Fluid cleaning spill management accessories

Abstract

This specification presents techniques for managing fluid effluents discharged in connection with a lumen cleaning process. More specifically, according to certain embodiments presented, an effluent management accessory (EMA) is provided, for example, to substantially separate a gaseous portion from a non-gasic (e.g., liquid and / or solid) portion of a fluid effluent discharged in connection with a lumen cleaning process, the separated portions of which may then be appropriately disposed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There are several different types of systems / devices that include internal conduits / lumens that may need to be cleaned. The lumens can include, for example, dental lines, food / drink lines, medical lumens, and the like.

[0003] Several different medical devices (medical instruments) can include internal lumens that can be used, in particular, to perform diagnostic and / or surgical procedures. For example, an endoscope is a medical device that includes an internal lumen that can be used to visually inspect a hollow organ or body cavity and to deliver / extract fluids, among other uses. Specialized endoscopes are used for different examinations such as bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroscopy, and proctoscopy. Endoscopes, as well as other available diagnostic and / or surgical medical devices, are reusable across multiple patients, and thus, the internal lumens must be cleaned during use.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one input port configured to receive a fluid effluent from at least one fluid outflow source, and a first stage separator configured to at least partially separate a gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from a non-gaseous portion of the fluid effluent, the first stage separator generating a gaseous discharge and a non-gaseous discharge, and a second stage separator configured to receive the gaseous discharge and separate a gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from a non-gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge to generate a purified gaseous discharge.

[0005] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided, comprising a centrifuge connected to the distal end of a lumen and having at least one input port configured to receive fluid effluent generated during lumen cleaning, wherein the centrifuge is configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gasic portion of the fluid effluent, and the centrifuge generates gaseous and non-gasic effluent.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method is provided, which includes receiving fluid effluent from the distal end of a lumen during a lumen cleaning process in a centrifuge, and separating the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gasic portion of the fluid effluent in the centrifuge to produce a gaseous effluent and a non-gasic effluent.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described herein in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope having an internal lumen that can be cleaned in connection with an spillage management accessory, according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 2A] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for cleaning the internal lumen of a medical device using a contaminant removal fluid composition that generates spills that can be managed by spill management accessories, according to specific embodiments presented herein. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the centrifugal separation stage / step of a process for cleaning a lumen with a contaminant removal fluid composition. [Figure 2C] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the filtration / stages of a process for cleaning a lumen with a contaminant removal fluid composition. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an spillage management accessory equipped with a lumen irrigation device according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 3B]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an integrated spillage management accessory in a lumen irrigation device according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4A] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4B] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4C] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4D] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4E] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4F] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 4G] This figure illustrates an exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 5A] Figures 4A–4G illustrate spill management accessories mounted on a sink assembly according to specific embodiments presented herein, showing a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively. [Figure 5B] Figures 4A–4G illustrate spill management accessories mounted on a sink assembly according to specific embodiments presented herein, showing a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively. [Figure 6A] This figure illustrates another exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 6B] This figure illustrates another exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 6C] This figure illustrates another exemplary spill management accessory according to a specific embodiment presented herein. [Figure 6D] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 6E] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 7A] A diagram illustrating the operation of the ball valve of the effluent management accessory of FIGS. 6A - 6E according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 7B] A diagram illustrating the operation of the ball valve of the effluent management accessory of FIGS. 6A - 6E according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 7C] A diagram illustrating the operation of the ball valve of the effluent management accessory of FIGS. 6A - 6E according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8A] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8B] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8C] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8D] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8E] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8F] A diagram illustrating another exemplary effluent management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8G] A diagram illustrating the operation of the pinch valve of the effluent management accessory of FIGS. 8A - 8F according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8H] A diagram illustrating the operation of the pinch valve of the effluent management accessory of FIGS. 8A - 8F according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 9] A flow diagram of an exemplary method according to certain embodiments presented herein.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] As described above, there are several different types of systems / devices that may require periodic and / or regular cleaning, including internal conduits / lumens such as dental lines, food / drink lines, medical lumens, etc. For simplicity of explanation, the techniques presented herein are mainly described by referring to cleaning a particular lumen, namely, the internal lumen of an endoscope. However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can also, or alternatively, be used to clean any type of internal lumen.

[0010] An endoscope is an elongated tubular medical device that can be rigid or flexible and incorporates an optical or video system and a light source. Typically, an endoscope is configured such that one end can be inserted into a patient's body through a surgical incision or through one of the body's natural openings. Thus, the internal structures near the inserted end of the endoscope can be viewed by an external observer.

[0011] Endoscopes are used not only for examinations but also for performing diagnostic and surgical procedures. Endoscopic procedures are inherently minimally invasive, providing better patient outcomes (through shorter healing times and reduced exposure to infection), and enabling hospitals and clinics to achieve higher patient turnover rates, and are thus becoming increasingly popular.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope 100 capable of implementing embodiments of the technology presented herein. As shown in the figure, the endoscope 100, like most endoscopes, has a long tubular structure with a distal end / tip 102 at one end for insertion into a patient and a proximal end or connector end 104 at the opposite end, and a control handle 106 positioned between the two ends (for example, generally at the center of the length between the connector end 104 and the distal end 102). The connector end 104 includes a number of connectors that allow the endoscope to be attached to, for example, a light source 108, a water source 110, a suction source (not shown in Figure 1), and a pressurized air source 112. For example, shown in Figure 1 are a suction port / connector 137, a water jet (auxiliary) port / connector 139, a water port / connector 141, and an air port / connector 143. In this example, the control handle 106 is held by the operator during the procedure to control the endoscope 100 via valves including a suction valve 114, an air / water valve 116, a biopsy valve 118, and a control wheel 120.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the endoscope 100 includes internal channels used for either delivering air and / or water, providing suction, or allowing access to forceps and other medical devices required during the procedure. Thus, the distal end 102 includes a camera lens (not shown in Figure 1), as well as outlets for illumination, air, and water, and outlets for suction and forceps. Some of the internal channels run from one end of the endoscope 100 to the other, while other internal channels pass through valve sockets in the control handle. Some channels branch, while others merge from two to one.

[0014] More specifically, Figure 1 shows the biopsy / suction channel 122, air channel 124, water channel 126, and water jet channel 128. The biopsy / suction channel 122 includes two sections, which are called the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B, and are connected via a suction valve 114. The air channel 124 also includes two sections, which are called the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, and are connected via an air / water valve 116. Similarly, the water channel 126 also includes two sections, which are called the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B, and are connected via an air / water valve 116. The distal section 126B of the water channel joins 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 also referred to as having a proximal section 128A and a distal section 128B. The proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, and 128A of the channel may be referred to as being located within the universal cord section (cord) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, and 128B of the channel may be 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, where applicable, portions of the channel located between the connector end 104 and the valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) at the midpoint of the control handle 106 and / or the control handle 106. The distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, and 128B are portions of a channel located between a valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) in the control handle 106 and / or the midpoint of the control handle 106 and the distal end 102 of the endoscope 102.

[0015] Due to the high cost of endoscopes, they need to be reused. Consequently, each endoscope must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after each use to avoid cross-infection from one patient to the next. This includes not only cleaning the outside of the endoscope 100, but also cleaning and disinfecting the internal channels / lumens (e.g., lumens 122, 124, 126, and 128 in Figure 1).

[0016] Endoscopes used in colonoscopy procedures are typically 2.5 to 4 meters long and have one or more luminal channels with a diameter of a few millimeters or less. Ensuring that such long, narrow channels are properly cleaned and disinfected between patients presents a considerable challenge. The cleaning challenge is also complicated by the fact that there is not just one configuration / type of endoscope. In fact, there are various endoscopic devices, each suited to a specific insertion application, such as colonoscopes inserted into the colon, bronchoscopes inserted into the airway, and gastroscopy for examining the stomach. For example, gastroscopy has a smaller diameter than colonoscopes, bronchoscopes are again small and short in length, while duodenoscopes have a different tip design for accessing the bile duct.

[0017] For the first stage of the cleaning and disinfection process, which is the mechanical removal of biological residue from the lumen, various options are available. One technique for cleaning the lumen is to use a small brush attached to a long, thin, flexible wire. Brushing is a mandated method for cleaning the lumen in some countries. These brushes are supplied to the lumen while the endoscope is immersed in warm water and cleaning fluid. The brush is then pushed / pulled through the length of the lumen to somehow scrub off the dirt / biological contamination. Manual back-and-forth scrubbing is typically required. Water and cleaning fluid are then flushed into the lumen. These flushing brushing processes are repeated three times or until the endoscope reprocessing technician confirms that the lumen is clean. At the end of this cleaning process, air is pressurized down the lumen to dry them. Flexible pull-through devices with wiping blades may also be used to physically remove material. Liquid flow through the lumen at limited pressure can also be used.

[0018] However, generally speaking, only larger aspiration / biopsy lumens (e.g., 122 in Figure 1) can be cleaned by brushing or suction. Air / water channels (e.g., channels 124 and 126) may be too small for brushing, so these lumens are generally flushed with water and irrigation solution only.

[0019] After mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning is performed to remove any remaining biological contaminants. Because endoscopes are highly sensitive and expensive medical instruments, biological residues cannot be treated with high temperatures or strong chemicals. For this reason, mechanical cleaning should be as thorough as possible. In many cases, current mechanical cleaning methods cannot completely remove biofilm from the lumen, especially if the cleaning relies solely on liquid flow. Regardless of how effective conventional cleaning processes are, it is uncommon for a load of small microorganisms to remain in the channels.

[0020] Studies have shown that brushing methods, even when performed as prescribed, do not always completely remove biofilm from endoscope lumens. Besides being ineffective, current manual brushing techniques may have other drawbacks. The numerous different endoscope manufacturers and models result in a lot of small variability in manual cleaning techniques. This can lead to confusion and ultimately, poor adherence to the cleaning process. Current brushing systems may also be dangerous in that the chemicals currently used to clean endoscopes could potentially have adverse effects on reprocessing staff.

[0021] Current manual brushing systems are also labor-intensive and can lead to increased costs. Therefore, current approaches to cleaning and disinfecting lumens in medical cleaning devices remain inadequate, and residual microorganisms are now recognized as a significant threat to patients and staff exposed to these devices. For example, there is evidence of bacterial transmission between patients from inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the internal structures of endoscopes, which in turn leads to patients acquiring fatal infections. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 41 hospitals worldwide, mostly in the United States, reported bacterial infections associated with endoscopes, affecting 300-350 patients (http: / / www.modernhealthcare.com / article / 20167415 / NEWS / 167419935). Reducing biocontamination levels in various medical devices is expected to lead to an overall reduction in infection and mortality rates.

