DEVICE FOR ASPIRATOR, ASPIRATORS AND METHOD OF PROVIDING DEVICE FOR ASPIRATOR

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to aspirator devices. In particular, a device for an aspirator, a method of providing a device for an aspirator, a device system comprising two devices, a device provided by means of the method, and an aspirator comprising such device or such device system, are provided.

Background

A medical aspirator is a device for removing or aspirating e.g. bodily fluids during medical procedures or emergency situations. For example, a patient or victim may need to be exposed to vacuum suction to remove bodily fluids and secretions from the upper airways, lungs or other locations. A medical aspirator is a part of the standard equipment in most ambulances.

Aspirators are also applicable to non-medical uses, such as to remove liquid and/or debris from a confined space. One example is the use of an aspirator in ventilation systems such as heating and cooling systems.

Many aspirators comprise a reservoir for collecting the received liquids that needs to be positioned on a horizontal surface in order to function. The aspirator typically also comprises an exhaust air filter in an upper part of the reservoir, a vacuum pump and a valve arrangement. When the reservoir is horizontal, the suctioned liquid is collected in the bottom of the reservoir and the risk of filter clogging is reduced. However, if the reservoir is not horizontal, the filter might clog rapidly and the suction operation is consequently deteriorated or stopped.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 2020114581 Ai discloses a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a suction inlet for suctioned air, liquid and particles; an exhaust outlet for air; a reservoir for collecting liquid and particles separated from the air; and a clearing arrangement fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet, the clearing arrangement being configured to provide a path of air, substantially cleared from liquid sucked through the suction inlet, to the exhaust outlet, in any orientation of the device in space.

Summary

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved device for an aspirator.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for an aspirator, which device can efficiently collect liquids and/or solids.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for an aspirator, which device has a cost-efficient design.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for an aspirator, which device provides a longer lifetime and/ or reduced requirements of maintenance of the aspirator.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for an aspirator, which device has improved user experience.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for an aspirator, which device enables an improved separation of liquid from air.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of providing a device for an aspirator, which method is cost-efficient.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of providing a device for an aspirator, which method is less complicated. A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of providing a device for an aspirator, which method solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a device system comprising two devices, which device system solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an aspirator comprising a device, which aspirator solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a device inlet for receiving air, liquids and solids; a device outlet for delivering air; at least one reservoir for collection of received liquids and solids separated from the air, each reservoir comprising a volume fluidly between the device inlet and the device outlet through which air can pass; and a plurality of elongated catching elements for catching liquids and solids arranged inside the at least one reservoir, the catching elements collectively spanning across the volume and being deflectable relative to the associated reservoir.

When solids and liquids collide with the catching elements, the catching elements will deflect to brake the speed and stop the solids and liquids. The tension introduced in the catching elements by deflection may also assist to hold the solids and liquids inside the volume. This particularly applies for more viscous liquids, but also for water.

Furthermore, the deflectable property of the catching elements will enable one or more paths for air to be kept through the volume for a longer time period of operation of the aspirator. The deflectable property of the catching elements assists the one or more air paths to circumvent the solids and liquids held by the catching elements. The one or more air paths may change as the reservoir is being filled. In general, the one or more air paths will appear where the flow resistance is the lowest. The deflectable property of the catching elements enables the catching elements to function as a filter but with greatly varying pore sizes and greatly changeable pore sizes.

By means of the deflectable catching elements collectively spanning across the volume, the device enables large amounts (in comparison to the size of the reservoir) of liquids and solids to be reliably collected and held in the reservoir while allowing air to pass therethrough. If no catching elements are provided, or if the catching elements do not span across the volume, liquids and solids might simply pass through the reservoir without being collected. If the catching elements are not deflectable, liquids and solids will immediately clog the reservoir in an upstream section leading to a poor utilization of the volume.

The reservoir is configured to receive air, liquids and solids from the device inlet. The reservoir may define a center line. In case the reservoir is straight, the center line also constitutes a longitudinal center axis of the reservoir. The catching elements may be substantially symmetrically arranged, or symmetrically arranged, with respect to the center line. The volume may be substantially parallel with, or parallel with, the center line. The volume may be at least 100 ml and/or less than 300 ml.

The reservoir may be of various shapes, such as elongated. In case the reservoir is elongated, the reservoir may be straight or curved. Alternatively, or in addition, the reservoir may be rigid or flexible.

The reservoir may have various different cross-sectional shapes. The reservoir may for example have a circular, elliptical, D-shaped or flower shaped cross-section. The cross-sectional shape may be constant or may vary along a length of the reservoir. According to one example, the reservoir is cylindrical. In this case, an outer diameter of the reservoir may be at least 30 mm and/or less than 100 mm, such as 50 mm.

The reservoir may comprise at least one reservoir wall. The at least one reservoir wall may define the volume between the device inlet and the device outlet. In addition to the device inlet and the device outlet, the reservoir may be hermetically sealed. The at least one reservoir wall may thus be fluid impermeable.

The device inlet may be configured to be fluidly connected with an aspiration site and capable of receiving fluids from the aspiration site. The device inlet may be substantially aligned with, or aligned with, the center line. In this way, the air, liquids and solids will enter the reservoir at a center thereof. Alternatively, or in addition, the device outlet may be substantially aligned with, or aligned with, the center line.

The catching elements may be configured to provide a path of air, substantially cleared, or cleared, from liquids and solids sucked through the device inlet, to the device outlet, in any orientation, or substantially any orientation, of the device in space. Since the catching elements collectively span across the volume, the device (and the entire aspirator) can be oriented arbitrarily in space during operation of the aspirator. A thickness of each catching element maybe at least o.i mm and/or less than 2 mm, such as 0.3 mm.

