Medical waste collection system and related accessories

Abstract

A medical waste collection system, and a work surface assembly for use therewith. The medical waste collection system includes a cart supporting a vacuum source, a waste canister, and a docking interface. A visual indicator may be configured to be toggled between first and second indicia based on whether or not the system has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation. The visual indicator may remain displayed with the system in a power off state. A work surface assembly may be provided and include one or more deployable work shelves for supporting a formalin jar, an accessory package, and / or a deployable light assembly. The work surface assembly may be coupled to the cart through magnets, and the work surface assembly may include storage drawers for storing surgical supplies.

Description

MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND RELATED ACCESSORIESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 718,906, filed November 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are being hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Waste collection carts are increasingly commonplace in healthcare facilities to collect medical waste and tissue samples generated during surgical procedures. One suitable medical waste collection system is sold under the tradename Neptune 2 and Neptune 3 by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Mich.), and disclosed in commonly-owned United States Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0135779, published June 14, 2007, the entire contents being hereby incorporated by reference. The implementation of the medical waste collection system disclosed therein includes an upper waste canister positioned above a lower waste canister. The vertical arrangement generally resulted in a taller stature of the waste collection cart with an upper surface above an ergonomic height to be meaningfully utilized by medical personnel.

[0003] Certain surgical procedures include the removal of a tissue specimen for evaluation. For example, a polypectomy often involves aspiration of a polyp with a suction tube, collected, after which it is transferred to a formalin jar. To facilitate an improved workflow, the waste collection cart may include an integrated work surface upon which the formalin jar may be situated at an appropriate height for medical personnel. One suitable medical waste collection system is sold under the tradename Neptune S by Stryker Corporation and disclosed in commonly owned International Patent Publication No. WO 2020 / 210763, published October 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] There remains a need in the art for continued improvements to facilitate ease of retrieval and transfer of the tissue sample, and related tasks. There is further need in the art to do so in dimly lit environments where these types of surgical procedures often occur. Additional advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated from the description below and accompanying drawings.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 1SUMMARY

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a cart. The system also includes a vacuum source supported on the cart. The system also includes a waste canister supported on the cart. The system also includes a docking module coupled to the cart and configured to be removably coupled to a docking station for the docking station to perform an emptying and cleaning operation of the waste canister, and to receive data from the docking station. The system also includes a battery supported on the cart. The system also includes a controller in electronic communication with the docking module and configured to receive data therefrom. The system also includes a visual indicator in electronic communication with the controller and selectively powered by the battery. The visual indicator is operable between at least a first state responsive to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation and a second state responsive to activation of the vacuum source. The system also includes the visual indicator being configured to be powered by the docking station with the cart coupled to the docking station. The visual indicator is configured to be powered by the battery with the cart decoupled from the docking station. The controller may not powered by the battery. The visual indicator may include a light source. The light source may be illuminated in the first state and not illuminated in the second state. The visual indicator may be configured to be in the second state until completion of a subsequent emptying and cleaning operation. The visual indicator may be configured to be in the first state until a subsequent activation of the vacuum source. The visual indicator may be configured to be in the first state with the medical waste collection system in a power off state. The cart may include a housing defining a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible. The visual indicator may be disposed on a front of the housing and positioned above the window. The system may include a first user interface disposed on the housing. The visual indicator may be vertically positioned between the first user interface and the window. The system may include a rear handle disposed on a rear side of the cart opposite the front of the housing. The system may also include a second visual indicator disposed between the rear handle and rear side. The system may also include a second user interface disposed on the rear side of the housing. The second visual indicator may be disposed beneath the second user interface. The visual indicator may be disposed between the rear handle and the rear side of the housing opposite the front window. The visual indicator may be disposed on or adjacent to one or both lateral portions of the rear handle.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 2

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart having a lower housing. The system also an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recessed top surface, a first magnetic coupler supported by the upper frame, and a work surface assembly. The work surface assembly includes a lower panel configured to be supported by the recessed top surface of the upper frame and an upper panel slidably coupled to the lower panel. A second magnetic coupler is secured to the lower panel. The second magnet coupler is configured to defeatably retain the lower panel to the upper frame through magnetic coupling between the first and second magnetic couplers. One of the first and second magnetic couplers may include a magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic couplers may include a ferromagnetic material. The first magnetic coupler may be disposed beneath the recessed top surface of the upper frame. One of the lower panel and the upper panel may include a rail and the other of the lower panel and the upper panel may include a rail follower. The rail and the rail follower may be adapted to facilitate slidable coupling between the lower panel and the upper panel. The work surface assembly may further include one or more drawers slidably coupled to the upper panel. The upper panel may include one or more guide tracks to facilitate slidably coupling with the drawers. The one or more guide tracks may include two guide tracks with each guide track disposed on opposite sides of the cart such that the cart is disposed between the two guide tracks. The one or more guide tracks may include two guide tracks with each guide track disposed on the same side of the cart. The upper panel may enclose an interior of the drawer when the drawer is directly beneath the upper panel. The recessed top surface may have a first surface area. The upper panel may define a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area. The lower housing may have a sidewall supporting a third magnetic coupler. The work surface assembly may be moveable to a storage configuration where the second magnetic coupler is configured to defeatably retain the lower panel to the sidewall through magnetic coupling between the second and third magnetic couplers. The third coupler may include a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The sidewall may define a side surface oriented to be perpendicular to the recessed top surface. The lower housing may include a work surface assembly locator coupled to the sidewall for assisting a user to align the second magnetic coupler of the work surface assembly with the third magnetic coupler of the sidewall.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart having a housing including a sidewall and defining a recess.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 3The system also includes a work surface assembly. The work surface assembly includes a panel moveable relative to the cart to a compact position where the panel is pivotably coupled to the housing at a pivot disposed near an end of the panel with the panel disposed parallel to the sidewall. The panel is also moveable to a deployed position where the panel is pivoted about the pivot to project the panel away from the sidewall and with the panel received within the recess of the housing. The panel in the deployed position may be oriented perpendicularly to the sidewall. The system may include an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recessed top surface. The panel in the deployed position may be parallel to the recessed top surface. One of the panel and the housing may define a slot and the other of the panel and the housing may include a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the compact and deployed positions. The panel may be movable to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the cart. The slot may be further defined with an opening to permit movement of the pin from the slot to facilitate movement of the panel to the removed position. The opening of the slot may be positioned such that the panel must be in the compact position before moving to the removed position.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart having a housing and defining a recess. The system also includes an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and having a lip defining a recessed top surface, and a work surface assembly. The work surface assembly includes a panel moveable relative to the cart to a compact position where the panel is partially disposed in the recess of the housing with an end of the panel protruding from the recess to further define the recessed top surface. The panel is moveable to a deployed position where the panel is disposed outside the recess and projects away from the housing. The panel in the deployed position may be parallel to the recessed top surface. One of the panel and the housing may define a slot and the other of the panel and the housing may include a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the compact and deployed positions. The panel may be movable to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the cart. The slot may be further defined with an opening to permit movement of the pin from the slot to facilitate movement of the panel to the removed position. The opening of the slot may be positioned such that the panel must be in the deployed position before moving to the removed position. The panel may include a panel lip that forms a continuous lip surface with the lip of the upper frame. The work surface assembly may include a seal coupledINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 4to the panel with the seal abutting the upper frame in the compact position to prevent spillage on the work surface between the panel and the upper frame.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart having a housing. The system also includes an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recess. The system also includes a work surface assembly. The work surface assembly includes a panel moveable relative to the cart to a deployed position where the panel is disposed above the upper frame and to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the upper frame. The work surface assembly also includes a locking member slidably coupled to the panel and engageable with the upper frame to secure the panel to the upper frame in the deployed position. The upper frame may include a recess to receive the locking member to secure the panel to the upper frame in the deployed position. The work surface assembly may include one or more hooks coupled to the panel and configured to latch onto the upper frame in the deployed position. The locking member may be disposed adjacent one end of the panel and the one or more hooks may be disposed adjacent an opposite end of the panel. A top surface of the upper frame has a first surface area. The panel may define a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart. A vacuum source is supported on the cart. A waste canister is supported on the cart. A docking interface is coupled to the cart and configured to be removably coupled to a docking station for the docking station to perform an emptying and cleaning operation of the waste canister. A controller is in electronic communication with the docking interface and configured to receive data therefrom. A visual element is coupled to the cart and in electronic communication with the controller. The controller is configured to toggle the visual element between a first indicia in response to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation and a second indicia in response to activation of the vacuum source.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface. The work surface assembly includes one or more feet sized to be supported within the recessed top surface of the medical waste collection system. One or more legs extend upwardly from the one or more feet. An upper panel is supported by the one or more legs and provides a central work surface. The upper panel includes shoulders defining a slot sized to permit visualization and manipulationINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 5of a user interface of the medical waste collection system. The shoulders of the upper panel define one or more openings sized to support a formalin jar.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides a work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface. The work surface assembly includes a base panel sized to be supported within the recessed top surface of the medical waste collection system. One or more support spacers are connected to the base panel. An upper panel is connected to the support spacers and supported above the base panel to define a gap therebetween. The upper panel is configured to provide a central work surface. A first work shelf is disposed within the gap and is slidable relative to the base panel and the upper panel to be deployed in a first lateral direction in which a first panel is exposed. A second work shelf is disposed within the gap and slidable relative to the base panel and the upper panel to be deployed in an opposing second lateral direction in which a second panel is exposed.

[0013] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system. The system includes a cart having a lower housing. An upper frame is coupled to the lower housing and defines a recessed top surface. A work shelf includes an upper panel pivotably coupled to the upper frame at a pivot disposed near a corner of the upper panel. The work shelf is configured to be moved between a compact configuration in which the upper panel is disposed above the recessed top surface, and an expanded configuration in which the upper panel is pivoted about the pivot to expose the recessed top surface.

[0014] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system including a cart having a housing. A vacuum pump is supported within the housing. A waste canister is supported within the housing and configured to collect liquid medical waste. The housing defines a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible. A first canister light is disposed within the housing and positioned to illuminate the waste canister with colored light. A user interface is disposed on the cart and configured to receive user inputs including a selected color. A controller is in electronic communication with the first canister light and the user interface. The controller is configured to operate the first canister light to illuminate the waste canister with the selected color of the colored light so as to obscure visibility of the liquid medical waste disposed therein.

