Valve Cooling and Noise Suppression

Abstract

One particular embodiment provides a cover mounted over a manifold, the cover including an exhaust port and an inner surface, forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, the space configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that the pressurized gas circulates from the inlet, around the valve, and exits through the exhaust port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to valve cooling and noise suppression.

Background Art

[0002] Vitreoretinal procedures can include various surgical operations performed to restore, maintain, and improve vision. Vitreoretinal procedures can be appropriate for the treatment of many serious conditions in the back of the eye. Vitreoretinal procedures can treat conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular holes, retinal detachment, epiretinal membranes, CMV (Cytomegalovirus) retinitis, and many other eye diseases.

[0003] The vitreous is a usually clear, gel-like substance that fills the central part of the eye. It can occupy about two-thirds of the eye's volume and is formed and shaped before birth. For certain problems that affect the back of the eye, vitrectomy or surgical removal of the vitreous may be necessary. Removal of the vitreous may require a vitreous cutter (also called a "cutter" or "vitreous cutter") that acts like a small guillotine to remove the vitreous gel in a controlled manner with a vibrating microcutter. The cutter may be powered by a pneumatic vitrectomy machine that includes one or more pneumatic valves (also called drive valves). In certain cases, one or more of the pneumatic valves may be operated at a very high input voltage and at high speed. However, operating the pneumatic valve at such a high input voltage and high speed causes the pneumatic valve to overheat and generates very loud noise.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to valve cooling and noise suppression.

[0005] Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on a manifold, the cover including an exhaust port and an inner surface, forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, the space being configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port.

[0006] The following description and associated drawings detail certain exemplary features of one or more embodiments.

[0007] The accompanying drawings depict only examples of certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0009] For ease of understanding, the same elements common to each drawing are shown using the same reference numerals as much as possible. The elements and features of one embodiment are intended to be beneficially incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation.

[0010] The features of the present invention may be discussed with respect to certain embodiments and the following drawings, but all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, but one or more of such features may also be used according to various other embodiments discussed herein. Similarly, although exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as embodiments of a device, instrument, or method, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, instruments, and methods.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical console 101 of a pneumatically driven ophthalmic surgical machine. The surgical console 101 may be configured to drive one or more pneumatic tools 103. The tool 103 may include, for example, scissors, a vitrectomy device, forceps, and an injection or extraction module. Other tools 103 may also be used. During surgery, the pneumatically driven ophthalmic surgical machine of FIG. 1 may operate to assist a surgeon in performing various eye surgical procedures such as vitrectomy. Compressed gas such as nitrogen may be supplied through the surgical console 101 to power the tool 103. The surgical console 101 may include a display 109 for displaying information to the user (the display may also incorporate a touch screen for receiving user input). The surgical console 101 may also include a sieve module 105 (e.g., to assist with a cleaning / suction function) and one or more port connectors 107 for coupling to the tool 103 (e.g., through a pneumatic line attached to the tool 103).

[0012] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show the pneumatic system of a pneumatically driven glass body resection machine. As seen in Figures 2A and 2B, the pneumatic system may include a pneumatic valve 217 that couples a pressure source 209 (e.g., a regulated pressure source such as a gas cylinder or a wall outlet gas supply source) to an output port A213 and an output port B215 (the output port A213 and the output port B215 may be coupled to the tool 103 through one or more port connectors 107). In some embodiments, the pneumatic valve 217 may be controlled by a controller 205. In some embodiments, the pressure of the pressure source 209 may also be adjusted by the controller 205 or by a separate controller (e.g., inside the surgical console 101). The controller 205 may adjust the pressure (e.g., to balance between a low pressure for reducing gas consumption and a high pressure for increasing the cutting speed and / or to increase the dynamic range of available cutting speeds). In some embodiments, the components of the pneumatic system may be incorporated into one or more manifolds (e.g., machined from a metal such as aluminum) or within a manifold plate. The manifold may be airtight, may include various fittings and joints, and may be able to withstand relatively high gas pressures. The manifold may be manufactured as individual parts or as a single part. In various embodiments, the components of the pneumatic system (e.g., within the manifold) may be incorporated inside the surgical console 101.

