US20050121343A1 - Hypodermic needle extraction and disposal system and device - Google Patents
Hypodermic needle extraction and disposal system and device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050121343A1 US20050121343A1 US10/945,197 US94519704A US2005121343A1 US 20050121343 A1 US20050121343 A1 US 20050121343A1 US 94519704 A US94519704 A US 94519704A US 2005121343 A1 US2005121343 A1 US 2005121343A1
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- Prior art keywords
- needle
- extraction
- disposal device
- syringe
- carriage
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B50/36—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for collecting or disposing of used articles
- A61B50/362—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for collecting or disposing of used articles for sharps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T29/49819—Disassembling with conveying of work or disassembled work part
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49815—Disassembling
- Y10T29/49822—Disassembling by applying force
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53439—Means to assemble or disassemble including provision to utilize thermal expansion of work
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53443—Means to assemble or disassemble container and fluid component
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in processing syringes such as those used in the medical industry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hypodermic needle extraction devices that render used syringes safe for disposal and/or recycling.
- a care giver is required to deposit a used syringe and needle into an appropriate sharp bag or box.
- a number of disadvantages arise through the use of a sharp bag or box by a care giver. Initially, a care giver is required to exercise extreme caution to not acquire an inadvertent “needle stick” during the placement of a used syringe into a sharp bag.
- used needles protruding from a sharp bag pose a serious risk to a care giver as the sharp bag becomes filled to capacity.
- the present disclosure relates to a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer.
- the device includes at least one guide rod disposed within said device, a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on the guide rod, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an embodiment of internal components of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 1 , during operation;
- FIG. 6 is a detailed cross sectional end view of the body clamp plungers and syringe, shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a front detailed view of the heater elements and syringe shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front detailed view of the heater elements engaged to the luer of the syringe
- FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial perspective views of a bin cover and bin door, respectively, as shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device
- FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the internal components of the needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a center chassis of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown in FIG. 14 .
- hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device As illustrated in the drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the hypodermic needle extraction device as defined by the appended claims.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 according to the present disclosure.
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 is used for processing a syringe 12 ( FIG. 5 ) which generally includes a needle 14 , a body 16 , a luer 18 , and a plunger (not shown).
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 is enclosed within a housing 102 , the housing 102 preferably being formed of a lightweight, yet sturdy plastic material.
- the housing 102 includes a number of indicator lamps 106 , such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- a ready indicator lamp 106 indicates the availability of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 for use in processing a used syringe 12 .
- a bin full indicator lamp 106 indicates the necessity for replacement of either the needle bin and/or the syringe body bin 160 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the bin full indicator lamp 106 signals when either the needle bin or the syringe body bin 160 have become full following the processing of a plurality of used syringes 12 .
- the housing 102 may also include a power switch and a power input jack (not shown) which may be utilized to supply power to the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- the exterior of the housing 102 also includes a syringe guide cutout 103 which orientates a syringe 12 into position for introduction into the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- the syringe guide cutout 103 provides a self-contained area for the placement of a syringe 12 prior to processing.
- the syringe guide cutout 103 is proximate to a syringe receiving door 104 that provides access into the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- the syringe guide cutout 103 can also be integral to a hopper mechanism (not shown) which is utilized to store a number of used syringes 12 for automatic processing by the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- the hopper mechanism can function on the same principles as a clip for ammunition, a gravity drop via a channel, a standard shaped hopper, or a conveyor.
- the syringe receiving door 104 is operated by an electronic control system, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,230, to Miller, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the syringe receiving door 104 is opened via a pinion gear 101 a engaging a rack 103 , thereby permitting a used syringe 12 to enter the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 for processing.
- the syringe receiving door 104 is a platform that is retracted or slid laterally, thereby allowing the syringe to drop vertically into the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- alternate embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 can include a platform having a hinge that permits the platform to rotate downwardly into the interior of the housing 102 .
- a receiving door opto-sensor (not shown) is adjacent the syringe receiving door 104 . The receiving door opto-sensor senses the presence of a syringe 12 being placed proximate to the syringe receiving door 104 .
- the receiving door opto-sensor electrically signals the electronic control system to open the syringe receiving door 104 .
- a small motor 101 is used to drive a pinion gear 101 a that is operatively connected to a rack 103 located on the syringe door 104 .
- a rack 103 located on the syringe door 104 .
- the receiving door opto-sensor is a proximity device which detects the presence of an object within a certain distance.
- the receiving door opto-sensor does not physically make contact with a syringe 12 .
- the electronic control system permits the opening of the syringe receiving door 104 only at such time as the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 has completed processing of the previous syringe 12 and is ready to initiate further processing procedures.
- a carriage assembly transports the used syringe 12 , as received through the syringe receiving door 104 , during processing by the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 .
- the carriage assembly is formed of a carriage 100 , a carriage gear rack 122 , and a carriage motor 124 having a pinion gear 126 .
- the carriage 110 is mounted on a plurality of guide rods 115 .
- the guide rods 115 are constructed of stainless steel and allow the carriage 110 to be urged along the guide rods 115 as necessary during processing operations.
- the carriage 110 when positioned in the at-rest location, is below the syringe receiving door 104 and above a receiving platform formed by the receiving doors 130 .
- Each receiving door 130 is mounted within the housing on a shaft (not shown) such that the receiving doors 130 can freely rotate, as discussed hereafter.
- both receiving doors 130 are horizontally positioned, thereby forming the platform onto which the syringe 12 drops once the syringe receiving door 104 is opened.
- a carriage opto-sensor (not shown) is positioned adjacent the carriage 110 when the carriage 110 is in the at-rest location under the syringe receiving door 104 .
- the carriage opto-sensor identifies the presence of a syringe 12 on the receiving platform formed by the receiving doors 130 and signals the electronic control system to initiate processing operations.
- a pair of body clamp plungers 112 is used to both raise the syringe 12 off the receiving platform and to securely clamp the syringe body 16 during processing.
- the body clamp plungers 112 are oppositely disposed and configured for the centering of the needle 14 in a desired x-y coordinate ( FIG. 6 ), regardless of the varying diameters of the syringe bodies 16 .
- each body clamp plunger 112 has a square cross section and is slidably mounted in a square channel on the carriage 110 .
- a pair of barrel clamp motors 118 each barrel clamp motor 118 having pinion gear 117 , is used to urge the body clamp plungers 112 inwardly so that they engage the syringe 12 .
- Each pinion gear 117 engages a gear rack 116 formed on the respective body clamp plunger 112 .
- Each gear rack 116 can be either integral to or affixed to the body clamp plunger 112 .
- the square channels may be either affixed to or integral to the carriage 110 .
- the pair of barrel clamp motors 118 move the barrel clamp heads 114 inwardly for engagement of the syringe 12 .
- the pair of barrel clamp heads 114 are preferably formed in an opposing V-shaped configuration, thereby facilitating the application of an identical clamping pressure to the body 16 of a syringe 12 , regardless of the diameter of the body 16 .
- the current or voltage required for clamping of the syringe body 16 by the barrel clamp motors 118 then sensed and/or analyzed by the electronic control system. Upon sensing of a pre-established voltage or current threshold, the electronic control system signals the barrel clamp motors 118 to maintain the barrel clamp plungers 112 in the desired position.
- the opposing V-shaped clamps of the barrel clamp heads 114 engage the syringe body 16 below the center line to facilitate the elevation and lifting of the syringe 12 for centering in the desired x- and y-coordinate ( FIG. 6 ).