The catching elements may be made of plastic, such as thermoplastic. One example of specific material for the catching elements is polycaprolactam (PA6).

According to one variant, the catching elements collectively span across the volume such that there is no path parallel with a center line of the reservoir through the volume that is not obstructed by at least one of the catching elements. Alternatively, or in addition, a total volume of one or more unobstructed paths parallel with the center line may be less than 5 %, such as less than 1 %, of the volume of the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition, the only unobstructed path or paths through the reservoir may be between adjacent parallel, or substantially parallel, catching elements. Although the catching elements collectively span across the volume, the catching elements may be positioned in a plurality of planes transverse to the center line. The catching elements may be configured such that the catching elements only move relative to the reservoir by deflection. Thus, although the catching elements deflect, they do not follow the downstream flow. The catching elements may be provided along more than half of a length of the reservoir, such as along at least 6o %, such as along at least 8o %, of the length of the reservoir.

Each catching element may have a length that is more than ten times a largest width of the catching element. In one example, the catching elements are substantially straight, or straight. The catching elements may be separated from each other, e.g. not intertwined.

The catching elements may provide a relatively open structure inside the volume. The bodies of the catching elements may for example occupy less than 30 %, such as less than 10 %, of the volume. The relatively open structure provided by the catching elements enables relatively large particles to be collected even in downstream sections of the volume.

The device may comprise at least one internal body, such as a shaft or tube, inside the volume. Each internal body may be hollow or solid. In any case, each internal body may be closed to the volume. Some or all of the catching elements may be connected to one or more of the at least one internal body. Alternatively, or in addition, the catching elements may be connected to the at least one reservoir wall.

The device may comprise at least one catching arrangement according to the present disclosure, for example in the form of a bottle brush having catching elements in the form of bristles. The one or more catching arrangement may comprise the catching elements. In case the device comprises a plurality of catching arrangements, the catching arrangements may be arranged in a star shape.

The device may further comprise a restriction downstream of the volume. For example, in case the device outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the volume adjacent to the device outlet, such restriction is provided. The cross-sectional area of the device outlet may be less than 8o %, such as less than 50 %, of the cross-sectional area of the volume adjacent to the device outlet.

The air may pass along a flow path in the volume. In this case, the catching elements may collectively span across the volume substantially transverse, or transverse, to the flow path.

The catching elements may be flexible. In this case, the catching elements may be either rigidly or flexibly connected to the reservoir or to an internal body inside the reservoir. In case the catching elements are rigid, the deflectable property of the catching elements can be obtained by flexible connections to the reservoir or to an internal body inside the reservoir.

Each reservoir may define a center line. In this case, some or all of the catching elements may extend substantially radially, or radially, with respect to the center line.

Each catching element may comprise two end portions. In this case, at least one of the end portions may be substantially fixed, or fixed, with respect to the associated reservoir. According to one variant, only one end portion of each catching element is substantially fixed, or fixed, with respect to the associated reservoir. All catching elements may for example be fixed directly to one or more internal bodies of the device. When the one or more internal bodies are fixed to the reservoir, also the catching elements are fixed with respect to the reservoir.

According to a further example, all catching elements are fixed directly to the reservoir, e.g. to the at least one reservoir wall. According to a further example, some catching elements are fixed directly to one or more internal bodies and some catching elements are fixed directly to the reservoir.

The device may further comprise a sorbent material inside one or more of the at least one reservoir for sorbing liquids. Throughout the present disclosure, the sorbent material may be an absorbent material or an adsorbent material. The device may comprise at least i g and/or less than 20 g, such as 2 g to 6 g of sorbent material.

By means of an absorbent material, both water and viscous fluids can be absorbed. One example of a suitable absorbent material is superabsorbent polymers, SAP, e.g. a compound which is comprised in the class of superabsorbent polymers. As used herein, "superabsorbent polymers" is a material which in contact with water forms hydrogel, thus absorbing and retaining, at least 200 %, such as up to 300 %, by weight of water. This class of compounds may substantially comprise polymers able to bond the water molecules by means of hydrogen bond. The superabsorbent polymers, or an alternative absorbent material, maybe provided in powder form or as particles. According to one variant, the device comprises superabsorbent polymers configured to absorb and retain 0.1-0.51 water such as 0.2-0.31 water, for example in 1-3 s. An alternative example of an absorbent material is silica gel. At least one gram of absorbent material may be provided in each reservoir.

By means of an adsorbent material, water and viscous fluids can be attracted by means of adhesion. One example of an adsorbent material is adhesive.

The sorbent material may be provided on the catching elements. In this way, the device can provide a very large area of sorbent material in relation to the size of the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition, the sorbent material may be provided on an interior surface of the at least one reservoir wall and/or on the one or more internal bodies inside the reservoir.

The at least one reservoir may comprise a first reservoir and a second reservoir fluidly connected with the first reservoir. The first reservoir and the second reservoir may have many different relative orientations. The first reservoir and the second reservoir may for example be parallel, coaxial or angled relative to each other.

The second reservoir may be fluidly connected in series with the first reservoir. Alternatively, the second reservoir may be fluidly connected in parallel with the first reservoir. The device may also comprise a second reservoir fluidly connected in series with a first reservoir and a third reservoir fluidly connected in parallel with the first reservoir.

A first density of the catching elements in the first reservoir may be different from a second density of the catching elements in the second reservoir. In case the first reservoir is an upstream reservoir and the second reservoir is a downstream reservoir, the catching element may be more densely arranged in the downstream reservoir than in the upstream reservoir.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of providing a device for an aspirator, the method comprising providing a reservoir for collection of received liquids and solids separated from air, the reservoir comprising a volume through which air can pass; providing at least one catching arrangement comprising a substantially straight, or straight, internal body, and a plurality of elongated catching elements for catching solids, the catching elements being connected to the internal body, protruding generally radially outwards, or radially outwards, from the internal body and being deflectable relative to the internal body; inserting the at least one catching arrangement into the reservoir such that the catching elements and the internal body collectively span across the volume; and providing a device inlet for receiving air, liquids and solids, and a device outlet for delivering air, such that the volume is arranged fluidly between the device inlet and the device outlet.

