Patent Description:
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.

A specimen collection cassette for a medical fluid collection system is described in document <CIT>. A housing defines a first void space and a second void space, and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the first and second void spaces. An aperture may be within a wall separating the first and second void spaces with the aperture providing fluid communication between the first and second void spaces. First and second fittings receive a suction line for drawing fluid into the first and second void spaces, respectively. A fluid communication path is established from the first fitting to the outlet opening through the first void space, aperture, and the second void space, and a bypass fluid communication path is established from the second bore to the outlet opening through the second void space. The cassette is operable in one or both of a tissue sample collection mode and a bypass mode.

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.

A biopsy system including a cart having a cabinet including collapsible shelves on each side thereof is known from document <CIT>. The shelves are configured to move between a horizontal position and a collapsed position. A light source may be provided in the cabinet above each shelf. The light source may be directed to illuminate the shelves when in the horizontal position. <CIT> discloses a medical cart assembly having a worktop surface illuminated by an illumination assembly provided on a sidewall of the recess of the worktop.

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

Throughout this disclosure <NUM> in = <NUM> and <NUM> in<NUM> = <NUM><NUM>. 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 at <NUM> in <FIG> for use during medical and/or surgical procedures. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> collects 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 assembly <NUM> is capable of handling large amounts of waste material. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> collects 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 assembly <NUM> collects 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 assembly <NUM> is 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 to <FIG> and <FIG>, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may include a base <NUM> and wheels <NUM> for moving the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> along a floor surface within a medical facility. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may further include a frame or chassis <NUM> extending upwardly from the base <NUM>. In one configuration, the chassis <NUM> comprises metal. In other configurations, the chassis <NUM> comprises another material configured to provide rigidity to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> (<FIG>) defining an interior and described in further detail below. The housing <NUM> may comprise a polymeric material. More specifically, the housing <NUM> may comprise a plastic material. The housing <NUM> may also comprise a glass-filled nylon material to strengthen the housing <NUM>. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> further includes a waste container <NUM> to collect and temporarily store the waste material during use. The waste container <NUM> is disposed at least partially within the interior of the housing <NUM> and coupled to the chassis <NUM>. It is contemplated that the waste container <NUM> may 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 container <NUM> may be formed of glass, suitable plastic materials, or other materials.

A vacuum source <NUM> may be supported on the base <NUM> and coupled to the chassis <NUM> and configured to draw suction on the waste container <NUM> through one or more vacuum lines <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>). The vacuum source <NUM> may include a vacuum pump <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) such as one shown in <FIG>. The vacuum source <NUM> may also include a vacuum regulator <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) supported on the base <NUM> and configured to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>. The vacuum regulator <NUM> is configured to regulate a level of the suction drawn by the vacuum pump <NUM> on the waste container <NUM>. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> are disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>, <CIT>, International Publication No. <CIT>, and International Publication No. <CIT>.

In other configurations, the vacuum source <NUM> may be a separate unit that can be removably coupled to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> to draw suction on the waste container <NUM>. Suitable construction and operation of such a waste collection cart assembly <NUM> are disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>, granted October <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> comprises a manifold receiver <NUM> coupled to the waste container <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and supported above the base <NUM>. The manifold receiver <NUM> has an internal surface <NUM> defining an opening <NUM> (<FIG>) to removably receive at least a portion of a manifold <NUM>. The manifold receiver <NUM> is configured to facilitate fluid communication between the manifold <NUM> and the waste container <NUM> when the manifold <NUM> is received in the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>.

In the illustrated configurations, the manifold <NUM> has a manifold body <NUM> and a specimen trap <NUM> that is removably received within the manifold body <NUM> for 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 body <NUM> is configured to be at least partially received within the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>. The manifold body <NUM> may have an inlet fitting <NUM> that extends above the specimen trap <NUM>. The inlet fitting <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a suction line <NUM>. During the medical procedure, the suction line <NUM> facilitates fluid communication from an end effector, such as an endoscope, near a procedure site, through the manifold <NUM> and the manifold receiver <NUM>, and finally to the waste container <NUM>. When the specimen trap <NUM> is coupled to the manifold body <NUM>, the specimen trap <NUM> is configured to collect a specimen from the waste material while the waste material is being drawn into the waste container <NUM>. One advantage of the particular configuration of the suction line <NUM> being coupled to the inlet fitting <NUM> of the manifold <NUM> is that the specimen trap <NUM> may be removed from the manifold body <NUM> without disconnecting the suction line <NUM> from the manifold <NUM>. Suitable construction and operation of a manifold <NUM> is disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> comprises a front portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM> and a back portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) opposite the front portion <NUM>. Each of the front and back portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may comprise a single panel or multiple panels. Said differently, the front and back portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may comprise single integral components or multiple components. The front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the front portion may be adapted to generally face the patient during the medical procedure (see <FIG>). The front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may have a window <NUM> to permit a user to view the waste container <NUM>. When the waste container <NUM> comprises a transparent material such as glass, the user can see the waste material in the waste container <NUM> through the window <NUM>. When the waste container <NUM> comprises a transparent or translucent material, the user can see a level of waste material in the waste container <NUM>. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the window <NUM> is shown generally in the center (side to side) of the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that the window <NUM> may be disposed off-center such that the window is disposed to the left or right of the position of the window <NUM> as viewed in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may be configured to be illuminated internally to assist the user in observing the level of waste material in the waste container <NUM>. In one configuration, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> includes a light source array <NUM> coupled to the chassis <NUM> and configured to project light onto the waste container <NUM>. In some configurations, the light source array <NUM> may be coupled to the waste container <NUM> to project light into the waste container <NUM> when the waste container <NUM> comprises a translucent or transparent material. In one configuration the light projected is a low-intensity light. The light source array <NUM> may comprise a plurality of light sources to illuminate the waste container <NUM>. However, it is also contemplated that the light source array <NUM> could instead comprise a single light source for illuminating the waste container <NUM>. The light source array <NUM> may 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 array <NUM> is configured to project light away from the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. It is contemplated that the light source array <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere relative to the waste container <NUM> such that the light source array <NUM> projects light onto or into the waste container <NUM> in a different direction. Providing the light source array <NUM> mitigates the need for an external lighting source such as a flashlight.

