Receivers for medical waste collection systems

Abstract

A receiver for a medical waste collection system. The receiver removably receives a manifold. A sled assembly moves with the manifold to facilitate movement of the manifold toward the inlet mechanism. A motion conversion assembly converts movement of the sled assembly into movement of the inlet mechanism, aligning the inlet mechanism with the receiver outlet to fluidly connect the suction inlet and outlet of the manifold to a waste container, and moving the inlet mechanism toward the manifold. A locking assembly locks the manifold within the receiver when the manifold is fully inserted and in fluid communication with the suction inlet of the inlet mechanism. An actuator is axially movable to unlock the manifold from the receiver and block fluid communication between the manifold and the suction inlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 111,848, filed November 10, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid, semi-solid, and / or solid waste materials are generated as by-products of some surgical procedures. Liquid waste materials may include body fluids and irrigation solution(s) at the surgical site, while solid and semi-solid waste materials may include tissue debris and small pieces of surgical material(s). Regardless of its phase, medical waste is preferably collected without contaminating the surgical site or posing a biological hazard to the medical suite in which the procedure is being performed.

[0003] Medical waste can be removed from the surgical site through a suction tube under the influence of a vacuum provided by a suction / vacuum source. One exemplary medical waste collection system is sold under the trade name NEPTUNE by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Michigan), and certain versions of medical waste collection systems are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0171495, published August 4, 2005, International Publication No. WO 2007 / 070570, published June 21, 2007, and International Publication No. WO 2014 / 066337, published May 1, 2014, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] The medical waste collection system can include a receiver that removably receives the manifold, which facilitates coupling of the suction tube with the medical waste collection system. The manifold can also include a filter element that filters waste material to avoid clogging or damage to components of the medical waste collection system. To facilitate safe and efficient repeated coupling and decoupling of the manifold from the medical waste collection system, the receiver needs to be robust, which remains an area of ​​particular interest and development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Without limiting the scope of the present invention by the claims and the clauses contained herein, the present disclosure relates to a receiver for a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes at least one waste container defining a waste volume for collecting and storing waste material, and a receiver connected to the waste container by a conduit. A vacuum pump is supported on a cart and configured to apply suction to the waste container(s) and the receiver. The receiver includes an inlet mechanism coupled to a manifold and movable to establish fluid communication between the manifold and the waste container in a manner as further described. The inlet mechanism may include a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet. The suction inlet is configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the manifold, and the suction outlet is configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the receiver outlet. The receiver includes a housing defining an opening sized to removably receive the manifold.

[0006] The entrance lock assembly may include a latch pivotally coupled to the lower wall of the receiver housing. The entrance lock assembly may be biased to the locked position by a latch biasing member. The latch is pivotable about a latch axis and includes a head portion and a tail portion positioned opposite the latch axis. The tail portion may be longer than the head portion. The latch biasing member may be a coil spring disposed between the head portion and the lower wall of the housing. An angled surface of the manifold spine may directly contact the head portion at a deflected angle to cause pivoting of the latch about the latch axis. The base of the entrance mechanism may define a cavity that receives the tail portion of the latch when the latch is in the unlocked position.

[0007] The pawls can be coupled to the sled assembly. The housing can define one or more channels extending generally in a proximal-to-distal direction on either side of the sled assembly. Each of the pawls can include a first pawl pin and a second pawl pin slidable within the respective channel. The channels guide the path of the pins as the sled assembly moves proximally and distally. The first and second pawl pins and the channel cooperate to articulate the pawls inward toward the manifold in response to proximal movement of the sled assembly.

[0008] The locking assembly may include an arm rotatably coupled to the housing and an arm biasing member, such as a spring. The arm biasing member biases the arm to a locked configuration in which the arm abuts the manifold. The arms of the locking assembly are pivotally coupled to the housing and positioned opposite the cavity in which the manifold will be located. The arms are biased to the locked position by a spring that couples the arms to the housing. The arms may each include an inwardly biased shoulder. The sled body has an arm retaining surface configured to abut the shoulder of the locking assembly arm and retain the arm in the unlocked configuration. Interference between the distally directed surface and the shoulder prevents distal movement of the manifold within the receiver.

[0009] The actuator may include a ramp configured to abut the arm and rotate the arm against the arm biasing member. The actuator itself may be biased to an outward distal position by a biasing element so as to be operated by a pressing force. The biasing element may be positioned between the actuator and the housing. The actuator and biasing element may be slidably disposed on rails extending proximally to distally within the receiver housing. Proximal movement of the actuator moves the ramp to engage with a finger of the arm. The finger and shoulder of the arm are disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis.

[0010] The motion conversion assembly can include a cam mechanism and a cam follower mechanism. The cam mechanism can include a cam body rotatably coupled to the housing about a cam central axis. The cam follower mechanism can include a lever rotatably coupled to the housing about a lever axis spaced from the cam central axis. The cam follower mechanism also includes a roller rotatably coupled to the lever and configured to be in direct rolling contact with the cam body. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert proximal movement of the sled assembly into distal movement of the portal mechanism during manifold insertion, and conversely, convert distal movement of the sled assembly into proximal movement of the portal mechanism during manifold removal.

[0011] The cam mechanism may include an inlet mechanism engagement pin extending from the cam body and radially spaced from the cam central axis. The inlet mechanism engagement pin may be configured to be received in the inlet slot, move within the inlet slot, and abut against the inlet base to move the inlet mechanism proximally and distally in response to rotation of the cam body. The cam mechanism may include a thread engagement pin extending from the cam body and radially spaced from the cam central axis. The thread engagement pin may be received in the thread slot. The sled body may also have proximal and distal walls that define proximal and distal ends of the thread slot, respectively. The proximal and distal walls allow the sled body to continue moving proximally after the suction outlet of the inlet mechanism is aligned with the receiver outlet.

[0012] The distance between the thread engagement pin and the cam central axis can be greater than the distance between the entrance mechanism engagement pin and the cam central axis. The roller is rotatably coupled to a first end of the lever, and the second end of the lever is resiliently coupled to the housing by a lever biasing member. The lever axis can be spaced closer to the first end or the second end of the lever. The roller directly contacts the cam, and the lever biasing member pivots the lever about the third pin. The cam includes an eccentric surface relative to the cam central axis. The roller engages with the eccentric surface, and the relative distance of certain circumferentially spaced points on the eccentric surface results in a greater pivotal movement of the lever in response to a bias from the lever biasing member.

[0013] An electronics module can be coupled to the top wall of the housing. The electronics module can include any number of electronic subcomponents, such as sensors, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, memory, communication means, and electrical or data ports. The detectable element can be positioned on the sled assembly. The initial return movement from the motion translating assembly can be sufficient to separate the detectable element from the one or more sensors by a distance that causes the one or more sensors to generate a sled change signal. The sled change signal can be transmitted to a system processor, and any type of front-end function can be implemented based on the sled change signal.

[0014] The suction outlet is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet and the conduit. The inlet mechanism is movable proximally along an inlet axis disposed at an oblique angle relative to a reference horizontal axis relative to gravity. The conduit may include a receiver coupling extending along the conduit axis from the receiver toward the waste container. The conduit axis may be oblique relative to the inlet axis. The conduit axis may be disposed vertically relative to gravity. The suction outlet may extend along a suction outlet axis oblique to the conduit axis. A seal may be coupled to the housing to cover the receiver outlet. The seal may be disposed between the housing and the suction outlet of the inlet mechanism. The seal may include upper and lower surfaces angled relative to each other to provide an oblique angle to the receiver coupling oriented at a vertical angle. The upper and lower surfaces may be disposed at an angle between 2 degrees and 7 degrees, more specifically, 5 degrees. The seal may include a friction ring.

[0015] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure includes a waste container and a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container. The medical waste collection system also includes a receiver coupled to the waste container. The receiver includes a housing having an opening configured to allow the manifold to be inserted therethrough. The housing further includes a receiver outlet and an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing so as to be movable proximally and distally along an inlet axis. The inlet mechanism includes a suction inlet. The suction outlet is in fluid communication with the suction inlet. A sled assembly is movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the inlet mechanism. The sled assembly is configured to be moved proximally during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to facilitate corresponding distal movement of the inlet mechanism to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet. A locking assembly is coupled to the housing and configured to lock the manifold within the receiver in a fully inserted position. An actuator is coupled to the locking assembly and is axially movable relative to the housing. The actuator is configured to receive an axial input from a user to cause the locking assembly to unlock the manifold.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the locking assembly may include an arm rotatably coupled to the housing. The locking assembly may also include an arm biasing member biasing the arm to a locked configuration in which the arm abuts the manifold in the fully inserted position to prevent distal movement of the manifold and sled assembly. The actuator may include a ramp configured to abut the arm and counter the biasing member to rotate the arm away from the manifold and allow distal movement of the manifold and sled assembly. The sled assembly may include a sled body configured to abut the manifold. The sled body may be movable to at least a proximal position when the manifold is in the fully inserted position. The sled body may also be movable to a distal position. The sled body may be movable with the manifold while the manifold is disposed within the opening of the receiver. The sled assembly may include a sled biasing member coupled to the sled body. The sled biasing member may be configured to urge the sled body distally relative to the arm while the arm is in the locked configuration. The sled biasing member can be configured to move the sled body and manifold distally from the proximal and fully inserted positions, respectively, in response to the arms moving to the unlocked configuration. The sled body can include an arm retaining surface configured to abut the arms of the locking assembly and retain the arms of the locking assembly in the unlocked configuration while the sled body is in the distal position.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure includes a waste container and a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container. The waste collection system also includes a receiver coupled to the waste container. The receiver includes a housing having an opening configured for the manifold to be inserted therein. The housing includes a receiver outlet and an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing. The inlet mechanism includes a suction inlet. The suction outlet is in fluid communication with the suction inlet. The inlet mechanism is movable between a first position in which the suction outlet and the receiver outlet are not in fluid communication with each other and a second position in which the suction outlet and the receiver outlet are in fluid communication with each other. The inlet lock assembly has a latch configured to be movably coupled to the housing. A biasing member biases the latch to a locked position in which movement of the inlet mechanism to the second position is prevented. The latch is configured to be movable from a locked position to an unlocked position in which movement of the inlet mechanism to the second position is permitted in response to abutting engagement with the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the latch can be pivotally coupled to the housing about the latch axis. The latch can include a head portion and a tail portion opposite the head portion from the latch axis. The tail portion can be longer than the head portion. The entrance mechanism can include an entrance base movable between a first position and a second position. The latch can be configured to abut the entrance base in a locked position to prevent the entrance base from moving to the second position. The entrance base can define a cavity that receives the latch when the latch is in the unlocked position and the entrance base is in the second position. A sled assembly can be movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the entrance mechanism. The sled assembly can be configured to be moved proximally during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to facilitate corresponding distal movement of the entrance mechanism to the second position. The entrance lock assembly of the second aspect can be provided in combination with the actuator of the first aspect and, optionally, any of its corresponding embodiments.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure includes a waste container and a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container. The medical waste collection system also includes a receiver coupled to the waste container. The receiver includes a housing having an opening configured for the manifold to be inserted therein. The housing includes a receiver outlet. An inlet mechanism is coupled to the housing so as to be movable proximally and distally. The inlet mechanism includes a suction inlet. The suction outlet is in fluid communication with the suction inlet. A sled assembly is movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the inlet mechanism. The sled assembly is configured to be moved proximally during insertion of the manifold into the receiver to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet, facilitating corresponding distal movement of the inlet mechanism. A motion conversion assembly operably couples the sled assembly to the inlet mechanism and includes a cam mechanism facilitating corresponding proximal and distal movement of the sled assembly and the inlet mechanism, respectively.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the cam mechanism can include a cam body rotatably coupled to the housing about a cam central axis. The cam body has an eccentric surface, with multiple points on the eccentric surface spaced at different radial distances from the cam central axis. The entry mechanism can include an entry base defining an entry slot. The cam mechanism can include an entry mechanism engagement pin extending from the cam body and received in the entry slot. The entry mechanism engagement pin can be configured to move within the entry slot and abut the entry base in response to rotation of the cam body, thereby moving the entry mechanism proximally and distally. The sled assembly can include a sled body defining a thread slot. The cam mechanism can include a thread engagement pin extending from the cam body and received in the thread slot. The thread engagement pin can be configured to move within the thread slot and abut the sled body in response to rotation of the cam body, thereby moving the sled assembly proximally and distally. The motion conversion assembly can include a cam follower mechanism configured to provide resistance to rotation of the cam body. The cam follower mechanism may include a lever rotatably coupled to the housing about a lever axis spaced from the cam central axis. The cam follower mechanism may include a roller rotatably coupled to the lever and configured to directly contact the eccentric surface of the cam body. The cam follower mechanism may include a biasing element coupled to the lever and biasing the roller into contact with the eccentric surface of the cam body to provide resistance to rotation of the cam body. The eccentric surface may include a first point at a first radial distance from the cam central axis, a second point at a second radial distance from the cam central axis, and a third point at a third radial distance from the cam central axis. The second radial distance may be greater than the first radial distance and the third radial distance. The second point may be circumferentially disposed between the first point and the third point. The motion conversion assembly of the third aspect may be provided in combination with the actuator of the first aspect and / or the entrance lock assembly of the second aspect, and optionally any of their corresponding implementations.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure includes a waste container having a waste container inlet. The medical waste collection system also includes a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container. The medical waste collection system further includes a receiver coupled to the waste container. The receiver has a housing including an opening configured to allow the manifold to be inserted at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal. The housing further includes a receiver outlet. An inlet mechanism coupled to the housing includes a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet. The inlet mechanism is movable along an inlet axis at the oblique angle between a first position in which the suction outlet and the receiver outlet are not in fluid communication and a second position in which the suction outlet and the receiver outlet are in fluid communication. A conduit is coupled to the receiver outlet and extends between the receiver outlet and the waste container inlet to facilitate transfer of waste from the receiver outlet to the waste container. The conduit has a receiver connection extending from the receiver outlet along a conduit axis oblique to the inlet axis.

[0022] In certain embodiments, a seal can be coupled to the housing to cover the receiver outlet. The suction outlet can extend along a suction outlet axis that is inclined relative to the conduit axis. The suction outlet axis can be perpendicular to the inlet axis. The conduit of the fourth aspect can be provided in combination with the actuator of the first aspect, the inlet lock assembly of the second aspect, and / or the motion conversion mechanism of the third aspect, and optionally any of their corresponding implementations.