By inserting the catching arrangement into the reservoir, the device can be assembled in a very simple manner. The device can also easily be disassembled in a reverse manner, i.e. by retracting the catching arrangement out from the reservoir. When the catching arrangement is retracted, collected liquids and solids can be removed from the catching arrangement and from the reservoir. The catching arrangement or a new catching arrangement can then be inserted into the reservoir again for continued use. The device provided according to the second aspect therefore functions as a refill unit. Throughout the present disclosure, the internal body may be a shaft. Each catching arrangement may comprise, or be constituted by, a bottle brush. The internal body may comprise a plurality of twisted wires. In this case, the wires in the internal body may or may not also form the elongated catching elements.

Alternatively, the catching elements may be connected to the internal body. In this case, the internal body may be made of plastic. The catching elements may be connected to the internal body in the same way as bristles are connected to a shaft of a toothbrush.

The at least one catching arrangement may span a catching element volume having a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding interior area of the reservoir prior to insertion of the at least one catching arrangement into the reservoir. In this way, the catching elements will be pressed against an interior surface of the at least one reservoir wall. The internal body will thereby become substantially fixed, or fixed, to the reservoir.

The method may further comprise providing a sorbent material inside the reservoir. The sorbent material may be of any type according to the present disclosure.

The method may further comprise providing the sorbent material on the catching elements. The sorbent material may be connected to the catching elements by means of adhesive. The adhesive maybe glue. The adhesive may be sprayed onto the catching elements before the sorbent material is adhered thereto. Absorbent material may be adhered to the catching elements by dipping the catching elements provided with adhesive into a bath of absorbent material.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, wherein the device is provided by means of the method according to the second aspect. The device according to the third aspect maybe of any type according to the first aspect. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a device inlet for receiving air and liquids; a device outlet for delivering air; a reservoir for collection of received liquids separated from the air, the reservoir comprising a volume fluidly between the device inlet and the device outlet through which air can pass, and defining a center line; an absorber structure for absorbing liquids, the absorber structure comprising a plurality of absorber sections arranged substantially in parallel, or in parallel, with the center line; and a distribution structure configured to allow air and liquids to pass therethrough, the distribution structure comprising a plurality of distribution sections; wherein the absorber sections and the distribution sections are alternatingly arranged inside the reservoir.

Due to the absorber sections and the distribution sections being alternatingly arranged, the absorption of liquid by the absorber sections contributes both to collect liquid and to clear the distribution sections from liquid to enable a more efficient passing of air. The device can thereby provide an efficient separation of liquid from air for long periods of time and a high degree of liquid filling of the container. The device enables only, or substantially only, air to pass through. Without the distribution structure, an upstream region of the absorber structure would be clogged with absorbed liquid relatively fast leading to a poor utilization of the volume. The device enables a particularly efficient collection of blood, but also efficient collection of, for example, stomach acid and alcoholic liquids.

The reservoir is configured to receive air and liquids from the device inlet. The reservoir, the device inlet and the device outlet of the fourth aspect may be of the same type as in the first aspect. For example, the reservoir may comprise at least one reservoir wall. The at least one reservoir wall may define the volume between the device inlet and the device outlet. In addition to the device inlet and the device outlet, the reservoir may be hermetically sealed. The at least one reservoir wall may thus be fluid impermeable. The volume maybe at least 100 ml and/or less than 300 ml. The absorber structure and the distribution structure may be configured to provide a path of air, substantially cleared, or cleared, from liquids sucked through the device inlet, to the device outlet, in any orientation, or substantially any orientation, of the device in space.

The absorber sections and the distribution sections may be alternatingly arranged in a sandwich structure. The device may comprise at least three absorber sections and at least three distribution sections alternatingly arranged along a radial line with respect to the center line.

The distribution structure functions to distribute liquid to the absorber structure, to pass air therethrough and to separate the absorber sections from each other. The distribution structure may comprise an internal continuous network of passages. The distribution structure may comprise at least 5 pores per inches (PPI) and/or less than 50 PPI, such as 10 PPI to 40 PPI, such as 20 PPI.

The distribution structure may be made of plastic or rubber. The distribution structure may for example be made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

The distribution structure may be rigid or flexible. A rigid distribution structure may for example be produced by additive manufacturing, for example with plastic.

The absorber structure may mechanically absorb the liquid such that the liquid is sucked into the absorber sections. In comparison with the distribution structure, the absorber structure may be substantially impermeable to air. The air permeability of the absorber structure may for example be less than 50 %, such as less than 20 %, of the air permeability of the distribution structure. The absorber structure may have a density of at least 50 g/m ² and/or less than 150 g/m ² , such as 100 g/m ² .

The absorber structure and the distribution structure may collectively span across the volume. The absorber structure and the distribution structure may block an entire cross-sectional area (transverse to the center line) of the volume.

Each of the absorber structure and the distribution structure may be arranged along more than half of a length of the volume along the center line.

The absorber structure and the distribution structure may be provided along more than half of the length of the reservoir, such as along at least 6o %, such as along at least 8o %, of a length of the reservoir. The distribution structure may extend along the absorber structure over at least 8o %, such as 100 %, of a length of the absorber structure parallel with the center line.

The distribution structure may be connected to the absorber structure. The distribution structure may for example be connected to the absorber structure by hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro ™.

