Fluid cleaning effluent management attachment

Abstract

Techniques for managing discharged fluid effluents associated with a lumen cleaning process are presented herein. More specifically, according to certain embodiments presented, an effluent management accessory (EMA) is provided that substantially separates a gaseous portion from a non-gaseous (e.g., liquid and / or solid) portion of the fluid effluent that is discharged in conjunction with, for example, a lumen cleaning process; the separated portions may then each be properly positioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an accessory for use in conjunction with cleaning of internal lumens. Background Technology

[0002] Several different types of systems / devices include internal catheters / lumens that may require cleaning. Lumens can include, for example, dental tubing, food / beverage tubing, medical lumens, etc.

[0003] Specifically, multiple different medical devices (medical instruments) may include internal lumens for performing diagnostic and / or surgical procedures. For example, an endoscope is a medical device that includes an internal lumen that can be used for visually examining hollow organs or body cavities, delivering / retrieving fluids, etc. Endoscopes are specifically designed for different procedures, such as bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroscopy, and proctoscopy. Endoscopes, as well as other available diagnostic and / or surgical medical devices, can be reused on multiple patients, and thus the internal lumen must be cleaned between uses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On one hand, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one input port configured to receive a fluid effluent from at least one fluid effluent source; a first-stage separator configured to at least partially separate a gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from a non-gase portion of the fluid effluent, wherein the first-stage separator produces gaseous and non-gase emissions; and a second-stage separator configured to receive the gaseous emissions and separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous emissions from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emissions to produce refined gaseous emissions.

[0005] On the other hand, an apparatus is also provided. The apparatus includes: a centrifuge, the centrifuge including at least one input port configured to connect to a distal end of a lumen and receive fluid effluent generated during cleaning of the lumen, wherein the centrifuge is configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent, wherein the centrifuge produces gaseous and non-gase emissions.

[0006] On the other hand, a method is also provided. The method includes: receiving fluid effluent from a distal end of the lumen at a centrifuge during a lumen cleaning process; and at the centrifuge, separating at least partially the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent to produce gaseous and non-gase emissions. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This document describes embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope according to certain embodiments presented herein, the endoscope having an internal lumen that can be cleaned in conjunction with an effluent management accessory.

[0009] Figure 2A This is a flowchart of an example method for cleaning the internal lumen of a medical device using a contaminant removal fluid composition according to certain embodiments presented herein, wherein the contaminant removal fluid composition produces an effluent that can be managed with an effluent management accessory.

[0010] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the centrifugal separation stage / phase of a process for cleaning a lumen with a fluid composition that removes contaminants.

[0011] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram illustrating a filtration / period used in a process of cleaning a lumen with a fluid composition that removes contaminants.

[0012] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an effluent management accessory with a lumen cleaning device according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0013] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an effluent management accessory integrated into a lumen cleaning device according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0014] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E , Figure 4F and Figure 4G These are figures illustrating example outflow management attachments according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, illustrating installation onto the sink assembly according to certain embodiments presented herein. Figures 4A-4G Annex to the management of outflows;

[0016] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 6D and Figure 6E This is a diagram illustrating another example of an outflow management attachment according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0017] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C This illustrates certain embodiments based on the present document. Figures 6A-6E A diagram illustrating the operation of the ball valve in the effluent management accessory;

[0018] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Figure 8D , Figure 8E and Figure 8F This is a diagram illustrating another example of an outflow management attachment according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0019] Figure 8G and Figure 8H This illustrates certain embodiments based on the present document. Figures 8A-8F A diagram illustrating the operation of the pinch valve in the effluent management accessory; and

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an example method based on some embodiments presented herein. Detailed Implementation

[0021] As mentioned above, there are many different types of systems / devices that include internal catheters / lumens, such as dental tubing, food / beverage tubing, medical lumens, etc., which may require periodic and / or regular cleaning. For ease of description, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to cleaning specific medical lumens, namely the internal lumen of an endoscope. However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can also be used, or alternatively used, for cleaning any type of internal lumen.

[0022] An endoscope is a long, tubular medical device that can be rigid or flexible and incorporates optical or video systems and a light source. Typically, an endoscope is configured so that one end can be inserted into a patient through a surgical incision or one of the body's natural openings. This allows an external observer to see the internal structures near the insertion end of the endoscope.

[0023] Endoscopy is used not only for research but also for diagnosis and surgery. Endoscopic procedures are becoming increasingly popular because they are inherently minimally invasive and offer better patient outcomes (by reducing healing time and exposure to infection), enabling hospitals and clinics to achieve higher patient turnover rates.

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an example endoscope 100, which allows for the implementation of various aspects of the techniques proposed herein. As shown, similar to most endoscopes, endoscope 100 has an elongated tubular structure with a distal / tip 102 at one end for insertion into a patient and an opposing proximal or connector end 104, wherein a control handle 106 is located between the two ends (e.g., typically at the center of the length between connector end 104 and distal end 102). Connector end 104 includes a plurality of connectors that allow the endoscope to be attached to, for example, a light source 108, a water source 110, a suction source, etc. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and pressurized air source 112. For example, Figure 1 The diagram shows the suction port / connector 137, the water jet (auxiliary) port / connector 139, the water port / connector 141, and the air port / connector 143. During the process of controlling the endoscope 100 via valves, the operator holds the control handle 106, which in this example includes a suction valve 114, an air / water valve 116, a biopsy valve 118, and a control wheel 120.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, endoscope 100 includes an internal channel for delivering air and / or water, providing access for aspiration or allowing forceps and other medical equipment to be inserted during surgery. Thus, distal end 102 contains a camera lens ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and outlets for lighting, air, and water, as well as outlets for suction and forceps. Some of the internal channels extend from one end of the endoscope 100 to the other, while others extend through a valve seat at the control handle. Some channels branch, while others merge from two channels into one.

[0026] More specifically, Figure 1The diagram shows a biopsy / aspiration channel 122, an air channel 124, a water channel 126, and a water jet channel 128. The biopsy / aspiration channel 122 includes two sections, referred to as proximal section 122A and distal section 122B, which are connected by an aspiration valve 114. The air channel 124 also includes two sections, referred to as proximal section 124A and distal section 124B, which are connected by an air / water valve 116. Similarly, the water channel 126 includes two sections, referred to as proximal section 126A and distal section 126B, which are connected by an air / water valve 116. The distal section 126B of the water channel connects to the distal section 124B of the air channel at position 130 within the distal end 102. The water jet channel 128 extends directly from the connector end 104 to the distal end 102 (via the control handle 106), but is similarly referred to as having a proximal section 128A and a distal section 128B. The proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, and 128A of the channel are sometimes referred to as being located within the universal cable section (cable) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, and 128B of the channel are sometimes referred to as being located within the insertion tube 134 of the endoscope. More generally, as used herein, the proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, and 128A are the channel portions located between the connector end 104 and the control handle 106 and / or the midpoint of the control handle 106 (as applicable) and a valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116). The distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B and 128B are the passage portions located between the valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) at the midpoint of the control handle 106 and / or the distal end 102 of the endoscope 102.

[0027] The high cost of endoscopes means they must be reused. Therefore, to avoid cross-infection between users, each endoscope must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after each use. This involves not only cleaning the exterior of the endoscope but also the internal channels / lumens (e.g., Figure 1 Cleaning and disinfection of lumens 122, 124, 126 and 128.

[0028] Endoscopes used in colonoscopy procedures are typically 2.5 to 4 meters long and have one or more luminal channels no more than a few millimeters in diameter. Ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection of these narrow, long channels between patients presents a considerable challenge. The fact that there isn't just one configuration / type of endoscope further complicates the cleaning process. In reality, there is a wide variety of endoscopic devices, each suited for specific insertion applications, such as colonoscopes inserted into the colon, bronchoscopes inserted into the airway, and gastroscopes used to examine the stomach. For example, gastroscopes have a smaller diameter than colonoscopes; bronchoscopes are again smaller and shorter, while duodenoscopes have different tip designs for accessing the bile ducts.

[0029] Several options are available for the mechanical removal of biological residue from the lumen, the first stage of the cleaning and disinfection process. To date, the most common procedure for cleaning the lumen is using a small brush mounted on a thin, flexible tubing. In some countries, scrubbing is a mandatory method of lumen cleaning. These brushes are fed into the lumen while the endoscope is immersed in warm water and a cleaning solution. The brushes are then pushed / pulled along the length of the lumen to scrub away dirt / biological load. Manual back-and-forth scrubbing is often required. Water and cleaning solution are then flushed down the lumen. These flushing-scrubbing processes are repeated three times, or until the endoscope reprocessing technician is satisfied that the lumen is clean. At the end of this cleaning process, air is pumped out of the lumen to dry it. Flexible pull-through devices with wiping pads can also be used for the physical removal of material. A flow of liquid through the lumen under limited pressure can also be used.

[0030] However, generally speaking, only larger aspiration / biopsy tubing (e.g., Figure 1 Channels 122 (in the image) can be cleaned by brushing or pulling. Air / water channels (e.g., channels 124 and 126) may be too small for a brush, so these lumens are usually only rinsed with water and cleaning solution.

[0031] Following mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning is performed to remove residual biological contaminants. Because endoscopes are sensitive and expensive medical devices, biological residues cannot be treated at high temperatures or with strong chemicals. For this reason, mechanical cleaning should be as thorough as possible. In many cases, current mechanical cleaning methods cannot completely remove biofilms from the lumen, especially when cleaning relies solely on fluid flow. It is not uncommon for small amounts of microorganisms to remain in the channel, no matter how good the routine cleaning process is.

[0032] Studies have shown that even when performed according to regulations, brushing may not completely remove biofilm from the endoscope lumen. Besides its ineffectiveness, current manual brushing procedures may have other drawbacks. The large number of different endoscope manufacturers and models leads to numerous minor variations in manual cleaning procedures. This can cause confusion and ultimately result in poor compliance during the cleaning process. Current brushing systems may also be hazardous, as the chemicals currently used to clean endoscopes can adversely affect reprocessing personnel.

[0033] Current manual scrubbing systems can also be labor-intensive, leading to increased costs. Therefore, current methods for cleaning and disinfecting the lumens of medical cleaning devices remain inadequate, and residual microorganisms are now considered a significant threat to patients and staff exposed to these devices. For example, there is evidence that inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the internal structures of endoscopes has led to the spread of bacteria between patients, resulting in potentially fatal infections. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 41 hospitals worldwide (mostly in the United States) reported endoscopy-related bacterial infections affecting 300 to 350 patients (http: / / www.modernhealthcare.com / article / 20167415 / NEWS / 167419935). It is anticipated that reductions in bioburden across various medical devices will lead to an overall decrease in infection and mortality rates.

[0034] Additionally, if endoscopes are not properly cleaned and dried, biofilms can accumulate on the luminal walls. Biofilm formation begins when free-floating microorganisms attach themselves to the surface and surround themselves with a protective polysaccharide layer. The microorganisms then multiply or begin to aggregate with other microorganisms, increasing the extent of the polysaccharide layer. Multiple attachment sites may combine in time, resulting in a large biofilm deposit. Once bacteria or other microorganisms are bound to the biofilm, they become significantly more resistant to chemical and mechanical cleaning than when they are free-floating. The organisms themselves do not inherently possess greater resistance; rather, the resistance is conferred by the polysaccharide membrane and the fact that microorganisms can embed themselves deeply within it and be isolated from any chemical interactions. Any residual biofilm remaining after an attempt to clean quickly returns to equilibrium, and the microorganisms continue to grow further within the membrane. Endoscope lumens are particularly prone to biofilm formation. They are exposed to significant amounts of bioburden, and subsequent cleaning of narrow, elongated lumens is extremely difficult due to their limited accessibility and the inability to monitor the cleaning process.