[0023] In certain embodiments, a sled assembly can be movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the inlet mechanism. The sled assembly can be configured to be moved proximally during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to facilitate corresponding distal movement of the inlet mechanism to a second position. The sled assembly can be configured to be moved distally, opposite the proximal direction, during removal of the manifold from the receiver to facilitate corresponding proximal movement of the inlet mechanism to interrupt fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet. A pawl can be coupled to the sled assembly. The pawl can be configured to selectively engage the manifold to facilitate distal movement of the sled assembly during removal of the manifold from the receiver. The electronics module can be in communication with a vacuum source. The receiver can include a sensor in communication with the electronics module. The sensor can be configured to output a signal indicative of the position of the sled assembly in the proximal and distal directions. The electronics module can be configured to control the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor. A magnet can be disposed on the sled assembly and configured to be detected by the sensor. The electronics module can be configured to prevent operation of the vacuum source based on a signal from the sensor when the manifold is not fully inserted into the receiver. The first barrier can be pivotally coupled to the housing. A first biasing element can be coupled to the first barrier and configured to bias the first barrier toward a closed position to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening of the receiver. The second barrier can be pivotally coupled to the sled assembly and positioned proximal to the first barrier. A second biasing element can be coupled to the second barrier and configured to bias the second barrier toward the closed position. Distal movement of the inlet mechanism can facilitate moving the second barrier from the closed position to an open position in which a suction inlet of the inlet mechanism is exposed to the inserted manifold.

[0024] The advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste collection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a receiver coupled to a waste container of a medical waste collection system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a receiver and a manifold. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the receiver showing certain internal components of the receiver and manifold. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the receiver taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 without the manifold. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the receiver with the top portion removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a receiver in preparation for inserting a manifold into the receiver. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of a receiver shown with the motion conversion assembly in a first position and the sled assembly in a first configuration; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the receiver shown with the motion conversion assembly in a second position and the sled assembly in a second configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the receiver shown with the motion conversion assembly in a third position and the sled assembly in a third configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the receiver shown with the motion conversion assembly in a fourth position and the sled assembly in a fourth configuration. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the receiver and manifold. [Figure 13]13 is a cross-sectional view of the receiver taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3. A portion of the manifold is shown as being partially inserted into the receiver. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a receiver with the sled assembly in a first configuration and the manifold initiating contact with the sled assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the manifold and receiver with the manifold fully inserted into the receiver. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional plan view of FIG. 15 showing the receiver locking arms and manifold in a fully inserted position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional plan view of the manifold in a partially inserted position with the locking arms engaging the sides of the manifold. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional plan view of the locking arm engaged with the sled assembly with the sled assembly in a first configuration. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motion conversion assembly and an inlet mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical waste collection system 20 that collects waste materials generated during medical procedures, and more specifically, surgical procedures. The medical waste collection system 20 collects and / or stores the waste materials until it is necessary or desirable to dispose of and discard the waste materials. The medical waste collection system 20 may include a cart 22, which includes wheels for moving the cart along a floor surface within a medical facility. With further reference to FIG. 2, the medical waste collection system 20 includes at least one waste container 24 that defines a waste volume for collecting and storing the waste materials, and a receiver 26 that is coupled to the waste container 24 by a conduit 38. A vacuum pump is supported on the cart and configured to apply suction to the waste container(s) 24 and the receiver 26. Suitable structures and operations of several subsystems of medical waste collection system 20 are disclosed in commonly owned WO 2020 / 027850, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0171495, WO 2007 / 070570, WO 2014 / 066337, and WO 2017 / 112684, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The receiver 26 includes an inlet mechanism 32 movable to couple with the manifold 30 to establish fluid communication between the manifold 30 and the waste container 24 in a manner to be further described. The inlet mechanism 32 may include a suction inlet 33 and a suction outlet 34 in fluid communication with the suction inlet 33. The suction inlet 33 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the manifold 30, and the suction outlet 34 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the receiver outlet 36.

[0028] 3-7, the receiver 26 includes a housing 40. The housing 40 can define an opening 28 sized to removably receive the manifold 30. Certain portions of the manifold 30 can be as shown and described herein, but can otherwise be similar or identical to those disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,471,188, issued November 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The receiver 26 can include a first barrier 44 positioned to cover the opening 28. The first barrier 44 can be biased to a closed position, as shown, with the bias metered to be overcome by the expected force associated with insertion of the manifold 30 through the opening 28. An actuator 46 is movably coupled to the housing 40 and further coupled to a locking assembly 48 configured to allow removal of the manifold 30 from the receiver 26. Thus, the actuator 46 may appear similar to an "eject button" configured to be pushed in a proximal direction. In other configurations, the actuator 46 may be configured to receive a pull input to move it in a distal direction.

[0029] The receiver 26 may include subcomponents and subassemblies configured to engage complementary features of the manifold 30 during insertion and removal of the manifold 30. These may include the lock assembly 48 and the entrance mechanism 32, and may further include a sled assembly 58, an entrance lock assembly 60, a pawl 62, and a motion conversion assembly 64. The entrance mechanism 32 may be configured to move in a proximal-to-distal direction opposite the direction of the sled assembly 58 during insertion and removal of the manifold 30 from the receiver 26, respectively. The entrance lock assembly 60 may be configured to prevent distal movement of the entrance mechanism 32 during an attempt to insert a manifold lacking the required features. The pawl 62 is movably coupled to the housing 40 and configured to articulate inwardly to engage the manifold 30. The motion conversion assembly 64 is configured to convert movement of the sled assembly 58 into movement of the entrance mechanism 32. The motion conversion assembly 64 can be configured to provide a tuned resistance during insertion of the manifold 30 into the receiver and further to provide an initial return movement of the manifold 30 after disengaging the locking assembly 48 from the manifold 30 via the actuator 46.

[0030] 7-11, the subcomponents and subassemblies will be further described with reference to several positions associated with inserting the manifold 30 into the receiver 26, and with further reference to the relevant disclosure of the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 10,471,188. The manifold 30 is oriented for insertion into the opening 28 of the receiver 26 and directed through the opening 28 to move the first barrier 44 to an open position (FIG. 8). The manifold 30 is further advanced to a position where the spine 76 of the manifold 30 engages the inlet lock assembly 60 (FIG. 9). The inlet lock assembly 60 can include a latch 68 pivotally coupled to a bottom wall of the housing 40 of the receiver 26. The inlet lock assembly 60 can be biased into a locked position by a latch biasing member 71, where potential interference between the base 69 of the inlet mechanism 32 and the latch 68 of the inlet lock assembly 60 prevents the distal movement of the inlet mechanism 32 necessary to establish fluid communication between the inlet mechanism 32 and both the manifold 30 and the receiver outlet 36.