The absorber sections may be formed from one or more flat absorber sheets. A thickness of each absorber sheet (in a direction transverse to the center line) may be at least 1 mm and/ or less than 15 mm, such as 3 mm to 10 mm, such as 5 mm. Alternatively, or in addition, the distribution sections may be formed from one or more flat distribution sheets. A thickness of each distribution sheet (in a direction transverse to the center line) maybe at least 1 mm and/or less than 15 mm, such as 3 mm to 10 mm, such as 5 mm.

The absorber sections may be formed from a continuous flat absorber sheet. In this case, the absorber sheet may be arranged in a roll. Also a continuous flat distribution sheet may be arranged in the roll. In this case, the distribution sheet and/or the absorber sheet maybe compressed in a radial direction with respect to the center line.

As a possible alternative to a roll, the absorber sheet and the distribution sheet connected thereto may be arranged in a zigzag shape, for example in the shape of one or several W-shapes. The device may further comprise an internal body. In this case, the absorber sheet may be rolled around the internal body. Also the distribution sheet may be rolled around the internal body.

The absorber sheet and the distribution sheet may be connected to the internal body. The internal body may be rotated by a machine to form the roll comprising the absorber sheet and the distribution sheet.

The internal body may be made of plastic. Alternatively, or in addition, the internal body may be closed to the volume such that air and liquid are prevented from passing therethrough.

The absorber structure may comprise nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, or in addition, the absorber structure may comprise cellulose and/or viscose (rayon).

Each distribution section may comprise a plurality of open cells. The open cells provide passages for air through the distribution sections, e.g. in parallel with the center line. The distribution structure may comprise a sponge material, a foam material and/or a filter foam material. The material of the distribution structure may for example be rubber or plastic. According to a further example, the distribution structure may comprise steel wool.

The distribution structure may be compressed inside the volume. The compression ensures that the absorber structure and the distribution structure collectively cover a cross-section of the volume.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of providing a device for an aspirator, the method comprising providing a reservoir for collection of received liquids separated from air, the reservoir comprising a volume through which air can pass, and defining a center line; providing a collection arrangement comprising an absorber structure for absorbing liquids and a distribution structure configured to allow air and liquids to pass therethrough; inserting the collection arrangement into the reservoir such that a plurality of absorber sections of the absorber structure are arranged substantially in parallel with the center line and such that the absorber sections and a plurality of distribution sections of the distribution structure are alternatingly arranged inside the reservoir; and providing a device inlet for receiving air and liquids, and a device outlet for delivering air, such that the volume is arranged fluidly between the device inlet and the device outlet.

The collection arrangement may span a collection arrangement volume having a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding interior area of the reservoir prior to insertion of the collection arrangement into the reservoir.

The method may further comprise forming the collection arrangement prior to inserting the collection arrangement into the reservoir. The distribution structure and/ or the absorber structure may thereby be compressed radially with respect to the center line.

The collection arrangement may be formed from one or more flat absorber sheets and one or more flat distribution sheets.

The collection arrangement may be formed into a roll. The roll may be provided around and connected to an internal body. When the collection arrangement has been inserted into the reservoir, the internal body may be left therein.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, wherein the device is provided by means of the method according to the fifth aspect. The device according to the sixth aspect maybe of any type according to the fourth aspect.

In each of the above aspects, one or more of the at least one reservoir may comprise at least one transparent reservoir wall. A user can thereby easily see a filling degree of the reservoir through the transparent reservoir wall. In this way, the user experience is improved.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a device system comprising a device according to the first or third aspect, and a device according to the fourth or sixth aspect. Throughout the present disclosure, the device according to the first or third aspect may be referred to as a catching element device, and the device according to the fourth or sixth aspect may be referred to as an absorber and distribution device. Each of the catching element device and the absorber and distribution device may be a single use device.

The device according to the first or third aspect may be arranged upstream of the device according to the fourth or sixth aspect. This provides a particularly efficient collection of solids and liquids for an aspirator.

The device according to the first or third aspect may be arranged inside the internal body of the device according to the fourth or sixth aspect. In this case, the internal body may be cylindrical. The internal body may have an external diameter of at least 5 mm and/or less than 50 mm, such as 20 mm.

The catching elements may be positioned between two absorber sections.

According to an eighth aspect, there is provided an aspirator comprising a device according to any of the first, third, fourth and sixth aspect, or a device system according to the seventh aspect. The aspirator may for example be a medical aspirator or an industrial aspirator. The aspirator may comprise a vacuum pump, e.g. for suction from the device inlet and exhaust through the device outlet. The aspirator may further comprise a motor for driving the vacuum pump. As a possible alternative, the aspirator may comprise a pump upstream of the device that is not necessarily a vacuum pump. Throughout the present disclosure, the aspirator may be handheld.

The aspirator may further comprise a filter. The filter maybe arranged downstream of the device. The filter may for example be a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Alternatively, or in addition, the filter may be hydrophobic. The type of filter used may depend on the specific implementation, e.g. maybe selected in dependence of which fluids the filter will be exposed to.