[0035] There is immense pressure in healthcare facilities to reprocess endoscopes as quickly as possible. Because endoscopes are cleaned by hand, technician training and attitude are critical to determining the cleanliness of the devices. Residual biofilms on instruments can lead to endoscopic-acquired infections in patients. Typically, these infections occur in outbreaks and can have fatal consequences for patients.

[0036] It has been found that using contaminant removal fluid compositions to propel through the corresponding lumen of a medical device is particularly effective in removing unwanted substances through safe interaction with the lumen via physical contact, thereby achieving the purpose of cleaning the chamber. In these techniques, a liquid-powder mixture (the contaminant removal fluid composition) is generated, dispensed in an appropriate amount, and then delivered at least a portion through the lumen at an appropriate rate. The liquid-powder mixture (e.g., the contaminant removal fluid composition) is sometimes referred to herein as a 'slurry', and the amount of liquid-powder mixture dispensed herein is sometimes referred to herein as a 'cleaning clump' or 'clump'.

[0037] Figure 2A An exemplary method 240 for cleaning the lumen of a medical device using slurry and cleaning fluid clumps is shown. Figure 2A Method 240 begins at 242, generating, mixing, or otherwise obtaining a liquid-powder mixture. At 244, the liquid-powder mixture is dispensed into a suitable amount. At 246, the dispensed amount of liquid-powder mixture is delivered (e.g., propelled) through at least a portion of the lumen to be cleaned. This process can, of course, be carried out in any of a variety of ways.

[0038] For example, any suitable liquid-powder mixture can be implemented. It is understood that the liquid component of the mixture can promote the flowability of the mixture, while the presence of the powder can be used to interact with (e.g., flush) the walls of the target lumen (e.g., channel) to thereby clean the lumen. According to some instances, the amount of the powder component in the liquid-powder mixture within the mixture is greater than the corresponding saturation limit in the corresponding liquid, which can promote a cleaning interaction between the mixture and the walls of the lumen. In some embodiments, the liquid-powder mixture comprises a mixture of sodium bicarbonate powder and water, wherein the sodium bicarbonate is present in an amount greater than the corresponding saturation level. For example, in several embodiments, sodium bicarbonate may be present in an amount greater than 10% by mass of the mixture at certain stages. It has been determined that mixtures of sodium bicarbonate and water can be particularly effective in the disclosed applications. Furthermore, these constituent components are readily available. However, it should be understood that any suitable liquid-powder mixture can be used in alternative instances.

[0039] In some arrangements, the powder in the mixture is present in an amount below the corresponding saturation level of the associated liquid. However, the liquid is delivered to the target lumen before the powder is completely dissolved. In this way, undissolved powder can still interact with the target lumen to be cleaned.

[0040] Furthermore, it should be understood that liquid-powder mixtures can be produced / obtained in any of a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the powder is obtained from a box or other consumable chamber / container, water is obtained from a tap, and these constituent components are mixed in a holding chamber (or within the consumable chamber itself) close to (e.g., within days or weeks) a cleaning time. This method may be advantageous because powders such as sodium bicarbonate can be relatively stable and can have a long shelf life, and suitable water sources are readily available. However, in other embodiments, the mixture can be obtained in a pre-mixed form.

[0041] As described above, method 240 involves dispensing a liquid-powder mixture into appropriate amounts. As shown in the figure, the dispensed amount is then delivered through the lumen to be cleaned. Delivering discrete amounts of the mixture can be advantageous because the discrete amounts can be delivered periodically at an appropriate rate, and the periodic application of the composition can help facilitate cleaning of the lumen without clogging / blocking the target lumen. Furthermore, the discrete nature of the delivered amount can help maintain an appropriate delivery rate, which can also contribute to cleaning. For example, if the liquid-powder mixture is delivered continuously (instead of in discrete dispensing amounts), this method may have the risk of 'clogging' or otherwise blocking the lumen, thereby reducing the rate at which contaminants escape the fluid composition and flow through the lumen, and potentially affecting cleaning efficacy.

[0042] It is worth noting that different amounts of liquid-powder mixture can be applied differently to lumens with different characteristics to be cleaned. For example, the air / water channels within an endoscope are typically in the narrowest lumens and are therefore more suitable for cleaning with a relatively small amount of liquid-powder mixture (while using a larger amount may cause blockage of such narrow channels). In contrast, the aspiration / biopsy channels within an endoscope are typically in the widest lumens and are therefore more suitable for cleaning with a relatively large amount of liquid-powder mixture. Thus, the amount of liquid-powder mixture allocated for cleaning a given lumen is a function of the geometry of the lumen to be cleaned. Of course, it should be understood that the allocated amount of liquid-powder mixture can also, or alternatively, be a function of any of a variety of parameters, including those relevant to the target.

[0043] The dispensing amount of the liquid-powder mixture can be determined in any of a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, a valve can be used to dispense a target amount of the liquid-powder mixture from a reservoir. In some embodiments, a self-regulating pressurization system is used to dispense an appropriate amount of the liquid-powder mixture from a reservoir.

[0044] As mentioned above, Figure 2A Method 240 further includes delivering a dispensing amount of the liquid-powder mixture through at least a portion of the lumen to be cleaned. Generally, a carrier fluid (such as air, water, etc.) is used to deliver (e.g., propel) the dispensing amount of the liquid-powder mixture through at least a portion of the lumen to be cleaned at a suitable rate. The dispensing amount of the liquid-powder mixture is delivered in a manner (e.g., suitable size, suitable rate, etc.) to provide a suitable physical interaction between the mixture and the wall of the lumen, meaning that undissolved powder will physically contact or flow along the wall of the lumen to remove contaminants (e.g., bioburden) from the wall of the lumen. Of course, the dispensing amount of the liquid-powder mixture can be delivered through the lumen in any suitable manner to enable cleaning of the lumen.

[0045] It is worth noting that method 240 can be iterated any number of times to facilitate cleaning of the lumen of the medical device. For example, Figure 2B A cleaning fluid clump 248 (e.g., a dispensing amount of a liquid-powder mixture) is shown being delivered through a lumen 252 to remove contaminants from the lumen wall, with the approximate direction of travel of the clump 248 indicated by arrow 261. That is, as shown, the lumen 252 has one or more contaminants 254 (e.g., bioburden) disposed on the inner surface / wall 256 of the lumen. The delivery of the cleaning fluid clump 248 through the lumen 252 is further illustrated to physically interact with the lumen wall and thereby remove the contaminants 254 from the lumen. The cleaning fluid clump 248 can be considered as being entrained in a carrier fluid, which in this example comprises air (indicated by arrow 263).

[0046] Generally, the cleaning fluid clumps proposed herein, such as cleaning fluid clump 248, can have different forms / arrangements. For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning fluid clumps proposed herein can be relatively single / monolithic blocks (e.g., potentially substantially obstructing the lumen as they travel through it), which are sometimes referred to herein as "monolithic clumps". However, in other embodiments, the cleaning fluid clumps can be "agglomerates" or "clusters" of smaller blocks / groups that travel through the lumen as loose groups (e.g., potentially not obstructing the lumen as they travel through it), which are sometimes referred to herein as "clustered clumps". Figure 2B The illustration schematically shows an example of a cluster of liquid clusters, where liquid cluster 248 is an example of a cluster of liquid clusters.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cleaning clump can transform between different forms during its lifecycle. For example, the clump may be dispatched (initially generated) as a monolithic clump but subsequently transform into a cluster clump. This transformation can occur before entering the lumen (e.g., in the delivery chamber) and / or while traveling through the lumen.

[0048] As mentioned above, Figure 2B Overall, this demonstrates the delivery of cleaning fluid clump 248 through lumen 252. In some instances, Figure 2B This indicates the first stage / period of the cleaning process, while Figure 2C This indicates the second stage / period of the cleaning process. More specifically, this occurs after the cleaning clump liquid 248 has been delivered through lumen 252 (as shown in the image). Figure 2B As shown), the fluid flow is delivered through lumen 252 without any liquid clumps. Figure 2C In one example, the fluid flow includes water 265, with the general direction of travel again indicated by arrow 261. In some instances, the fluid flow (e.g., water 265) is configured to remove residue 247 from the lumen. Residue 247 may include, for example, some residual portions of contaminant 254 and / or portions of clumps 248 that may remain on the walls of the lumen 252 after the clumps have passed through (e.g., the clumps may be divided into different clusters, some of which remain on the walls of the lumen 252). If present, the portions of clumps 248 remaining on the walls of the lumen 252 can aid the cleaning process as these portions are flushed through the lumen 252 by the fluid flow.

[0049] Figure 2B and 2C The overall arrangement demonstrates a secondary (fluid flow) distributed between the delivery of cleaning fluid droplets. That is, in Figure 2B and 2C In some embodiments, each cleaning fluid clump is followed by a fluid-only flow. In some alternative embodiments, multiple clumps may be delivered simultaneously or sequentially through the lumen without separation (e.g., no fluid-only flow).

[0050] Importantly, although Figure 2B Two cleaning fluid globules 248 are shown being delivered simultaneously through lumen 252, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the cleaning fluid globules are delivered sequentially (e.g., one at a time) through the lumen. Although Figure 2B The delivery of two cleaning fluid globules 248 is illustrated, but it should be understood that in different embodiments, any number of cleaning fluid globules can be delivered through the lumen. Generally, using a series of discrete / individual cleaning fluid globules 248 allows individual cleaning fluid globules to maintain sufficient kinetic energy to allow particles carrying the globules to advantageously interact with the lumen wall and remove contaminants from the lumen wall at a rate through the lumen compared to a single large flow rate.

[0051] As mentioned above, lumen cleaning processes can be performed on multiple different lumens in various ways, as discussed above. Figure 2A , 2B And as described in 2C. As background, regarding cleaning... Figure 1 The endoscope 100 is used to describe at least a portion of a specific example implementation.

[0052] More specifically, in an example cleaning process / cycle, one (1) cleaning fluid clump is launched / injected into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, nine (9) cleaning fluid clumps are then launched into the biopsy / absorption channel 122 via the aspiration connector 137, one (1) cleaning fluid clump is then launched into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, three (3) cleaning fluid clumps are then launched into the distal segment 122B of the biopsy / absorption channel 122 via the biopsy valve 118, one (1) cleaning fluid clump is then launched into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, and then nine (9) cleaning fluid clumps are launched into the biopsy / absorption channel 122 via the aspiration connector 137. The cleaning cycle may further include firing / ejecting six (6) cleaning fluid globules into air channel 124 via air connector 143, and firing six (6) cleaning fluid globules into water channel 126 via water connector 141 (e.g., in parallel). As stated above regarding... Figure 2C As described, the emission of the cleaning fluid clump within each target lumen can be followed by a fluid flow. The cleaning fluid clump and fluid flow can be delivered via one or possibly multiple connectors (e.g., a connector for an air tube and a connector for an air / water bottle).

[0053] In some instances, approximately 180-200 grams of slurry can be used to clean a typical flexible GI endoscope. For example, approximately 80-100 grams can be used to clean a relatively large channel (e.g., aspiration / biopsy channel 122), with a total of 21 injections and a delay of approximately 15 seconds between each injection. For relatively small channels (e.g., air / water channels), the process can use approximately 60-80 grams, with a total of 12 injections and a delay of approximately 30 seconds between each injection. For other small channels (e.g., water jet channel 128), the process can use approximately 10-20 grams, with a total of 3 injections and a delay of approximately 30 seconds between each injection. Similarly, each of these channels can also receive subsequent fluid flows (e.g., after each cleaning fluid clump), as described above regarding... Figure 2C As described.

