Waste Collection Cart for Collecting Waste During a Medical Procedure

A waste collection cart assembly for collecting waste material from a suction line during a medical procedure. The waste collection cart assembly includes a housing having a top portion defining a work surface. A waste container is coupled to the housing for collecting the waste material from the suction line. A manifold receiver defining an opening is coupled to the waste container. A manifold having a specimen trap is received within the opening of the manifold receiver. A vacuum source is coupled to the waste container. The vacuum source provides a vacuum on the waste container to draw the waste material from the suction line through the manifold and into the waste container. The specimen trap collects a specimen from the waste material while being drawn into the waste container. The specimen may be transferred to a specimen container disposed on the work surface.

BACKGROUND

Waste collection carts are well known for use in health care facilities to collect waste material generated during medical procedures. Waste collection carts comprise one or more waste containers connected to a vacuum source. One or more suction lines extend from the waste containers and are positioned near the site from which the waste material is to be collected. When the vacuum source is operating, the waste material is drawn through the suction lines into the waste containers.

Waste collection carts may include a manifold having a filter element that traps large bits of solid matter. These solids may otherwise potentially clog the downstream components of the waste collection cart. In some medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy, it is desirable to collect one or more specimens from the patient during the medical procedure. To collect a specimen, a removable specimen trap is placed in series with the suction line and the manifold to be located upstream from the waste collection cart. The specimen is captured in the specimen trap during operation.

Waste collection carts are generally portable for moving throughout the health care facility. Once the waste container is full, or if an empty waste container is required prior to being full, the waste collection cart is moved to a docking station to be emptied and cleaned. The waste collection cart docks to the docking station to begin emptying. Once emptied, the waste container is cleaned by a cleaning system with detergent and rinsed.

Often, medical procedures involving specimen collection are carried out in procedure rooms having a low lighting environment where visibility of the samples and some of the accompanying equipment used during the medical procedure are not well lit. In such an environment, medical personnel may use flashlights to provide adequate lighting of the specimen.

There is a need in the art for a waste collection cart capable of overcoming one or more of the aforementioned problems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings, where like numerals are used to designate like structure throughout the several views, a waste collection cart assembly for collecting waste materials is shown generally at30inFIG. 1for use during medical and/or surgical procedures. The waste collection cart assembly30collects waste material generated during medical procedures (e.g., surgical procedures) performed in a health care facility such as a hospital. The waste material may include bodily fluids, smoke, body tissues, irrigation liquids, and/or other materials that may be generated during various medical procedures. Often times, medical procedures require large amounts of saline and/or other irrigation liquids for irrigating an anatomical site. As a result, the waste collection cart assembly30is capable of handling large amounts of waste material. The waste collection cart assembly30collects the waste material for later discharge. In certain configurations, the waste collection device described herein may be a static component, i.e., not a cart.

During use, the waste collection cart assembly30collects the waste material and stores the waste material on-board until such time as a user is ready to off-load the waste material and dispose of the waste material. In the configurations shown, the waste collection cart assembly30is capable of storing waste material from a series of different medical procedures during the course of a day or across several days, without requiring off-loading of the waste material.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the waste collection cart assembly30may include a base32and wheels34for moving the waste collection cart assembly30along a floor surface within a medical facility. The waste collection cart assembly30may further include a frame or chassis36extending upwardly from the base32. In one configuration, the chassis36comprises metal. In other configurations, the chassis36comprises another material configured to provide rigidity to the waste collection cart assembly30. The waste collection cart assembly30includes a housing38(FIG. 3) defining an interior and described in further detail below. The housing38may comprise a polymeric material. More specifically, the housing38may comprise a plastic material. The housing38may also comprise a glass-filled nylon material to strengthen the housing38. The waste collection cart assembly30further includes a waste container40to collect and temporarily store the waste material during use. The waste container40is disposed at least partially within the interior of the housing38and coupled to the chassis36. It is contemplated that the waste container40may assume any shape that is suitable for containing the waste material. The waste container may comprise a single canister, as illustrated in the figures. The waste container40may be formed of glass, suitable plastic materials, or other materials.

A vacuum source42may be supported on the base32and coupled to the chassis36and configured to draw suction on the waste container40through one or more vacuum lines44(shown schematically inFIG. 4). The vacuum source42may include a vacuum pump46(shown schematically inFIG. 2) such as one shown inFIG. 2. The vacuum source42may also include a vacuum regulator48(shown schematically inFIG. 4) supported on the base32and configured to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump46and the waste container40. The vacuum regulator48is configured to regulate a level of the suction drawn by the vacuum pump46on the waste container40. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the waste collection cart assembly30are disclosed in commonly owned United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0171495, published Aug. 4, 2005, International Publication No. WO 2007/070570, published Jun. 21, 2007, International Publication No. WO 2014/066337, published May 1, 2014, and International Publication No. 2017/112684, published Jun. 29, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In other configurations, the vacuum source42may be a separate unit that can be removably coupled to the waste collection cart assembly30to draw suction on the waste container40. Suitable construction and operation of such a waste collection cart assembly30are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,470, granted Oct. 23, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring toFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 16, the waste collection cart assembly30comprises a manifold receiver50coupled to the waste container40(shown inFIG. 2) and supported above the base32. The manifold receiver50has an internal surface52defining an opening54(FIG. 16) to removably receive at least a portion of a manifold56. The manifold receiver50is configured to facilitate fluid communication between the manifold56and the waste container40when the manifold56is received in the opening54of the manifold receiver50.