According to one variant, the aspirator comprises a device according to the first or third aspect, and an open passage between an aspiration site and the catching elements. In this case, the aspirator does for example not comprise any filter between the aspiration site and the catching elements. According to a further variant, the aspirator comprises a device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, but not a device according to the first or third aspect. In this case, the aspirator may further comprise a filter between the aspiration site and the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1: schematically represents a side view of an aspirator comprising a device;

Fig. 2a: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of one example of the device;

Fig. 2b: schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device in section A-A in Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a volume of the device in Figs. 2a and 2b;

Fig. 3a: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the device in operation;

Fig. 3b: schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device in section B-B in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of the volume of the device in operation;

Fig. 4a: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of components of a further example of a device in an unassembled state;

Fig. 4b: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the components of the device in Fig. 4a during insertion of a catching arrangement into a reservoir;

Fig. 4c: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the assembled device; Fig. 5: schematically represents an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 6: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 7: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 8a: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 8b: schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device in section C-C in Fig. 8a;

Fig. 8c: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a volume of the device in Figs. 8a and 8b;

Fig. 9: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 10: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 11a: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 11b: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a volume of the device in Fig. 11a;

Fig. 12: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 13a: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device;

Fig. 13b: schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device in section D-D in Fig. 13a;

Fig. 14: schematically represents a perspective view of a collection arrangement;

Fig. 15a: schematically represents a side view of one example of a device system; and

Fig. 15b: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device system. Detailed Description

In the following, a device for an aspirator, a method of providing a device for an aspirator, a device system comprising two devices, a device provided by means of the method, and an aspirator comprising such device or such device system, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

Fig. i schematically represents a side view of one specific example of an aspirator io. The aspirator io is here exemplified as a handheld medical aspirator. The aspirator io comprises a pistol shaped housing 12 that is horizontally oriented in Fig. 1. The aspirator 10 comprises a device 14. The device 14 comprises a device inlet 16 and a device outlet 18. The device inlet 16 comprises a suction tip 20. The suction tip 20 can be applied to a suction site 22. The suction site 22 is one example of an aspiration site according to the present disclosure. The device inlet 16 is configured to receive air, liquids and solids sucked from the suction site 22. The aspirator 10 of this example comprises an open passage without any filter between the suction site 22 and the device inlet 16. The device outlet 18 is configured to deliver air away from the device 14.

The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises a vacuum pump 24. The vacuum pump 24 of this example comprises a piston chamber and a piston reciprocatingly movable within the piston chamber.

The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises a filter 26, such as a hydrophobic HEPA filter. The filter 26 is arranged downstream of the device 14, here fluidly between the device outlet 18 and the vacuum pump 24. The filter 26 filters any remaining liquids and solids from the air downstream of the device 14.

The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises an inlet valve 28 between the filter 26 and the vacuum pump 24, and an outlet valve 30 downstream of the vacuum pump 24. Each of the inlet valve 28 and the outlet valve 30 is a one-way valve. Air from the outlet valve 30 is exhausted to the ambient atmosphere at an exhaust outlet 32.

The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises a transmission 34 and an electric motor 36 for driving the vacuum pump 24 via the transmission 34. The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises an electronic control system 38 for controlling operations of the motor 36, and a power source 40 for electrically powering the control system 38 and the motor 36.

When operating the vacuum pump 24, an underpressure is established in the device 14. The underpressure in the device 14 causes air, liquids and solids to be sucked from the suction site 22 through the device inlet 16, for example with a flow of 301/min. A high amount of liquids and solids are collected in the device 14 as will be described below. Air passes through the device 14 and the filter 26 removes any remaining liquids and solids from the air passing therethrough. The air is pumped out through the exhaust outlet 32 by means of the vacuum pump 24.

As shown in Fig. 1, instead of a single device 14, the aspirator 10 may comprise a device system 41 comprising a plurality of devices 14. The device system 41 or each device may be removably inserted into the housing 12.

Fig. 2a schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of one example of a device 14a. The device 14a may constitute the device 14 in Fig. 1 for use with the aspirator 10. The device 14a comprises a reservoir 42a. The reservoir 42a is configured to collect liquids and solids separated from the suctioned air.

The reservoir 42a of this example comprises a reservoir wall 44, an inlet wall 46 and an outlet wall 48. The device inlet 16 forms an opening through the inlet wall 46, and the device outlet 18 forms an opening through the outlet wall 48. The reservoir 42a of this example is a rigid cylinder and has a straight center line 50 coinciding with a longitudinal center axis of the reservoir 42a. Each of the device inlet 16 and the device outlet 18 is here concentric with the center line 50. The device 14a further comprises a shaft 52. The shaft 52 is one example of an internal body according to the present disclosure. The shaft 52 is positioned inside the reservoir 42a. As shown in Fig. 2a, the shaft 52 of this example is straight, solid and concentric with the center line 50. The shaft 52 maybe made of plastic.

The device 14a further comprises a plurality of elongated catching elements 54 arranged inside the reservoir 42a. In operation of the aspirator 10, the catching elements 54 catch liquids and solids inside the reservoir 42a and at least to a large extent prevent the liquids and solids from entering the device outlet 18.

In this example, the catching elements 54 are flexible and connected to the shaft 52. The catching elements 54 of this example are not connected to the reservoir 42a. The catching elements 54 can thereby deflect relative to the reservoir 42a. The shaft 52 in turn is substantially stationary with respect to the reservoir 42a. The catching elements 54 in Fig. 2a are evenly distributed along a length of the reservoir 42a, here along more than 80 % of a length of the reservoir 42a between the inlet wall 46 and the outlet wall 48.

The reservoir 42a comprises a volume 56 fluidly between the device inlet 16 and the device outlet 18. In operation of the aspirator 10, air passes from the device inlet 16, through the volume 56 and to the device outlet 18. As shown in Fig. 2a, the volume 56 is parallel with the center line 50.

The reservoir wall 44 is transparent such that a user can see into the volume 56 through the reservoir wall 44. The reservoir wall 44 may be made of plastic. Also the housing 12 of the aspirator 10 may be transparent.

The transition between the volume 56 and the device outlet 18 provides a restriction. A cross-sectional area of the device outlet 18 is in this specific example approximately 11 % of an area of the volume 56 transverse to the center line 50 inside the reservoir wall 44. The reservoir 42a is fluid impermeable. The only interfaces from the volume 56 to the exterior of the reservoir 42a are through the device inlet 16 and the device outlet 18.