[0054] As described above, the cleaning fluid clump is delivered to the target lumen at a rate suitable / sufficient to remove contaminants from the walls of the target lumen. The rate of the cleaning fluid clump can vary, for example, based on the properties of the target lumen, the properties of the contaminant detachment from the fluid composition (slurry) used to form the clump, etc. In an illustrative example, for a relatively large lumen, the clump velocity could be approximately 1000 mm / s.

[0055] Additionally, cleaning fluid clumps can be delivered within specific pressure and fluid flow (air) ranges. In some instances, cleaning fluid clumps can be delivered at pressures up to approximately 26 psi (air, note that this is adjusted via PPR as described below), up to approximately 24 psi (water), and so on. Example airflow measurements may include approximately 50 SLPM (large channel unloaded), approximately 11–17 SLPM (large channel during metered feed), approximately 7–10 SLPM (large channel during full load), approximately 5–7 SLPM (small channel unloaded), and approximately 0.1 SLPM (small channel during full load). It should be understood that these ranges and values ​​are merely illustrative.

[0056] As described elsewhere herein, techniques for cleaning lumens are diverse, including manual processes (e.g., manual scrubbing / brushing before and / or after a flushing fluid flow), processes using a propelled contaminant-detaching fluidic composition, processes involving a flushing flow of water or other fluids without scrubbing / brushing, and / or other techniques. However, at least at certain stages, all these techniques result in some discharges, referred to herein as “fluid effluents,” that exit from, for example, the distal end of the lumen. Fluid effluents can include fluids used in the cleaning process (e.g., air, water, blood, contaminant-detaching fluidic compositions, etc.) and / or solids (e.g., powders, biofilms, etc.) and / or contaminants removed from the lumen during the cleaning process. That is, as used herein, fluid effluents can include water only, air only, a combination of water and air, a combination of water and / or air with contaminants, etc., regardless of source, specific flushing medium / technique, etc.

[0057] This paper presents a technique for managing fluid effluents (fluid cleaning effluents) discharged in connection with lumen cleaning processes. More specifically, according to some of the proposed embodiments, an effluent management accessory (EMA) is provided for substantially separating the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gaseous (e.g., liquid and / or solid) portion, which is discharged in conjunction with, for example, a lumen cleaning process; the separated portions can then each be appropriately disposed of. Thus, the effluent management accessory can promote a high-quality environment for laboratories / cleaning personnel. In this context, the value of maintaining / promoting a high-quality clean environment has been undervalued, and the disclosed device provides an elegant solution to this problem.

[0058] As stated above, for ease of illustration only, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to the automated cleaning process using a fluid composition and a lumen cleaning device to clean specific types of medical lumens, namely, the passageways of endoscopes. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to use with endoscopes, or more generally not limited to use with medical devices. Thus, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can be used in conjunction with the cleaning of lumens of various devices / instruments used in a wide range of applications, such as dental tubing, food / beverage tubing, and other medical lumens. Furthermore, as also stated above, aspects of the techniques presented herein can also be used with manual lumen cleaning; therefore, references to automated lumen cleaning using a fluid composition and / or a lumen cleaning device are merely illustrative.

[0059] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the management of fluid cleaning effluent using effluent management accessory 301 according to certain embodiments presented herein. More specifically, Figure 3A An automated lumen cleaning device 370 (device) is shown, comprising a user interface 372, a pressure sensor 374, and multiple connectors 376. Connectors 376 facilitate connection of the automated lumen cleaning device 370 to an air supply source 378 (e.g., a compressed dry air supply source) and a water supply source 380 (e.g., a drinking water supply source). Connectors 376 also include a device outlet port 382.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the automated lumen cleaning device 370 also includes an interface / connector 384 for an endoscope adapter hose 386. The endoscope adapter hose 386 connects the automated lumen cleaning device 370 to one or more lumens of an endoscope (e.g., endoscope 100). Figure 3A During an exemplary cleaning process, the endoscope 100 may be substantially submerged in water 388, for example, within a sink assembly 390. The sink assembly 390 includes a sink drain pipe 397 (e.g., a P-trap drain pipe).

[0061] As mentioned above, Figure 3A The image also shows an effluent management accessory 301, in this example, which is fluidly connected to each of the automatic lumen cleaning device 370 and the endoscope 100. More specifically, and in detail below, the effluent management accessory 301 includes two input ports, referred to as input port 303 and input port 305. Input port 303 is fluidly connected to device outlet port 382 via device outlet tubing / hose 307, while input port 305 is fluidly connected to the distal end of one or more lumens of the endoscope 100 via endoscope adapter tubing assembly 329. Endoscope adapter tubing assembly 329 includes tubing / hose 311 and adapter 313, as well as other elements. In some instances, adapter 313 has a customer replaceable elastomer part that seals the endoscope tip. The effluent management accessory 301 also includes a drain port 315 connected to a drain assembly 317, the end of which is a faucet adapter 319 connected to a sink drain pipe 397. As further detailed below, the drainage assembly 317 may have a predetermined immersion height 391.

[0062] As mentioned above, Figure 3A An effluent management accessory 301 is shown, which is fluidly connected to each of the automated lumen cleaning device 370 and the endoscope 100. In another arrangement, the effluent management accessory 301 may be fluidly connected only to the endoscope 100 and not fluidly connected to the automated lumen cleaning device 370.

[0063] The effluent management accessory 301 can be installed onto the sink assembly 390. Figure 3A In the illustrative example, the effluent management accessory 301 is installed into the sink assembly 390 through a hole (with a gasket) 389. In another alternative embodiment, such as Figure 3B As shown, the effluent management accessory 301 can also be integrated into the automatic lumen cleaning device 370.

[0064] As further described below, the effluent management accessory 301 operates by receiving fluid cleaning effluent (fluid effluent) from endoscope 100 (via adapter 313, hose 311, and input port 305) or directly from automated lumen cleaning device 370 (via adapter 309, hose 307, and input port 303). The effluent management accessory 301 is configured to separate any gases (e.g., air) present in the fluid effluent from any non-gaseous components (e.g., liquids and / or solids) present in the effluent discharged during automated or manual cleaning processes. Generally, the effluent management accessory 301 includes one or more separation stages (e.g., a first-stage separator, and in some instances, a second-stage separator). In some instances, a centrifugal separation stage or centrifugal separator (e.g., a first-stage separator) performs a centrifugal separation process to at least partially separate the gaseous (e.g., air) portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gaseous portion. The centrifugal separation stage (first-stage separator) produces both "gaseous effluent" and "non-gaseous effluent". As used herein, "non-gaseous emissions" generally include the liquid and / or solid portions of fluid effluents, such as water, blood, biofilms, contaminants, etc., but may also include some gaseous portions of fluid effluents. As used herein, "gaseous emissions" generally include the gaseous portions of fluid effluents, but may also include relatively small amounts of liquid and / or solid portions of fluid effluents. According to embodiments presented herein, the volume of solids / liquids in non-gaseous emissions is larger than the volume of solids / liquids in gaseous emissions. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in non-gaseous emissions is at least 10% larger than the volume of solids / liquids in gaseous emissions. In some embodiments, gaseous emissions are greater than 50% (by volume) gaseous, and non-gaseous emissions are greater than 50% (by volume) liquid / solid. In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in gaseous emissions is less than 50% of the volume of gaseous emissions. In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in gaseous emissions is less than 25% of the volume of gaseous emissions. In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in gaseous emissions is less than 10% of the volume of gaseous emissions.

[0065] According to the embodiments presented herein, non-gaseous emissions are discharged into the sink drain pipe 397. However, according to some embodiments presented herein, a “refining” or “secondary separation” stage (e.g., a second-stage separator in the form of a filter cartridge assembly, a detour path, etc.) is provided to further refine the gaseous emissions generated in the centrifugal separation stage. That is, as further described below, the gaseous emissions are refined to further separate the residual liquid and / or solid portions of the fluid effluent from the residual gaseous portions, thereby allowing the “refined gaseous emissions” to be safely discharged into the room. Specifically, the refining stage receives the gaseous emissions from the centrifugal separation stage and operates to further separate the gaseous portions of the gaseous emissions from the non-gaseous portions, thereby releasing / discharging the refined gaseous emissions into the environment (room). As used herein, “refined gaseous emissions” refers to gaseous emissions generated by a centrifugal separation process that undergoes secondary refining by a refining stage (e.g., a filter cartridge assembly, a detour path, etc.).

[0066] The Effluent Management Annex 301 is operable to manage multi-fluid phase conditions, such as mixed flows of gas, liquid, and solids, mixed flows of gas and liquids, gas only, liquid only, etc. That is, as used herein, fluid effluents can include mixed flows of gas, liquid, and solids, mixed flows of gas and liquids, gas only, liquid only, etc. Certain design features are provided to manage these complex multi-fluid phase conditions.

[0067] Figure 4A-4G This is a figure illustrating an example effluent management accessory 401 according to certain embodiments presented herein, which provides both a centrifugal separation stage (e.g., a first-stage separator in the form of a centrifuge) and a refining stage (e.g., a second-stage separator in the form of a "filtration separation" stage). As described elsewhere herein, the presence of both the centrifugal separation stage and the filtration separation stage is merely illustrative. For example, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can be implemented with a device that omits the filtration separation stage. More specifically, Figure 4A This is a side view of Annex 401 for effluent management. Figure 4B This is a partial exploded view of Annex 401 of the Outflow Management section. Figure 4C This is a first cross-sectional view of the effluent management accessory 401 under the operating configuration, and Figure 4D This is a second cross-sectional view of the effluent management annex 401 under the operating configuration. Figure 4E and 4F This is a perspective view of the filter cartridge assembly of effluent management accessory 401, and Figure 4G This is a top view of the effluent management accessory 401 in a non-operating configuration (i.e., the filter cartridge assembly is removed). For ease of explanation, Figure 4A-4GThey will usually be described together.

[0068] Effluent management accessory 401 is described as generally comprising five (5) sections, referred to as drainage assembly 417, conical assembly 423, filter cartridge assembly 425, first hose / pipe assembly 427, and second hose / pipe assembly 429. Each of these sections will be described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the effluent management accessory 401 is broadly divided into these five specific sections merely for ease of description, and in alternative arrangements, the effluent management accessory proposed herein may include a different number of sections with multiple different structural arrangements.

[0069] Similar to Figure 3A and 3B The effluent management attachment 301 and effluent management attachment 401 operate by receiving clean fluid effluents (fluid effluents), which may include multi-fluid phase conditions such as a mixed flow of gas, liquid, and solid, a mixed flow of gas and liquid, gas only, liquid only, etc. As further described below, effluent management attachment 401 performs at least two main functions on the received effluent, including centrifugal separation of gases present in the fluid effluent from liquids and / or solids, and filtration separation. That is, effluent management attachment 401 is configured to separate gases (e.g., air) present in the clean fluid effluent from any liquids and solids present in the effluent discharged during automatic or manual cleaning processes.

[0070] The centrifugal separation stage uses a centrifugal separation process to substantially separate the liquid and solid portions (particles) of the fluid effluent from the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent, producing gaseous and non-gaseous emissions. However, as further described below, the filtration separation stage applies only to the gaseous emissions (e.g., the substantially separated gaseous portions produced during the centrifugal separation stage), while the non-gaseous emissions (e.g., the relatively large liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent) are immediately discarded. Figure 4A-4G In this embodiment, the filtration separation stage uses a filtration process (e.g., a coalescing filter) to separate the liquid and solid portions (particles) of the fluid effluent from the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent. Thus, only the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent is safely discharged into the room, while the liquid and solid effluents are safely discharged into, for example, a sink drain. The structural arrangement of the effluent management annex 401 is further described below, followed by a more detailed explanation of its functional operation.