[0031] The latch 68 is pivotable about a latch axis 70 and includes a head portion 72 and a tail portion 74 positioned on the opposite side of the latch axis. The tail portion 74 may be longer than the head portion 72. The latch biasing member 71 may be a coil spring disposed between the head portion 72 and the bottom wall of the housing 40. A spine 76 of the manifold 30 engaging the latch 68 moves the entrance lock assembly 60 from a locked position, in which the base portion 69 of the entrance mechanism 32 abuts the tail portion 74, to an unlocked position, in which further distal movement of the entrance mechanism 32 is permitted. More specifically, a sloped surface of the spine 76 may directly contact the head portion 72 at a deflected angle to cause pivoting of the latch 68 about the latch axis 70. Pivoting of the latch 68 moves the tail portion 74 out of potential interference with the corresponding proximally approaching base portion 69. The base 69 of the inlet feature 32 may define a cavity that receives the tail 74 of the latch 68 when the latch 68 is in the unlocked position. With the inlet lock assembly 60 in the unlocked configuration, the manifold 30 may be moved to a fully inserted position in which the base 69 is located within the cavity and fluid communication is established between the suction outlet 34 and the receiver outlet 36. In other words, if the manifold 30 lacked the spine 76 and its properties relative to the other features of the described manifold 30, interference between the inlet feature 32 and the inlet lock assembly 60 could cause the receiver 26 to "bind" and prevent fluid communication between the suction outlet 34 and the receiver outlet 36. This may be done intentionally so that only genuine manifolds can be used with the receiver 26.

[0032] The sled assembly 58 of the receiver 26 may include a sled body 59. The sled body 59 may be slidably disposed on rails 66 extending proximally to distally within the housing 40 of the receiver 26, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 . The manifold 30 is advanced further into the opening 28 of the receiver 26 by the user until one or more arms 90 of the manifold 30 engage with the sled body 59. More specifically, the sled body 59 may define one or more slots 91 that receive the one or more arms 90 of the manifold 30. The sled assembly 58 is moved proximally along the rails 66 by the manifold 30 engaging the sled body 59. In some configurations, the manifold 30 engages with the sled assembly 58 before the spine 76 of the manifold 30 engages with the latch 68, as described above. In other configurations, the manifold 30 engages with the sled assembly 58 after the spine 76 of the manifold 30 engages with the latch 68. In yet another configuration, the engagement of the manifold 30 with the sled assembly 58 and the engagement of the spine 76 of the manifold 30 with the latch 68 occur simultaneously.

[0033] The pawls 62 can engage catches (not specified) on the manifold 30 upon continued insertion of the manifold 30 into the opening 28 of the receiver 26. The pawls 62 can be coupled to the sled assembly 58, such that movement of the sled assembly 58 can cause the pawls 62 to articulate inwardly to engage the catches on the manifold 30. More specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates that the housing 40 can define one or more channels 61 a, 61 b ​​extending generally in a proximal-to-distal direction on either side of the sled assembly 58. Each of the pawls 62 can include a first pawl pin 63 a and a second pawl pin 63 b slidable within the respective channels 61 a, 61 b. The channels 61 a, 61 b ​​guide the paths of the pins 63 a, 63 b as the sled assembly 58 moves proximally and distally. The first and second pawl pins 63a, 63b and the channels 61a, 61b cooperate to articulate the pawls 62 inwardly toward the manifold 30 in response to proximal movement of the sled assembly 58. The engagement between the pawls 62 and the catches transfers force from the manifold 30 to the sled assembly 58, particularly during removal of the manifold 30 from the receiver 26 by a user.

[0034] Further proximal movement of the sled assembly 58, and thus distal movement of the inlet mechanism 32, moves the suction outlet 34 of the inlet mechanism 32 into alignment with the receiver outlet 36. The distally moving inlet mechanism 32 at least partially moves the second barrier 78 from the closed position (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) to the open position as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . The second barrier 78 in the closed position prevents a user from viewing or touching the inlet mechanism 32, even if the first barrier 44 is manually operated to the open position. The manifold 30 assumes a fully inserted position within the receiver 26, as shown in FIG. 11 . In this position, the inlet mechanism 32 engages the manifold 30, for example, by extending through a seal covering the outlet opening of the manifold 30. Furthermore, the suction outlet 34 is aligned with the receiver outlet 36, establishing fluid communication between the manifold 30 and the receiver outlet 36, and thus the waste container 24.

[0035] A locking assembly 48 is provided for selectively securing the manifold 30 within the receiver 26. The locking assembly 48 may include an arm 50 rotatably coupled to the housing 40 and an arm biasing member 86, such as a spring. The arm biasing member 86 biases the arm 50 to a locked configuration configured to abut the manifold 30 in the fully inserted position to prevent distal movement of the manifold 30 and sled assembly 58. In other words, in the fully inserted position, the locking assembly 48 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration and engages the locking elements 82 of the manifold 30 to hold the manifold 30 in a proximal-to-distal direction, particularly against distal forces from the motion translator assembly 64, as described.

[0036] 12-18 , the arms 50 of the locking assembly 48 are pivotally coupled to the housing 40 and positioned opposite the cavity where the manifold 30 will be located. The arms 50 are biased to the locked position by a spring 86 that couples the arms 50 to the housing 40. For example, the arms 50 may each include an inwardly biased shoulder 88. The sled body 59 has an arm retaining surface 65 configured to abut the shoulder 88 of the arms 50 of the locking assembly 48 and retain the arms 50 in the unlocked configuration while the sled body 59 is in the distal position. In other words, the arm retaining surface 65 is configured to retain the arms 50 in the unlocked configuration (e.g., the outwardly articulated configuration) until the manifold 30 engages the sled assembly 58 and moves the sled assembly 58 proximally away from the arms 50. As best shown in FIG. 17 , as manifold 30 is advanced further into receiver 26, shoulder 88 of arm 50, biased by spring 86, slides off arm retaining surface 65 and “rides up” onto the side of arm 90 of manifold 30. Shoulder 88 of arm 50 continues to “ride up” onto the side of arm 90 of manifold 30 until manifold 30 is fully inserted. Once manifold 30 is fully inserted, arm 50 encounters locking element 82 of manifold 30, which can be thought of as the proximal end of the arm that projects outward from the housing of manifold 30. As shown in FIG. 7 , the continued bias of spring 86 moves arm 50, causing shoulder 88 to pivot inward and engage locking element 82 of manifold 30. Additionally, spring 86 can be designed to have a spring constant or other suitable characteristics that cause shoulder 88 to pivot inward with sufficient velocity to cause shoulder 88 to impact the housing of manifold 30. This impact is of sufficient force to provide audible and / or tactile feedback to the user inserting manifold 30 that manifold 30 is fully inserted and locked in place.The auditory feedback can be a "click" sound from the impact, and the tactile feedback can be secondary when the shoulder 88 impacts the manifold 30 if the manifold 30 is made of plastic and is held in the user's hand.

[0037] With the manifold 30 fully inserted, it cannot be removed with the locking assembly 48 in the locked configuration. Figures 13 and 16 show a locking element 82 including a distally facing surface 84 positioned adjacent a shoulder 88. Interference between the distally facing surface 84 and the shoulder 88 prevents distal movement of the manifold 30 within the receiver 26, particularly against distal forces from a sled biasing member 67 coupled to the motion translator assembly 64 as described.