In the illustrated configurations, the manifold56has a manifold body58and a specimen trap60that is removably received within the manifold body58for collecting a specimen (e.g., a biological sample) from a patient during the medical procedure. The specimen may be a tissue sample, a fluid sample, or any other biological sample obtained during the medical procedure. The manifold body58is configured to be at least partially received within the opening54of the manifold receiver50. The manifold body58may have an inlet fitting62that extends above the specimen trap60. The inlet fitting62is configured to be coupled to a suction line64. During the medical procedure, the suction line64facilitates fluid communication from an end effector, such as an endoscope, near a procedure site, through the manifold56and the manifold receiver50, and finally to the waste container40. When the specimen trap60is coupled to the manifold body58, the specimen trap60is configured to collect a specimen from the waste material while the waste material is being drawn into the waste container40. One advantage of the particular configuration of the suction line64being coupled to the inlet fitting62of the manifold56is that the specimen trap60may be removed from the manifold body58without disconnecting the suction line64from the manifold56. Suitable construction and operation of a manifold56is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,291, granted Apr. 17, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring toFIGS. 3, 10, and 14, the housing38comprises a front portion66(seeFIG. 3) adjacent the manifold receiver50and a back portion68(seeFIG. 10) opposite the front portion66. Each of the front and back portions66,68of the housing38may comprise a single panel or multiple panels. Said differently, the front and back portions66,68of the housing38may comprise single integral components or multiple components. The front portion66of the housing38has an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the front portion may be adapted to generally face the patient during the medical procedure (seeFIG. 14). The front portion66of the housing38may have a window69to permit a user to view the waste container40. When the waste container40comprises a transparent material such as glass, the user can see the waste material in the waste container40through the window69. When the waste container40comprises a transparent or translucent material, the user can see a level of waste material in the waste container40. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 3, the window69is shown generally in the center (side to side) of the front portion66of the housing38. However, it is contemplated that the window69may be disposed off-center such that the window is disposed to the left or right of the position of the window69as viewed inFIG. 3.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, the waste collection cart assembly30may be configured to be illuminated internally to assist the user in observing the level of waste material in the waste container40. In one configuration, the waste collection cart assembly30includes a light source array150coupled to the chassis36and configured to project light onto the waste container40. In some configurations, the light source array150may be coupled to the waste container40to project light into the waste container40when the waste container40comprises a translucent or transparent material. In one configuration the light projected is a low-intensity light. The light source array150may comprise a plurality of light sources to illuminate the waste container40. However, it is also contemplated that the light source array150could instead comprise a single light source for illuminating the waste container40. The light source array150may comprise one or more light sources selected from a light emitting diode, a bulb, a lamp, or another like device configured to emit visible light. In the configuration illustrated, the light source array150is configured to project light away from the front portion66of the housing38. It is contemplated that the light source array150may be positioned elsewhere relative to the waste container40such that the light source array150projects light onto or into the waste container40in a different direction. Providing the light source array150mitigates the need for an external lighting source such as a flashlight.

As mentioned above, the manifold56is received by the manifold receiver50. Thus, it is advantageous to arrange the waste collection cart assembly30such that the front portion66of the housing38faces the patient during the medical procedure (shown inFIG. 14) to provide a more direct route for the suction line64from the patient to the manifold56and to provide greater access of the manifold56to the user. In other words, the back portion68of the housing38may face the outer walls of the procedure room and the front portion66of the housing38may face towards the interior of the procedure room. In configurations of the waste collection cart assembly30including the light source array150for illuminating the waste container40, the light source array may be configured to project light in a direction that mitigates light being projected toward the front portion66of the housing38and thus, mitigates light being projected toward the patient/procedure site in the procedure room during the medical procedure. It is contemplated that the external surface of the front portion66of the housing38need not face the patient during the medical procedure.

Referring toFIG. 10, the back portion68of the housing38has an external surface facing away from the front portion66of the housing38. The back portion68of the housing38may comprise a handle70to facilitate movement of the waste collection cart assembly30between use areas, and between the use areas and a docking station (described in greater detail further below). Thus, the user may move the waste collection cart assembly30around the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures performed in different locations throughout the health care facility. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 10, the handle70is integral with the back portion68of the housing38. However, it is contemplated that the handle70may instead be a separate component coupled to the back portion68of the housing38.

The handle70projects away from the external surface of the back portion68of the housing38and has a grasping section72spaced from the back portion68of the housing38. The grasping section72of the handle70and the external surface of the back portion68of the housing38collectively define a void therebetween to accommodate placement of the user's hand.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the housing38includes a top portion74disposed between the front and back portions66,68of the housing38. The housing38further includes side portions75a(SeeFIG. 6A),75b(seeFIG. 10) disposed between the front and back portions66,68of the housing38and below the top portion74of the housing38. The top portion74of the housing38has a work surface76for supporting a variety medical tools and equipment. In one configuration, the work surface76is configured to support a specimen container78(e.g., a formalin jar) for collecting a specimen obtained in the specimen trap60. The specimen container78may provide a more suitable enclosure for transporting the specimen than the specimen trap60. The work surface76is disposed above the manifold receiver50for ease of accessibility during the transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap60to the specimen container78. As will be described in greater detail further below, the work surface76may be generally planar and parallel to the floor surface. Said differently, the work surface76may be generally planar and configured to be level with respect to gravity when resting. Further, the work surface76may be set into the top portion74of the housing38. In one configuration, the work surface76has a surface area of at least 100 in.2In another configuration, the work surface76has a surface area of at least 150 in.2It is contemplated that the surface area may be less than 100 in.2

The waste collection cart assembly30may be shorter and may have a smaller footprint than conventional waste collection cart assemblies. In many configurations, a maximum height of the waste collection cart assembly30is selected to keep the work surface76at a comfortable height above the floor surface for the user to interact with tools and equipment disposed on the work surface76. More specifically, the waste collection cart assembly30has a maximum height defined between a bottom of the wheels34and a top of the top portion74of the housing38. In one configuration, the maximum height is not more than 45 in. In another configuration, the maximum height is not more than 42.5 in. In still another configuration, the maximum height is not more than 40 in. In the above configurations, the work surface76may be set into the top portion74of the housing38between 0.25 in. and 3.0 in. such that a height between the work surface and the wheels34is 0.25 in to 3.0 less than the maximum height of the waste collection cart assembly30. It is contemplated that the work surface76may be set into the top portion74of the housing38more than 3.0 in. It is also contemplated that the work surface76may be set into the top portion74of the housing38less than 0.25 in.

The smaller footprint may permit the waste collection cart assembly30to fit into smaller rooms in the healthcare facility. The footprint of the waste collection cart assembly30is defined by a width and a depth of the waste collection cart assembly30. The waste collection cart assembly30has a maximum depth defined between the front and back portions66,68of the housing38. In one configuration, the maximum depth is not more than 24 in. In another configuration, the maximum depth is not more than 23 in. In still another configuration, the maximum depth is not more than 22 in. The waste collection cart assembly has a maximum width defined between the side portions75a,75bof the housing38. In one configuration, the maximum width is not more than 19 in. In another configuration, the maximum width is not more than 18 in. In still another configuration, the maximum width is not more than 17 in.

The housing38may include one or more side handles80formed by one or more of the front, back, and top portions66,68,74of the housing38. The side handles80may be used to facilitate movement of the waste collection cart assembly30across the floor surface. The side handles80may be suitable for making small adjustments to the position of the waste collection cart assembly30across the floor surface, such as pulling the waste collection cart assembly30away from the wall of the procedure room when the back portion68of the housing38is adjacent the wall, or for moving the waste collection cart assembly30laterally.

Referring toFIG. 4, a schematic representation of waste material being collected by the waste collection cart assembly30is shown. The waste container40defines a waste chamber82for holding the waste material. The waste container40includes a cap84to close the waste chamber. A vacuum is pulled on the waste container40from the vacuum source42to draw the waste material into the waste container40through the suction line64and the manifold56from a procedure site.