[0015] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical waste collection system including a cart having a housing. A vacuum pump is supported within the housing. AINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 6waste canister is supported within the housing and configured to collect liquid medical waste. The housing defines a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible. A contrast film is positioned to cover the portion of the waste canister. A canister light is disposed within the housing. A user interface is disposed on the cart and configured to receive a user input. A controller is in electronic communication with the canister light and the user interface. The controller is configured to operate the canister light to illuminate the waste canister and backlight the contrast film so as to increase visibility of the liquid medical waste disposed within the waste canister.

[0016] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure provides a work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface having a front, a rear, and opposing sides. The work surface assembly includes a lower panel configured to be supported by the recessed top surface of the cart and an upper panel coupled to the lower panel. One of the lower panel and the upper panel comprise a rail and the other of the lower panel and the upper panel comprises a rail follower adapted to facilitate slidable coupling between the lower panel and the upper panel. The rail and the rail follower are configured to be oriented parallel to the front and the rear of the cart with the work surface assembly supported by the recessed top surface of the cart such that the upper panel is configured to slide laterally relative to the cart.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a medical waste collection system.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the medical waste collection system.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a first implementation of a work surface assembly.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a second implementation of a work surface assembly.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a third implementation of a work surface assembly.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a partial front perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a visual indicator in a first state.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial front perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the visual indicator in a second state.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 7

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the first implementation of the work surface assembly. Formalin jars are supported on the work surface assembly, and a light is in a deployed configuration.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the first implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the second implementation of the work surface assembly in a deployed configuration.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a front left perspective view of the second implementation of the work surface assembly. A work surface assembly is in a compact configuration, and a light assembly is undeployed.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of the second implementation of the work surface assembly. The work surface assembly is in an expanded configuration, and the light assembly is deployed.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a front right perspective view of the second implementation of the work surface assembly. The work surface assembly is in the compact configuration, and the light assembly is deployed.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the third implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the third implementation of the work surface assembly. First and second work shelf assemblies are in the compact configuration, and the light assembly is undeployed.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third implementation of the work surface assembly. The first and second work shelf assemblies are in the expanded configuration, and the light assembly is deployed.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a front right exploded view of the third implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a front left exploded view of the third implementation of the work surface assembly.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 8

[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a fourth implementation of the work surface assembly having drawers in a first configuration.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the fourth implementation of the work surface assembly having drawers in a second configuration.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fourth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of the fourth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the fourth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a section view of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25.

[0042] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the fourth implementation of the work surface assembly being coupled to a sidewall of a cart.

[0043] FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the medical waste collection system including a cart having magnetic couplers disposed adjacent the sidewall.

[0044] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a fifth implementation of the work surface assembly in a first position.

[0045] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly in a second position.

[0046] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of coupling features between the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly and a cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0047] FIG. 31 is a section view of the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly in a first position and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0048] FIG. 32 is a section view of the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly in a second position and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0049] FIG. 33 is a section view of the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly in a third position and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0050] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a sixth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0051] FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the medical waste collection system including the sixth implementation of the work surface assembly.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 9

[0052] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a seventh implementation of the work surface assembly in a first position.

[0053] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including the seventh implementation of the work surface assembly in a second position.

[0054] FIG. 38 is a section view of the seventh implementation of the work surface assembly in the first position and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0055] FIG. 39 is a section view of the seventh implementation of the work surface assembly in an intermediate position between the first and second positions and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0056] FIG. 40 is a section view of the seventh implementation of the work surface assembly in the second position and the cart of the medical waste collection system.

[0057] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including an eighth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0058] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system including a ninth implementation of the work surface assembly.

[0059] FIG. 43 is a front view of the medical waste collection system with a schematic representation of one or more colored lights illuminating the waste canister.

[0060] FIG. 44 a front view of the medical waste collection system in which a canister light is deactivated such that a contrast film prevents visualization of the waste canister.

[0061] FIG. 45 is a front view of the medical waste collection system in which the canister light is activated to permit visualization of the waste canister through the contrast film.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a medical waste collection system 30 for collecting medical waste and tissue samples under the influence of suction. An implementation of the medical waste collection system is disclosed in the aforementioned International Patent Publication No. WO 2020 / 210763, and alternative implementations are disclosed in commonly- owned International Patent Publication No. WO 2007 / 070570, published June 21, 2007, and International Patent Publication No. WO 2017 / 112684, published June 29, 2017, the entire contents of each being hereby incorporated by reference. The medical waste collection system 30 may be a cart 32 supporting a waste canister 34 (see FIGS. 6, 9 and 13), and supporting a vacuumINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 10source (not shown) in fluid communication with the waste canister 34. The cart 32 may include wheels 36 so as to be movable about a medical facility. A manifold receiver 38 is configured to removably receive a manifold, which is then coupled to one or more suction tubes. A suction instrument may be coupled to one of the suction tubes, and suction from the vacuum source aspirates the medical waste from a surgical site, through the suction tube and the manifold to be collected in the waste canister 34.

[0063] Once the waste material either sufficiently fills the waste canister 34, or a user otherwise desires to dispose of the waste material, the cart 32 may be wheeled to a docking station (not shown) for the docking station to perform an emptying and cleaning operation. The docking station may be functionally integrated with the medical facility. In particular, the docking station may include a drain line in fluid communication with a sewering line of the medical facility, and a cleaning line in fluid communication with a pressurized water source of the medical facility. The docking station may include a detergent receptacle configured to removably receive a detergent reservoir, for example, a detergent canister, can, bottle, jug. or the like. A detergent pump is configured to pump or draw detergent from the detergent reservoir, and the detergent pump is operated by a controller of the docking station.

[0064] The medical waste collection system 30 includes a docking interface 40 coupled to the cart 32. The docking interface 40 is configured to be removably coupled to the docking station for the docking station to perform the emptying and cleaning operation. The docking interface 40 may alternatively be referred to as a docking module 40. The cart 32 is wheeled to align a slot 42 near a base of the cart 32 with a floating coupler of the docking station. Within the slot 42 on an underside of the cart 32 are fluid couplers (not shown) configured to engage complementary fluid couplers of the docking station. One suitable manner by which the fluid couplers are engaged is disclosed in the aforementioned International Patent Publication No. WO 2007 / 070570. One of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the waste canister 34 and the drain line, and another one of the fluid couplers establishes fluid communication between the cleaning line and spray nozzles disposed within the waste canisters 34. Electromagnets 44 are energized to secure the medical waste collection system 30 to the docking station during the emptying and cleaning operations. Further, a data connection is also established through a suitable electronic coupling, for example, infrared light emitting diodes (IR- LEDs). At the docking station, the waste material may be emptied from the medical wasteINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 11collection system 30 and drained or sewered to or through the medical facility, and the waste canister 34 is cleaned for further use.

[0065] In many instances, it is desirable to ascertain a cleanliness state of the medical waste collection system 30 quickly and intuitively. In other words, it may be desirable to know whether or not the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation. The medical waste collection system 30 may include first and second user interfaces 46, 48 to do so, but this may require the user navigate various menus and screens to access the desired information. Therefore, the medical waste collection system 30 of the present disclosure advantageously provides a visual element 50, separate from the user interfaces 46, 48, dedicated to displaying information whether or not the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation.

[0066] The visual element 50 may be in electronic communication with a controller 132 of the medical waste collection system 30. The controller 132 is configured to toggle the visual element 50 between two or more indicia upon occurrence of a predefined event or criterion. In particular, the visual element 50 is configured to display a first indicia in response to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation, and a second indicia in response to activation of the vacuum source. In other words, in certain implementations, the visual element 50 may be configured to display either the first indicia or the second indicia, but nothing else. For example, the second indicia may remain statically presented on the visual element 50 until completion of a subsequent emptying and cleaning operation. Likewise, the first indicia may remain statically presented on the visual element 50 until a subsequent activation of the vacuum source. Moreover, on certain implementations, the visual element 50 may be configured to display, at all times, either the first indicia or the second indicia. In other words, the first indicia or the second indicial remains displayed or presented even with the medical waste collection system 30 in a power off state.

[0067] The visual element 50 may include or utilize electrophoretic ink, often called electronic ink, in which an electrical charge is applied to microcapsules to cause pigmented chips therein to either rise to the top or be pulled to the bottom to appear as white or dark, respectively. The patterns of white and dark can then be created to form words, phrases, and the like. Thus, the visual element 50 may require power only when changing between the first indicia and the second indicia.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 12

[0068] An exemplary operation includes the visual element 50 displaying the second indicia, in particular, a word or phrase indicating the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation (e.g., “Dirty” or “Ready for Disposal”). The second indicia is displayed statically, even if the medical waste collection system 30 is in a sleep or power off state. The user may see the visual element 50 (without needing to access menus of the user interfaces 46. 48) and decide to couple the medical waste collection system 30 with the docking station to perform the emptying and cleaning operation. Doing so, among other things, provides power to the medical waste collection system 30, at which time the controller 132 toggles the visual element 50 from the second indicia to the first indicia, in particular, a word or phrase indicating the medical waste collection system 30 has no longer been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation (e.g., “Clean” or “Cleaned for Use”). Thereafter, even with the medical waste collection system 30 returned to the operating room and in a sleep or power off state, the user may see the visual element 50 and appreciate it does not need to be moved to the docking station at that time. Therefore, the medical waste collection system 30 advantageously provides a quick and intuitive manner for the user to ascertain the cleanliness state, and make decisions based thereon. The user need only be sufficiently near the cart 32 to see the visual element 50 and need not interact with the user interfaces 46, 48 to determine whether or not the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation.

[0069] The visual element 50 may be positioned on the cart 32 in any suitable location, and more than one visual element may be provided. FIG. 3 depicts an implementation in which the visual element 50 is disposed on a rear side of the cart 32. In particular, a cart 32 includes a housing 52, and the visual element 50 is disposed between a rear handle 56 and the rear side of the housing 52. The second user interface 48 may be disposed on the rear side of the housing 52, and the visual element 50 is disposed beneath the second user interface 48. FIG. 4 depicts another implementation in which the visual element 50 is disposed on a front of the cart 32. In particular, the housing 52 defines a window 54 through which at least a portion of the waste canister 34 is visible. The visual element 50 is disposed on the front of the housing 52 and positioned above the window 54. The first user interface 46 is disposed on the housing 52, and the visual element 50 is vertically positioned between the first user interface 46 and the window 54. FIG. 5 depicts still another implementation in which the visual element 50 is disposed on or adjacent to one or both lateral portions of the rear handle 56. The implementations may be combinable such that there areINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 13visual elements 50 on the front, rear, and sides of the housing 52 to permit visualization of the cleanliness state regardless of how the cart 32 is situated or oriented relative to the user.

