US005199604A
`United States Patent 1»
`5,199,604
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 6, 1993
`Palmeret al.
`
`
`UDCATAATOA
`
`[54]
`
`IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`DELIVERING A SELECTED ONE OF
`MULTIPLE LIQUID SOLUTIONS TO A
`TREATMENT SITE
`
`{75]
`
`Inventors: Lee Palmer, Austin, Tex.; James
`Marsall, Westford, Mass.
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`Sultan Chemists, Inc., Englewood,
`NJ.
`
`[21] Appl. No,: 763,540
`[22] Filed:
`Sep. 23, 1991
`
`{63]
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 519,405, May 4, 1990, Pat.
`No. 5,060,825.
`
`int, CUS cacccccsssssssccssceee B67D 5/22; B67D 5/48
`[52]
`[52] US. Che coccccccscssccessnssssssessessesssssse 222/25; 222/94;
`222/136; 222/146.5; 222/145; 433/32; 433/80;
`604/113; 604/131
`[58] Field of Search ................ 433/32, 80; 222/1, 23,
`222/25, 94, 95, 105, 136, 143, 144.5, 145, 146.5,.
`181, 185, 214, 132, 159; 604/113, 131
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8/1945 Davis .......sscccsscsssecssesesees 222/159 X
`2,425,277
`3,614,389 10/1971 Mailisza .....
`we 222/146.5 X
`3,756,471
`9/1973 Wissman ........csscssesserereee 222/185 X
`3,921,858 11/1975 Bem .......sscsssssseesreseneees 222/146.5
`
`w-» 222/145.5 X
`4,215,476. 8/1980 Armstrong...
`
`2/1981 Davis ........:00
`vs 222/146.5 X
`4,249,899.
`4,265,618
`5/1981 Herskovitz et al
`-» 222/146.5 X
`
`8/1982 Kiindig ..........-00eccesseres 239/134 X
`4,344,571
`4,356,937 11/1982 Simon etal. ..........000 222/136 X
`
`1/1983 Greenfield, Jr. etal........... 222/145
`4,366,920
`4,513,885 4/1985 Hogan ......cssnsrssssssseessenseees 222/95
`
`4,527,713 7/1985 Ingram .......cscssecrreeeeees 222/136 X
`4,592,728 6/1986 DAViS. cescocsscasscssssnsesneeeereen 433/80
`4,598,842 7/1986 Sticher et al
`esesee 222/146.5
`
`4,667,084 5/1987 Regge «sss
`. 222/146.5 X
`
`4,699,589 10/1987 Friedman et al... 433/32 X
`
`4,708,266 11/1987 Rudick ....scssss
`, 222/325 X
`
`screens 604/131
`4,840,620 6/1989 Kobayashi et al.
`
`4,886,452 12/1989 LODM seesssssssesssee
`433/80 X
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENT:
`
`0322223 6/1989 European Pat. Off.
`
`............++ 433/32
`
`Primary Examiner—Andres Kashnikow
`_ Assistant Examiner—Kenneth Bomberg
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Steinberg & Raskin
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`Irrigation system and method for delivering a selected
`one of multiple liquid solutions to a treatmentsite in-
`clude a plurality of solution reservoirs, each including a
`quantity of a respective liquid solution, a handpiece, a
`selector valve for fluidly coupling the handpiece to a
`selected oneofthe liquid solutions and a pumpfor caus-
`ing a selected one of the liquid solutions to flow to the
`handpiece for delivery to the treatmentsite. Each of the
`liquid solutions may have a color which is distinguish-
`able from the color of the other liquid solutions and the
`tubing to the handpiece is transparent so that the color
`of a liquid solution flowing through the tube is visible
`during treatment thereby enabling the identity of the
`particular solution being used to be quickly verified
`during treatment. Theirrigation system is preferably a
`closed system with the pump as well as a heater for
`heating the liquid solution being situated outside of the
`flow path ofthe liquid solution. A solution reservoir for
`use in such an irrigating system is also disclosed.
`
`8 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
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`ISOLUTIO
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`34,
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`34
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`343
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`1
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`Sinclair Pharmaetal.
`EUNSUNG-1005
`
`Sinclair Pharma et al.