[0013] The valve 217 may include a solenoid that operates to move the valve 217 to one of two positions (e.g., see FIGS. 2A - 2B) as directed by a control signal from the controller 205. In a first position, the pneumatic valve 217 allows pressurized gas to pass through the pneumatic valve 217 to the output port B215, supplying pneumatic power to the probe cutter 225 while allowing the pressurized gas to be exhausted from the output port A213 through the exhaust port 227. In a second position, the pneumatic valve 217 may supply pressurized gas to the output port A213 and exhaust the pressurized gas from the output port B215 through the exhaust port 227. In this position, the pressurized gas may pass through the output port A213 to supply pneumatic power to the tool 103 (e.g., the probe cutter 225). Thus, when the pneumatic valve 217 is in the first position, the first chamber 229 of the dual chamber 223 may be filled while the second chamber 231 may be exhausted. When the pneumatic valve 217 is in the second position, the second chamber 231 may be filled while the first chamber 229 may be exhausted. Note that in the pneumatic system shown in FIG. 2A, only a single pressure sensor 211 is used, while in the pneumatic system shown in FIG. 2B, two pressure sensors 212a and 212b are used. Similarly, although the shut-off valve is not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in certain embodiments, a shut-off valve may be coupled to the pneumatic valve 217 to supply pressurized gas to the pneumatic valve 217 or stop the flow of pressurized gas to the pneumatic valve 217.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the probe cutter 225 may act as a cutting device. The probe cutter 225 may reciprocate inside the outer tube 303 together with the cutter port 301 (for example, the probe cutter 225 may be moved by the diaphragm 221, which in turn vibrates as pressurized gas is alternately directed to the output ports A and B (and to each chamber of the dual chamber 223)). In some embodiments, the probe cutter 225 may be attached to the output ports A and B through the tube 219 (it may also be possible to use separate tubes for each port). When the probe cutter 225 moves back and forth, the probe cutter 225 may alternately open and close the cutter port 301 with the sharp tip of the probe cutter 225. Each cycle of the probe cutter 225 through the outer tube 303 may cut a material such as glass in the cutter port 301 when the probe cutter 225 is closed. The port duty cycle (PDC) may indicate the amount of time the cutter port 301 is open and closed. For example, if the PDC is 49%, it may indicate that the cutter port 301 is open for 49% of the cycle time (and may indicate that it is closed for 51% of the cycle time - note that the cycle time is, for example, the amount of time between successive openings of the cutter port 301).

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve duty cycle (VDC) may include the amount of time that the pneumatic valve 217 is in the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the cutting speed of the probe cutter 225 may be controlled by the controller 205 through the valve 217. For example, to provide a probe speed of 2500 cuts per minute, the controller 205 may instruct the pneumatic valve 217 to alternately supply pressurized gas to port A (the second channel) and port B (the first channel) at a rate of approximately 24 milliseconds (ms) per cycle. To obtain a cutting speed of 2500 cuts per minute, the two pneumatic channels can repeat opening and closing every 24 ms (2500 cuts / min or 1 min / 2500 cuts × 60 s / 1 min = 0.024 s / cut = 24 ms / cut), and can be open for 12 ms for each channel.

[0016] To reduce traction (which can cause retinal detachment) during vitrectomy procedures, it is desirable to operate the vitrectomy probe at high speed. Generally, the faster, the better. Thus, the pneumatic valve 217 is often operated at its maximum speed (in CPM units). At ultra-high speeds, since each valve cycle time is very short, the solenoid valve needs to move very quickly when opening and closing. For example, when the VDC is 50% at 15,000 cpm, the valve opening and closing time is only 2 ms for each valve cycle. Thus, the solenoid valve must be operated very quickly to open and close in less than 2 ms.

[0017] In some cases, the operation of the valve can be speeded up by increasing the solenoid power through coil design and / or by adding a stronger return spring and increasing the applied voltage. However, increasing the speed may reduce the reliability of the pneumatic valve 217. This is because when the number of valve cycles increases in a given period, not only the heat generated by the solenoid coil but also the mechanical shock increases, which may deteriorate the operating state of the valve at high speeds. In other words, operating at high speed (in CPM units) may shorten the service life of the pneumatic valve 217.

[0018] To improve the reliability of the vitrectomy instrument, in certain cases, a redundant pneumatic circuit providing a backup pneumatic valve (BPV) may be used. Thus, when the main pneumatic valve such as the pneumatic valve 217 fails or malfunctions, the system automatically switches to the backup pneumatic circuit, and the backup pneumatic circuit operates the BPV instead.

[0019] FIG. 4A shows a redundant pneumatic circuit 400 including a main pneumatic valve (PPV) 420 during operation and a backup pneumatic valve (BPV) 430 capable of providing power to the vitrectomy probe 480 when the PPV 420 fails. The redundant pneumatic circuit 400 includes a regulated pneumatic supply source 405 (e.g., a compressed gas canister, a gas exhaust port on the hospital room wall, etc.) and tubes 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 408, 409, and 411 for fluidly coupling the components of the redundant pneumatic circuit 400 to the vitrectomy probe 480.

[0020] The regulated air pressure supply source 405 is fluidly coupled to the shut-off valve 410 via the tube 401. As shown in FIG. 4A, the shut-off valve 410 is a four-way valve. The shut-off valve 410 is fluidly coupled to the PPV 420 and the BPV 430 (via tubes 402, 403). Similarly, the PPV 420 and the BPV 430 are each fluidly coupled to both the first circuit selection valve 440 and the second circuit selection valve 450 (via tubes 404, 406, 407, and 408).

[0021] The first circuit selection valve 440 and the second circuit selection valve 450 are respectively coupled to the first chamber 485 and the second chamber 490 of the vitrectomy probe 480 (via tubes 409, 411). The first chamber 485 and the second chamber 490 are separated by a diaphragm 495 that alternatively displaces when one of the PPV 420 or the BPV 430 alternatively drives and discharges the chambers 485, 490. The diaphragm 495 then drives the probe cutter 475 in the manner described above. The redundant pneumatic circuit 400 includes exhaust ports 421, 422, 423 for discharging pressurized fluid into the atmosphere.

