20 and a blow-in manifold 210 for communication with both the gas-tight inlet 20 and a valve-tight inlet 30.

[0034] Gas-tight inlet 20 is of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,795,223, which is incorporated herein by reference. Gas-tight inlet 20 is adapted and configured to provide gas-tight instrument access to a body cavity while maintaining stable pressure within the cavity (e.g., stable pneumoperitoneum in the peritoneum or abdominal cavity). In contrast, valve-tight inlet 30 is a conventional or standard cannula used to provide access to a body cavity via a mechanical valve seal, such as a duckbill seal or diaphragm seal. Depending on the requirements of a particular surgical procedure, the multimodal gas delivery system 10 may be used with gas-tight inlet 20, valve-tight inlet 30, or both inlet ports 20 and 30 simultaneously.

[0035] The gas delivery system 10 also includes a compressor or positive pressure pump 40 for recirculating surgical gas through a gas seal into the inlet 20 via a gas-sealed manifold 110. The compressor 40 is preferably driven by a brushless DC motor, which can advantageously be controlled to regulate gas pressure and flow rate within the gas delivery system 10, as disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 10,702,306, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the compressor 40 may be driven by an AC motor, but a DC motor would be relatively smaller and lighter, and therefore more advantageous from a manufacturing perspective.

[0036] Intercooler and / or condenser 50 is operatively associated with compressor 40 for cooling or otherwise regulating gas recirculated through gas-sealed manifold 110. UVC radiator 52 is operatively associated with intercooler or condenser 50 for sterilizing gas recirculated through internal flow channels 54 formed therein by means of compressor 40. Additionally, UVC radiator 52 is intended to sterilize the inner surface of gas ducts or flow channels 54 through which the gas flows within intercooler / condenser 50.

[0037] The UVC radiator preferably includes at least one LED light source or fluorescent light source, which is adapted and configured to generate UVC radiation with wavelengths of about 240-350 nm and preferably about 265 nm. Such ultraviolet light at these wavelengths can kill viruses, bacteria and microorganisms in the gas ducts of the system and can reduce coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2.

[0038] Preferably, the compressor 40, intercooler / condenser 50, gas-sealed manifold 110, and blow-in manifold 210 are all enclosed within a common housing that includes a graphical user interface and control electronics, as disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 9,199,047, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] The gas delivery system 10 also includes a surgical gas source 60 in communication with the gas-sealed manifold 110 and the blow-in manifold 210. The gas source 60 may be a local pressure vessel or a remote supply tank associated with a hospital or healthcare facility. Preferably, gas flow from the surgical gas source 60 passes through a high-pressure regulator 65 and a gas heater 70 before being delivered to the gas-sealed manifold 110 and the blow-in manifold 210. Preferably, the high-pressure regulator 65 and the gas heater 70 are also enclosed in a common housing along with the compressor 40, the intercooler 50, the gas-sealed manifold 110, and the blow-in manifold 210.

[0040] The gas delivery system 10 also includes a first outlet line valve (OLV1) 212 operatively associated with an inlet manifold 210 for controlling the flow of blow-in gas to the valve seal inlet 30 and a second outlet line valve (OLV2) 214 operatively associated with an inlet manifold 210 for controlling the flow of blow-in gas to the gas seal inlet 20.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first outlet line valve 212 and the second outlet line valve 214 of the blow-in manifold 210 are proportional valves configured to dynamically alter or otherwise control the outflow of blow-in gas to the inlet ports 20, 30 to match volume fluctuations that may occur in the patient's body cavity when the inlet ports are present. The first proportional outlet line valve 212 and the second proportional outlet line valve 214 provide fine control of the blow-in gas flow rate to the gas delivery system 10 to achieve a stable flow rate at low pressure, reduce pressure oscillations, and eliminate pneumatic hammer.

[0042] Because the first proportional outlet line valve 212 and the second proportional outlet line valve 214 are located proximally to the patient where flow friction loss is relatively low, the gas delivery system 10 is able to accurately measure peritoneal pressure. Furthermore, the only possible use of proportional outlet line valves here is for this purpose, as there is a constant gas recirculation throughout the gas delivery system 10 via closed-loop venting or via a gas-tight inlet 20.

[0043] The proportional valve allows for infinitely variable airflow adjustment between minimum and maximum flow conditions. Considering that some volume changes in the patient's body cavity, such as respiration, are expected and consistent, by employing a proportional outlet line valve, the blow-in manifold 210 can dynamically change the airflow into the body cavity to reverse the expected volume changes, thereby having a neutral effect on the pressure within the body cavity.

[0044] An additional benefit of using a proportional valve to control the outflow of blown gas from manifold 210 is the reduced response time compared to a solenoid valve. A solenoid valve is operated by applying energy to a coil, which generates an electromagnetic force that moves a piston. However, energizing the coil requires a certain amount of time, introducing a delay between the command action and the physical movement of the piston. In contrast, the proportional valve used in the gas delivery system 10 of the present invention typically does not have this energizing delay, thus providing an improved response time compared to a solenoid valve.

[0045] The inflation manifold 210 also includes a first patient pressure sensor (PWS1) 222 downstream of the first outlet line valve 212 and a second patient pressure sensor (PWS1) 224 downstream of the second outlet line valve 214. These two patient pressure sensors are used to measure abdominal pressure to control the outlet line valves 212 and 214, respectively. Two additional pressure sensors, labeled DPS1 and DPS2, are located upstream of the outlet line valves 212 and 214. These two pressure sensors are located within a venturi tube to measure a pressure differential used to infer the total gas flow rate from the inflation manifold 210 to the patient's body cavity.

[0046] The main proportional valve (PRV) 216 is also operatively associated with the blow-in manifold 210 and is located upstream of the first outlet line valve 212 and the second outlet line valve 214 to control the flow of blow-in gas to the first outlet line valve 212 and the second outlet line valve 214. The proportional valve 216 is used to maintain the intermediate pressure within the blow-in manifold 210 (as the central node in the LPU) at a constant pressure between 1 and 80 mmHg, depending on the system operating mode. Opening of the PRV 216 can be indirectly initiated by any of the following actions: patient breathing, gas leakage downstream of the PRV 216, or opening of the safety valve LSV 227 or the ventilation valve VEV 228—that is, any event that causes a drop in intermediate pressure. LSV 227 and VEV 228 are described in more detail below within the system.

[0047] The gas-sealed manifold 110 also includes a high-pressure gas injection valve (GFV) 112 operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40. The GFV 112 is adapted and configured to control the gas delivered from the surgical gas source 60 into the gas-sealed manifold 110. Preferably, the gas injection valve 112 is a proportional valve capable of dynamically controlling the surgical gas delivered into the gas-sealed manifold 110.

[0048] The gas-sealed manifold 110 also includes a smoke exhaust valve (SEV) 114, which is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40 for dynamically controlling the airflow between the gas-sealed manifold 110 and the blow-in manifold 210 under certain operating conditions, such as when the gas delivery device 10 operates in smoke exhaust mode. Preferably, the smoke exhaust valve 114 is a proportional valve.

[0049] A bypass valve (SPV) 116 is located between the outlet side and the inlet side of the compressor 40 and is used to control the airflow within the gas seal manifold 110 under certain operating conditions. Preferably, the bypass valve 116 is a proportional valve that can be variably opened to establish and control the gas seal generated within the gas seal inlet 20. Furthermore, the bypass valve 116 uses feedback from pressure sensors 122, 124 to control the gas flow rate to the gas seal, which is described in further detail below.

[0050] The gas-tight manifold 110 also includes an air vent valve (AVV) 118 operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor 40 for controlling atmospheric air entrainment into the system 10 under certain operating conditions. For example, AVV 118 will allow atmospheric air to be introduced into the gas-tight line to increase the air mass (i.e., standard volume) within the line. Thermodynamics under clinical use conditions can cause a loss of standard volume within the gas line. Vent valve 118 allows the gas delivery system 10 to compensate for this lost volume to ensure that pump pressure and flow rate are sufficient to maintain the gas seal within the gas-tight inlet 20. Vent valve 118 can also be opened to reduce the vacuum-side pressure in the gas-tight line.

[0051] An overpressure relief valve (ORV) 120 is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40 for controlling the release of gas from system 10 to the atmosphere under certain operating conditions. Preferably, the overpressure relief valve 120 is a proportional valve that opens to reduce the positive pressure side of the gas-sealed line, particularly in emergency situations such as a power outage of the gas delivery system 10. The normally open configuration of the relief valve 120 reduces the risk of over-pressurization of the patient cavity after the valve is de-energized.