The waste collection cart assembly30comprises a cart controller86(shown schematically inFIGS. 2 and 4). The cart controller86may comprise a plurality of sub-controllers, each including one or more microprocessors, processors, systems on a chip, etc. to operate certain features of the waste collection cart assembly30. The sub-controllers may communicate with the cart controller86along a communications bus or by other conventional methods. An on-board control panel88, described in further detail below is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller86to permit a user to selectively operate the vacuum source42and other systems of the waste collection cart assembly30.

In one configuration, the cart controller86is configured to generate signals to the vacuum regulator48to operate the vacuum regulator48to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container40. In another configuration, the cart controller86is configured to generate signals directly to the vacuum pump46and operate the vacuum pump46to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container40.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6B, the control panel88is coupled to the front portion66of the housing38adjacent the manifold receiver50. The proximity of control panel88to the manifold receiver50provides advantageous accessibility to the user for both the operation of the vacuum source42via the control panel88and the specimen trap60. The control panel88may comprise one or more knobs88a, dials, touch screen inputs88b, or the like, in communication with the cart controller86, to allow the user to establish the desired vacuum levels in the waste container40. The control panel88may also be configured to indicate to the user data relating to suction level on the waste container40. Suitable operation of a waste collection cart assembly30to control vacuum levels in a waste container40are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,898, granted Nov. 24, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring toFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 8, one of the housing38and the manifold receiver50comprises a line management member90projecting outwardly from the front portion66of the housing38adjacent the manifold receiver50. The line management member90and the external surface of the front portion66of the housing38collectively defining a void92to receive the suction line64. The suction line64may be directed by the line management member90to the inlet fitting62of the manifold body58. In this manner, the suction line64may be directed away from one or both of the specimen trap60and the control panel88. By directing the suction line64away from the control panel88, the suction line's64interference with the user's view/access of the control panel88is mitigated. By directing the suction line64away from the specimen trap60, the specimen trap60may be removed from the manifold body58without catching on or otherwise contacting the suction line64. The line management member90may be integrally formed with the housing38. WhileFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 8show the line management member90used in connection with the specimen trap60, it is contemplated that the line management member90may be used in configurations of the waste collection cart assembly30where the manifold does not include a specimen trap60. While the line management member90is shown extending beneath the opening54of the manifold receiver50, it is contemplated that the line management member90may be disposed at different positions relative to the opening54of the receiver50e.g., above, alongside, etc.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 5A-6B, a light source assembly94is coupled to the housing38adjacent the front portion66of the housing38and configured to illuminate the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38to provide enhanced visibility of the work surface76. In one configuration, the light projected from the light source is a low-intensity light. The light source assembly94may project light away from the opening54of the manifold receiver50toward the back portion68of the housing38. In other words, referring toFIG. 14, the light source assembly94may be configured to project light in a direction that mitigates light being projected toward the front portion66of the housing38and thus, mitigates light being projected toward the patient/procedure site in the procedure room during the medical procedure.

During a medical procedure in which a specimen is collected by the specimen trap60, such as a gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure (GI procedure), the specimen may be transferred to the specimen container78for further analysis or transferred to the specimen container78for another purpose. It is contemplated that medical procedures other than GI procedures may be conducted in which a specimen may be collected by the specimen trap60. Medical procedures involving the collection of specimens are often conducted in procedure rooms where the environment surrounding the patient (e.g., equipment in the room spaced from the procedure site) is dimly lit.

In one configuration illustrated inFIG. 14, and in many GI procedures, it is important that the procedure room remain dark or dimly lit so that an endoscope93used during the procedure can effectively capture images of the procedure site for later analysis and display them on a monitor95in the procedure room without light in the procedure room producing a glare on the monitor95. Ambient light and artificial light projected on the monitor95may impair the user's ability to view the images captured by the endoscope93. With the arrangement of the exterior surface of the front portion66of the housing38generally facing the patient/procedure site and the light source assembly94projecting light onto the work surface76away from the front portion66of the housing38, the illuminated work surface76may be utilized without projecting light toward the monitor95and without compromising the quality of images viewed on the monitor95.

In dimly lit environments, the transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap60to the specimen container78can be difficult and may prompt a user to remove the specimen trap60, which is adjacent the procedure site, and walk toward an area of the procedure room or another room that is better illuminated. Illuminating the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38provides a light built into the waste collection cart assembly30for users to transfer the specimen collected in the specimen trap60to the specimen container78while the specimen container78is disposed on the work surface76. Further, removal of the specimen trap60with the specimen and transfer of the specimen to the specimen container78may be accomplished while the user is standing next to the waste collection cart assembly30. One advantage of such a configuration is a more efficient workflow, as the user may not be required to leave their station adjacent the waste collection cart assembly30to transfer the specimen elsewhere. Another advantage of permitting the user to stand in place while removing the specimen trap60from the manifold body58and transferring the specimen to the specimen container78is reducing the opportunity for a user to drop a sample while walking to an illuminated environment.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38may be set into the top portion74of the housing38. The top portion74of the housing38may have a sidewall96at least partially surrounding the work surface76. In some configurations, the sidewall96and the work surface76are integral or monolithic such that fluid spilled or otherwise disposed on the work surface76cannot leak into the interior of the housing38. The top portion74of the housing38has an interior surface98opposite the work surface76and a thickness defined therebetween. The sidewall98has an outer surface facing the work surface76, an inner surface facing the interior, and a thickness defined therebetween. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 5A, the thickness of the sidewall96is less than the thickness between the work surface76and the interior surface98of the housing38. In some configurations, the thickness of the work surface76is at least twice as thick as the thickness of the sidewall96.

The light source assembly94may be disposed within the interior of the housing38and the sidewall96may be disposed between the light source assembly94and the work surface76. More specifically, the light source assembly94may be configured to project light onto the inner surface of the sidewall96. Due to the thickness of the sidewall and the material of the sidewall96, light is configured to pass through the sidewall96and onto the work surface76. The sidewall96may comprise a transparent material or a translucent material such that light projected from the light source assembly94passes through the sidewall96to illuminate the work surface76. The light source assembly94illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5Bincludes an array of light sources99arranged along the sidewall96such that light projected from the light sources99and through the sidewall96projects onto the work surface76to illuminate the work surface76. In other configurations, the light source assembly94includes a single light source99disposed above the work surface76. Each of the light sources99may comprise a light source selected from a light emitting diode, a bulb, a lamp, or another like device configured to emit visible light. In some configurations, portions of the housing38other than the sidewall96may not be transparent or translucent. Instead, the other portions of the housing38may be opaque to assist in the prevention of light being projected toward the monitor95in the procedure room.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, a trap light assembly100may be coupled to the housing38adjacent the manifold receiver50. The trap light assembly100may include a shroud102projecting outwardly from the exterior surface of the front portion66of the housing38. More specifically, the shroud102may be disposed above the opening54of the manifold receiver50. At least a portion of the manifold body58may comprise a transparent or translucent material such that contents of the specimen trap60may be visible with appropriate lighting when the specimen trap60is received in the manifold body58. The trap light assembly100further comprises a light source104that may be coupled to the housing38and may be configured to project light beneath the shroud102and onto the specimen trap60to provide enhanced visibility of the specimen trap60during the medical procedure.