- the opposing V-shaped barrel clamp heads 114 obtain an identical x- and y-coordinate for the needle 14 regardless of the size of the needle 14 or the diameter dimension for the syringe body 16 .
- the utilization of the square body clamp plungers 112 within the square plunger channels 80 maintains the orientation of the barrel clamp heads 114 , thereby maintaining vertical, horizontal, and rotational integrity during operation of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 . As well, utilization of the square body clamp plungers 112 helps prevent the rotation of the barrel clamp heads 114 out of position.
- the carriage opto-sensor preferably signals the electronic control system to initiate the grasping of a syringe 12 from the receiving platform.
- the electronic control system then signals the barrel clamp motors 118 to move the body clamp plungers 112 inwardly so that the barrel clamp heads 114 engage the body 16 of the syringe 12 .
- the engagement between the barrel clamp heads 114 and the syringe body 16 elevates the syringe body 16 , positioning the needle 14 in the desired x- and y-coordinate.
- the barrel clamp motors 118 then signal the electronic control system of a desirability of more power. Once a certain power demand threshold has been encountered, the electronic control system signals the barrel clamp motors 118 to maintain the desired position for the remainder of the sterilization and processing procedures of the used syringe 12 .
- the signal from the carriage stop opto-sensor communicates to the electronic control system that the needle 14 has been positioned as desired, upon which the electronic control system signals the heater assembly to engage the luer 18 of the syringe 12 .
- the heater assembly includes a pair of heater motors 140 , square plungers 141 positioned within square plunger channels, heater elements 142 , and thermalcouples (not shown). The advantages as described for the square plungers and square plunger of the body clamp plungers 112 are equally applicable to the heater assembly described herein.
- the carriage 110 is moved forwardly and rearwardly along the guide rods 115 by the engagement of the carriage motor 124 which rotates the pinion gear 126 along the carriage gear rack 122 .
- the engagement of the carriage motor 124 occurs through the receipt of signals from the electronic control system.
- the electronic control system signals the carriage motor 124 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed from above.
- the carriage 110 is forwardly positioned such that the syringe 12 is proximate to the heater elements 142 , which can be ceramic heater heads. It should be noted that if the presence of a luer 18 on the carriage 110 is not identified by the transfer carriage opto-sensor, a signal will be generated to the electronic control system which returns the carriage 110 to the at-rest position.
- each receiving door 130 slides along a portion of the carriage 110 .
- each receiving door 130 rotates downwardly such that there is no longer a platform formed beneath the carriage 110 . This allows access to the bin 160 positioned thereunder, as is later discussed.
- the forward motion of the carriage 110 is limited by a carriage stop opto-sensor (not shown) which is positioned adjacent the forward or leading edge of the heater assembly.
- the carriage stop opto-sensor is preferably adapted to sense and signal the presence of the luer 18 of the syringe 12 in a desired forward location.
- the carriage stop opto-sensor initiates a signal to the electronic control system upon sensing of the leading edge of the luer 18 of the syringe 12 .
- the carriage stop opto-sensor enables the processing of syringes 12 having varying lengths by terminating the forward motion of all syringes 12 at a standard forward position.
- the carriage stop opto-sensor is a proximity device which detects the presence of a non-conductive material within a certain distance, such as a syringe 12 .
- heater motors 140 engage the square plungers 141 through the utilization of screw shafts and cert nuts.
- the front surfaces of the square plungers 141 accommodate the heater elements 142 .
- the electronic control system signals the heater motors 140 to urge the square plungers 141 inwardly such that the heater elements 142 contact the luer 18 of the syringe 12 .
- the electronic control system initiates the application of power to the heater elements 142 when the transfer carriage opto-sensor signals the electronic control system of the presence of a syringe 12 on the receiving platform.
- the electronic control system signals the needle extraction assembly to grasp the needle 14 .
- the needle extraction assembly includes a needle extraction platform 150 , a platform motor 152 , a pair of needle tip clamp motors 154 , square plungers 155 , square plunger channels, and a pair of needle tip grippers 156 , each preferably a carbide gripper.
- the at-rest position for the needle extraction assembly is adjacent the heater assembly.
- the electronic control system signals the needle tip clamp motors 154 to rotate the screw shafts for inward positioning of the square plungers 155 within the square plunger channels.
- the needle tip grippers 156 having the knurled carbide grippers, are affixed to the square plungers 155 .
- the operations, interactions, and advantages as earlier described for the square plungers 141 and square plunger channels of the heater assembly similarly apply to the needle extraction assembly.
- the extraction of the needle 14 from the syringe 12 and the interaction between the carriage, body clamp plungers, heater assembly, and needle extraction assembly is preferably based upon an event sequence as opposed to a timing sequence. Therefore, the interrelationship is not affected by the diameter dimensions for the syringe body 16 or the needle 14 .
- the electronic control system operates the platform motor 152 and/or the needle tip clamp motors 154 based upon the analysis of the voltage/current requirements for exertion of a desired amount of pressure, whereupon the electronic control system will signal the respective platform motor 152 or needle tip clamp motors 154 to hold an acquired position.
- the tip contactor 157 is a spring and formed of a one quarter inch brass diameter shaft having a conical shaped receiving end. A needle 14 engaging the receiving end may thereby be centered for sterilization and processing.
- an electrical connection is established and the electronic control system applies power across the needle 14 such that the needle 14 is used as an element.
- the electronic control system places approximately twelve to twenty volts, corresponding to twelve to fifteen amps, across the needle 14 thereby sterilizing any chemistry or blood which may be present upon the needle 14 .
- the conical shaped receiving end upon the heating of the needle 14 , deforms the point of the needle 14 into a non-reusable condition.
- the needle tip grippers 156 grasp the needle 14 proximate to the luer 18 in order to maximize the distance between the tip of the needle 14 and the needle tip grippers 156 .
- the electronic control system then terminates the application of energy across the needle 14 whereupon the needle extraction motor 152 urges the needle extraction platform 150 forwardly for return to the at-rest position.
- the needle 14 is thereby separated from the conical receiving end.
- the electronic control system then signals the needle tip clamp motors 154 to retract, separating the needle tip grippers 156 from the needle 14 , thereby permitting the needle 14 to drop into the needle bin 130 ( FIG. 3 ). All the elements of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 are then positioned for processing of another used syringe 12 .
- the dropped syringe body 16 is received in the syringe body bin 160 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the needle 14 is allowed to drop into the needle bin (not shown).
- the needle bin 130 and the syringe body bin 160 are both contained in a single sliding drawer 108 .
- each bin 160 includes a sliding bin door 166 that functions automatically as the drawer 108 is both pushed into and pulled out of the housing 102 .
- FIGS. 11-13 An alternate embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 is shown in FIGS. 11-13 .
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 includes a housing 202 including a needle orifice 204 and a drawer 208 ( FIG. 13 ) slidably received therein.
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 operates automatically upon insertion of a syringe 12 into the needle orifice 204 , either by use of a mechanical switch or by use of opto electronics.
- a wheel 209 is rotatably mounted to the housing 202 , the wheel 209 including a plurality of orifice inserts 207 of different sizes.
- the orifice inserts 207 assist the user in properly positioning the syringe 12 relative to the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 for removal of the needle 14 therefrom.
- a liquid crystal display 206 is provided on the housing 202 to provide information to the operator. As previously noted, LEDs can also be used to provide status information to the operator.
- a movable carriage 210 is slidably mounted within the housing 202 on a plurality of guide rods 215 which are mounted in apertures 251 formed in the center chassis 250 ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ).
- the carriage 210 is at the top of its intended range of travel (the range being approximately one inch or less vertically).