[0052] A first pressure sensor (RLS) 122 is operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor 40, and a second pressure sensor (PLS) 124 is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40. These pressure sensors 122 and 124 are positioned with unobstructed and minimally restricted reversal to the patient's abdominal cavity to continuously and accurately measure the cavity pressure. Signals from these two pressure sensors 122 and 124 are used by the controller of the gas delivery system 10 to adjust the opening of the two outlet line valves 212 and 214 to control the patient cavity pressure.

[0053] Additionally, the gas-sealed manifold 110 includes a gas quality sensor 126 operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40. The gas quality sensor monitors the oxygen level in the recirculation line, which corresponds to the CO2 concentration in the patient's body cavity, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,199,047.

[0054] A first barrier valve (BV1) 132 is operatively associated with the outlet flow path of the gas-sealed manifold 110, and a second barrier valve (BV2) 134 is operatively associated with the inlet flow path of the gas-sealed manifold 110. Barrier valves 132 and 134 are employed during self-testing prior to surgical procedures, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,199,047. It is contemplated that the first barrier valve 132 and the second barrier valve 134 may be mechanically or pneumatically actuated.

[0055] The first filter element 142 is located downstream of the first barrier valve 132 and is used to filter pressurized gas flowing from the compressor 40 to the gas seal inlet 20, and the second filter element 144 is located upstream of the second first barrier valve 134 and is used to filter gas returning from the gas seal inlet 20 to the compressor 40. Preferably, the filter elements 142 and 144 are housed in a common filter cartridge, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 9,199,047.

[0056] The first and second blocking valves 132 and 134 are in communication with a blocking valve pilot valve (BVP) 226 contained within the blow-in manifold 210. Preferably, the blocking valve pilot valve 226 is a solenoid valve. It is envisioned that the BVP 226 can be fed from a compressor outlet or from a gas source such as surgical gas or air, as shown. The blow-in manifold 110 also includes a pressure sensor (PMS) 225 located downstream of the main proportional valve 216 and upstream of the outlet line valves 212, 214. The two outlet line valves are opened to introduce blow-in gas into the patient's body cavity through inlet ports 23, 30. This introduction of gas has the effect of increasing the pressure within the body cavity. Additionally, the outlet line valves 212, 214 can be combined with an air vent valve 228 to open and release gas from the body cavity, thereby having the effect of blowing out and reducing cavity pressure.

[0057] The blow-in manifold 210 also includes a low-pressure safety valve (LSV) 227 downstream of the main proportional valve 216 and upstream of the first outlet line valve 212 and the second outlet line valve 214 for controlling the release of gas from system 10 to the atmosphere under certain operating conditions. The LSV 227 is a purely mechanical valve used to limit the maximum intermediate pressure within manifold 210 or the LPU (low-pressure unit) in the event of a power outage, pressure controller malfunction, or a valve upstream of the LSV stuck in the open position.

[0058] In addition, a ventilation exhaust valve (VEV) 228, located downstream of the main proportional valve 216 and upstream of the outlet line valves 212, 214, is used to control the release of gas from system 10 to the atmosphere under certain operating conditions. The ventilation exhaust valve 228 is preferably a proportional valve that opens to blow out or otherwise reduce the pressure in the patient cavity. Additionally, VEV 228 can open to reduce the intermediate pressure within the LPU.

[0059] Filter element 242 is located downstream of the first outlet line valve 212 and is used to filter the blow-in gas flowing from the blow-in manifold 210 to the valve seal inlet 30. Another filter element 244 is located downstream of the second outlet line valve 224 and is used to filter the insulating gas flowing from the blow-in manifold 210 to the gas seal inlet 20. Preferably, filter element 244 houses filter elements 142 and 144 within a common filter cartridge, while filter element 242 is positioned separately.

[0060] For reference Figure 2 This illustrates a gas-tight manifold assembly constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and generally indicated by reference numeral 310, which is adapted and configured for use in... Figure 1 In the gas delivery system 10 shown, the gas-sealed manifold assembly 310 is designed as a compact, easily serviceable, and replaceable modular unit. The gas-sealed manifold assembly includes a manifold body 315 having features for receiving gas from a compressor (e.g., Figure 1 The compressor 40 has an inlet port 330 on its outlet side that receives gas and an outlet port 340 for recirculating gas back to the inlet side of the compressor 40. Alternatively, the port 440 in the manifold body 315 can be used to deliver gas back to the inlet side of the compressor. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the manifold body 315 also includes a delivery port 350 for delivering gas to the gas-tight inlet port 20 and a receiving port 360 for receiving gas from the gas-tight inlet port 20 (see also...). Figure 1 ).