In one configuration the light projected is a low-intensity light. The shroud102is configured to limit light projecting away from the specimen trap60and to limit light being projected toward the monitor95in the procedure room when the front portion66of the housing38faces the patient/procedure site during the medical procedure. The light source104may comprise a light source selected from a light emitting diode, a bulb, a lamp, or another like device configured to emit visible light. To further limit the light projecting away from the specimen trap60in an unintended direction, the trap light assembly100may include a collimator106coupled to the housing38adjacent the light source104. The collimator106is configured to focus the light projected from the light source104into collimated beams onto the specimen trap60. As described above, in certain medical procedures it is important to mitigate any light projected toward the monitor95in the procedure room. Collimated light beams assist in focusing light projected toward the specimen trap60while mitigating diffraction of light that could project toward the monitor95. In this manner, illumination of the specimen trap60may be accomplished without compromising the low lighting of the patient/procedure site. The collimator106may comprise one or more of a lens and a prism. An advantage of the configuration where the specimen trap60is illuminated while the waste material is being drawn into the waste container40is providing the user with greater visibility of the specimen trap60to discern whether a specimen has been collected.

In another configuration shown inFIG. 25, the shroud102projects from the exterior surface of the housing38adjacent the manifold receiver50. More specifically, the shroud102may be disposed above the opening54of the manifold receiver50. A light guide180may be coupled adjacent the manifold receiver50to direct light onto the specimen trap. More specifically, at least a distal end of the light guide180may be disposed adjacent the manifold receiver50to direct light onto the specimen trap to provide enhanced visibility of the specimen trap during the medical procedure. The shroud102may project distally from the exterior surface of the housing38at least 10 mm distal of the distal end of the light guide180. In the illustrated configuration, distal is a direction away from the interior of the housing38.

The shroud102may be configured to at least partially affect the light directed from the light guide180. For instance, the shroud102may be configured to limit light projecting away from the specimen trap and to limit light being projected toward the monitor95in the procedure room when the front portion66of the housing38faces the patient/procedure site during the medical procedure (FIG. 14). In some configurations, the shroud102includes a first reflective surface facing the opening54of the manifold receiver50. In some configurations, the shroud102is integral with the housing38. In addition to partially affecting the light directed from the light guide180, the shroud102may act to shield the light guide from being contacted by the user during a medical procedure.

In other configurations, a portion of the housing38extends distally relative to the distal end of the light guide180(not shown). Said differently, a portion of the housing38may hang over the light guide180to affect the diffraction of light from the light guide180. In such a configuration, the portion of the housing38may extend distally of the distal end of the light guide180by at least 10 mm. Further, the portion of the housing38that extends distally relative to the distal end of the light guide180may include a reflective surface facing the opening54of the manifold receiver50.

In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 25, the light guide180comprises a lens. The lens may comprise a silicone material or another compliant material. In other configurations the light guide180may comprise a fiber optic cable.

A light source182is configured to emit the light through the light guide180. The light source182may be disposed in the interior of the housing38. The light source182illustrated inFIG. 25comprises a light emitting diode. In other configurations, the light source182may comprise a light source selected from a light emitting diode, a bulb, a lamp, or another like device configured to emit visible light. A printed circuit board184may be disposed within the housing38to control the flow of electricity to the light source182. The light source182may be mounted to the printed circuit board184to assist in ease of assembly of the light source182in the interior of the housing38.

In one exemplary configuration, the light source182is configured to emit light away from the opening54of the manifold receiver50. The light may reflect off a second reflective surface188of the housing38. The light may then be directed to the light guide180. The light guide180may redirect the light toward the opening54of the manifold receiver50and onto the specimen trap60. Some of the light from the light guide180may be directed to the first reflective surface186of the shroud102and then redirected onto the specimen trap60.

Once the waste material either fills the waste container40, or the user is otherwise prepared to dispose of the waste material, the waste collection cart assembly30may be transported by the user to a docking station108(shown inFIG. 15) or other disposal area. The waste material is emptied from the waste container40to a waste drain or treatment location, and the waste container40is cleaned for further use. Suitable construction and operation of the waste collection cart assembly30and the docking station108are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,866, granted Jun. 3, 2014 and United States Patent Publication No. 2019/0001029 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,471,188, the entire contents of all are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 15, the chassis36comprises a docking coupler110(seeFIG. 3) configured to dock the waste collection cart assembly30to the docking station108(seeFIG. 15). When the docking coupler110is coupled to the docking station108, the waste container40of the waste collection cart assembly30is configured to be in fluid communication with the docking station108. The docking station108may comprise an off-load pump112and a docking controller114, to generate signals to and receive signals from the off-load pump112to operate the off-load pump112to transfer waste material from the waste container40to the docking station108. Both the off-load pump112and the docking controller114are shown schematically inFIG. 15.

The control panel88is further defined as a suction control panel88and the waste collection cart assembly30may comprise another control panel referred to as the docking control panel116. The docking control panel116may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller86. The cart controller86may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the docking controller114when the docking coupler110is coupled to the docking station108. The docking control panel116may be coupled to the back portion68of the housing38adjacent the handle70such that the suction control panel88and docking control panel116are on opposite sides of the housing38. The docking control panel116may comprise one or more knobs, dials, touch screen inputs, or the like, in communication with the docking controller114, to allow the user to operate the off-load pump112of the docking station108to transfer waste material from the waste container40to the docking station108and to clean the waste container40. While the docking control panel116is shown coupled to the back portion68of the housing38, it is contemplated that the docking control panel116may be coupled to another portion of the housing38.

While the suction control panel88is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller86to operate one or both the vacuum regulator48and the vacuum pump46, it is contemplated that the suction control panel86may additionally or alternatively generate signals to and receive signals from other sources (e.g., the docking controller114). Similarly, while the docking control panel116is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the docking controller114(via the cart controller86) to operate the off-load pump112of the docking station108, it is contemplated that the docking control panel116may additionally or alternatively generate signals to and receive signals from other sources. In other configurations, the suction control panel88may not be capable of generating signals to the docking controller114. In such a configuration, the docking control panel116may have exclusive control over performance of docking operations (e.g., docking station coupling, cleaning, and waste material removal) and the suction control panel88may have exclusive control over performance of vacuum operations. Vacuum operations may include generating signals to the vacuum regulator48to operate the vacuum regulator48to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container40or in another manner as described above.

