Docking station for and methods of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit

Abstract

A docking station and methods of facilitating a disposal and cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit. Exemplary methods include operating an offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister. A detergent pump of the docking station is operated to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir to form a cleaning solution directed into the canister. One or more sensors may be used to monitor aspects of the detergent line, detergent reservoir, cleaning solution, and / or the detergent pump. Usage data associated with the detergent pump may be generated. Metrics may be updated based on the usage data and displayed on a smart equipment management (SEM) interface. The metrics may be associated with different cleaning cycles, usage histories of a fleet of the docking stations and the medical waste collection units. The docking station may include a detergent receptacle for intuitive coupling of the detergent reservoir.

Description

DOCKING STATION FOR AND METHODS OF FACILITATING A CLEANING OPERATION OF A MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION UNITCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 678,241, filed on August 1, 2024, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of medical waste collection units are increasingly commonplace during surgical procedures to provide a closed system for suctioning and collecting liquid medical waste. An exemplary medical waste collection unit includes a waste canister, and a vacuum pump configured to draw medical waste from a surgical site to be collected in the waste canister. Once the waste canister is sufficiently full or as otherwise desired, the medical waste collection unit may be operably coupled to a docking station to perform a disposal operation of the medical waste as well as a cleaning operation of the waste canister. An exemplary medical waste collection unit and docking station are sold under the tradename Neptune by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Mich.).

[0003] The cleaning operation may include directing a cleaning solution into the waste canister through spray nozzles disposed therein. The cleaning solution may include a mixture of detergent and water. The docking station includes a detergent pump that draws the detergent from a detergent bottle. The detergent pump may be a peristaltic pump. Whether or not the detergent bottle is empty and needs replacement must be monitored by hospital personnel, and therefore prone to human oversight. Such a challenge is particularly pronounced in facilities deploying several medical waste collection units and / or several docking stations. Performing the cleaning operation without detergent may not only leave potentially hazardous residue in the waste canister, but also damage the detergent pump of the docking station, thereby requiring service and associated downtime and expense. Therefore, there is a need in the ail for an improved means to inform personnel as to when the detergent bottle needs to be replaced, and an efficient means for doing so. Further, it would be beneficial to prevent operation of the detergent pump if insufficient detergent is being drawn through the detergent line. It would also be desirable to do so in a mannerthat provides advanced functionality to the docking station, and additional metrics for centralized smart equipment management.

[0004] Further, with the detergent bottle being a disposable component, non-genuine articles often permeate medical facilities. These non-genuine articles are inferior to those manufactured by original equipment manufacturers. Therefore, there is a further need in the ait for a means to limit compatibility of non-genuine detergent bottles with the docking station, and done so in a manner that is not prohibitively expensive to be implemented on a disposable component.SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to means for sensing a level of the detergent within the detergent bottle, and displaying, notifying, and taking other actions based thereupon. The information may be provided on a user interface within the medical facility such as a centralized terminal. The docking station may include a communications module configured to wired or wirelessly transmit data from the sensor to a processor, for example, on a local area network (LAN) or the cloud. Alternatively, the processor may be on the docking station with the post-processed data being transmitted to the LAN or the cloud. A display provides metrics for cleaning cycles and management of a fleet of medical waste collection units, also referred to herein as smart equipment management (SEM). For example, usage data based on the operation of the detergent pump during the cleaning operation and additional cleaning cycles may be generated for the docking station and any additional docking stations within the medical facility. The usage data may be displayed and organized on an intuitive SEM interface. The SEM interface may associate the types of cleaning cycles with serial numbers associated with each of the medical waste collection units. Remaining detergent with the detergent bottle(s) may be determined, and displayed. In particular, with an amount of detergent that needs to be mixed with water depends upon a type of cleaning cycle, the SEM interface can provide an estimate of the number of each type of cleaning cycle remaining before the detergent bottle is empty. Notifications for any of the metrics can be provided. The notifications may be on the SEM interface, or displayed on a user interface of the medical waste collection unit. The notifications may be visual, tactile, audible, or the like. In certain implementations, the SEM interface may cause the docking station to terminate (or prevent initiation of) the cleaning operation if the detergent level is below a predeterminedvalue. A user may be able to override a lockout and initiate the cleaning cycle with little or no detergent, if desired. Through the SEM interface, a user may efficiently order replacement detergent bottles.

[0006] Certain embodiments include a sensor such as an optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, float sensor, pH sensor, and / or the like. The pH sensor, for example, is used to provide a notification of if the pH of the cleaning solution drops below a predetermined threshold, which is indicative that a sufficient concentration of the detergent is no longer being mixed with the water. Additionally or alternatively, a current sensor may be associated with the detergent pump and configured to sense the electrical current being drawn therefrom. Should the drawn current exceed a predetermined threshold, which is indicative of the detergent pump being run “dry,” a notification may be provided. Still another example includes the optical or ultrasonic sensor being coupled to the detergent line, from which the docking station may terminate (or prevent initiation of) the cleaning operation if an insufficient amount of detergent is detected as being drawn through the detergent line. As used herein, insufficient amount may be little to no detergent, or a volume or flow rate of detergent not exceeding a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be associated with the calibrated characteristics of the sensor. The sensor may be on a clip that is secured or removably coupled to the detergent line. The arrangement prevents the detergent pump from being run dry. In valiants in which the detergent pump is a peristaltic pump, the arrangement minimizes unnecessary use of the detergent pump when not benefitting the cleaning operation.

[0007] The docking station may define a receptacle for receiving the detergent bottle. Additionally or alternatively, the docking station and the detergent bottle may include complementary coupling features configured to be removably coupled to one another. In addition to ensuring only compliant detergent bottles may be operably coupled with the docking station, the arrangement provides for the docking station and the detergent bottle to include a tag reader and identification tag, respectively. The identification tag may be a radiofrequency identification tag, a quick response code, or the like.

[0008] Therefore, a first inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a docking station for facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a medical facility. The docking station includes a drain line configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a sewering line of the medical facility. An offload pump operably is coupledto the drain line. A cleaning line is configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a pressurized water source of the medical facility. The docking station includes a valve operably coupled to the cleaning line, and a detergent line in fluid communication with the cleaning line. The detergent line is configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir. A detergent pump operably coupled to the detergent line. The docking station further includes a sensor, and a controller in electronic communication with the detergent pump and the sensor. The controller is configured to operate the detergent pump based on the signals received from the sensor. The sensor may be coupled to the detergent line, and the controller is configured to prevent operation of the detergent pump based on the signals of the sensor being indicative of an insufficient amount of the detergent being drawn through the detergent line.