[0022] Furthermore, if endoscopes are not properly cleaned and dried, biofilms can accumulate on the lumen walls. Biofilms begin to form when free-floating microorganisms themselves adhere to the surface and are surrounded by a protective polysaccharide layer. The microorganisms then begin to proliferate with other microorganisms or form aggregates, increasing the extent of the polysaccharide layer. Multiple attachment sites can combine over time, forming substantial biofilm deposits. Once bacteria or other microorganisms are incorporated into a biofilm, they become significantly more resistant to chemical and mechanical cleaning than they were in a free-floating state. The organisms themselves are inherently less resistant; rather, resistance is conferred by the polysaccharide film, and in fact, the microorganisms can become deeply embedded in the film, isolated from any chemical interactions. Any residual biofilm remaining after an attempt at cleaning quickly returns to equilibrium, and further growth of microorganisms within the film continues. Endoscope lumens are particularly susceptible to biofilm formation. They are exposed to a considerable amount of biological contamination, and subsequent cleaning of the long, narrow lumens is extremely difficult due to inaccessibility and the inability to monitor the cleaning process.

[0023] Medical facilities are under considerable pressure to reprocess endoscopes as quickly as possible. Since endoscopes are cleaned manually, the training and attitude of the technicians are crucial in determining the cleanliness of the device. Residual biofilm on the instrument can result in patients acquiring infections transmitted through the endoscope. These infections typically occur as outbreaks and can have fatal consequences for patients.

[0024] The use of contaminant removal fluid compositions propelled through the respective lumens of medical devices has been found to be particularly effective in removing unwanted substances (and moreover, safely) through physical contact that interacts with the lumens and cleans them. In these techniques, a liquid-powder mixture (contaminant removal fluid composition) is generated, distributed into a suitable amount, and then delivered at a suitable rate through at least a portion of the lumen. The liquid-powder mixture (e.g., contaminant removal fluid composition) may be referred to herein as “slurry,” and the distributed amount of the liquid-powder mixture may be referred to herein as “cleaning slag” or “slag.”

[0025] Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary method 240 for cleaning the lumen of a medical device using slurry and cleaning slag. Method 240 in Figure 2A begins in 242 with the production, mixing, or otherwise obtaining the liquid-powder mixture. In 244, the liquid-powder mixture is distributed into a suitable amount. In 246, the distributed 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 implemented in any of the various ways.

[0026] For example, any suitable liquid-powder mixture can be implemented. As can be understood, the liquid component of the mixture can promote the fluidity of the mixture, while the presence of the powder acts to interact with (e.g., wash) the walls of the target lumen (e.g., channel), thereby cleaning the lumen. According to a particular example, the powder component of the liquid-powder mixture is present in the mixture in amounts greater than the respective saturation limits in each liquid, which can facilitate the washing interaction between the mixture and the lumen walls. In a particular embodiment, the liquid-powder mixture comprises a mixture of sodium bicarbonate powder and water, where the sodium bicarbonate is present in amounts exceeding the respective saturation levels. For example, in some embodiments, the sodium bicarbonate may be present in amounts exceeding 10% by mass of the mixture at a particular stage. It has been determined that a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and water may be particularly effective in the disclosed application. Furthermore, these components are readily available. However, it will be understood that any suitable liquid-powder mixture can be used in alternative examples.

[0027] In some configurations, the powder in the mixture is present in amounts less than the saturation level of each of the associated liquids. However, the liquid is delivered to the target lumen before the powder is completely dissolved in the liquid. In this way, the undissolved powder can still interact with the target lumen being washed.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be understood that the liquid-powder mixture can be produced / obtained by any of the following methods. For example, in certain embodiments, the powder is obtained from a cartridge or other consumable chamber / container, the water is obtained from a tap, and these components are mixed in a holding chamber (or within the consumable chamber itself) close to the time of washing (e.g., within a few days or weeks). This approach may be advantageous as long as the powder, such as sodium bicarbonate, is relatively stable and can have a long shelf life, and a suitable water source is readily available. However, in other embodiments, the mixture may be obtained in an already mixed form.

[0029] As described above, Method 240 involves distributing a liquid-powder mixture into suitable amounts. As shown in the figure, the distributed amounts are then delivered through the lumen to be cleaned. Delivering discrete amounts of the mixture may be advantageous as long as the discrete amounts can be delivered regularly at a suitable rate, and periodic application of the composition can help facilitate the cleaning of the lumen while preventing clogging / blockage of the target lumen. Furthermore, the discrete nature of the delivered amounts can facilitate the maintenance of a suitable delivery rate, which can also aid in cleaning. For example, if the liquid-powder mixture is delivered continuously (not in discretely distributed amounts), this approach may risk "clogging" or blocking the lumen, thereby reducing the rate at which the contaminant removal fluid composition flows through the lumen, which can significantly affect the cleaning effect.

[0030] In particular, different amounts of liquid-powder mixture can be suited differently to the different characteristics of the lumen being cleaned. For example, air / water channels in an endoscope are typically located in the narrowest lumens and therefore can be more preferably cleaned with relatively small amounts of liquid-powder mixture (while using larger amounts of liquid-powder mixture may occlude such narrow channels). In contrast, aspiration / biopsy channels in an endoscope are typically located in the widest lumens and therefore can be more preferably cleaned with relatively large amounts of liquid-powder mixture. Thus, the amount of liquid-powder mixture distributed for use in cleaning a given lumen is a function of the geometric shape of the lumen being cleaned. Of course, it should be understood that the amount of liquid-powder mixture distributed can also be a function of any of a variety of parameters, including those related to the target.

[0031] The amount of liquid powder mixture distributed can be determined by one of several methods. For example, in certain embodiments, a valve may be used to draw a target amount of liquid powder mixture from a reservoir. In some embodiments, a self-regulating pressurizing system is used to draw a suitable amount of liquid powder mixture from the reservoir.

[0032] As described above, method 240 in Figure 2A further includes delivering a distributed amount of liquid-powder mixture through at least a portion of the lumen to be cleaned. Generally, a carrier fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) is used to deliver (e.g., propel) the distributed amount of liquid-powder mixture through at least a portion of the lumen to be cleaned at a suitable rate. The distributed amount of liquid-powder mixture is delivered in such a manner (e.g., suitable size, suitable rate, etc.) that it provides appropriate physical interaction between the mixture and the lumen walls, meaning that undissolved powder will physically come into contact with or collide with the lumen walls to remove contaminants (e.g., biological contamination) from there. Of course, the distributed amount of liquid-powder mixture can be delivered through the lumen in any suitable manner to enable cleaning of the lumen.

[0033] In particular, method 240 can be repeated any number of times to facilitate cleaning of the lumen of a medical device. For example, Figure 2B shows the delivery of a cleaning slag 248 (e.g., a distributed amount of liquid-powder mixture) through a lumen 252 to remove contaminants from the lumen wall, and the general direction of travel of the slag 248 is represented by arrow 261. That is, as shown in the figure, the lumen 252 has one or more contaminants 254 (e.g., biological contaminants) disposed on the inner surface / wall 256 of the lumen. Furthermore, it is shown that the cleaning slag 248 is delivered through the lumen 252 and physically interacts with the lumen wall, thereby removing the contaminants 254 from there. In this example, the cleaning slag 248 can be considered to be contained in a carrier fluid containing air (represented by arrow 263).

[0034] In general, the cleaning slags presented herein, such as cleaning slag 248, can have different forms / arrangements. For example, in certain embodiments, the cleaning slags presented herein may be relatively single / single masses (e.g., potentially substantially occluding a lumen as they move through it), sometimes referred herein as “single slags.” However, in other embodiments, the cleaning slags may be “aggregates” or “clusters” of smaller clumps / groups, sometimes referred herein as “cluster slags,” which move through the lumen as loose groups (e.g., may not occlude the lumen as they move through it). Figure 2B schematically shows an example where slag 248 is a cluster slag.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the washing slug can transition between different forms during its lifecycle. For example, the slug may be distributed as a single slug (which may be generated initially) but then transition to a cluster slug. This transition may occur before entering the lumen (e.g., within the delivery chamber) and / or while traveling through the lumen.

[0036] As described above, Figure 2B generally illustrates the delivery of cleaning slug 248 through the lumen 252. In a particular example, Figure 2B represents the first stage / stage of the cleaning process, while Figure 2C represents the second stage / stage of the cleaning process. More specifically, after the cleaning slug 248 has been delivered through the lumen 252 (as in Figure 2B), the fluid flow is delivered through the lumen 252 without any slug. In the example of Figure 2C, the fluid flow consists of water 265, and the general direction of movement is again represented by arrow 261. In a particular example, the fluid flow (e.g., water 265) is configured to remove residue 247 from the lumen. The residue 247 may include, for example, the remaining portion of a portion of the contaminant 254 and / or a portion of the slag 248, which may remain on the walls of the lumen 252 after the slag has passed (for example, the slag may break down into different clusters, some of which remain on the walls of the lumen 252). Any portions of the slag 248 that may remain on the walls of the lumen 252, if present, may aid in the cleaning process as these portions are swept through the lumen 252 by the fluid flow.

[0037] Figures 2B and 2C generally illustrate an arrangement in which the second stage (fluid flow) is interspersed between the delivery of the cleaning slag. That is, in the embodiments of Figures 2B and 2C, the delivery of each cleaning slag is followed by a fluid-only flow. In certain alternative embodiments, multiple slags may be delivered through the lumen either simultaneously or sequentially without separation (e.g., without a fluid-only flow).

[0038] Importantly, while Figure 2B illustrates the simultaneous delivery of two wash slags 248 through the lumen 252, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, the wash slags may be delivered sequentially (e.g., one at a time) through the lumen. While Figure 2B illustrates the delivery of two wash slags 248, it should be understood that in different embodiments, any number of wash slags may be delivered through the lumen. Generally, the use of a series of discrete / separate wash slags 248, in contrast to a single large flow, can allow the separate wash slags to maintain sufficient kinetic energy to pass through the lumen at a rate that allows the particles with the slag to interact favorably with the lumen wall and remove contaminants from the lumen wall.

[0039] As described above, the lumen irrigation process described above with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C can be implemented in numerous different ways with numerous different lumens. In this context, one particular exemplary implementation will be described with reference to irrigating at least a portion of the endoscope 100 in Figure 1.

[0040] More specifically, in one exemplary cleaning process / cycle, one(1) cleaning slug is fired / injected into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, then nine(9) cleaning slugs are fired into the biopsy / suction channel 122 via the suction connector 137, then one(1) cleaning slug is fired into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, then three(3) cleaning slugs are fired into the distal section 122B of the biopsy / suction channel 122 via the biopsy valve 118, then one(1) cleaning slug is fired into the water jet channel 128 via the water jet connector 138, then nine(9) cleaning slugs are fired into the biopsy / suction channel 122 via the suction connector 137. The cleaning cycle may further include firing / shooting six(6) cleaning slags into the air channel 124 via the air connector 143 and firing six(6) cleaning slags into the water channel 126 (e.g., in parallel) via the water connector 141. The firing of cleaning slags into each target lumen may be followed by a fluid flow, as described above with reference to Figure 2C. The cleaning slags and fluid flow may be delivered via one or possible multiple connectors (e.g., one connector for the air pipe and one connector for the air / water bottle).

[0041] In certain cases, 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) in a total of 21 shots, with a delay of approximately 15 seconds between each shot. For a relatively small channel (e.g., air / water channel), approximately 60–80 grams can be used, with a total of 12 shots, with a delay of approximately 30 seconds between each shot. For other small channels (e.g., water jet channel 128), approximately 10–20 grams can be used, with a total of 3 shots, with a delay of approximately 30 seconds between each shot. Again, as mentioned above with reference to Figure 2C, each of these channels can also receive a subsequent fluid flow (e.g., after each cleaning slag).