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 is activated. Power is provided to the needle tip clamp motor 254 which in turn urges the moveable needle tip gripper 257 toward the opposing stationary needle tip gripper 256 , securing the needle 14 therebetween.
- the microprocessor senses greater load on the needle tip gripper motor 254 .
- the needle tip gripper motor 254 is turned off, leaving the needle 14 secured between the needle tip grippers 256 , 257 .
- the carriage motors are activated, thereby urging the carriage 210 downwardly away from the syringe body 16 .
- the motion of the carriage 210 relative to the syringe body 16 separates the needle 14 from the luer 18 .
- power is secured to the carriage motors 252 as the needle 14 is now free of the luer 18 .
- a heater element (not shown) is located adjacent the needle orifice 204 such that when the needle is inserted therein, the luer 18 of the syringe 12 is adjacent the heater element. The heater element softens the luer 18 thereby facilitating removal of the needle from the syringe 12 .
- the carriage motor 254 is turned on and reversed to separate the moveable needle tip gripper 257 from the stationary needle trip gripper 256 , thereby allowing the needle 14 to drop into the needle collection bin 268 ( FIG. 13 ).
- a small loop 257 a is attached to the top of the moveable needle tip gripper 257 .
- the carriage motors 252 are turned on in reverse and the carriage 210 moves along the guide rods 215 back to the upper position.
- the user can remove the now needleless syringe body 16 from the needle orifice 204 and place the syringe body 16 in the appropriate waste container.
- the drawer 208 and associated needle bin 260 are slidably received in a center chassis 250 .
- the needle bin 260 preferably includes a bin cover 268 with an aperture formed therein and a bin door 266 having an actuator tab 267 extending upwardly therefrom.
- a slot (not shown) formed in the center chassis 250 causes the bin door to be automatically moved to an open and a closed position, respectively.
- a magnet is embedded in the actuator tab 267 that interacts with a reed switch 258 positioned on the center chassis 250 .
- the reed switch 258 is configured to detect the location of the magnet, and subsequently the actuator tab 257 . As such, the reed switch 258 can determine if the bin door 266 has moved to the open position as the drawer 208 is inserted into the center chassis 250 . With the bin door 266 in the open position, the aperture in the bin cover 268 is aligned with the needle aperture 256 formed in the center chassis. As such, processed needles 14 can drop into the needle bin 260 . If the bin door 266 remains in the closed position for some reason, the reed switch 258 provides a signal to the control system that prevents the operation of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 .
- a solenoid 270 is provided that is configured to lock the needle bin 260 in place during operation of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 by inserting an actuator (not shown) into a recess (not shown) formed in either the bin 260 or the drawer 208 .
- the solenoid 270 briefly retracts the actuator and allows the drawer 208 to be removed once the needle bin 260 is full. Operation of the solenoid 270 is automatic and based on a count of how many needles 14 have been processed.
- the spring (not shown) positioned within the center chassis 250 forces the drawer 208 out of the center chassis 250 when the solenoid 270 momentarily lifts an actuator (not shown) which normally engages a recess in the drawer 208 , thereby holding the drawer 208 in position.
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 200 operates while plugged into a standard 110 V supply, or operates off a battery pack.
- the batteries allow at least 80 to 100 cycles before needing to be recharged.
- the recharging system is built into the device. No external charging system is necessary. Solar cells may also be mounted on the device to provide operating power and/or recharge the battery pack.
- a needle tip clamp motor 354 which in turn urges the moveable needle tip gripper 357 toward the opposing stationary needle tip gripper 356 , securing the needle 14 therebetween.
- a microprocessor senses greater load on the needle tip gripper motor 354 .
- the needle tip gripper motor 354 is turned off, leaving the needle 14 secured between the needle tip grippers 356 , 357 .
- the carriage motor 254 is turned on and reversed to separate the moveable needle tip gripper 357 from the stationary needle trip gripper 356 , thereby allowing the needle 14 to drop into the drawer 308 .
- a needle bin similar to those previously discussed can be placed in the drawer 308 for the collection of needles 14 .
- the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 further includes a sterilization module (not shown).
- a sterilization module for example, after the needle 14 has been extracted from the luer 18 , rather than being dropped directly into the syringe bin, the syringe body 16 can be dropped onto a sliding platform and flooded with UV light. After a sufficient period of time has elapsed for the UV light to destroy bacteria, etc., the UV lamp is turned off. Once the UV light is turned off, the platform retracts to one side and the syringe body 16 is allowed to drop into the syringe collection bin. The sliding platform then returns to its home position.
- the sterilization unit and syringe destruction device can be either integral parts of the disposal device 100 or can operate independently as stand-alone systems.
- hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 microprocessor has firmware installed to allow for field upgrades of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 with the syringe destruction device in the sterilization unit.
- the microprocessor can determine if one or both of these devices are being used in conjunction with the disposal unit, and will vary all of the operation timing functions accordingly.
- the syringe destruction device and sterilization unit are used independently as stand alone systems, they will have their own microprocessor controller and related firmware and hardware.
- Embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 are envisioned that have the ability to distinguish between standard syringe/needle combinations and “engineered sharps” (safety syringes—retractable or sheathed).
- the system can determine the type of syringe to be processed. If the syringe is determined to be an engineered sharp, the processing is varied to eliminate the needle extraction portion of the process and the engineered sharp is deposited into the syringe bin.
- hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 have the ability to communicate through wired and/or wireless LANs (local area networks). As such, hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 can be poled from a central station as to each disposal unit's activity. As well, each hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 can be operated remotely and diagnostics routines can be run to determine if the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device 100 is functioning properly.
- a central control system preferably Windows® based
- Embodiments are also envisioned wherein syringe processing events may be time stamped, processed syringe sizes can be determined using look-up tables, the total number of syringes processed in a given amount of time is recorded, and “instructions sets” regarding timing, motor current settings, etc., may be changed via the network connections, depending upon the type syringe being processed.
- hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device Although preferred embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device have been disclosed in detail herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device as set forth in the following claims.
Abstract
A hypodermic needle extraction device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, the device including at least one guide rod disposed with the device, a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on the guide rod, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart.
Description
- This application is related to co-pending U.S. utility patent applications entitled “HYPODERMIC NEEDLE EXTRACTION DISPOSAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM,” filed on Sep. 18, 2003 and accorded Ser. No. 60/503,909, and “HYPODERMIC NEEDLE EXTRACTION DISPOSAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM,” filed on Dec. 26, 2003 and accorded Ser. No. 60/506,256, which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in processing syringes such as those used in the medical industry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hypodermic needle extraction devices that render used syringes safe for disposal and/or recycling.
- The medical industry has experienced an exponential increase in the incidence of accidental needle punctures experienced during the disposal and/or storage of used syringes. Accidental needle punctures pose a potentially deadly and serious problem to medical care providers, as well as to individuals handling used syringes. Accidental “needle sticks” may also be costly to diagnose and/or treat. It is estimated that the expense to identify and treat a medical condition acquired as a result of a “needle stick” is within the range of between two thousand and five hundred thousand dollars ($2,000.00 and $500,000.00).
- Medical industry insurers have been desperate to identify ways to eliminate and/or minimize the risk of inadvertent “needle sticks” to medical service providers and/or individuals involved in the handling and disposal of used syringes. In addition, self-insuring medical facilities are especially interested in a cost effective solution to eliminate the growing “needle stick” problem.