[0071] The effluent management accessory 401 first includes a conical assembly 423 having two input ports, referred to as input port 403 and input port 405, each configured to receive fluid effluent from one or more fluid effluent sources. In this example, input port 403 is configured to be fluidly connected via a first hose assembly 427 to a drain fitting / port of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., a drain port of an endoscope reprocessing device). Figure 4A-4G (not shown in the image), and the input port 405 is configured to be fluidly connected via a second hose assembly 429 to the distal end of one or more lumens (e.g., the distal end of an endoscope). Figures 4A-4F (Not shown in the image).

[0072] Hose assembly 427 includes an adapter 409 for connection to the drain port of the lumen cleaning device, a connector 431 for connection to the inlet port 403 (e.g., quick-disconnect), and a hose / tube 407 fluidly connecting the adapter 409 to the connector 431. Hose assembly 429 includes an adapter 413 for connection to the distal end of one or more lumens, a connector 433 for connection to the inlet port 405 (e.g., quick-disconnect), and a hose / tube 411 fluidly connecting the adapter 413 to the connector 433. In this example, adapter 412 is configured to fit into connector 435 and includes a backflow suppressor 437 (backflow minimizer). In this example, backflow suppressor 437 includes a conical-shaped part that minimizes the flow rate of effluent returning to hose 411. It should be understood that this specific arrangement of backflow suppressor 437 is merely illustrative, and other types of backflow suppressors may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0073] As mentioned above, Figure 4A-4G The effluent management accessory 401 includes two input ports for receiving effluent. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is merely illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or more than such input ports.

[0074] Return to Figure 4A-4G In a specific example, the conical assembly 423 is a component of the centrifugal separation stage and serves as the drain port of the cavity cleaning device, the interface between the cleaned cavity and the drain path of the water tank. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 423 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 441 terminating at the drain port 415. Figure 4A-4G In one example, the cone assembly 423 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 436 (where ports 403 and 405 are located) and a lower portion 438 having a conical volume. In other embodiments, the upper portion may be omitted, such that the entire cone assembly 423 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0075] A baffle / separator blade 439 (impeller) is disposed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 423. The baffle / separator blade has a central aperture 443 (through hole), sometimes referred to as an "eddy current detector." Figure 4A-4G In this example, baffle 439 is part of filter element assembly 425. However, in alternative embodiments, baffle 439 may be detachable from filter element assembly 425.

[0076] In some instances, the conical assembly 423 is referred to as having a first end 471 and a second end 473. As shown, a baffle 439 is disposed in the conical assembly 423 adjacent to the first end 471, while a drain port 415 is disposed at the second end 473. Thus, the conical assembly 423 defines a substantially conical volume between the baffle 439 and the drain port 415.

[0077] In addition to the baffle 439, the filter cartridge assembly 425 defines an internal volume 447, which is disposed above the central aperture 443 of the baffle 439, wherein the central aperture 443 provides the sole fluid connection between the internal volumes 441 and 447. The internal volume 447 is circumferentially surrounded by the filter 449, which is in turn housed in a filter housing 445. The filter housing 445 also includes an opening 453 and may also provide a splash guard 451.

[0078] In some embodiments, the filter element assembly 425 is secured to the conical assembly 423 (e.g., via two cantilever blades). In alternative embodiments, the filter element assembly 425 may be secured to the conical assembly 423 in different ways, such as to the drain assembly 417. A seal 455 (e.g., an O-ring) may be provided between the filter element assembly 425 and the conical assembly 423.

[0079] like Figure 4B Most clearly shown, the drain assembly 417 includes a body or bracket assembly 457 configured to receive and secure the conical assembly 423. The body 457 is rotatable to accommodate different device-to-sink orientations. The drain assembly 417 also includes a drain hose / pipe 459 having a first end connected to the body 457 and a second end connected to a faucet adapter 419. A drain port 415 of the conical assembly 423 is fluidly connected to the first end of the drain hose 459, and the faucet adapter 419 is configured to connect to the sink drain pipe. Figures 4A-4F(Not shown in the image). That is, faucet adapter 419 is used to securely connect a drain hose to a sink drain pipe, such as a P-trap. In some embodiments, faucet adapter 419 can be used with all global standard faucet sizes.

[0080] The figure shows a cap 461 attached to the body 457. When the filter cartridge assembly 425 is not mounted on the body 457, the cap 461 is configured to cooperate with the body to minimize the chance that the effluent management accessory 401 will operate without the filter cartridge. When inserted into the body 457, the cap 461 physically blocks the inlet ports 403 and 405.

[0081] As described above, the effluent management accessory 401 is configured to perform dynamic separation of gaseous (e.g., air) effluents from liquid and solid effluents in two stages. The centrifugal separation stage occurs within the conical assembly 423, while the filtration separation stage occurs within the filter cartridge assembly 425. In the centrifugal separation stage, the received effluent is impacted along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 423, and due to the high inertial force (centrifugal force) of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture will traverse downwards towards the drain port 415, causing the gas to exit towards the central orifice 443 (eddy current detector) and enter the internal volume 447 of the filter cartridge assembly 425. A baffle 439 is an integrated feature of the centrifugal separation stage, providing a boundary between the central orifice 443 and the radial air flow without disrupting the inner wall of the flow eddy current.

[0082] In other words, during the centrifugal separation stage, the fluid effluent (received from the endoscope 100 and the automatic lumen cleaning device 370) is tangentially fed into the cylindrical top of the conical assembly 423 to generate rotation. The flow velocity is further accelerated as it passes through the cylindrical top. Centrifugal force separates the non-gas fraction of the fluid effluent while simultaneously rotating it downwards along the surface profile of the conical assembly 423. Simultaneously, during rotation, the gas fraction of the fluid effluent is moved into the baffle 439.

[0083] In summary, the centrifugal separation stage (centrifuge) is used to at least partially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluent, resulting in what is referred herein as “gaseous emissions” (e.g., separated and potentially moist gases) and “non-gaseous emissions” (e.g., generally liquid and / or solid). The gaseous emissions enter the central orifice 443, while the non-gaseous emissions (solid and liquid portions) pass through the drain port 415 (e.g., due to gravity) and eventually reach the drain hose 459 and the connected drain pipe. In other words, heavier non-gaseous particles are separated from the gas by centrifugal force, where the non-gaseous particles have a larger mass and therefore these larger particles impact the wall of the conical assembly 423 more forcefully, separating them from the gaseous particles, while gravity pulls the non-gaseous particles downwards into the drain pipe.

[0084] In some instances, this centrifugal separation stage utilizes two conditions achieved through the physical arrangement of the effluent management accessory 401. Specifically, during operation, the effluent management accessory 401 should be oriented such that the drain port 415 is positioned below the baffle 439, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous emissions (heavier solids and liquids) downward toward the drain port 415, while allowing lighter gaseous emissions to enter the central pore 443. Figure 5A and 5B These are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, showing the outflow management accessory 401, oriented to the sink assembly 490 so that gravity can pull heavier non-gaseous emissions downward toward the drain port 415 and allow gaseous emissions to enter the central orifice 443. It is worth noting that... Figure 5B In this document, a portion of the sink assembly 490 is omitted to more clearly illustrate the various aspects of the effluent management annex 401.

[0085] In addition to the upright orientation of the effluent management accessory 401, a second physical condition during operation is that the fluid resistance of the drain hose 459 should be greater than the fluid resistance of the filter element assembly 425, especially when only gaseous effluent flows (e.g., during air purging). If the fluid resistance of the filter element assembly 425 is greater than that of the drain hose, gaseous emissions may escape through the drain hose 459 and the connected drain pipe, resulting in aerosolization. The relatively high fluid resistance of the drain hose 459 can be addressed, for example, by including a dynamic shut-off valve (e.g., as shown in the image) at the drain port 415. Figures 6A-6E Provided by ball valves as shown in 7A-7C, or by providing a minimum water column (immersion height) within the drain hose 459 (e.g., refer to...). Figure 3A The predetermined immersion height is shown as 391.

[0086] As described above, the centrifugal separation stage is used to at least partially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents. In some instances, as described above, gaseous emissions (e.g., gaseous effluent and residual relatively small liquid or solid particles) enter the central pore 443 (eddy current detector) and penetrate into the internal volume 447 of the filter element assembly 425. As described above, the filter element assembly 425 (filter housing 445) includes an opening 453, with a filter 449 located between the opening and the central pore 443. Thus, gaseous emissions pass from the internal volume 447 to the filter 449, separating the residual relatively small liquid or solid particles from the residual gas. Thus, the residual gas can pass through the filter 449, producing refined gaseous emissions that can exit through the opening 453 to reach the surrounding environment (e.g., by bypassing the splash guard 451), while the residual relatively small liquid or solid particles are trapped by the filter 449. Filter 449 can remove excess water vapor from the gas to prevent a rapid increase in moisture in the surrounding environment.

[0087] In summary, the filter cartridge assembly 425 manages solid and liquid particles not collected during the centrifugal separation stage. Generally, these particles are smaller than the “cutoff” diameter of the centrifugal separation stage’s collection efficiency threshold (CET). As described elsewhere herein, the filtration stage (or other type of refining stage) can be implemented in different ways, or in some embodiments, the centrifugal separation stage operates alone to manage the fluid effluent (e.g., the filtration stage is omitted).

[0088] In some embodiments, filter 449 may be a coalescing filter with relatively low pressure drop characteristics and high collection efficiency (e.g., 0.1–0.30 μm level). In specific examples, filter 449 is made of borosilicate microfiber material. In some embodiments, filter 449 may be, for example, replaceable and / or cleanable by back pressure. In some embodiments, the entire filter cartridge assembly 425 is a consumable / disposable component, while other components (e.g., conical assembly, drainage assembly, etc.) can be cleaned for reuse.

[0089] Figure 4A-4G This document presents an example arrangement of an outflow management annex according to certain embodiments presented herein. It should be understood that... Figure 4A-4G The arrangements shown are merely illustrative, and the outflow management accessories according to the embodiments presented herein can be implemented with different arrangements. For example, Figures 6A-6E Another arrangement of the outflow management annex according to certain embodiments presented herein is shown, referred to as outflow management annex 601.

[0090] More specifically, Figure 6AIt is a side view of Annex 601 for effluent management, and Figure 6B This is a perspective view of Annex 601 on effluent management. Figure 6C This is a first cross-sectional view of effluent management Annex 601 (along...) Figure 6A (GG cutout of the line in the middle). Figure 6D This is the second cross-sectional view of effluent management Annex 601 (along...) Figure 6A (Line II is cut off), and Figure 6E This is the third cross-sectional view of effluent management Annex 601 (along...) Figure 6A (The line HH in the middle is cut off).

[0091] The effluent management accessory 601 typically includes a drainage assembly 617, a conical assembly 623, and a filter cartridge assembly 625. Each of these parts will be described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the effluent management accessory 601 is broadly divided into these specific parts merely for ease of description, and in alternative arrangements, the effluent management accessory proposed herein may include a different number of parts with multiple different structural arrangements.

[0092] The effluent management accessory 601 operates by receiving clean fluid effluents (fluid effluents), which may include multi-phase conditions such as a mixed flow of gas, liquid, and solid, a mixed flow of gas and liquid, gas only, liquid only, etc. As further described below, the effluent management accessory 601 performs at least two main functions on the received fluid effluents, including substantially separating the gas from any liquid and / or solid, producing a centrifugal separation stage of gaseous and non-gaseous emissions, and a filtration separation stage of separating the gaseous emissions. That is, the effluent management accessory 601 is configured to separate any gas (e.g., air) present in the clean fluid effluent from any liquid and solid present in the effluent discharged during automatic or manual cleaning processes. The separated (moist) gas (gaseous emissions) is refined (e.g., filtered) so that it can be safely discharged into the room, while the liquid and solid effluents can be safely discharged into, for example, a sink drain. The following section further describes the structural layout of Annex 601 for Outflow Management, and then explains the functional operation of Annex 601 for Outflow Management in more detail.