[0038] The shoulder 88 of the arm 50 can be configured to engage the housing 40 in the locked configuration. More specifically, FIG. 16 shows the shoulder 88 compressed or “sandwiched” between the distally-facing face 84 of the manifold 30 and the inner surface 41 of the housing 40. Distal forces from the manifold 30 (from the bias from the motion translation assembly 64) are counteracted by the housing 40, thereby advantageously making operation of the lock assembly 48 more robust. The arm 50 is configured to pivot inward and outward as described, so the distal forces are perpendicular to the pivot axis. The arm 50 of the lock assembly 48 can also provide a slight distal pivot, allowing the shoulder 88 to directly contact the inner surface 41 of the housing 40 when the manifold 30 is inserted into the receiver 26 and the lock assembly 48 is in the locked configuration. Without the advantageous force-counteracting configuration of the housing 40, the pivot axis of the arm 50 itself may need to be designed to withstand significant distal forces, which may require larger or heavier components, generally in a spaced apart and constrained stack. Additionally, the relatively lighter weight and more compact configuration of the arm 50 improves the ability of the spring 86 to quickly pivot the shoulder 88 inwardly with sufficient velocity to cause the shoulder 88 to impact the housing of the manifold 30.

[0039] When it is desired to remove the manifold 30 from the receiver 26, for example, following use of the medical waste collection system 20 during a surgical procedure, the actuator 46 is actuated (e.g., pulled or pushed). With reference to FIGS. 12-14 , the actuator 46 may include an inclined surface 92 configured to abut the arm 50 and rotate the arm 50 away from the manifold 30 against the arm biasing member 86, allowing distal movement of the manifold 30 and sled assembly 58. The actuator 46 itself may be biased toward an outward, distal position by a biasing element 52 so as to be operated by a pushing force. The biasing element 52 may be positioned between the actuator 46 and the housing 40. The actuator 46 and biasing element 52 may be slidably disposed on rails 56 extending proximally to distally within the receiver housing 40. In configurations in which the actuator 46 is configured to receive a pulling force, the actuator 46 may be biased inwardly to a proximal position by a biasing element positioned between the actuator 46 and the housing 40 .

[0040] 12 and 13, proximal movement of actuator 46 moves ramped surface 92 into engagement with finger 94 of arm 50. Finger 94 and shoulder 88 of arm 50 are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis. Ramped surface 92 biases finger 94 generally upward, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6, causing shoulder 88 to pivot outward against the bias of spring 86. The degree of outward pivoting of shoulder 88 is at least sufficient to disengage shoulder 88 from distally directed surface 84 of locking element 82 of manifold 30. This disengagement allows sled biasing member 67 to move sled assembly 58 and manifold 30 an initial distance in the distal direction. Manifold 30 can be removed from receiver 26 in the reverse of the insertion description above. After the manifold 30 is removed, the latch 68 of the inlet lock assembly 60 returns to the locked position via the latch biasing member 71. Alternatively, the return can be based on the relative weights of the head portion 72 and tail portion 74.

[0041] The motion conversion assembly 64 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 and 19. The motion conversion assembly 64 may include a cam mechanism 96 and a cam follower mechanism 97. The cam mechanism 96 may include a cam body 108 (sometimes simply referred to as a "cam") rotatably coupled to the housing 40 about a cam central axis CX. The cam follower mechanism 97 may include a lever 98 rotatably coupled to the housing 40 about a lever axis LX spaced from the cam central axis CX. The cam follower mechanism also includes a roller 100 rotatably coupled to the lever and configured to be in direct rolling contact with the cam body 108. As described above, the motion conversion assembly 64 is configured to convert movement of the sled assembly 58 into movement of the entrance mechanism 32. More specifically, the motion conversion assembly 64 is configured to convert proximal movement of the sled assembly 58 into distal movement of the inlet feature 32 during insertion of the manifold 30, and conversely, to convert distal movement of the sled assembly 58 into proximal movement of the inlet feature 32 during removal of the manifold 30.

[0042] To facilitate translation of motion between the cam body 108 and the entrance mechanism 32, the entrance base 69 may define an entrance slot 105. The cam mechanism 96 may include an entrance mechanism engagement pin 106 extending from the cam body 108 and radially spaced from the cam central axis CX. The entrance mechanism engagement pin 106 may be configured to be received within the entrance slot 105, move within the entrance slot 105, abut the entrance base 69, and move the entrance mechanism 32 proximally and distally in response to rotation of the cam body 108. More specifically, the entrance slot 105 may be vertically positioned such that only proximal-to-distal movement of the cam body 108 moves the entrance base 69. This positioning of the pin within the slot allows for translation of rotational motion into linear motion.

[0043] To facilitate translation of motion between the cam body 108 and the sled assembly 58, the sled body 59 may define a thread slot 111. The cam mechanism 96 may include a thread engagement pin 112 extending from the cam body 108 and spaced radially from the cam central axis CX. The thread engagement pin 112 may be received within the thread slot 111. The thread engagement pin 112 is configured to move within the thread slot 111, abut the sled body 59, and move the sled assembly 58 proximally and distally in response to rotation of the cam body 108. More specifically, the thread slot 111 may be vertically positioned such that only proximal-to-distal movement of the cam body 108 moves the sled body 59. This positioning of the pin within the slot allows for transition from rotational to linear motion. The positioning of the thread engagement pin 112 and the entrance mechanism engagement pin 106 on opposite sides of the cam central axis CX facilitates movement in opposite directions between the sled assembly 58 and the entrance mechanism 32.

[0044] The sled body 59 can also have a proximal wall 111a and a distal wall 111b that respectively define the proximal and distal ends of the threaded slot 111. The proximal wall 111a and the distal wall 111b allow the sled body 59 to continue moving proximally after the suction outlet 34 of the inlet mechanism 32 is aligned with the receiver outlet 36. As described above, the sled biasing member 67 is coupled to the sled body 59 and the motion conversion assembly 64 and configured to bias the sled body 59 distally relative to the arm 50 while the arm 50 is in the locked configuration and while the suction outlet 34 is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet 36. More specifically, the sled biasing member 67 is coupled to the thread engagement pin 112 of the motion conversion assembly 64. 10 and 11 , with continued insertion of the manifold 30 and proximal movement of the sled body 59, after the suction outlet 34 of the inlet feature 32 is aligned with the receiver outlet 36, the sled engagement pin 112 is moved against the sled biasing member 67 from the proximal wall 111 a of the slot 111 toward the distal wall 111 b of the slot 111. This continues until the manifold 30 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 33 and the arms 50 of the locking assembly 48 lock the manifold 30 in place. In other words, the sled body 59 continues to move proximally from the position of FIG. 10 to the proximal-most position of FIG. 11 , placing the manifold 30 in fluid communication with the suction inlet 33 without further distal movement of the inlet feature 32. The sled biasing member 67 then biases the sled body 59 against the arms 50 while the arms 50 are in the locked configuration.

[0045] Additionally, the distance between the thread engagement pin 112 and the cam central axis CX can be greater than the distance between the inlet mechanism engagement pin 106 and the cam central axis CX. In one example, the distance between the thread engagement pin 112 and the cam central axis CX can be at least three times greater than the distance between the inlet mechanism engagement pin 106 and the cam central axis CX. The relative distance can advantageously provide a user with a mechanical advantage during insertion of the manifold 30 into the receiver 26, resulting in less insertion force being required to move the sled assembly 58 and inlet mechanism 32, as discussed above.