- Currently, used syringes are collected and/or held in a heavy walled bag known in the industry as a sharp bag or box. Currently, a care giver is required to deposit a used syringe and needle into an appropriate sharp bag or box. A number of disadvantages arise through the use of a sharp bag or box by a care giver. Initially, a care giver is required to exercise extreme caution to not acquire an inadvertent “needle stick” during the placement of a used syringe into a sharp bag. In addition, used needles protruding from a sharp bag pose a serious risk to a care giver as the sharp bag becomes filled to capacity. Persons handling a sharp bag filled with used needles must also be extremely careful to not obtain an accidental “needle stick,” especially when emptying the syringes or transporting the sharp bag. Frequently, sharp bags are not automatically sealed, thereby further increasing the potential of inadvertent “needle sticks” to individuals. As well, syringes are typically not sterilized prior to transportation, storage, and/or disposal.
- Additional risks are also present with respect to the handling of used syringes outside of a medical facility environment. Home health care, such as that practiced by many individuals having diabetes, may require the disposal of a number of used syringes each day. Additionally, used syringes may be disposed of without destruction, which, in turn, may further expose the public to the danger of improper reuse and/or “needle sticks.”
- The considerations referenced above are just a few of the major problems associated with the handling and disposal of used syringes. The considerations identified above also show a critical need for a device which safely and effectively renders used syringes harmless and non-reusable, thereby facilitating disposal and/or recycling.
- Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and devices for rendering used syringes safe for disposal and/or recycling that address these and other shortcomings of the prior art.
- Briefly described, the present disclosure relates to a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer. The device includes at least one guide rod disposed within said device, a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on the guide rod, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart.
- A further embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer. The device includes a housing, a carriage assembly including a carriage disposed within the housing, a motor configured to move the carriage relative to the housing, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle separated from the syringe body as the needle and the syringe body are urged apart. The device further includes a bin including a bin door, the bin being slidably received within the housing and configured to receive the needle after separation from the syringe body. The bin door is configured to move to a shut position as the bin is removed from the housing and move to an open position as the bin is inserted into the housing.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- Many aspects of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an embodiment of internal components of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device; -
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 1 , during operation; -
FIG. 6 is a detailed cross sectional end view of the body clamp plungers and syringe, shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front detailed view of the heater elements and syringe shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front detailed view of the heater elements engaged to the luer of the syringe; -
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial perspective views of a bin cover and bin door, respectively, as shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device; -
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the internal components of the needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a center chassis of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device; -
FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the internal components of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device shown inFIG. 14 . - Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device as illustrated in the drawings. While the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the hypodermic needle extraction device as defined by the appended claims.
- In particular,
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 according to the present disclosure. The hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 is used for processing a syringe 12 (FIG. 5 ) which generally includes aneedle 14, abody 16, aluer 18, and a plunger (not shown). The hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 is enclosed within ahousing 102, thehousing 102 preferably being formed of a lightweight, yet sturdy plastic material. - As shown, the
housing 102 includes a number ofindicator lamps 106, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Preferably, aready indicator lamp 106 indicates the availability of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 for use in processing a usedsyringe 12. A binfull indicator lamp 106 indicates the necessity for replacement of either the needle bin and/or the syringe body bin 160 (FIG. 9 ). The binfull indicator lamp 106 signals when either the needle bin or thesyringe body bin 160 have become full following the processing of a plurality of usedsyringes 12. As well, thehousing 102 may also include a power switch and a power input jack (not shown) which may be utilized to supply power to the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. - As shown, the exterior of the
housing 102 also includes asyringe guide cutout 103 which orientates asyringe 12 into position for introduction into the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. Thesyringe guide cutout 103 provides a self-contained area for the placement of asyringe 12 prior to processing. Thesyringe guide cutout 103 is proximate to asyringe receiving door 104 that provides access into the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. Thesyringe guide cutout 103 can also be integral to a hopper mechanism (not shown) which is utilized to store a number of usedsyringes 12 for automatic processing by the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. The hopper mechanism can function on the same principles as a clip for ammunition, a gravity drop via a channel, a standard shaped hopper, or a conveyor. - Preferably, the
syringe receiving door 104 is operated by an electronic control system, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,230, to Miller, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thesyringe receiving door 104 is opened via apinion gear 101 a engaging arack 103, thereby permitting a usedsyringe 12 to enter the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 for processing. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thesyringe receiving door 104 is a platform that is retracted or slid laterally, thereby allowing the syringe to drop vertically into the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. However, alternate embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 can include a platform having a hinge that permits the platform to rotate downwardly into the interior of thehousing 102. A receiving door opto-sensor (not shown) is adjacent thesyringe receiving door 104. The receiving door opto-sensor senses the presence of asyringe 12 being placed proximate to thesyringe receiving door 104. If no other processing functions are occurring within the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100, the receiving door opto-sensor electrically signals the electronic control system to open thesyringe receiving door 104. Preferably, asmall motor 101 is used to drive apinion gear 101 a that is operatively connected to arack 103 located on thesyringe door 104. As thesyringe receiving door 104 opens thesyringe 12 drops into thehousing 102 and processing operations are initiated. Thesyringe receiving door 104 then returns to the closed position. - The receiving door opto-sensor is a proximity device which detects the presence of an object within a certain distance. The receiving door opto-sensor does not physically make contact with a
syringe 12. As well, once the receiving door opto-sensor indicates the presence of asyringe 12 proximate thesyringe receiving door 104, the electronic control system permits the opening of thesyringe receiving door 104 only at such time as the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 has completed processing of theprevious syringe 12 and is ready to initiate further processing procedures. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-5 , a carriage assembly transports the usedsyringe 12, as received through thesyringe receiving door 104, during processing by the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. Preferably, the carriage assembly is formed of acarriage 100, acarriage gear rack 122, and acarriage motor 124 having apinion gear 126. - As shown, the
carriage 110 is mounted on a plurality ofguide rods 115. Preferably, theguide rods 115 are constructed of stainless steel and allow thecarriage 110 to be urged along theguide rods 115 as necessary during processing operations. Thecarriage 110, when positioned in the at-rest location, is below thesyringe receiving door 104 and above a receiving platform formed by the receivingdoors 130. Each receivingdoor 130 is mounted within the housing on a shaft (not shown) such that the receivingdoors 130 can freely rotate, as discussed hereafter. When thecarriage 110 is in the at-rest position, both receivingdoors 130 are horizontally positioned, thereby forming the platform onto which thesyringe 12 drops once thesyringe receiving door 104 is opened. - Preferably, a carriage opto-sensor (not shown) is positioned adjacent the