`EUNSUNG-1005
`
`1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`Sheet 1 of 9
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`5,199,604
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`U.S. Patent =—Apr. 6, 1993 Sheet 2 of 9
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`5,199,604
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`U.S. Patent =—=Apr. 6, 1993 Sheet 3 of 9 5,199,604
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`Sheet 4 of 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`Sheet 5 of 9
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`US. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`Sheet 8 of 9
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`Sheet 9 of 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1993
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`1
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`5,199,604
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`IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`DELIVERING A SELECTED ONE OF MULTIPLE
`LIQUID SOLUTIONS TO A TREATMENT SITE
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`07/519,405, filed May 4, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,825.
`
`BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION
`
`10
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`15
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`25
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`This invention relates generally to methods and appa-
`ratus for delivering liquid solutions to treatmentsites,
`such as in connection with periodontic procedures and,
`moreparticularly, to irrigation systems and methodsfor
`delivering a selected one of multiple liquid solutions to
`a treatmentsite.
`The advantages of irrigation as a viable periodontal
`treatment are well documented. Irrigation systems are _
`known for delivering a liquid solution to a treatmentsite
`which include a reservoir of the solution connected to
`an inlet side of a pump. A handpiece having an applica-
`tor tip is connected to the outlet side of the pump. The
`solution is delivered in a steady stream orin a fine pul-
`sing jet through the handpiece to the treatmentsite.
`Such conventional periodontal irrigators are available,
`for example, from Vipont Laboratories of Fort Collins,
`Colo. under the trademark “Viajet” and from Teledyne
`Industries of Fort Collins, Colo. under the trademark
`“Water-Pik.” Also, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,807. issued
`Dec. 27, 1988 to A. Friedman,et al.
`Conventional irrigation arrangements have several
`deficiencies. One drawbackis that conventional irriga-
`tion systems generally do not provide the opportunity
`of easy selection among several irrigant solutions. More
`particularly, different irrigating solutions are currently
`being used in the treatment of different periodontal
`conditions. For example, hydrogen peroxide solutionis
`preferred for the removal of loose organic debris, zinc
`chloride is used to reduce inflammation, sodium fluo-
`ride is useful in the desensitization of tooth structure,
`and stannousfluoride and chlorhexidine digluconate are
`used in the reduction ofbacterial concentration, includ-
`ing motile forms and spirochetes which are believed to
`cause periodontal disease. However, most available
`periodontal
`irrigation systems include only a single
`solution reservoir comprising an open-topped tank into
`which a quantity of solution is supplied. If circum-
`stances require the use of a different treatment solution,
`either with the same or a subsequent patient, the solu-
`tion remaining in the tank is usually discarded and the
`tank must be cleaned andrefilled with the new solution.
`This procedure is time-consuming and costly, not to
`mention messy.
`Another disadvantage of conventional irrigation ar-
`rangements of this type is that the irrigating solution can
`become contaminated since the solution generally flows
`in an open fluid system. For example, contaminants can
`enter the irrigation solution supply through the open
`top of the solution reservoir tank. Furthermore, the
`irrigating solution comes into contact with various
`components as it flows through the system which may
`be sources of contamination. For example, piston and
`diaphragm-type pumps must contact thesolution, as do
`conventional heating elements in arrangements in
`which the solution is heated before treatment for the
`comfort of the patient. It is also possible for the hand-
`Piece to overheat where the heating elementis situated
`in the handpiece.
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`Atleast one arrangementhas been suggested whichis
`adapted to enable a rapid selection from multiple irri-
`gating solutions. In particular, an arrangementis dis-
`closed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,476 issued Aug. 5, 1980 to
`A. Armstrong which includes a plurality of solution
`reservoirs, each comprising a quantity of.a respective
`irrigating solution sealed within a flexible-walled bag, a
`handpiece for delivering a selected one ofthe irrigating
`solutions to the treatment site, and a selective coupling
`‘device for fluidly coupling the handpiece to a selected
`one of the irrigating solution reservoirs. The solution-
`filled bags are situated within a remote container over
`which a closure is secured to create a gas-tight enclo-
`sure. The interior of the enclosure is pressurized to a
`preset level and as this pressure acts on theflexible walls
`of the solution reservoirs, the selected irrigating solu-
`tion is caused to flow from its reservoir to the hand-
`piece.