[0009] A second inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a sensor. The method includes engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister. The offload pump is operated to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line. The valve is actuated to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line. The method includes detecting, with the sensor, whether detergent is being drawn through the detergent line, and preventing operation of the detergent pump if the sensor detects an insufficient amount of the detergent is being drawn through the detergent line. Optionally, a remainder of the cleaning operation may be performed without use of the detergent.

[0010] A third inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module. The method comprises: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical wastecollection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; generating usage data based on the operation of the detergent pump during the cleaning operation and additional cleaning cycles; transmitting, with the communication module, the usage data to a processor; and displaying, on a display in communication with the processor, the usage data.

[0011] A fourth inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module. The method comprises: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; detecting, with the sensor, a characteristic associated with the detergent pump and / or the detergent within the detergent reservoir; transmitting, with the communication module, data associated with the detected characteristic to a processor; determining, with the processor, a remaining amount of detergent in the detergent reservoir based on the data; and providing, on a display, a notification that the detergent reservoir is in an empty state if the remaining volume is below a predetermined threshold.

[0012] A fifth inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and thecleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module. The method comprises: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; measuring, with a sensor, current being drawn by the detergent pump; determining, with a processor in communication with the sensor, a decrease in the current drawn that exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decrease in the current drawn is indicative of an insufficient amount of detergent being drawn through the detergent pump; and providing, on a display, a notification that the detergent reservoir is in an empty state based on the decrease in the current exceeding the predetermined value.

[0013] A sixth inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module. The method comprises: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; measuring, with a sensor, a pH level of the cleaning solution; determining, with a processor in communication with the sensor, a decrease in the pH level that exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decrease in the pH level is indicative of an insufficient amount of detergent being mixed with the water; and providing, on a display, a notification thatthe detergent reservoir is in an empty state based on the decrease in the pH level exceeding the predetermined value.

[0014] A seventh inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module. The method comprises: receiving, at a processor, procedure data indicative of a medical procedure to be performed; engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; accessing, with the processor, a database of solution concentrations of a cleaning solution associated with various medical procedures; and operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form the cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister, wherein the detergent pump is operated at a speed to produce the cleaning solution of the concentration according to the database in view of the procedure data.

[0015] A eighth inventive aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, a sensor, and a communication module. The method comprises: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; receiving, from the medical waste collection unit, a command to initiate a selected one of a standard cleaning cycle and an extended cleaning cycle; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; and operating the detergent pump to draw detergentfrom the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister, wherein the detergent pump is operated for a longer duration for the standard cleaning cycle than the extended cleaning cycle for the cleaning solution to be at a higher concentration for the standard cleaning cycle.

[0016] Any of the aforementioned aspects may be used singularly or in combination. Further, in certain implementations, the method includes detecting an identification tag coupled to the detergent reservoir upon being inserted into a detergent receptacle of the docking station; and authenticating the detergent reservoir. The identification tag may be a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, and a barcode. Other related methods and features, and variants thereof, are within the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical waste collection and disposal system including a medical waste collection unit, and a docking station.

[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a representation of the system of FIG. 1 with the medical waste collection unit removably coupled to the docking station. Various fluid lines are schematically shown.

[0020] FIG. 3 represents a fleet of medical waste collection units and docking stations may be deployed in a medical facility. A network provides connectivity to the medical waste collection units and docking stations for metrics and analytics to be displayed on a display of a device such as a centralized terminal or a mobile device.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of electronic subsystems and components of the medical waste collection unit and the docking station.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a method of performing a disposal and cleaning operation of the medical waste collection unit.

[0023] FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary screenshots of a small equipment management (SEM) interface being displayed on the display.

[0024] FTG. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a first variant of the docking station. A detergent reservoir is configured to be removably disposed within a detergent rcccptablc defined by the docking station.

[0025] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a second variant of the docking station. The detergent reservoir is configured to be removably coupled external to a casing of the docking station.

[0026] FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views of variants of the detergent reservoir.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another implementation of the docking station in which a fluid level sensor is disposed within the detergent reservoir.

[0028] FIG. 12 detailed view of the fluid level sensor of FIG. 11.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical waste collection and disposal system, hereinafter system 100, for collecting and disposing of medical waste material. The waste material may include bodily fluids, body tissues, irrigation liquids, and / or other materials that may be generated through or as a byproduct of resection, electrocautery, irrigation, and other surgical actions or medical procedures. The system 100 includes a medical waste collection unit 102, and a docking station 104 configured to be removably coupled to the medical waste collection unit 102. The medical waste collection unit 102 is configured to collect, via suction, the waste material generated during the medical procedures. The medical waste collection unit 102 stores on-board the waste material until such a time as a user is ready to offload and dispose of the waste material. Once the waste material either sufficiently fills the medical waste collection unit 102, or a user otherwise desires to dispose of the waste material, the medical waste collection unit 102 may be operably coupled to the docking station 104. At the docking station 104, the waste material may be emptied from the medical waste collection unit 102 and drained or sewered to or through the medical facility, and the medical waste collection unit 102 may be cleaned for further use.

[0030] The medical waste collection unit 102 may be a wheeled rover 106 that is manually or autonomously movable about the medical facility. The rover 106 includes one or more waste canisters 116, and a vacuum pump 108 configured to draw the suction on the waste canister(s) 116. The rover 106 includes at least one receiver 120 defining an opening dimensioned to removably receive at least a portion of a manifold. The manifold(s) may be a disposablecomponent configured to removably receive a suction tube and provide a sterile barrier between the patient and the waste canisters 116 within which the medical waste is collected and stored. A suction path may thus be established from a suction instrument coupled to the suction tube, through the manifold removably inserted into the receiver 120, and into the waste canister 116. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the medical waste collection unit 102 may be disclosed in commonly owned United States Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0171495, published on August 4, 2005, International Patent Publication No. W02007 / 070570, published on June 21, 2007, International Patent Publication No. WO2014 / 066337, published on May 1, 2014, and International Patent Publication No. WO2017 / 112684, published on June 29, 2017, the entire disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

[0031] The docking station 104 may be functionally integrated with systems of the medical facility. In particular, the docking station 104 may rest upon the floor and include a drain line 122 configured to be in fluid communication with a sewering line of the medical facility, and a cleaning line 124 configured to be in fluid communication with a pressurized water source of the medical facility. One or more valves 136 may be coupled to the cleaning line 124 to control the flow of water therethrough. The valve 136 is operated by at least one controller 134 disposed on the docking station 104.

[0032] The docking station 104 includes or defines a detergent receptacle 126 configured to removably receive a detergent reservoir 128, for example, a detergent canister, can, bottle, jug, or the like. A detergent line 130 is in fluid communication with the detergent receptacle 126 and configured to be arranged in fluid communication with the detergent reservoir 128. A detergent pump 132 is coupled to the detergent line 130 and configured to pump or draw detergent from the detergent reservoir 128 through the detergent line 130. The detergent pump 132 is operated by the controller 134. A sensor 174 to be described may be coupled to the detergent line 130 and in electronic communication with the controller 134.