[0022] In this detailed description, the terms "off" and "on" are used for convenience in the context of valve states, but descriptions of valve states such as "on" and "off" shall not be construed as implicitly indicating functionality, non-functionality, etc.

[0023] Prior to the vitrectomy procedure, the shut-off valve 410, the first circuit selection valve 440, and the second circuit selection valve 450 are all in the "off" state. When these valves are in the "off" state, the shut-off valve 410 that delivers air pressure through the BPV 430 to the first circuit selection valve 440 and the second circuit selection valve 450 blocks the flow of fluid from the BPV 430 in the "off" state, so the flow of air is suppressed from being delivered to the vitrectomy probe 480.

[0024] At the start of the vitreous resection procedure, the inlet shut-off 410 valve is actuated to the "on" state to supply air flow and pressure to the PPV 420. The PPV 420 repeats on / off at a specific speed (i.e., cuts per minute, or CPM) and at a specific valve duty cycle (VDC) determined by the user and the system control software. The first circuit selection valve 440 and the second circuit selection valve 450 remain in their "off" state, whereby the air flow and pressure from the PPV 420 pass through the first circuit selection valve 440 and the second circuit selection valve 450 and reach the respective chambers 485, 490 of the vitreous resection probe 480, enabling the probe cutter 475 to cut at the specified CPM.

[0025] The redundant circuit 400 also includes two pressure sensors 460, 470, and one or more system controllers. The pressure sensors 460, 470 monitor the pressures in the two channels of the tubes 409, 411 in real time, and the system controller receives and processes the pressure data in real time. The system controller can determine whether the pressure is normal or abnormal in various ways. For example, in some cases, the system controller can determine whether the pressure is normal by examining the differential pressure between the channels monitored by the two pressure sensors 460, 470.

[0026] The system controller can inspect the monitored channel pressure, calculate the differential pressure as the pressure of the second pressure sensor 470 minus the pressure of the first pressure sensor 460, and report this differential pressure as abnormal when the differential pressure exceeds a specific predefined threshold. One specific method involves comparing the peak opening pressure and the peak closing pressure, in the form of the differential pressure obtained by subtracting the first channel from the second channel, with the normal opening threshold and the normal closing threshold respectively. The system controller can report the pressure as normal when the absolute values of both the peak opening pressure and the peak closing pressure exceed the absolute values of the normal opening threshold and the normal closing threshold respectively. In this operating state, the system controller allows the operation to continue for PPV420.

[0027] Conversely, if the system controller determines that the pressure is abnormal, the system controller can execute one or more improvement steps and attempt to adjust to return the air pressure to an acceptable level. For example, the system controller can adjust the valve duty cycle (VDC) of the main drive 420 to shift the peaks of the opening pressure and the closing pressure up and down. After executing the improvement steps, the system controller can inspect the air pressure of the pressure sensors 460 and 470 and determine whether the improvement steps have been successful. For example, if the adjustment of the VDC is successful in causing the absolute values of the peak opening pressure and the peak closing pressure to exceed the absolute values of the normal opening threshold and the normal closing threshold respectively, the system controller determines that the improvement steps have been successful and maintains the operation for PPV420. Conversely, if the system controller determines that the improvement steps have failed, the system controller can switch to BPV430 to cause the redundant circuit 400 to switch the vitrectomy to the backup mode.

[0028] Figure 4B shows redundant pneumatic circuit 400 in a state where, after the system controller determines that PPV420 has failed, BPV430 is involved in supplying power to vitrectomy probe 480. When the system controller switches the redundant pneumatic circuit to BPV430, the inlet shut-off valve is actuated to the "off" state, thereby supplying air flow and pressure to BPV430. BPV430 repeats on / off at a specific speed (i.e., cuts per minute, or CPM) and at a specific valve duty cycle (VDC) determined by the user and the system control software. Similarly, the system controller actuates first circuit selection valve 440 and second circuit selection valve 450 to their "on" states, whereby the air flow and pressure from BPV430 pass through first circuit selection valve 440 and second circuit selection valve 450 and reach respective chambers 485, 490 of vitrectomy probe 480, enabling the probe cutter 475 to cut at the specified CPM.

[0029] Pressure sensors 460, 470 can continuously monitor in real time the pressures in the two channels of tubes 409, 411, and the system controller can continuously receive and process pressure data in real time without causing an interruption due to switching to the backup mode. The system controller can determine whether the pressure is normal or abnormal in various ways. For example, in some cases, the system controller can determine whether the pressure is normal by inspecting the differential pressure between the channels monitored by the two pressure sensors 460, 470.