As mentioned above, the manifold <NUM> is received by the manifold receiver <NUM>. Thus, it is advantageous to arrange the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> such that the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> faces the patient during the medical procedure (shown in <FIG>) to provide a more direct route for the suction line <NUM> from the patient to the manifold <NUM> and to provide greater access of the manifold <NUM> to the user. In other words, the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may face the outer walls of the procedure room and the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may face towards the interior of the procedure room. In configurations of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> including the light source array <NUM> for illuminating the waste container <NUM>, the light source array may be configured to project light in a direction that mitigates light being projected toward the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and 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 portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> need not face the patient during the medical procedure.

Referring to <FIG>, the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has an external surface facing away from the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may comprise a handle <NUM> to facilitate movement of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> between 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 assembly <NUM> around 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 in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is integral with the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that the handle <NUM> may instead be a separate component coupled to the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> projects away from the external surface of the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and has a grasping section <NUM> spaced from the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM> and the external surface of the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> collectively define a void therebetween to accommodate placement of the user's hand.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a top portion <NUM> disposed between the front and back portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further includes side portions 75a (See <FIG>), 75b (see <FIG>) disposed between the front and back portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and below the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has a work surface <NUM> for supporting a variety medical tools and equipment. In one configuration, the work surface <NUM> is configured to support a specimen container <NUM> (e.g., a formalin jar) for collecting a specimen obtained in the specimen trap <NUM>. The specimen container <NUM> may provide a more suitable enclosure for transporting the specimen than the specimen trap <NUM>. The work surface <NUM> is disposed above the manifold receiver <NUM> for ease of accessibility during the transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap <NUM> to the specimen container <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail further below, the work surface <NUM> may be generally planar and parallel to the floor surface. Said differently, the work surface <NUM> may be generally planar and configured to be level with respect to gravity when resting. Further, the work surface <NUM> may be set into the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one configuration, the work surface <NUM> has a surface area of at least <NUM> in. <NUM> In another configuration, the work surface <NUM> has a surface area of at least <NUM> in. <NUM> It is contemplated that the surface area may be less than <NUM> in.

The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may 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 assembly <NUM> is selected to keep the work surface <NUM> at a comfortable height above the floor surface for the user to interact with tools and equipment disposed on the work surface <NUM>. More specifically, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> has a maximum height defined between a bottom of the wheels <NUM> and a top of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one configuration, the maximum height is not more than <NUM> in. In another configuration, the maximum height is not more than <NUM> in. In still another configuration, the maximum height is not more than <NUM> in. In the above configurations, the work surface <NUM> may be set into the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> between <NUM> in. and <NUM> in. such that a height between the work surface and the wheels <NUM> is <NUM> in to <NUM> less than the maximum height of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. It is contemplated that the work surface <NUM> may be set into the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> more than <NUM> in. It is also contemplated that the work surface <NUM> may be set into the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> less than <NUM> in.

The smaller footprint may permit the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> to fit into smaller rooms in the healthcare facility. The footprint of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> is defined by a width and a depth of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> has a maximum depth defined between the front and back portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one configuration, the maximum depth is not more than <NUM> in. In another configuration, the maximum depth is not more than <NUM> in. In still another configuration, the maximum depth is not more than <NUM> in. The waste collection cart assembly has a maximum width defined between the side portions 75a, 75b of the housing <NUM>. In one configuration, the maximum width is not more than <NUM> in. In another configuration, the maximum width is not more than <NUM> in. In still another configuration, the maximum width is not more than <NUM> in.

The housing <NUM> may include one or more side handles <NUM> formed by one or more of the front, back, and top portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The side handles <NUM> may be used to facilitate movement of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> across the floor surface. The side handles <NUM> may be suitable for making small adjustments to the position of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> across the floor surface, such as pulling the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> away from the wall of the procedure room when the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is adjacent the wall, or for moving the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> laterally.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic representation of waste material being collected by the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> is shown. The waste container <NUM> defines a waste chamber <NUM> for holding the waste material. The waste container <NUM> includes a cap <NUM> to close the waste chamber. A vacuum is pulled on the waste container <NUM> from the vacuum source <NUM> to draw the waste material into the waste container <NUM> through the suction line <NUM> and the manifold <NUM> from a procedure site.