[0033] The detergent line 130 is also in fluid communication with the cleaning line 124. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the detergent line 130 is merged with the cleaning line 124 downstream of the valve 136. Therefore, during a cleaning operation, the controller 134 operates the detergent pump 132 and the valve 136 and to draw the detergent from the detergent reservoir 128, through the detergent line 130, to be mixed with the water passing through the cleaning line 124 to form a cleaning solution.

[0034] With concurrent reference to FIG. 2, the cleaning operation and a disposal operation requires the medical waste collection unit 102 be coupled to the docking station 104. The rover 106 is wheeled to align a slot 137 near a base of the rover 106 with a floating coupler 138 of the docking station 104. Within the slot 137 on an underside of the rover 106 are fluid couplers 139 configured to engage complementary fluid couplers 141 of the floating coupler 138. One suitable manner by which the fluid couplers engaged is disclosed in the aforementioned International Patent Publication No. W02007 / 070570. One of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the waste canisters 116 and the drain line 122, and another one of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the cleaning line 124 and spray nozzles 150 disposed within the waste canisters 116. Electromagnets 140 are energized to engage corresponding features 142 on the rover 106 to secure the medical waste collection unit 102 to the docking station 104 during the cleaning and disposal operations. Further, a data connection is also established through a suitable electronic coupling, for example, infrared light emitting diodes (IR- LEDs).

[0035] A user may select, on a graphical user interface (GUI) 144 or a control panel, a selection of text, icons, or the like, to initiate the disposal and cleaning operation, also referred to herein as a cleaning cycle. Instructions are transmitted from a controller 146 through the data connection to the controller 134 of the docking station 104 to initiate the disposal operation. The controller 134 operates an offload pump 148 in fluid communication with the drain line 122. The offload pump 148 draws medical waste from the waste canister 116 and through the fluid couplers to be discharged through the drain line 122. A fluid measuring subsystem (not shown) of the medical waste collection unit 102 detects the level of the waste material being purged from the waste canister(s) 116. The controller 146 of the medical waste collection unit 102 monitors the level, and transmits further instructions through the data connection to the controller 134 of the docking station 104 to initiate the cleaning operation. As mentioned, the controller 134 operates the detergent pump 132 and the valve 136 to form the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is directed from the cleaning line 124 and through the fluid coupler to be discharged through the spray nozzles 150. In particular, the controller 134 operates valves 154 within the rover 106 to direct the cleaning solution through the spray nozzles 150 for a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, the cleaning solution (and any residue or debris mixed therein) is purged from the waste canister(s) 116 through another disposal operation. After the last disposal operation, additionalcleaning solution is directed from the cleaning line 1 4 and through the fluid couplers to be stored within a prcfill tank 152. For zeroing the fluid measuring subsystem, the prcfill tank 152 is configured to supply an upper waste canister 116A with the cleaning solution, for example, after “dumping” the waste material to a lower waste canister 116B through actuation of a transfer valve 156.

[0036] The cleaning cycle may include the disposal and cleaning operations being performed once, or more than once, and in any suitable sequence. Exemplary variants include a standard cleaning cycle, an extended cleaning cycle, and a quick cleaning cycle. The standard cleaning cycle may include one disposal and cleaning operation taking approximately five minutes to complete. The extended cleaning cycle may include a series of three disposal and cleaning operations - separated by wait periods - taking approximately forty-five minutes to complete. The quick cleaning cycle may include one disposal and cleaning operation using less detergent and taking only a few minutes to complete. Any of the cleaning cycles may also include a series of system checks and the like.

[0037] As mentioned, the wheeled rover 106 may be moved about the medical facility to collect waste material generated during various medical procedures performed in different locations throughout the facility. Further, and with reference to FIG. 3, the medical facility may employ and deploy numerous wheeled rovers 106 and docking stations 104. Advantageously, the wheeled rovers 106 and the docking stations 104 are interchangeably couplable to one another. In other words, a first of the medical waste collection units 102a may be emptied and cleaned by any one of the docking stations 104a- 104c, or a first of the docking stations 104a may be used to empty and clean any of the medical waste collection units 102a- 102c. While this provides flexibility to maintain readiness of the medical waste collection units 102 and the docking stations 104, technical challenges arise in monitoring metrics and other information associated with the disposal and cleaning operations for the medical waste collection units 102 and the docking stations 104, both individually and collectively. For example, owing to its location within the medical facility, the first docking station 104a may be utilized much more frequently than the others such that its detergent is depleted at a faster rate. Additionally or alternatively, the first docking station 104a may be used for certain surgical procedures known to produce greater volumes of medical waste (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, orthopedic surgery, etc.), and in particular, blood likely to soil or stain the waste canister 116. For still another example, recommended practices include each ofthe waste collection units 102a-102c undergoing an extended cleaning cycle every so often; however, ensuring compliance with such practices may be burdensome when tracked manually through a whiteboard or the like.

[0038] The system 100 of the present disclosure overcomes such technical challenges. As represented in FIG. 3, the docking station(s) 104 may be connected to a network 158 and configured to transmit to the network 158 usage or operational data associated with the medical waste collection unit(s) 102 and / or the docking station(s) 104. The usage data, or metrics derived therefrom, may be displayed on one or more devices for comprehensive, readily accessible analytics. The devices may be a centralized terminal 160, a mobile device 162, the GUI 144 of the wheeled rover 106, and / or a local server 168. The docking station 104 includes a communications module 164 incorporate one or more wired and / or wireless technologies to facilitate such communication, including, but not limited to, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular. The communication module 164 is configured to wirelessly transmit and / or receive data to a communications module 166 of the device(s), a communication module 118 of the waste collection unit 102, either directly or through the network 158. The network 158 may be cloud computing with the medical waste collection units 102, the docking stations 104, and the devices 160, 162 are in electronic communication thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the local server 168 may be in electronic communication with the network 158.

[0039] During the disposal and cleaning operations, the processor 170 of the docking station 104 receives data from the electronic and electromechanical subcomponents of the docking station 104, including but not limited to the detergent pump 132 and the offload pump 148, as well as a tag reader 172 and least one sensor 174 to be described. The processor 170 of the docking station 104 may also receive data from the medical waste collection unit 102 through the data connection when coupled thereto. Exemplary methods to be disclosed herein include determinations on, at, or by the processor(s). The processing may be performed on or external to the network 158 with cloud computing. Alternatively, the processing may be performed by the processor 170 of the docking station 104, and / or a processor 171 of the medical waste collection unit 102, the devices 160, 162, or the local server 168. The processor(s) 170, 171 may be configured to implement the functions, features, and processes of the system 100 described herein. More specifically, the processor(s) 170, 171 may execute instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as read-only memory, random access memory, or the like. Themethods disclosed herein may be executed with a machine-learning model, or one or more trained neural networks. The computer-executable instructions may be implemented using an application, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface, hardware, firmware, software, or the like. The processor(s) 170, 171 may include microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, and / or any other devices that manipulate signals (analog or digital).