[0042] As described above, the cleaning slag is delivered to the target lumen at a speed suitable / sufficient for removing contaminants from the walls of the target lumen. The speed of the cleaning slag may vary based on, for example, the properties of the target lumen, the properties of the contaminant removal fluid composition (slurry) used to form the slag, etc. In an exemplary example, the slag speed for a relatively large lumen may be about 1000 mm / second.

[0043] Furthermore, the cleaning slag can be delivered within specific pressure and fluid flow rate (air) ranges. In certain examples, the cleaning slag can be delivered at pressures such as up to approximately 26 psi (air, note that this is adjusted by PPR as described below) and up to approximately 24 psi (water). Exemplary air flow rate metrics may include approximately 50 SLPM (large channel unloaded), approximately 11–17 SLPM (large channel during administration), approximately 7–10 SLPM (large channel under full load), approximately 5–7 SLPM (small channel unloaded), and approximately 0.1 SLPM (small channel under full load). It should be understood that these ranges and values ​​are merely illustrative.

[0044] As described elsewhere in this specification, various techniques exist for cleaning lumens, including manual processes (e.g., manual cleaning / brushing preceding and / or following a cleaning fluid flow), processes using a propelled contaminant removal fluid composition, processes involving water or other fluid cleaning flows without brushing / scrubbing, and / or other techniques. However, all of these techniques result in some discharge, at least at certain stages, which will be referred to herein as “fluid effluent” coming out from, for example, the distal end of the lumen. Fluid effluent may include fluids used in the cleaning process (e.g., air, water, blood, contaminant removal fluid composition, 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 effluent may include water only, air only, water and air combined with contaminants, water and / or air combinations, etc., regardless of the source, specific cleaning medium / technology, etc.

[0045] This specification presents techniques for managing fluid effluents discharged in connection with lumen cleaning processes (fluid cleaning effluents). More specifically, according to certain embodiments presented, an effluent management accessory (EMA) is provided, for example, to substantially separate the gaseous portion from the non-gasic (e.g., liquid and / or solid) portion of fluid effluent discharged in connection with a lumen cleaning process, the separated portions of which can then be appropriately disposed. This allows the effluent management accessory to promote a high-quality environment for laboratory / cleaning personnel. The value of maintaining / promoting a high-quality environment for cleaning in this context has been underestimated to date, and the disclosed apparatus provides a sophisticated solution for this purpose.

[0046] As stated above, for the sake of simplicity, the techniques presented herein will be described primarily in reference to cleaning certain types of medical lumens, namely endoscopic channels, through an automated cleaning process using fluid compositions and lumen cleaning devices. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use in endoscopes, or more generally, to use in medical devices. Therefore, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can be used in connection with cleaning lumens of several different devices / instruments used in any of several different applications, such as dental lines, food / beverage lines, and other medical lumens. Also, as stated above, embodiments of the techniques presented herein can be used in conjunction with manual lumen cleaning, and therefore, references to automated lumen cleaning using fluid compositions and / or lumen cleaning devices are merely illustrative.

[0047] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating the management of fluid cleaning spills by the spill management accessory 301 according to a particular embodiment presented herein. More specifically, Figure 3A illustrates an automated lumen cleaning device 370 (apparatus) comprising a user interface 372, a pressure sensor 374, and a plurality of connectors 376. The connectors 376 facilitate connection of the automated lumen cleaning device 370 to an air supply 378 (e.g., compressed dry air supply) and a water supply 380 (e.g., drinking water supply). The connectors 376 also include a device outlet port 382.

[0048] As shown, the automated lumen cleaning device 370 also includes an interface / connector 384 for the endoscope adapter hose 386. The endoscope adapter hose 386 connects the automated lumen cleaning device 370 to one or more lumens of an endoscope, such as the endoscope 100. During the exemplary cleaning process in Figure 3A, the endoscope 100 can be substantially submerged in water 388 in, for example, a sink assembly 390. The sink assembly 390 includes a sink drain 397 (e.g., a P-trap drain).

[0049] As described above, Figure 3A also shows an spill management accessory 301, which in this example is fluid-connected to both the automatic lumen cleaning device 370 and the endoscope 100. More specifically, as will be described in more detail below, the spill management accessory 301 includes two input ports called input port 303 and input port 305. Input port 303 is fluid-connected to the device outlet port 382 via the device outlet tube / hose 307, while input port 305 is fluid-connected to the distal end of one or more lumens of the endoscope 100 via the endoscope adapter tube assembly 329. The endoscope adapter tube assembly 329 includes, among other elements, a tube / hose 311 and an adapter 313. In this particular example, the adapter 313 has a customer-replaceable elastomer component that seals the endoscope tip. The spill management accessory 301 also includes a discharge port 315 connected to a discharge assembly 317, which terminates with a spigot adapter 319 connected to a sink drain 397. As will be further detailed below, the discharge assembly 317 may have a predetermined dip height 391.

[0050] As described above, Figure 3A shows the spillage management accessory 301 fluid-connected to both the automated lumen irrigation device 370 and the endoscope 100. In an alternative configuration, the spillage management accessory 301 may be fluid-connected only to the endoscope 100 and not to the automated lumen irrigation device 370.

[0051] The spill management accessory 301 can be mounted on the sink assembly 390. In the exemplary example shown in Figure 3A, the spill management accessory 301 is mounted on the sink assembly 390 via a borehole (with grommet) 389. In another alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, the spill management accessory 301 can also be integrated into the automated lumen cleaning device 370.

[0052] As further described below, the spill management accessory 301 operates by receiving fluid cleaning spills (fluid spills) from the endoscope 100 (via adapter 313, hose 311, and input port 305) or directly from the automated lumen cleaning device 370 (via adapter 309, hose 307, and input port 303). The spill management accessory 301 is configured to separate any gases (e.g., air) present in the fluid spills from any non-gases (e.g., liquids and / or solids) present in the spills being discharged by an automated or manual cleaning process. Generally, the spill management accessory 301 includes one or more separation stages (e.g., a first-stage separator, and in a particular example, a second-stage separator). In a particular example, a centrifugation stage or centrifuge (e.g., a first-stage separator) performs a centrifugation process to at least partially separate the gaseous (e.g., air) portion of the fluid spills from the non-gasic portion of the fluid spills. The centrifugal separation stage (first stage separator) produces “gaseous effluent” and “non-gaseous effluent.” As used herein, “non-gaseous effluent” generally consists of liquid and / or solid components of a fluid effluent such as water, blood, biofilm, or contaminants, but may also include some gaseous components of the fluid effluent. As used herein, “gaseous effluent” generally consists of gaseous components of a fluid effluent, but may also include relatively small amounts of liquid and / or solid components of the fluid effluent. According to the embodiments presented herein, the volume of solid / liquid in the non-gaseous effluent is greater than that of the gaseous effluent. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of solid / liquid in the non-gaseous effluent is at least 10% greater than that of the gaseous effluent. In some embodiments, the gaseous effluent is more than 50 volume percent (%) gas, while the non-gaseous effluent is more than 50 volume percent liquid / solid. In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in the gaseous exhaust is less than 50% of the volume of the gaseous exhaust. In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in the gaseous exhaust is less than 25% of the volume of the gaseous exhaust.In some embodiments, the volume of solids / liquids in the gaseous discharge is less than 10% of the volume of the gaseous discharge.

[0053] According to the embodiments presented herein, non-gaseous effluent is discharged into the sink drain 397. However, according to certain embodiments presented herein, a “purification” or “second separation” stage (e.g., a second stage separator in the form of a filter cartridge assembly, a bypass route, etc.) is provided to further purify the gaseous effluent produced in the centrifugal stage. That is, as further described below, the gaseous effluent is purified to further separate the remaining liquid and / or solid portions of the fluid effluent from the remaining gaseous portion so that the “purified gaseous effluent” can be safely discharged into the room. That is, the purification stage receives the gaseous effluent from the centrifugal stage and operates to further separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous effluent from the non-gaseous portion of the gaseous effluent, and releases / discharges the purified gaseous effluent into the environment (room). As used herein, “purified gaseous effluent” is the gaseous effluent produced via the centrifugal process, which has been secondarily purified in a purification stage such as a filter cartridge assembly, a bypass route, etc.

[0054] The spill management accessory 301 is operable to manage multifluid phase conditions such as mixed flows of gas, liquid, and solid, mixed flows of gas and liquid, gas only, liquid only, etc. That is, as used herein, fluid spills can include mixed flows of gas, liquid, and solid, mixed flows of gas and liquid, gas only, liquid only, etc. Specific design features are provided to manage these complex multifluid phase conditions.

[0055] Figures 4A–4G illustrate an exemplary efflux management accessory 401 comprising both a centrifugal stage (e.g., a first-stage separator in the form of a centrifuge) and a purification stage (e.g., a second-stage separator) in the form of a "filtration separation" stage, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. As described elsewhere herein, the presence of both the centrifugal stage and the filtration separation stage is merely illustrative. For example, it should be understood that the technology presented herein can be implemented in a device that omits the filtration separation stage. More specifically, Figure 4A is a side view of the efflux management accessory 401, Figure 4B is an exploded view of the efflux management accessory 401, Figure 4C is a first cross-sectional view of the efflux management accessory 401 in operation, and Figure 4D is a second cross-sectional view of the efflux management accessory 401 in operation. Figures 4E and 4F are perspective views of the filter cartridge assembly of the efflux management accessory 401, and Figure 4G is a top view of the efflux management accessory 401 in non-operational configuration (i.e., with the filter cartridge assembly removed). For the sake of clarity, Figures 4A through 4G are generally explained together.

[0056] The spill management accessory 401 is generally described as comprising five parts / sections, referred to as the discharge assembly 417, the cone assembly 423, the filter cartridge assembly 425, the first hose / tube assembly 427, and the second hose / tube assembly 429. Each of these parts is described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the general division of the spill management accessory 401 into these specific five parts is merely for the sake of clarity, and in alternative arrangements, the spill management accessory presented herein may include a different number of parts with numerous different structural arrangements.

[0057] Similar to the spill management accessory 301 in Figures 3A and 3B, the spill management accessory 401 operates by receiving fluid cleaning spills (fluid spills) that may include multifluid phase conditions such as mixed gas, liquid, and solid streams, mixed gas and liquid streams, gas only, or liquid only. As further described below, the spill management accessory 401 performs at least two main functions in relation to the received spill, including both centrifugal separation and filtration separation of gases from any liquids and / or solids present in the fluid spill. Specifically, the spill management accessory 401 is configured to separate gases (e.g., air) present in the fluid cleaning spill from any liquids and solids present in the spill being discharged by an automated or manual cleaning process.

