Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood collection system comprising a blood collection tube, a tube holder, and a self-blunting blood collection needle. A blunting member is deployed upon withdrawal of a blood collection tube from the tube holder, to blunt the needle and so safeguard the patient and the technician from inadvertent needle sticks. The blunting member is retracted to re-sharpen the needle when a subsequent collection tube is inserted into the holder. The mechanism effects blunting and re-sharpening of the needle with requiring that the technician manipulate the mechanism in a manner different from that of conventional, non-blunting blood collection needles. Four types of mechanisms are disclosed: a rack and pinion mechanism; a cylindrical cam mechanism; lever mechanisms and a reversing strap mechanism.

Abstract: A needle assembly (10) for insertion or removal of fluids has a housing (20) that defines a flash chamber (64) that is radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the needle. An enhanced surface area display member (80) can be installed in an observable location in a needle housing (20) to facilitate observation of the fluid therein.

Abstract: A self-blunting needle medical device comprises a needle cannula (18) fixed to a hub (20) having a receiving structure therein such as ferrule (22) and a movable blunting member (14) movably received within the cannula (18). Ferrule (22) defines a passage (38) extending therethrough, within which both the cannula (18) and the movable member (14) can be received and which establishes a coaxial relationship between them. The ferrule (22) defines a first guide surface (40) for directing the blunting end (14a) of the movable member (14) into the central bore of the cannula (18) during assembly. A second guide surface (42) performs the function of guiding the mounting end (18b) of the cannula (18) into ferrule (22) for mounting therein. Typically, the cannula (18) has a tissue puncture tip (18a). When the movable member (14) is retracted into the cannula (18), the puncture tip (18a) is exposed for use, e.g., injection into tissue.

Abstract: A disposed system for medical waste, and particularly sharp ended waste, includes a sharps receptacle and a companion needle holder. The needle holder has an actuation mechanism capable of detachably mounting an externally threaded hub of a needle assembly to the holder. The sharps receptacle has a top with an automatic release structure disposed thereon for engagement with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder. The automatic release structure cooperates with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder to automatically detach a mounted needle assembly from the holder into the sharps receptacle in response to placement of the holder into the automatic release structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-blunting blood collection needle (55) in which a blunting member (26a) is deployed upon withdrawal of a blood collection tube (56a) from the tube holder (e.g., 136), to blunt the needle (22) and so safeguard the patient and the technician from inadvertent needle sticks. The blunting member (26a) is retracted to re-sharpen the needle (22) when a subsequent collection tube is inserted into the holder (136). The deployment and retraction of the blunting member (26a) is accomplished with a mechanism (142) that is responsive to the insertion and withdrawal of the blood collection tube (56a) to retract and deploy the blunting member (26a) accordingly. One feature of the present invention is that the mechanism (142) effects blunting and re-sharpening of the needle without requiring that the technician manipulate the mechanism in a manner different from that of conventional, non-blunting collection needles.

Abstract: A disposed system for medical waste, and particularly sharp ended waste, includes a sharps receptacle and a companion needle holder. The needle holder has an actuation mechanism capable of detachably mounting an externally threaded hub of a needle assembly to the holder. The sharps receptacle has a top with an automatic release structure disposed thereon for engagement with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder. The automatic release structure cooperates with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder to automatically detach a mounted needle assembly from the holder into the sharps receptacle in response to placement of the holder into the automatic release structure.

Abstract: A self-blunting needle medical device comprises a needle cannula (18) fixed to a hub (20) having a receiving structure therein such as ferrule (22) and a movable blunting member (14) movably received within the cannula (18). Ferrule (22) defines a sleeve bore (38) extending therethrough, within which both the cannula (18) and the movable member (14) can be received and which establishes a coaxial relationship between them. The ferrule (22) defines a first guide surface (40) for directing the blunting end (14a) of the movable member (14) into the central bore of the cannula (18) during assembly. A second guide surface (42) performs the function of guiding the proximal end (18b) of the cannula (18) into ferrule (22) for mounting therein. Typically, the cannula (18) has a tissue puncture tip (18a). When the movable member (14) is retracted into the cannula (18), the puncture tip (18a) is exposed for use, e.g., injection into tissue.

Abstract: A needle holder for use with a fluid transfer system of the type having a standard threaded cannula and a fluid container. The needle holder includes an actuation mechanism for detachably mounting a cannula to the holder, the actuation mechanism including pivotable threaded halves and an actuator operably associated therewith. In a cannula-mounting position, facing surfaces on the threaded halves cooperate to define a threaded passageway for engaging the cannula. Upon operation of the actuator, the threaded halves pivot to a retracted position to disengage from the cannula.

Abstract: A self-blunting needle assembly (10) for use with a catheter (40), and a catheter assembly (50) attained by mounting the self-blunting needle assembly into a catheter are disclosed. The needle (12) includes a needle shaft (14) having a connector (18) thereon and a blunting device (28) including an elongate probe (30) having a retainer (32) thereon. The connector (18) engages the retainer (32) to provide a lost motion connection between the blunting device (28) and the needle (12). The needle assembly (10) is mounted within a catheter (40) by a force fit of the retainer into the hub chamber (42a) of the catheter, with the needle puncture tip (16) protruding beyond the catheter tube tip (46).

Abstract: The penetration of a vein or the like by a fluid collecting or dispensing needle is rapidly confirmed by the transfer of thermal energy from fluid entering the needle bore upon such penetration to a temperature responsive medium in intimate contact with the exterior of the needle. The temperature responsive medium may comprise thermochromic liquid crystals which signal a change in temperature from ambient temperature by changing color.

Abstract: A self-blunting needle assembly comprises a hollow needle, which may be of conventional construction having a needle mouth and a needle shank terminating in a puncture tip, has mounted within it a blunting member including an elongate probe which slidably fits within the bore of the needle shank. The probe terminates in a distal tip which is initially positioned short of the puncture tip of the needle so as not to interfer with injection of the needle either into a patient or into a connecting device. After injection, the blunting member is advanced to an extended position in which its distal tip protrudes beyond the puncture tip, thereby effectively blunting the needle. This protruding probe disables the needle from a re-use and blunts it sufficiently to prevent or greatly reduce accidental needlestick wounds. A mechanical extension member, such as a pin or fluid flowing through the needle may be used to advance the blunting member to its extended position.

Abstract: A needle holder for use with a fluid transfer system of the type having a standard threaded cannula and a fluid container. The needle holder includes an actuation mechanism for detachably mounting a cannula to the holder, the actuation mechanism including pivotable threaded halves and an actuator operably associated therewith. In a cannula-mounting position, facing surfaces on the threaded halves cooperate to define a threaded passageway for engaging the cannula. Upon operation of the actuator, the threaded halves pivot to a retracted position to disengage from the cannula.