carriage 110 when thecarriage 110 is in the at-rest location under thesyringe receiving door 104. The carriage opto-sensor identifies the presence of asyringe 12 on the receiving platform formed by the receivingdoors 130 and signals the electronic control system to initiate processing operations. - Preferably, a pair of
body clamp plungers 112 is used to both raise thesyringe 12 off the receiving platform and to securely clamp thesyringe body 16 during processing. Thebody clamp plungers 112 are oppositely disposed and configured for the centering of theneedle 14 in a desired x-y coordinate (FIG. 6 ), regardless of the varying diameters of thesyringe bodies 16. Preferably, eachbody clamp plunger 112 has a square cross section and is slidably mounted in a square channel on thecarriage 110. A pair ofbarrel clamp motors 118, eachbarrel clamp motor 118 havingpinion gear 117, is used to urge thebody clamp plungers 112 inwardly so that they engage thesyringe 12. Eachpinion gear 117 engages agear rack 116 formed on the respectivebody clamp plunger 112. Eachgear rack 116 can be either integral to or affixed to thebody clamp plunger 112. As well, the square channels may be either affixed to or integral to thecarriage 110. - The pair of
barrel clamp motors 118 move the barrel clamp heads 114 inwardly for engagement of thesyringe 12. The pair of barrel clamp heads 114 are preferably formed in an opposing V-shaped configuration, thereby facilitating the application of an identical clamping pressure to thebody 16 of asyringe 12, regardless of the diameter of thebody 16. The current or voltage required for clamping of thesyringe body 16 by thebarrel clamp motors 118 then sensed and/or analyzed by the electronic control system. Upon sensing of a pre-established voltage or current threshold, the electronic control system signals thebarrel clamp motors 118 to maintain thebarrel clamp plungers 112 in the desired position. - The opposing V-shaped clamps of the barrel clamp heads 114 engage the
syringe body 16 below the center line to facilitate the elevation and lifting of thesyringe 12 for centering in the desired x- and y-coordinate (FIG. 6 ). The opposing V-shaped barrel clamp heads 114 obtain an identical x- and y-coordinate for theneedle 14 regardless of the size of theneedle 14 or the diameter dimension for thesyringe body 16. The utilization of the squarebody clamp plungers 112 within the square plunger channels 80 maintains the orientation of the barrel clamp heads 114, thereby maintaining vertical, horizontal, and rotational integrity during operation of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100. As well, utilization of the squarebody clamp plungers 112 helps prevent the rotation of the barrel clamp heads 114 out of position. - Preferably, the carriage opto-sensor preferably signals the electronic control system to initiate the grasping of a
syringe 12 from the receiving platform. The electronic control system then signals thebarrel clamp motors 118 to move thebody clamp plungers 112 inwardly so that the barrel clamp heads 114 engage thebody 16 of thesyringe 12. The engagement between the barrel clamp heads 114 and thesyringe body 16 elevates thesyringe body 16, positioning theneedle 14 in the desired x- and y-coordinate. As the inward positioning of thebody clamp plungers 112 continues, increased pressure is exerted upon thebody 16. As such, thebarrel clamp motors 118 then signal the electronic control system of a desirability of more power. Once a certain power demand threshold has been encountered, the electronic control system signals thebarrel clamp motors 118 to maintain the desired position for the remainder of the sterilization and processing procedures of the usedsyringe 12. - The signal from the carriage stop opto-sensor communicates to the electronic control system that the
needle 14 has been positioned as desired, upon which the electronic control system signals the heater assembly to engage theluer 18 of thesyringe 12. Preferably, the heater assembly includes a pair ofheater motors 140,square plungers 141 positioned within square plunger channels,heater elements 142, and thermalcouples (not shown). The advantages as described for the square plungers and square plunger of thebody clamp plungers 112 are equally applicable to the heater assembly described herein. - Preferably, the
carriage 110 is moved forwardly and rearwardly along theguide rods 115 by the engagement of thecarriage motor 124 which rotates thepinion gear 126 along thecarriage gear rack 122. The engagement of thecarriage motor 124 occurs through the receipt of signals from the electronic control system. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , the electronic control system signals thecarriage motor 124 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed from above. As such, thecarriage 110 is forwardly positioned such that thesyringe 12 is proximate to theheater elements 142, which can be ceramic heater heads. It should be noted that if the presence of aluer 18 on thecarriage 110 is not identified by the transfer carriage opto-sensor, a signal will be generated to the electronic control system which returns thecarriage 110 to the at-rest position. - As seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , as thecarriage 110 andsyringe 12 are urged forwardly along theguide rails 115, a tab orwing surface 134 on each of the receivingdoors 130 slides along a portion of thecarriage 110. Preferably, as eachwing surface 134 slides along the sloped portion, orbullnose 111, of thecarriage 110, each receivingdoor 130 rotates downwardly such that there is no longer a platform formed beneath thecarriage 110. This allows access to thebin 160 positioned thereunder, as is later discussed. - Preferably, the forward motion of the
carriage 110 is limited by a carriage stop opto-sensor (not shown) which is positioned adjacent the forward or leading edge of the heater assembly. The carriage stop opto-sensor is preferably adapted to sense and signal the presence of theluer 18 of thesyringe 12 in a desired forward location. The carriage stop opto-sensor initiates a signal to the electronic control system upon sensing of the leading edge of theluer 18 of thesyringe 12. The carriage stop opto-sensor enables the processing ofsyringes 12 having varying lengths by terminating the forward motion of allsyringes 12 at a standard forward position. At this standard position, theluer 18 is presented in proximity to theheater elements 142 that are located on thesquare plungers 141. The carriage stop opto-sensor is a proximity device which detects the presence of a non-conductive material within a certain distance, such as asyringe 12. - Preferably,
heater motors 140 engage thesquare plungers 141 through the utilization of screw shafts and cert nuts. The front surfaces of thesquare plungers 141 accommodate theheater elements 142. Upon the positioning of theneedle 14 in the desired position, the electronic control system signals theheater motors 140 to urge thesquare plungers 141 inwardly such that theheater elements 142 contact theluer 18 of thesyringe 12. Preferably, the electronic control system initiates the application of power to theheater elements 142 when the transfer carriage opto-sensor signals the electronic control system of the presence of asyringe 12 on the receiving platform. As such, theheater elements 142 have already obtained a temperature of approximately 130° Celsius by the time theheater motors 140 receive a signal to position theheater elements 142 into contact with theluer 18. Theheater motors 140 urge theheater elements 142 inwardly until such time as an increase in the current/voltage is requested, indicating contact with the luer 18 (FIG. 7 ). The electronic control system signals theheater motors 142 to terminate the inward positioning of theheater elements 142 while continuing engagement of theheater elements 142 with theluer 18 of thesyringe 12. Theheater elements 142 then are utilized to soften theluer 18 to facilitate the extraction of theneedle 14 from thesyringe 12 by the needle extraction assembly. Theheater elements 142 can include an angular contact surface which is adapted to flushly engage theluer 18 of thesyringe 12 over the entire length of therespective heater element 142. - When the
heater elements 142 have acquired a temperature of approximately 130° Celsius, the thermalcouples will signal the electronic control system to terminate/regulate power for the provision of further heat to theheater elements 142. An additional temperature increase to theheater elements 142 is not desired in order to reduce the risk that theheater elements 142 will melt theplastic luer 18 of thesyringe 12. Preferably,heater elements 142 soften theluer 18 for extraction of theneedle 14, however, they do not fully melt theluer 18. Sufficient power is provided as regulated by the thermalcouples to retain theheater elements 142 at a temperature of approximately 130° Celsius during the softening of theluer 18. - Simultaneous to the engagement of the heater assembly for heating of the
luer 18, the electronic control system signals the needle extraction assembly to grasp theneedle 14. Preferably, the needle extraction assembly includes aneedle extraction platform 150, aplatform motor 152, a pair of needletip clamp motors 154,square plungers 155, square plunger channels, and a pair ofneedle tip grippers 156, each preferably a carbide gripper. - The
needle extraction platform 150 is slidably mounted to a plurality ofguide rods 115 which allow for the linear motion of theneedle extraction platform 150. Preferably, the needle extraction platform is mounted to the same set ofguide rods 115 upon which thecarriage 110 is mounted. The forward positioning of theneedle extraction platform 150 is preferably limited by the electronic control system via the programming of a distance for forward rotation of theneedle extraction shaft 150. It should also be noted that the inward or forward positioning of theneedle extraction platform 150 is a known distance which may be pre-programmed as a threshold within the microprocessor of the electronic control system. - The at-rest position for the needle extraction assembly is adjacent the heater assembly. In order to engage the