The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> comprises a cart controller <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>). The cart controller <NUM> may 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 assembly <NUM>. The sub-controllers may communicate with the cart controller <NUM> along a communications bus or by other conventional methods. An on-board control panel <NUM>, described in further detail below is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller <NUM> to permit a user to selectively operate the vacuum source <NUM> and other systems of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

In one configuration, the cart controller <NUM> is configured to generate signals to the vacuum regulator <NUM> to operate the vacuum regulator <NUM> to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container <NUM>. In another configuration, the cart controller <NUM> is configured to generate signals directly to the vacuum pump <NUM> and operate the vacuum pump <NUM> to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container <NUM>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the control panel <NUM> is coupled to the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM>. The proximity of control panel <NUM> to the manifold receiver <NUM> provides advantageous accessibility to the user for both the operation of the vacuum source <NUM> via the control panel <NUM> and the specimen trap <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may comprise one or more knobs 88a, dials, touch screen inputs 88b, or the like, in communication with the cart controller <NUM>, to allow the user to establish the desired vacuum levels in the waste container <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may also be configured to indicate to the user data relating to suction level on the waste container <NUM>. Suitable operation of a waste collection cart assembly <NUM> to control vacuum levels in a waste container <NUM> are disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one of the housing <NUM> and the manifold receiver <NUM> comprises a line management member <NUM> projecting outwardly from the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM>. The line management member <NUM> and the external surface of the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> collectively defining a void <NUM> to receive the suction line <NUM>. The suction line <NUM> may be directed by the line management member <NUM> to the inlet fitting <NUM> of the manifold body <NUM>. In this manner, the suction line <NUM> may be directed away from one or both of the specimen trap <NUM> and the control panel <NUM>. By directing the suction line <NUM> away from the control panel <NUM>, the suction line's <NUM> interference with the user's view/access of the control panel <NUM> is mitigated. By directing the suction line <NUM> away from the specimen trap <NUM>, the specimen trap <NUM> may be removed from the manifold body <NUM> without catching on or otherwise contacting the suction line <NUM>. The line management member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>. While <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show the line management member <NUM> used in connection with the specimen trap <NUM>, it is contemplated that the line management member <NUM> may be used in configurations of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> where the manifold does not include a specimen trap <NUM>. While the line management member <NUM> is shown extending beneath the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>, it is contemplated that the line management member <NUM> may be disposed at different positions relative to the opening <NUM> of the receiver <NUM> e.g., above, alongside, etc..

According to the invention and as illustrated in <FIG>, a light source assembly <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> preferably adjacent the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and configured to illuminate the work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to provide enhanced visibility of the work surface <NUM>. In one configuration, the light projected from the light source is a low-intensity light. The light source assembly <NUM> may project light away from the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM> toward the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other words, referring to <FIG>, the light source assembly <NUM> may be configured to project light in a direction that mitigates light being projected toward the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and 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 trap <NUM>, such as a gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure (GI procedure), the specimen may be transferred to the specimen container <NUM> for further analysis or transferred to the specimen container <NUM> for 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 trap <NUM>. 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 in <FIG>, and in many GI procedures, it is important that the procedure room remain dark or dimly lit so that an endoscope <NUM> used during the procedure can effectively capture images of the procedure site for later analysis and display them on a monitor <NUM> in the procedure room without light in the procedure room producing a glare on the monitor <NUM>. Ambient light and artificial light projected on the monitor <NUM> may impair the user's ability to view the images captured by the endoscope <NUM>. With the arrangement of the exterior surface of the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> generally facing the patient/procedure site and the light source assembly <NUM> projecting light onto the work surface <NUM> away from the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the illuminated work surface <NUM> may be utilized without projecting light toward the monitor <NUM> and without compromising the quality of images viewed on the monitor <NUM>.

In dimly lit environments, the transfer of the specimen from the specimen trap <NUM> to the specimen container <NUM> can be difficult and may prompt a user to remove the specimen trap <NUM>, 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 surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> provides a light built into the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> for users to transfer the specimen collected in the specimen trap <NUM> to the specimen container <NUM> while the specimen container <NUM> is disposed on the work surface <NUM>. Further, removal of the specimen trap <NUM> with the specimen and transfer of the specimen to the specimen container <NUM> may be accomplished while the user is standing next to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. 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 assembly <NUM> to transfer the specimen elsewhere. Another advantage of permitting the user to stand in place while removing the specimen trap <NUM> from the manifold body <NUM> and transferring the specimen to the specimen container <NUM> is reducing the opportunity for a user to drop a sample while walking to an illuminated environment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is set into the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has a sidewall <NUM> at least partially surrounding the work surface <NUM>. In some configurations, the sidewall <NUM> and the work surface <NUM> are integral or monolithic such that fluid spilled or otherwise disposed on the work surface <NUM> cannot leak into the interior of the housing <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has an interior surface <NUM> opposite the work surface <NUM> and a thickness defined therebetween. The sidewall <NUM> has an outer surface facing the work surface <NUM>, an inner surface facing the interior, and a thickness defined therebetween. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the thickness of the sidewall <NUM> is less than the thickness between the work surface <NUM> and the interior surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some configurations, the thickness of the work surface <NUM> is at least twice as thick as the thickness of the sidewall <NUM>.

