Patent · US Expired

Needle design for live microorganisms

US6629962B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
6References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 17, 2001
Grant dateOct 7, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA01K45/007
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention seeks to provide an improved needle design and needle assembly which is particularly adapted for live vaccines and the like. More specifically, the needle assembly includes a gap filler with an inner funnel which is specifically shaped and adapted to fill a turbulence gap naturally formed between a conventional needle retainer and syringe. By maintaining a laminar flow of the fluid, the turbulence and the destruction of live cells are reduced. Additionally, some of the needle designs include a funnel-shaped mouth which is utilized during the filling of the syringe to minimize physical damage to the cell wall or membrane of the live cells otherwise caused by the sharp edges at the tip of a standard injection needle. A breakaway needle assembly is also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.