Fig. 2b schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device 14a in section A-A in Fig. 2a. As shown in Fig. 2b, the catching elements 54 of this example are straight and extend radially outwardly from the shaft 52 with respect to the center line 50. Each catching element 54 has a length that is more than ten times its width. The catching elements 54 are substantially evenly distributed in a circumferential direction of the shaft 52. The catching elements 54 are thereby also symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line 50.

Fig. 2b shows that the catching elements 54 span across the volume 56. Although spaces are seen between the catching elements 54 in Fig. 2b, the catching elements 54 may collectively block the entire area inside the volume 56 such that it is not possible to see through the volume 56.

Fig. 2c schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of the volume 56 of the device 14a in Figs. 2b and 2c. As illustrated in Fig. 2c, the shaft 52 is not included in the volume 56. In this example, the catching elements 54 span across the volume 56 in directions substantially perpendicular to the center line 50.

Fig. 3a schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the device 14a in operation, Fig. 3b schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device 14a in section B-B in Fig. 3a, and Fig. 3c schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of the volume 56 of the device 14a in operation. As shown in Fig. 3a, air 58 passes through the volume 56 along a flow path 60. The catching elements 54 of this example span across the volume 56 generally transverse to the flow path 60.

Fig. 3a further illustrates how liquids 62 and solids 64 are collected by the catching elements 54 inside the volume 56. Liquids 62 collected by the aspirator 10 inside the volume 56 may for example include various types of bodily fluids, such as blood, secretions, gastric, vomit and/or urine. Further examples of collected liquids 62 may be alcohols, acids, soaps, poisons etc. Solids 64 collected by the aspirator 10 may for example include sand, gravel, debris, fragments, or other particles and/or lumps.

When solids 64 collide with the catching elements 54, the catching elements 54 deflect. This deflection brakes the speed of the solids 64 and assists to hold the solids 64 inside the volume 56. Also liquids 62, at least more viscous liquids 62, can be caught and held in a corresponding manner. If for example several solids 64 are held by the catching elements 54 in an upstream section of the volume 56, the flow resistance will increase. Eventually, this increase in flow resistance will cause further deflection of one or more catching elements 54 such that one or more of the solids 64 travel further downwards inside the volume 56. The volume 56 will therefore in many cases be filled sequentially.

Although only one flow path 60 is denoted in Fig. 3a, it should be understood that there may often be several flow paths 60, generally parallel with the center line 50, and that these flow paths 60 may change as the volume 56 is being filled. The deflectable property of the catching elements 54 thus enables the flow paths 60 to change dynamically and to circumvent collected liquids 62 and solids 64 inside the volume 56. The ability of the flow paths 60 to change due to the deflectable property of the catching elements 54, and the dimensioning of the catching elements 54 to span across the volume 56, enable a very high filling degree of the reservoir 42a and consequently a longer uninterrupted use of the aspirator 10. The catching elements 54 also enable the device 14a to be used in any orientation in space. The air 58 exiting the device outlet 18 is substantially cleared from liquids 62 and solids 64. The user can continuously monitor the filling degree through the transparent reservoir wall 44.

The device 14a functions exceptionally well to collect viscous liquids 62. The inventors have made trials with the device 14a and discovered that the device 14a functioned very well to collect large amounts of labskaus and fruit cocktail, i.e. viscous fluids containing solids 64. Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that also capillary action between the catching elements 54 contributes to the high collection capacity of the device 14a. In addition to having a large collection capacity of liquids 62 and solids 64 compared to its size, the device 14a can also collect large particles, such as a ping-pong ball, in downstream portions of the reservoir 42a.

Fig. 4a schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of components of a further example of a device 14b in an unassembled state. In Fig. 4a, a catching arrangement 66 is shown. The catching arrangement 66 is here exemplified as a bottle brush comprising the shaft 52 and catching elements 54 in form of flexible bristles connected to, and extending radially outwardly from, the shaft 52. Fig. 4a further shows an end piece 68. The end piece 68 comprises the inlet wall 46 and the device inlet 16.

Fig. 4b schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the components of the device 14b in Fig. 4a. during insertion of the catching arrangement 66 into the reservoir 42b. As can be gathered from Fig. 4b, the catching elements 54 are larger than the interior of the reservoir 42b. That is, the catching elements 54 span a generally cylindrical catching element volume that has a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding interior area of the reservoir 42b prior to insertion of the catching arrangement 66 into the reservoir 42b. As the catching elements 54 enter into the reservoir 42b, the catching elements 54 will bend slightly. This deformation of the catching elements 54 ensures that the catching elements 54 span across the volume 56 and keeps the shaft 52 aligned with the center line 50.

Fig. 4c schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the assembled device 14b. The catching elements 54 now collectively span across the volume 56 inside the reservoir 42b. The catching arrangement 66 can thereby be installed in the reservoir 42b in a very simple manner. The end piece 68 is then connected to the reservoir 42b, for example by means of a screw joint, snap-fit, press-fit, or adhesive. The volume 56 is now positioned fluidly between the device inlet 16 and the device outlet 18. The device 14b has now been provided and is ready for use. In order to empty the reservoir 42b from collected liquids 62 and solids 64, the above described assembling process can be reversed. The catching arrangement 66 and the reservoir 42b may for example be shaken to remove the collected liquids 62 and solids 64. The catching arrangement 66 can then again be installed in the reservoir 42b for continued use. Alternatively, the entire catching arrangement 66 or the entire device 14b may be discarded and replaced.

