Needle incinerator

US5551355A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Ralph Haines · Brantford, CA
• Klaus Heidelberger · Eppingen, DE
• Brian Lang · Redford, US
• William D. Mitchell · Cleveland, US
• Petar Stancu · Kitchener, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: May 1, 1995
• Grant date: Sep 3, 1996
• Expiry date: May 1, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F23J2217/102
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for incinerating the metal shaft of hypodermic needles which includes a housing having adjustable electrodes mounted therein which when supplied with electric current and contacted with a metal shaft of a needle will instantly disintegrate the needle to a safe residue which is collected in a tray within the housing. Gases generated within the housing from the incineration process are purified by passing through filters and ionizers before being vented to atmosphere.