[0040] A method 200 of facilitating the disposal and cleaning operations is with the docking station 104 is shown in FIG. 5. The method 200 includes the step of engaging the fluid couplers (step 202) between the docking station 104 and the medical waste collection unit 102. As mentioned, one of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the waste canisters 116 and the drain line 122, and another one of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the cleaning line 124 and spray nozzles 150 disposed within the waste canisters 116. The electromagnets 140 may be energized, and the data connection may also be established. A notification may be provided on the GUI 144 once successful coupling has occurred (or an alert that it has not). A general menu being displayed on the GUI 144 may be replaced with a menu related to the disposal and cleaning operations.

[0041] In manners to be described, a volume of detergent remaining within the detergent reservoir 128 is determined, either prior to or after the coupling of the medical waste collection unit 102 with the docking station 104. Based on the volume, a number of cleaning cycles remaining - for example, for each of the quick, standard, and extended cleaning cycles - may be displayed on the GUI 144 (see FIG. 7). Alternatively, should there be an insufficient amount of detergent remaining within the detergent reservoir 128 to complete another cleaning cycle, a notification may be provided on the GUI 144 of the wheeled rover 106 (see FIG. 8). The processor 170, 171 may be configured to prevent initiation of the additional cleaning cycle if insufficient detergent remains, or present a selectable override option on the GUI 144 to perform the cleaning cycle without detergent. If the override option is selected, the controller 134 may permit the detergent pump 132 to “run dry” (i.e.. operated with no detergent being drawn therethrough) or disable operation of the detergent pump 132 as the remainder of the cleaning cycle is performed.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 174 may be an optical, ultrasonic sensor, or other suitable sensor type coupled to the detergent line 130, as depicted in FIG. 1. In one nonlimiting example, the detergent line 130 is optically clear, and the sensor 174 is an optical sensor clipped to the detergent line 130. Should the sensor 174 detect an insufficient amount of detergent being drawn through the detergent line 130, the controller 134 may cause the docking station 104 to terminate (or prevent initiation of) the cleaning operation. The arrangement prevents the detergent pump from being run dry.

[0043] The user provides an input to the GUI 144 to initiate the disposal and cleaning operation, and more particularly selects which one of the cleaning cycles to be performed. The instructions are transmitted through the data connection, after which the offload pump 148 is operated (step 204). The offload pump 148 draws medical waste from the waste canister 116 and through the fluid couplers to be discharged through the drain line 122. The controller 146 of the medical waste collection unit 102 monitors the fluid level, and transmits further instructions through the data connection to the controller 134 of the docking station 104 to initiate the cleaning operation after the waste material has been sufficiently or fully purged from the waste canister(s) 116.

[0044] The controller 134 actuates the valve 136 (step 206) and operates the detergent pump 132 (step 208) to direct the cleaning solution through the cleaning line 124 and one of the fluid couplers to be discharged through the spray nozzles 150. As the detergent pump 132 is operated, usage data is generated (step 210). In an exemplary implementation, the usage data is a duration for which the detergent pump 132 is operated. Additional usage data includes a date and time the detergent pump 132 is operated, type of cleaning cycle, amount of waste material disposed, identification number of the medical waste collection unit 102, identification number of the docking station 104, and the like. In instances where the detergent pump 132 is operated without detergent flowing therethrough, the usage data may include a duration, date, and / or time the detergent pump 132 is run dry.

[0045] The usage data associated with the disposal and cleaning operations is transmitted to or through the network 158 (step 210), for example, with the communications module 164. The usage data is used to update metrics from or associated with previous disposal and cleaning operations (step 212). The step 212 may include determining, with the processor, the volume of remaining detergent within the detergent reservoir 128 based on the usage data. Forexample, operating the detergent pump 132 for a given duration may be associated with a certain volume of detergent being dispensed. Alternatively, the selected type of cleaning cycle may be associated with a certain volume of detergent being dispensed. In either instance, the volume of detergent disposed may be subtracted from a previous remaining volume.

[0046] The usage data, or metrics or analytics derived therefrom, is then displayed on the display 176 of the centralized terminal 160 in communication with the processor (step 214), and / or the GUI 144 of the medical waste collection unit 102. The metrics may be displayed and organized on an intuitive SEM interface. Exemplary screenshots of the SEM interface being displayed on the display 176 are shown in FIGS. 6-8. The display 176 may include a field 220 or icon displaying detergent remaining, either as the remaining volume or as a percentage of a full reservoir. FIG. 6 shows a textual representation of the remaining volume in the field, and a graphical representation 223 (e.g. , a pie chart) representing the percentage of a full reservoir.

[0047] The step 212 of updating metrics may include, based on the remaining volume, determining a number of cleaning cycles remaining, for example, for each of the quick cleaning cycle, the standard cleaning cycle, and the extended cleaning cycle. In particular, an amount of detergent that needs to be mixed with water depends upon a type of cleaning cycle, the SEM interface can provide an estimate of the number of each type of cleaning cycle remaining before the detergent bottle is empty. An approximate amount or range of detergent used for each of the cleaning cycles may be determined. The processor may correlate the duration the detergent pump 132 is operated for each of the cleaning cycles, and correlate the resulting dispensed volume with the cleaning cycle type to determine the range. More particularly, the method may include determining, with the processor, the average range of the detergent disposed per cleaning operation, and determining a remaining amount of the detergent based on an initial volume of the detergent in the detergent reservoir 128, the average range, and a number of cleaning operations performed since last replacement of the detergent reservoir 128. Alternatively, the approximate average amount or range may be predetermined or otherwise known. For example, the quick cleaning cycle may expend a volume of detergent within the range of approximately 20-50 milliliters (mL); the standard cleaning cycle may expend a volume of detergent within the range of approximately 50-125 mL; and the extended cleaning cycle may expend a volume of detergent within the range of approximately 100-200 mL. The remaining volume may be divided by the average range to determine the remaining number of cleaning cycles. FIG. 7 shows the display176 including a field 222 listing the remaining number of cleaning cycles for each of the quick cleaning cycle, the standard cleaning cycle, the extended cleaning cycle, and a super wash cycle to be described. Further, the display 176 includes a field 224 indicating whether sufficient detergent remains within the detergent reservoir 128 for performing the respective cleaning cycle type.

