Apparatus and method for safely disposing contaminated needles
US5188598A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2005/3208
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for safely removing contaminated needles from syringes without exposing medical personnel to unnecessary health risks. The device requires only one hand to operate; medical personnel simply insert the syringe and press downwardly. The pressure exerted by the user causes disconnect gears to engage the collar of the needle and unscrew the needle from the syringe, at which time the needle falls into a container. The device includes means for forcing needles into the container when the rubber portion of an unscrewed needle gets "trapped" in the disconnect gears, and also includes means for preventing further disengagement of needles when the container cannot safely accommodate additional needles. Also included in the disclosed device is an opening for receiving needles other than the type that can be disconnected by the gears. The container includes a recess for storing a permanent lid, which is applied to the device when the container is full and ready to be disposed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.