needle 14, the electronic control system signals the needletip clamp motors 154 to rotate the screw shafts for inward positioning of thesquare plungers 155 within the square plunger channels. Theneedle tip grippers 156, having the knurled carbide grippers, are affixed to thesquare plungers 155. The operations, interactions, and advantages as earlier described for thesquare plungers 141 and square plunger channels of the heater assembly similarly apply to the needle extraction assembly. - The needle
tip clamp motors 152 apply power for the grasping of theneedle 14 by theneedle tip grippers 156. As the pressure increases between theneedle tip grippers 156 and theneedle 14, a signal is communicated to the electronic control system for an increased level of voltage or current to be utilized by the needletip clamp motors 154. The electronic control system signals the needletip clamp motors 154 to terminate further inward rotation of the screw shafts thereby maintaining theneedle 14 securely between theneedle tip grippers 156. Simultaneous with the signal from the electronic control system to terminate further pressure upon theneedle 14 by theneedle tip grippers 156, the electronic control system signals theplatform motor 152 to exert a retracting force upon theneedle extraction platform 150. Theneedle extraction motor 152 then moves theneedle extraction platform 150 rearwardly away from theluer 18. Theneedle extraction platform 150 is moved rearwardly via the rotational engagement of theneedle extraction shaft 151 and a threaded nut (not shown), that is affixed to, or integral with, theneedle extraction platform 150. - As the
luer 18 becomes softened following exposure to heat from theheater elements 142, the engagement between theneedle 14 and theluer 18 becomes weaker. Theluer 18 eventually becomes sufficiently soft to permit the extraction of theneedle 14 from theluer 18. During this sequence, theplatform motor 152 is exerting a retraction pressure upon theneedle extraction platform 150. Theplatform motor 152 waits for a reduction in the current requirement for extraction of theneedle 14, which is indicative of the softening of theluer 18 and the release of theneedle 14 from theluer 18. The electronic control system then senses the imminent extraction of theneedle 14 from thesyringe 12, whereupon the electronic control system increase power to theneedle extraction motor 152. As such, theneedle tip grippers 156 are retracted, thereby causing separation of theneedle 14 from theluer 18. The extracting pressure exerted by theneedle extraction motor 152 provides a tugging force upon theneedle 14 with respect to thesyringe 12. In one embodiment the tugging force upon theneedle 14 can be constant. The level of force exerted by theneedle extraction motor 152 is sufficient to sense the softening of theluer 18 and the slippage and retraction of theneedle 14 from theluer 18. - The extraction of the
needle 14 from thesyringe 12 and the interaction between the carriage, body clamp plungers, heater assembly, and needle extraction assembly is preferably based upon an event sequence as opposed to a timing sequence. Therefore, the interrelationship is not affected by the diameter dimensions for thesyringe body 16 or theneedle 14. The electronic control system operates theplatform motor 152 and/or the needletip clamp motors 154 based upon the analysis of the voltage/current requirements for exertion of a desired amount of pressure, whereupon the electronic control system will signal therespective platform motor 152 or needletip clamp motors 154 to hold an acquired position. - Simultaneously with the
needle 14 separating from theluer 18, the electronic control system signals theheater motors 140 to pinch and collapse the softenedluer 18 by theheater elements 142, thereby sealing of the internal cavity of the syringe body 16 (FIG. 8 ). Theheater motors 140 continue to exert compression pressure upon theluer 18 until such time as a threshold is reached, upon which the electronic control system signals theheater motors 140 to retract to an at-rest position. As well, theneedle extraction platform 150 is further retracted rearwardly 170 for engagement of theneedle 14 to the needle tip contactor assembly (not shown). - Following the sealing of the syringe cavity, the
heater elements 142 are retracted to their at-rest position and the electrical control system signals thebody clamp motors 118 to retract thebody clamp plungers 112 to their start position, thereby permitting thesyringe body 16 to drop between the open receivingdoors 130 and into the syringe body bin 160 (FIG. 9 ). The compression and sealing of theluer 18 by theheater elements 142 occurs upon the extraction of theneedle 14 from theplastic luer 18 as the base of theneedle 14 clears the tip of theplastic luer 18. Compression of theluer 18 upon the separation of theneedle 14 from thesyringe luer 18 helps prevent contamination or contaminated substance from escaping thesyringe 12. - Following the separation of the
needle 14 from theluer 18, theneedle 14 is sterilized through the establishment of an electrical contact and subsequent heating with theneedle tip contactor 157. Theneedle tip contactor 157 is preferably spring mounted (not shown). Thetip contactor 157 includes a conical shaped receiving end which is adapted to engage the tip of aneedle 14. Thetip contactor 157 is in electrical communication with theneedle tip grippers 156. - Preferably, the
tip contactor 157 is a spring and formed of a one quarter inch brass diameter shaft having a conical shaped receiving end. Aneedle 14 engaging the receiving end may thereby be centered for sterilization and processing. Upon engagement of theneedle 14 with thetip contactor 157, an electrical connection is established and the electronic control system applies power across theneedle 14 such that theneedle 14 is used as an element. Preferably, the electronic control system places approximately twelve to twenty volts, corresponding to twelve to fifteen amps, across theneedle 14 thereby sterilizing any chemistry or blood which may be present upon theneedle 14. The conical shaped receiving end, upon the heating of theneedle 14, deforms the point of theneedle 14 into a non-reusable condition. Theneedle tip grippers 156 grasp theneedle 14 proximate to theluer 18 in order to maximize the distance between the tip of theneedle 14 and theneedle tip grippers 156. - The electronic control system then terminates the application of energy across the
needle 14 whereupon theneedle extraction motor 152 urges theneedle extraction platform 150 forwardly for return to the at-rest position. Theneedle 14 is thereby separated from the conical receiving end. The electronic control system then signals the needletip clamp motors 154 to retract, separating theneedle tip grippers 156 from theneedle 14, thereby permitting theneedle 14 to drop into the needle bin 130 (FIG. 3 ). All the elements of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 are then positioned for processing of another usedsyringe 12. - Preferably, the dropped
syringe body 16 is received in thesyringe body bin 160, as shown inFIG. 9 . Similarly, after theneedle 14 has been removed and sterilized, theneedle 14 is allowed to drop into the needle bin (not shown). Preferably, theneedle bin 130 and thesyringe body bin 160 are both contained in a single slidingdrawer 108. As shown, eachbin 160 includes a slidingbin door 166 that functions automatically as thedrawer 108 is both pushed into and pulled out of thehousing 102. - As shown in
FIG. 10A , a top view of an exemplary slidingbin door 166 andbin cover 168, anactuator tab 167 extends upwardly from the slidingdoor 166 and into thebin cover 168. Preferably, the drawer is inserted into thehousing 102 with thebin door 166 in an open position. As thedrawer 108 is removed from thehousing 102, theactuator tab 167 is engaged by angled rails or a slot (not shown) on the underside portion of thehousing 102, thereby closing the slidingdoor 166. As shown inFIG. 10B , a bottom perspective view of thebin cover 168 and slidingdoor 166, thebin door 166 travels in channels 169 formed on the underside of thebin cover 168. A pair of self-expandingbarbs 165 helps lock the slidingdoor 166 in the closed position after thedrawer 108 has been removed from thehousing 102. Note, various size drawers and bins may be used depending on the size and/or quantity of the syringes to be processed. As well, bin size selection may depend on whether the unit is used on a countertop, a floor stand, a nurse's cart, is wall mounted, or used by paramedics in the field. - An alternate embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 200 is shown inFIGS. 11-13 . As shown, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 includes ahousing 202 including aneedle orifice 204 and a drawer 208 (FIG. 13 ) slidably received therein. The hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 operates automatically upon insertion of asyringe 12 into theneedle orifice 204, either by use of a mechanical switch or by use of opto electronics. Preferably, awheel 209 is rotatably mounted to thehousing 202, thewheel 209 including a plurality of orifice inserts 207 of different sizes. The orifice inserts 207 assist the user in properly positioning thesyringe 12 relative to the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 for removal of theneedle 14 therefrom. As well, aliquid crystal display 206 is provided on thehousing 202 to provide information to the operator. As previously noted, LEDs can also be used to provide status information to the operator. - Preferably, a