[0048] If the remaining volume is below a predetermined value or if the number of cleaning cycles remaining is below a predetermined number, a notification may be provided. Further, as mentioned, if the remaining volume or number of cleaning cycles is below the predetermined value, initiation of an additional cleaning cycle may be prevented, or the selectable override option may be presented. The notification may be in the field 224, or a prompt 226 may be displayed. The notification may include audible alerts such as an alarm. Additional visual alerts (lighting), tactical alerts (vibration), or a combination thereof, are contemplated. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary prompt indicating that one of the dockers 104a has insufficient detergent and recommends ordering additional detergent. A selection option 230 may be presented on the display 176 to request replacement of detergent reservoirs from an authorized vendor. Should the user select the selectable option 230, the request is configured to be communicated through the network 158 and electronic commerce to process the request.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the GUI 144 of the medical waste collection unit 102 may include the selectable option 230 for request replacement of detergent reservoirs from the authorized vendor. With the medical waste collection unit 102 coupled to the docking station 104, data may be transmitted through the data connection to be displayed on the GUI 144. The data may cause the GUI 144 to display the prompt 226 that the volume of detergent within the detergent reservoir 128 is or becoming low, or an insufficient volume of detergent remains to perform a cleaning cycle. The selectable option 230 may be presented, an input to which may be communicated through the data communication to the docking station 104 or through the network 158 to request replacement of the detergent reservoir 128. Such a valiant is particularly well suited for instances where the personnel becomes aware of the low detergent level upon docking of the medical waste collection unit 102, and avoids the need for the personnel to return to the centralized terminal 160 to effectuate the replacement order.

[0050] With the detergent pump 132 being controllable and the usage data being monitored, additional advantages are realized. The duration and speed of the detergent pump 132may be tuned to provide the aforementioned super wash cycle, or alternatively the user may input wash cycle parameters to the GUI 144 for a customized wash cycle. The super wash cycle may include operating the detergent pump 132 at a higher speed or for a longer duration to direct a higher concentration of detergent into the cleaning solution to provide higher cleaning capacity for a given duration. Such an example includes using the volume of detergent expended in the extended cleaning cycle, or a proportion thereof, for a cleaning cycle duration of that of the standard cleaning cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the super wash cycle may include the controller 134 operating the detergent pump 132 at a set speed to direct a lower or higher concentration of detergent into the cleaning solution on the procedure being performed. As mentioned, certain surgical procedures known to produce greater volumes of medical waste (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, orthopedic surgery, etc.), and in particular-, blood likely to soil or stain the transparent surface of the waste canister 116. Therefore, in a first variant, the GUI 144 may be configured to permit the user to input procedure data indicative of a medical procedure to be performed (e.g., a type of procedure). In other words, the user may select, for example, “hip replacement” as opposed to the type of cleaning cycle. The procedure data is received at the processor, and the processor accesses a database of solution concentrations of a cleaning solution associated with various medical procedures. The processor communicates instructions to the controller 134 to operate the detergent pump 132 the speed to produce the cleaning solution of the concentration according to the database in view of the procedure data. For example, the detergent pump 132 may be operated at a faster speed and / or for a longer duration for standard cleaning cycle than the extended cleaning cycle for the cleaning solution to be at a higher concentration for the standard cleaning cycle.

[0051] In a second variant, the procedure data is accessed from a hospital scheduling database, such as through the network 158. FIG. 7 shows a field 228 where the procedure schedule may be input, maintained, viewed, or otherwise accessed. The hospital scheduling database may correlate a unique identification from the medical waste collection unit 102 (e.g., a serial or asset number) with the procedure data. Once the medical waste collection unit 102 is operably coupled with the docking station 104, the docking station 104 is configured to receive, through the data connection, the unique identification from the medical waste collection unit 102. The docking station 104 transmits, with the communication module 164, the unique identification to the processor, for example, through the network 158, after which, based on the correlation, the dockingstation 104 receives the operational parameters for the detergent pump 132. For example, the medical waste collection unit 102 may be mostly dedicated to a certain type of procedures such as gastrointestinal (GI) procedures associated with relatively higher amounts of medical waste. From receiving the unique identification from the medical waste collection unit 102, the processor may select or alter the cleaning cycle to that associated with GI procedures. The processor may confirm the detergent reservoir 128, including detergent therein having certain cleaning properties, is appropriate for the selected or altered cleaning cycle. This may be facilitated through an identification tag 188 detected by the tag reader 172 to be described. The processor communicates instructions to the controller 134 to operate the detergent pump 132 the speed to produce the cleaning solution of the concentration.

[0052] As generally appreciated from the screenshots of FIGS. 6-8, any number of additional metrics may be provided. Because the docking station 104 is configured to receive, through the data connection, the unique identification from the medical waste collection unit 102 during the disposal and cleaning operations, usage history for each of the medical waste collection unit 102 and the docking station 104 may be maintained. A field 236 may permit the user to view the usage history - both textually and graphically. FIG. 6 shows month-over-month usage of the docking station(s) 104, and the usage history of FIG. 8 includes age of the docking station 104, number of uses (over a predefined period of time and overall), and duration for which the detergent pump 132 was operated nominally or run dry. Additional features include remotely requesting service (field 232), mapping locations of the medical waste collection units 102 and the docking stations 104 within the medical facility (field 234), among others.

[0053] As mentioned, one manner by which the usage data may be generated is determining a duration that the detergent pump 132 is operated. The present disclosure contemplates several means for generating the usage data as an alternative or in addition to above. The one or more sensors 174 may detect one or more characteristic associated with the detergent pump 132 and / or the detergent within the detergent reservoir 128. The characteristic(s), as detected by the sensor(s), may be transmitted, with the communications module 164, to the processor, from which the processor determines the remaining amount of detergent within the detergent reservoir 128 and / or the detergent reservoir 128 is in an empty state.

[0054] As previously discussed, the first implementation of the sensor 174 may be an optical sensor configured to detect opacity of the detergent passing through the detergent line 130,and / or of the cleaning solution being directed through the cleaning line 124. Therefore, the optical sensor may be suitably positioned with the docking station 104 to be operably coupled to the linc(s) 124, 130. The optical sensor may be arranged relative to a light source, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light at known wavelengths. Based on the transmitted and scattered wavelengths from the respective LEDs as detected by the optical sensor(s), the processor may be configured to determine a concentration of the detergent within the line(s) 124, 130 according to a parametric model or algorithm. One suitable manner of doing so is disposed in commonly owned International Patent Publication No. WO 2020 / 069278, published April 2, 2020, the entire of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0055] The detergent may be manufactured to have a specific color, hue, opacity, or the like, and the cleaning solution - i.e., the detergent mixed with water - may be a specific color, hue, opacity that is empirically measured or otherwise determined. In other words, an acceptable range of opacity may be stored on memory, and the processor is configured to compare the detected opacity against the predetermined value or range of opacity. The detected opacity being below the predetermined value may be indicative that the detergent line 130 is running near or at empty (for the speed of the detergent pump 132), or proportion of water within the cleaning solution is too great. In either instance, an insufficient volume of the detergent within the detergent reservoir 128 may be determined, and a notification may be provided on the display 176, and / or the detergent pump 132 may be prevented from operating. The detected opacity being above an upper value may be indicative that the cleaning line 124 is not supplying sufficient flow of water, a malfunction with the valve 136, or the like.