[0061] As in Figures 8 to 10 As best seen, the manifold body 315 defines a series of interconnected internal borehole passages that facilitate the flow of surgical gases and air between and among the various control valves and sensors of the gas-sealed manifold assembly 310. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the arrangement and location of these passages within the manifold body 315 can vary by design and should therefore not be considered as a limitation of the scope of the invention.

[0062] Continue to combine Figures 3 to 6 refer to Figure 2The bypass valve (SPV) 116 communicates with the inlet port 330 and outlet port 340 of the manifold body 315. As described above, the bypass valve 116 uses feedback from pressure sensors 122 (RLS) and 124 (PLS) to control the gas flow rate to the gas seal. The bypass valve 116 includes an electrically operated linear actuator 316 for dynamically controlling the airflow. The manifold body 315 includes a first pressure sensor port 322 communicating with sensor 122 (RLS) and a second pressure sensor port 324 communicating with pressure sensor 124 (PLS).

[0063] An air vent valve (AVV) 118 is operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor 40 upstream of the bypass valve 116. The air vent valve 114 includes an electrically operated linear actuator 318 for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere. An air vent 418 is disposed in the manifold body 315 for entraining atmospheric air into the air vent valve 118 (see [link]). Figure 5 and 10 ).

[0064] Smoke vent valve (SEV) 114 is operatively associated with the outlet side of compressor 40 upstream of bypass valve 116. A port 414 on manifold body 315 communicates with smoke vent valve 114. Smoke vent valve 114 includes an electric linear actuator 314 for dynamically controlling the discharge of gas from manifold assembly 310 when gas delivery system 10 is operating in smoke vent mode.

[0065] Gas injection valve 112 (GFV) is operatively associated with the outlet side of compressor 40 upstream of bypass valve 116. A port 412 on manifold body 315 communicates with gas injection valve 112. Gas injection valve 112 includes an electrically operated linear actuator 312 for dynamically controlling the reception of gas from a surgical gas source.

[0066] An overpressure relief valve (ORV) 120, downstream of bypass valve 116 and operably associated with the outlet side of compressor 40, controls the release of gas from manifold assembly 310. The overpressure relief valve 120 includes a solenoid actuator 320 with a spring-loaded valve stem 323 located within a side housing 327 supported on an upright bracket 329. Because this valve must be able to open in the event of power loss, it is the only valve in the manifold assembly not driven by an electric linear actuator.

[0067] The manifold body 315 also includes a gas quality sensor 326, which is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor 40 downstream of the bypass valve 116. The gas quality sensor monitors the CO2 level in the gas recirculated through the manifold assembly 310, allowing the gas delivery system 10 to adjust the gas quality as needed.

[0068] For reference Figures 7 to 10 Each electric linear actuator (312, 314, 316, 318) includes a corresponding rack and pinion mechanism to achieve precise dynamic control of the corresponding valve. Each rack and pinion mechanism includes a corresponding horizontal actuation shaft (352, 354, 356, 358) and a corresponding horizontal drive rack and pinion (362, 364, 366, 368). Additionally, each electric linear actuator (312, 314, 316, 318) includes a rotatable drive pinion (372, 374, 376, 378) driven by a horizontal drive rack and pinion (362, 364, 366, 368), and a vertical drive rack and pinion (382, 384, 386, 388) driven by the drive pinion (372, 374, 376, 378) and operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem (392, 394, 396, 398). Each horizontal drive rack and pinion (362, 364, 366, 368) is mounted to translate along a first horizontal axis, and each rotatable drive pinion (372, 374, 376, 378) is mounted to rotate about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

[0069] In operation, upon receiving a command from the controller of the gas delivery system 10, a linear movement (right or left) of the horizontal actuation shaft will cause a corresponding linear movement (right or left) of the associated horizontal rack, which will cause the corresponding pinion to rotate (clockwise or counterclockwise). The pinion will then move the associated vertical drive rack (up or down), which in turn will control the upward or downward movement of the corresponding valve stems (392, 394, 396, 398) of the control valves (112, 114, 116, 118).