The light source assembly <NUM> is disposed within the interior of the housing <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> is disposed between the light source assembly <NUM> and the work surface <NUM>. More specifically, the light source assembly <NUM> is configured to project light onto the inner surface of the sidewall <NUM>. Due to the thickness of the sidewall and the material of the sidewall <NUM>, light is configured to pass through the sidewall <NUM> and onto the work surface <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> comprises a transparent material or a translucent material such that light projected from the light source assembly <NUM> passes through the sidewall <NUM> to illuminate the work surface <NUM>. The light source assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> includes an array of light sources <NUM> arranged along the sidewall <NUM> such that light projected from the light sources <NUM> and through the sidewall <NUM> projects onto the work surface <NUM> to illuminate the work surface <NUM>. In other configurations, the light source assembly <NUM> includes a single light source <NUM> disposed above the work surface <NUM>. Each of the light sources <NUM> may 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 housing <NUM> other than the sidewall <NUM> may not be transparent or translucent. Instead, the other portions of the housing <NUM> may be opaque to assist in the prevention of light being projected toward the monitor <NUM> in the procedure room.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a trap light assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM>. The trap light assembly <NUM> may include a shroud <NUM> projecting outwardly from the exterior surface of the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. More specifically, the shroud <NUM> may be disposed above the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>. At least a portion of the manifold body <NUM> may comprise a transparent or translucent material such that contents of the specimen trap <NUM> may be visible with appropriate lighting when the specimen trap <NUM> is received in the manifold body <NUM>. The trap light assembly <NUM> further comprises a light source <NUM> that may be coupled to the housing <NUM> and may be configured to project light beneath the shroud <NUM> and onto the specimen trap <NUM> to provide enhanced visibility of the specimen trap <NUM> during the medical procedure.

In one configuration the light projected is a low-intensity light. The shroud <NUM> is configured to limit light projecting away from the specimen trap <NUM> and to limit light being projected toward the monitor <NUM> in the procedure room when the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> faces the patient/procedure site during the medical procedure. The light source <NUM> may 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 trap <NUM> in an unintended direction, the trap light assembly <NUM> may include a collimator <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM> adjacent the light source <NUM>. The collimator <NUM> is configured to focus the light projected from the light source <NUM> into collimated beams onto the specimen trap <NUM>. As described above, in certain medical procedures it is important to mitigate any light projected toward the monitor <NUM> in the procedure room. Collimated light beams assist in focusing light projected toward the specimen trap <NUM> while mitigating diffraction of light that could project toward the monitor <NUM>. In this manner, illumination of the specimen trap <NUM> may be accomplished without compromising the low lighting of the patient/procedure site. The collimator <NUM> may comprise one or more of a lens and a prism. An advantage of the configuration where the specimen trap <NUM> is illuminated while the waste material is being drawn into the waste container <NUM> is providing the user with greater visibility of the specimen trap <NUM> to discern whether a specimen has been collected.

In another configuration shown in <FIG>, the shroud <NUM> projects from the exterior surface of the housing <NUM> adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM>. More specifically, the shroud <NUM> may be disposed above the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>. A light guide <NUM> may be coupled adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM> to direct light onto the specimen trap. More specifically, at least a distal end of the light guide <NUM> may be disposed adjacent the manifold receiver <NUM> to direct light onto the specimen trap to provide enhanced visibility of the specimen trap during the medical procedure. The shroud <NUM> may project distally from the exterior surface of the housing <NUM> at least <NUM> distal of the distal end of the light guide <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, distal is a direction away from the interior of the housing <NUM>.

The shroud <NUM> may be configured to at least partially affect the light directed from the light guide <NUM>. For instance, the shroud <NUM> may be configured to limit light projecting away from the specimen trap and to limit light being projected toward the monitor <NUM> in the procedure room when the front portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> faces the patient/procedure site during the medical procedure (<FIG>). In some configurations, the shroud <NUM> includes a first reflective surface facing the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>. In some configurations, the shroud <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM>. In addition to partially affecting the light directed from the light guide <NUM>, the shroud <NUM> may act to shield the light guide from being contacted by the user during a medical procedure.

In other configurations, a portion of the housing <NUM> extends distally relative to the distal end of the light guide <NUM> (not shown). Said differently, a portion of the housing <NUM> may hang over the light guide <NUM> to affect the diffraction of light from the light guide <NUM>. In such a configuration, the portion of the housing <NUM> may extend distally of the distal end of the light guide <NUM> by at least <NUM>. Further, the portion of the housing <NUM> that extends distally relative to the distal end of the light guide <NUM> may include a reflective surface facing the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the light guide <NUM> comprises a lens. The lens may comprise a silicone material or another compliant material. In other configurations the light guide <NUM> may comprise a fiber optic cable.

A light source <NUM> is configured to emit the light through the light guide <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may be disposed in the interior of the housing <NUM>. The light source <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises a light emitting diode. In other configurations, the light source <NUM> may 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 board <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM> to control the flow of electricity to the light source <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM> to assist in ease of assembly of the light source <NUM> in the interior of the housing <NUM>.

In one exemplary configuration, the light source <NUM> is configured to emit light away from the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM>. The light may reflect off a second reflective surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The light may then be directed to the light guide <NUM>. The light guide <NUM> may redirect the light toward the opening <NUM> of the manifold receiver <NUM> and onto the specimen trap <NUM>. Some of the light from the light guide <NUM> may be directed to the first reflective surface <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> and then redirected onto the specimen trap <NUM>.