Fig. 5 schematically represents an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14c. As shown in Fig. 5, each catching element 54 comprises a first end portion 70 and a second end portion 72. In this example, the first end portions 70 are connected to the shaft 52 and the second end portions 72 are movable relative to the reservoir wall 44. Since the shaft 52 is substantially fixed to the reservoir 42c, also the first end portions 70 are substantially fixed to the reservoir 42c. As an alternative, the second end portions 72 may be connected to the reservoir wall 44 and the first end portions 70 may be movable relative to the reservoir 42c. In this case, the shaft 52 may be omitted and at least some of the catching elements 54 may be made longer so that the catching elements 54 collectively span the volume 56.

The device 14c further comprises absorbent material 74. The absorbent material 74 is one example of a sorbent material according to the present disclosure. The absorbent material 74 may be superabsorbent polymers, SAP. The absorbent material 74 can absorb liquids 62, both water and more viscous liquids 62.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, the absorbent material 74 is provided on the catching elements 54, on an interior surface 76 of the reservoir wall 44, and on the shaft 52. The absorbent material 74 maybe connected to the interior of the device 14c by first spraying adhesive and then adhering the absorbent material 74 to the adhesive. The absorbent material 74 is thereby provided as frost on the catching elements 54, the interior surface 76 and the shaft 52. A very large area of absorbent material 74, in comparison to the size of the reservoir 42c, is consequently provided.

Fig. 6 schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device i4d. The device i4d comprises a reservoir 42d. The catching elements 54 of the device i4d are arranged more densely in a downstream section 78 of the reservoir 42b than in an upstream section 80 of the reservoir 42b. The upstream section 80 and the downstream section 78 thereby constitute a coarse section and a fine section, respectively. The upstream section 80 and the downstream section 78 maybe of equal or different lengths along the center line 50. The density of the catching elements 54 maybe at least 50 %, such as at least 100 %, higher in the downstream section 78 than in the upstream section 80. For example, at least 50 %, such as at least 100 %, more catching elements 54 maybe provided in the downstream section 78 than in the upstream section 80 if the upstream section 80 and the downstream section 78 are of equal lengths. The relatively open arrangement of the catching elements 54 in the upstream section 80 enables relatively large solids 64 to be collected while the relatively closed arrangement of the catching elements 54 in the downstream section 78 enables liquids 62 and relatively small solids 64 to be collected.

Fig. 7 schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14c. The device 14c differs from the device 14a in Figs. 2a-3c in that the device 14c comprises a conical reservoir 42c. A cross- sectional area of the volume 56 inside the reservoir 42c decreases in a downstream direction of the reservoir 42c. The device 14c further differs from the device 14a in that the catching elements 54 are more densely arranged in the downstream smaller diameter downstream section 78 of the reservoir 42c.

Fig. 8a schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14b Fig. 8b schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the device I4f in section C-C in Fig. 8a, and Fig. 8c schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a volume 56 of the device i4f in Figs. 8a and 8b. Instead of the shaft 52, the device i4f of this example comprises a hollow tube 82. The tube 82 passes through the inlet wall 46, through the reservoir 42f and through the outlet wall 48. The tube 82 is thus a further example of an internal body according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14g. The device 14g comprises a first reservoir 42g! and a second reservoir 42g2. The second reservoir 42g2 is connected fluidly in series with the first reservoir 42gi.

In this example, each of the first reservoir 42gi and the second reservoir 42g2 is cylindrical. The second reservoir 42g2 is offset from, and parallel with, the first reservoir 42gi. The first reservoir 42gi comprises a first center line 50gi and the second reservoir 42g2 comprises a second center line 50g2. The device 14g further comprises an intermediate channel 84. The intermediate channel 84 provides a fluid connection from the first reservoir 42gi to the second reservoir 42g2.

A shaft 52 with flexible catching elements 54 is provided in each of the first reservoir 42gi and the second reservoir 42g2. In the example in Fig. 9, the catching elements 54 are more densely arranged in the first reservoir 42gi than in the second reservoir 42g2. The first reservoir 42gi and the second reservoir 42g2 have equal shapes and volumes 56. However, the number of catching elements 54 in the first reservoir 42g! is approximately twice the number of catching elements 54 in the second reservoir 42g2.

Fig. 10 schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14b. The device 14I1 comprises a first reservoir 42I11 and a second reservoir 42I12. The second reservoir 42I12 is connected fluidly in parallel with the first reservoir 42I11.

The device inlet 16 branches into a first inlet line 86-1 and a second inlet line 86-2. The first inlet line 86-1 enters into the inlet wall 46 of the first reservoir 42I11. The second inlet line 86-2 enters into the inlet wall 46 of the second reservoir 42I12. The device 14I1 further comprises a first outlet line 88-1 and a second outlet line 88-2. The first outlet line 88-1 extends from the outlet wall 48 of the first reservoir 42I11. The second outlet line 88-2 extends from the outlet wall 48 of the second reservoir 42I12. The first outlet line 88-1 and the second outlet line 88-2 branch together into the device outlet 18.

Also in this example, each of the first reservoir 42I11 and the second reservoir 42I12 is cylindrical and of the same size. The second reservoir 42I12 is offset from, and parallel with, the first reservoir 42I11. The first reservoir 42I11 comprises a first center line 50I11 and the second reservoir 42I12 comprises a second center line 50I12. In Fig. 10, the densities of catching elements 54 are substantially equal in the first reservoir 42I11 and the second reservoir 42I12. However, the densities of catching elements 54 may differ between the first reservoir 42I11 and the second reservoir 42I12.

Fig. 11a schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of a further example of a device 14!. The device 14! in Fig. 11a comprises a reservoir 42! having a circular exterior profile. However, the reservoir wall 44 comprises a flower shaped interior surface 76 (in planes transverse to the center line 50).