`This multiple irrigating solution arrangment, al-
`though permitting a rapid selection of one of several
`available irrigating solutions, has significant disadvan-
`tages. For example, it is not possible to quickly verify
`during a treatment that the irrigating solution being
`administered is the one desired. The user must rely on
`memory to identify the treatment solution. Moreover,
`there is always a danger than an incorrectirrigant solu-
`tion may be supplied because of a mistake in set-up and
`assembly of the apparatus.
`Other disadvantages of this arrangement result from
`the use of a pressurized container to “pump” the se-
`lected solution towards the handpiece. For example, the
`selected irrigating. solution cannot be dispensed from
`the handpiece as a pulsed jet, or at a uniform pressure
`and volumetric flow rate. Rather, the solution is sup-
`plied in a continuous stream whichis not as effective as
`a pulsed jet, and at a relatively varying rate. Moreover,
`it is necessary for the container in which the pressurized
`solution reservoirs are enclosed to be situated proximate
`to a source of pressure. This will seriously reduce the
`flexibility of the system, at least insofar as location and
`movement. The use of a pressurized, sealed container
`limits the numberof available solution reservoirs. Fur-
`thermore, the arrangement makes no provision for heat-
`ing the selected irrigating solution.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, one objectof the present invention is to
`provide new and improved irrigation systems and meth-
`ods for delivering a selected one or more of multiple
`liquid solutions to a treatmentsite.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`new and improved irrigation systems and methods for
`delivering a selected one or more of multiple liquid
`solutions to a treatmentsite at a substantially uniform
`delivery pressure and volumetric flow rate.
`Still another object of the present invention is to
`provide new and improved irrigation systems and meth-
`ods for delivering a selected one or more of multiple
`liquid solutions to a treatmentsite in which the identity
`of the irrigating solution can be quickly and easily veri-
`fied during the treatment procedure.
`Yet another object of the present invention is to pro-
`vide new and improved irrigation systems and methods
`for delivering a selected one or more of multiple liquid
`solutions to a treatment site which include means for
`heating the selected irrigation solution without the dan-
`ger of overheating the handpiece, and wherein the heat-
`
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`5,199,604
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`4
`the indicia provided on the reservoir storage means for
`designating respective solution reservoirs.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`3
`ing means are situated outside of the flow path of the
`irrigating solution to avoid contamination.
`A further object ofthe present invention is to provide
`new and improved irrigation systems and methods for
`delivering a selected one or more of multiple liquid
`solutions to a treatmentsite including pump means situ-
`ated outside the flow path of the selected irrigating
`solution so as to avoid contamination.
`A still further object of the present invention is to
`provide new and improved irrigation systems and meth-
`ods for delivering a selected one or more of multiple
`liquid solutions to a treatment site including modular
`means for storing solution reservoirs in a manner pro-
`viding substantial flexibility in setting up the system.
`Briefly, in accordance with the present invention,
`these and other objects are attained by providing an
`improvementin irrigating arrangements which include
`a plurality of reservoirs containing respective irrigating
`solutions, handpiece means for delivering a selected one
`of the solutions directly to a treatmentsite, liquid solu-
`tion coupling and selector means for coupling the hand-
`piece means to the reservoir of a selected one of the
`liquid solutions, and pump means for causing the se-
`lected one of the liquid solutions to flow from its reser-
`voir to the handpiece means for delivery to the treat-
`mentsite.
`According to one aspect of the invention, each of the
`liquid solutions has a color (including clear) which is
`distinguishable from the color of the other liquid solu-
`tions and color-coded indicia, which may comprise the
`solutions themselves, are associated with the solution
`reservoirs which correspond to the liquid solutions
`therein. The solution reservoirs are mounted so that
`their color-coded indicia are visible during the treat-
`ment procedure. Theselected irrigating solution flows
`into the handpiece means through tubing means which
`are formed of substantially clear, transparent material so
`that the color ofthe irrigating solution flowing through
`the tube means is visible, whereby the identity of the
`liquid solution being delivered can be immediately iden-
`tified by reference to the color-coded indicia associated
`with the solution reservoirs. The solutions are prefera-
`bly flavor coordinated, i.e., are provided with substan-
`tially the same flavor, such as peppermint. This is im-
`portantso that a patient being treated with two or more
`solutions, one after the other, will not have the unpleas-
`ant sensation normally experienced whenliquids having
`different flavors are tasted, one after the other.