Once the waste material either fills the waste container <NUM>, or the user is otherwise prepared to dispose of the waste material, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may be transported by the user to a docking station <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) or other disposal area. The waste material is emptied from the waste container <NUM> to a waste drain or treatment location, and the waste container <NUM> is cleaned for further use. Suitable construction and operation of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> are disclosed in commonly owned <CIT> and <CIT> and <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> comprises a docking coupler <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured to dock the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> to the docking station <NUM> (see <FIG>). When the docking coupler <NUM> is coupled to the docking station <NUM>, the waste container <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> is configured to be in fluid communication with the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may comprise an off-load pump <NUM> and a docking controller <NUM>, to generate signals to and receive signals from the off-load pump <NUM> to operate the off-load pump <NUM> to transfer waste material from the waste container <NUM> to the docking station <NUM>. Both the off-load pump <NUM> and the docking controller <NUM> are shown schematically in <FIG>.

The control panel <NUM> is further defined as a suction control panel <NUM> and the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may comprise another control panel referred to as the docking control panel <NUM>. The docking control panel <NUM> may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller <NUM>. The cart controller <NUM> may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the docking controller <NUM> when the docking coupler <NUM> is coupled to the docking station <NUM>. The docking control panel <NUM> may be coupled to the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent the handle <NUM> such that the suction control panel <NUM> and docking control panel <NUM> are on opposite sides of the housing <NUM>. The docking control panel <NUM> may comprise one or more knobs, dials, touch screen inputs, or the like, in communication with the docking controller <NUM>, to allow the user to operate the off-load pump <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> to transfer waste material from the waste container <NUM> to the docking station <NUM> and to clean the waste container <NUM>. While the docking control panel <NUM> is shown coupled to the back portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, it is contemplated that the docking control panel <NUM> may be coupled to another portion of the housing <NUM>.

While the suction control panel <NUM> is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the cart controller <NUM> to operate one or both the vacuum regulator <NUM> and the vacuum pump <NUM>, it is contemplated that the suction control panel <NUM> may additionally or alternatively generate signals to and receive signals from other sources (e.g., the docking controller <NUM>). Similarly, while the docking control panel <NUM> is configured to generate signals to and receive signals from the docking controller <NUM> (via the cart controller <NUM>) to operate the off-load pump <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>, it is contemplated that the docking control panel <NUM> may additionally or alternatively generate signals to and receive signals from other sources. In other configurations, the suction control panel <NUM> may not be capable of generating signals to the docking controller <NUM>. In such a configuration, the docking control panel <NUM> may have exclusive control over performance of docking operations (e.g., docking station coupling, cleaning, and waste material removal) and the suction control panel <NUM> may have exclusive control over performance of vacuum operations. Vacuum operations may include generating signals to the vacuum regulator <NUM> to operate the vacuum regulator <NUM> to adjust the vacuum level in the waste container <NUM> or in another manner as described above.

In some configurations, the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may comprise a cleaning system to cooperate with the docking station <NUM> to clean and rinse the waste container <NUM> after emptying the waste container <NUM> of waste material. The cleaning system may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from one or both the cart controller <NUM> and the docking controller <NUM>. The docking control panel <NUM> may be configured to generate signals to and receive signals from one or both of the cart controller <NUM> and the docking controller <NUM> to operate the cleaning system. Suitable construction and operation of the cleaning system are disclosed in earlier identified <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, one configuration of a cleaning system is illustrated. <FIG> illustrates a schematic cleaning system and <FIG> illustrates a portion of one configuration of the cleaning system. A drain line <NUM> may be coupled to the manifold receiver <NUM> and the waste container <NUM> for facilitating fluid communication between the waste container <NUM> and the manifold <NUM>. More specifically, the drain line <NUM> directs waste material received from the manifold <NUM> and the suction line <NUM> from the manifold receiver <NUM> to the waste container <NUM>. The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may comprise a cart fluid coupler <NUM> configured to connect to a dock fluid coupler <NUM> of the docking station for permitting a transfer of a cleaning fluid from the docking station <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

The waste collection cart assembly <NUM> may comprise a cleaning circuit <NUM>. The cleaning circuit <NUM> may comprise a first cleaning line <NUM> coupled to the cart fluid coupler <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM>. The first cleaning line <NUM> is configured to direct the cleaning fluid from the docking station <NUM> to the nozzle <NUM> when the cart fluid coupler <NUM> is connected to the dock fluid coupler <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may be configured to direct cleaning fluid toward the waste chamber <NUM> of the waste container <NUM>. The cleaning circuit <NUM> may comprise a second cleaning line <NUM> coupled to and in fluid communication with the nozzle <NUM> at a first junction <NUM>. The second cleaning line <NUM> may be coupled to and in fluid communication with the drain line <NUM> at a second junction <NUM>. The second junction <NUM> is disposed upstream of the waste container <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may direct some of the cleaning fluid received from the first cleaning line <NUM> to the second cleaning line <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> may direct the rest of the cleaning fluid into the waste chamber <NUM> of the waste container <NUM>. The second cleaning line <NUM> may be configured to direct the cleaning fluid from the nozzle <NUM> to the drain line <NUM> to clean the drain line <NUM> when the cart fluid coupler <NUM> is connected to the dock fluid coupler <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. In other configurations, the second cleaning line <NUM> is coupled directly to the first cleaning line <NUM> at a junction and the first cleaning line <NUM> is configured to direct some of the cleaning fluid to the second cleaning line <NUM> and the rest of the cleaning fluid to the nozzle <NUM> and ultimately, into the waste chamber <NUM> of the waste container <NUM>. In many configurations, the second cleaning line <NUM> is smaller in cross-sectional area than the first cleaning line <NUM> such that a majority of the cleaning fluid is directed toward the nozzle <NUM> and the waste container <NUM> instead of the drain line <NUM>. After or during cleaning, the cleaning fluid received in the waste chamber <NUM> of the waste container <NUM> may be transferred back to the docking station <NUM> in the same manner as described above for transferring waste material from the waste container <NUM> to the docking station <NUM>.