[0058] The centrifugal separation stage uses a centrifugal separation process to substantially separate the liquid and solid (particle) portions of the fluid effluent from the gaseous portion, producing a gaseous and non-gaseous effluent. However, as further described below, the filtration separation stage is applied only to the gaseous effluent (e.g., the substantially gaseous portion separated during the centrifugal separation stage), while the non-gaseous effluent (e.g., the relatively large liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent) is immediately discarded. In the embodiments of Figures 4A-4G, the filtration separation stage uses a filtration process (e.g., a coalescing filter) to separate the liquid and solid (particle) portions of the fluid effluent from the gaseous portion. Thus, only the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent is safely discharged into the room, while the liquid and solid effluent are safely discharged, for example, into a sink drain. The structural arrangement of the effluent management accessory 401 is further described below, followed by a more detailed description of the functional operation of the effluent management accessory 401.

[0059] The spillage management accessory 401 first comprises a conical assembly 423 having two input ports called input port 403 and input port 405, each configured to receive fluid spillage from one or more fluid spillage sources. In this example, input port 403 is configured to be fluidly connected via a first hose assembly 427 to a discharge fitting / port (not shown in Figures 4A to 4G) of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., the discharge port of an endoscope reprocessing device), while 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) (not shown in Figures 4A to 4F).

[0060] The hose assembly 427 comprises an adapter 409 for connecting to the discharge port of a lumen irrigation device, a connector 431 (e.g., quick-cut) for connecting to the input port 403, and a hose / tube 407 for fluid connection between the adapter 409 and the connector 431. The hose assembly 429 comprises an adapter 413 for connecting to the distal end of one or more lumens, a connector 433 (e.g., quick-cut) for connecting to the input port 405, and a hose / tube 411 for fluid connection between the adapter 413 and the connector 433. In this example, the adapter 412 is configured to fit into the connector 435 and includes a backflow preventer 437 (backflow minimizer). In this example, the backflow preventer 437 includes a conical portion that minimizes the flow of effluent back into the hose 411. It should be understood that this particular arrangement for the backflow preventer 437 is illustrative only, and other types of backflow preventers can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0061] As described above, the spill management accessory 401 shown in Figures 4A to 4G includes two input ports that can receive spills. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or two or more input ports.

[0062] Returning to the specific examples in Figures 4A–4G, the conical assembly 423 is an element of the centrifugal stage and is an interface for the lumen cleaning device, the lumen(s) to be cleaned, and the discharge port of the sink discharge path. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 423 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 441 terminating at the discharge port 415. In the examples in Figures 4A–4G, the conical assembly 423 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 436 and a lower portion 438 having a conical volume, where ports 403 and 405 are located. In other embodiments, the upper portion may be omitted so that the entire conical assembly 423 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0063] Distributed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 423 is a baffle / separator blade 439 (impeller) with a central aperture 443 (through-hole), sometimes referred to as a "vortex finder." In the examples shown in Figures 4A to 4G, the baffle 439 is part of the filter cartridge assembly 425. However, in alternative embodiments, the baffle 439 can be separated from the filter cartridge assembly 425.

[0064] In a particular example, the conical assembly 423 is said to have a first end 471 and a second end 473. As shown, the baffle 439 is disposed in the conical assembly 423 adjacent to the first end 471, and the discharge 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 discharge port 415.

[0065] In addition to the baffle 439, the filter cartridge assembly 425 defines an internal volume 447 located above the central aperture 443 of the baffle 439, the central aperture 443 providing the only fluid connection between the internal volume 441 and the internal volume 447. The internal volume 447 is circumferentially surrounded by the filter 449 and then housed in the filter housing 445. The filter housing 445 also includes an opening 453, and a splash shield 451 may also be provided.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 425 is secured to the cone assembly 423 (for example, by two cantilever flaps). In alternative embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 425 may be secured to the cone assembly 423 in a different manner, or to a discharge assembly 417, etc. A seal 455 (for example, an O-ring) may be provided between the filter cartridge assembly 425 and the cone assembly 423.

[0067] As most clearly shown in Figure 4B, the discharge assembly 417 includes a body or cradle assembly 457 configured to receive and secure the cone assembly 423. The body 457 can swivel to accommodate different device-versus-sink orientations. The discharge assembly 417 also includes a discharge hose / tube 459 having a first end connected to the body 457 and a second end connected to a spigot adapter 419. The discharge port 415 of the cone assembly 423 is fluidly connected to the first end of the discharge hose 459, and the spigot adapter 419 is configured to connect to a sink drain (not shown in Figures 4A-4F). That is, the spigot adapter 419 is used to ensure the discharge hose is connected to a sink drain such as a P-trap. In certain embodiments, the spigot adapter 419 can be universal for all global standard spigot sizes.

[0068] The capper 461 attached to the main body 457 is shown. The capper 461 is configured to mate with the main body 457 when the filter cartridge assembly 425 is not installed inside, minimizing the possibility of the spill management accessory 401 operating without the filter cartridge. When inserted into the main body 457, the capper 461 physically seals the input ports 403 and 405.

[0069] As described above, the efflux management accessory 401 is configured to perform dynamic separation of gas (e.g., air) from liquid and solid efflux 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 efflux is affected along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 423, and due to the high inertial (centrifugal) force of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture moves downward toward the discharge port 415, while the gas is discharged toward the central aperture 443 (vortex finder) and enters the internal volume 447 of the filter cartridge assembly 425. The baffle 439 is an integrated feature in the centrifugal separation stage that provides a boundary between the central aperture 443 and the radial flow of air without disrupting the inner wall of the vortex flow.

[0070] In other words, in the centrifugal stage, the fluid effluent (received from the endoscope 100 and the automatic lumen irrigation device 370) is supplied tangentially to the cylindrical top of the conical assembly 423, causing rotation. The flow velocity is further accelerated as it passes through the cylindrical top. The centrifugal force separates the flow of the non-gas portion of the fluid effluent, while the fluid effluent rotates downward according to the surface profile of the conical assembly 423. Meanwhile, the flow of the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent is moved to enter the baffle 439 during rotation.

[0071] In summary, the centrifugal stage (centrifuge) is used to separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluent, thereby producing what is referred to herein as “gaseous effluent” (e.g., separated potentially moist gas) and “non-gaseous effluent” (e.g., generally liquid and / or solid). The gaseous effluent enters the central aperture 443, while the non-gaseous effluent (solid and liquid portions) passes through the discharge port 415 (e.g., as a result of gravity) and eventually through the discharge hose 459 and connected drain. In other words, heavier non-gaseous particles are separated from the gas via centrifugal force, and the mass of the non-gaseous particles is greater, and therefore these larger particles are more difficult to separate from the gaseous particles by impacting the walls of the conical assembly 423, and gravity pulls the non-gaseous particles down to the discharge.

[0072] In a particular example, this centrifugal separation stage utilizes two conditions made possible by the physical placement of the spill management accessory 401. In particular, during operation, the spill management accessory 401 should be oriented so that the discharge port 415 is positioned below the baffle 439, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous spills (heavier solids and liquids) toward the discharge port 415 and allowing lighter gaseous spills to enter the central aperture 443. Figures 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, illustrating the spill management accessory 401 mounted on the sink assembly 490 in an orientation that allows gravity to pull heavier non-gaseous spills toward the discharge port 415 and allow gaseous spills to enter the central aperture 443. Note that in Figure 5B, a portion of the sink assembly 490 is omitted to more clearly show the embodiment of the spill management accessory 401.

[0073] In addition to the upright orientation of the spill management accessory 401, a second physical condition during operation is that the fluid resistance of the discharge hose 459 should be greater than the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 425, especially in gaseous-only spill flows (e.g., during air purging). If the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 425 is greater than the fluid resistance of the discharge hose, the gaseous spill can escape through the discharge hose 459 and the connected drain, resulting in aerosolization. The relatively large fluid resistance of the discharge hose 459 can be provided, for example, by including a dynamic shut-off valve (e.g., a ball valve as shown in Figures 6A-6E and 7A-7C) in the discharge port 415, or by providing a minimum water column (immersion height) within the discharge hose 459 (see, for example, a predetermined immersion height 391 as shown in Figure 3A).

[0074] As described above, the centrifugal stage is used to separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents, at least partially. In a particular example, as described above, the gaseous effluent (e.g., gaseous effluent and remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles) enters the central aperture 443 (vortex finder) and passes into the internal volume 447 of the filter cartridge assembly 425. As described above, the filter cartridge assembly 425 (filter housing 445) includes an opening 453, and the filter 449 is located between the opening and the central aperture 443. Thus, the gaseous effluent passes from the internal volume 447 to the filter 449, which separates the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles from the remaining gas(s). Thus, the remaining gas(s) can pass through the filter 449 and produce purified gaseous effluent that can exit into the ambient environment through the opening 453 (e.g., by passing around the splash shield 451), while the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles are captured by the filter 449. The filter 449 can remove excess water vapor from the gas to prevent a dramatic increase in moisture in the surrounding environment.

[0075] In summary, the filter cartridge assembly 425 manages solid and liquid particles not collected by the centrifugation stage. Generally, these particles have a size smaller than the “cutoff” diameter of the centrifugation stage collection efficiency threshold (CET). As described elsewhere in this specification, the filtration separation stage (or other types of purification stage) can be implemented in different ways, or in certain embodiments, the centrifugation stage operates independently to manage fluid effluent (e.g., the filtration separation stage is omitted).

[0076] In certain embodiments, the filter 449 may be a coalescing filter having relatively low pressure drop characteristics and high collection efficiency (e.g., 0.1-0.30 μm rating). In certain examples, the filter 449 is formed from borosilicate microfiber material. In certain embodiments, the filter 449 is replaceable and / or washable, for example, via back pressure. In certain embodiments, the entire filter cartridge assembly 425 is a consumable / disposable component, but other components (e.g., cone assembly, discharge assembly, etc.) can be washed for reuse.

[0077] Figures 4A–4G generally show one exemplary arrangement for a spill management accessory according to a particular embodiment presented herein. It should be understood that the arrangement shown in Figures 4A–4G is illustrative only, and the spill management accessory according to the embodiments presented herein can be implemented in different arrangements. For example, Figures 6A–6E illustrate another arrangement for a spill management accessory, called spill management accessory 601, according to a particular embodiment presented herein.

[0078] More specifically, Figure 6A is a side view of the spill management accessory 601, and Figure 6B is a perspective view of the spill management accessory 601. Figure 6C is a first cross-sectional view of the spill management accessory 601 (taken along line GG in Figure 6A), Figure 6D is a second cross-sectional view of the spill management accessory 601 (taken along line II in Figure 6A), and Figure 6E is a third cross-sectional view of the spill management accessory 601 (taken along line HH in Figure 6A).

[0079] The spill management accessory 601 generally comprises a discharge assembly 617, a cone assembly 623, and a filter cartridge assembly 625. Each of these parts is described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the general division of the spill management accessory 601 into these specific parts is merely for the sake of clarity, and in alternative arrangements, the spill management accessory presented herein may include a different number of parts with numerous different structural arrangements.