`According to another aspect of the invention, non-
`invasive means for heating the selected oneofthe liquid
`solutions are provided,i.e. the heating means aresitu-
`ated entirely out of the flow path of the selected one of
`the liquid solutions. Similarly, non-invasive pump
`means are provided whichare situated outside the flow
`path of the selected liquid solution. The heating ele-
`ments and pump components therefore cannot contrib-
`ute to the contamination of the liquid solution. The
`pump comprises a fixed speed peristaltic pump which
`provides a pulsating solution delivery at a substantially
`constant volumetric flow rate and pressure. Pump oper-
`ation is preferably controlled by a standard dental
`equipment foot switch.
`Additionally,
`the system also preferably includes
`reservoir storage means for storing the solution reser-
`voirs, the storage means including indicia for designat-
`ing respective solution reservoirs which are stored in it.
`Theliquid solution coupling and selector means include
`selector valve means having indicia corresponding to
`
`A more complete appreciation of the present inven-
`tion and manyofthe attendant advantages thereof will
`be readily understood by reference to the following
`detailed description when considered in connection
`with the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG.1 is schematic view of a system in accordance
`with the invention illustrating the main components
`thereof;
`FIG.2 is a perspective view ofan irrigation system in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG.3 is a fragmentary perspective view ofirrigating
`_ solution reservoir storage means, showing three irrigat-
`ing solution reservoirs stored in place with three addi-
`tional reservoirs yet to be stored;
`FIG.4 is an exploded fragmentary view of a control
`unit and handpiece means in a system in accordance
`with the invention, showing liquid solution coupling
`and selector means for fluidly coupling the handpiece
`means to a selected one of the liquid solutions in a re-
`spective solution reservoir, and pump means for causing
`the selected one of the liquid solutions to flow from its
`reservoir to the handpiece means;
`FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are exploded sectional plan,
`rear and front views, respectively, of selector valve
`means for use in the invention;
`FIG.6 is an enlarged elevation view of pump means
`for use in the invention;
`FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section view of means for
`heating the selected one of the liquid solutions as it
`flows to the handpiece means;
`FIG.8 is a detail view of handpiece means and an
`associated applicator tip or cannula for use in the inven-
`tion;
`FIG.9 is a schematic view of electrical circuitry for
`use in the invention;
`FIG.10 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating
`the connection of tubing to a solution reservoir; and
`FIGS. 11A-11C are perspective views of possible
`arrangements of the reservoir storage means in accor-
`dance with the invention showingits flexibility in set-
`up.
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
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`Referring now to the drawings wherein like refer-
`ence characters designate identical or corresponding
`parts throughout the several views, and more particu-
`larly to FIG.1, an irrigation system in accordance with
`the invention, generally designated 10, comprises a
`plurality of solution reservoirs 12 (six shown), each
`reservoir including a quantity of a respective liquid
`solution substantially sealed within a container, hand-
`piece means 14 for delivering a selected one oftheliq-
`uid solutions contained in one of the reservoirs 12 di-
`rectly to a treatmentsite, liquid solution coupling and
`selector means, generally designated 16, for coupling
`handpiece means 14 to a selected one ofthe liquid solu-
`tions in a respective solution reservoir 12, and pump
`means 18 for causing a selected one ofthe liquid solu-
`tions to flow from its reservoir 12 thereof to the hand-
`piece means 14 for delivery to the treatmentsite. Heat-
`ing means for heating the selected solution as it flows to
`the handpiece are designated 19.
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`The liquid solution coupling and selector means 16
`include selector valve means 20 having a plurality of
`inputs 22, an output 24, and means for coupling a se-
`lected one of the inputs 22 to the output 24,first tubing
`means 28 for fluidly coupling each of the solutions in a
`respective reservoir 12 to a respective oneof the inputs
`22 of the selector valve inputs 22, and second tubing
`means 30 for fluidly coupling the output 24 of theselec-
`tor valve means to the handpiece means 14.
`Referring to FIG.2 illustrating an embodimentof the
`_ apparatus schematically illustrated in FIG.1, six solu-
`tion reservoirs 12;-12¢ are stored in wall-mounted res-
`ervoir storage means 32. A control unit enclosure 35
`houses the pumpandselector valve means. First tubing
`means 28 couple each of the solution reservoirs 12)-12¢
`to the selector valve inputs within enclosure 35. Second
`tubing means 30 couples the handpiece means 14 to the .