The cleaning fluid used in the cleaning system may comprise fresh water <NUM>, a detergent <NUM>, a mixture of fresh water and detergent, or a solution used to flush or clean the waste container <NUM> and lines <NUM>, <NUM> or other components that are in fluid communication with the waste container <NUM>.

In some configurations, the cleaning circuit <NUM> may comprise a check valve <NUM> disposed within the second cleaning line <NUM> between the first and second junctions <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent waste material from the drain line <NUM> entering the first cleaning line <NUM>. During operation of the vacuum source in a medical procedure, the check valve <NUM> is also configured to be closed to prevent waste material from entering the second cleaning line <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> or first cleaning line <NUM>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the docking control panel <NUM> has a display <NUM> facing the grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM> to 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 assembly <NUM> from the docking station <NUM>, error notifications, etc. In some configurations, the display <NUM> outputs information to the user only i.e., the user may not be able to interact with the display to send signals to the cart controller <NUM>. In other configurations the display <NUM> may be a touch screen and be configured to receive commends from the user via the graphical user interface.

The display <NUM> has a top edge <NUM> and a bottom edge <NUM>. In one configuration, at least the top edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> is disposed above the grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM>, but a substantial portion of the display <NUM> may also be disposed at a similar height above the floor surface as the work surface <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. More specifically, in one configuration, a top-most portion <NUM> of the grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is disposed at a first height <NUM> above the floor surface. The top edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> is disposed at a second height <NUM> above the floor surface greater than the first height <NUM>. The bottom edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> is disposed at a third height <NUM> above the floor surface less than the first height <NUM>. The work surface <NUM> may be generally planar and parallel to the floor surface. The work surface <NUM> is disposed at a fourth height <NUM> above the floor surface greater than the third height <NUM> such that the bottom edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> is disposed below the work surface <NUM>.

In another configuration, the fourth height <NUM> is less than the third height <NUM> such that the bottom edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> is disposed above the work surface <NUM>. In still another configuration, both the second and third heights <NUM>, <NUM> are greater than the first height <NUM> such that the top and bottom edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> are disposed above the top-most portion <NUM> of the grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the positioning of the top edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> above the top-most portion <NUM> of the grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM> permits a user to view the display <NUM> from a distance. This may be advantageous to allow users to view a current state of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> while the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> is coupled to the docking station <NUM>. For instance, a user may be able to determine whether transfer of waste material from the waste container <NUM> to the docking station <NUM> is complete by viewing the display <NUM>, 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 assembly <NUM> in a ready-to-use state. Further, the positioning of the handle <NUM> at least partially surrounding the docking control panel <NUM> mitigates the possibility for inadvertent contact from the user or other objects to manipulate the docking control panel <NUM>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> may be planar and disposed at an oblique angle relative to the floor surface such that the display <NUM> faces away from the floor surface. In one configuration, the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees from an axis that is perpendicular to the work surface <NUM> or the floor surface. In another configuration, the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees from the axis that is perpendicular to the work surface <NUM> or the floor surface. The display <NUM> facing upwardly assists the user to view the docking control panel <NUM> from above the handle <NUM> and from a distance. The grasping section <NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be parallel to the display <NUM> of the docking control panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a surgical console such as a smoke evacuation system <NUM> may be coupled to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The smoke evacuation system <NUM> may be utilized for removing smoke from a fluid, such as air, during a medical procedure. However, other uses for the smoke evacuation system <NUM> are evident to those skilled in the art. Suitable construction and operation of the smoke evacuation system is disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