[0070] Another implementation of the visual element 50 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The visual element 50 in this implementation is also separate from the user interfaces 46, 48 and in electronic communication with a controller 132 of the medical waste collection system 30. In this implementation, the visual element 50 may alternatively be referred to as a visual indicator 50. The controller 132 is configured to toggle the visual indicator 50 between two states upon occurrence of a predefined event or criterion. In particular, the visual indicator 50 may be operable in a first state (shown in FIG. 6) responsive to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation, and a second state (shown in FIG. 7) responsive to activation of the vacuum source. In other words, the visual indicator 50 may indicate to a user in the first state that the waste canister 34 is empty and remains clean from a previous cleaning operation or in the second state that the waste canister 34 may no longer be empty or clean once activation of the vacuum source has occurred in the second state.

[0071] As shown schematically in FIGS. 6 and 7, a battery 160 may be supported on the cart 32 and configured for selectively powering the visual indicator 50 between the first and second states. The visual indicator 50 may be powered by the docking station when the cart 32 is coupled to the docking station via suitable electronic coupling. When the cart 32 is decoupled from docking station (i.e., the cart 32 is disconnected or the cart 32 no longer receives power from the docking station) the battery 160 may power the visual indicator 50 instead. In some implementations, the battery 160 may continue to supply power to the visual indicator 50 when the cart 32 is in a power off state such that the cart 32 does not receive power from an external power source (e.g., the docking station or a power outlet). In such an implementation, battery 160 may be dedicated to the visual indicator 50 such that the battery 160 powers only the visual indicator 50 and does not supply power to anything else (e.g., the controller, the user interfaces, etc.). In one example, the visual indicator 50 may be configured to be in the second state until completion of a subsequent emptying and cleaning operation. Likewise, the visual indicator 50 may be configured to remain in the second state until a subsequent activation of the vacuum source.

[0072] In some implementations, the visual indicator 50 comprises a light source (not shown) selectively powered by the battery 160 to be illuminated in the first state of the visual indicator 50 and not illuminated in the second state of the visual indicator 50. In other words, theINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 14light source may be on (i.e., powered) in the first state and the light source may be off (i.e., powered off) in the second state. In some implementations, the visual indicator 50 may include indicia 162 that is illuminated by the light source to further indicate the current state. For instance, the indicia 162 may comprise a check mark shape that is illuminated by the light source in the first state to indicate to a user the medical waste collection system 30 is clean. In the second state, the light source does not illuminate the indicia 162 and the user may discern that the visual indicator is in the second state by observing the absence of the illuminated indicia 162. In other implementations, the light source may be illuminated with a first color in the first state and a second color in the second state.

[0073] In some implementations, the visual indicator 50 may display one or more additional or alternative status-based conditions separate from the conditions described above for the first and second state. A shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, another visual indicator 50 may be employed with additional indicia 163 to indicate to a caregiver any number of status-based conditions. For instance, the indicia 163 may comprise a wrench shape that is illuminated by a light source to indicate to a user that service of the cart is required. Any number of visual indicators 50 may be used to indicate the status-based conditions. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two visual indicators 50 being used to indicate different status-based conditions. It is contemplated that a single visual indicator 50 may be used to indicate multiple different status-based conditions.

[0074] An exemplary operation includes the visual indicator 50 being in the second state, in particular, with the light source powered off indicating the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation (e.g., “Dirty” or “Ready for Disposal”). The user may discern the visual indicator 50 is in the second state from observing the absence of an illuminated light source of the visual indicator 50 (without needing to access menus of the user interfaces 46, 48) and decide to couple the medical waste collection system 30 with the docking station to perform the emptying and cleaning operation. Doing so. among other things, provides power to the medical waste collection system 30, at which time the controller 132 toggles the visual indicator 50 from the second state to the first state, in particular, the light source is illuminated to indicate the medical waste collection system 30 has not been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation (e.g., “Clean” or “Cleaned for Use”). Thereafter, even with the medical waste collection system 30 is returned to the operating room and in a sleep or power off state, the user may see the visual indicator 50 and appreciate it does not need to be moved to theINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 15docking station at that time. Therefore, the medical waste collection system 30 advantageously provides a quick and intuitive manner for the user to ascertain the cleanliness state, and make decisions based thereon. The user need only be sufficiently near the cart 32 to see the visual indicator 50 and need not interact with the user interfaces 46, 48 to determine whether the medical waste collection system 30 has been used since its last emptying and cleaning operation.

[0075] Similarly to the visual element 50 described above and referenced in FIGS. 3- 5, the visual indicator 50 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be positioned on the cart 32 in any suitable location, and more than one visual indicator may be provided. Moreover, the visual indicator 50 described above and referenced in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be disposed in any location the visual element 50 of FIGS. 3-5 was described to be in above. The visual indicator 50 may be disposed on a rear side of the cart 32. More particularly, a cart 32 includes a housing 52, and the visual indicator 50 may be disposed between a rear handle 56 and the rear side of the housing 52. The second user interface 48 may be disposed on the rear side of the housing 52, and the visual indicator 50 may be disposed beneath the second user interface 48. The visual indicator 50 may be disposed on a front of the cart 32. In particular, the housing 52 defines a window 54 through which at least a portion of the waste canister 34 is visible. The visual indicator 50 may be disposed on the front of the housing 52 and positioned above the window 54. The first user interface 46 may be disposed on the housing 52, and the visual indicator 50 may be vertically positioned between the first user interface 46 and the window 54. The visual indicator 50 may be disposed on or adjacent to one or both lateral portions of the rear handle 56. The implementations may be combinable such that there are visual indicators 50 on the front, rear, and sides of the housing 52 to permit visualization of the cleanliness state regardless of how the cart 32 is situated or oriented relative to the user.

[0076] FIGS. 3 and 8-10 depict an implementation of an improved work surface assembly 60. The work surface assembly 60 may be configured to be fixedly or removably supported on a recessed top surface 58 of the cart 32. In one example, the work surface assembly 60 is freely supported on the cart 32. The work surface assembly 60 includes one or more feet 62 sized to be supported within the recessed top surface 58. One or more legs 64 extend upwardly from the feet 62. An upper panel 66 is supported by the legs 64 and provides a central work surface 68. The upper panel 66 includes shoulders 70 defining a slot 72 sized to permit visualization and manipulation of the second user interface 48 of the medical waste collection system 30. as best shown in FIG. 3. The slot 72 may be contoured to the lateral sides of the rear handle 56. TheINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 16shoulders 70 of the upper panel 66 define one or more openings 74 sized to support a formalin jar (FJ). As appreciated from FIG. 8, the shoulders 70 may be laterally positioned beyond opposing lateral sides of the cart 32 such that, with the formalin jars positioned within the openings 74, the central work surface 68 remains at least equal to the footprint of the recessed top surface 58. In other words, the central work surface 68 may be wider than a width of the cart 32 to permit ample space for the user to perform necessary tasks.

[0077] In certain implementations, a height of the legs 64 defined between the upper panel 66 and the feet 62 is sufficient to suspend the formalin jar above the recessed top surface 58. The openings 74 may be sized smaller than dimensions of the formalin jar and include deflectable fingers configured to deflect and secure with formalin jar within the openings 74. Alternatively, the formalin jar disposed in the openings 74 may rest upon the feet 62 or the recessed top surface 58 of the cart 32. The work surface assembly 60 may include rear wings 76 extending inwardly and downwardly from inner edges of the shoulders 70 that define the slot 72. As best appreciated from FIG. 10, the rear wings 76 may extend downwardly by a distance approximating the height of the legs 64 such that the work surface assembly 60, if removed from atop the recessed top surface 58, may remain level while stored elsewhere within the medical facility. In other words, the rear wings 76 cooperate with the feet 62 to support the work surface assembly 60.

[0078] With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the legs 64 may extend between pairs of feet 62 to define a storage compartment 78 (one shown) between the legs 64 and the upper panel 66. In an exemplary implementation, the storage compartment is sized to accommodate an accessory package (AP) of specimen collection trays for use with a specimen collection manifold, but other articles and instruments may be stored in the storage compartment 78. Thus, during a surgical procedure in which multiple polyps are to be collected, the user may quickly replace the specimen collection tray while remaining nearby the cart 32. In certain implementations, the upper panel 66 may further define a groove 80 extending about a periphery of the central work surface 68 to collect spillage of liquid medical waste. The work surface assembly 60 may include front wings 82 extending forwardly and downwardly from a front edge of the upper panel 66.

[0079] The medical waste collection system 30 may include a light 84. The light 84 may be fixedly or removably coupled to the cart 32, for example, to a power / data outlet 86 of the cart 32. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. the light 84 may extend between the rear handle 56 and the rear side of the housing 52 to extend through the slot 72 of the work surface assembly 60.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 17

[0080] The medical waste collection system 30 may also include an intravenous (IV) pole assembly 150. The IV pole assembly 150 may comprise a mount (not shown) configured to be secured to the cart 32. The mount may include an electronic connector configured to engage a complementary coupler of the cart 32. The IV pole assembly 150 may further comprise a lower pole section including a lower end secured to the mount and an opposing upper end extending away from the mount. The IV pole assembly 150 may further include an upper pole section extending from the upper end of the lower pole section. The upper pole section may be telescopingly movable relative to the lower pole section. The upper pole section may also be hollow. The IV pole assembly 150 may include a motor powered by the cart through the electronic connector for raising or lowering the upper pole section relative to the lower pole section. In other implementations, the IV pole assembly 150 may include a single section secured to the mount such that the height of the IV pole assembly 150 does not change. In such an implementation, the mount may not include an electrical connector.

[0081] The second implementation of the work surface assembly 60 is shown in FIGS. 11-14. The work surface assembly 60 may be integrated with the recessed top surface 58 as shown in FIG. 12 in which an upper frame 88 of the housing 52 and the work surface assembly 60 form a subassembly of the cart 32. In particular, the upper frame 88 is coupled to a lower portion of housing 52, and a work surface assembly 92 is coupled to the upper frame 88. Alternatively, the work surface assembly 60 may be removably coupled to the recessed top surface 58.