`output of the pump means within enclosure 35. The
`handpiece 14 is mounted on the side of the housing 35
`for easy access. The power to operate the pump means
`and heater is obtained through a line cord 33 upon the
`depression of a conventional foot switch 37.
`A solution reservoir 12 forming a part of the system
`of the invention comprises a closed container 36 in
`which a quantity of a particular irrigation solution 34),
`34, and .
`.
`. 34¢ is substantially sealed. Referring to FIG.
`3, the container 36 in the illustrated embodiment com-
`prises a 1000 ml., self-collapsing, non-vented, molded
`container made of low density polyethelene whichitself
`is housed within an outer cardboard carton 44. Contain-
`ers of this type are available from the Hedwin Company
`of Baltimore, Md. under the name “‘Cubitainer.” Each
`container has a neck having an opening over which a
`polyethelene cap 38 having a penetratable membrane,
`also available from Hedwin Company,
`is screw fas-
`tened.
`According to one feature of the invention, each of the
`liquid solutions 34), 342 .
`.
`. 346 has a color which is
`distinguishable from the color of the other liquid solu-
`tions, such as through the use of a coloring agent.It is
`understood that one of the solutions may have a clear
`“color”, which will distinguish it from the other solu-
`tions. At the same time, visually apparent, color-coded
`indicia are associated with each of the solution reser-
`voirs and the second tubing means.30 is formed at least
`in part of transparent material so that the color of the
`solution flowing through the tubing during the treat-
`mentis visible. In this manner, the identity of the solu-
`tion being used can be quickly and easily verified by
`reference to the color-coded indicia associated with the
`solution reservoirs.
`For example, referring to FIGS.1 and2, in the illus-
`trated embodiment the solution 34; comprises an aque-
`ous bacteriostatic rinse solution for use as a flush and
`which has been colored orange, solution 342 comprises
`a 1% zinc chloride irrigating solution which has been
`given a dark green color, solution 343 comprises a 2%
`sodium fluoride irrigating solution which has been
`given a blue color, solution 344 comprises a 1.64% stan-
`nous fluoride gel having a clear “color”, solution 345
`comprises a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate irrigating
`solution given a cherry red color, and solution 34, com-
`prises a 1.7% hydrogen peroxide solution having a pink
`color.
`Eachof the outer cartons 44 of containers 36 is pro-
`vided with color-coded indicia corresponding to the
`color of the solution in the container which it houses.
`For example, the front panel of carton 44 of the reser-
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`voir 12; containing orange aqueous bacteriostatic rins-
`ing solution is colored orange, the front panel of the
`carton 44 of the reservoir 122 containing green zinc
`chloride solution is colored green, etc. Thus, color-
`coded indicia are associated with each of the solution
`reservoirs which correspond to the liquid solution con-
`tained therein.
`In orderto refer to the color-coded indicia associated
`with the reservoirs as described above, the solution
`reservoirs must be mounted such that the color-coded
`indicia associated therewith are visible during the treat-
`ment procedure. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, the
`solution reservoirs 12;~12¢ are mounted on a wall by
`means of the reservoir storage means 32 so that the front
`panels of the outer cartons are easily seen during treat-
`ment.
`By these features, it is possible for the practitioner to
`simply and reliably verify that the desired liquid solu-
`tion is being administered as the irrigation process is
`taking place. The practitioner need merely observe the
`color ofthe liquid solutionas it flows through the trans-
`parent second tubing means 30 and glance at the color-
`coded indicia provided on the reservoir 12 of the de-
`sired solution to assure correspondence between them.
`Forexample,if the practitioneris treating a patient with
`a solution believed to be zinc chloride solution 342 and
`wishes to verify this fact, he need only note the color
`(green) of the liquid flowing through transparent sec-
`ond tubing means 30 and glance at the reservoirs to
`ascertain which has corresponding colorindicia. It is a
`simple matter to ascertain that the corresponding reser-
`voir 122 indeed contains zinc chloride solution.
`It will of course, be understood that color-coded
`indicia may be associated in some other manner with
`the solution reservoirs. For example, fluid level win-
`dows 46 may be formed through the front panel of each
`of the cartons 44 through which the liquid solution is
`visible in its respective container 36. The color of the
`liquid solution itself may be viewed through the win-
`dow so that the solution itself comprises the color-
`coded indicia associated with the respective reservoirs.