[0080] The spill management accessory 601 operates by receiving fluid cleaning spills (fluid spills) that may include multifluid phase conditions such as mixed gaseous, liquid, and solid streams, mixed gaseous and liquid streams, gas only, liquid only, etc. As further described below, the spill management accessory 601 performs at least two main functions in relation to the received fluid spills, including a centrifugal separation stage for substantially separating gases from any liquids and / or solids, generation of gaseous and non-gasile spills, and a filtration separation stage for gaseous spills. That is, the spill management accessory 601 is configured to separate any gases (e.g., air) present in the fluid cleaning spills from any liquids and solids present in the spills being discharged by an automatic or manual cleaning process. The separated (wet) gases (gasile spills) are purified (e.g., filtered) so that they can be safely discharged into a room, while the liquid and solid spills can be safely discharged, for example, into a sink drain. The structural arrangement of the spill management accessory 601 is described further below, followed by a more detailed description of the functional operation of the spill management accessory 601.

[0081] The spillage management accessory 601 first comprises a conical assembly 623 having two input ports called input port 603 and input port 605, which are configured to receive spillage. That is, input port 603 and input port 605 are each configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid cleaning spillage source. In this example, input port 603 is configured to be fluidly connected to a discharge fitting / port (not shown in Figures 6A-6E) of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., a discharge port of an endoscope reprocessing device), while 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) (not shown in Figures 6A-6E).

[0082] In the examples in Figures 6A to 6E, an adapter 613 for connecting to the distal end of one or more lumens is attached to the input port 605. The adapter 613 includes a backflow preventer 637. In this example, the backflow preventer 637 has a conical portion that minimizes the flow of effluent back into the lumen. In Figure 6A, a portion of the outer surface of the effluent control accessory 601 is omitted to show the backflow preventer 637.

[0083] It should be understood that this particular arrangement for the backflow preventer 637 is merely illustrative, and other types of backflow preventers can be used in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, a connector 631 (e.g., a quick-cut) is provided at the input port 603. The connector 631 is for connecting to a hose / tube (not shown in Figures 6A-6E), which can then be connected to a lumen irrigation device.

[0084] As described above, the spill management accessory 601 in Figures 6A to 6E includes two input ports that can receive spills. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is merely illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or two or more input ports. In various embodiments, input ports 603 and 605 may be configured to connect directly to a suitable fluid cleaning spill source, or they may each be configured to connect to a suitable fluid cleaning spill source via a hose assembly that may be similar to or different from the hose assemblies described elsewhere in this specification.

[0085] Returning to the specific examples in Figures 6A–6E, the conical assembly 623 is an element of the centrifugal stage and an interface for the lumen cleaning device, the lumen(s) to be cleaned, and the discharge port of the sink discharge path. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 623 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 641 terminating at the discharge port 615. In the examples in Figures 6A–6E, the conical assembly 623 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 636 and a lower portion 638 having a conical volume, where the input ports 603 and 605 are located. In other embodiments, the upper portion may be omitted so that the entire conical assembly 623 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0086] Distributed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 623 is a baffle / separator blade 639 (impeller) with a central aperture 643 (through-hole), sometimes referred to as a "vortex finder." In the examples shown in Figures 6A–6E, the baffle 639 is part of the filter cartridge assembly 625. However, in alternative embodiments, the baffle 639 can be separated from the filter cartridge assembly 625.

[0087] In addition to the baffle 639, the filter cartridge assembly 625 includes a filter cover 645 that defines an internal volume 647 located above the central aperture 643 of the baffle 639. The internal volume 647 is circumferentially surrounded by a filter 649, which is then covered by the filter cover 645 (for example, to seal the edges of the filter 649 and protect the filter from splashes and accidental damage). The filter cover 645 also includes an opening 653.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 625 is secured to the conical assembly 623 (for example, by two cantilever flaps). In alternative embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 625 may be secured to the conical assembly 623 in a different manner, or to the discharge assembly 617, etc. A seal (for example, an O-ring) may be provided between the filter cartridge assembly 625 and the conical assembly 623.

[0089] The discharge assembly 617 includes a body or cradle assembly 657 configured to receive and secure a cone assembly 623. In a particular example, a cradle ring 675 is provided to upright the spill management accessory 601. The cradle ring 675 is operable to swivel and is mounted to a cradle base 677 which can be secured to a surface such as the sink assembly surface (e.g., double-sided adhesive or screws). The discharge assembly 617 also includes a discharge tube / hose 659, which in turn includes a discharge orifice 663 configured to regulate the discharge flow.

[0090] As described above, the efflux management accessory 601 is configured to perform dynamic separation of gas (e.g., air) from liquid and solid efflux 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 efflux is affected along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 623, and due to the high inertial (centrifugal) force of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture moves downward toward the discharge port 615, while the gas is discharged toward the central aperture 643 (vortex finder) and enters the internal volume 647 of the filter cartridge assembly 625. The baffle 639 is an integrated feature in the centrifugal separation stage that provides a boundary between the central aperture 643 and the radial flow of air without disrupting the inner wall of the vortex flow.

[0091] In summary, the centrifugal stage (centrifuge) is used to separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluent, thereby producing what is referred to herein as “gaseous effluent” (e.g., separated potentially moist gas) and “non-gaseous effluent” (e.g., liquid and / or solid). The gaseous effluent enters the central aperture 643, while the non-gaseous effluent (solid and liquid portions) passes through the discharge port 615 (e.g., as a result of gravity) and ultimately through the discharge hose 659 and connected drain.

[0092] In a particular example, this centrifugal stage utilizes two conditions made possible by the physical arrangement of the spill management accessory 601. In particular, during operation, the spill management accessory 601 should be oriented such that the discharge port 615 is positioned below the baffle 639, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous spills (heavier solids and liquids) down toward the discharge port 615 and allowing lighter gaseous spills to enter the central aperture 643. In addition to the upright orientation of the spill management accessory 601, a second physical condition during operation is that the fluid resistance of the discharge hose 659 should be greater than the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 625, especially in gaseous-only spill flows (e.g., during air purging). If the fluid resistance of the filter cartridge assembly 625 is greater than the fluid resistance of the discharge hose, gaseous spills can escape through the discharge hose 659 and the connected drain, resulting in aerosolization. The relatively large fluid resistance of the discharge hose 659 is provided in this example by including a dynamic shut-off valve 665 at the discharge port 615. The exemplary dynamic shut-off valve 665 in Figures 6A–6E is a ball valve, which will be further described below with reference to Figures 7A–7C.

[0093] As described above, the centrifugal stage is used to substantially separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents. In a particular example, as described above, the gaseous effluent (e.g., gaseous effluent and remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles) enters the central aperture 643 (vortex finder) and passes into the internal volume 647 of the filter cartridge assembly 625. As described above, the filter 649 is located between the internal volume 647 and any outlet to the ambient environment. Thus, the gaseous effluent passes from the internal volume 647 to the filter 649, which separates the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles from the remaining gas(s). Thus, the remaining gas(s) can pass through the filter 649 and produce purified gaseous effluent that is released into the ambient environment, while the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles are captured by the filter 649. In a particular example, the filter 649 removes excess water vapor from the gas to prevent a dramatic increase in moisture in the ambient environment.

[0094] In summary, the filter cartridge assembly 625 manages solid and liquid particles not collected by the centrifugal separation stage. These particles have a size smaller than the “cutoff” diameter of the centrifugal separation stage collection efficiency threshold (CET). As described above, in some embodiments, the fluid effluent is further purified using the filtration separation stage described above, or another technique (e.g., a detour route). In other embodiments, the centrifugal separation stage operates independently to manage the fluid effluent.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the filter 649 may be a coalescing filter having relatively low pressure drop characteristics and high collection efficiency (e.g., 0.1-0.30 μm rating). In certain examples, the filter 649 is formed from borosilicate microfiber material. In certain embodiments, the filter 649 may be replaceable and / or washable, for example, via back pressure. In certain embodiments, the entire filter cartridge assembly 625 is a consumable / disposable component, but other components (e.g., cone assembly, discharge assembly, etc.) may be washable for reuse.

[0096] As described above, the spill management accessory 601 includes a cylindrical hollow ball valve 665 (for example, a hollow plastic ball that acts as a shut-off valve) which operates, for example, during an air purging operation (for example, physically blocking the spill path with a gas-only flow) to prevent gas (air) from coming out through the discharge hose 659. As described above, Figures 7A to 7C show the operation of the ball valve 665, Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the spill management accessory 601, and Figure 7C is a schematic diagram of the ball valve operation.

[0097] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, the ball valve 665 disengages when both gas (air) and liquid (water) are present in the conical assembly. However, as shown in Figure 7B, the ball valve 665 engages when there is only a gaseous outflow, because the ball valve 665 does not float in the gas (for example, the ball valve 665 floats when there is water in the system, but prevents air from entering the outflow pipe when there is no water).

[0098] The function of the ball valve 665 is regulated by the breather 667, the discharge hose 659, and the discharge orifice 663. These three components balance the forces acting on the ball valve 665 to prevent any lockup, as shown in Figure 7C. Thus, generally speaking, the buoyant cylindrical ball valve 665 acts as a valve that opens when there is no liquid in the assembly 623 and closes when there is liquid in the conical assembly. In certain examples, the ball valve 665 may allow a lumen flushing device to detect whether the back pressure in the filter 669 exceeds an acceptable limit, where an increase in filter resistance can negatively impact functionality and efficiency.

[0099] As described above, the presence of both the centrifugal separation stage and the filtration separation stage implemented as described above is merely illustrative. The techniques presented herein can be implemented as a purification stage implemented as a filtration separation stage using filters (e.g., filter 449, filter 649, etc.) of a filter cartridge assembly (e.g., filter cartridge assembly 425, filter cartridge assembly 625, etc.), as a purification stage implemented using a bypass route (e.g., as described below with reference to Figures 8A-8H), or with an effluent management accessory having another type of purification stage. In some other exemplary embodiments, the centrifugal separation stage can operate independently without a purification stage.

[0100] As described above, Figures 8A to 8F illustrate an example of an spill management accessory 801 having a purification stage implemented as a detour route. More specifically, Figure 8A is a diagram of the spill management accessory 801 mounted on a sink assembly 890, and Figure 8B is a diagram of the spill management accessory 801 shown separated from the sink assembly 890. Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the joint assembly 871 of the spill management accessory 801, Figure 8D is a cross-sectional view of the conical assembly 823 of the spill management accessory 801, and Figure 8E is a perspective view of the double cylinder 839 of the conical assembly 823. Finally, Figure 8F illustrates a detour route 880 of the spill management accessory 801. For ease of explanation, Figures 8A to 8F are generally described together below.

[0101] In the examples shown in Figures 8A–8F, the spill management accessory 801 is generally described as including a discharge assembly 817, a cone assembly 823, and a joint assembly 871. Each of these parts is described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the general division of the spill management accessory 801 into these specific parts is merely for the sake of clarity, and in alternative arrangements, the spill management accessories presented herein may include a different number of parts with numerous different structural configurations.