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the work surface assembly 92 includes an upper panel 94 pivotably coupled to the upper frame at a pivot 96. The work surface assembly 92 is configured to be moved between a compact configuration in which the upper panel 94 is disposed above the recessed top surface 58, and an expanded configuration in which the upper panel 94 is pivoted about the pivot 96 to expose the recessed top surface 58. Therefore, should the user only need limited space (and / or for storage and docking), the work surface assembly 92 may be moved to the compact configuration. Should the user need additional space, the work surface assembly 92 may be moved to the expanded configuration. It is further contemplated that the work surface assembly 92 may include a locking means (not shown) configured to selectively retain the upper panel 94 in any angular position between the compact configuration and the expanded configuration. The locking means may include friction fit, interference fit, detents, or the like.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 18

[0083] In certain implementations, a light assembly 98 may be provided and include an arm 100 pivotably coupled to the upper frame 88. The light 84 is coupled to the arm 100. The light assembly 98 is configured to be moved between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, and is further configured to be in the deployed configuration with the work surface assembly 92 in the expanded configuration. In particular, the upper frame 88 defines a channel 102 along a side of the recessed top surface 58. The arm 100 and the light 84 of the light assembly 98 is shaped to be removably disposed within the channel 102. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, with the light assembly 98 in a stored configuration, the upper panel 94 covers the light assembly 98 in the compact configuration and is generally flush with a side portion 104 of the work surface assembly 92. FIG. 13 shows the work surface assembly 92 in the expanded configuration, and the light assembly 98 deployed in which a pivot 106 is positioned to cause the light 84 to pivot upwardly rearward. The rearward pivoting may be advantageous for instances in which as the user utilizes the work surface assembly 92 from a front of the cart 32. Further, the upper panel 94 may define a notch 108 sized to permit the upper panel 94 to be returned to the compact configuration with the light assembly 98 in the deployed configuration. FIG. 14 depicts the arrangement in which the arm 100 extends through the notch 108 to be positioned above the upper panel 94 so as to selectively illuminate the upper panel 94 with the work surface assembly 92 compact configuration.

[0084] In certain implementations, the work surface assembly 92 includes one or more couplers configured to support the accessory package. Non-limiting examples of the couplers include clips configured to suspend the accessory package from the work surface assembly 92, as shown in FIG. 11. The work surface assembly 92 may define the groove 80 extending about a periphery of the upper panel 94 to collect spillage of liquid medical waste. Further, the upper panel 94 may define the opening(s) 70 sized to support the formalin jar(s).

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 15-19, the third implementation of the work surface assembly 60 is depicted in which a first work surface assembly 110 and a second work surface assembly 112 are independently deployable. The work surface assembly 60 includes a base panel 114 sized to be supported within the recessed top surface 58 of the cart 32. The base panel 114 may be fixedly or removably coupled to the recessed top surface 58 (or other suitable structure) of the cart 32, for example, with retention features (e.g., magnets, clips, detents, or the like). The work surface assembly 60 includes one or more support spacers 116 connected to the base panelINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 19114, and the upper panel 66 is connected to the support spacers 116 and supported above the base panel 114 to define a gap therebetween. The upper panel 66 is configured to provide the central work surface 68.

[0086] The first work surface assembly 110 and the second work surface assembly 112 are disposed within the gap and slidable relative to the base panel 114 and the upper panel 66. In particular, the first work surface assembly 110 is slidable to be deployed in a first lateral direction in which a first panel 118 is exposed, and the second work surface assembly is independently slidable to be deployed in an opposing second lateral direction in which a second panel 120 is exposed.

[0087] The base panel 114, the upper panel 66, the first panel 110, and the second panel 112 are arranged in a stacked configuration. In particular, one of support spacers 116 extends laterally along a front of the base panel 114, and another one of the support spacers 116 extends laterally along a rear of the base panel 114. The widths of the first work surface assembly 110 and the second work surface assembly 112 are less than a depth of the base panel 114 and the upper panel 66.

[0088] The first work surface assembly 110 may include a first handle 122, and the second work surface assembly 112 may include a second handle 124. The first and second handles 122, 124 are configured to receive a pulling-type input from the user to slidably deploy the first and second panels 118, 120, respectively. The first handle 122 may extend outwardly downward from the first panel 118, and the second handle 124 may extend outwardly downward from the second panel 120. The first and second handles 122, 124 may be formed as flanges generally contoured to opposing upper sides of the cart 32, but other types of contours and geometries providing a gripping surface are contemplated.

[0089] The work surface assembly 60 may include the light assembly 98. The light assembly 98 includes the arm 100 pivotably coupled to a mount 126 at the pivot 106. The mount 126 may form or be formed by one of the support spacers 116, as best shown in FIG. 19. The light 84 is coupled to the arm 100. The pivot 106 may be positioned so as to cause the light 84 to pivot upwardly inward towards a lateral midline of the upper panel 66. To facilitate the arrangement, the upper panel 66 may define a slot 128 through which the arm 100 of the light assembly 98 is accessible and pivotably deployable. The light 84 may be positioned on a front of the arm 100 to as to illuminate the central work surface 68.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 20

[0090] In certain implementations, the first handle 122 and / or the second handle 124 includes couplers configured to support the accessory package. FIG. 15 shows the accessory package being suspended from the first work surface assembly 110. Further, the first panel 118 and / or the second panel 120 may define openings 70 sized to support the formalin jar(s). FIG. 17 shows the second panel 120 defining four openings adjacent to the second handle 124, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. Still further, at least one of the upper panel 66, the first work surface assembly 110, and the second work surface assembly 112 defines a groove (not identified) extending about a periphery to collect spillage of liquid medical waste.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 20-27, a fourth implementation of the work surface assembly 200 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 200 is magnetically coupled to the upper frame 88 of the cart 32. In this implementation, a first magnetic coupler 202 is supported by the upper frame 88. The work surface assembly 200 includes a lower panel 204 configured to be supported by the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88. The work surface assembly 200 also includes an upper panel 206 slidably coupled to the lower panel 204. The upper panel 206 may be wider than the lower panel 204. The upper panel 206 may comprise a continuous lip extending around a perimeter and raised relative to a main surface of the upper panel 206.

[0092] A second magnetic coupler 208 may be secured to the lower panel 204. The second magnetic coupler 208 (working cooperatively with the first magnetic coupler 202) is configured to defeatably retain the lower panel 204 of the work surface assembly 200 to the upper frame 88 of the cart 32 through magnetic coupling between the first and second magnetic couplers 202, 208. In some implementations, the upper panel 206 of the work surface assembly 200 may have a larger surface area than the recessed top surface 58. Said differently, the recessed top surface 58 has a first surface area. The upper panel 206 may define a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area. Additionally or alternatively, the upper panel 206 may be wider than a width of the recess work surface 58.

[0093] In many implementations, one of the first and second magnetic couplers 202, 208 may comprise a magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic couplers may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The first magnetic coupler 202 may be disposed beneath the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88 such that the first magnetic coupler 202 is physically shielded from any spillage that could occur on the recessed top surface 58. In other implementations, the first magnetic couplers 202 may be embedded in the upper frame 88 or disposed on top of theINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 21recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88. In some implementations, a plurality of first and / or second magnetic couplers 202, 208 may be used to defeatably retain the lower panel 204 to the upper frame 206. In such implementations, the plurality of first magnetic couplers 202 and / or the plurality of second magnetic couplers 208 may be arranged with any spacing and with any relative orientation. Often, the arrangement of the plurality of first magnetic couplers 202 will be mirrored to the arrangement of second magnetic couplers 208 such that alignment between the plurality of first magnetic couplers 202 and the plurality of second magnetic couplers 208 increases the collective retention strength therebetween. However, it is contemplated that not every first magnetic coupler 202 may be aligned with a respective second magnetic coupler 208, or vice versa. Moreover, in some implementations, there may be more first magnetic couplers 202 than second magnetic couplers 208 (or more second magnetic couplers 208 than first magnetic couplers 202) to facilitate multiple coupling arrangements between the lower panel 204 of the work surface assembly 200 and the upper frame 88. In some implementations, the upper frame 88 may include a work surface assembly locator (not shown) disposed on the recessed work surface 58 for assisting a user to align the second magnetic coupler 208 of the work surface assembly 200 with the first magnetic coupler 202 of the upper frame 88. The locator may comprise a protrusion, a recess, indicia, or another locating feature to assist alignment between the first and second magnetic couplers 202, 208 for coupling. In other implementations, the lower panel 204 may be sized to approximate the shape of the recessed work surface 58 so that the first and second magnetic couplers 202, 208 are aligned for coupling when the lower panel 204 is disposed on top of the recessed work surface 58.

[0094] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 23-25, the upper and lower panels 206, 204 employ a rail system to facilitate slidable coupling therebetween. One of the lower panel 204 and the upper panel 206 may comprise a rail 210 and the other of the lower panel 204 and the upper panel 206 may comprise a rail follower 212. With the lower panel 204 coupled to the upper frame 88, the slidable coupling between the upper and lower panels 206, 204 permits the upper panel 206 to be movable relative to the cart 32 to permit the upper panel 206 to reach beyond the footprint of the cart 32 itself. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in instances where the movement of the cart to a desired location may be inhibited by other devices or obstacles in the operating room where the medical waste collection system 30 is used.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 22

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 20-22 and 24, the work surface assembly 200 may include storage drawers 214 for storing surgical supplies (e.g., specimen trays). In such implementations, the storage drawers 214 may be slidably coupled to the upper panel 206. The upper panel 206 may include one or more guide tracks 216 (shown in FIG. 24) disposed on an underside of the upper panel 206 to facilitate slidable coupling between the storage drawers 214 and the upper panel 206. The one or more guide tracks 216 may be disposed perpendicularly to the rail 210 and / or the rail follower 212 such that the one or more storage drawers may be accessed from the front of the cart. In some implementations, the one or more guide tracks 216 are configured to be disposed between the upper panel 206 and the lower panel 204 with the upper panel 206 slid laterally towards the other one of the sides of the cart 32.

