Importance

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Abstract

A vacuum apparatus for surgical aspirators comprises a motor and vacuum pump on a supporting base with an evacuated chamber surrounding them to reduce noise produced by the apparatus. The apparatus preferably comprises first and second hollow housings of one or more wall members defining an enclosure surrounding the motor and pump, the wall members of said housings spaced apart to define a vacuum chamber around the motor and vacuum pump. The enclosure has an opening to surrounding atmosphere through the supporting base or through a sealed opening through the housings. The pump outlet communicates with surrounding atmosphere. A passageway connects the vacuum chamber both to the vacuum pump inlet and the exterior of the apparatus. Operation of said motor and pump is effective to withdraw air from the chamber to produce a vacuum therein supplied for use through the passageway, the vacuum is the reservoir being sufficient for use over a period of time and providing sound insulation against noise produced by the apparatus. The apparatus has pressure responsive valves for (1) preventing flow of air into the vacuum chamber when the surgical cannula is removed, (2) closing off the vacuum chamber from the surgical cannula when the vacuum is insufficient and causing the vacuum pump to work directly on the surgical cannula, and (3) shutting down the motor when the vacuum reaches a selected level.

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First Claim