APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING WASTE FROM PATIENT CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND TREATMENT

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US92/09954 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 11, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 11, 1993 PCT Filed Nov. 10, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO93/09749 PCT Pub. Date May 27, 1993.An apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and/or treatment includes an inflatable bladder member disposed to support at least a first portion of the body of the patient. A flexible basin member is fitted over the bladder and receives waste materials, and a filter sheet is disposed atop the basin member. The basin member is connected to a liquid/gas separator and a vacuum blower. A liquid waste pump is connected to the separator to transfer liquid waste to a holding jug. A vacuum wand provides both suction and rinsing liquid via an on-demand pumping supply configuration that enables the rinsing liquid supplied from a rinse jug to be heated. Liquid levels in the rinse liquid jug, the holding jug, and the separator's holding reservoir are sensed by capacitive level sensing devices which supply signals to a microprocessor which controls various functions of the apparatus. Special inflatable sacks are provided to assist turning the patient to facilitate cleansing of the patient. Inflatable cushions receive the inflatable bladder member and dispose it to become coextensive with the support of the rest of the patient in a patient support apparatus, if desired.