[0046] The relative distance can be further adjusted to provide a desired resistance profile during insertion of the manifold 30 into the receiver 26. In other words, experiencing little or no resistance during insertion of the manifold 30 may leave the user uncertain as to whether it is fully or properly installed for use. Providing tactile feedback of the smoothness and robustness of the receiver 26 is important, and the motion conversion assembly 64 of the present disclosure advantageously provides these characteristics by realizing the benefits of the mechanical advantages described above. The roller 100 is rotatably coupled to a first end of the lever 98, and the second end of the lever 98 is resiliently coupled to the housing 40 by a lever biasing member 104. The lever axis LX can be spaced closer to either the first end or the second end of the lever 98 to provide a desired resistance during movement of the motion conversion assembly 64 between the first and second positions. The roller 100 is in direct contact with the cam 108, and the lever biasing member 104 causes the lever 98 to pivot about a third pin 114 to maintain direct contact with the cam body 108 for all positions of the cam body.

[0047] 7-11 and 19, the cam 108 includes an eccentric surface 116 relative to the cam central axis CX. Certain points along the eccentric surface 116 are greater distances from the cam center than other points to provide a desired adjustment to the resistance profile throughout insertion into the receiver 26 of the manifold 30. Similarly, certain segments of the eccentric surface 116 may be flatter or more curved to further adjust the resistance profile. More specifically, the roller 100 engages the eccentric surface 116, and the relative distances of certain circumferentially spaced points on the eccentric surface 116 result in greater pivotal movement of the lever 98 in response to the bias from the lever biasing member 104. For example, in the first position (see FIGS. 7 and 8), the roller 100 may directly contact the eccentric surface at point C. As the cam body 108 is moved by the sled assembly 58 and rotates about the cam central axis (clockwise in FIGS. 7 and 8 ), the contact point between the roller 100 and the eccentric surface 116 moves from point C toward point B. The distance from point B to the cam central axis CX is greater than the distance from point C to the cam central axis CX, which may also be the maximum distance of the eccentric surface 116 from the cam central axis CX. As a result, the roller 100 is biased away from the cam central axis CX, causing the lever 98 to pivot about the lever axis LX in response. Thanks to the lever biasing member 104, the lever 98 provides an opposing force against the cam mechanism 96, and through component stacking, the opposing force is felt by the user as resistance. This resistance may be desirable for the initial stage, which requires a relatively stronger insertion, indicating the user's intent to insert the manifold 30 into the receiver 26.

[0048] As the manifold 30 advances further into the receiver 26 and the sled assembly 58 correspondingly moves proximally, the cam 108 further rotates about the cam central axis CX. The point of contact between the roller 100 and the eccentric surface 116 moves from point B toward point A. The distance from point B to the cam central axis CX is greater than the distance from point A to the cam central axis CX. As a result, the lever biasing member 104 correspondingly pivots the lever 98 about the lever axis LX to maintain direct contact between the roller 100 and the cam 108. Less opposing force from the lever 98 is transmitted to the cam mechanism 96 and through the component stack, which is felt as less resistance by a user manipulating the manifold 30. Reduced resistance may be desirable at a later stage to achieve more mechanical advantage. In one embodiment, the motion conversion assembly 64 may require a relatively short distance over which force is applied at the beginning and end of insertion of the manifold 30, but may otherwise provide relatively free movement.

[0049] As described above, movement of the motion conversion assembly 64 provides distal movement of the inlet mechanism 32, i.e., in a direction opposite to the movement of the sled assembly 58. In other words, the motion conversion assembly 64 converts motion of the sled assembly 58 into motion of the inlet mechanism 32. As the inlet mechanism 32 moves distally, the suction outlet 34 of the inlet mechanism 32 moves into alignment with the receiver outlet 36. It will further be appreciated that the motion conversion assembly 64 may provide initial return movement of the manifold 30 after disengaging the lock assembly 48 from the manifold 30 via the actuator 46. The lock assembly 48, in the locked configuration, engages the lock element 82 of the manifold 30, preventing corresponding distal movement of the sled assembly 58. Thus, potential energy remains stored in the first biasing element 102. An actuated actuator 46 moves the lock assembly 48 to the unlocked configuration, as described above, and distal movement of the sled assembly 58 is again permitted. When a user pushes or pulls the actuator 46 to disengage the arm 50, the potential energy stored in the first biasing element 102 is sufficient to provide an initial return movement of the sled assembly 58 (and the associated manifold 30) in the distal direction until the sled engagement pin 112 contacts the proximal wall 111a of the slot 111. For example, simply stated, pressing the "eject button" partially ejects the manifold 30 from the receiver 26 by a certain amount. The partial ejection of the manifold 30 provides a visual indication to the user that the manifold 30 is no longer fully inserted within the receiver 26. The amount by which the manifold 30 is partially ejected from the receiver 26 can be selectively adjusted based on the characteristics of the component stack (e.g., the spring constant of the sled biasing member 67 or the distance between the proximal and distal walls 111a and 111b). In some examples, the initial return movement is approximately ¼ inch, although longer or shorter distances are contemplated. The fixed amount may be a small percentage of the length of the manifold 30 and should not be so large that the manifold 30 can be completely removed from the receiver 26 unexpectedly.

[0050] An electronics module (not shown) can be coupled to the top wall of the housing 40. The electronics module can include any number of electronic subcomponents, such as sensors, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, memory, communication means, and electrical or data ports. For example, the electronics module can include one or more sensors that detect the position of the sled assembly 58 of the receiver 26. The detectable element 120 can be positioned on the sled assembly 58.

[0051] Partial removal of the manifold 30 can move the detectable element 120 coupled to the sled assembly 58 away from the range of detection by one or more sensors, which can be coupled to the electronics module. For example, the one or more sensors can include a Hall Effect sensor, and the detectable element 120 can include a magnet with a change in magnetic field sensed by the Hall Effect sensor. Alternative examples can include optical, electromagnetic, radio frequency, and ultrasonic sensing of the detectable element. The electronics module can be in electronic communication with a system processor (not specified), and the absence of the detectable element 120 detected by the one or more sensors can indicate that the manifold 30 is not fully inserted (or is not present). The initial return movement from the motion translation assembly 64 can be sufficient to move the detectable element 120 away from the one or more sensors a distance that causes the one or more sensors to generate a sled change signal. The sled change signal can be transmitted to the system processor, and any type of front-end functionality can be implemented based on the sled change signal. For example, the medical waste collection system 20 may output a visual or audible warning to alert the user that the manifold 30 is not fully inserted. As another example, the medical waste collection system 20 may be electronically prevented from operating based on the thread change signal.