[0030] The system controller processes the pressure data of two pressure sensors and can determine whether the pressure is normal or not by comparing the peak opening pressure and the peak closing pressure, for example, in the form of differential pressure obtained by subtracting the second channel from the first channel, with the normal opening threshold and the normal closing threshold respectively. When the pressure is normal, the system controller can continue to operate the BPV430. When the pressure is abnormal, the system controller can perform another improvement step, for example, adjust the duty cycle (VDC) of the valve of the backup drive 430 so as to shift the peaks of the opening pressure and the closing pressure up and down. If the improvement step succeeds in returning the pressure to normal, the system controller can keep the BPV430 operating. If the improvement step fails to return the pressure to normal, the system controller can determine that an irresolvable system failure has occurred, and the system controller can stop the vitrectomy operation.

[0031] In addition, since the BPV430 maintains the same vitrectomy operation as the PPV420, the vitrectomy procedure is not interrupted or aborted, and the inspection and repair for resolving the failure or malfunction of the PPV420 are not urgent.

[0032] Whether or not BPV is used to provide redundancy, operating a pneumatic valve at a high valve cycle can cause the pneumatic valve to overheat and generate significant noise. For example, applying a high voltage to the solenoid coil within the pneumatic valve can overheat the solenoid coil and cause the corresponding solenoid plunger to operate much faster, resulting in much greater noise. Therefore, certain embodiments described herein use pressurized gas discharged from the exhaust port of the pneumatic valve to cool the temperature of the pneumatic valve, while providing exhaust cooling and a muffler cover ("cover") to suppress noise associated with the solenoid plunger and the discharge of pressurized gas. When the pneumatic system includes a redundant pneumatic circuit having not only backup valves but also isolation valves, certain embodiments described herein provide a cover for covering both the main pneumatic valve and the backup pneumatic valve, and / or the isolation valve, as shown in FIGS. 5-10. In such embodiments, the pressurized gas cools both the pneumatic valve and the isolation valve.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a cover 520 mounted on a manifold 532 in which a pneumatic system is incorporated. The pneumatic system described in connection with FIG. 5 includes a redundant pneumatic circuit that includes an isolation valve 510, a PPV 517, and a BPV (not shown for clarity). Similarly, other components of the redundant pneumatic circuit, as described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4B, are not shown in FIG. 5 for the sake of brevity and clarity. The cover 520 may include one or more plastics, metals, foams, rubbers, or similar materials.

[0034] As described above, when operating the PPV517 with a high-speed valve cycle, the pneumatic valve may overheat and cause significant noise. The cover 520 is configured to circulate pressurized gas around the outside of the PPV517 and the shut-off valve 510 for cooling purposes. In one example, the pressurized gas is supplied through an inlet port 528 at one end of an exhaust path 526 that connects to an exhaust port 524 associated with the PPV517. In certain embodiments, the inlet port 528 is drilled through the manifold 532 to create the exhaust path 526 that connects the inlet port 528 and the exhaust port 524. The inlet port 528 may have different shapes (e.g., circular, linear, etc.) and sizes in different embodiments. In certain embodiments, instead of a single inlet port, multiple inlet ports may be used. FIGS. 8-10 show several variations with different shapes, sizes, and numbers of inlet ports. The inlet port may sometimes also be referred to as an aperture.

[0035] The exhaust port 524 refers to the exhaust port of the PPV517 (e.g., the exhaust port 422 in FIGS. 4A-4B) through which the PPV517 discharges pressurized gas. The cover 520 is shaped such that the pressurized gas discharged into the space directly below the cover 520 through the inlet port 528 circulates around the PPV517 and the shut-off valve 510, thereby cooling the PPV517 and the shut-off valve 510. The space directly below the cover 520 is formed by the inner surface of the cover 520 (e.g., the inner surface of all sides of the cover 520) and the outer surface of the manifold 532. The outer surface of the manifold 532 refers to the area of the manifold covered by the cover 520.

[0036] As shown, cover 520 also includes an exhaust port 522 for allowing pressurized gas to exit from the space directly below cover 520. In certain cases, the pressurized gas exiting through exhaust port 522 generates undesirable noise. Therefore, in some embodiments, not only exhaust port 522 but also cover 520 is shaped to reduce or suppress the resulting noise. Additionally, one or more components (e.g., filter media) may be disposed outside exhaust port 522 to further reduce the noise. For example, the component may be positioned outside exhaust port 522 to cover the opening. Examples of components that may be used outside exhaust port 522 may include open-cell foams, reticulated foams, metal screens / meshes, punched metals / plastics, sintered metals / plastics, (filter) papers, etc.

[0037] In one example, exhaust port 522 refers to a rectangular opening at the bottom of one of the side surfaces of cover 520 shown as side surface 521. Side surface 521 faces another side surface 519 of cover 520. Inlet port 528 is positioned between side surface 519 and PPV 517. In other examples, exhaust port 522 may refer to other types of openings having other shapes in other regions of cover 520. In certain embodiments, the shape and size of exhaust port 522 are designed to gradually slow down the speed of the gas by which exhaust port 522 expands, in order to lower the noise level associated with the pressurized gas. Similarly, cover 520 is configured to act as a muffler that expands the pressurized gas exiting from inlet port 528, thereby attenuating the pressure of the gas. In some embodiments, cover 520 also suppresses the noise generated by the mechanical movement or operation of the inner solenoid valve by enclosing such noise sources with sound-absorbing materials. It should be noted that although a single exhaust port 522 is shown in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, cover 520 may include multiple exhaust ports. Additionally, in different embodiments, the size, shape, and length of the exhaust ports may vary.