movable carriage 210 is slidably mounted within thehousing 202 on a plurality ofguide rods 215 which are mounted inapertures 251 formed in the center chassis 250 (FIGS. 12 and 13 ). At the beginning of each processing cycle, thecarriage 210 is at the top of its intended range of travel (the range being approximately one inch or less vertically). When theneedle 14 of thesyringe 12 is inserted into theneedle orifice 204, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 is activated. Power is provided to the needletip clamp motor 254 which in turn urges the moveableneedle tip gripper 257 toward the opposing stationaryneedle tip gripper 256, securing theneedle 14 therebetween. As theneedle tip grippers needle 14, the microprocessor senses greater load on the needletip gripper motor 254. At a predetermined current rise threshold programmed into the microprocessor, the needletip gripper motor 254 is turned off, leaving theneedle 14 secured between theneedle tip grippers - After the
needle 14 is held firmly by theneedle tip grippers carriage 210 downwardly away from thesyringe body 16. The motion of thecarriage 210 relative to thesyringe body 16 separates theneedle 14 from theluer 18. At a predetermined distance (preferably less than one inch), power is secured to thecarriage motors 252 as theneedle 14 is now free of theluer 18. Preferably, a heater element (not shown) is located adjacent theneedle orifice 204 such that when the needle is inserted therein, theluer 18 of thesyringe 12 is adjacent the heater element. The heater element softens theluer 18 thereby facilitating removal of the needle from thesyringe 12. - The
carriage motor 254 is turned on and reversed to separate the moveableneedle tip gripper 257 from the stationaryneedle trip gripper 256, thereby allowing theneedle 14 to drop into the needle collection bin 268 (FIG. 13 ). As a precaution to preventneedles 14 from sticking to one of theneedle tip grippers small loop 257 a is attached to the top of the moveableneedle tip gripper 257. When theneedle 14 is first inserted into the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200, it passes through theloop 257 a. As theneedle tip grippers needle 14 is forced off the face of the stationaryneedle tip gripper 256 as theneedle 14 comes in contact with the edge of the retreatingloop 257 a. After theneedle 14 has been dropped into theneedle bin 268, thecarriage motors 252 are turned on in reverse and thecarriage 210 moves along theguide rods 215 back to the upper position. As soon as theneedle 14 has been removed from theluer 18, the user can remove the nowneedleless syringe body 16 from theneedle orifice 204 and place thesyringe body 16 in the appropriate waste container. - As best shown in
FIG. 13 , thedrawer 208 and associatedneedle bin 260 are slidably received in acenter chassis 250. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, theneedle bin 260 preferably includes abin cover 268 with an aperture formed therein and abin door 266 having anactuator tab 267 extending upwardly therefrom. As thedrawer 208 is slid into and out of thecenter chassis 250, a slot (not shown) formed in thecenter chassis 250 causes the bin door to be automatically moved to an open and a closed position, respectively. As well, a magnet is embedded in theactuator tab 267 that interacts with areed switch 258 positioned on thecenter chassis 250. Thereed switch 258 is configured to detect the location of the magnet, and subsequently theactuator tab 257. As such, thereed switch 258 can determine if thebin door 266 has moved to the open position as thedrawer 208 is inserted into thecenter chassis 250. With thebin door 266 in the open position, the aperture in thebin cover 268 is aligned with theneedle aperture 256 formed in the center chassis. As such, processedneedles 14 can drop into theneedle bin 260. If thebin door 266 remains in the closed position for some reason, thereed switch 258 provides a signal to the control system that prevents the operation of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200. - Preferably, a
solenoid 270 is provided that is configured to lock theneedle bin 260 in place during operation of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 by inserting an actuator (not shown) into a recess (not shown) formed in either thebin 260 or thedrawer 208. Thesolenoid 270 briefly retracts the actuator and allows thedrawer 208 to be removed once theneedle bin 260 is full. Operation of thesolenoid 270 is automatic and based on a count of howmany needles 14 have been processed. Preferably, the spring (not shown) positioned within thecenter chassis 250 forces thedrawer 208 out of thecenter chassis 250 when thesolenoid 270 momentarily lifts an actuator (not shown) which normally engages a recess in thedrawer 208, thereby holding thedrawer 208 in position. - The hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 200 operates while plugged into a standard 110 V supply, or operates off a battery pack. Preferably, the batteries allow at least 80 to 100 cycles before needing to be recharged. The recharging system is built into the device. No external charging system is necessary. Solar cells may also be mounted on the device to provide operating power and/or recharge the battery pack. - An alternate embodiment of a hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 300 is shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 . As shown, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 300 includes ahousing 302 including aneedle orifice 304 and adrawer 308 slidably received therein. The hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 200 operates automatically upon insertion of asyringe 12 into theneedle orifice 304, either by use of a mechanical switch or by use of opto electronics. - Preferably, the hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 300 operates automatically upon insertion of asyringe 12 into the needle orifice, either by use of a mechanical switch or opto electronics. Similar to various other embodiments, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 300 includes amovable carriage 310 slidably mounted therein. As shown, the carriage is mounted on a pair ofguide rods 315. As best seen inFIG. 15 , at the beginning of each processing cycle, thecarriage 310 is at the top of its intended range of travel (the range being approximately one inch or less vertically). When theneedle 14 of thesyringe 12 is inserted into theneedle orifice 304, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 300 is activated. Power is provided to a needletip clamp motor 354, which in turn urges the moveableneedle tip gripper 357 toward the opposing stationaryneedle tip gripper 356, securing theneedle 14 therebetween. As theneedle tip grippers needle 14, a microprocessor senses greater load on the needletip gripper motor 354. At a predetermined current rise threshold programmed into the microprocessor, the needletip gripper motor 354 is turned off, leaving theneedle 14 secured between theneedle tip grippers - After the
needle 14 is held firmly by theneedle tip grippers carriage motors 352 are activated, thereby urging thecarriage 310 downwardly away from thesyringe body 16. The motion of thecarriage 310 relative to thesyringe body 16 separates theneedle 14 from theluer 18. At a predetermined distance (preferably less than one inch), power is secured to thecarriage motors 352 as theneedle 14 is now free of theluer 18. - The
carriage motor 254 is turned on and reversed to separate the moveableneedle tip gripper 357 from the stationaryneedle trip gripper 356, thereby allowing theneedle 14 to drop into thedrawer 308. Note, a needle bin similar to those previously discussed can be placed in thedrawer 308 for the collection of needles 14. - Embodiments are envisioned where the hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 100 further includes a sterilization module (not shown). For example, after theneedle 14 has been extracted from theluer 18, rather than being dropped directly into the syringe bin, thesyringe body 16 can be dropped onto a sliding platform and flooded with UV light. After a sufficient period of time has elapsed for the UV light to destroy bacteria, etc., the UV lamp is turned off. Once the UV light is turned off, the platform retracts to one side and thesyringe body 16 is allowed to drop into the syringe collection bin. The sliding platform then returns to its home position. - Other embodiments may include a syringe destruction device (not shown) to reduce the
syringe bodies 16 to smaller pieces, therefore requiring less storage space in the syringe bin. For example, a syringe destruction device may include a moveable platform on which the syringe is positioned, and then pushed into a grinding or cutting area for reduction. The reduced pieces are then deposited into the syringe collection bin, thereby reducing the volume of storage space required per syringe. - Note, the sterilization unit and syringe destruction device can be either integral parts of the
disposal device 100 or can operate independently as stand-alone systems. Preferably, hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 microprocessor has firmware installed to allow for field upgrades of the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 with the syringe destruction device in the sterilization unit. As such, the microprocessor can determine if one or both of these devices are being used in conjunction with the disposal unit, and will vary all of the operation timing functions accordingly. When the syringe destruction device and sterilization unit are used independently as stand alone systems, they will have their own microprocessor controller and related firmware and hardware. - Embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 100 are envisioned that have the ability to distinguish between standard syringe/needle combinations and “engineered sharps” (safety syringes—retractable or sheathed). By use of the optic systems incorporated in the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100, the system can determine the type of syringe to be processed. If the syringe is determined to be an engineered sharp, the processing is varied to eliminate the needle extraction portion of the process and the engineered sharp is deposited into the syringe bin. As an alternative to placing or depositing the safety syringe into the normal syringe collection bin, the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 can be configured to allow for depositing the safety syringes into their own separate syringe collection bin. In this configuration, the disposal device can distinguish between empty syringe barrels with no metal and safety syringes with needles attached. - Various embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and