`The liquid solutions are preferably flavor coordi-
`nated,
`i.e., are provided with substantially the same
`predetermined flavor. For example, a peppermintflavor
`may be imparted to each ofthe irrigating solutions by
`suitable flavoring agents. By this feature, a patient may
`be treated with two or moresolutions during the same
`procedure, oneafter the other, without being subjected
`to the discomfort which would normally occur when a
`person tastes two or more diverse flavors, one immedi-
`ately after the other.
`Referring to FIG. 3, according to another feature of
`the invention, the reservoir storage means 32 has a mod-
`ular construction and, in the illustrated embodiment,
`comprises an assembly of two single-shelf storage racks
`48 and 50 situated one over the other, and which are
`fastened to each other by means of machine screws 51.
`Storage means 32 are illustrated with solution reservoirs
`124-12¢ in their stored positions in the upper rack 50,
`coupled to the first tubing means, and prior to the stor-
`age of the reservoirs 12;~123 in the lower rack 48.
`Each modular storage rack 48-50 comprises a metal
`shelf 52 having a retainer bar 54 fastened to its front
`edge, a pair of side panels 56 extending upwardly from
`its side edges, and a rear panel $8 extending upwardly
`from the rear edge of the shelf. The shelf 52 is long
`enough to accommodatethree liquid solution reservoirs
`12 in side-by-side fashion, so that an assembly of two
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`storage racks 48 and 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3
`will accommodate six liquid solution reservoirs. As will
`be clear from FIGS. 2 and 3, the construction of the
`reservoir storage means 32 is such that when mounted
`on a wall as in FIG. 2, or on other supports described
`below, the color-coded indicia associated with the res-
`ervoirs are visible during the procedure.
`As seen in FIG. 3, for purposes discussed below, the
`reservoir storage means 32 has a respective identifying
`indicia 59 associated with each of the reservoir posi-
`tions, as by printing a respective one of the numberal
`“1” to “6” on the retainer bar 54 directly in front of the
`respective reservoir position. For example, solution
`reservoir 12, is positioned on rack 50 directly at the
`position designated by the indicia “6.” Three slots 60
`are formed through each of the shelves 52, each slot
`extending beneath a respective reservoir position. A
`metal shroud 62 is fastened onto the outer surface of at
`least one of the side panels 56 of eachofthe racks 48 and
`50.
`Thefirst tubing means 28 which fluidly couplethe six
`reservoirs to the selector valve, comprise six } inch o.d.
`tubes 42 which are enclosed within an outer sheath 64
`over the major portion of their lengths. The exposed
`upstream end portions of tubes 42 not surrounded by
`sheath 64 are routed to the side of the reservoir storage
`means 32 and into the space defined between side panels
`56 and shrouds 62. Tubes 42), 422 and 423 are passed
`through an opening 66 in the side panel 56 of the lower
`shelf storage rack, and through respective slots 60 in
`lower shelf 52. Tubes 424, 425 and 42¢ are passed
`through a corresponding opening 66 in the side panel 56
`of the upper shelf storage rack 50, and then through
`respective slots 60 in upper shelf 52. A quick-disconnect
`right angle membrane-penetrating adaptor 40 is con-
`nected to the end of each of the tubes 42 for quick-dis-
`connect connection to the membranecap 38 ofa respec-
`tive reservoir to pierce the membrane, thereby coupling
`each tube to the solution contained in that reservoir.
`Each of the tubes 42 are preferably color-coded sub-
`stantially over its entire length. For example, in the
`illustrated embodiment, the tube 42), which connects
`solution 34; in the reservoir 12;, situated at position 1 in
`storage means 32 to an input 22of selector valve means
`20, is formed of red polyethelene. The tube 422, which
`connects solution 342 in the reservoir 122 situated in
`position 2 of storage means 32 to an input 222 of selector
`valve means 20, is formed of yellow polyethelene,etc.
`Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the exposed down-
`stream end portions of the tubes 42;-42¢ offirst tubing
`means 28 are connected to respective inputs 221-22. of
`the selector valve means 20 which are provided with
`respective indicia 68 (FIG. 5B) correspondingto indicia
`59 on the storage means 32. For example,tube 42; has its
`upstream end connected to reservoir 12; situated at the
`position associated with the indicia “1” of storage
`means 32 while its downstream end is connected to the
`input 22; of the selector valve means associated with the
`indicia “1”. That the ends of the same tube are con-
`nected on the one handto the reservoir 121 at the posi-
`tion designated by the indicia “1”, and on the other
`handto the selector valve input 22; designated by indi-
`cia “1”, is ensured by color coding the tube 42) as de-
`scribed above. Thus,it is a simple matter to determine
`that the sametube,i.e. the “red” tube 42), has one ofits
`ends connected to the reservoir 12; situated at the posi-
`tion designated by indicia “1” in the storage means 32,
`and its other end connected to the input 221, designated
`
`“1”, of the selector valve. means. This feature practi-
`cally eliminates the possibility of connecting an end of a
`tube already connected at its other end to a particular
`solution reservoir, to an incorrect input of the selector
`valve.
`Referring to FIG. 5, selector valve means 20 com-
`prises a main body 70 having a central cylinder core or
`stem 72 rotatably mounted therein. Six liquid inlet pas-
`sages 74 are formed through the body 70, each inlet
`passage opening into a respective input port 22 atits
`outer end, and at its inner end, into the bore which
`receives the rotatable core 72 in a plane common with
`the inner ends of the other inlet passages 74. A liquid
`outlet passage 76 is formed in the rotatable core 72
`having one end opening into the selector valve output
`port 24 and another end opening onto the cylindrical
`- core surface in the plane of the inner ends of passages
`74. The selector valve means also comprises a selector
`knob 78 which is fastened to the end region of core 72
`which protrudes through a face plate 80 of selector
`valve 20.
`Referring now to FIG. 4 which comprises an ex-
`ploded perspective view of the control unit enclosure
`35 and the components housed therein, enclosure 35
`comprises a bottom member 38, a U-shaped top andside
`member 88, and front and rear panels 92 and 94. The
`bottom and top members 86 and 88 are affixed to each
`other by screws 90 with the edges of the front and rear
`panels captured in front and rear (not shown) channels
`98 to form the enclosure.
`Thesheath 64 offirst tubing means 28 passes through
`an opening 96 in rear panel 94 and the downsteam end
`portions of tubes 42), 422. .
`. 426 are connected to re-
`spective valve inputs 221, 222, .
`. . 226 of selector valve
`means 20 using the color coding of the tubes to ensure
`accurate connections. The protruding part ofthe rotat-
`able core 72 of valve means 20 passes through an open-
`ing 100 in the front panel 92 and selector knob 78 is
`affixed thereto. Indicia 82 are provided on the outer
`surface of the front panel 92 which correspond in posi-
`tion to the indicia 68 on the rear surface of the body 70
`of the selector valve means 20. The selector knob 78is
`rotated so that an arrow 79 (FIG. 5C) on knob 78 points
`to a particular one of the indicia 82 on front panel 92.
`The core 78 is thus rotated until the end of the outlet
`passage 76 communicates with the particular inlet pas-
`sage 74 corresponding to the inlet coupled to the de-
`sired irrigating solution. For example, when the knobis
`rotated so that the pointer 78 indicates the indicia desig-
`nated “6”, the outlet passage 76 communicates with the
`inlet passage 74 which opens into the inlet port 22¢
`which is coupled to the solution 34¢ contained in the
`reservoir 12¢.
`Also situated within the control unit enclosure 35 are
`the pump means, generally designated 18 in FIG. 1. In
`accordance with the invention, the pump means 18
`comprises a peristaltic pump assembly 102. Referring to
`FIG.6, the peristaltic pump assembly 102 comprises a
`pump housing 104 to which a rotor 106 is rotatably
`mounted by a shaft 108. A roller 110 is journalled to
`each end of rotor 106. A substantially circular channel
`112 is formed through housing 104 which is bounded on
`its inner periphery by a deformable collar 114. A length
`of silicone pump tubing 116 is situated within channel
`112 and terminates at its inlet end in a barbed inletfitting
`118, and at its outlet end in a barbed outlet fitting 120.
`Theshaft 108 is connected to a 115 volt electric motor
`122 (FIG.4) adapted to rotate at 30 rpm.
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`A length of tubing 124, comprising a part of the sec-
`ond tubing means 30, has one end connected to the
`outlet port 24 of the selector valve means 20 andits
`other end connected to theinletfitting 118 ofperistaltic
`pump 102 so that thesilicone pump tu