[0096] Another advantage of the slidable coupling between the upper and lower panels 206, 204 is facilitating different drawer arrangements relative to the upper panel 206. For instance, the upper panel 206 may include four guide tracks 216 disposed on a bottom surface of the upper panel 206. With reference to FIG. 20, the upper panel 206 may be positioned (e.g., by sliding the upper panel 206 relative to the lower panel 204) relative to the cart 32 such that the upper panel 206 includes two guide tracks 216 with accompanying storage drawers 214 disposed on opposite sides of the cart 32 with the cart being disposed between the two storage drawers 214. With reference to FIG. 21, the upper panel 206 may be positioned relative to the cart 32 such that the upper panel 206 includes two guide tracks 216 and accompanying storage drawers 214 both disposed on the same side of the cart 32. The upper panel 206 may enclose an interior of the storage drawers 214 when the storage drawers 214 are in a stowed position directly beneath the upper panel 206 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. A width of the upper panel 206 may be approximately equal to a sum of a width of the cart 32 and a width of two of the storage drawers 214.

[0097] In some implementations, the work surface assembly 200 may be stored on a sidewall 53 of the housing 52 in a storage configuration when not in use above the upper frame 88 to keep the work surface assembly 200 near the cart 32 for future deployment. The sidewall 53 may support one or more third magnetic couplers 218. In the storage configuration, the second magnetic coupler 208 is configured to defeatably retain the lower panel 204 of the work surface assembly 200 to the sidewall 53 through magnetic coupling between the second and third magnetic couplers 208, 218. The third magnetic couplers 218 may comprise a magnet or ferromagneticINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 23material. In many implementations, the third magnetic coupler 218 will comprise the same material as the first magnetic coupler 202 as both the first and third magnetic couplers 202, 218 magnetically engage the second magnetic coupler 208. The sidewall 53 may define a side surface oriented to be perpendicular to the recessed top surface 58. The lower housing 52 may include a work surface assembly locator (not shown) coupled to the sidewall 53 for assisting a user to align the second magnetic coupler 208 of the work surface assembly 200 with the third magnetic coupler 218 of the sidewall 53. The locator may comprise a protrusion, a recess, indicia, or another locating feature to assist alignment between the second and third magnetic couplers 208, 218 for coupling.

[0098] In some implementations a plurality of second and / or third magnetic couplers 208, 218 may be used to defeatably retain the lower panel 204 to the sidewall 53 of the lower housing 52. In such implementations, the plurality of second magnetic couplers 208 and / or the plurality of third magnetic couplers 218 may be arranged with any spacing and with any relative orientation. Often, the arrangement of the plurality of second magnetic couplers 208 will be mirrored to the arrangement of third magnetic couplers 218 (and first magnetic couplers 202) such that alignment between the plurality of second magnetic couplers 208 and the plurality of third magnetic couplers 218 increases the collective retention strength therebetween. However, it is contemplated that not every second magnetic coupler 208 may be aligned with a respective third magnetic coupler 218, or vice versa. In some implementations, there may be more second magnetic couplers 208 than third magnetic couplers 218 (or more third magnetic couplers 218 than second magnetic couplers 208) to facilitate multiple coupling arrangements between the lower panel 204 of the work surface assembly 200 and the sidewall 53 of the lower housing 52.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 28-33, a fifth implementation of the work surface assembly 300 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 300 is pivotably attached to the cart 32. In this implementation, the housing 52 defines a recess 320 for storing at least a portion of the work surface assembly 300. The work surface assembly 300 includes a panel 306 moveable relative to the cart 32 to a compact position (shown in FIG. 29) where the panel 306 is pivotably coupled to the housing 52 at a pivot 322 disposed near an end of the panel 306 and with the panel 306 disposed parallel to the sidewall 53 (i.e., alongside the sidewall 53) to reduce the overall footprint of the work surface assembly 300. In the compact configuration, the panel 306 may be disposed outside the recess 320 of the housing 52. The panel 306 is also moveable to a deployed position (shownINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 24in FIG. 28) where the panel 306 is pivoted about the pivot 322 relative to the sidewall 53 to project the panel 306 away from the sidewall 53 and with the panel 306 received within the recess 320 of the housing 52 to prevent the panel 306 from falling down or otherwise inadvertently returning to the compact position. The panel 306 in the deployed position may be oriented perpendicularly to the sidewall 53 such that the panel 306 presents a level surface for the user. The panel 306 in the deployed position may be parallel to the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88. One of the panel 306 and the housing 52 may define a slot 324 and the other of the panel 306 and the housing 52 may include a pin 326 received in the slot 324 to constrain movement of the panel 306 between the compact and deployed positions.

[0100] In some implementations, the panel 306 is movable to a removed position (shown in FIG. 31) where the panel 306 is spaced away from the cart 32 such that no portion of the panel 306 is in contact with the cart 32. In such an implementation, the slot 324 may be further defined with an opening 328 to permit movement of the pin 326 from the slot 324 to facilitate movement of the panel 306 to the removed position. The opening 328 of the slot 324 may be positioned such that the panel 306 must be in the compact position before moving to the removed position. In particular, when the panel 306 is removed from the cart 32, the panel 306 may need to be oriented to be parallel to the sidewall 53 for the opening 358 to permit the pin 326 to pass into the slot 324.

[0101] In an exemplary implementation shown in FIGS. 31-33, the user may approach the cart with the panel 306 disposed parallel to the sidewall 53 as shown in FIG. 3 Ito move the panel 306 from the removed position to the compact position. The user then positions the panel 306 closer to the cart 32 such that the pin 326 passes through the opening 328 and is received by the slot 324. The user then pivots the panel 306 about the pivot 322 relative to cart 32 to an intermediate position shown in FIG. 32. The user than pushes the panel 306 into the recess 320 of the housing to the deployed position shown in FIG. 33. Walls 330 of the housing 52 that define the recess 320 function to hold the panel 306 up in the deployed position. The user may reverse operation to return the panel 306 to the compact or removed positions.

[0102] In some implementations, the medical waste collection system 30 may include a second work surface assembly 300 disposed on an opposite side of the cart 32 to present additional or alternative work surfaces for a caregiver. Such an implementation may advantageously provide an option to have both work surface assemblies 300 available when spaceINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 25permits. Alternatively, when the cart 32 must be positioned near an obstacle in the operating room such as a wall, a hospital bed, or other equipment in the operating room, the caregiver may pick which side of the cart 32 presents the panel 306 for a work surface to provide optimal access to the caregiver during a medical procedure.

[0103] As noted above and with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the medical waste collection system 32 may include the light assembly 98. In some implementations, particularly those with work surface assemblies 300, 500 disposed alongside the cart 32 when deployed, the arm 100 of the light assembly 98 may be flexible and extendable over the panel 306 to illuminate the panel 306. In some implementations, the arm of the light assembly 98 may be long enough to be positioned over the panel 306 or the upper frame 88 to best illuminate objects disposed on the panel 306 or the recessed work surface 58 of the upper frame 88 e.g., a formalin jar, an accessory package, etc.

[0104] In certain implementations, particularly those with multiple work surface assemblies 300, the light assembly 98 having an arm 100 long enough to be positioned over the panel(s) 306 and the recessed work surface 58 may be undesirable. A light assembly 98 with a long arm 100 adds additional weight and may create an obstacle, physically or visually, for a caretaker. In such implementations where a light assembly 98 may need to move above multiple work surfaces laterally spaced apart from one another, the cart 32 may provide a plurality of electrical connectors (not shown) for the light assembly 98 to be connected to (i.e., physically supported by) and receive power from the cart 32 disposed on a rear side of the housing 52 at various positions between the sidewalls 53 of the housing 52. The plurality of electrical connectors provide options for the connecting the light assembly 98 to be closer to one of the sidewalls than the other, thus, allowing the caregiver to illuminate a desired location (e.g., a particular panel 306 when multiple work surface assemblies 300 are available) with ease. The plurality of electrical connectors may also support the IV pole assembly 150 to permit various arrangements of the IV pole assembly 150 and the light assembly 98. For instance, the positions of the IV pole assembly 150 (between the sidewalls 53) and the light assembly 98 shown in Figures 28 and 29 may be swapped to provide an alternative lighting configuration for the light assembly 98. Alternatively, the light assembly 98 and / or the IV pole assembly 150 may be supported on a rail (not shown) disposed on a rear side of the cart 32 and the light assembly 98 may be coupled to a mount that isINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 26slidably coupled to the rail and moveable along the rail between at least two positions between the sidewalls 53 of the cart 32 to illuminate a desired location.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, a sixth implementation of the work surface assembly 400 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 400 is secured to the upper frame 88 of the cart 32 by a locking member 432 (e.g., a latch). The work surface assembly 400 includes a panel 406 moveable relative to the cart 32 to a deployed position where the panel 406 is disposed above the upper frame 88 and to a removed position where the panel 406 is spaced from the upper frame 88. The locking member 432 is slidably coupled to the panel 406 and engageable with the upper frame 88 to secure the panel 406 to the upper frame 88 in the deployed position. The locking member 432 may include a handle 434 to permit the user to grasp the locking member 432 and move the locking member 432 away from the upper frame 88 to remove the work surface assembly 400 from the upper frame 88.

[0106] The upper frame 88 or housing 52 may define a recess 420 to receive the locking member 432 to secure the panel 406 to the upper frame 88 in the deployed position. Alternatively, the locking member 432 may also engage the lip 89 of the upper frame 88. The work surface assembly 400 may further comprise one or more hooks 436 coupled to the panel 406 and configured to latch onto the upper frame 88, or more particularly a lip 89 of the upper frame 88, in the deployed position. The locking member 432 may be disposed adjacent one end of the panel 406 and the one or more hooks 436 may be disposed adjacent an opposite end of the panel 406. In some implementations, the one or more hooks 436 may be monolithic with the panel 406 such that they form a single rigid body. In other implementations, the hooks 436 may be coupled to the panel 406. In some implementations, the panel 406 of the work surface assembly 400 may have a larger surface area than the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88. Said differently, the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88 has a first surface area. The panel 406 defines a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area. In such an implementation, the work surface assembly 400 of the sixth implementation provides added work space.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 36-40, a seventh implementation of the work surface assembly 500 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 500 forms part of the upper frame 88 when in a compact position (shown in FIGS. 36 and 38). In this implementation, the housing 52 defines a recess 520 for partially receiving the work surface assembly 500. The upper frameINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 2788 has a lip 89 that defines the recessed top surface 58. The work surface assembly 500 may comprise a panel 506 moveable relative to the cart 32 to the compact position where the panel 506 is partially disposed in the recess 520 of the housing 52 with an outer end 538 of the panel 506 protruding from the recess 520 to further define the recessed top surface 58. The panel 506 is also moveable to a deployed position (shown in FIGS. 37 and 40) where the panel 506 is disposed outside the recess 520 and projects away from the housing 52.