[0038] Cover 520 also includes one or more fasteners for attaching cover 520 to manifold 532. An example of a fastener is shown in FIG. 5 as fastener 530, which may be screwed to manifold 532. Top views of fastener 530 are shown in FIGS. 6 as fasteners 530a and 530b.

[0039] In FIG. 5, exhaust port 524 refers to the exhaust port of PPV517. In certain embodiments, exhaust port 524 represents a common outlet for the exhaust ports of PPV517 (e.g., exhaust port 422 of PPV420 in FIGS. 4A-4B) as well as the exhaust ports of a BPV that may be positioned under cover 520 along with PPV517 (e.g., exhaust port 423 of BPV430 in FIGS. 4A-4B). In other words, in such examples, exhaust port 524 discharges pressurized gas exiting through the exhaust ports of PPV517 and the BPV. In one example, the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust ports of PPV517 and the BPV may combine into one through one or more exhaust paths incorporated in manifold 532. Next, the one or more exhaust paths may intersect at exhaust port 524.

[0040] In certain other embodiments, exhaust port 524 represents a common outlet for the exhaust ports of PPV517 and the BPV as well as the exhaust port of shut-off valve 510. In other words, in such examples, exhaust port 524 discharges pressurized gas exiting through the exhaust ports of PPV517 and the BPV (e.g., exhaust ports 422 and 423 in FIGS. 4A-4B) as well as the exhaust port of shut-off valve 510 (e.g., exhaust port 421 in FIGS. 4A-4B). Similarly, in such examples, the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port of shut-off valve 510 and the exhaust ports of PPV517 and the BPV may combine into one through one or more exhaust paths that collectively connect all the exhaust ports.

[0041] In another example, the exhaust port 524 represents a shared outlet between the exhaust port of the shut-off valve 510 and the exhaust port of only one of the PPV 517 and the BPV (e.g., the PPV 420 in FIGS. 4A-4B). Similarly, in FIG. 5, the shut-off valve 510 is located under the cover 520, but in certain embodiments, the shut-off valve 510 may be outside the cover 520. In such embodiments, the cover 520 may be of a smaller size. Similarly, in certain embodiments, both the PPV 517 and the BPV are positioned under the cover 520, and in other certain embodiments, only one of the PPV 517 and the BPV may be positioned under the cover 520.

[0042] Further, FIG. 5 shows a single manifold plate shown as the manifold 532, through which (e.g., by drilling), the exhaust path 526 and the inlet port 528 are created. However, in some embodiments, two or more manifold plates may be used. In such embodiments, exhaust paths and inlet ports similar to the exhaust path 526 and the inlet port 528 may be created in the two manifold plates. For example, in some embodiments, two manifold plates may be used stacked one on top of the other. In this case, a seal may be used between the two plates to prevent pressurized gas from flowing out of the exhaust paths created in the two manifold plates. In some other embodiments, three manifold plates may be used with seals between two of the plates respectively. In such embodiments, exhaust paths and inlets similar to the exhaust path 526 and the inlet 528 may be created in the manifold plates.

[0043] The pneumatic system of FIG. 5 includes a redundant pneumatic circuit (e.g., shown in FIGS. 4A-4B), but in certain embodiments, a cover may be used to cool and suppress noise in connection with a pneumatic system that does not include a redundant pneumatic circuit. An example of such a system was described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In such embodiments, a cover similar to cover 520 is used to cool and suppress the noise generated by a pneumatic valve (e.g., pneumatic valve 217 of FIGS. 2A-2B). More specifically, pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port of the pneumatic valve (e.g., similar to exhaust port 524) is discharged into the space directly below the cover to cool the pneumatic valve. Next, the pressurized gas exits through the exhaust port of the cover and is configured to suppress the noise associated with the pressurized gas. In some embodiments, cover 520 also suppresses the noise generated by the mechanical movement or actuation of the inner solenoid valve by enclosing such a noise source with a sound-absorbing material. If a shut-off valve is coupled to the pneumatic valve of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shut-off valve may also be positioned directly below the cover. In such cases, the PPV 517 and shut-off valve 510 shown in FIG. 5 and later in FIGS. 7A-11 may represent the pneumatic valve 217 of FIGS. 2A-2B coupled to the pneumatic valve 217 and the shut-off valve, respectively. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are applicable regardless of the number of valves covered by a cover (e.g., cover 520). For example, in one example, only a single valve may be covered, and in other examples, multiple (two, three, or four or more) valves may be covered. Similarly, the embodiments described herein are applicable regardless of the type or functionality of the pneumatic valve and / or shut-off valve positioned under the cover. In other words, the pneumatic valves and / or shut-off valves described herein are used in connection with a pneumatic-driven ophthalmic surgical machine, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to cool and suppress the noise associated with any type of pneumatic valve and / or shut-off valve used in connection with any machine or device.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the shut-off valve 510, a single PPV 517, and the cover 520, all of which are mounted on the manifold 532. As shown, the cover 520 includes two fasteners 530a and 530b for attaching the cover 520 to the manifold 532. There is an inlet port 528 between the PPV 517 and the side surface 519 of the cover 520, from where pressurized gas is discharged into the space directly below the cover 520 to cool the PPV 517 and / or the shut-off valve 510. Next, the pressurized gas exits through the exhaust port on the opposite side surface 521 of the cover 520. As shown, the distance between the inner surface 640 of the side surface 519 of the cover 520 and the side surface 642 of the PPV 517 is configured such that the pressurized gas exiting the inlet port 528 flows either near or on the surface of the PPV 517 or is forced to flow outside the PPV 517. This distance is shown as distance 629 in FIG. 6. In one example, the distance 629 is 1 / 8 inch. Generally, the distance is large enough for the pressurized gas exiting the inlet port 528 to expand so that pressure does not accumulate directly below the cover. This distance is also small enough so that the pressurized gas does not expand away from the PPV 517.