[0070] Four electric linear actuators (312, 314, 316, 318) are grouped into two oppositely oriented pairs on the manifold body 315. More specifically, the linear actuator 312 of the gas injection valve 112 and the linear actuator 314 of the smoke exhaust valve 114 are grouped together within the first housing 325. Furthermore, the linear actuator 316 of the bypass valve 116 and the linear actuator 318 of the air vent valve 118 are grouped together within the second housing 335. The upper front transverse spacer 345 and the upper rear transverse spacer 355 provide structural stiffness to the first housing 325, while the upper front transverse spacer 365 and the upper rear transverse spacer 375 provide structural stiffness to the second housing 335. The lower transverse spacer 385 provides additional structural stiffness to the first housing 325, and the lower transverse spacer 395 provides additional structural stiffness to the second housing 335. Those skilled in the art will understand from the diagrams that flat ribbon cables associated with each linear actuator (312, 314, 316, and 318) extend to a controller of the gas delivery system 10 that delivers electrical and control signals to the four actuators.

[0071] For reference Figure 11 This illustrates another gas-tight manifold assembly constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and generally indicated by reference numeral 510, which is adapted and configured for use in... Figure 1 In the gas delivery system 10 shown, the manifold assembly 510 and... Figure 2 The manifold assembly 310 shown is substantially similar because it contains the same proportional control valves (i.e., GFV, SEV, SPV, and AVV) for dynamically controlling airflow, but in this embodiment of the invention, these proportional control valves have corresponding electric rotary actuators 500 instead of the electric linear actuators (312, 314, 316, 318) described above.

[0072] More specifically, such as Figures 12 to 14 As shown, each electric rotary actuator 500 includes an axial drive screw 520 supported for vertical translation within a housing 522 driven by a DC rotary stepper motor 524. In each rotary actuator, the axial drive screw 520 is operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem 526, which is connected to... Figure 1 The four control valves 112, 114, 116, and 118 depicted are associated with each other. In use, rotation of the drive screw 520 causes a corresponding vertical movement of the valve stem 526 to dynamically regulate the amount of gas flowing through the associated control valve.

[0073] Or, such as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, an electric rotary actuator 600 can be used in a gas-sealed manifold assembly 510 for dynamically controlling airflow. Each electric rotary actuator includes a reduction gear assembly 625 supported within a housing 622 driven by a DC rotary stepper motor 624. The reduction gear assembly reduces the torque generated by the stepper motor. In each rotary actuator, the reduction gear assembly 625 is operatively associated with a drive screw 620 and a spring-loaded vertical valve stem 626 attached thereto. In use, actuation of the reduction gear assembly causes corresponding vertical movement of the drive screw 620 and the attached valve stem 626 to dynamically regulate the amount of gas flowing through associated control valves (i.e., 112, 114, 116, 118).

[0074] Although the gas delivery system and gas-sealed manifold assembly of this disclosure have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising: a) A manifold body comprising an inlet port for receiving gas from the outlet side of the compressor and an outlet port for recirculating gas back to the inlet side of the compressor; b) A bypass valve, which communicates with the inlet port and the outlet port of the manifold body, wherein the bypass valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the airflow through the bypass valve; c) An air vent valve, which is operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor upstream of the bypass valve, wherein the air vent valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere; d) A smoke exhaust valve, which is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor upstream of the bypass valve, wherein the smoke exhaust valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the discharge of gas from the manifold assembly when the gas delivery system is operating in smoke exhaust mode; as well as e) A gas injection valve, operatively associated upstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor, wherein the gas injection valve includes an electromechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the reception of gas from a surgical gas source.

2. The manifold assembly of claim 1, further comprising an overpressure relief valve operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for controlling the release of gas from the manifold assembly, wherein the overpressure relief valve is a solenoid valve.

3. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the manifold body includes a delivery port for delivering gas to a gas-tight inlet and a receiving port for receiving gas from the gas-tight inlet.

4. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the manifold body includes a gas quality sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for monitoring CO2 levels in gas recirculated through the manifold assembly.

5. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the manifold body includes a first pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the inlet side of the compressor, and a second pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor.

6. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein each electromechanical valve actuator is an electric linear actuator comprising a corresponding rack and pinion mechanism.