[0093] The effluent management accessory 601 first includes a conical assembly 623 having two input ports, referred to as input port 603 and input port 605, configured to receive effluent. That is, input port 603 and input port 605 are each configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid cleaning effluent source. In this example, input port 603 is configured to be fluidly connected to a drain fitting / port of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., a drain port of an endoscope reprocessing device). Figures 6A-6E (not shown in the image), and the input port 605 is configured to be fluidly connected to the distal end of one or more lumens (e.g., the distal end of an endoscope). Figures 6A-6E (Not shown in the image).

[0094] exist Figures 6A-6E In one example, an adapter 613 for connection to the distal end of one or more lumens is attached to an input port 605. The adapter 613 includes a backflow suppressor 637. In this example, the backflow suppressor 637 includes a conical-shaped part that minimizes the flow rate of effluent returning to the lumen. Figure 6A In this diagram, a portion of the outer surface of the effluent management accessory 601 has been omitted to show the backflow suppressor 637.

[0095] It should be understood that the specific arrangement of this backflow suppressor 637 is merely illustrative, and other types of backflow suppressors may be used in alternative embodiments. Additionally, a connector 631 (e.g., a quick-disconnect connection) is located at the input port 603. The operating connector 631 is used to connect to a hose / pipe ( Figures 6A-6E (not shown in the image), the hose / tube can then be connected to a lumen cleaning device.

[0096] As mentioned above, Figures 6A-6E The effluent management accessory 601 includes two input ports for receiving effluent. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is merely illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or more. In various embodiments, input ports 603 and 605 may be configured to connect directly to a suitable fluid clean effluent source, or may each be configured to connect to a suitable fluid clean effluent source via a hose assembly, which may be similar to or different from the hose assemblies described elsewhere herein.

[0097] Return to Figures 6A-6E In a specific example, the conical assembly 623 is a component of the centrifugal separation stage and serves as the drain port of the cavity cleaning device, the interface between the cleaned cavity and the drain pipe path of the water tank. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 623 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 641 terminating at the drain port 615. Figures 6A-6EIn one example, the cone assembly 623 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 636 (where input ports 603 and 605 are located) and a lower portion 638 having a conical volume. In other embodiments, the upper portion may be omitted, such that the entire cone assembly 623 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0098] A baffle / separator blade 639 (impeller) is disposed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 623. The baffle / separator blade has a central aperture 643 (through-hole), sometimes referred to as an "eddy current detector." Figures 6A-6E In this example, baffle 639 is part of filter element assembly 625. However, in alternative embodiments, baffle 639 may be detachable from filter element assembly 625.

[0099] In addition to the baffle 639, the filter cartridge assembly 625 includes a filter cover 645 that defines an internal volume 647 disposed above the central aperture 643 of the baffle 639. The internal volume 647 is circumferentially surrounded by the filter 649, which is in turn covered by the filter cover 645 (e.g., for sealing the ends of the filter 649 and protecting the filter from water splashes and accidental damage). The filter cover 645 also includes an opening 653.

[0100] In some embodiments, the filter element assembly 625 is secured to the conical assembly 623 (e.g., via two cantilever blades). In alternative embodiments, the filter element assembly 625 may be secured to the conical assembly 623 in different ways, such as to the drain assembly 617. A seal (e.g., an O-ring) may be provided between the filter element assembly 625 and the conical assembly 623.

[0101] The drainage assembly 617 includes a body or bracket assembly 657 configured to receive and secure the conical assembly 623. In some instances, a bracket ring 675 is provided to keep the effluent management accessory 601 upright. The bracket ring 675 is rotatably operable and attached to a bracket base 677, which can be secured to a surface such as the surface of the sink assembly (e.g., double-sided adhesive or screws). The drainage assembly 617 also includes a drain pipe / hose 659, which further includes a drain orifice 663 configured to regulate the flow rate of the effluent.

[0102] As described above, the effluent management accessory 601 is configured to perform dynamic separation of gaseous (e.g., air) effluents from liquid and solid effluents in two stages. The centrifugal separation stage occurs within the conical assembly 623, while the filtration separation stage occurs within the filter cartridge assembly 625. In the centrifugal separation stage, the received effluent is impacted along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 623, and due to the high inertial force (centrifugal force) of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture will traverse downwards towards the drain port 615, causing the gas to exit towards the central orifice 643 (eddy current detector) and enter the internal volume 647 of the filter cartridge assembly 625. A baffle 639 is an integrated feature of the centrifugal separation stage, providing a boundary between the central orifice 643 and the radial air flow without disrupting the inner wall of the flow eddy current.

[0103] In summary, the centrifugal separation stage (centrifuge) is used to at least partially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluent, thereby producing what is referred to herein as “gaseous emissions” (e.g., separated and potentially moist gases) and “non-gaseous emissions” (e.g., liquids and / or solids). The gaseous emissions enter the central pore 643, while the non-gaseous emissions (solid and liquid portions) pass through the drain port 615 (e.g., due to gravity) and eventually reach the drain hose 659 and the connected drain pipe.

[0104] In some instances, this centrifugal separation stage utilizes two conditions achieved through the physical arrangement of the effluent management accessory 601. Specifically, during operation, the effluent management accessory 601 should be oriented such that the drain port 615 is positioned below the baffle 639, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous emissions (heavier solids and liquids) downward toward the drain port 615, while allowing lighter gaseous emissions to enter the central pore 643. In addition to the upright orientation of the effluent management accessory 601, the second physical condition during operation is that the fluid resistance of the drain hose 659 should be greater than the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 625, especially when only gaseous effluent flows (e.g., during air purging). If the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 625 is greater than the fluid resistance of the drain hose, gaseous emissions may escape through the drain hose 659 and the connected drain pipe, resulting in aerosolization. In this example, the relatively high fluid resistance of the drain hose 659 is provided by including a dynamic shut-off valve 665 at the drain port 615. Figures 6A-6E The illustrative dynamic shut-off valve 665 is a ball valve, which will be referred to below. Figures 7A-7C Further description.

[0105] As described above, the centrifugal separation stage is used to substantially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents. In some instances, as described above, the gaseous emissions (e.g., gaseous effluent and residual relatively small liquid or solid particles) enter the central pore 643 (eddy current detector) and penetrate into the internal volume 647 of the filter element assembly 625. As described above, the filter 649 is located between the internal volume 647 and any outlet to the surrounding environment. Thus, the gaseous emissions pass from the internal volume 647 to the filter 649, separating the residual relatively small liquid or solid particles from the residual gas. Thus, the residual gas can pass through the filter 649, producing refined gaseous emissions that are released into the surrounding environment, while the residual relatively small liquid or solid particles are trapped by the filter 649. In some instances, the filter 649 removes excess water vapor from the gas to prevent a rapid increase in moisture in the surrounding environment.

[0106] In summary, the filter cartridge assembly 625 manages solid and liquid particles not collected by the centrifugal separation stage. These particles are smaller than the “cutoff” diameter of the centrifugal separation stage’s collection efficiency threshold (CET). As described above, in some embodiments, the filtration separation stage as described above or another technique (e.g., a bypass path) is further used to refine the fluid effluent. In other embodiments, the centrifugal separation stage operates independently to manage the fluid effluent.

[0107] In some embodiments, filter 649 may be a coalescing filter with relatively low pressure drop characteristics and high collection efficiency (e.g., 0.1–0.30 μm level). In specific examples, filter 649 is made of borosilicate microfiber material. In some embodiments, filter 649 may be, for example, replaceable and / or cleanable by back pressure. In some embodiments, the entire filter cartridge assembly 625 is a consumable / disposable component, while other components (e.g., conical assembly, drainage assembly, etc.) can be cleaned for reuse.

[0108] As described above, the effluent management accessory 601 includes a cylindrical hollow ball valve 665 (e.g., a hollow plastic ball acting as a shut-off valve), which is operated to prevent gas (air) from flowing out through the drain hose 659 during, for example, an air purging operation (e.g., physically blocking the drain path only with airflow). As described above, Figures 7A-7C The operation of ball valve 665 was demonstrated, in which Figure 7A and 7B It is a cross-sectional view of part of effluent management Annex 601, and Figure 7C This is a schematic diagram of ball valve operation.

[0109] More specifically, such as Figure 7AAs shown, when both gas (air) and liquid (water) are present within the conical assembly, ball valve 665 will disengage. However, as... Figure 7B As shown, if only gas flows out, ball valve 665 will engage because ball valve 665 will not float in the gas (for example, when there is water in the system, ball valve 665 will float, but when there is no water in the system, the ball valve will prevent air from entering the drain pipe).

[0110] The function of ball valve 665 is regulated by breather 667, drain hose 659, and drain port 663. For example... Figure 7C As shown, these three components balance the forces acting on ball valve 665 to prevent any locking. Thus, generally, when there is no liquid in assembly 623, the buoyant cylindrical ball valve 665 acts as a valve to seal, while when there is liquid in the conical assembly, the buoyant cylindrical ball valve opens. In some instances, ball valve 665 can enable a lumen cleaning device to detect whether the back pressure at filter 669 exceeds an acceptable range, where increased filter resistance would negatively impact functionality and efficiency.

[0111] As described above, the existence of both the centrifugal separation stage and the filtration separation stage implemented above is merely illustrative. The technology proposed herein can be implemented using an effluent management accessory that includes a purification stage implemented using filter cartridge assemblies (e.g., filter cartridge assembly 425, filter cartridge assembly 625, etc.) and filters (e.g., filter 449, filter 649, etc.) as a filtration separation stage, and a purification stage implemented using a detour path (e.g., as referred to below). Figures 8A-8H (as described), or other types of purification stages. In some other example embodiments, the centrifugation stage can be operated alone, without any purification stage.

[0112] As mentioned above, Figures 8A-8F An example of effluent management Annex 801 with a refining stage implemented as a detour is shown. More specifically, Figure 8A This is a view of the effluent management accessory 801 installed on the sink assembly 890, and Figure 8B This is a view showing the effluent management accessory 801, which is separate from the water tank assembly 890. Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view of the joint assembly 871 of the effluent management accessory 801. Figure 8D This is a cross-sectional view of the conical assembly 823 of the effluent management accessory 801, and Figure 8E This is a perspective view of the double cylinder 839 of the conical assembly 823. Finally, Figure 8F This is a diagram illustrating the detour route 880 of Annex 801 for effluent management. For ease of explanation, Figures 8A-8FThey will usually be described together below.

[0113] exist Figures 8A-8F In the example, the effluent management accessory 801 is described as typically comprising a drainage assembly 817, a conical assembly 823, and a joint assembly 871. Each of these parts will be described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the effluent management accessory 801 is broadly divided into these specific parts merely for ease of description, and in alternative arrangements, the effluent management accessory proposed herein may include a different number of parts with multiple different structural arrangements.