[0045] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the cover 520 mounted on the manifold 532. As shown, the cover 520 is a box having five faces with an open bottom that is mounted on the manifold 532 using the fasteners 530. The open bottom of the cover 520 is configured to receive the PPV 517 and the shut-off valve 510. On its side surface 521, the cover 522 provides an exhaust port 522 through which pressurized gas exits into the space directly below the cover 520. Although shown as a box having a rectangular shape, the cover 520 may have different shapes and sizes. As seen in FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, a dome-shaped cover may be used. In some embodiments, the dome may be an elliptical dome.

[0046] Figures 8 to 10 show different examples of one or more inlet ports through which pressurized gas is discharged into the space directly below the cover 520.

[0047] Figure 8 shows a slot-shaped inlet port 828. The slot-shaped inlet port 828 may be advantageous from the perspective of sound attenuation by concentrating sound along a single plane or the slot-shaped inlet port 828, and / or from the perspective of cooling by supplying a solid curtain of air onto the valve 517, and / or from a manufacturing perspective (for example, the slot-shaped inlet port may be easier to fabricate than a hole). Although only a single slot-shaped inlet port 828 is shown in Figure 8, in certain embodiments, multiple slot-shaped inlet ports may be used.

[0048] Figure 9 shows inlet ports 928 arranged adjacent to each other. In certain embodiments, all the inlet ports 928 are supplied from the same exhaust path (for example, exhaust path 526) that connects to the exhaust ports associated with the PPV 517 and / or the shut-off valve 510. It should be noted that the number, size, and shape of the inlet ports 928 may vary in different embodiments. Similarly, in certain embodiments, combinations of different sizes and shapes of inlet ports may be used. For example, in an embodiment using multiple inlet ports, one inlet port may be slot-shaped while the other inlet ports may be circular. Using the inlet ports 928 may be advantageous from the perspective of sound attenuation (for example, the size of the holes or inlet ports 928 can be selected to reduce or disperse the sound exiting the passage), and / or from the perspective of cooling (for example, the inlet ports 928 can accurately control the air flow to a specific location), and / or from a manufacturing perspective (it may be easier to create small holes or a series of holes when less air flow is desired).

[0049] FIG. 10 shows a plurality of inlet ports 1028 with different widths of the openings. In certain embodiments, all of the inlet ports 1028 are supplied from the same exhaust path that connects to an exhaust port associated with the PPV 517 and / or the shut-off valve 510. Using the inlet ports 1028 can be advantageous from the perspective of sound attenuation (e.g., using different hole sizes at different locations may be more effective for the purpose of sound attenuation than using a uniform hole size / pattern (e.g., inlet port 928)) and / or from the perspective of cooling (e.g., changing the width of the opening can increase / decrease the amount of air flowing into a particular location).

[0050] In certain embodiments, inlet ports such as the inlet ports illustrated in FIGS. 5 - 10 may include a filter material to suppress noise. As an example, the filter material may be disposed within or on the inlet port. Examples of the filter material may include a screen, punching, mesh, continuous bubble foam, sintered material, etc.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment for cooling not only the PPV 1117 but also the shut-off valve 1110, which are part of a redundant pneumatic circuit, although other components are not shown for clarity. Similarly, FIG. 11 does not show the manifold on which the PPV 1117 and the shut-off valve 1110 are mounted. In FIG. 11, the exhaust port 1124 of the PPV 1117 is coupled to a tube 1150 that blows the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port 1124 to the outside of the PPV 1117. The tube 1150 may also be referred to as an exhaust path. More specifically, instead of creating an exhaust path through one or more manifolds and directing the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port 1124 to an inlet port adjacent to the PPV 1117, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the tube 1150 is used to direct the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port 1124 to the outside of the PPV 1117. In certain embodiments, the tube 1150 is not incorporated into one or more manifolds, while in certain other embodiments, the tube 1150 is incorporated into one or more manifolds on which the PPV 1117 is mounted. In one example, the tube 1150 is a plastic gas tube.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 11, the exhaust port 1126 of the shut-off valve 1110 is coupled to a tube 1152 that blows the pressurized gas exiting the exhaust port 1126 to the outside of the shut-off valve 1110. In certain embodiments, the tube 1152 is not incorporated into one or more manifolds, while in certain other embodiments, the tube 1152 is incorporated into one or more manifolds on which the shut-off valve 1110 is mounted. In one example, the tube 1152 is a plastic gas tube.

