Portable modular apparatus and method for destroying medical needles
US5868709A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2005/3283
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A portable electronic (electro-mechanical) device for destroying sharp, contaminated hypodermic and other medical needles includes an upper electrode assembly, two fixed, and one moveable electrode situated between the two fixed electrodes. The moveable electrode comprises a chamber to contain residue and sparks generated from closing an electrical circuit. An electronic control circuit controls the modulation of the moveable electrode in relation to the two fixed electrodes and automatically manages the destruction cycle of said needle by use of electro-mechanical sensors and motors. The sharp end of said needle is inserted through an opening in the upper electrode and contacts the lower fixed electrode. Any gases generated by the incineration process are drawn through the disposable burn head by a fan and are filtered by a multi-stage filteration system before being passed into the local ambient surroundings. The portable apparatus is modular. The burn head assembly including the electrodes, debris container, fan, multi-stage filter, motors, and the plastic housing is disposable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.