[0114] The effluent management accessory 801 operates by receiving clean fluid effluents (fluid effluents), which may include multi-fluid phase conditions such as mixed flows of gas, liquid, and solids, mixed flows of gas and liquid, gas only, liquid only, etc. As further described below, the effluent management accessory 801 is configured to separate gases (e.g., air) present in the clean fluid effluent from any liquids and solids present in effluents discharged during automatic or manual cleaning processes. More specifically, as further described below, a centrifugal separation stage uses a centrifugal separation process to separate the liquid and solid components (particles) of the fluid effluent from the gaseous components of the fluid effluent to produce gaseous and non-gaseous emissions. Also as further described below, a refining stage is formed by a so-called “bypass” following the centrifugal separation stage. In this example, the refining stage, sometimes referred to as the "detour path stage," receives the gaseous effluent (e.g., the gaseous portion and relatively small liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent) generated during the centrifugation stage, while the relatively non-gaseous effluent (e.g., the relatively large liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent) is immediately discarded. The detour path is operated (e.g., through one or more impactor areas, one or more bends, one or more changes of direction, momentum and gravity, etc.) to separate the remaining liquid and / or solid portions (particles) from the separated gaseous portions, producing refined gaseous effluent. Thus, essentially only the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent is safely discharged into the surrounding environment / room, while the liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent are safely discharged into, for example, a sink drain. The structural arrangement of the effluent management annex 801 is further described below, followed by a more detailed explanation of its functional operation.

[0115] As described above, the effluent management accessory 801 includes a conical assembly 823 having at least two input ports, referred to as input port 803 and input port 805, each capable of receiving effluent. That is, in this example, input port 803 and input port 805 are each configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid cleaning effluent source. In this example, input port 803 is configured to be fluidly connected via a first hose assembly 827 to a drain fitting / port of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., a drain port of an endoscope reprocessing device). Figures 8A-8F (not shown in the image), and the input port 805 is configured to be fluidly connected to the distal end of one or more lumens (e.g., the distal end of an endoscope) via a second hose assembly 829, a junction assembly 871, and a third hose assembly 867. Figures 8A-8F (Not shown in the image).

[0116] As described above, the effluent management accessory 801 includes two input ports for receiving effluent. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is merely illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or more than such input ports. In one specific example, input port 803 may be omitted, and a drain fitting / port of the lumen cleaning device may be connected to the effluent management accessory 801 so that the resulting fluid effluent enters through input 805 (e.g., the drain fitting / port of the lumen cleaning device may be connected to a junction box upstream of port 805).

[0117] The first hose assembly 827 includes an end r 809 for connection to the drain port of the lumen cleaning device, and a connector for connection to the input port 803 (e.g., a quick-disconnect connector). Figure 8B (Not shown in the image) and a hose / tube 807 that fluidly connects the adapter 809 to the connector at the input port 803. The second hose assembly 829 includes a connector for connecting to the input port 805 (e.g., a quick-disconnect connector). Figure 8B (Not shown in the image) and a hose / tube 811 that fluidly connects the output port 875 of the junction assembly 871 to the input port 805 of the conical assembly 823. The third hose assembly 867 includes a distal tip adapter 863 for connection to the distal end of one or more lumens, an adapter 861 for connection to the input port 873 of the junction assembly 871, and a hose 865 that fluidly connects the distal tip adapter 863 to the adapter 861 at the input port 873. In this example, the distal tip adapter 863 (or alternatively, adapter 861) may include a backflow suppressor (backflow minimizer, not shown) comprising a conical shaped part that minimizes the flow rate of effluent returning to the lumen, as described below.

[0118] like Figure 8B and 8C As shown, the junction assembly 871 is mounted on the top / upper surface 833 of the sink assembly 890, while the remainder of the effluent management accessory 801 is mounted below / below the upper surface 833 of the sink assembly 890. As illustrated, in this example embodiment, the junction assembly 871 includes an input port 873 for receiving fluid effluent through a hose 865 of a third hose assembly 867, an output port 875 for releasing fluid effluent through a hose 811 of a second hose assembly 829, an input port 885 for receiving gaseous effluent through a conduit 877 of a conduit assembly 879, and an output port 887. In some embodiments, the junction assembly 871 also includes a splash guard 851 disposed above the output port 887, the splash guard being configured to prevent accidental damage or water splashing, as described elsewhere herein. The splash guard 851 includes an opening 853 that forms an outlet to the surrounding environment. Generally, opening 853 can be configured to be remote from the user location / facing the user, and as described below, during operation, gas from gaseous emissions can pass through opening 853 and enter the surrounding environment, while relatively small residual liquid or solid particles remain within the housing 845, output port 883, conduit 877, input port 885, and / or splash guard 851 of the conical assembly 823, as described below. Figure 8F Further details. Generally speaking, excess water vapor is removed from the gas to prevent an increase in moisture in the surrounding environment.

[0119] exist Figures 8A-8F In a specific example, the conical assembly 823 is a component of the centrifugal separation stage and serves as the drain port of the cavity cleaning device, the interface between the cleaned cavity and the drain path of the water tank. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 823 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 841 terminating at the drain port 815. Figures 8A-8F In one example, the cone assembly 823 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 836 (where input ports 803 and 805 are located) and a lower portion 838 having a conical volume. In other embodiments, the upper portion may be omitted, such that the entire cone assembly 823 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0120] like Figure 8D As shown, a double cylinder 839 is housed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 823. The double cylinder has a central aperture 843 (through hole), sometimes referred to as an "eddy current detector." Figures 8A-8FIn this example, the double cylinder 839 is part of the conical assembly 423, although in alternative embodiments, the double cylinder 839 may be separable from the conical assembly 823. In some instances, the conical assembly 823 is referred to as having a first end and a second end. As shown, the double cylinder 839 is disposed within the conical assembly 823 adjacent to the first end, while the drain port 815 is disposed at the second end. Thus, the conical assembly 823 defines a substantially conical volume between the double cylinder 839 and the drain port 815.

[0121] Figure 8E This is an enlarged perspective view of the double cylinder 839 according to an example embodiment. In this example, the double cylinder 839 includes an outer cylinder 840 and an inner cylinder 842, wherein a central aperture 843 is disposed within the inner cylinder 842. (As shown in...) Figure 8D and 8E As best viewed from the center, the first end (lower end) of the inner cylinder 842 is offset relative to the first end (lower end) of the outer cylinder 840. That is, the inner cylinder 842 is shorter in length, and the inlet point of the inner cylinder 842 is positioned higher in the vertical direction relative to the inlet point of the outer cylinder 840, thereby forming an inner cavity 844 between the outer cylinder 840 and the inner cylinder 842.

[0122] In addition to the twin cylinders 839, the conical assembly 823 includes a housing 845 (outer cover) defining an internal volume 847 disposed above a central aperture 843 of the twin cylinders 839, wherein the central aperture 843 provides the sole fluid connection between the internal volumes 841 and 847. That is, the internal volume 847 is disposed within and surrounded by the housing 845 (cover). In this example, the top of the housing 845 has a central aperture 881 (through hole) disposed above the central aperture 843 of the conical assembly 823, and an output port 883 is disposed within the central aperture 881 of the housing 845. The output port 883 is connected to the input port 885 of the junction assembly 871 via a conduit 877. The conduit assembly 879 includes the conduit 877 and the output port 883 at the conical assembly 823 and the input port 885 at the junction assembly 871.

[0123] like Figure 8B and 8DAs shown, the drain assembly 817 includes a body 857 (or bracket) configured to receive and secure a conical assembly 823. The body 857 is rotatable to accommodate different sink orientations. The drain assembly 817 also includes a drain hose / pipe 859 having a first end connected to the body 857 and a second end connected to a faucet adapter 819. A drain port 815 of the conical assembly 823 is fluidly connected to the sink drain pipe. That is, the faucet adapter 819 is used to securely connect the drain hose to the sink drain pipe, such as a P-trap. In some embodiments, the faucet adapter 819 can be used with all global standard faucet sizes.

[0124] As described above, the effluent management accessory 801 is configured to use centrifugal separation within the conical assembly 823, and then perform dynamic separation of gas (e.g., air) from liquid and solid effluents via a circuitous path, as referenced below. Figure 8F Further detailed description. During the centrifugal separation stage, the received effluent is impacted along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 823, and due to the high inertial force (centrifugal force) of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture will traverse downwards towards the drain port 815, causing the gas to exit towards the central aperture 843 (eddy current detector) of the double cylinder 839 and enter the internal volume 847. The double cylinder 839 is an integrated feature of the centrifugal separation stage, providing a boundary between the central aperture 843 and the radial air flow without disrupting the inner wall of the flow eddy current.

[0125] In other words, during the centrifugal separation stage, the fluid effluent (received from the endoscope 100 and the automatic lumen cleaning device 370) is tangentially fed into the cylindrical top of the conical assembly 823 to generate rotation. The flow velocity is further accelerated through the cylindrical top. Centrifugal force separates the non-gaseous stream of the fluid effluent while rotating it downwards along the surface profile of the conical assembly 823. Simultaneously, during rotation, the gaseous stream of the fluid effluent is moved into the twin cylinders 839.

[0126] In summary, the centrifugal separation stage (centrifuge) is used to at least partially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents, resulting in what is referred herein as “gaseous emissions” (separated and potentially moist gas) and “non-gaseous emissions” (e.g., liquids and / or solids). The gaseous emissions enter the central orifice 843, while the non-gaseous emissions penetrate to the drain port 815 (e.g., due to gravity) and eventually reach the drain hose 859 and the connected drain pipe. In other words, heavier non-gaseous particles are separated from the gas by centrifugal force, where the non-gaseous particles have a larger mass and therefore these larger particles impact the wall of the conical assembly 823 more forcefully, separating them from the gaseous particles, while gravity pulls the non-gaseous particles downwards into the drain pipe.

[0127] In some instances, the centrifugal separation stage utilizes two conditions achieved through the physical arrangement of the effluent management accessory 801. Specifically, during operation, the effluent management accessory 801 should be oriented such that the drain port 815 is positioned below the twin cylinders 839, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous emissions (relatively heavy solids and liquids) downward toward the drain port 815, while allowing relatively light gaseous emissions to enter the central aperture 843 of the twin cylinders 839. That is, the effluent management accessory 801 is installed in the tank assembly 890 with an orientation that allows gravity to pull the heavier non-gaseous emissions downward toward the drain port 815 and allows gaseous emissions to enter the central aperture 843. In addition to the upright orientation, the fluid resistance of the drain hose 859 should be greater than that of a meandering path, especially in cases where only gaseous effluent flows (e.g., during air purging). The relatively high fluid resistance of the drain hose 859 can be provided by including a dynamic shut-off valve (e.g., a hollow ball valve) at the drain port 815, or by providing a minimum water column (immersion height) within the drain hose 859.

[0128] As described above, the centrifugal separation stage is used to at least partially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents. In some instances, as described above, the gaseous emissions (e.g., gaseous effluent and residual relatively small liquid or solid particles) enter the central pore 843 (eddy current detector) and penetrate into the internal volume 847 within the housing 845 (cover) of the conical assembly 823. However, the gaseous emissions are not filtered by the filter of the filter element assembly (as described above). Figure 4A-4G and Figures 6A-6E Instead of the previously described embodiments, it is refined / further separated through a refining stage formed by so-called "circuitous pathways." That is, in Figures 8A-8F In one embodiment, the gaseous emissions can continue to flow through a detour path, wherein the detour path is configured to separate relatively small liquid or solid particles remaining in the gaseous emissions from the gaseous effluent.

[0129] References above Figures 8A-8E In the described effluent management annex 801, gaseous effluent (of which some liquid / solid gas / air is suspended) flows through a meandering path, said meandering path including one or more impactor regions and / or one or more bends, said one or more bends being located adjacent to a change in flow direction (e.g., from an input flow direction to an output flow direction orthogonal to it). For example, a first portion of the gaseous effluent flowing in the input flow direction (e.g., larger droplets) impacts and remains in the impactor region, while a second portion of the gaseous effluent (e.g., smaller droplets) remains suspended in the gas and continues to flow in the output flow direction. Generally, a meandering path includes one or more bends in a duct system, as referenced below. Figure 8F A further detailed explanation is needed.