[0108] In the deployed position, the panel 506 may be parallel to the recessed top surface 58 to present a level surface for the user. One of the panel 506 and the housing 52 may define a slot 524 and the other of the panel 506 and the housing 52 may include a pin 526 received in the slot 524 to constrain movement of the panel 506 between the compact and deployed positions. Similarly to the fifth implementation of the work surface assembly 300, the panel 506 may be movable to a removed position where the panel 506 is spaced from the cart 32.

[0109] Although not shown, the slot 524 may be further defined with an opening to permit movement of the pin 526 relative to the slot 524 to facilitate movement of the panel 506 to the removed position as described above and shown in FIGS. 28-33. The opening (not shown) of the slot 524 may be positioned such that the panel 506 must be in the deployed position before moving to the removed position. The panel 506 may comprise a panel lip 540 that forms a continuous lip surface with the lip 89 of the upper frame 88 when the panel 506 is in the compact position. The work surface assembly 500 may include a seal (not shown) coupled to the panel 506 or the upper frame 88 with the seal abutting the upper frame 88 or the panel 506 in the compact position to prevent spillage on the recessed work surface 58 between the panel 506 and the upper frame 88. In some implementations, the seal may be coupled to the upper frame 88 such that the seal prevents spillage on both the recessed work surface 58 and a top surface of the panel 506 in both the compact and deployed positions.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 41, an eight implementation of the work surface assembly 600 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 600 is pivotably attached to the cart 32. The work surface assembly 600 includes a panel 606 moveable relative to the cart 32 to a compact position (not shown) where the panel 606 is pivotably coupled to the housing 52 at a pivot 622 disposed near an end of the panel 606 and with the panel 606 disposed parallel to the sidewall 53 (i.e., alongside the sidewall 53) to reduce the overall footprint of the work surface assembly 600. The panel 606 is also moveable to a deployed position (shown in FIG. 41) where the panel 606 isINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 28pivoted about the pivot 622 relative to the sidewall 53 to project the panel 606 away from the sidewall 53. An arm 642 may be pivotably coupled to the panel 606 and configured to maintain the panel 606 in the deployed position. When the panel 606 is in the deployed position, the arm 642 may move about a hinge 644 to project away from the panel 606 and to abut the sidewall 53 to keep the panel 606 from falling down or otherwise inadvertently returning to the compact position. The hinge 644 may be disposed transverse to an axis about which the panel 606 moves relative to the pivot 622. The panel 606 in the deployed position may be oriented perpendicularly to the sidewall 53 such that the panel 606 presents a level surface for the user. The panel 606 in the deployed position may be parallel to the recessed top surface 58 of the upper frame 88. In some implementations, a top surface of the panel 606 in the deployed position may be flush with a lip 89 of the upper frame 88 such that an object resting on the top surface of the panel 606 could slide from a position on top of the panel 606 to the recessed surface 58 of the upper frame 88. To return the panel 606 to the compact position, the caregiver may move the arm 642 about the hinge 644 toward the panel 606 to permit the panel 606 to move about the pivot 622 to the compact position against the sidewall 53.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 42, a ninth implementation of the work surface assembly 700 is depicted in which the work surface assembly 700 is pivotably attached to the cart 32. The work surface assembly 700 includes a panel 706 moveable relative to the cart 32 to a compact position (not shown) where the panel 706 is pivotably coupled to the housing 52 at a pivot 722 disposed near an end of the panel 706 and with the panel 706 disposed parallel to the sidewall 53 (i.e., alongside the sidewall 53) to reduce the overall footprint of the work surface assembly 700. The panel 706 is also moveable to a deployed position (shown in FIG. 42) where the panel 706 is pivoted about the pivot 722 relative to the sidewall 53 to project the panel 706 away from the sidewall 53. One or more arms 742 may be pivotably coupled to the panel 706 and configured to maintain the panel 706 in the deployed position. When the panel 706 is in the deployed position, the one or more arms 742 may move about a hinge 744 to project away from the panel 706 and to be received in a recess 746 of the sidewall 53 to keep the panel 706 from falling down or otherwise inadvertently returning to the compact position. The hinge 744 may be disposed parallel to an axis about which the panel 706 moves relative to the pivot 722. The panel 706 in the deployed position may be oriented perpendicularly to the sidewall 53 such that the panel 706 presents a level surface for the user. The panel 706 in the deployed position may be parallel to the recessed top surface 58INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 29of the upper frame 88. In some implementations, a top surface of the panel 706 in the deployed position may be flush with a lip 89 of the upper frame 88 such that an object resting on the top surface of the panel 706 could slide from a position on top of the panel 706 to the recessed surface 58 of the upper frame 88. To return the panel 706 to the compact position, the caregiver may move the arm 742 about the hinge 744 toward the panel 706 to permit the panel 706 to move about the pivot 722 to the compact position against the sidewall 53.

[0112] In certain instances, the user may wish to observe the liquid medical waste collection within the waste canister 34, and in other instances, the user may wish to at least partially obscure the contents. A known solution includes slidable doors that are manually opened and closed by the user. The arrangement requires sufficient clearance within the cart to accommodate movable doors and associated mechanical components, which may complicate the design. The medical waste collection system 30 of the present disclosure overcomes such shortcomings by providing one or more colored lights configured to saturate the color of fluid contents to at least partially obscure the liquid medical waste. Referring now to FIG. 43, as mentioned, the waste canister 34 supported within the housing, and the housing 52 defines the window 54 through which at least a portion of the waste canister 34 is visible. A first canister light 130 is disposed within the housing 52 and positioned to illuminate the waste canister 34 with colored light. In optional implementations, the a second canister light 134 disposed within the housing and positioned to illuminate the waste canister with white light.

[0113] The first user interface 46 is disposed on the cart 32 and configured to receive user inputs of a selected color. The selected color may be red, green, blue (RGB) or any combination thereof. The controller 132 is in electronic communication with the first canister light 130 and the first user interface 46. The controller 132 is configured to operate the first canister light 130 to illuminate the waste canister 34 with the selected color of the colored light so as to obscure visibility of the liquid medical waste disposed therein. In an illustrative, non-limiting example shown in FIG. 43, the liquid medical waste may be predominately red-colored (e.g., blood), and illuminating the waste canister 34 with a blue colored light may saturate the red- colored waste to provide for a purple-colored appearance, which may be less objectionable to the user.

[0114] In certain implementations, a sensor (not shown) may be disposed within the housing 52 and positioned to sense a reflected wavelength of the liquid medical waste. TheINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 30controller 132 is in electronic communication with the sensor and configured to correlate a saturating color based on the reflected wavelength sensed by the sensor, and operate the first canister light 130 based to illuminate the waste canister with the saturating color. Thus, the user may select a preferred color of light, or select an automatic setting in which the controller 132 selects the appropriate color to minimize visibility of the liquid medical waste based on its color.

[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 44 and 45, another implementation of canister hiding is disclosed in which a contrast film 140 is positioned to cover the portion of the waste canister 34. In a non-limiting example, the contrast film 140 has a visible light transmission within a range of approximately 25-75%. The canister light 134 (e.g., or the colored canister light 130) is disposed within the housing 52. The controller 132 is in electronic communication with the canister light 134 and the user interface 46. The controller 132 is configured to operate the canister light 134 to illuminate the waste canister 34 so as to backlight the contrast film 140. In other words, with the canister light 134 in an off state, the waste canister 34 is not visible or relatively less visible, and through illumination of the waste canister 34 within the housing 52, visibility through the contrast film 140 is increased. In certain implementations, the contrast film 140 is coupled to an outer surface of the waste canister 34. Additionally or alternatively, the contrast film 140 may be coupled to an inner surface and / or an outer surface of the housing 52. Alternative implementations are contemplated in which the contrast film is angled privacy film configured to prevent or limit visibility of the waste canister 34 with the cart 32 oriented at an angle to the user.

[0116] Additional advantageous features of the medical waste collection system 30 are contemplated, including the power / data outlet 86, the IV pole assembly 150, and a power outlet 152. Referring again to FIG. 2, the power / data outlet 86 and the power outlet 152 may be disposed on the rear side of the cart 32. The power / data outlet 86 may be a universal serial bus (USB) socket configured to receive a compatible plug of the light 84, as mentioned, or other auxiliary power or data device. The power outlet 152 may be a grounded plug configured to support more powerintensive devices, such as an electrosurgical console supported atop the recessed top surface 58. The number and location(s) of the power / data outlet 86 and the power outlet 152 may vary. The IV pole assembly 150 may be fixedly or removably coupled to the cart 32 at a suitable location. The illustrated implementation shows the IV pole assembly 150 extending through the space between the rear side of the housing 52 and the rear handle 56. The IV pole assembly 150 may beINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 31unpowered or powered. An input knob 154 may be positioned below the first user interface 46, thereby permitting the first user interface 46 to be relatively larger for an improved user experience.

[0117] The foregoing description is 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.

[0118] Further inventive aspects of the present disclosure are made with reference to the following exemplary clauses:

[0119] Clause 1 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart; a vacuum source supported on the cart; a waste canister supported on the cart; a docking interface coupled to the cart and configured to be removably coupled to a docking station for the docking station to perform an emptying and cleaning operation of the waste canister; a controller in electronic communication with the docking interface and configured to receive data therefrom; and a visual element coupled to the cart and in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to toggle the visual element between a first indicia in response to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation, and a second indicia in response to activation of the vacuum source.

[0120] Clause 2 - The medical waste collection system of clause 1, wherein the second indicia is configured to remain statically presented on the visual element until completion of a subsequent emptying and cleaning operation.

[0121] Clause 3 - The medical waste collection system of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the first indicia is configured to remain statically presented on the visual element until a subsequent activation of the vacuum source.

[0122] Clause 4 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein one of the first indicia and the second indicia is configured to remain presented on the visual element with the medical waste collection system in a power off state.

[0123] Clause 5 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the visual element comprises electronic ink; and, optionally, wherein the visual element requires power only when changing between the first indicia and the second indicia.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 32

[0124] Clause 6 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1 -5, wherein the cart comprises a housing defining a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, and wherein the visual element is disposed on a front of the housing and positioned above the window.

[0125] Clause 7 - The medical waste collection system of clause 6, further comprising a first user interface disposed on the housing, wherein the visual element is vertically positioned between the first user interface and the window.

[0126] Clause 8 - The medical waste collection system of clause 7, further comprising: a rear handle disposed a rear side of the cart opposite the front of the housing; and a second visual element disposed between the rear handle and rear side.