[0056] A second implementation of the sensor 174 is an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect a flow rate of the detergent being drawn through the detergent line 130, and / or of the cleaning solution being directed through the cleaning line 124. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor may be suitably positioned with the docking station 104 to be operably coupled to the line(s) 124, 130. The ultrasonic sensor may emit an ultrasonic wave and measure time of flight between the emission and a reception of the reflected wave. Calibration data may associate speeds at which the detergent pump 132 is operated with a predetermined value or range of How rates of the detergent. The processor is configured to compare the detected flow rate against the predetermined value or range. If the detected flow rate is below the predetermined value may be indicative that the detergent line 130 is running near or at empty (for the speed of the detergent pump 132) . Again,a notification may be provided on the display 176, and / or the detergent pump 132 may be prevented from operating.

[0057] A third implementation of the sensor 174 is a load cell (not shown) coupled to the docking station 104 and in electronic communication with the processor. The load cell is configured to support and weigh the detergent reservoir 128. In one variant, the processor may compare the weight of the detergent reservoir 128 against a predetermined weight, and cause the display 176 to display a notification if the measured weight is below the predetermined weight. In another variant in which it is desired to display the remaining volume of detergent, the processor may determine the remaining volume of detergent within the detergent reservoir 128 based on the measured weight, and a fluid property of the detergent. The fluid property may be a known density of the detergent that is stored as calibration data on the memory. Likewise, the mass of the detergent reservoir 128 may be stored as calibration data on the memory, which may be offset from the measured weight prior to multiplying with the density to determine the volume.

[0058] A fourth implementation of the sensor 174 is a pH sensor configured to measure the pH level of the cleaning solution. The pH sensor may be installed within the prefill tank 152 of the medical waste collection unit 102. Additionally or alternatively, the pH sensor may be operably coupled within or to the cleaning line 124 of the docking station 104. The detergent may be manufactured to have a specific pH level, and the cleaning solution - i. e. , the detergent mixed with water - may have a pH level that is empirically measured or otherwise determined. In other words, an acceptable range of pH levels may be stored on the memory, and the processor is configured to compare the measured pH level against the predetermined value or range of pH levels. A decrease in the pH level may be indicative of an insufficient amount of detergent being mixed with the water. As such, the processor is configured to determine whether a decrease in the pH level exceeds a predetermined value, and, if so, cause the notification to be displayed on the display 176 that the detergent reservoir 128 is in the empty state. The processor may implement a detergent detection algorithm configured to distinguish between cleaning solution with sufficient detergent, and cleaning solution without (e.g., only water).

[0059] A fifth implementation of the sensor 174 is a current sensor configured to measure the current drawn by the detergent pump 132. The current sensor may be disposed in the docking station 104. The current sensor is in electronic communication with the processor and configured to transmit the current data to the processor. The processor monitors the current beingdrawn by the detergent pump 132 for a given type of cleaning cycle. A decrease in the current drawn exceeding a predetermined value is indicative that there is an insufficient amount of detergent being drawn through the detergent pump 132. In other words, the detergent pump 132 is running dry. If the current drawn exceeds the predetermined value, the processor may cause the notification to be displayed on the display 176 that the detergent reservoir 128 is in the empty state. The processor may implement a current detection algorithm configured to detect the changes in current drawn as being by the detergent pump 132 as being transient, nominal changes or indicative of the flow of detergent therethrough is diminishing beyond acceptable limits.

[0060] It should be understood that the aforementioned implementations of the sensor 174 may be used individually, or used in combination to provide accurate measurements and redundancy to the system. The sensor(s) 174 may be used individually, or used in combination for diagnostic checks during the disposal and cleaning operations. For example, the docking station 104 may monitor the weight of the detergent reservoir 128 with the load cell. If the monitoring is outside acceptable limits, a notification may be displayed on the display 176 to request service, for example, to check for clogs, filters, connection faults, faulty or failing pump, blocked or occluded line, etc.

[0061] FIGS. 9A-9C depict exemplary manners by which the detergent reservoir 128 may be operably coupled to the docking station 104, and FIGS. 10A-10D depict variants of the detergent reservoir 128. The detergent reservoir 128 includes a coupler 178, and the detergent receptacle 126 of the docking station 104 includes a complementary coupler (not identified) configured to be engaged by the coupler 178. The detergent reservoir 128 may also include a handle, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, designed to facilitate easy transportation and insertion of the detergent reservoir 128 into the docking station 104, improving user convenience and minimizing the risk of spillage. The coupler 178 as shown may be a port or plug configured to be received in a socket, or vice versa, or the like. A seal (not shown) may be suitably positioned and coupled to prevent egress of detergent from the interface. As appreciated from FIGS. 10A-10D, the coupler 178 of the detergent reservoir 128 may be located on the front, back, sides, top, or bottom. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the detergent reservoir 128 being inserted into a cavity or void defined by the detergent receptacle 126 from above, and FIG. 9C shows the detergent reservoir 128 removably coupled to an exterior surface of a casing of the docking station 104.

[0062] Further, the detergent reservoir 128 may include geometries configured to engage complementary geometries of the detergent receptacle 126. The illustrated variants show widened end portions with a narrow central portion of the detergent reservoir 128. Among other advantages, the geometries may ensure the detergent reservoir 128 is inserted into the detergent receptacle 126 in the correct orientation, and prevent the use of non-genuine detergent reservoirs with the docking station 104. Such non-genuine components as known to be of inferior quality, resulting in both suboptimal cleaning capabilities and, in some instances, excess wear on subcomponents of the system 100.