In some configurations, the waste collection cart assembly30may comprise a cleaning system to cooperate with the docking station108to clean and rinse the waste container40after emptying the waste container40of waste material. The cleaning system may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from one or both the cart controller86and the docking controller114. The docking control panel116may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from one or both of the cart controller86and the docking controller114to operate the cleaning system. Suitable construction and operation of the cleaning system are disclosed in earlier identified United States Patent Publication No. 2019/0001029.

Referring toFIGS. 23 and 24, one configuration of a cleaning system is illustrated.FIG. 23illustrates a schematic cleaning system andFIG. 24illustrates a portion of one configuration of the cleaning system. A drain line154may be coupled to the manifold receiver50and the waste container40for facilitating fluid communication between the waste container40and the manifold56. More specifically, the drain line154directs waste material received from the manifold56and the suction line64from the manifold receiver50to the waste container40. The waste collection cart assembly30may comprise a cart fluid coupler156configured to connect to a dock fluid coupler158of the docking station for permitting a transfer of a cleaning fluid from the docking station108to the waste collection cart assembly30.

The waste collection cart assembly30may comprise a cleaning circuit160. The cleaning circuit160may comprise a first cleaning line162coupled to the cart fluid coupler156and a nozzle164. The first cleaning line162is configured to direct the cleaning fluid from the docking station108to the nozzle164when the cart fluid coupler156is connected to the dock fluid coupler158of the docking station108. The nozzle164may be configured to direct cleaning fluid toward the waste chamber82of the waste container40. The cleaning circuit160may comprise a second cleaning line166coupled to and in fluid communication with the nozzle164at a first junction168. The second cleaning line166may be coupled to and in fluid communication with the drain line154at a second junction170. The second junction170is disposed upstream of the waste container40. The nozzle164may direct some of the cleaning fluid received from the first cleaning line162to the second cleaning line166and the nozzle164may direct the rest of the cleaning fluid into the waste chamber82of the waste container40. The second cleaning line166may be configured to direct the cleaning fluid from the nozzle164to the drain line154to clean the drain line154when the cart fluid coupler156is connected to the dock fluid coupler158of the docking station108. In other configurations, the second cleaning line166is coupled directly to the first cleaning line162at a junction and the first cleaning line162is configured to direct some of the cleaning fluid to the second cleaning line166and the rest of the cleaning fluid to the nozzle164and ultimately, into the waste chamber82of the waste container40. In many configurations, the second cleaning line166is smaller in cross-sectional area than the first cleaning line162such that a majority of the cleaning fluid is directed toward the nozzle164and the waste container40instead of the drain line154. After or during cleaning, the cleaning fluid received in the waste chamber82of the waste container40may be transferred back to the docking station108in the same manner as described above for transferring waste material from the waste container40to the docking station108.

The cleaning fluid used in the cleaning system may comprise fresh water172, a detergent174, a mixture of fresh water and detergent, or a solution used to flush or clean the waste container40and lines162,166or other components that are in fluid communication with the waste container40.

In some configurations, the cleaning circuit160may comprise a check valve176disposed within the second cleaning line166between the first and second junctions168,170to prevent waste material from the drain line154entering the first cleaning line162. During operation of the vacuum source in a medical procedure, the check valve176is also configured to be closed to prevent waste material from entering the second cleaning line166and the nozzle164or first cleaning line162.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the docking control panel116has a display118facing the grasping section72of the handle70to provide a graphical user interface to the user. The graphical user interface may display to the user a number of different indications relating to docking and cleaning procedures such as selection of a wash mode, abortion of a wash mode, whether the waste container has been emptied of waste material, the duration remaining before a wash mode will finish, release of the waste collection cart assembly30from the docking station108, error notifications, etc. In some configurations, the display118outputs information to the user only i.e., the user may not be able to interact with the display to send signals to the cart controller86. In other configurations the display118may be a touch screen and be configured to receive commends from the user via the graphical user interface.

The display118has a top edge120and a bottom edge122. In one configuration, at least the top edge120of the display118is disposed above the grasping section72of the handle70, but a substantial portion of the display118may also be disposed at a similar height above the floor surface as the work surface76and the handle70. More specifically, in one configuration, a top-most portion124of the grasping section72of the handle70is disposed at a first height126above the floor surface. The top edge120of the display118of the docking control panel116is disposed at a second height128above the floor surface greater than the first height126. The bottom edge122of the display118of the docking control panel116is disposed at a third height130above the floor surface less than the first height126. The work surface76may be generally planar and parallel to the floor surface. The work surface76is disposed at a fourth height132above the floor surface greater than the third height130such that the bottom edge122of the display118of the docking control panel116is disposed below the work surface76.

In another configuration, the fourth height132is less than the third height130such that the bottom edge122of the display118of the docking control panel116is disposed above the work surface76. In still another configuration, both the second and third heights128,130are greater than the first height126such that the top and bottom edges120,122of the display118of the docking control panel116are disposed above the top-most portion124of the grasping section72of the handle70.

