Abstract: A shielding apparatus for preventing accidental contact with a sharp object such as a needle. The apparatus comprises a hinged shield, a barrel and a locking mechanism. The apparatus is attached to an existing needle via a barrel or may be manufactured into the base of the syringe needle. Connected to the barrel is a hinge, a shield and a locking mechanism. The shield may pivot, via the hinge, in a direction away from needle so as to expose the needle for use. Upon completion of the use, the shield is pivoted so as to cover the needle, the shield being either permanently or temporarily locked in place via the locking mechanism, thereby preventing accidental contact.

Abstract: A single-use syringe assembly is provided and includes an elongated syringe barrel with a plunger assembly disposed therein. The plunger assembly includes an elongated plunger rod having a plunger tip located distally. The plunger tip contains a locking detent disposed a the distal end of the tip. The syringe barrel has a nozzle at the substantially closed distal end, the nozzle adapted to conform to the plunger tip. The distal end of the nozzle contains an annular inward biased ring adapted to mate with the locking detent of the plunger tip. Upon usage of the syringe and application of force to apply the liquid, the locking detent is irreversibly mated with the nozzle inwardly biased ring, thereby preventing reuse of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A single-use syringe assembly is provided and includes an elongated syringe barrel with a plunger assembly disposed therein. The plunger assembly includes an elongated plunger rod having a plunger tip located distally. The plunger tip contains a locking detent disposed a the distal end of the tip. The syringe barrel has a nozzle at the substantially closed distal end, the nozzle adapted to conform to the plunger tip. The distal end of the nozzle contains an annular inward biased ring adapted to mate with the locking detent of the plunger tip. Upon usage of the syringe and application of force to apply the liquid, the locking detent is irreversibly mated with the nozzle inwardly biased ring, thereby preventing reuse of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus for preventing accidental contact with a sharp object such as a needle. The apparatus comprises a hinged shield, a barrel and a locking mechanism. The apparatus is attached to an existing needle via a barrel or may be manufactured into the base of the syringe needle. Connected to the barrel is a hinge, a shield and a locking mechanism. The shield may pivot, via the hinge, in a direction away from needle so as to expose the needle for use. Upon completion of the use, the shield is pivoted so as to cover the needle, the shield being either permanently or temporarily locked in place via the locking mechanism, thereby preventing accidental contact.

Abstract: A suction canister assembly comprises an enclosed receptacle having a first opening for providing suction to the receptacle and a second opening for drawing fluids, including liquids and gases, into the receptacle during suction. A unitary shut-off valve/filter element is associated with the interior side of the first opening. This element is oriented within the receptacle so as to be contacted by liquid in the receptacle which rises therein. The element is porous and is adapted to filter particulate matter from gas passing therethrough. In addition, the valve/filter element is capable of developing sufficiently high surface tension under liquid contact to serve as a barrier against liquid passage therethrough at pressure differentials across the element when vacuum is applied on one side of the element. As a result, the element is adapted to terminate suction through the suction opening when liquid rises in the receptacle to completely cover the element.