[0102] The spill management accessory 801 operates by receiving fluid cleaning spills (fluid spills) that may include mixed flows of gases, liquids, and solids, gases, liquids, gases only, liquids only, and other multifluid phase conditions. As further described below, the spill management accessory 801 is configured to separate gases (e.g., air) present in the fluid cleaning spills from any liquids and solids present in the spills being discharged by an automatic or manual cleaning process. More specifically, as further described below, a centrifugal separation stage uses a centrifugal separation process to separate the liquid and solid portions (particles) of the fluid spill from the gaseous portion, producing gaseous and non-gasic spills. Also, as further described below, the centrifugal separation stage is followed by a purification stage formed by a so-called "detour route". The purification stage in this example, sometimes referred to as the “detour stage” in this specification, receives the gaseous effluent generated during the centrifugation stage (e.g., the gaseous and relatively small portions of the liquid and the solid portions of the fluid effluent), while the relatively non-gasic effluent (e.g., the relatively large liquid and solid portions of the fluid effluent) is immediately discarded. The detour path (e.g., via one or more impactor areas, one or more bends, one or more changes in direction, momentum and gravity, etc.) operates to separate the remaining liquid and / or solid portions (particles) from the separated gaseous portions, producing purified gaseous effluent. Thus, substantially 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, for example, into a sink drain. The structural arrangement of the effluent management accessory 801 is described further below, followed by a more detailed description of the functional operation of the effluent management accessory 801.

[0103] As described above, the spill management accessory 801 comprises a conical assembly 823 having at least two input ports called input port 803 and input port 805, each capable of receiving spills. In this example, input port 803 and input port 805 are each configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid cleaning spill source. In this example, input port 803 is configured to be fluidly connected via a first hose assembly 827 to a discharge fitting / port (not shown in Figures 8A to 8F) of a lumen cleaning device (e.g., a discharge port of an endoscope reprocessing device), while input port 805 is configured to be fluidly connected via a second hose assembly 829, a joint assembly 871, and a third hose assembly 867 to the distal end of one or more lumens (e.g., the distal end of an endoscope) (not shown in Figures 8A to 8F).

[0104] As described above, the spill management accessory 801 includes two input ports from which spills can be received. It should be understood that the presence of two input ports is merely illustrative, and other embodiments may include a single input port or two or more input ports. In one particular example, input port 803 may be omitted, and a discharge fitting / port of a lumen lavage device may be connected to the spill management accessory 801 so that the fluid spills it generates enter through input 805 (for example, the discharge fitting / port of a lumen lavage device may be connected to a junction box upstream of port 805).

[0105] The first hose assembly 827 includes an end r809 for connecting to the discharge port of the lumen irrigation device, a connector (e.g., a quick cut, not shown in Figure 8B) for connecting to the input port 803, and a hose / tube 807 for fluidly connecting the adapter 809 to the connector at the input port 803. The second hose assembly 829 includes a connector (e.g., a quick cut, not shown in Figure 8B) for connecting to the input port 805, and a hose / tube 811 for fluidly connecting the output port 875 of the joint assembly 871 to the input port 805 of the cone assembly 823. The third hose assembly 867 includes a distal end adapter 863 for connecting to the distal end of one or more lumens, an adapter 861 for connecting to the input port 873 of the joint assembly 871, and a hose 865 for fluidly connecting the distal end 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 prevention device (backflow minimizer, not shown), which, as described above, has a conical portion that minimizes the flow of effluent back into the lumen.

[0106] As shown in Figures 8B and 8C, the joint assembly 871 is mounted below / directly beneath the top surface 833 of the sink assembly 890, while the remainder of the spill management accessory 801 is mounted below / directly beneath the top surface 833 of the sink assembly 890. As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the joint assembly 871 comprises an input port 873 for receiving fluid spills via hose 865 of a third hose assembly 867, an output port 875 for discharging fluid spills via hose 811 of a second hose assembly 829, and an input port 885 and output port 887 for receiving gaseous discharges via conduit 877 of conduit assembly 879. In certain embodiments, the joint assembly 871 also includes a splash shield 851 positioned above the output port 887, configured to protect from accidental damage or splashes, as described elsewhere in this specification. The splash shield 851 includes an opening 853 that forms an outlet to the surrounding environment. Generally, the opening 853 can be positioned / configured to be away from / facing the user, and as described below, gas from gaseous discharge can pass through the opening 853 to the ambient environment during operation, while the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles remain in the housing 845 of the conical assembly 823, output port 883, conduit 877, input port 885, and / or splash shield 851, as described further below with reference to Figure 8F. Generally, excess water vapor is removed from the gas to prevent an increase in moisture in the ambient environment.

[0107] In the specific examples shown in Figures 8A–8F, the conical assembly 823 is an element of the centrifugal stage and an interface for the lumen cleaning device, the lumen(s) to be cleaned, and the discharge port of the sink discharge path. As shown, at least a portion of the conical assembly 823 defines a generally conical or tapered internal volume 841 terminating at the discharge port 815. In the examples of Figures 8A–8F, the conical assembly 823 includes a generally cylindrical upper section 836 and a lower section 838 having a conical volume, where the input ports 803 and 805 are located. In other embodiments, the upper section may be omitted so that the entire conical assembly 823 defines a generally conical internal volume.

[0108] As shown in Figure 8D, a double cylinder 839 with a central aperture 843 (through-hole), sometimes called a "vortex finder," is disposed within the internal volume of the conical assembly 823. In the examples in Figures 8A–8F, the double cylinder 839 is part of the conical assembly 423, but in alternative embodiments, the double cylinder 839 can be separated from the conical assembly 823. In certain examples, the conical assembly 823 is said to have a first end and a second end. As shown, the double cylinder 839 is disposed in the conical assembly 823 adjacent to the first end, and the discharge 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 discharge port 815.

[0109] Figure 8E is an enlarged perspective view of a double cylinder 839 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the double cylinder 839 includes an outer cylinder 840 and an inner cylinder 842, with a central aperture 843 located within the inner cylinder 842. As is best seen in Figures 8D and 8E, 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 to the inner cylinder 842 is positioned higher perpendicularly to the inlet point to the outer cylinder 840, thereby forming an inner chamber 844 between the outer cylinder 840 and the inner cylinder 842.

[0110] In addition to the double cylinder 839, the conical assembly 823 includes a housing 845 (external cover) that defines an internal volume 847 located above the central aperture 843 of the double cylinder 839, the central aperture 843 providing the only fluid connection between the internal volume 841 and the internal volume 847. That is, the internal volume 847 is located within the housing 845 (cover) and is enclosed by the housing 845. In this example, the upper part of the housing 845 has a central aperture 881 (through-hole) located above the central aperture 843 of the conical assembly 823, and the output port 883 is located in the central aperture 881 of the housing 845. The output port 883 is connected to the input port 885 in the joint assembly 871 via a conduit 877. The conduit assembly 879 includes the conduit 877, as well as the output port 883 in the conical assembly 823 and the input port 885 in the joint assembly 871.

[0111] As shown in Figures 8B and 8D, the discharge assembly 817 includes a body 857 (or cradle) configured to receive and secure the cone assembly 823. The body 857 can swivel to accommodate different device-versus-sink orientations. The discharge assembly 817 also includes a discharge hose / tube 859 having a first end connected to the body 857 and a second end connected to a spigot adapter 819. The discharge port 815 of the cone assembly 823 is fluidly connected to the sink drain. That is, the spigot adapter 819 is used to securely connect the discharge hose to the sink drain, such as a P-trap. In certain embodiments, the spigot adapter 819 can be universal for all global standard spigot sizes.

[0112] As described above, the spill management accessory 801 is configured to perform dynamic separation of gas (e.g., air) from liquid and solid spills using centrifugal separation within a conical assembly 823, as will be further described below with reference to Figure 8F, and subsequently to perform a detour path. In the centrifugal separation stage, the received spills are affected along the radial inner wall of the conical assembly 823, and due to the high inertial (centrifugal) force of the liquid, water, and solid particles, the mixture moves downward toward the discharge port 815, leaving the gas toward the central aperture 843 (vortex finder) of the double cylinder 839 and out into the internal volume 847. The double cylinder 839 is an integrated feature in the centrifugal separation stage that provides a boundary between the central aperture 843 and the radial flow of air without destroying the inner wall of the vortex flow.

[0113] In other words, in the centrifugal stage, the fluid effluent (received from the endoscope 100 and the automatic lumen irrigation device 370) is supplied tangentially to the cylindrical upper part of the conical assembly 823, causing rotation. The flow velocity is further accelerated as it passes through the cylindrical upper part. The centrifugal force separates the flow of non-gaseous effluent from the fluid effluent, while the fluid effluent rotates downward according to the surface profile of the conical assembly 823. The flow of gaseous effluent from the fluid effluent is moved to enter the double cylinder 839 during rotation.

[0114] In summary, the centrifugal stage (centrifuge) is used to separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents, thereby producing what is referred to herein as “gaseous effluent” (separated and potentially moist gas) and “non-gaseous effluent” (e.g., liquid and / or solid). The gaseous effluent enters the central aperture 843, while the non-gaseous effluent passes through the discharge port 815 (e.g., as a result of gravity) and eventually through the discharge hose 859 and connected drain. In other words, heavier non-gaseous particles are separated from the gas via centrifugal force, and the mass of the non-gaseous particles is greater, and therefore these larger particles are more difficult to separate from the gaseous particles by impacting the walls of the conical assembly 823, and gravity pulls the non-gaseous effluent down to the discharge.

[0115] In a particular example, the centrifugal stage utilizes two conditions made possible by the physical placement of the spill management accessory 801. Specifically, during operation, the spill management accessory 801 should be oriented such that the discharge port 815 is positioned below the double cylinder 839, thereby allowing gravity to pull non-gaseous spills (relatively heavy solids and liquids) down toward the discharge port 815 and allowing relatively lighter gaseous spills to enter the central aperture 843 of the double cylinder 839. That is, the spill management accessory 801 is mounted on the sink assembly 890 in an orientation that allows gravity to pull heavier non-gaseous spills down toward the discharge port 815 and allow gaseous spills to enter the central aperture 843. In addition to the upright orientation, the fluid resistance of the discharge hose 859 should be greater than the fluid resistance of the detour path, especially in gaseous-only spill flows (e.g., during air purging). The relatively large fluid resistance of the discharge hose 859 can be provided, for example, by including a dynamic shut-off valve (e.g., a hollow ball valve) in the discharge port 815, or by providing a minimum water column (immersion height) within the discharge hose 859.

[0116] As described above, the centrifugal separation stage is used to separate the gaseous effluent from the solid and liquid effluents, at least partially. In a particular example, as described above, the gaseous effluent (e.g., the gaseous effluent and the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles) enters the central aperture 843 (vortex finder) and into the internal volume 847 within the housing 845 (cover) of the conical assembly 823. However, instead of being filtered through the filter of the filter cartridge assembly (as in the aforementioned embodiments in Figures 4A-4G and 6A-6E above), the gaseous effluent is purified / further separated by a purification stage formed by a so-called "detour path". That is, the gaseous effluent can continue to flow through the detour path in the embodiments in Figures 8A-8F, and the detour path is configured to separate the remaining relatively small liquid or solid particles of the gaseous effluent from the gaseous effluent.

[0117] In the spill management accessory 801 described above with reference to Figures 8A-8E, gaseous discharge (gas / air with some liquid / solid suspended inside) flows through a detour path that includes one or more impactor areas and / or one or more bends at locations adjacent to a change in flow direction (e.g., from the input flow direction to the output flow direction perpendicular thereto). For example, a first portion of the gaseous discharge flowing in the input flow direction (e.g., larger droplets) impacts the impactor area and remains there, while a second portion of the gaseous discharge (e.g., smaller droplets) remains suspended in the gas and continues to flow in the output flow direction. Generally, the detour path includes one or more bends in the conduit system, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 8F.