[0130] Figure 8F This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detour path 880 of the effluent management accessory 801 according to an example embodiment. (As shown) Figure 8F As shown (and also refer to) Figure 8B-8D The detour path 880 is limited (and at least partially defined) by the conduit 877 of the conduit assembly 879, which connects to and extends between the conical assembly 823 (at the first end of the conduit 877) and the junction assembly 871 (at the second end of the conduit 877). Figure 8F As shown, the detour path 880 includes a first bend 884 of the output port 883 between the conical assembly 823 and the conduit 877, and a second bend 886 of the input port 885 between the connecting assembly 871 and the conduit 877. Figure 8F In the diagram, the smaller central figure shows the overall structure of Annex 801 for effluent management (also refer to...). Figure 8B The smaller diagram on the left shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cone assembly 823 (see also [reference]). Figure 8D ), and the small diagram on the right shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint assembly 871 (also refer to Figure 8C ).

[0131] See Figure 8F In the inset diagram on the left, as the gaseous emissions flow through the central aperture 843 of the double cylinders 839 of the conical assembly 823, the gaseous emissions enter the internal volume 847 defined by the housing 845. The housing 845 of the conical assembly 823 forms the first impactor region. Figure 8FIn region A), the gaseous emissions impact the upper and / or side walls of the housing 845, and, in conjunction with gravity, separate the first portion of the liquid / solid from the gas / air. The gaseous emissions (gas / air that has removed the first portion of the liquid / solid) then enter the output port 883 in the first input flow direction (substantially vertical).

[0132] The output port 883 between the conical assembly 823 and the conduit 877 forms a first bend 884. Figure 8F (Region B in the text). When the gaseous emission enters the output port 883 in the first input flow direction, it impacts the first bend 884, and together with gravity, separates the second portion of the liquid / solid from the gas / air. The gaseous emission (containing the gas / air that has removed the second portion of the liquid / solid, but possibly leaving some smaller portions of liquid / solid) then exits the output port 883 and enters the conduit 877 in the first output flow direction (generally horizontal, possibly with a slight upward angle toward the junction assembly 871). In this example, the first output flow direction is substantially orthogonal to the first input flow direction. Therefore, the flow direction of the gaseous emission changes at the output port 883 (first bend 884).

[0133] refer to Figure 8F The middle small image shows that catheter 877 of catheter assembly 879 forms a transverse region. Figure 8F (Region C). When the gaseous emissions flow from the output port 883 of the conical assembly 823 through the conduit 877 to the input port 885 of the junction assembly 871 in the first output flow direction, the third portion of the liquid / solid can be separated from the gas / air due to the combination of flow across the length of the conduit 877 and gravity. Then, the gaseous emissions (gas / air with the third portion of liquid / solid removed) enter the input port 885 in the first output flow direction, at which point the first output flow direction corresponds to the second input flow direction (still substantially horizontal).

[0134] refer to Figure 8F The small diagram on the right shows that the input port 885 between the conduit 877 and the junction assembly 871 forms a second bend 886. Figure 8F(Region D in the text). When the gaseous emission enters the input port 885 in the second input flow direction, it impacts the second bend 886, and, combined with gravity, separates the fourth liquid / solid portion from the gas / air. The gaseous emission (gas / air with the fourth liquid / solid portion removed) then flows in the second output flow direction (substantially vertical) and exits the output port 887 in the junction assembly 871. In this example, the second output flow direction is substantially orthogonal to the second input flow direction. Therefore, the flow direction of the gaseous emission changes at the input port 885 (second bend 886). At this point, larger liquid / solid particles exceeding a certain threshold size / mass are removed, and most (if not all) smaller liquid / solid particles below a certain threshold size / mass are also removed.

[0135] The splash guard 851 of the joint assembly 871 forms the second impactor region. Figure 8F (Region E in the text). When the gaseous emissions exit the output port 887 in the second output flow direction, the gaseous emissions impact the upper wall and / or side wall of the splash guard 851, combining with gravity to separate the fifth portion of liquid / solid from the gas / air. As described above, most (if not all) of the liquid / solid particles should have been removed at this point, but any residual liquid / solid particles still suspended in the gas / air can be removed by further impact with the splash guard 851. Finally, the remaining gaseous emissions (the gas / air from which the fifth portion of liquid / solid has been removed) flow out through the opening 853 in the splash guard 851, thereby exiting the junction assembly 871 and entering the surrounding environment. As described above, this removes excess water vapor from the gas to prevent any significant increase in moisture in the surrounding environment. In this example embodiment, the gaseous emissions exiting the effluent management accessory 801 at the junction assembly 871 can also be referred to as “refined gaseous emissions” (because when using a dedicated filter, a similar separation effect can alternatively be achieved by using a circuitous path with multiple turns and changes in direction).

[0136] Therefore, as the gaseous emissions flow around the bend in the meandering path 880, larger particles cannot turn and will collide with the opposing walls at the top of the output port 883 (first bend 884) and the side of the input port 885 (second bend 886), thereby separating from / removing from the gas / air. The remaining gas / air (and possibly some smaller particles) can flow around the bend without colliding with the walls and eventually exit the junction assembly 871 through the output port 887 (and through the opening 853 in the splash guard 851). The change in direction of the meandering path 880 reduces the ability of relatively large liquid / solid particles (e.g., those exceeding a certain threshold size / mass) to turn and pass through, although some relatively small liquid / solid particles (e.g., those below a certain threshold size / mass) may be able to turn and pass through. When the multiple elements of the detour path 800 are combined (i.e., the impact at housing 845, the impact and change of direction at the first bend 884 of output port 883, the extension length of conduit 877, the impact and change of direction at the second bend 886 of input port 885, and the impact at splash guard 851), the combination of individual elements can effectively provide a filtration mechanism with a defined cutoff size / mass for any liquid / solid suspended in the gas / air of the gaseous emission.

[0137] It should be understood that a “strict” orthogonal relationship is not necessarily required between the first input flow direction and the first output flow direction, or between the second input flow direction and the second output flow direction. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the first bend 884 at the output port 883 and the second bend 886 at the input port 885 can be substantially perpendicular (e.g., at a 90-degree angle). However, in some other example embodiments, angles greater than or less than 90 degrees can also be used. For example, obtuse angles greater than 90 degrees can be used, particularly when the conduit 877 is not strictly horizontal, but slightly inclined upwards in the direction from the output port 883 at the conical assembly toward the input port 885 at the junction assembly 871 (e.g., in...). Figure 8F (From left to right in the middle small image). In some instances, the angle of the first bend 884 at the output port 883 may be the same as or different from the angle of the second bend 886 at the input port 885.

[0138] By including a detour path with one or more changes in flow direction in the effluent management annexes, such as Figure 8F The detour route 880 (see also) Figure 8B-8DAny liquid and / or solid mixed with gas / air can be effectively “separated” from the gaseous emissions (i.e., filtered, separated, removed, restricted, reduced, etc.), and the meandering path is defined at least in part by a first bend 884 at the output port 883 at the conical assembly 223, a conduit 877 at the conduit assembly 879, and a second bend 886 at the input port 885 at the junction assembly 871.

[0139] In summary, the detour path stage using the detour path 880 (e.g., having region AE, a first bend 884 at the output port 883, a second bend 886 at the input port 885, etc.) Figure 8F (As shown) manages solid and liquid particles not collected in the centrifugal separation stage using the conical assembly 823 (e.g., via the twin cylinders 839, as shown) Figure 8D-8F (As shown). Generally, the size of these particles is below the "cutoff" diameter of the collection efficiency threshold (CET) during the centrifugation stage. As mentioned above, in Figures 8A-8F In specific instances, no filter cartridge assembly (filter) is provided, and the centrifugal separation stage is instead operated in conjunction with a detour path stage to manage solid and liquid particles from the effluent. As mentioned above, the detour path stage may be considered optional and may or may not be provided, and the centrifugal separation stage may operate independently to manage solid and liquid particles from the effluent in some example embodiments.

[0140] refer to Figure 8B And refer to the following text Figure 8G and 8H Further described, in some embodiments, the hose assembly 829 (located between the joint assembly 871 and the conical assembly 823) includes a connector or adapter 821 with a clamp valve 891. The connector 821 includes a third input port, referred to as input port 893, which is configured to supply gas from a gas source (e.g., a compressed air source) via a hose / pipe 895 of the fourth hose assembly 897. Figure 8B and Figure 8G-8H (Not shown) Receives gas (compressed air). In this example, the gas / air passes through input port 893 and enters connector 821 to drive pinch valve 891. As described below, the gas / air source and pinch valve 891 can be used to test whether one or more connections of the effluent management accessory 801 provide a proper seal, as referenced below. Figure 8G and Figure 8H As described.

[0141] More specifically, Figure 8G This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve 891 disposed in a connector 821 according to another example embodiment. Figure 8H It shows in more detail Figure 8G An enlarged cross-sectional view of the components of the pinch valve 891. Figure 8G As shown, a pinch valve 891 is mounted within a cavity 889 (groove) of connector 821 and fluidly connected at its first end to hose 811, and at its second end, located at input port 805, to the internal volume 841 of conical assembly 823. The pinch valve 891 is configured to control the flow of fluid effluent from hose 811 through input port 805 and into conical assembly 823. The pinch valve 891 may define an opening through which fluid effluent can flow, and the opening defined by the pinch valve 891 may be closed to stop the flow of fluid effluent. For example, components of the pinch valve 891 may be bent or deformed to stop the flow of fluid effluent through input port 805. In this example, the pinch valve 891 is configured to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the open configuration allows fluid effluent to flow through the input port 805, and the closed configuration prevents fluid effluent from flowing through the input port 805 and prevents fluid effluent from entering the conical assembly 823.

[0142] As in Figure 8H As best viewed, the pinch valve 891 includes a diaphragm 892 (an elongated tubular diaphragm) and a retainer 894 (an elongated sleeve) into which the diaphragm 892 can be inserted. The retainer 894 is configured to be disposed around the diaphragm 892 and to seal against the diaphragm 892 at its inner surface. The retainer is configured to receive the contour of the diaphragm 892, thereby securing the diaphragm 892 within the retainer 894. The retainer 894 includes an opening 896 (through-hole) configured to fluidly connect the diaphragm 892 to an inlet port 893 adjacent to the outer surface of the retainer 894. The opening 896 allows the flow of a working fluid (e.g., gas, compressed air, etc.) to press against the diaphragm 892 and apply force to the diaphragm to switch the diaphragm 892 of the pinch valve 891 to a closed configuration. The diaphragm 892 and the retainer 894 are sealed together to prevent the desired working fluid from flowing out of the pinch valve 891, thereby forcing the working fluid to flow against the diaphragm 892 to switch the diaphragm 892 to a closed configuration.

[0143] The diaphragm 892 may have a tubular body defining an opening, and may be composed of a flexible or tough material (e.g., an elastomer, medical-grade silicone to provide corrosion resistance, etc.) such that the walls of the diaphragm 892 can be compressed toward each other to reduce the size of the opening defined by the diaphragm 892, thereby restricting or preventing fluid flow through the diaphragm 892. The walls of the diaphragm 892 may also move away from each other to increase the size of the opening defined by the diaphragm 892, thereby allowing fluid flow through the diaphragm 892. The material of the diaphragm 892 may also be sufficiently elastic so that the diaphragm 892 can adjust toward the shape or profile of the base when no force is applied to it.

