Prefilled retractable syringe, plunger and needle assembly

US8361035B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UNITRACT SYRINGE PTY LTD · AU

Inventors

• Craig Stephen Thorley · Maitland, AU
• Joseph Hermes Kaal · Maitland, AU
• Chris Rafferty · Maitland, AU
• Richard Sokolov · Parramatta, AU
• Ernesto Hueso · Sydney, AU
• Huw Wallis · Chatswood, AU
• Steve Chi Truong · Parramatta, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 29, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49826
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A retractable syringe, plunger and releasable needle retaining assembly are provided. The retractable syringe typically has a glass barrel and is prefilled with fluid contents before use. The releasable needle retaining system comprises a retractable needle, a needle seal, a retaining member and an ejector member that is operable to release the retractable needle from the retaining member. The retaining member has a mating surface for mounting to a complementary mating surface of an interior wall of a syringe barrel. The plunger comprises a plunger outer, a plunger rod frangibly connected to a controlling member, a spring and a unitary plunger seal capable of engaging the retractable needle, wherein the plunger rod, plunger outer and the controlling member co-operate to releasably maintain the spring in an initially compressed state. After delivery of fluid contents of the syringe, the plunger forces the ejector member to release the retractable needle from the retaining member. Decompression of the spring at the end of depression of the plunger facilitates retraction of the retractable needle when engaged with the unitary plunger seal. Dual locking systems prevent re-use of the sy…