7. The manifold assembly of claim 6, wherein each rack and pinion mechanism comprises a horizontal actuation shaft, a horizontal drive rack gear operatively associated with the horizontal actuation shaft, a rotatable drive pinion driven by the horizontal drive rack gear, and a vertical drive rack gear driven by the drive pinion and operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

8. The manifold assembly of claim 7, wherein each horizontal drive rack gear is mounted to translate along a first horizontal axis, and wherein each rotatable drive pinion is mounted to rotate about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

9. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein each electromechanical valve actuator is an electric rotary actuator comprising a reduction gear assembly operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

10. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein each electromechanical valve actuator is an electrically driven rotary actuator comprising an axial drive screw operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

11. A manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising: a) A manifold body comprising an inlet port for receiving gas from the outlet side of the compressor and an outlet port for recirculating gas back to the inlet side of the compressor; b) A bypass valve, which communicates with the inlet port and the outlet port of the manifold body, wherein the bypass valve includes an electric linear valve actuator for dynamically controlling the airflow through the bypass valve; c) An air vent valve, which is operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor upstream of the bypass valve, wherein the air vent valve includes an electrically operated linear valve actuator for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere; d) A smoke exhaust valve, operatively associated upstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor, wherein the smoke exhaust valve includes an electrically operated linear valve actuator for dynamically controlling the discharge of gas from the manifold assembly when the gas delivery system is operating in smoke exhaust mode; and e) A gas injection valve, operatively associated upstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor, wherein the gas injection valve includes an electrically operated linear valve actuator for dynamically controlling the reception of gas from a surgical gas source.

12. The manifold assembly of claim 11, further comprising an overpressure relief valve operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for controlling the release of gas from the manifold assembly, wherein the overpressure relief valve is a solenoid valve.

13. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein the manifold body includes a delivery port for delivering gas to a gas-tight inlet and a receiving port for receiving gas from the gas-tight inlet.

14. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein the manifold body includes a gas quality sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for monitoring CO2 levels in gas recirculated through the manifold assembly.

15. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein the manifold body includes a first pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the inlet side of the compressor, and a second pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor.

16. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein each electric linear valve actuator comprises a corresponding rack and pinion mechanism.

17. The manifold assembly of claim 16, wherein each rack and pinion mechanism comprises a horizontal actuation shaft, a horizontal drive rack gear operatively associated with the horizontal actuation shaft, a rotatable drive pinion driven by the horizontal drive rack gear, and a vertical drive rack gear driven by the drive pinion and operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

18. The manifold assembly of claim 17, wherein each horizontal drive rack gear is mounted to translate along a first horizontal axis, and wherein each rotatable drive pinion is mounted to rotate about a second horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

19. A manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising: a) A manifold body comprising an inlet port for receiving gas from the outlet side of the compressor and an outlet port for recirculating gas back to the inlet side of the compressor; b) A bypass valve, which communicates with the inlet port and the outlet port of the manifold body, wherein the bypass valve includes an electrically operated rotary valve actuator for dynamically controlling the airflow through the bypass valve. c) An air vent valve, which is operatively associated with the inlet side of the compressor upstream of the bypass valve, wherein the air vent valve includes an electrically operated rotary valve actuator for dynamically controlling the intake of air from the atmosphere; d) A smoke exhaust valve, which is operatively associated with the outlet side of the compressor upstream of the bypass valve, wherein the smoke exhaust valve includes an electrically operated rotary valve actuator for dynamically controlling the discharge of gas from the manifold assembly when the gas delivery system is operating in smoke exhaust mode; as well as e) A gas injection valve, operatively associated upstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor, wherein the gas injection valve includes an electrically operated rotary valve actuator for dynamically controlling the reception of gas from a surgical gas source.

20. The manifold assembly of claim 19, further comprising an overpressure relief valve operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for controlling the release of gas from the manifold assembly, wherein the overpressure relief valve is a solenoid valve.

21. The manifold assembly of claim 19, wherein the manifold body includes a delivery port for delivering gas to a gas-tight inlet and a receiving port for receiving gas from the gas-tight inlet.

22. The manifold assembly of claim 19, wherein the manifold body includes a gas quality sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor for monitoring CO2 levels in gas recirculated through the manifold assembly.

23. The manifold assembly of claim 19, wherein the manifold body includes a first pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the inlet side of the compressor, and a second pressure sensor operatively associated downstream of the bypass valve with the outlet side of the compressor.

24. The manifold assembly of claim 19, wherein each electrically operated rotary valve actuator includes a reduction gear assembly operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

25. The manifold assembly of claim 19, wherein each electrically operated rotary valve actuator includes an axial drive screw operatively associated with a spring-loaded vertical valve stem.

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