[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, separate tubes are coupled to the exhaust port 1124 of the PPV 1117 and the exhaust port 1126 of the shut-off valve 1110, respectively. However, in certain other embodiments, a single tube is coupled to both the exhaust ports 1124 and 1126 through a connector element, and the pressurized gas exiting from the exhaust ports 1124 and 1126 may be blown against one or both of the PPV 1117 and the shut-off valve 1110.

[0054] The pressurized gas exiting the tubes 1150 and 1152 can cool the PPV 1117 and the shut-off valve 1110, but the gas flow generates some undesirable noise. Therefore, in certain embodiments, a cover similar to the cover 520 of FIG. 5 is used to ensure that the pressurized gas circulates around the PPV 1117 and the shut-off valve 1110, not only to more effectively cool the valve, but also to suppress the noise associated with the exhaust gas. In certain embodiments, the cover encloses such a noise source with a sound-absorbing material to also suppress the noise generated by the mechanical movement or operation of the inner solenoid valve. In certain embodiments, the cover is mounted over the PPV 1117 and the shut-off valve 1110 and has two openings for allowing the tubes 1150 and 1152 to exit the cover and two other openings for allowing the tips of the tubes 1150 and 1152 to enter the cover again. The cover also includes an exhaust port similar to the exhaust port 522 for allowing the pressurized gas to exit from the space directly below the cover. In embodiments where the tubes are incorporated into a manifold, the cover may include only two openings for allowing the tips of the tubes 1150 and 1152 to enter the cover. Accordingly, the tubes 1150 and 1152 may serve as an inlet for gas into the space defined by the cover. Note that the inlet may refer to an inlet port (e.g., inlet ports 528, 828, 928, 1028) or a tube (e.g., tubes 1150 and 1152).

[0055] The shut-off valves (e.g., 510 or 1110) shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 are shut-off valves used in connection with redundant pneumatic circuits. However, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B, it should be noted that in certain embodiments, the shut-off valve positioned under the cover 520 described herein may not be a shut-off valve used in a redundant pneumatic circuit. For example, in certain cases, the shut-off valve may be used in connection with a pneumatic system that does not include a redundant pneumatic circuit (e.g., FIGS. 2A to 2B). Similarly, in certain embodiments, the shut-off valve positioned under the cover 520 described herein may not be a four-way valve, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B. For example, the shut-off valve may be a three-way valve or any other type of shut-off valve. In other words, the embodiments described herein with respect to FIGS. 5 to 11 are applicable regardless of the type and use of the shut-off valve positioned under the cover 520.

[0056] The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather the full scope consistent with the language of the claims should be recognized. Note that the aspects of the present disclosure also include the following. 〔Aspect 1〕 A cover mounted on a manifold, the cover including an exhaust port, and an inner surface of the cover that forms a space between the inner surface and the outer surface of the manifold, the space being configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve, the valve being coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the exhaust port being positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port. 〔Aspect 2〕 The inlet includes an inlet port, the inlet port being connected to an exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold, the cover according to Aspect 1, wherein the pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port. 〔Aspect 3〕 The inlet port is positioned between a first side of the cover and the first side of the valve, the cover according to Aspect 2, wherein a second side of the cover includes the exhaust port. 〔Aspect 4〕 The cover according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover has a rectangular shape with an open bottom, and the open bottom of the cover is configured to receive the valve. 〔Aspect 5〕 The cover according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover includes a dome with an open bottom, and the open bottom of the cover is configured to receive the valve. 〔Aspect 6〕 The cover according to Aspect 5, wherein the cover includes an elliptical dome. 〔Aspect 7〕 The inlet includes a tube, the tube being connected to an exhaust port of the valve, the cover according to Aspect 1, wherein the pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port. 〔Aspect 8〕 The cover according to Aspect 1, wherein a second valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. 〔Aspect 9〕 The inlet includes an inlet port, the inlet port being connected to an exhaust port through a passage in the manifold, the pressurized gas being discharged from the valve and the second valve through the exhaust port, the cover according to Aspect 8, wherein the exhaust port is shared between the valve and the second valve. [Aspect 10] A pneumatic system, a tool having a first chamber and a second chamber on each side of a pneumatic diaphragm for reciprocating components of the tool, a pressurized gas supply source, a valve coupled to the pressurized gas supply source, which, when supplied with current, alternately delivers and discharges pressurized gas to and from the first chamber and the second chamber of the tool through a first outlet line and a second outlet line, respectively, and has a solenoid that moves a solenoid plunger so as to alternately deliver and discharge pressurized gas, a power source coupled to the solenoid of the valve for supplying voltage to drive current in the solenoid, a manifold on which the valve is mounted, a cover mounted on the manifold, comprising, an exhaust port, an inner surface of the cover that forms a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, the space being configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve, the valve being coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the exhaust port being positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port, a pneumatic system. [Aspect 11] the inlet includes an inlet port, the inlet port being connected to an exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold, the pneumatic system according to Aspect 10, wherein the pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port. [Aspect 12] the inlet port being positioned between a first side of the cover and the first side of the valve, the pneumatic system according to Aspect 11, wherein a second side of the cover includes the exhaust port. [Aspect 13] the pneumatic system according to Aspect 10, wherein the cover has a rectangular shape with an open bottom, and the open bottom of the cover is configured to receive the valve. [Aspect 14] further comprising a shut-off valve and a control system, The control system is configured to operate the shut-off valve to selectively allow pneumatic pressure to flow to the valve, suppress the pneumatic pressure to the backup valve, suppress the flow of pneumatic pressure to the valve, and allow the flow of pneumatic pressure to the backup valve. The pneumatic system according to aspect 10, wherein the shut-off valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. 〔Aspect 15〕 The inlet includes an inlet port. The inlet port is connected to the exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold. The pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port. The pneumatic system according to aspect 14, wherein the exhaust port is shared between the valve and the second valve.