[0127] Clause 9 - The medical waste collection system of clause 8, further comprising a second user interface disposed on the rear side of the housing, wherein the second visual element is disposed beneath the second user interface.

[0128] Clause 10 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the cart further comprises a housing defining a front window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, wherein the medical waste collection system further comprises a rear handle disposed on the cart on a rear side opposite the front window, and wherein the visual element is disposed between the rear handle and rear side.

[0129] Clause 11 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the cart further comprises a housing defining a front window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, wherein the medical waste collection system further comprises a rear handle disposed on the cart on a rear side opposite the front window, and wherein the visual element is disposed on or adjacent to one or both lateral portions of the rear handle.

[0130] Clause 12 - A work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface, the work surface assembly comprising: one or more feet sized to be supported within the recessed top surface of the medical waste collection system; one or more legs extending upwardly from the one or more feet; and an upper panel supported by the one or more legs and providing a central work surface, wherein the upper panel comprises shoulders defining a slot sized to permit visualization and manipulation of a user interface of the medical waste collection system, wherein the shoulders of the upper panel define one or more openings sized to support a formalin jar.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 33

[0131] Clause 13 - The work surface assembly of clause 12, wherein a height of the one or more legs defined between the upper panel and the one or more feet is sufficient to suspend the formalin jar above the recessed top surface.

[0132] Clause 14 - The work surface assembly of clauses 12 or 13, further comprising rear wings extending inwardly and downwardly from inner edges of the shoulders that define the slot: and. optionally, wherein the rear wings extend downwardly by a distance approximating the height of the one or more legs.

[0133] Clause 15 - The work surface assembly of any one of clauses 12-14, further comprising front wings extending forwardly and downwardly from a front edge of the upper panel.

[0134] Clause 16 - The work surface assembly of any one of clauses 12-15, wherein the one or more legs extend between pairs of the one or more feet to define a storage compartment between the one or more legs and the upper panel.

[0135] Clause 17 - The work surface assembly of any one of clauses 12-16, wherein the upper panel further defines a groove extending about a periphery of the central work surface to collect spillage of liquid medical waste.

[0136] Clause 18 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a lower housing; an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recessed top surface; a first magnetic coupler supported by the upper frame; and a work surface assembly comprising, a lower panel configured to be supported by the recessed top surface of the upper frame, an upper panel slidably coupled to the lower panel, and a second magnetic coupler secured to the lower panel, the second magnetic coupler configured to defeatably retain the lower panel to the upper frame through magnetic coupling between the first and second magnetic couplers.

[0137] Clause 19 - The medical waste collection system of clause 18, wherein one of the first and second magnetic couplers comprises a magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic couplers comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0138] Clause 20 - The medical waste collection system of clause 18 or 19, wherein the first magnetic coupler is disposed beneath the recessed top surface of the upper frame.

[0139] Clause 21 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 18-20, wherein one of the lower panel and the upper panel comprises a rail and the other of the lower panel and the upper panel comprises a rail follower, the rail and the rail follower adapted to facilitate slidable coupling between the lower panel and the upper panel.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 34

[0140] Clause 22 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 18-21 , wherein the work surface assembly further comprises one or more drawers slidably coupled to the upper panel.

[0141] Clause 23 - The medical waste collection system of clause 22, wherein the upper panel includes one or more guide tracks to facilitate slidably coupling to the drawers.

[0142] Clause 24 - The medical waste collection system of clause 23, wherein the one or more guide tracks comprise two guide tracks with each guide track disposed on opposite sides of the cart such that the cart is disposed between the two guide tracks.

[0143] Clause 25 - The medical waste collection system of clause 23, wherein the one or more guide tracks comprise two guide tracks with each guide track disposed on the same side of the cart.

[0144] Clause 26 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 18-25, wherein the upper panel encloses an interior of the drawer when the drawer is directly beneath the upper panel.

[0145] Clause 27 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 18-26, wherein the recessed top surface has a first surface area, and wherein the upper panel defines a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area.

[0146] Clause 28 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 18-27, wherein the lower housing has a sidewall supporting a third magnetic coupler, and wherein the work surface assembly is moveable to a storage configuration where the second magnetic coupler is configured to defeatably retain the lower panel to the sidewall through magnetic coupling between the second and third magnetic couplers.

[0147] Clause 29 - The medical waste collection system of clause 28, wherein the third magnetic coupler comprises a magnet or ferromagnetic material.

[0148] Clause 30 - The medical waste collection system of clause 28 or 29, wherein the sidewall defines a side surface oriented to be perpendicular to the recessed top surface.

[0149] Clause 31 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 28-30, wherein the lower housing includes a work surface assembly locator coupled to the sidewall for assisting a user to align the second magnetic coupler of the work surface assembly with the third magnetic coupler of the sidewall.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 35

[0150] Clause 32 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 23-25 wherein the one or more guide tracks are perpendicular to the rail and the rail follower such that the one or more storage drawers may be accessed from a front of the cart.

[0151] Clause 33 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a lower housing; an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recessed top surface; and a work shelf comprising an upper panel pivotably coupled to the upper frame at a pivot disposed near a corner of the upper panel, wherein the work shelf is configured to be moved between a compact configuration in which the upper panel is disposed above the recessed top surface, and an expanded configuration in which the upper panel is pivoted about the pivot to expose the recessed top surface.

[0152] Clause 34 - The medical waste collection system of clause 33, further comprising a locking means configured to selectively retain the upper panel in any angular position between the compact configuration and the expanded configuration.

[0153] Clause 35 - The medical waste collection system of clauses 33 or 34, wherein the upper panel defines one or more openings sized to support a formalin jar.

[0154] Clause 36 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 33-35, further comprising a light assembly comprising an arm pivotably coupled to the upper frame, and a light coupled to the arm.

[0155] Clause 37 - The medical waste collection system of clause 36, wherein the upper frame further defines a channel along a side of the recessed top surface, wherein the arm of the light assembly is shaped to be removably disposed within the channel, and, optionally, wherein the upper panel covers the light assembly in the compact configuration.

[0156] Clause 38 - The medical waste collection system of clauses 36 or 37, wherein the pivot is positioned so as to causes the light to pivot upwardly rearward.

[0157] Clause 39 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 36-38, wherein the upper panel defines a notch sized to permit the upper panel to be returned to the compact configuration with the light assembly in a deployed configuration in which light is positioned above the upper panel.

[0158] Clause 40 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 33-39, wherein the work shelf comprises couplers configured to support an accessory package, and,INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 36optionally, wherein the couplers are clips configured to suspend the accessory package from the work shelf.

[0159] Clause 41 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 32-39, wherein the work shelf defines a groove extending about a periphery of the upper panel to collect spillage of liquid medical waste.

[0160] Clause 42 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing; a vacuum pump supported within the housing; a waste canister supported within the housing and configured to collect liquid medical waste, wherein the housing defines a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible; a first canister light disposed within the housing and positioned to illuminate the waste canister with colored light; and a user interface disposed on the cart and configured to receive user inputs including a selected color; and a controller in electronic communication with the first canister light and the user interface, wherein the controller is configured to operate the first canister light to illuminate the waste canister with the selected color of the colored light so as to obscure visibility of the liquid medical waste disposed therein.

[0161] Clause 43 - The medical waste collection system of clause 42, further comprising a second canister light disposed within the housing and positioned to illuminate the waste canister with white light.

[0162] Clause 44 - The medical waste collection system of clauses 42 or 43. further comprising a sensor disposed within the housing and positioned to sense a reflected wavelength of the liquid medical waste, wherein the controller is in electronic communication with the sensor and configured to correlate a saturating color based on the reflected wavelength sensed by the sensor, and operate the first canister light based to illuminate the waste canister with the saturating color.

[0163] Clause 45 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing; a vacuum pump supported within the housing; a waste canister supported within the housing and configured to collect liquid medical waste, wherein the housing defines a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible; a contrast film positioned to cover the portion of the waste canister; a canister light disposed within the housing; and a user interface disposed on the cart and configured to receive a user input; and a controller in electronic communication with the canister light and the user interface, wherein the controller is configuredINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 37to operate the canister light to illuminate the waste canister and backlight the contrast film so as to increase visibility of the liquid medical waste disposed within the waste canister.

[0164] Clause 46 - The medical waste collection system of clause 45, wherein the contrast film is coupled to an outer surface of the waste canister.

[0165] Clause 47 - The medical waste collection system of clauses 45 or 46, wherein the contrast film is coupled to an inner surface and / or an outer surface of the housing.

[0166] Clause 48 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 45-47, wherein the contrast film has a visible light transmission within a range of approximately 25-75%.

[0167] Clause 49 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart; a vacuum source supported on the cart; a waste canister supported on the cart; a docking module coupled to the cart and configured to be removably coupled to a docking station for the docking station to perform an emptying and cleaning operation of the waste canister, and to receive data from the docking station; a battery supported on the cart; a controller in electronic communication with the docking module and configured to receive data therefrom; a visual indicator in electronic communication with the controller and selectively powered by the battery, the visual indicator operable between at least a first state responsive to completion of the emptying and cleaning operation and a second state responsive to activation of the vacuum source; wherein the visual indicator is configured to be powered by the docking station with the cart coupled to the docking station, and wherein the visual indicator is configured to be powered by the battery with the cart decoupled from the docking station.

[0168] Clause 50 - The medical waste collection system of clause 49, wherein the controller is not powered by the battery.

[0169] Clause 51 - The medical waste collection system of clause 49 or 50, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light source.

[0170] Clause 52 - The medical waste collection system of clause 51 , wherein the light source is illuminated in the first state and not illuminated in the second state.

[0171] Clause 53 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-52, wherein the visual indicator is configured to be in the second state until completion of a subsequent emptying and cleaning operation.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 38

[0172] Clause 54 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-53, wherein the visual indicator is configured to be in the first state until a subsequent activation of the vacuum source.

[0173] Clause 55 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-54, wherein the visual indicator is configured to be in the first state with the medical waste collection system in a power off state.

[0174] Clause 56 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-55, wherein the cart comprises a housing defining a window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, and wherein the visual indicator is disposed on a front of the housing and positioned above the window.

[0175] Clause 57 - The medical waste collection system of clause 56, further comprising a first user interface disposed on the housing, wherein the visual indicator is vertically positioned between the first user interface and the window.