The smoke evacuation system <NUM> includes a smoke evacuation unit <NUM> and a bracket <NUM> for coupling the smoke evacuation unit <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the bracket <NUM> may include a generally planar body portion <NUM> and one or more raised flange portions <NUM> extending from the body portion <NUM>. The one or more flange portions <NUM> are configured to be coupled to the smoke evacuation unit <NUM>. The smoke evacuation unit <NUM> may be coupled to the one or more flange portions <NUM> via fasteners. The body portion <NUM> is configured to be received by the inset work surface <NUM> described above. The top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has one or more lips <NUM> at least partially surrounding the inset work surface <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> further comprises wing portions <NUM> extending outwardly from the flange portions <NUM>. The wing portions <NUM> may be shaped to complement the shape of the one or more lips <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> further includes couplers <NUM> attached to the wing portions <NUM> that are configured to couple the bracket <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. In one configuration, the couplers <NUM> comprise latches that are configured to grab onto the one or more lips <NUM> of the top portion of the housing <NUM>. It is contemplated that the couplers <NUM> could instead be attached to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> and the couplers <NUM> configured to grab onto the wing portions <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. While the bracket <NUM> is used to secure the smoke evacuation system to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>, it is contemplated that the bracket <NUM> may 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 assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. A carrier assembly <NUM> that supports a medical module <NUM> may be coupled to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> to secure the medical module <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The carrier assembly <NUM> includes a carrier body <NUM> configured to be supported by an outer surface of the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, carrier body <NUM> is configured to be supported by the work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

In one configuration, the carrier body <NUM> may be integral with the medical module such that when the carrier body <NUM> is supported by the work surface <NUM>, the medical module is as well. In other configurations, the carrier body <NUM> may be mounted to the medical module by a fastener to secure the carrier body <NUM> to the medical module. As will be appreciated from the description below. The carrier body <NUM> is typically configured to remain mounted to the medical module when the carrier assembly <NUM> is separated from the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. It is contemplated that the carrier body <NUM> may not remain mounted to the medical module when the carrier assembly <NUM> is separated from the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, one or more first couplers <NUM> may be coupled to one or both the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. The first coupler <NUM> is disposed beneath the work surface <NUM>. For ease of description, a single first coupler <NUM> will be referenced hereafter. It is contemplated that two or more first couplers <NUM> may be employed to secure the medical module <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the first coupler <NUM> is disposed beneath the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other configurations, the first coupler <NUM> may be disposed within a thickness of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> defined between the work surface <NUM> and the interior surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first coupler <NUM> is configured to be coupled to one or more second couplers <NUM> that are coupled to the carrier body <NUM>. For ease of description, a single second coupler <NUM> will be referenced hereafter. It is contemplated that two or more second couplers <NUM> may be employed to secure the medical module <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to move relative to each other to a first position <NUM> (<FIG>) and a second position <NUM> (<FIG>). The first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned in the first position <NUM>. In the first position <NUM>, a magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to secure the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM> to the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. The first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are misaligned in the second position <NUM>. In the second position <NUM>, a magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> is less than the magnetic attractive force between the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> in the first position <NUM>. The reduced magnetic attraction between the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> permits the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM> to be removed from the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

In other configurations, the carrier body <NUM> is secured to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> via electromagnetism. In such a configuration, the first and second couplers may be aligned when the carrier body <NUM> is supported by the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. An actuator (not shown) such as a switch may be configured to selectively supply current to one of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to create a magnetic field between the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to secure the carrier body <NUM> and thus, the medical module to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

After certain medical procedures, it may be necessary to decontaminate portions of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> and other associated tools and components that are exposed to the environment in a procedure room during a procedure. Decontaminating the interior of the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> and components disposed within the interior can be difficult and time consuming. In some configurations, the interior of the housing <NUM> is 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 housing <NUM> and the components disposed within the enclosed interior.

As described above, the housing <NUM> often comprises a plastic material. Plastic housings <NUM> may function well to enclose the interior of the housing <NUM>. However, plastic housings <NUM> may lack the structural integrity to support the weight of certain medical modules <NUM>. The plastic housing <NUM> may surround the chassis <NUM> such that the chassis <NUM> may reinforce the plastic housing <NUM> to support the weight of the medical module <NUM>. Further, to secure the medical module <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> couplers such as clamps, clasps, or other fasteners may be employed. However, plastic housings <NUM> may not be rigid enough to engage these couplers. Instead, the couplers may need to engage the chassis <NUM> if the plastic housing <NUM> is not rigid enough to engage the couplers. The couplers may need to breach the decontamination barrier to engage the chassis <NUM>. One advantage to using the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> that engage via magnetic attraction is that the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured together on opposite sides of the work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> while maintaining the decontamination barrier. Another advantage of disposing the first coupler <NUM> beneath the work surface <NUM> is to prevent fluid spilled or otherwise disposed on the work surface <NUM> from leaking into the interior of the housing <NUM>. However, in alternative configurations, the first coupler <NUM> may not be disposed beneath the work surface <NUM>, but is instead coupled to the housing <NUM> and projects upwardly from the work surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In configurations where the first coupler <NUM> is disposed beneath the work surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the housing <NUM> may comprise a material that is permeable to magnetic fields. Said differently, the housing <NUM> comprises a material that would not disrupt magnetic attraction between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> when the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned in the first position <NUM>. One such material that is permeable to magnetic fields is plastic.