[0063] Another manner by which the system 100 prevents the use of genuine detergent reservoirs is the identification tag 188, for example, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, or the like. The identification tag 188 may be disposed at any suitable location on the detergent reservoir 128. Exemplary arrangements include the identification tag 188 being located adjacent to the area where the detergent reservoir 128 engages the docking station 104. The identification tag 188 is detectable by the tag reader 172 disposed on the docking station 104. Exemplary variants may include the tag reader 172 being an RFID reader that is disposed within or adjacent to the detergent receptacle 126 such that the RFID tag may be automatically detected with insertion of the detergent reservoir 128 into the detergent receptacle 126. The identification tag 188 may include memory storing data configured to be transmitted to the tag reader 172 for authentication of the detergent reservoir 128. The identification tag 188 may also include data of the detergent, for example, the calibration data for the sensor-based determinations discussed herein. In particular, the identification tag 188 may store an initial weight of the detergent and the receptacle, an offset weight of the receptacle, an initial volume of the detergent with the detergent receptacle 126, acceptable pH levels, acceptable opacities, and the like. For example, the processor receives the data indicating a size of the detergent reservoir 128 may be selected (from a predefined database) or determined. The load cell uses the size data to determine an initial correlation between the detected weight of the detergent reservoir 128 and the volume of the detergent contained therein. Likewise, the data may indicate varying compositions of the detergent itself. Multiple different detergents may be offered with a unique detergent profile, i.e., pH levels, concentrations, opacities, and the like. The processor may receive, from the tag reader 172, data indicative of the unique detergent profile, after which subsequent determinations from the processor based on data received from the sensor(s) 174 is based on the unique detergentprofile. Tt is also contemplated that the unique detergent profile may be only or preferably for use with certain types of cleaning cycles (e.g., a high concentration detergent or a low concentration detergent), and the processor may be configured to operate the docking station 104 to one of quick, standard, extended, or super wash cycles, or combination thereof, based on the data received from the tag reader 172. It is further contemplated that the identification tag 188, in combination with one or more of the sensors 174 to improve authentication of the detergent reservoir 128 through detecting non-genuine articles based on the flow rate being outside of acceptable parameters.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, an alternative implementation is contemplated in which the sensor 174 is a float sensor assembly 180 removably coupled to the detergent reservoir 128. The present implementation is particularly well suited for retrofitting legacy reservoirs with the functionality of the system 100 disclosed herein. In other words, the detergent reservoir 128 may not be operably coupled to the docking station 104 in a manner which, for example, the load cell may monitor the fluid level of the detergent. The float sensor assembly 180 may include a sensor rod 184 upon which a float element 182 is movably coupled. The float element 182 is less dense than the detergent and therefore configured to rest upon the fluid surface. The sensor rod 184 may be tubular, and a base of the sensor rod 184 may define an opening for drawing therethrough the detergent and into the detergent line, as shown in FIG. 12. The sensor rod 184 is configured to sense a position of the float element 182 along a rod body. One suitable manner by which this may be accomplished is disclosed the aforementioned International Patent Publication No. WO 2007 / 070570. Another variant contemplates opposing ends of the sensor rod 184 being a reader to detect the position of the float element 182 therebetween. It should be appreciated that the float sensor assembly 180 may be used in combination with the sensor(s) 174 previously disclosed herein.

[0065] The signal may be transmitted from the float sensor assembly 180 to the processor 170 of the docking station 104 either wirelessly or through a wire. The processor 170 is configured to determine the remaining volume based on the fluid level associated with a position of the float element 182, and a known geometry of the detergent reservoir 128. The geometry of the detergent reservoir 128 may be transmitted via the identification tag 188, known based on a tag reader (not shown) integrated with the float sensor assembly 180, or otherwise input into the system 100. The tag reader may be overmolded onto the base of the sensor rod 184 or another suitable location on the float sensor assembly 180. Once it is desired to replace the detergentreservoir 128, the float sensor assembly 180 (and the tag reader) may be decoupled from the expended reservoir and coupled to a replacement detergent reservoir. Variants to the float sensor assembly 180 may include radar, optical sensors, magnetic level gauges, capacitance transmitters, laser level transmitters, ultrasonic level transmitters, etc., that are removably positioned within the detergent receptacle 126.

[0066] It is contemplated that the float sensor assembly 180 may be in addition to any one or more of the sensor-based determinations discussed herein. For example, the current sensor may detect a duty cycle of the detergent pump 132 as the float sensor assembly 180 detects the fluid level, from which the processor may determine detergent concentration, flow rate, any metric which would provide benefit to functionality.

[0067] Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been 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.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A docking station for facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit within a medical facility, the docking station comprising: a drain line configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a sewering line of the medical facility; an offload pump operably coupled to the drain line; a cleaning line configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a pressurized water source of the medical facility; a valve operably coupled to the cleaning line; a detergent line in fluid communication with the cleaning line, wherein the detergent line is configured to be arranged in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir; a detergent pump operably coupled to the detergent line; a sensor; and a controller in electronic communication with the detergent pump and the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to operate the detergent pump based on the signals received from the sensor.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the sensor is coupled to the detergent line, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent operation of the detergent pump based on the signals of the sensor being indicative of an insufficient amount of the detergent being drawn through the detergent line.

3. The docking station of claim 2, wherein the detergent line is optically clear, and wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

4. The docking station of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor is on a clip that is configured to be removably coupled to the detergent line.

5. The docking station of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the detergent pump is a peristaltic pump.

6. The docking station of claim 1 , further comprising a casing defining a detergent receptacle configured to be removably receive the detergent reservoir, wherein the detergent receptacle comprises geometries configured to engage complementary geometries of the detergent receptacle in a correct orientation.

7. The docking station of claim 6, further comprising a tag reader disposed within or adjacent to the detergent receptacle and configured to detect an identification tag coupled to the detergent reservoir.

8. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a sensor, the method comprising: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; detecting, with the sensor, whether detergent is being drawn through the detergent line; and preventing operation of the detergent pump if the sensor detects an insufficient amount of the detergent is being drawn through the detergent line.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising performing a remainder of the cleaning operation without use of the detergent.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, and, optionally, wherein the sensor is clipped to the detergent line.

11. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module, the method comprising; engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; generating usage data based on the operation of the detergent pump during the cleaning operation and additional cleaning cycles; transmitting, with the communication module, the usage data to a processor; and displaying, on a display in communication with the processor, the usage data or metrics associated thereof or therefrom.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining, with the processor, a volume of detergent remaining within the detergent reservoir based on the usage data; and displaying, on the display, the volume of detergent remaining.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a notification on the display if the volume is below a predetermined value.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising terminating the cleaning operation or preventing the additional cleaning cycles if the volume is below the predetermined value.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising permitting initiation of the additional cleaning cycles with the detergent pump disabled if the volume is below the predetermined value.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, with the processor, a number of cleaning cycles remaining until the detergent reservoir is below the predetermined value based on the determined volume and the usage data; and displaying, on the display, the number of cleaning cycles remaining.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a notification on the display indicating an insufficient amount of the detergent remains if the number of remaining cleaning cycles is less than a predetermined number.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cleaning cycles further include a quick cleaning cycle, a standard cleaning cycle and an extended cleaning cycle, the method further comprising: determining, with the processor, the numbers of cleaning cycles remaining for each of the quick cleaning cycle, the standard cleaning cycle and the extended cleaning cycle; and displaying, on the display, the numbers of the cleaning cycles remaining for each of the quick cleaning cycle, the standard cleaning cycle and the extended cleaning cycle.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the cleaning cycles further include a quick cleaning cycle, a standard cleaning cycle and an extended cleaning cycle, the method further comprising: determining, with the processor, an average range of the detergent expended for each of the quick cleaning cycle, standard cleaning cycle and the extended cleaning cycle; and displaying, on the display, the average range of the detergent expended for each of the quick cleaning cycle, standard cleaning cycle and the extended cleaning cycle.