[0144] As discussed herein, the diaphragm 892 can be bent or deformed to open or close the opening, and the sufficiently flexible material of the diaphragm 892 can be bent to a certain extent by the working fluid (e.g., compressed air). A gas / air source (not shown) is fluidly connected to the input port 893 via a hose 895 of a fourth hose assembly 897, and the input port 893 is fluidly connected to an opening 896 (through hole) in a retainer 894. The opening 896 can expose a portion of the diaphragm 892 housed within the retainer 894, thereby fluidly coupling (e.g., pneumatically coupling) the diaphragm 892 to the input port 893. The gas / air source is configured to direct the working fluid (compressed air) toward the pinch valve 891, through the hose 895 and the input port 893, and then through the opening 896 defined in the retainer 894 and against the diaphragm 892. The working fluid (compressed air) output from the diaphragm 892 can provide sufficient force to bend the diaphragm 892 and adjust its opening, and to compress the diaphragm 892 from an open configuration to a closed configuration (e.g., ...). Figure 8H (As shown by the dashed line in the diagram), this can slow the flow of fluid effluent through the opening defined by diaphragm 892. In the absence of working fluid (compressed air) from a gas / air source, diaphragm 892 can expand and transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration to increase the rate at which fluid effluent passes through the opening defined by diaphragm 892. Thus, a gas / air source can be operated (e.g., manually by a user, automatically by a controller) to regulate the flow of fluid effluent through pinch valve 891, and thereby through input port 805 to conical assembly 823.

[0145] The retainer 894 also helps to secure the pinch valve 891 within the cavity 889 of the input port 805, and can be composed of a rigid material (e.g., metal, copolymer, hard plastic, acetal, etc.) that prevents significant deformation and provides the desired processing characteristics for the formation of the retainer 894, opening 896, and other shapes. Additionally, the rigid structure of the retainer 894 prevents deformation of the retainer 894 when the working fluid (e.g., gas, compressed air, etc.) flows through the opening 896, thus maintaining the contour of the retainer 894 as the working fluid flows through the opening 896.

[0146] In operation, please refer to the above. Figure 8G-8H The described pinch valve 891 can be used to check whether the various connections of the effluent management accessory 801 are properly formed. For example, the pinch valve assembly 891 can be activated to close the diaphragm 892. If the various connections of the effluent management accessory 801 upstream of the pinch valve assembly 891 are correct (e.g., the connection between endoscope 100 and connector 821, including distal tip adapter 863, adapter 861, etc.), an increase in pressure should be detectable at the attached endoscope or lumen cleaning device when compressed air is subsequently applied to the endoscope lumen for leak testing purposes. However, a small or no increase in pressure (when compressed air is subsequently applied to the endoscope lumen for leak testing purposes) may indicate that one or more of the various upstream connections are not properly formed. In this case, an alarm (e.g., audible, visual, tactile, etc.) can be provided to recheck one or more of the various connections of the effluent management accessory 801 (e.g., for endoscope 100, etc.). Therefore, for example, before the normal operation of the effluent management accessory 801 begins, the pinch valve 891 and the corresponding technology described above can be used as an initial connection check (i.e., a preliminary verification step).

[0147] A significant aspect of the effluent management accessory 801 is the junction assembly 871. As explained above, the junction assembly 871 serves several functions, including acting as a connection or interface point (junction) between the effluent source and the conical assembly (e.g., a place where separation is performed). Additionally, after passing through the centrifugal separation stage and the detour path stage, the junction assembly 871 also serves as the outlet point for the effluent gas. As mentioned above, the opening in the junction assembly 871 is also oriented to allow the refined gaseous emissions generated by the effluent management accessory 801 to be discharged / released away from the user (e.g., towards a wall of the room). Notably, the junction assembly 871 is the only visible part of the effluent management accessory 801 during use (except for the connection to the effluent source) because it is mounted on the top / upper surface 833 of the sink assembly 890, while the remaining portion of the effluent management accessory 801 is mounted below / below the upper surface 833 of the sink assembly 890. In this configuration, the joint assembly 871 provides a “clean” installation of the effluent management accessory 801, with most of the accessory hidden from view, but still providing a convenient way to connect the effluent surface and release the gaseous effluent after separation.

[0148] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an example method 981 according to some embodiments presented herein. Method 981 begins at 983, wherein during a lumen cleaning process, a centrifugal separator of an effluent management accessory (e.g., effluent management accessories 301, 401, 601, 801, etc.) receives fluid effluent from a distal end of the lumen. At 985, the centrifugal separator at least partially separates the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent to produce gaseous and non-gase emissions.

[0149] Certain aspects of the technology presented in this paper have been described with reference to various descriptions of fluid dynamics. It should be understood that these descriptions are provided for illustrative purposes, and the innovations presented herein are feasible regardless of one's understanding of fluid dynamics.

[0150] As should be understood, while the specific uses of the technology have been described and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used with a wide variety of devices based on numerous examples of the technology. The foregoing discussion does not imply that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation in systems similar to those shown in the accompanying drawings. In general, alternative configurations can be used to practice the processes and systems disclosed herein, and / or some aspects described may be excluded, without departing from the procedures and systems disclosed herein.

[0151] This disclosure describes some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only a few of the possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to those set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully communicates the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0152] As should be understood, the aspects described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings (e.g., parts, components, etc.) are not intended to limit the system and process to the specific aspects described. Therefore, alternative configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems disclosed herein, and / or some aspects can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0153] According to some aspects, systems and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided. These systems are configured with hardware configured to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein.

[0154] Similarly, where process steps are disclosed, these steps are described for the purpose of illustrating the methods and systems of the present invention and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a specific order of steps. For example, these steps may be performed in a different order, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously, additional steps may be performed, and disclosed steps may be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosed process may be repeated.

[0155] While specific aspects have been described herein, the scope of this technology is not limited to those specific aspects. Those skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or modifications within the scope of this technology. Therefore, specific structures, operations, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of this technology is defined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0156] It should also be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive, and each embodiment can be combined with another in any of a variety of different ways.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one input port, the at least one input port being configured to receive fluid effluent from at least one fluid effluent source; A first-stage separator is configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent, wherein the first-stage separator produces gaseous emissions and non-gase emissions; as well as A second-stage separator is configured to receive the gaseous emissions and separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous emissions from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emissions to produce refined gaseous emissions.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A drainage assembly configured to receive the non-gaseous emissions from the first-stage separator.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first-stage separator comprises a centrifugal separator.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first-stage separator comprises: A conical assembly including the at least one input port, wherein the conical assembly defines a conical internal volume, and wherein at least a portion of the conical internal volume has a conical shape; as well as A double cylinder is disposed within the conical internal volume and has a central pore that is fluidly connected to the second-stage separator.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the conical internal volume has a first end and a second end, wherein the second-stage separator is disposed at the first end and is fluidly connected to the conical internal volume only through the central pore of the double cylinder, and wherein the second end includes a drain port.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the conical internal volume comprises a first substantially cylindrical portion adjacent to the first end and a second conical portion adjacent to the second end, and wherein the double cylinders and the at least one input port are disposed at the first substantially cylindrical portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second-stage separator comprises: An internal volume, fluidly connected to the first-stage separator, to contain the gaseous emissions. One or more openings, the one or more openings leading to the surrounding environment, and A filter is disposed between the internal volume and the one or more openings.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second-stage separator comprises: An internal volume, fluidly connected to the first-stage separator, to contain the gaseous emissions. One or more openings, the one or more openings leading to the surrounding environment, and A meandering passage is disposed between the internal volume and the one or more openings, wherein the meandering passage includes at least a conduit and one or more ports, the one or more ports being disposed at one or more ends of the conduit and forming one or more bends.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a backflow suppressor connected between the at least one input port and the at least one fluid effluent source.

10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising: A hose assembly having: a first end connectable to the at least one fluid effluent source; a second end connectable to the at least one inlet port; and a hose connecting the first end to the second end. The backflow suppressor is located at the first end of the hose assembly.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid effluent source is an endoscope, the endoscope comprising one or more internal lumens, and wherein the at least one input port is configured to be fluidly connected to at least one of the one or more internal lumens.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one input port comprises a plurality of input ports.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one fluid effluent source is a lumen cleaning device, and wherein at least one of the plurality of input ports is configured to be fluidly connected to the lumen cleaning device.

14. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A pinch valve assembly disposed between the at least one inlet port and the at least one fluid effluent source.

15. An apparatus comprising: A centrifuge includes at least one inlet port configured to connect to a distal end of a lumen and receive fluid effluent generated during cleaning of the lumen. The centrifugal separator is configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent, wherein the centrifugal separator produces gaseous and non-gase emissions.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the centrifugal separator comprises: A double cylinder, wherein the double cylinder is disposed within a housing adjacent to a first end of the housing; as well as A drain port is located at the second end of the centrifugal separator. The filter cartridge assembly is attached to the first end of the centrifuge.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the filter cartridge assembly comprises: Internal volume; One or more openings that lead to the surrounding environment; And a filter, which is disposed between the internal volume and the one or more openings.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the filter is a coalescing filter.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the housing defines a substantially conical volume between the dual cylinders and the drain port, and wherein the dual cylinders include a central aperture that fluidly connects the substantially conical volume to the internal volume of the filter cartridge assembly.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the centrifugal separator produces gaseous emissions and non-gaseous emissions, and wherein the apparatus further comprises: A second separator is configured to further separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous emission from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emission.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the second separator comprises: A detour path, configured to separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous emission from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emission, wherein the detour path includes at least: A conduit, which is fluidly connected to the centrifuge, and One or more ports, which are located at one or more ends of the conduit and form one or more bends.

22. The device of claim 15, further comprising a backflow suppressor connected between the at least one input port and the distal end of the lumen.

23. The device according to claim 22, further comprising: A hose assembly having: a first end connectable to the distal end of the lumen; a second end connectable to the at least one input port; and a hose connecting the first end to the second end. The backflow suppressor is located at the first end of the hose assembly.

24. The device of claim 16, further comprising a dynamic shut-off valve disposed near the drain port, wherein the dynamic shut-off valve is configured to minimize the gas flow rate into the drain port.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the dynamic shut-off valve is a ball valve.

26. The device according to claim 15, further comprising: A pinch valve assembly disposed between the at least one input port and the distal end of the lumen.

27. A method comprising: During the lumen cleaning process, fluid effluent is received from the distal end of the lumen at a centrifuge. as well as At the centrifugal separator, at least partially, the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent is separated from the non-gase portion of the fluid effluent to produce gaseous and non-gase emissions.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: Separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous emissions from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emissions.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein separating the gaseous portion of the gaseous emission from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emission comprises: The gaseous emissions are supplied to the filter element assembly, which is fluidly connected to the centrifugal separator. as well as At the filter element assembly, the gaseous portion of the gaseous emission is separated from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emission.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein separating the gaseous portion of the gaseous emission from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emission comprises: The gaseous discharge is supplied to a conduit in a detour path, the conduit fluidly connecting the centrifugal separator to the junction assembly; as well as As the gaseous emissions flow from the centrifugal separator to the junction assembly, the gaseous portion of the gaseous emissions is separated from the non-gase portion of the gaseous emissions through the detour path.

31. The method of claim 27, further comprising: The non-gaseous emissions are supplied to the drainage assembly, which is fluidly connected to the centrifugal separator.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein the centrifuge includes at least one input port, and wherein the method further comprises: The at least one input port is fluidly connected to the distal end of the lumen.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein fluidly connecting the at least one input port to the distal end of the lumen comprises: The at least one input port is fluidly connected to the distal end of at least one internal lumen of the endoscope.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the centrifuge includes a plurality of input ports, and wherein the method further comprises: At least one of the plurality of input ports is fluidly connected to the lumen cleaning device.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein the pinch valve assembly is disposed between the centrifuge and the distal end of the lumen, and wherein the method comprises: Close the clamp valve assembly; as well as Monitor the pressure between the clamp valve assembly and the device connected to the proximal end of the lumen.

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