[0176] Clause 58 - The medical waste collection system of clause 57, further comprising: a rear handle disposed on a rear side of the cart opposite the front of the housing; and a second visual indicator disposed between the rear handle and rear side.

[0177] Clause 59 - The medical waste collection system of clause 58, further comprising a second user interface disposed on the rear side of the housing, wherein the second visual indicator is disposed beneath the second user interface.

[0178] Clause 60 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-55, wherein the cart further comprises a housing defining a front window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, and wherein the medical waste collection system further comprises a rear handle disposed on the cart on a rear side opposite the front window, and wherein the visual indicator is disposed between the rear handle and rear side.

[0179] Clause 61 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 49-55, wherein the cart further comprises a housing defining a front window through which at least a portion of the waste canister is visible, and wherein the medical waste collection system further comprises a rear handle disposed on the cart on a rear side opposite the front window, and wherein the visual indicator is disposed on or adjacent to one or both lateral portions of the rear handleClause 62 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing; an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recess; and a work surface assemblyINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 39comprising, a panel moveable relative to the cart to a deployed position where the panel is disposed above the upper frame and to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the upper frame, and a locking member slidably coupled to the panel and engageable with the upper frame to secure the panel to the upper frame in the deployed position.

[0181] Clause 63 - The medical waste collection system of clause 62, wherein the upper frame comprises a recess to receive the locking member to secure the panel to the upper frame in the deployed position.

[0182] Clause 64 - The medical waste collection system of clause 62 or 63, wherein the work surface assembly further comprises one or more hooks coupled to the panel and configured to latch onto the upper frame in the deployed position.

[0183] Clause 65 - The medical waste collection system of clause 64, wherein the locking member is disposed adjacent one end of the panel and the one or more hooks are disposed adjacent an opposite end of the panel.

[0184] Clause 66 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 62-65, wherein a top surface of the upper frame has a first surface area, and wherein the panel defines a top panel surface having a second surface area larger than the first surface area.

[0185] Clause 67 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing including a sidewall and defining a recess; and a work surface assembly comprising a panel moveable relative to the cart to a compact position where the panel is pivotably coupled to the housing at a pivot disposed near an end of the panel with the panel disposed parallel to the sidewall, and the panel moveable to a deployed position where the panel is pivoted about the pivot to project the panel away from the sidewall and with the panel received within the recess of the housing.

[0186] Clause 68 - The medical waste collection system of clause 67, wherein the panel in the deployed position is oriented perpendicularly to the sidewall.

[0187] Clause 69 - The medical waste collection system of clause 67 or 68, further comprising an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and defining a recessed top surface, wherein the panel in the deployed position is parallel to the recessed top surface.

[0188] Clause 70 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 67-69, wherein one of the panel and the housing defines a slot and the other of the panel and the housingINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 40includes a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the compact and deployed positions.

[0189] Clause 71 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 67-70, wherein the panel is movable to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the cart.

[0190] Clause 72 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 67-71, wherein one of the panel and the housing defines a slot and the other of the panel and the housing includes a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the compact and deployed positions, and wherein the slot is further defined with an opening to permit movement of the pin from the slot to facilitate movement of the panel to the removed position.

[0191] Clause 73 - The medical waste collection system of clause 72, wherein the opening of the slot is positioned such that the panel must be in the compact position before moving to the removed position.

[0192] Clause 74 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing defining a recess; an upper frame coupled to the lower housing and having a lip defining a recessed top surface; a work surface assembly comprising a panel moveable relative to the cart to a compact position where the panel is partially disposed in the recess of the housing with an end of the panel protruding from the recess to further define the recessed top surface, and the panel moveable to a deployed position where the panel is disposed outside the recess and projects away from the housing.

[0193] Clause 75 - The medical waste collection system of clause 74, wherein the panel in the deployed position is parallel to the recessed top surface.

[0194] Clause 76 - The medical waste collection system of clause 74 or 75, wherein one of the panel and the housing defines a slot and the other of the panel and the housing includes a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the compact and deployed positions.

[0195] Clause 77 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 74-76, wherein the panel is movable to a removed position where the panel is spaced from the cart.

[0196] Clause 78 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 74-77, wherein one of the panel and the housing defines a slot and the other of the panel and the housing includes a pin received in the slot to constrain movement of the panel between the first and secondINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 41positions, and wherein the slot is further defined with an opening to permit movement of the pin from the slot to facilitate movement of the panel to the removed position.

[0197] Clause 79 - The medical waste collection system of clause 78, wherein the opening of the slot is positioned such that the panel must be in the deployed position before moving to the removed position.

[0198] Clause 80 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 74-79, wherein the panel comprises a panel lip that forms a continuous lip surface with the lip of the upper frame.

[0199] Clause 81- The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 74-80, wherein the work surface assembly includes a seal coupled to the panel with the seal abutting the upper frame in the compact position to prevent spillage on the work surface between the panel and the upper frame.

[0200] Clause 82 - A medical waste collection system comprising: a cart comprising a housing including a sidewall defining a recess; a work surface assembly comprising a panel moveable relative to the cart to a compact position where the panel is pivotably coupled to the housing at a pivot disposed near an end of the panel with the panel disposed parallel to the sidewall, and the panel moveable to a deployed position where the panel is pivoted about the pivot to project the panel away from the sidewall and with the panel received within the recess of the housing.

[0201] Clause 83 - The medical waste collection system of any one of clauses 1-82, further comprising a vacuum source supported on the cart and a waste canister supported on the cart.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 42

Claims

CLAIMS1. A work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface having a front, a rear, and opposing sides, the work surface assembly comprising: a lower panel configured to be supported by the recessed top surface of the cart; and an upper panel coupled to the lower panel, wherein one of the lower panel and the upper panel comprises a rail and the other of the lower panel and the upper panel comprises a rail follower adapted to facilitate slidable coupling between the lower panel and the upper panel, wherein the rail and the rail follower are configured to be oriented parallel to the front and the rear of the cart with the work surface assembly supported by the recessed top surface of the cart such that the upper panel is configured to slide laterally relative to the lower panel and the cart.

2. The work surface assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper panel is wider than the lower panel, and, optionally, wherein the upper panel is configured to be wider than a width of the recessed work surface.

3. The work surface assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower panel is removably couplable to the recessed top surface.

4. The work surface assembly of claim 3, wherein the removable coupling comprises one of a magnetic coupler and a latch.

5. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein an underside of the upper panel comprises a pair of guide tracks configured to be slidably coupled to one or more storage drawers.

6. The work surface assembly of claim 5, wherein the pair of guide tracks are perpendicular to the rail and the rail follower such that the one or more storage drawers may be accessed from the front of the cart.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 437. The work surface assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the pair of guide tracks is positioned near one of the sides of the upper panel such that the one or more storage drawers are positioned adjacent to one of the sides of the cart.

8. The work surface assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of guide tracks are configured to be disposed between the upper panel and the lower panel with the upper panel slid laterally towards the other one of the sides of the cart.

9. The work surface assembly of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a second pair of guide tracks disposed on the same side of the upper panel.

10. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 7-9, further comprising at least one additional pair of guide tracks positioned near the other one of the sides of the upper panel such that the one or more storage drawers are positioned adjacent to both sides of the cart.

11. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 5-11, further comprising the one or more storage drawers.

12. The work surface assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper panel encloses an upper opening of the one or more storage drawers with the one or more storage drawers in a stowed position.

13. The work surface assembly of claim 11, wherein a width of the upper panel is approximately equal to a sum of a width of the cart and a width of two of the storage drawers.

14. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the upper panel comprises a continuous lip extending around a perimeter and raised relative to a main surface of the upper panel.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 4415. A work surface assembly for a medical waste collection system including a cart defining a recessed top surface, the work surface assembly comprising: a base panel sized to be supported within the recessed top surface of the medical waste collection system; one or more support spacers connected to the base panel; an upper panel connected to the support spacers and supported above the base panel to define a gap therebetween, wherein the upper panel is configured to provide a central work surface; a first work shelf disposed within the gap and slidable relative to the base panel and the upper panel to be deployed in a first lateral direction in which a first panel is exposed; and a second work shelf disposed within the gap and slidable relative to the base panel and the upper panel to be deployed in an opposing second lateral direction in which a second panel is exposed.

16. The work surface assembly of claim 15, wherein the first work shelf and the second work shelf are independently deployable.

17. The work surface assembly of claims 15 or 16, wherein the first work shelf further comprises a first handle extending outwardly downward from the first panel, wherein the second work shelf further comprises a second handle outwardly downward from the second panel, and, optionally, wherein the first handle and the second handle are contoured to opposing upper sides of the medical waste collection system.

18. The work surface assembly of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first handle and the second handle comprises couplers configured to support an accessory package, and, optionally, wherein the couplers are clips configured to suspend the accessory package from at least one of the first work shelf and the second work shelf.

19. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-18, wherein at least one of the first panel and the second panel define one or more openings sized to support a formalin jar.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 4520. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-19, wherein one of support spacers extends laterally along a front of the base panel, and another one of the support spacers extends laterally along a rear of the base panel.

21. The work surface assembly of claim 20, wherein widths of the first work shelf and the second work shelf are less than a depth of the base panel and the upper panel.

22. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-21, wherein the base panel, the upper panel, the first panel, and the second panel are arranged in a stacked configuration.

23. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-22, further comprising a light assembly comprising a mount forming one of the support spacers, and a light coupled to the mount.

24. The work surface assembly of claim 23, wherein the light assembly further comprises an arm pivotably coupled to the mount at a pivot, and wherein the light is coupled to the arm.

25. The work surface assembly of claim 24, wherein the pivot is positioned so as to cause the light to pivot upwardly inward towards a lateral midline of the upper panel.

26. The work surface assembly of claims 24 or 25, wherein the upper panel defines a slot through which the arm of the light assembly is accessible and pivotably deployable.

27. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-26, wherein at least one of the upper panel, the first work shelf, and the second work shelf defines a groove extending about a periphery of a respective one of the central work surface, the first panel, and the second panel to collect spillage of liquid medical waste.

28. The work surface assembly of any one of claims 15-27, further comprising retention features configured to releasably secure the work surface assembly to the medicalINST2641PCT / 060210.05232 46waste collection system, optionally, wherein the retention features are one of magnets, clips, and detents.

29. A medical waste collection system comprising: the work surface assembly of any one of claims 1-28; a cart; a waste canister supported on the cart; and a vacuum source supported on the cart.INST2641PCT / 060210.05232 47

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