In one configuration, one of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> comprises a magnetic material and the other of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> comprises a ferromagnetic material. In certain circumstances it is advantageous for the first coupler <NUM> to comprise the ferromagnetic material so that when tools or equipment comprising ferromagnetic material other than the carrier assembly <NUM> are disposed on the work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, undesired magnetic attraction is eliminated. In other configurations, each of the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> comprise a magnetic material with oppositely arranged poles.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an actuator <NUM> may be coupled to the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM> or one or both the housing <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> for moving one of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the other of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In the configurations illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is coupled to the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is configured to move the second coupler <NUM> relative to the first coupler <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In other configurations, the actuator <NUM> is coupled to one or both the housing <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, two actuators <NUM> are illustrated. It is contemplated that a single actuator <NUM> may be used to secure the carrier body <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. It is also contemplated that three or more actuators <NUM> may be used to secure the carrier body <NUM> to the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may comprise a sliding member <NUM> coupled to the second coupler <NUM>. The sliding member <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM>. The sliding member <NUM> may be configured to move with the second coupler <NUM> relative to the first coupler <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM> such that actuation of the sliding member <NUM> moves the second coupler <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. The sliding member <NUM> may have a plurality of rack teeth <NUM> disposed linearly along at least a partial length of the sliding member <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may further comprise a pinion <NUM> rotatably coupled to the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM>. The pinion <NUM> has a plurality of gear teeth <NUM> configured to engage the plurality of rack teeth <NUM> to move the sliding member <NUM> in response to rotation of the pinion <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may further comprise a lever <NUM> coupled to the pinion <NUM>. The lever <NUM> may be configured to rotate the pinion <NUM> to engage the sliding member <NUM> for moving the sliding member <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> relative to the first coupler <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. While the actuator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises the aforementioned rack and pinion design, it is contemplated that other actuators may be used to move the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to each other to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the actuator <NUM> may comprise a moveable member coupled to one of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> and the moveable member moves relative to the other of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM> in response to a user directly moving the moveable member. In another configuration, the actuator <NUM> comprises a rotatable member coupled to one of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> and the rotatable member is configured to rotate one of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the other of the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In order for operation of the actuator <NUM> to be capable of moving the second coupler <NUM> in and out of alignment with the first coupler <NUM>, the carrier body <NUM> must be located correctly to the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM>. A visual indicator (not shown) may be used to indicate to a user where to dispose the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> such that operation of the actuator <NUM> moves the second coupler <NUM> relative to the first coupler <NUM> to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. 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 body <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> so that operation of the actuator <NUM> is capable of aligning and misaligning the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to each other to the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the alignment feature comprises the outer surface of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Specifically, the carrier body <NUM> is configured to be placed on the inset work surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Further, the carrier body <NUM> is sized to fit in the recess defined by the inset work surface <NUM> and the surrounding sidewall <NUM>. The carrier body <NUM> may be configured to abut the sidewall <NUM> to prevent the carrier body <NUM> from moving relative to the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> when the actuator <NUM> is operated to move the second coupler <NUM> relative to the first coupler <NUM>. In other configurations, one of the carrier body <NUM> of the carrier assembly <NUM> and the housing <NUM> of the waste collection cart assembly <NUM> comprises a protrusion or a surface defining a recess to engage the other of the carrier body <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to locate the carrier body <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> and to prevent relative movement during operation of the actuator <NUM>.

As with the bracket <NUM> above, the medical module <NUM> supported by the carrier assembly <NUM> may comprise a surgical console (e.g., an electrosurgical generator) or surgical equipment. Further, while the carrier assembly <NUM> described above is used in connection with a waste collection cart assembly <NUM>, it is contemplated that the carrier assembly <NUM> may be used to secure medical equipment, surgical equipment, or other equipment to mobile carts other than waste collection cart assemblies <NUM>.

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.

Claim 1:
A waste collection cart assembly (<NUM>) for collecting waste material during a medical procedure, the
waste collection cart assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a waste container (<NUM>) configured to collect the waste material during the medical procedure;
a manifold receiver (<NUM>) coupled to the waste container (<NUM>) and having an internal surface (<NUM>) defining an opening (<NUM>) for receiving a manifold body (<NUM>);
a vacuum source (<NUM>) configured to be in selective communication with the waste container (<NUM>) for providing a vacuum on the waste container (<NUM>) to draw the waste material into the waste container (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) coupled to the waste container (<NUM>), the vacuum source (<NUM>), and the manifold receiver (<NUM>), characterized in that
the housing (<NUM>) has a first side (<NUM>) adjacent the manifold receiver (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>) opposite the first side (<NUM>) and a top portion (<NUM>), and the housing top portion (<NUM>) has a work surface (<NUM>) oriented to be generally parallel to a floor surface when the waste collection cart assembly (<NUM>) is positioned on the floor, the work surface (<NUM>) being disposed above the manifold receiver (<NUM>) for ease of accessibility; and
the assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a light source assembly (<NUM>) configured to illuminate the work surface (<NUM>),
wherein the top portion (<NUM>) of the housing comprises a sidewall (<NUM>) at least partially surrounding the work surface (<NUM>) such that the sidewall (<NUM>) and the work surface (<NUM>) collectively define a recess;
wherein the housing (<NUM>) defines an interior, and wherein the sidewall (<NUM>) of the top portion (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) has an inner surface facing the interior and an outer surface facing the work surface (<NUM>);
wherein the light source assembly (<NUM>) is disposed in the interior of the housing (<NUM>) such that the sidewall (<NUM>) is disposed between the light source assembly (<NUM>) and the work surface (<NUM>); and
wherein the sidewall (<NUM>) comprises one or more of a transparent material and a translucent material such that light projected from the light source assembly (<NUM>) passes through the sidewall (<NUM>) to illuminate the work surface (<NUM>).