The device 14! further comprises a plurality of catching arrangements 66, seven in this example. The catching arrangements 66 are arranged in a star shape inside the reservoir 42!. The catching arrangements 66 engage with each other to be held in place. The device 14! in Fig. 11a can be assembled in the same way as described in Figs. 4a-4c, i.e. by inserting the catching arrangements 66 into the reservoir 42!.

Fig. 11b schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of the volume 56 of the device 14! in Fig. 11a. As can be gathered from Figs. 11a and 11b, the plurality of catching arrangements 66 cooperate to enable the catching elements 54 to efficiently span across the volume 56.

Fig. 12 schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device i4j . The device i4j differs from the device 14a in Figs. 2a- 3c in that the device i4j comprises a curved reservoir 42j. Thus, also the center line 50 of the device I4j is curved. The reservoir 42j may be rigid or flexible.

Fig. 13a schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device 14k, and Fig. 13b schematically represents a cross- sectional view of the device 14k in section D-D in Fig. 13a. With collective reference to Figs. 13a and 13b, the device 14k comprises a device inlet 16, a device outlet 18 and a reservoir 42a that may all be of the same type as for the device 14a. The device 14k comprises an absorber structure 90 and a distribution structure 92. The absorber structure 90 is configured to absorb liquids 62. The distribution structure 92 is configured to allow air 58 and liquids 62 to pass therethrough.

The absorber structure 90 comprises a plurality of absorber sections 94. The distribution structure 92 comprises a plurality of distribution sections 96. As shown in Figs 13a and 13b, each absorber section 94 is parallel with the center line 50. In this example, also each distribution section 96 is parallel with the center line 50. The absorber sections 94 and the distribution sections 96 are alternatingly arranged in a sandwich structure inside the reservoir 42a.

The device 14k comprises an internal body 98, here exemplified as an elongated core member. The internal body 98 is here concentric with the center line 50. In this specific example, there are at least five pairs of an absorber section 94 and a distribution section 96 in each radial direction from the internal body 98.

As shown in Figs. 13a and 13b, the absorber structure 90 and the distribution structure 92 collectively span across the volume 56. Moreover, each of the absorber structure 90 and the distribution structure 92 extends along a major length of the volume 56 along the center line 50, here along approximately 90 % of a length of the volume 56.

The absorber structure 90 and the distribution structure 92 are in this example formed from a continuous flat absorber sheet 104 and a continuous flat distribution sheet 106, respectively, that are rolled around the internal body 98 into a helical roll 100. The internal body 98 and the roll 100 thereon have then been inserted into the reservoir 42a such that the distribution structure 92 is slightly compressed.

Fig. 14 schematically represents a perspective view of a collection arrangement 102. The collection arrangement 102 comprises the continuous absorber sheet 104 connected to the continuous distribution sheet 106, for example by hook-and-loop fasteners. The collection arrangement 102 in Fig. 14 can be rolled into the roll 100 in Figs. 13a and 13b. The distribution sheet 106 comprises an open cell structure with a plurality of open cells 108. The cells 108 form a plurality of continuous passages for air 58 and liquid 62. The distribution sheet 106 is here slightly compressible. The distribution sheet 106 may for example be a filter foam made of a thermoplastic polymer having a pore size of 20 PPI. The absorber sheet 104 may for example comprise a nonwoven rayon fabric containing 100 % wooden plant pulp.

The device 14k maybe used as the device 14 in the aspirator 10. Alternatively, the device 14k may be used in combination with any of the devices I4a-i4j in the aspirator 10, for example positioned downstream of any of the devices I4a-i4j.

When air 58 and liquid 62 enter the device inlet 16, liquid 62 will be absorbed in a front region of the absorber structure 90. The air 58 and the liquid 62 will travel into the distribution structure 92. When the liquid 62 in the distribution structure 92 reaches a region of the absorber structure 90 that has not yet been wetted by the liquid 62, the liquid 62 will be absorbed by the absorber structure 90. When the liquid 62 is absorbed, the liquid 62 moves out from the distribution structure 92 and therefore enables further liquid 62 to pass. Due to the sandwich structure of the absorber sections 94 and the distribution sections 96, a large amount of liquid 62 can be simultaneously in contact with a liquid absorbing surface of the absorber structure 90, and the absorber sections 94 can be held separated from each other to continuously allow the air 58 to pass through the entire distribution structure 92. The successive wetting of the absorber structure 90 without blocking the flow path 60 enables a very efficient collection of liquids 62 for long periods of time. The device 14k has been tested by the inventors and almost the entire absorber structure 90 was wetted with pig blood as the liquid 62.

Fig. 15a schematically represents a side view of one example of a device system 41a. The device system 41a may be used as the device system 41 in Fig. 1. The device system 41a comprises any of the devices I4a-i4j fluidly connected to the device 14k via an intermediate channel no. The device 14k is positioned downstream of the device I4a-i4j. The combination of any of the devices I4a-i4j with the device 14k enables a very efficient collection of both solids 64 and liquids 62.

Fig. 15b schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a further example of a device system 41b. Also the device system 41b may be used as the device system 41 in Fig. 1. Mainly differences with respect to Fig. 15a will be described. In Fig. 15b, the internal body 98 of the device 14k is cylindrical and the device I4a-i4j is positioned therein. The internal body 98 and the reservoir of the device I4a-i4j may be constituted by a common component. The device system 41b has a very compact design. The device system 41b also shows one example of catching elements 54 positioned between two absorber sections 94.

Each of the devices I4a-i4j maybe used as the device 14 of the aspirator 10 in Fig. 1. One, several or all of the devices I4a-i4k may alternatively be referred to with reference numeral "14". One, several or all of the reservoirs 42a-42j may alternatively be referred to with reference numeral "42".

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the parts may be varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.