[0118] Figure 8F is a schematic diagram illustrating a bypass route 880 of the spill management accessory 801 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 8F (see also Figures 8B–8D), the bypass route 880 is connected to a cone assembly 823 (the first end of conduit 877) and a joint assembly 871 (the second end of conduit 877), and is constrained (and at least partially defined) by conduit 877 of a conduit assembly 879 extending between them. As shown in Figure 8F, the bypass route 880 comprises a first bend 884 of the output port 883 between the cone assembly 823 and conduit 877, and a second bend 886 of the input port 885 between the joint assembly 871 and conduit 877. In Figure 8F, the central panel shows the overall structure of the spill management accessory 801 (see also Figure 8B), the left panel shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the conical assembly 823 (see also Figure 8D), and the right panel shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint assembly 871 (see also Figure 8C).

[0119] Referring to the left panel of Figure 8F, as the gaseous discharge flows through the central aperture 843 of the double cylinder 839 of the conical assembly 823, the gaseous discharge enters the internal volume 847 defined by the housing 845. The housing 845 of the conical assembly 823 forms the first impactor region (region A in Figure 8F). The gaseous discharge, combined with gravity, affects the top and / or side walls of the housing 845, separating the first liquid / solid portion from the gas / air. The gaseous discharge (gas / air with the first liquid / solid portion removed) then enters the output port 883 in the first input flow direction (substantially perpendicular).

[0120] The output port 883 between the conical assembly 823 and the conduit 877 forms a first bend 884 (region B in Figure 8F). As the gaseous discharge enters the output port 883 in the first input flow direction, the gaseous discharge, combined with gravity, influences the first bend 884, separating the second portion of the liquid / solid from the gas / air. The gaseous discharge (gas / air, with the second portion of the liquid / solid removed, but some smaller portions of the liquid / solid remaining) then exits the output port 883 and enters the conduit 877 in the first output flow direction (substantially horizontal, possibly at a slightly upward angle toward the joint assembly 871). In this example, the first output flow direction is substantially perpendicular to the first input flow direction. Thus, the flow of the gaseous discharge changes direction at the output port 883 (first bend 884).

[0121] Referring to the central panel of Figure 8F, conduit 877 of conduit assembly 879 forms a transverse region (region C in Figure 8F). As the gaseous discharge flows through conduit 877 in the first output flow direction from output port 883 of conical assembly 823 to input port 885 of joint assembly 871, the liquid / solid third portion can be separated from the gas / air due to the flow traversing the length of conduit 877 combined with gravity. The gaseous discharge (gas / air with the liquid / solid third portion removed) then enters input port 885 in the first output flow direction, which at this point corresponds to the second input flow direction (still substantially horizontal).

[0122] Referring to the right panel of Figure 8F, the input port 885 between the conduit 877 and the joint assembly 871 forms a second bend 886 (region D in Figure 8F). As the gaseous discharge enters the input port 885 in the second input flow direction, the gaseous discharge, combined with gravity, influences the second bend 886, separating the fourth portion of the liquid / solid from the gas / air. The gaseous discharge (gas / air with the fourth portion of the liquid / solid removed) then flows in the second output flow direction (substantially perpendicular) and exits the output port 887 in the joint assembly 871. In this example, the second output flow direction is substantially perpendicular to the second input flow direction. Thus, the flow of the gaseous discharge changes direction at the input port 885 (second bend 886). At this point, larger particles of the liquid / solid exceeding a certain threshold size / mass are removed, and most (if not all) of the smaller particles of the liquid / solid below a certain threshold size / mass are also removed.

[0123] The splash shield 851 of the joint assembly 871 forms a second impactor region (region E in Figure 8F). As the gaseous discharge exits the output port 887 in the second output flow direction, the gaseous discharge, combined with gravity, impacts the top and / or side walls of the splash shield 851, separating the fifth liquid / solid portion from the gas / air. As described above, most (if not all) of the liquid / solid particles should have already been removed at this point, but any residual liquid / solid particles remaining suspended in the gas / air can be removed by further collision with the splash shield 851. Finally, the remaining gaseous discharge (gas / air with the fifth liquid / solid portion removed) then flows out through the opening 853 in the splash shield 851, thereby leaving the joint assembly 871 and entering the surrounding environment. As described above, excess water vapor is thereby removed from the gas, preventing a dramatic increase in moisture in the surrounding environment. In this exemplary embodiment, the gaseous emissions from the spill management accessory 801 at the joint assembly 871 can also be referred to as “purified gaseous emissions” (since a similar separation effect with a dedicated filter can be achieved instead by using a rotating path with multiple turns and changes of direction).

[0124] Therefore, as the gaseous exhaust flows around the turns of the bypass path 880, larger mass particles are unable to make the turns and 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 being separated / removed from the gas / air. The rest of the gas / air (and possibly some smaller particles of lower mass) flows around the turns without colliding with the walls and can eventually exit the joint assembly 871 through the output port 887 (and through the opening 853 in the splash shield 851). The change in direction of the bypass path 880 reduces the ability of relatively large liquid / solid particles (e.g., above a certain threshold size / mass) to bend and pass through, while some relatively small liquid / solid particles (e.g., below a certain threshold size / mass) may be able to bend and pass through. When multiple elements of the bypass path 800 are combined (i.e., impact at the housing 845, impact and directional change at the first bend 884 of the output port 883, extension length of the conduit 877, impact and directional change at the second bend 886 of the input port 885, and impact at the splash shield 851), the combination of the 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 discharge.

[0125] It should be understood that a "strict" orthogonal relationship between the first input flow direction and the first output flow direction, and between the second input flow direction and the second output flow direction, is not necessarily required. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first bend 884 at the output port 883 and the second bend 886 at the input port 885 may be substantially perpendicular (e.g., a 90-degree angle). However, in some other exemplary embodiments, angles greater than or less than 90 degrees may be used. For example, obtuse angles greater than 90 degrees may be used, in particular if the conduit 877 is not strictly horizontal but rather slightly inclined upward in the direction from the output port 883 in the conical assembly to the input port 885 in the joint assembly 871 (e.g., from left to right on the central panel in Figure 8F). In some examples, the angle of the first bend 884 at the output port 883 may or may not be the same as the angle of the second bend 886 at the input port 885.

[0126] By including a detour route with one or more changes in the flow direction within the spill management accessory, such as the detour route 880 in Figure 8F (see also Figures 8B-8D), which is at least partially defined by the first bend 884 of the output port 883 in the cone assembly 223, the conduit 877 of the conduit assembly 879, and the second bend 886 of the input port 885 in the joint assembly 871, any liquid and / or solid mixed with gas / air can be effectively "separated" (i.e., filtered, separated, removed, limited, reduced, etc.) from the gaseous spill.

[0127] In summary, the detour path stage using the detour path 880 (e.g., using region AE, a first bend 884 at output port 883, a second bend 886 at input port 885, etc., as shown in Figure 8F) manages solid and liquid particles not collected by the centrifuge stage using the cone assembly 823 (e.g., via the double cylinder 839, as shown in Figures 8D-8F). Generally, these particles have a size smaller than the “cutoff” diameter of the centrifuge stage collection efficiency threshold (CET). As mentioned above, the filter cartridge assembly (filter) is not provided in the specific examples of Figures 8A-8F, and the centrifuge stage instead operates in conjunction with the detour path stage to manage solid and liquid particles from the effluent. As mentioned above, the detour path stage can be considered optional and may or may not be provided, and in some exemplary embodiments, the centrifuge stage can operate alone to manage solid and liquid particles from the effluent.

[0128] As will be further described below with reference to Figure 8B, and Figures 8G and 8H, in certain embodiments, the hose assembly 829 (between the joint assembly 871 and the cone assembly 823) includes a connector or adapter 821 with a pinch valve 891. The connector 821 includes a third input port called input port 893, which is configured to receive gas (compressed air) from a gas source (e.g., a compressed air source not shown in Figures 8B and 8G-8H) via the hose / tube 895 of a fourth hose assembly 897. In this example, the gas / air passes through input port 893 and enters the connector 821, activating the pinch valve 891. Using the gas / air source and the pinch valve 891, as described below with reference to Figures 8G and 8H, it is possible to test whether one or more connections of the spill management accessory 801 provide a proper seal.

[0129] More specifically, Figure 8G is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a pinch valve 891 disposed in a connector 821 according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 8H is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the components of the pinch valve 891 in Figure 8G in more detail. As shown in Figure 8G, the pinch valve 891 is mounted in a cavity 889 (recess) of the connector 821 and is fluidly coupled at its first end to a hose 811 and at its second end located at an input port 805 to the internal volume 841 of a conical assembly 823. The pinch valve 891 is configured to control the flow of fluid outflow from the hose 811 through the input port 805 to the conical assembly 823. The pinch valve 891 can define an opening through which fluid outflow can flow, and an opening defined by the pinch valve 891 can stop the flow of fluid outflow. For example, components of the pinch valve 891 can be bent or deformed to stop the flow of fluid outflow through the input port 805. In this example, the pinch valve 891 is configured to transition between an open configuration to allow the flow of fluid outflow through the input port 805 and a closed configuration to block the flow of fluid outflow through the input port 805 and prevent the fluid outflow from entering the conical assembly 823.

[0130] As best seen in Figure 8H, the pinch valve 891 comprises a diaphragm 892 (an elongated tubular diaphragm) and a cage 894 (an elongated sleeve) into which the diaphragm 892 can be inserted. The cage 894 is disposed around the diaphragm 892, sealingly engaging with the diaphragm 892 on the inner surface of the cage 894, which is configured to accommodate the profile of the diaphragm 892, thereby fixing the diaphragm 892 within the cage 894. The cage 894 includes an opening 896 (a through-hole) configured to fluidly couple the diaphragm 892 to an adjacent input port 893 on the outer surface of the cage 894. The opening 896 allows a flow of working fluid (e.g., gas, compressed air, etc.) to contact the diaphragm 892, applying force to the diaphragm 892 and transitioning the diaphragm 892 of the pinch valve 891 to a closed configuration. The diaphragm 892 and cage 894 seal and engage with each other, blocking the undesirable flow of working fluid from the pinch valve 891, thereby forcing the working fluid to flow toward the diaphragm 892 and transitioning the diaphragm 892 to a closed configuration.

[0131] The diaphragm 892 may have a body with a tubular profile defining an opening, and may be constructed from a flexible or pliable material (e.g., elastomer, medical-grade silicone to provide corrosion resistance) so 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 blocking the flow of fluid through the diaphragm 892. The walls of the diaphragm 892 can also be moved toward 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, in the absence of force applied to the diaphragm 892, the diaphragm 892 can adjust toward the base shape or profile.