[0052] In another example, one or more other sensors can be coupled to the electronics module and configured to detect a detectable element coupled to the first barrier 44. For example, the sensor can be a Hall effect sensor or any suitable optical, electromagnetic, radio frequency, or ultrasonic sensor. The sensor's detection of the presence of the detectable element indicates that the first barrier 44 is in an open position. The sensor can generate and transmit a door change signal to the system processor, and any type of front-end functionality can be realized based on the door change signal. For example, the door change signal can be used in combination with a thread change signal that can determine that the manifold 30 is partially but not fully inserted into the receiver 26 (i.e., the first barrier 44 is open, but one or more sensors do not detect the detectable element 120).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5 , the suction outlet 34 is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet 36 and the conduit 38, and thus the waste container 24. The inlet mechanism is movable proximally along an inlet axis IX to break the fluid connection between the suction outlet 34 and the receiver outlet 36. The inlet axis IX can be positioned at an oblique angle relative to a horizontal axis HX referenced to gravity. The oblique angle can facilitate a favorable loading angle for the user and support excess fluid draining from the opening 28. The conduit 38 can include a receiver connection portion 39 extending along a conduit axis WX from the receiver 26 toward the waste container 24. The conduit axis WX can be oblique with respect to the inlet axis IX. The conduit axis WX can be positioned vertically with respect to gravity to aid in packaging the conduit 38 and waste container 24 on the cart 22 and below the receiver 26. The suction outlet 34 can extend along a suction outlet axis SX that is oblique with respect to the conduit axis. In some configurations, the suction outlet axis SX is perpendicular to the inlet axis IX.

[0054] The seal 80 can be coupled to the housing 40 and cover the receiver outlet 36. The seal 80 can be positioned between the housing 40 and the suction outlet 34 of the inlet mechanism 32. The seal 80 can include upper and lower surfaces that are angled relative to one another to provide a tilt angle when the receiver coupling 39 is oriented at a vertical angle. The upper and lower surfaces can be positioned at an angle between 2 and 7 degrees, more specifically, 5 degrees. The seal 80 can include a friction ring configured to maintain the seal despite friction from the inlet mechanism 32 repeatedly sliding along the upper surface of the seal 80. The friction ring can be at least partially formed from Teflon or other low-friction material.

[0055] The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. The technical concepts that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below. [Aspect 1] 1. A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure, comprising: a waste container; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container, a housing having an opening configured to receive the manifold, the housing further comprising a receiver outlet; an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing for proximal and distal movement along an inlet axis, the inlet mechanism comprising a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet; a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the inlet mechanism, the sled assembly configured to be moved in the proximal direction during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet, to facilitate corresponding movement of the inlet mechanism in the distal direction; a locking assembly coupled to the housing and configured to lock the manifold within the receiver in a fully inserted position; an actuator coupled to the locking assembly and axially movable relative to the housing, the actuator configured to receive an axial input from a user to cause the locking assembly to unlock the manifold; a receiver comprising: A medical waste collection system comprising: [Aspect 2] The medical waste collection system of aspect 1, wherein the locking assembly comprises an arm rotatably coupled to the housing and an arm biasing member that biases the arm into a locked configuration, the arm configured to abut against the manifold in the fully inserted position to prevent distal movement of the manifold and the sled assembly. [Aspect 3] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 2, wherein the actuator comprises an inclined surface configured to abut the arm and rotate the arm away from the manifold against the biasing member to allow movement of the manifold and the sled assembly in the distal direction. [Aspect 4] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 2 or 3, wherein the sled assembly includes a sled body configured to abut against the manifold, the sled body being movable to at least a proximal position when the manifold is in the fully inserted position and also movable to a distal position, and the sled body being movable with the manifold while the manifold is disposed within the opening of the receiver. [Aspect 5] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 4, wherein the sled assembly includes a sled biasing member coupled to the sled body, the sled biasing member configured to bias the sled body distally relative to the arms while the arms are in the locked configuration, the sled biasing member configured to move the sled body and the manifold distally from the proximal position and the fully inserted position, respectively, in response to the arms moving to the unlocked configuration. [Aspect 6] 7. The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 4-6, wherein the sled body comprises an arm retaining surface configured to abut the arm of the locking assembly and retain the arm of the locking assembly in an unlocked configuration while the sled body is in the distal position. [Aspect 7] 1. A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure, comprising: a waste container; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container, a housing having an opening configured to receive the manifold, the housing further comprising a receiver outlet; an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing, the inlet mechanism including a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet, the inlet mechanism being movable between a first position in which the suction outlet is not in fluid communication with the receiver outlet and a second position in which the suction outlet is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet; an entrance lock assembly including a latch configured to be movably coupled to the housing and a biasing member biasing the latch to a locked position that prevents movement of the entrance mechanism to the second position, the latch configured to be movable from the locked position in response to abutting engagement with the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver to an unlocked position that allows movement of the entrance mechanism to the second position; a receiver comprising: A medical waste collection system comprising: [Aspect 8] 8. The medical waste collection system of claim 7, wherein the latch is pivotally coupled to the housing about a latch axis. [Aspect 9] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 8, wherein the latch comprises a head portion and a tail portion opposite the head portion from the latch axis, and optionally the tail portion is longer than the head portion. [Aspect 10] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 7 or 8, wherein the entrance mechanism includes an entrance base movable between the first position and the second position, and the latch is configured to abut the entrance base in the locked position to prevent the entrance base from moving to the second position. [Aspect 11] Aspect 11. The medical waste collection system of aspect 10, wherein the inlet base defines a cavity that receives the latch when the latch is in the unlocked position and the inlet base is in the second position. [Aspect 12] 12. The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 7 to 11, further comprising: a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the inlet mechanism, the sled assembly configured to be moved in the proximal direction during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to facilitate corresponding distal movement of the inlet mechanism to the second position. [Aspect 13] 1. A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure, comprising: a waste container; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container, a housing having an opening configured to receive the manifold, the housing further comprising a receiver outlet; an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing for proximal and distal movement, the inlet mechanism comprising a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet; a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the inlet mechanism, the sled assembly configured to be moved in the proximal direction during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet, to facilitate corresponding movement of the inlet mechanism in the distal direction; a motion translator assembly including a cam mechanism operatively coupling the sled assembly and the portal mechanism to facilitate corresponding movement of the sled assembly and the portal mechanism in the proximal and distal directions, respectively; a receiver comprising: A medical waste collection system comprising: [Aspect 14] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 13, wherein the cam mechanism is a cam body rotatably connected to the housing about a cam central axis, the cam body having an eccentric surface, and multiple points on the eccentric surface being spaced at different radial distances from the cam central axis. [Aspect 15] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 14, wherein the entrance mechanism includes an entrance base defining an entrance slot, and the cam mechanism includes an entrance mechanism engagement pin extending from the cam body and received within the entrance slot, the entrance mechanism engagement pin configured to move within the entrance slot and abut the entrance base in response to rotation of the cam body, causing the entrance mechanism to move in proximal and distal directions. [Aspect 16] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 14 or 15, wherein the sled assembly includes a sled body defining a sled slot, and the cam mechanism includes a thread engagement pin extending from the cam body and received in the thread slot, the thread engagement pin configured to move within the thread slot and abut against the sled body in response to rotation of the cam body, thereby moving the sled assembly in proximal and distal directions. [Aspect 17] Aspects 17. The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 14 to 16, wherein the motion conversion assembly further comprises a cam follower mechanism configured to provide resistance to rotation of the cam body. [Aspect 18] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 17, wherein the cam follower mechanism comprises a lever rotatably connected to the housing around a lever axis spaced from the cam central axis, and the cam follower mechanism comprises a roller rotatably connected to the lever and configured to directly contact the eccentric surface of the cam body. [Aspect 19] 19. The medical waste collection system of claim 18, wherein the cam follower mechanism comprises a biasing element coupled to the lever and biasing the roller into contact with the eccentric surface of the cam body to provide resistance to rotation of the cam body. [Aspect 20] 20. The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 14 to 19, wherein the eccentric surface includes a first point at a first radial distance from the cam central axis, a second point at a second radial distance from the cam central axis, and a third point at a third radial distance from the cam central axis, the second radial distance being greater than the first radial distance and the third radial distance. [Aspect 21] Aspect 21. The medical waste collection system of aspect 20, wherein the second point is circumferentially disposed between the first point and the third point. [Aspect 22] 1. A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure, comprising: a waste container having a waste container inlet; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container, a housing having an opening configured to allow the manifold to be inserted at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal, the housing further comprising a receiver outlet; an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing, the inlet mechanism including a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet, the inlet mechanism being movable along an inlet axis at the tilt angle between a first position in which the suction outlet is not in fluid communication with the receiver outlet and a second position in which the suction outlet is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet; a conduit connected to and extending between the receiver outlet and the waste container inlet to facilitate transfer of waste material from the receiver outlet to the waste container, the conduit having a receiver connection extending from the receiver outlet along a conduit axis oblique to the inlet axis; a receiver comprising: A medical waste collection system comprising: [Aspect 23] 23. The medical waste collection system of claim 22, further comprising a seal coupled to the housing to cover the receiver outlet. [Aspect 24] 24. The medical waste collection system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the suction outlet extends along a suction outlet axis that is oblique to the conduit axis. [Aspect 25] 25. The medical waste collection system of claim 24, wherein the suction outlet axis is perpendicular to the inlet axis. [Aspect 26] 26. The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 22 to 25, further comprising: a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the inlet mechanism, the sled assembly configured to be moved in the proximal direction during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to facilitate corresponding distal movement of the inlet mechanism to the second position. [Aspect 27] The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 1-7, 12, 13-21, and 26, wherein the sled assembly is configured to be moved in a distal direction opposite to the proximal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver, facilitating the inlet mechanism correspondingly moving in the proximal direction to block fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet. [Aspect 28] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 27, wherein the receiver further comprises a claw coupled to the sled assembly, the claw configured to selectively engage with the manifold to facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver. [Aspect 29] The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 1-7, 12, 13-21, and 26-28, further comprising an electronics module in communication with the vacuum source, the receiver further comprising a sensor in communication with the electronics module and configured to output a signal indicating the position of the sled assembly in the proximal direction and the distal direction, and the electronics module configured to control the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor. [Aspect 30] 30. The medical waste collection system of claim 29, further comprising a magnet disposed on the sled assembly and configured to be detected by the sensor. [Aspect 31] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 29, wherein the signal indicates whether the manifold is inserted into the receiver to a fully inserted position, and the electronics module is configured to prevent operation of the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor when the manifold is not inserted into the receiver to the fully inserted position. [Aspect 32] The medical waste collection system of any one of aspects 1-7, 12, 13-21, and 26-31, wherein the receiver further comprises a first barrier pivotally coupled to the housing, and a first biasing element coupled to the first barrier and configured to bias the first barrier toward a closed position to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening of the receiver. [Aspect 33] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 32, wherein the receiver further comprises a second barrier pivotally coupled to the sled assembly and positioned proximal to the first barrier, and a second biasing element coupled to the second barrier and configured to bias the second barrier toward a closed position. [Aspect 34] A medical waste collection system as described in aspect 33, wherein the distal movement of the inlet mechanism facilitates moving the second barrier from the closed position to an open position in which the suction inlet of the inlet mechanism is exposed to the manifold being inserted.