20. The method of any one of claims 11-19, further comprising:determining, with the processor, an average amount of the detergent dispensed per cleaning operation; and determining, with the processor, the remaining amount of detergent based on an initial volume of the detergent in the detergent reservoir, the average amount of the detergent dispensed per cleaning operation, and a number of cleaning operations performed since replacement of the detergent reservoir.

21. The method of any one of claims 11-20, wherein the usage data includes a duration, date, and / or time the detergent pump is operated with the detergent flowing therethrough.

22. The method of any one of claims 11-20, wherein the usage data includes a duration, date, and / or time the detergent pump is operated without the detergent flowing therethrough.

23. The method of any one of claims 11-22, further comprising providing, on the display, a selectable option to request replacement detergent reservoirs from an authorized vendor; and communicating the request to the authorized vendor in response to the option being selected.

24. The method of any one of claims 11-23, wherein the display is a centralized terminal remote from the docking station.

25. The method of any one of claims 11-23, wherein the display is a graphical user interface disposed on the medical waste collection unit.

26. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, a sensor, and a communication module, the method comprising:engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; detecting, with the sensor, a characteristic associated with the detergent pump and / or the detergent within the detergent reservoir; transmitting, with the communication module, data associated with the detected characteristic to a processor; determining, with the processor, a remaining amount of detergent in the detergent reservoir based on the data; and providing, on a display, a notification that the detergent reservoir is in an empty state if the remaining volume is below a predetermined threshold.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor, and the characteristic is opacity, the method further comprising: measuring, with the optical sensor, the opacity of the detergent being drawn through the detergent line; and determining, with the processor, that the remaining volume of the detergent is below the predetermined threshold if the opacity is below a predetermined value.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensor is a float sensor, and the characteristic is a fluid level, the method further comprising determining, with the processor, the remaining volume based on the fluid level associated with a position of the float sensor, and a known geometry of the detergent reservoir.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, and the characteristic is a flow rate, the method further comprising: measuring, with the ultrasonic sensor, the flow rate of the detergent being drawn through the detergent line; and determining, with the processor, that the remaining volume of the detergent is below the predetermined threshold if the flow rate is below a predetermined value.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensor is a load cell supporting the detergent reservoir, the method further comprising: measuring, with the load cell, a weight of the detergent reservoir; and determining, with the processor, the remaining volume of the detergent based on the weight of the detergent reservoir, and a fluid property of the detergent.

31. The method of any one of claims 26-30, wherein the sensor is removably coupled to the detergent reservoir and configured to be decoupled from the detergent reservoir in the empty state and coupled to a replacement detergent reservoir.

32. The method of any one of claims 26-31 , further comprising terminating the cleaning operation or preventing additional cleaning cycles if the volume is below the predetermined value.

33. The method of any one of claims 26-31, further comprising permitting initiation of additional cleaning cycles with the detergent pump disabled if the volume is below the predetermined value.

34. The method of any one of claims 26-33, further comprising: determining, with the processor, a number of cleaning cycles remaining until the detergent reservoir is below the predetermined value based on the determined volume and the usage data; and providing a notification on the display indicating an insufficient amount of the detergent remains if the number of remaining cleaning cycles is less than a predetermined number.

35. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module, the method comprising; engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; measuring, with a sensor, current being drawn by the detergent pump; determining, with a processor in communication with the sensor, a decrease in the current drawn that exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decrease in the current drawn is indicative of an insufficient amount of detergent being drawn through the detergent pump; and providing, on a display, a notification that the detergent reservoir is in an empty state based on the decrease in the current exceeding the predetermined value.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the sensor is a current sensor disposed on the docking station.

37. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module, the method comprising:engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister; measuring, with a sensor, a pH level of the cleaning solution; determining, with a processor in communication with the sensor, a decrease in the pH level that exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decrease in the pH level is indicative of an insufficient amount of detergent being mixed with the water; and providing, on a display, a notification that the detergent reservoir is in an empty state based on the decrease in the pH level exceeding the predetermined value.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the sensor is disposed on the docking station; and, optionally, within the cleaning line.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the sensor is disposed within a prefill tank of the medical waste collection unit in fluid communication with the waste canister.

40. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaning line in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, and a communication module, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, procedure data indicative of a medical procedure to be performed;engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; accessing, with the processor, a database of solution concentrations of a cleaning solution associated with various medical procedures; and operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form the cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister, wherein the detergent pump is operated at a speed to produce the cleaning solution of the concentration according to the database in view of the procedure data.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: receiving, at the docking station through a data coupling or via the communication module, a unique identification from the medical waste collection unit; transmitting, with the communication module, the unique identification to the processor, wherein the processor correlates the unique identification with the procedure data; and receiving, with the communication module, operational parameters for the detergent pump from the processor.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the procedure data is based on an input provided to the medical waste collection unit.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein the procedure data is accessed from a hospital scheduling database.

44. A method of facilitating a cleaning operation of a medical waste collection unit with a docking station including an offload pump in fluid communication with a drain line, a cleaningline in fluid communication with a water source, a detergent line in fluid communication with a detergent reservoir and the cleaning line, a detergent pump, a sensor, and a communication module, the method comprising: engaging at least one fluid coupler between the docking station and the medical waste collection unit to establish fluid communication between the offload pump and a waste canister of the medical waste collection unit, and between the cleaning line and the waste canister; receiving, from the medical waste collection unit, a command to initiate a selected one of a standard cleaning cycle and an extended cleaning cycle; operating the offload pump to draw medical waste from the waste canister to be discharged through the drain line; actuating a valve to permit water to flow from the water source and through the cleaning line; and operating the detergent pump to draw detergent from the detergent reservoir and through the detergent line, wherein the detergent is mixed with the water in the cleaning line to form a cleaning solution to be directed into the waste canister, wherein the detergent pump is operated for a longer duration for the standard cleaning cycle than the extended cleaning cycle for the cleaning solution to be at a higher concentration for the standard cleaning cycle.

45. The method of any one of claims 10-44, further comprising: detecting an identification tag coupled to the detergent reservoir upon being inserted into a detergent receptacle of the docking station; and authenticating the detergent reservoir.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the identification tag is one of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, and a barcode.

Images