[0132] As discussed herein, the diaphragm 892 can be bent or deformed to open and close the opening, and the sufficiently flexible material of the diaphragm 892 allows for several bends through the working fluid (e.g., compressed air). A gas / air source (not shown) can be fluidly connected to an 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 cage 894. The opening 896 can expose a portion of the diaphragm 892 disposed within the cage 894, thereby fluidly (e.g., pneumatically) coupling the diaphragm 892 to the input port 893. The gas / air source is configured to guide the working fluid (compressed air) toward the pinch valve 891, through the hose 895 and the input port 893, and then toward the diaphragm 892 through the opening 896 defined in the cage 894. The working fluid (compressed air) supplied to the diaphragm 892 can provide sufficient force to bend and adjust the opening of the diaphragm 892, compressing it from an open configuration to a closed configuration (shown by the phantom line in Figure 8H), which can slow the flow of fluid outflow through the opening defined by the diaphragm 892. In the absence of working fluid (compressed air) supplied by the gas / air source, the diaphragm 892 can expand and transition from the closed configuration back to an open configuration, increasing the velocity of fluid outflow through the opening defined by the diaphragm 892. Thus, the gas / air source can be operated (e.g., automatically by the user or via a controller) to regulate the flow of fluid outflow through the pinch valve 891 and thus through the input port 805 to the conical assembly 823.

[0133] The cage 894 can also help to fix the pinch valve 891 within the cavity 889 of the input port 805, avoid substantial deformation, and can be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., metal, copolymer, rigid plastic, acetal, etc.) that provides the desired processing properties for forming the shapes of the cage 894, the opening 896, etc. Furthermore, the rigid structure of the cage 894 can block deformation of the cage 894 while the working fluid (e.g., gas, compressed air, etc.) flows through the opening 896, and as a result, the profile of the cage 894 can be maintained when the working fluid flows through the opening 896.

[0134] During operation, the pinch valve 891 described above can be used with reference to Figures 8G-8H to verify that the various connections of the spill management accessory 801 are properly made. For example, the pinch valve assembly 891 can be actuated to close the diaphragm 892. If the various connections of the spill management accessory 801 upstream of the pinch valve assembly 891 are properly made (e.g., the connection between the endoscope 100 and the connector 821, including the distal tip adapter 863, adapter 861, etc.), there should be a pressure increase that can be detected by the attached endoscope or lumen irrigation device when compressed air is subsequently applied to the endoscope lumen for leak testing purposes. However, if there is little or no pressure increase (when compressed air is subsequently applied to the endoscope lumen for leak testing purposes), it may indicate that one or more of the various upstream connections are not properly made. In such a situation, an alert (e.g., audible, visible, tactile, etc.) can be provided to recheck one or more of the various connections of the spill management accessory 801 (e.g., for the endoscope 100, etc.). Therefore, the pinch valve 891 and the corresponding techniques described above can be used, for example, as an initial connection check (i.e., a preliminary verification step) before the normal operation of the spill management accessory 801 begins.

[0135] One notable aspect of the spill management accessory 801 is the joining assembly 871. As described above, the joining assembly 871 serves several purposes, including acting as a connection point or interface point (joint) between the spill source and the cone assembly (e.g., if separation is performed). Furthermore, the joining assembly 871 is also the outlet point for the spill gas after it has passed through the centrifugal separation stage and the bypass path stage. As described above, the opening in the joining assembly 871 is also oriented so that the purified gaseous spill generated by the spill management accessory 801 is discharged / released away from the user (e.g., towards the walls of the room). Importantly, the joining assembly 871 is the only part of the spill management accessory 801 that will be visible in use (other connections to the spill source), as it is mounted on the top / top surface 833 of the sink assembly 890, while the rest of the spill management accessory 801 is mounted below / directly below the top surface 833 of the sink assembly 890. In this configuration, the joining assembly 871 provides a "clean" installation of the spill management accessory 801, with most of the accessory hidden from view, yet still providing a convenient way to connect spill surfaces and release gaseous spills after separation.

[0136] Figure 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 981 according to a specific embodiment presented herein. Method 981 begins in 983 when a centrifuge of an spill management accessory (e.g., spill management accessories 301, 401, 601, 801, etc.) receives fluid spills from the distal end of the lumen during the lumen cleaning process. In 985, the centrifuge separates the gaseous portion of the fluid spills from the non-gasic portion of the fluid spills to produce gaseous and non-gasic spills.

[0137] Certain aspects of the technology presented herein have been described with reference to various explanations of fluid dynamics. These explanations are provided for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the inventions presented herein will function regardless of a true understanding of fluid dynamics.

[0138] While specific uses of the technology have been illustrated and described above for the purpose of understanding, the disclosed technology can be used in a variety of devices, according to many examples of the technology. The above description does not imply that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation in systems similar to those shown in the figures. In general, the processes and systems described herein can be practiced using additional configurations, and / or some described embodiments can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0139] This disclosure describes several aspects of the Art with reference to the accompanying drawings, and only some of the possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so as to convey to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is thorough and complete and that the scope of possible aspects is fully communicated.

[0140] It should be understood that the various embodiments (e.g., parts, components, etc.) described with respect to the drawings herein are not intended to limit the systems and processes to any particular embodiment described. Therefore, the methods and systems herein can be practiced using additional configurations, and / or some of the described embodiments can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0141] In certain embodiments, systems and non-temporary computer-readable storage media are provided. These systems consist of hardware configured to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein. One or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein.

[0142] Similarly, where steps of a process are disclosed, those steps are described for illustrative purposes of the Method and System and are not intended to limit this disclosure to any specific step-by-step procedure. For example, 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 deviation from this disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosed process may be repeated.

[0143] While certain embodiments are described herein, the scope of the Art is not limited to those specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements within the scope of the Art. Accordingly, certain structures, operations, or media are disclosed only as exemplary embodiments. The scope of the Art is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0144] It should also be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive, and various embodiments may be combined with other embodiments in any of a number of different ways.

Claims

1. It is a device, At least one input port configured to receive fluid spillage from at least one fluid spillage source, A first stage separator configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gasic portion of the fluid effluent, wherein the first stage separator generates gaseous and non-gasic effluents, An apparatus comprising: a second stage separator configured to receive the gaseous discharge and separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge to produce purified gaseous discharge.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge assembly configured to receive the non-gaseous discharge from the first stage separator.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first stage separator includes a centrifuge.

4. The first stage separator, A conical assembly comprising at least one input port, wherein the conical assembly defines a conical internal volume, and at least a portion of the conical internal volume has a tapered shape, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a double cylinder having a central aperture disposed within the conical internal volume and fluidly connected to the second stage separator.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the conical internal volume has a first end and a second end, the second stage separator is disposed at the first end and is fluidly connected to the conical internal volume only through the central aperture of the double cylinder, and the second end is provided with a discharge port.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the conical internal volume comprises a first substantially cylindrical portion adjacent to the first end and a second tapered portion adjacent to the second end, and the double cylinder and the at least one input port are disposed in the first substantially cylindrical portion.

7. The second stage separator described above, An internal volume fluidly connected to the first stage separator to receive the aforementioned gaseous discharge, One or more openings to the surrounding environment, The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed between the internal volume and one or more openings.

8. The second stage separator described above, An internal volume fluidly connected to the first stage separator to receive the aforementioned gaseous discharge, One or more openings to the surrounding environment, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a bypass path disposed between the internal volume and the one or more openings, wherein the bypass path includes at least a conduit and one or more ports disposed at one or more ends of the conduit and forming one or more bends.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a backflow preventer connected between the at least one input port and the at least one fluid outlet.

10. The hose assembly further comprises a first end connectable to at least one fluid outlet, a second end connectable to at least one input port, and a hose connecting the first end to the second end, The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the backflow prevention device is disposed at the first end of the hose assembly.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid outflow source is an endoscope having one or more internal lumens, and 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 apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one input port comprises a plurality of input ports.

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

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pinch valve assembly disposed between the at least one input port and the at least one fluid outlet.

15. It is a device, A centrifuge is provided, which has at least one input port connected to the distal end of the lumen and configured to receive fluid effluent generated during the cleaning of the lumen, The apparatus wherein the centrifuge is configured to at least partially separate the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gasic portion of the fluid effluent, and the centrifuge generates a gaseous effluent and a non-gasic effluent.

16. The aforementioned centrifuge, A double cylinder disposed within the housing, adjacent to the first end of the housing, The centrifuge comprises a discharge port located at the second end, The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the filter cartridge assembly is attached to the first end of the centrifuge.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the filter cartridge assembly includes an internal volume, one or more openings to the surrounding environment, and a filter disposed between the internal volume and the one or more openings.

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

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the housing defines a substantially conical volume between the double cylinder and the discharge port, and the double cylinder includes a central aperture that fluidly connects the substantially conical volume to the internal volume of the filter cartridge assembly.

20. The centrifuge generates gaseous and non-gasic emissions, and the apparatus, The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a second separator configured to further separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge.

21. The second separator, The system includes a bypass route configured to separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge, and the bypass route is configured to separate the gaseous portion from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge. A conduit connected to the centrifuge, The apparatus according to claim 20, comprising at least one port disposed at one or more ends of the conduit and forming one or more bends.

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

23. The hose assembly further comprises a first end connectable to the distal end of the lumen, a second end connectable to at least one input port, and a hose connecting the first end to the second end. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the backflow prevention device is disposed at the first end of the hose assembly.

24. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a dynamic shut-off valve disposed in close proximity to the discharge port, wherein the dynamic shut-off valve is configured to minimize the flow of gas to the discharge port.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the dynamic shut-off valve is a ball valve.

26. The apparatus 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. It is a method, In a centrifuge, the fluid outflow is received from the distal end of the lumen during the lumen cleaning process, A method comprising, in the centrifuge, separating the gaseous portion of the fluid effluent from the non-gasic portion of the fluid effluent to produce a gaseous effluent and a non-gasic effluent.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising separating the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge.

29. To separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge, To provide the gaseous discharge to the filter cartridge assembly fluidly connected to the centrifuge, The method according to claim 28, wherein the filter cartridge assembly is configured to separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge.

30. To separate the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge, To provide the gaseous discharge to the conduit of the bypass route that fluidly connects the centrifuge to the joining assembly, The method according to claim 28, comprising separating the gaseous portion of the gaseous discharge from the non-gasic portion of the gaseous discharge via the bypass path when the gaseous discharge flows from the centrifuge to the joining assembly.

31. The method according to claim 27, further comprising providing the non-gaseous discharge to a discharge assembly fluidly connected to the centrifuge.

32. The centrifuge includes at least one input port, and the method is The method according to claim 27, further comprising fluidizing the at least one input port to the distal end of the lumen.

33. The fluid connection of at least one input port to the distal end of the lumen is The method according to claim 32, comprising fluidizing the at least one input port to the distal end of at least one internal lumen of the endoscope.

34. The centrifuge includes a plurality of input ports, and the method is The method according to claim 32, further comprising fluidizing at least one of the plurality of input ports to a lumen cleaning device.

35. The pinch valve assembly is disposed between the centrifuge and the distal end of the lumen, and the method is Closing the aforementioned pinch valve assembly, The method according to claim 27, comprising monitoring the pressure between the pinch valve assembly and a device coupled to the proximal end of the lumen.

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