Referring toFIG. 15, the positioning of the top edge120of the display118of the docking control panel116above the top-most portion74of the grasping section72of the handle70permits a user to view the display118from a distance. This may be advantageous to allow users to view a current state of the waste collection cart assembly30while the waste collection cart assembly30is coupled to the docking station108. For instance, a user may be able to determine whether transfer of waste material from the waste container40to the docking station108is complete by viewing the display118, which may display an indicator to the user that waste material has been transferred. Alternatively, the user may be able to determine time remaining for a particular wash mode to complete to put the waste collection cart assembly30in a ready-to-use state. Further, the positioning of the handle70at least partially surrounding the docking control panel116mitigates the possibility for inadvertent contact from the user or other objects to manipulate the docking control panel116.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the display118of the docking control panel116may be planar and disposed at an oblique angle relative to the floor surface such that the display118faces away from the floor surface. In one configuration, the display118of the docking control panel116may be disposed at an angle of between 5 and 45 degrees from an axis that is perpendicular to the work surface76or the floor surface. In another configuration, the display118of the docking control panel116may be disposed at an angle of between 25 and 35 degrees from the axis that is perpendicular to the work surface76or the floor surface. The display118facing upwardly assists the user to view the docking control panel116from above the handle70and from a distance. The grasping section72of the handle70may be parallel to the display118of the docking control panel116.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, a surgical console such as a smoke evacuation system134may be coupled to the waste collection cart assembly30. The smoke evacuation system134may be utilized for removing smoke from a fluid, such as air, during a medical procedure. However, other uses for the smoke evacuation system134are evident to those skilled in the art. Suitable construction and operation of the smoke evacuation system is disclosed in commonly owned United States Patent Publication No. 2014/0338529, published Nov. 20, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The smoke evacuation system134includes a smoke evacuation unit136and a bracket138for coupling the smoke evacuation unit136to the waste collection cart assembly30. In the illustrated configuration, the bracket138may include a generally planar body portion140and one or more raised flange portions142extending from the body portion140. The one or more flange portions142are configured to be coupled to the smoke evacuation unit136. The smoke evacuation unit136may be coupled to the one or more flange portions142via fasteners. The body portion140is configured to be received by the inset work surface76described above. The top portion74of the housing38has one or more lips144at least partially surrounding the inset work surface76. The bracket138further comprises wing portions146extending outwardly from the flange portions142. The wing portions146may be shaped to complement the shape of the one or more lips144of the top portion74of the housing38. The bracket138further includes couplers148attached to the wing portions146that are configured to couple the bracket138to the waste collection cart assembly30. In one configuration, the couplers148comprise latches that are configured to grab onto the one or more lips144of the top portion of the housing38. It is contemplated that the couplers148could instead be attached to the waste collection cart assembly30and the couplers148configured to grab onto the wing portions146of the bracket138. While the bracket138is used to secure the smoke evacuation system to the waste collection cart assembly30, it is contemplated that the bracket138may be used to secure other medical modules including other surgical consoles (e.g., an electrosurgical generator) or surgical equipment.

Another configuration for coupling medical modules to the waste collection cart assembly30is shown inFIGS. 19-22. A carrier assembly200that supports a medical module202may be coupled to the waste collection cart assembly30to secure the medical module202to the waste collection cart assembly30. The carrier assembly200includes a carrier body204configured to be supported by an outer surface of the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30. In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 19-22, carrier body204is configured to be supported by the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30.

In one configuration, the carrier body204may be integral with the medical module such that when the carrier body204is supported by the work surface76, the medical module is as well. In other configurations, the carrier body204may be mounted to the medical module by a fastener to secure the carrier body204to the medical module. As will be appreciated from the description below. The carrier body204is typically configured to remain mounted to the medical module when the carrier assembly200is separated from the waste collection cart assembly30. It is contemplated that the carrier body204may not remain mounted to the medical module when the carrier assembly200is separated from the waste collection cart assembly30.

Referring toFIG. 20, one or more first couplers206may be coupled to one or both the top portion74of the housing38and the chassis36disposed within the housing38. The first coupler206is disposed beneath the work surface76. For ease of description, a single first coupler206will be referenced hereafter. It is contemplated that two or more first couplers206may be employed to secure the medical module202to the waste collection cart assembly30. In the illustrated configuration, the first coupler206is disposed beneath the top portion74of the housing38. In other configurations, the first coupler206may be disposed within a thickness of the top portion74of the housing38defined between the work surface76and the interior surface98of the top portion74of the housing38.

Referring toFIGS. 21 and 22, the first coupler206is configured to be coupled to one or more second couplers208that are coupled to the carrier body204. For ease of description, a single second coupler208will be referenced hereafter. It is contemplated that two or more second couplers208may be employed to secure the medical module202to the waste collection cart assembly30. The first and second couplers206,208are configured to move relative to each other to a first position210(FIG. 21) and a second position212(FIG. 22). The first and second couplers206,208are aligned in the first position210. In the first position210, a magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers206,208is configured to secure the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200to the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30. The first and second couplers206,208are misaligned in the second position212. In the second position212, a magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers206,208is less than the magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers206,208in the first position210. The reduced magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers206,208permits the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200to be removed from the waste collection cart assembly30.

In other configurations, the carrier body204is secured to the waste collection cart assembly30via electromagnetism. In such a configuration, the first and second couplers may be aligned when the carrier body204is supported by the waste collection cart assembly30. An actuator (not shown) such as a switch may be configured to selectively supply current to one of the first and second couplers206,208to create a magnetic field between the first and second couplers206,208to secure the carrier body204and thus, the medical module to the waste collection cart assembly30.

After certain medical procedures, it may be necessary to decontaminate portions of the waste collection cart assembly30and other associated tools and components that are exposed to the environment in a procedure room during a procedure. Decontaminating the interior of the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30and components disposed within the interior can be difficult and time consuming. In some configurations, the interior of the housing38is further defined as an enclosed interior and establishes a decontamination barrier between the enclosed interior and the environment to obviate the need to clean interior surfaces of the housing38and the components disposed within the enclosed interior.

As described above, the housing38often comprises a plastic material. Plastic housings38may function well to enclose the interior of the housing38. However, plastic housings38may lack the structural integrity to support the weight of certain medical modules202. The plastic housing38may surround the chassis36such that the chassis36may reinforce the plastic housing38to support the weight of the medical module202. Further, to secure the medical module202to the waste collection cart assembly30couplers such as clamps, clasps, or other fasteners may be employed. However, plastic housings38may not be rigid enough to engage these couplers. Instead, the couplers may need to engage the chassis36if the plastic housing38is not rigid enough to engage the couplers. The couplers may need to breach the decontamination barrier to engage the chassis36. One advantage to using the first and second couplers206,208that engage via magnetic attraction is that the first and second couplers206,208may be secured together on opposite sides of the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38while maintaining the decontamination barrier. Another advantage of disposing the first coupler206beneath the work surface76is to prevent fluid spilled or otherwise disposed on the work surface76from leaking into the interior of the housing38. However, in alternative configurations, the first coupler206may not be disposed beneath the work surface76, but is instead coupled to the housing38and projects upwardly from the work surface76of the housing38.

In configurations where the first coupler206is disposed beneath the work surface76of the housing38, the housing38may comprise a material that is permeable to magnetic fields. Said differently, the housing38comprises a material that would not disrupt magnetic attraction between the first coupler206and the second coupler208when the first and second couplers206,208are aligned in the first position210. One such material that is permeable to magnetic fields is plastic.

In one configuration, one of the first coupler206and the second coupler208comprises a magnetic material and the other of the first coupler206and the second coupler208comprises a ferromagnetic material. In certain circumstances it is advantageous for the first coupler206to comprise the ferromagnetic material so that when tools or equipment comprising ferromagnetic material other than the carrier assembly200are disposed on the work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38, undesired magnetic attraction is eliminated. In other configurations, each of the first coupler206and the second coupler208comprise a magnetic material with oppositely arranged poles.