Claims

1. 1. A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste materials through a manifold during a medical procedure, comprising: a waste container; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum to the waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container, a housing having an opening configured to receive the manifold, the housing further comprising a receiver outlet; an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing for proximal and distal movement along an inlet axis, the inlet mechanism comprising a suction inlet and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet; a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the inlet mechanism, the sled assembly configured to be moved in the proximal direction during proximal insertion of the manifold into the receiver to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet, to facilitate corresponding movement of the inlet mechanism in the distal direction; a locking assembly coupled to the housing and configured to lock the manifold within the receiver in a fully inserted position; an actuator coupled to the locking assembly and slidable on a rail extending within the housing from the proximal direction to the distal direction, the actuator configured to receive axial input from a user to move along the rail, causing the locking assembly to unlock the manifold; and a receiver comprising: A medical waste collection system comprising:

2. 2. The medical waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly comprises an arm pivotally coupled to the housing and configured to pivot inward and outward in a direction perpendicular to the proximal and distal directions, and an arm biasing member that biases the arm inwardly into a locked configuration, the arm configured to abut the manifold in the fully inserted position to prevent distal movement of the manifold and the sled assembly.

3. 3. The medical waste collection system of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a ramped surface configured to move toward engagement with the arm upon the input to the actuator, the ramped surface abutting the arm and pivoting the arm outwardly and away from the manifold against the arm biasing member to permit movement of the manifold and the sled assembly in the distal direction.

4. 3. The medical waste collection system of claim 2, wherein the sled assembly comprises a sled body configured to abut the manifold, the sled body being movable to at least a proximal position when the manifold is in the fully inserted position and a distal position, and the sled body being movable with the manifold while the manifold is disposed within the opening of the receiver.

5. 5. The medical waste collection system of claim 4, wherein the sled assembly comprises a sled biasing member coupled to the sled body, the sled biasing member configured to bias the sled body distally relative to the arms while the arms are in the locked configuration, the sled biasing member configured to move the sled body and the manifold distally from the proximal position and the fully inserted position, respectively, in response to the arms moving to the unlocked configuration.

6. 5. The medical waste collection system of claim 4, wherein the sled body comprises an arm retaining surface configured to abut the arm of the locking assembly and retain the arm of the locking assembly in an unlocked configuration while the sled body is in the distal position.

7. The medical waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the receiver further comprises a claw connected to the thread assembly, the claw configured to selectively engage with the manifold and facilitate movement of the thread assembly in the distal direction while removing the manifold from the receiver.

8. A medical waste collection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an electronics module communicating with the vacuum source, the receiver further comprising a sensor configured to communicate with the electronics module and output a signal indicating the position of the sled assembly in the proximal and distal directions, and the electronics module configured to control the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor.

9. A medical waste collection system as described in claim 8, further comprising a magnet disposed on the sled assembly and configured to be detected by the sensor.

10. A medical waste collection system as described in claim 8, wherein the signal indicates whether the manifold is inserted into the receiver to a fully inserted position, and the electronics module is configured to prevent operation of the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor when the manifold is not inserted into the receiver to the fully inserted position.

11. A medical waste collection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiver further comprises a first barrier pivotally connected to the housing, and a first biasing element connected to the first barrier and configured to bias the first barrier toward a closed position to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening of the receiver.

12. The medical waste collection system of claim 11, wherein the receiver further comprises a second barrier pivotally connected to the sled assembly and positioned proximal to the first barrier, and a second biasing element connected to the second barrier and configured to bias the second barrier toward a closed position.

13. A medical waste collection system as described in claim 12, wherein the distal movement of the inlet mechanism facilitates moving the second barrier from the closed position to an open position in which the suction inlet of the inlet mechanism is exposed to the inserted manifold.

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