disposal device 100 have the ability to communicate through wired and/or wireless LANs (local area networks). As such, hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 can be poled from a central station as to each disposal unit's activity. As well, each hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 can be operated remotely and diagnostics routines can be run to determine if the hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 is functioning properly. A central control system (preferably Windows® based) would allow personnel to communicate with a number of hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 in a system to view activity, status, etc. This allows for management of several hypodermic needle extraction anddisposal device 100 on one system. - Embodiments are also envisioned wherein syringe processing events may be time stamped, processed syringe sizes can be determined using look-up tables, the total number of syringes processed in a given amount of time is recorded, and “instructions sets” regarding timing, motor current settings, etc., may be changed via the network connections, depending upon the type syringe being processed.
- Although preferred embodiments of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device have been disclosed in detail herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (26)
1. A hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, said device comprising:
a guide rod disposed within said device;
a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on said guide rod; and
a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart.
2. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , wherein said guide rod further comprises a pair of parallel guide rods.
3. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , said carriage assembly further comprising:
a pair of opposed body clamp plungers configured to grasp the syringe body; and
a pair of body clamp motors, each said body clamp motor configured to move one of said body clamp plungers such that said body clamp plungers grasp the syringe body.
4. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 3 , each said body clamp motor further comprising a pinion gear configured to engage a rack disposed on said respective body clamp plunger.
5. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , further comprising a heater assembly disposed between said carriage assembly and said needle extraction assembly, said heater assembly being configured to heat the luer.
6. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 5 , said heater assembly further comprising a pair of heater motors, each said heater motor engaging a heater element, said heater elements being configured to contact the luer.
7. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , said needle extraction assembly further comprising:
a platform slidably mounted to said guide rod;
a platform motor configured to urge said platform along said guide rod;
a pair of needle tip clamp motors mounted to said platform, each said needle tip clamp motors including a needle tip gripper; and
wherein said needle tip grippers are configured to grip the needle.
8. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a bin having a recess, said bin being configured to receive the needle after the needle after removal from the syringe body;
a housing configured to slidably receive said bin;
an actuator configured to engage said recess after said bin is inserted into said housing; and
wherein removal of said actuator from said recess allows said bin to be removed from said housing.
9. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to slidably receive a bin having a bin door, wherein said bin is configured to receive the needle after removal from the syringe body and said bin door is configured to slide to a shut position as said bin is removed from said housing.
10. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 9 , wherein said bin door further comprises an actuator tab extending upwardly therefrom and said housing further comprises a slot configured to slidably receive said actuator tab as said bin is inserted into and removed from said housing, respectively.
11. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 10 , further comprising:
a magnet disposed in said actuator tab; and
a reed switch disposed in said housing, said reed switch being configured to determine the position of said actuator tab by way of the position of said magnet, thereby determining whether said bin door is in said open or said closed position.
12. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 1 , wherein said needle extraction assembly is mounted to said carriage.
13. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 12 , wherein said needle extraction assembly further comprises a stationary needle tip gripper, a movable needle tip gripper, and a needle tip clamp motor configured to urge said movable needle tip gripper toward said stationary needle tip gripper, thereby gripping the needle therebetween.
14. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 12 , further comprising a carriage motor configured to urge said carriage away from the syringe body such that the needle is removed from the syringe body.
15. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 12 , wherein said at least one guide rod further comprises a pair of parallel guide rods.
16. A hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, said device comprising:
a housing;
a carriage assembly including a carriage disposed within said housing;
a motor configured to move said carriage relative to said housing;
a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the needle and the syringe body are urged apart;
a bin including a bin door, said bin being slidably received within said housing and configured to receive the needle after separation from the syringe body; and
wherein said bin door is configured to move to a shut position as said bin is removed from said housing.
17. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 16 , wherein said bin door further comprises an actuator tab extending upwardly therefrom and said housing further comprises a slot configured to slidably receive said actuator tab as said bin is inserted into and removed from said housing, respectively.
18. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 17 , further comprising:
a magnet disposed in said actuator tab; and
a reed switch disposed in said housing, said reed switch being configured to detect said magnet, thereby determining whether said bin door is in said open or said closed position.
19. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 16 , further comprising a pair of parallel guide rods disposed within said housing, said carriage assembly being slidably mounted on said guide rods.
20. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 19 , said carriage assembly further comprising:
a pair of opposed body clamp plungers configured to grasp the syringe body; and
a pair of body clamp motors, each of said body clamp motors configured to move one of said body clamp plungers such that said body clamp plungers grasp the syringe body.
21. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 19 , said needle extraction assembly further comprising:
a platform slidably mounted to said guide rods;
a needle extraction platform motor configured to urge said platform along said guide rods;
a pair of needle tip clamp motors mounted to said platform, each of said needle tip clamp motors including a needle tip gripper; and
wherein said needle tip grippers are configured to grip the needle.
22. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 16 , wherein said needle extraction assembly is mounted to said carriage.
23. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 22 , wherein said needle extraction assembly further comprises a stationary needle tip gripper, a movable needle tip gripper, and a needle tip gripper motor configured to urge said movable needle tip gripper toward said stationary needle tip gripper, thereby gripping the needle.
24. A hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, said device comprising:
at least one guide rod disposed within said device;
a carriage slidably mounted on said guide rod;
means for urging said carriage along said guide rod; and
a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart.
25. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 24 , said carriage assembly further comprising:
means for grasping the syringe body slidably mounted to said carriage; and
means for driving said means for grasping such that said body clamp plungers grasp the syringe body.
26. The hypodermic needle extraction and disposal device of claim 24 , wherein said needle extraction assembly is mounted to said carriage.
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US13/473,465 US8671540B2 (en) | 2003-09-18 | 2012-05-16 | Hypodermic needle extraction and disposal system apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20120222279A1 (en) | 2012-09-06 |
US8671540B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 |
US20090223039A1 (en) | 2009-09-10 |
US20090230008A1 (en) | 2009-09-17 |
US8201323B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 |
US8201314B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 |
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