Referring toFIGS. 21 and 22, an actuator214may be coupled to the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200or one or both the housing38and the chassis36of the waste collection cart assembly30for moving one of the first and second couplers206,208relative to the other of the first and second couplers206,208to the first and second positions210,212. In the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22, the actuator214is coupled to the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200. The actuator214is configured to move the second coupler208relative to the first coupler206to the first and second positions210,212. In other configurations, the actuator214is coupled to one or both the housing38and the chassis36of the waste collection cart assembly30. InFIGS. 21 and 22, two actuators214are illustrated. It is contemplated that a single actuator214may be used to secure the carrier body204to the waste collection cart assembly30. It is also contemplated that three or more actuators214may be used to secure the carrier body204to the waste collection cart assembly30.

The actuator214may comprise a sliding member216coupled to the second coupler208. The sliding member216may be slidably coupled to the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200. The sliding member216may be configured to move with the second coupler208relative to the first coupler206to the first and second positions210,212such that actuation of the sliding member216moves the second coupler208to the first and second positions210,212. The sliding member216may have a plurality of rack teeth218disposed linearly along at least a partial length of the sliding member216. The actuator214may further comprise a pinion220rotatably coupled to the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200. The pinion220has a plurality of gear teeth222configured to engage the plurality of rack teeth218to move the sliding member216in response to rotation of the pinion220. The actuator214may further comprise a lever224coupled to the pinion220. The lever224may be configured to rotate the pinion220to engage the sliding member216for moving the sliding member216and the second coupler208relative to the first coupler206to the first and second positions210,212. While the actuator214illustrated inFIGS. 20-22comprises the aforementioned rack and pinion design, it is contemplated that other actuators may be used to move the first and second couplers206,208relative to each other to the first and second positions210,212. For instance, the actuator214may comprise a moveable member coupled to one of the first and second couplers206,208and the moveable member moves relative to the other of the first and second couplers206,208to the first and second positions210,212in response to a user directly moving the moveable member. In another configuration, the actuator214comprises a rotatable member coupled to one of the first and second couplers206,208and the rotatable member is configured to rotate one of the first and second couplers206,208relative to the other of the first and second couplers206,208to the first and second positions210,212.

In order for operation of the actuator214to be capable of moving the second coupler208in and out of alignment with the first coupler206, the carrier body204must be located correctly to the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30. A visual indicator (not shown) may be used to indicate to a user where to dispose the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200relative to the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30such that operation of the actuator214moves the second coupler208relative to the first coupler206to the first and second positions210,212. In one configuration, the visual indicator comprises an indicator selected from a marking, a label, and a score.

In other configurations, an alignment feature may be used to locate and/or indicate to a user where to dispose the carrier body204relative to the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30so that operation of the actuator214is capable of aligning and misaligning the first and second couplers206,208relative to each other to the first and second positions210,212. In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 20-22, the alignment feature comprises the outer surface of the top portion74of the housing38. Specifically, the carrier body204is configured to be placed on the inset work surface76of the top portion74of the housing38. Further, the carrier body204is sized to fit in the recess defined by the inset work surface76and the surrounding sidewall96. The carrier body204may be configured to abut the sidewall96to prevent the carrier body204from moving relative to the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30when the actuator214is operated to move the second coupler208relative to the first coupler206. In other configurations, one of the carrier body204of the carrier assembly200and the housing38of the waste collection cart assembly30comprises a protrusion or a surface defining a recess to engage the other of the carrier body204and the housing38to locate the carrier body204relative to the housing38and to prevent relative movement during operation of the actuator214.

As with the bracket138above, the medical module202supported by the carrier assembly200may comprise a surgical console (e.g., an electrosurgical generator) or surgical equipment. Further, while the carrier assembly200described above is used in connection with a waste collection cart assembly30, it is contemplated that the carrier assembly200may be used to secure medical equipment, surgical equipment, or other equipment to mobile carts other than waste collection cart assemblies30.

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.” Moreover, it will be appreciated that terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used herein to differentiate certain structural features and components for the non-limiting, illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

The invention is intended to be defined in the independent claims, with specific features laid out in the dependent claims, wherein the subject matter of a claim dependent from one independent claim can also be implemented in connection with another independent claim.

The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.

I. A method for assisting a user to transfer a specimen during a medical procedure, said method comprising:providing a waste collection cart assembly having a waste container for collecting waste material, a manifold receiver coupled to the waste container and defining an opening, a vacuum source, and a housing to support the waste container, the manifold receiver, and the vacuum source;providing a manifold configured to be coupled to a suction line and the manifold receiver, with the manifold having a manifold body and a specimen trap positioned within the manifold body;inserting the manifold body into the opening of the manifold receiver;collecting the specimen in the specimen trap while the specimen trap is positioned within the manifold body and the manifold body is inserted in the opening of the manifold receiver;illuminating a work surface of the housing of the waste collection cart assembly that is disposed above the opening of the manifold receiver with a light source coupled to the waste collection cart assembly;providing a specimen container on the work surface of the housing such that the specimen container is illuminated;removing by the user the specimen trap having the specimen disposed therein from the manifold body while the manifold body is inserted in the opening of the manifold receiver; andtransferring by the user the specimen from the specimen trap to the specimen container while the specimen container remains on the work surface.

II. A mobile medical cart system comprising:a mobile medical cart assembly comprising,a frame,a housing comprising a material that is permeable to magnetic fields, the housing coupled to and surrounding the frame, and the housing defining an enclosed interior to establish a decontamination barrier between the enclosed interior and the environment, and the housing having an outer surface facing away from the enclosed interior, anda first coupler coupled to one of the frame and the housing, the first coupler being disposed beneath the outer surface; anda carrier assembly for securing medical equipment to the mobile medical cart assembly, the carrier assembly comprising,a carrier body configured to be supported by the outer surface of the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly, anda second coupler coupled to the carrier body;wherein one of the first and second couplers is configured to move relative to the other of the first and second couplers to a first position and a second position, and wherein the first and second couplers are aligned in the first position such that a magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers is configured to secure the carrier body of the carrier assembly to the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly while maintaining the decontamination barrier, and wherein the first and second couplers are misaligned in the second position such that the magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers in the second position is less than the magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers in the first position to permit the carrier body of the carrier assembly to be removed from the medical cart assembly.

III. The mobile medical cart system of clause II, wherein one of the first coupler and the second coupler comprises a magnetic material and the other of the first coupler and the second coupler comprises a ferromagnetic material.

IV. The mobile medical cart system of clause II, wherein each of the first coupler and the second coupler comprises a magnetic material.

V. The mobile medical cart system of any of clauses II-IV, wherein one of the carrier assembly and the mobile medical cart assembly comprises an actuator for moving one of the first and second couplers relative to the other of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions.

VI. The mobile medical cart system of any of clauses II-IV, wherein the carrier assembly comprises the actuator, and wherein the actuator is configured to move the second coupler relative to the first coupler to the first and second positions.

