US7316726B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Evaporation valve
Assignee: Tissue Extraction Devices LLC
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Filing: 2003-04-22
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Granted: 2008-01-08
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Expires: 2023-04-22
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey Schwindt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/71; A61M1/77; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0233; A61B10/0283; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0402; Y10T137/8376
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
A pneumatic circuit comprising: a compressor; a pressurized gas conduit coupled to the compressor and having an exit port; a gas-permeable absorber coupled to the exit port, wherein the absorber is used to collect moisture in the pneumatic circuit and dissipate the moisture into the atmosphere through the absorber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
A pneumatic circuit comprising: a compressor; a pressurized gas conduit coupled to the compressor and having an exit port; a gas-permeable absorber coupled to the exit port, wherein the absorber is used to collect moisture in the pneumatic circuit and dissipate the moisture into the atmosphere through the absorber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The pnuematic circuit of claim 1 , further comprising a biopsy device actuated by pressurized gas from the compressor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The pneumatic circuit of claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum system configured to create a vacuum in the circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The pneumatic circuit of claim 1 , wherein the absorber is coupled to the exit port such that it extends upwardly from the exit port.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The pneumatic circuit of claim 1 , wherein the absorber comprises an intake filter not normally configured for use as an absorber, but which absorbs moisture when the pressurized gas is directed through it.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The pneumatic circuit of claim 1 , further comprising a cabinet for housing substantially all of the pneumatic circuit, the absorber being positioned within the cabinet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The pneumatic circuit of claim 1 , wherein liquid condensed in the pneumatic circuit is not collected in a liquid reservoir for collecting the condensed liquid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
A medical device comprising: a biopsy device having a pneumatic motor; a compressor coupled to the pneumatic motor for energizing the pneumatic motor; a pressurized gas conduit coupled to the compressor, the conduit having an exit port; a gas-permeable absorber mounted on the exit port, the absorber absorbing and dissipating moisture contained in the pressurized gas; and a cabinet housing the compressor, gas conduit, exit port, and a absorber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A medical device comprising: a biopsy device having a pneumatic motor; a compressor coupled to the pneumatic motor for energizing the pneumatic motor; a pressurized gas conduit coupled to the compressor, the conduit having an exit port; a gas-permeable absorber mounted on the exit port, the absorber absorbing and dissipating moisture contained in the pressurized gas; and a cabinet housing the compressor, gas conduit, exit port, and a absorber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medical device of claim 8 , wherein the biopsy device is composed substantially of polymeric materials and non-magnetic metals and can be used in conjunction with a Magnetic Resonance Imagine device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medical device of claim 8 , wherein the absorber comprises a filter typically used for filtering intake gases.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of removing moisture from a compressed gas system housed in a cabinet, the method comprising the steps of: compressing the gas with a compressor; directing the compressed gas through a conduit device to an exit port; directing the compressed gas through the exit port and directing moisture from the compressed gas through a gas-permeable absorber connected to the exit port; and using the absorber to collect moisture from the compressed gas and dissipate the moisture into the atmosphere inside the cabinet.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of removing moisture from a compressed gas system housed in a cabinet, the method comprising the steps of: compressing the gas with a compressor; directing the compressed gas through a conduit device to an exit port; directing the compressed gas through the exit port and directing moisture from the compressed gas through a gas-permeable absorber connected to the exit port; and using the absorber to collect moisture from the compressed gas and dissipate the moisture into the atmosphere inside the cabinet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the compressor is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatically operated medical device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the absorber comprises a filter configured for use as an intake filter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the absorber is mounted such that it extends from the exit port in a substantially vertically upward direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the conduit device is selected from the group comprising a heat exchanger, a coalescing filter, and a tube.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of providing compressed gas to a medical device, the method comprising the steps of: compressing the gas with a compressor; directing the compressed gas through a conduit to a liquid absorber; directing moisture from the compressed gas through the absorber; and using the absorber to collect moisture from the compressed gas and dissipate the collected moisture into the atmosphere.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of providing compressed gas to a medical device, the method comprising the steps of: compressing the gas with a compressor; directing the compressed gas through a conduit to a liquid absorber; directing moisture from the compressed gas through the absorber; and using the absorber to collect moisture from the compressed gas and dissipate the collected moisture into the atmosphere.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the compressed gas is used to operate the medical device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the medical device, is a biopsy device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the absorber is mounted to the conduit such that the absorber extends substantially vertically from the conduit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the absorber is an intake filter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2011-01-07 | 2011-07-09 | 2012-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-07-09 | 2016-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2019-01-07 | 2019-07-09 | 2020-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |