Apparatus and method for removing a needle from a syringe
US6545242B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S83/944
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removing the needle portion of a hypodermic syringe and simultaneously sterilizing and destroying the needle portion of a hypodermic syringe, thereby eliminating the risk of infection by microorganisms that may be present in or on the needle. When a syringe is inserted into the apparatus, the needle is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt or at least soften the needle, and sufficient to inactivate any virus, bacteria, yeast, or other microorganism remaining on or within the needle. The needle also is cur at the location of melting so that the needle is removed from the remaining portion of the syringe. The heating and cutting elements are part of a disposable cartridge, which also contains the cut-off needle portions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.