VII. The mobile medical cart system of clause V, wherein the actuator comprises a sliding member coupled to one of the first and second couplers, the sliding member slidably coupled to one of the carrier body of the carrier assembly and the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly, and the sliding member configured to move with one of the first and second couplers relative to the other of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions such that actuation of the sliding member moves one of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions.

VIII. The mobile medical cart system of clause VII, wherein the sliding member has a plurality of rack teeth disposed linearly along at least a partial length of the sliding member, and wherein the actuator further comprises a pinion rotatably coupled to one of the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly and the carrier body of the carrier assembly, the pinion having a plurality of gear teeth configured to engage the plurality of rack teeth to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the pinion.

IX. The mobile medical cart system of clause VIII, wherein the actuator further comprises a lever coupled to the pinion and configured to rotate the pinion to engage the sliding member for moving the sliding member and one of the first and second couplers relative to the other of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions.

X. The mobile medical cart system of any of clauses V-IX, wherein one of the carrier body of the carrier assembly and the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly comprises a visual indicator to indicate to a user where to dispose the carrier body of the carrier assembly relative to the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly such that operation of the actuator moves one of the first and second couplers relative to the other of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions.

XI. The mobile medical cart system of clause X, wherein the visual indicator comprises a marking.

XII. The mobile medical cart system of any of clauses V-XI, wherein one of the carrier body of the carrier assembly and the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly comprises an alignment feature to indicate to a user where to dispose the carrier body of the carrier assembly relative to the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly such that operation of the actuator moves one of the first and second couplers relative to the other of the first and second couplers to the first and second positions.

XIII The mobile medical cart system of clause XII, wherein the alignment feature comprises one of a protrusion and a surface defining a recess.

XIV. The mobile medical cart system of clause XII, wherein the alignment feature comprises the outer surface of the housing of the mobile medical cart assembly defining a recess to receive the carrier body of the carrier assembly.

XV. The mobile medical cart system of clause XIV, wherein the outer surface has sidewall surrounding the recess and the carrier body of the carrier assembly is configured to abut the sidewall to prevent movement of the carrier body during operation of the actuator.

XVI. The mobile medical cart system of any of clauses II-XV, further comprising a medical module coupled to the carrier body of the carrier assembly to be secured to the mobile medical cart assembly.

XVII. The mobile medical cart system of clause XVI, wherein the medical module comprises a surgical console.

XVIII. A waste collection cart assembly for collecting waste material through a suction line and obtaining a specimen from the waste material via a specimen trap in a manifold during a medical procedure, the waste collection cart assembly comprising:a housing defining an interior;a waste container disposed within the interior of the housing and configured to be in fluid communication with the suction line and the manifold to collect the waste material during the medical procedure;a manifold receiver coupled to the waste container and having an internal surface defining an opening for receiving the manifold, the manifold receiver configured to facilitate fluid communication between the manifold and the waste container;a vacuum source configured to be in selective communication with the waste container for providing a vacuum on the waste container to draw the waste material from the suction line through the specimen trap, the manifold, and the manifold receiver into the waste container;a shroud projecting from a face of the housing, the shroud disposed adjacent the manifold receiver; anda light source disposed in the shroud.

XIX. A waste collection cart system for collecting a specimen from waste material through a suction line and for assisting a user in the transfer of the specimen to a specimen container, the waste collection cart system comprising:a manifold configured to be in fluid communication with the suction line, the manifold having a body defining an opening;a specimen trap that is configured to be removably received within the opening of the body of the manifold, the specimen trap configured to collect a specimen from the waste material when received by the body of the manifold; anda waste collection cart assembly comprising,a waste container configured to be in fluid communication with the suction line and the manifold body to collect the waste material during the medical procedure,a manifold receiver coupled to the waste container and having an internal surface defining an opening for receiving the manifold body, the manifold receiver configured to facilitate fluid communication between the manifold body and the waste container,a vacuum source configured to be in selective communication with the waste container for providing a vacuum on the waste container to draw the waste material from the suction line through the specimen trap, the manifold body, and the manifold receiver into the waste container,a housing coupled to the waste container, the vacuum source, and the manifold receiver, the housing having a first side adjacent the manifold receiver and a second side opposite the first side, and the housing having a work surface oriented to be generally parallel to a floor surface when the waste collection cart assembly is positioned on the floor, the work surface configured for supporting the specimen container, the work surface being disposed above the manifold receiver for ease of accessibility during the transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap to the specimen container, anda light source assembly coupled to and disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate the work surface to provide enhanced visibility of a transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap to the specimen container.

XX. A waste collection cart assembly for collecting waste material through a suction line and a manifold, the waste collection cart assembly comprising:a housing defining an interior and having an external surface;a waste container disposed within the interior of the housing and configured to be in fluid communication with the suction line and the manifold to collect the waste material during the medical procedure;a manifold receiver coupled to the waste container and having an internal surface defining an opening for receiving the manifold, the manifold receiver configured to facilitate fluid communication between the manifold and the waste container;a vacuum source configured to be in selective communication with the waste container for providing a vacuum on the waste container to draw the waste material from the suction line through the manifold and the manifold receiver into the waste container; anda line management member projecting outwardly from the housing and disposed adjacent the manifold receiver, with the line management member directing the suction line to the inlet fitting.

XXI. A carrier assembly for securing medical equipment to a housing or frame of a waste collection cart assembly having a first coupler, the carrier assembly comprising:a carrier body configured to be supported by the housing or frame of the waste collection cart assembly;a second coupler coupled to the carrier body, the second coupler configured to move relative to the first coupler to a first position and a second position, wherein the second coupler is configured to be aligned with the first coupler in the first position such that a magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers is configured to secure the carrier body to the housing of the waste collection cart assembly, and wherein the second coupler is configured to be misaligned in the second position such that the magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers in the second position is less than the magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers in the first position to permit the carrier body to be removed from the waste collection cart assembly; andan actuator coupled to the carrier body and the second coupler, the actuator configured to move the second coupler to the first and second positions.

XXII. A method of securing a medical module to a waste collection cart assembly, said method comprising:providing a waste collection cart assembly having a housing defining an interior with a frame coupled to the housing and disposed at least partially within the interior, and a first coupler mounted to at least one of the housing and the frame;providing a carrier assembly having a carrier body mounted to a medical module, and a second coupler movably coupled to the carrier body, and an actuator;disposing the carrier body on an outer surface of the housing of the waste collection cart assembly;moving the second coupler relative to the first coupler with the actuator from a misaligned position to an aligned positioned such that a magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers in the aligned position secures the carrier body and the medical module to the waste collection cart assembly.