Claims

1. A combination of a manifold, a cover mounted on the manifold, and a valve, wherein the cover has an exhaust port, an inner surface that forms a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve, the valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port, the inlet includes an inlet port, the inlet port is connected to an exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold, A combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve, wherein pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port.

2. the inlet port is positioned between a first side of the cover and the first side of the valve, The combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve according to claim 1, wherein a second side of the cover includes the exhaust port.

3. The combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a rectangular shape with an open bottom, and the open bottom of the cover is configured to receive the valve.

4. The combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a dome with an open bottom, and the open bottom of the cover is configured to receive the valve.

5. The combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve according to claim 4, wherein the cover includes an elliptical dome. **Claim 6** A combination of a manifold, a cover mounted on the manifold, and a valve, wherein the cover includes an exhaust port, an inner surface of the cover that forms a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve, the valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port, the inlet includes a tube, the tube is connected to an exhaust port of the valve, the pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port, a combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve. **Claim 7** A combination of a manifold, a cover mounted on the manifold, and a valve, wherein the cover includes an exhaust port, an inner surface of the cover that forms a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve, the valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port, a second valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, the inlet includes an inlet port, the inlet port is connected to an exhaust port through a passage in the manifold, The pressurized gas is discharged from the valve and the second valve through the exhaust port, A combination of a manifold, a cover, and a valve, wherein the exhaust port is shared between the valve and the second valve.

8. A pneumatic system, A tool having a first chamber and a second chamber on respective sides of a pneumatically driven diaphragm for reciprocating components of the tool, A pressurized gas supply source, A valve coupled to the pressurized gas supply source, which, when supplied with current, delivers pressurized gas to the first chamber and the second chamber of the tool, respectively, and alternatively delivers and discharges pressurized gas through a first outlet line and a second outlet line for discharging pressurized gas from the first chamber and the second chamber, and has a solenoid that moves a solenoid plunger, A power source coupled to the solenoid of the valve for supplying voltage to drive current in the solenoid, A manifold on which the valve is mounted, A cover mounted on the manifold, comprising, wherein the cover has an exhaust port, an inner surface of the cover that forms a space between the inner surface of the cover and the outer surface of the manifold, The space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of the valve, The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space, The exhaust port is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates around the valve from the inlet and exits through the exhaust port. A pneumatic system.

9. The inlet includes an inlet port, The inlet port is connected to an exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold, The pneumatic system according to claim 8, wherein the pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port.

10. The inlet port is positioned between a first side of the cover and the first side of the valve, The pneumatic system according to claim 9, wherein a second side of the cover includes the exhaust port.

11. The pneumatic system according to claim 8, wherein the cover has a rectangular shape with an open bottom surface, and the open bottom surface of the cover is configured to receive the valve.

12. Further comprising a shut-off valve and a control system, The control system is configured to operate the shut-off valve to selectively allow pneumatic pressure to flow to the valve, suppress pneumatic pressure to a backup valve, suppress pneumatic pressure from flowing to the valve, and allow pneumatic pressure to flow to the backup valve, The pneumatic system according to claim 8, wherein the shut-off valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space.

13. The inlet includes an inlet port, The inlet port is connected to an exhaust port of the valve through a passage in the manifold, The pressurized gas is discharged from the valve through the exhaust port, The pneumatic system according to claim 12, wherein the exhaust port is shared between the valve and the shut-off valve.

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