Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus is for use with a needle having proximal and distal ends, wherein the shield is slidably movable along the needle from a proximal position where the distal end of the needle is exposed, to a distal position where the shield covers the distal end of the needle. The shield comprises one or more clips having two or more apertures through which the needle passes, wherein the apertures have surfaces. A clip positioning member, in communication with at least one of the clips, positions the aperture surfaces of at least one of the clips when a portion of the clip positioning member in contact with the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle such that at least a portion of the aperture surfaces of the two or more apertures binds to the needle with opposing binding forces so as to secure the shield to the needle.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a shield that is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of a needle. A binding member is disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the needle between the retracted position and the extended position. The binding member includes at least one drag-inducing member extending therefrom that is configured for slidable engagement with the needle between the retracted position and the extended position such that the at least one drag-inducing member engages the needle to create a drag force with the needle. The drag force causes rotation of the binding member relative to a longitudinal axis of the needle such that the binding surfaces engage the needle to prevent slidable movement of the needle in the extended position of the shield.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a first housing configured to actuate a needle cannula. A second housing is releasably engageable with the first housing. The needle cannula is disposed for slidable movement with the second housing such that the second housing is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the needle cannula. The second housing includes a binding member that defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the needle cannula. The binding member includes a drag inducing member that engages the needle cannula during slidable receipt of the needle cannula to create a drag force. The drag force and second housing facilitate rotation of the binding member relative to a longitudinal axis of the needle cannula such that the binding surfaces engage the needle cannula to prevent slidable movement of the needle cannula.

Abstract: A passively activated shielding device for a catheter insertion needle. Disclosure of shielding devices according to the instant invention is provided in four embodiments. Unreleasible locking apparatus is the major differentiator in three of the devices. An accordionated or folded needle shield which markedly reduces preshielded length of one of the embodiments is the major differentiator in a fourth embodiment. Each embodiment employs a mechanical sensor which detects presence of the catheter insertion needle and its tip insertion needle within protective cover of a needle shield and passively responds to provide separation of the needle shield from an associated catheter assembly.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided which is slidably movable along a medical needle from a proximal position where a distal end of the needle is exposed, to a distal position where the shield protects the distal end of the needle. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a binding member having an aperture through which the needle passes. The binding member also has binding surfaces for binding to a medical needle. The shield apparatus also includes a retainer integral with the binding member and in communication with the needle for temporarily retaining the binding surfaces in a non-binding position relative to the needle. The shield apparatus also includes a positioning member for positioning the binding surfaces to secure the shield to the needle when a portion of the retainer in contact with the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle. A housing may be included for enclosing the shield apparatus.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having an outer needle cannula extending therefrom. An inner needle is disposed for slidable movement with the outer needle cannula. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the inner needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The binding member further includes a needle communicating surface extending therefrom that is engageable with the inner needle to prevent rotation of the binding member.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus is for use with a needle having proximal and distal ends, wherein the shield is slidably movable along the needle from a proximal position where the distal end of the needle is exposed, to a distal position where the shield covers the distal end of the needle. The shield comprises one or more clips having two or more apertures through which the needle passes, wherein the apertures have surfaces. A clip positioning member, in communication with at least one of the clips, positions the aperture surfaces of at least one of the clips when a portion of the clip positioning member in contact with the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle such that at least a portion of the aperture surfaces of the two or more apertures binds to the needle with opposing binding forces so as to secure the shield to the needle.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a single-step lancet are disclosed. Each such lancet embodiment provides true one-step operation. In a single operational step requiring only a unidirectional displacement of an actuator into a housing, a lancet blade is removed from an aseptic environment which protects and retains the lancet blade in a pre-sterilized state within the housing prior to use, stores energy in an energy storage medium, activates the lancet blade to perform a lance and for safety retracts the lancet blade into the housing.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable medical needle protective shield which provides opportunity for accessing and reaccessing a medical needle and associated sharpened needle tip and recovering the needle and tip for safety between accesses. The shield includes a needle guide which assures the needle tip is untouched by any part of the shield as the shield is displaced to cover and uncover the needle. A releasible latch is provided to guard against inadvertent removal of the protective shield between accesses. An unreleasible latch is also provided to secure the shield relative to the latch preparatory to final disposal.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable medical needle protective shield which provides opportunity for accessing and reaccessing a medical needle and associated sharpened needle tip and recovering the needle and tip for safety between accesses. The shield includes a needle guide which assures the needle tip is untouched by any part of the shield as the shield is displaced to cover and uncover the needle. A releasible latch is provided to guard against inadvertent removal of the protective shield between accesses. An unreleasible latch is also provided to secure the shield relative to the latch preparatory to final disposal.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable medical needle protective shield which provides opportunity for accessing and reaccessing a medical needle and associated sharpened needle tip and recovering the needle and tip for safety between accesses. The shield includes a needle guide which assures the needle tip is untouched by any part of the shield as the shield is displaced to cover and uncover the needle. A releasible latch is provided to guard against inadvertent removal of the protective shield between accesses. An unreleasible latch is also provided to secure the shield relative to the latch preparatory to final disposal. In combination with the protective shield, a plurality of adapters are disclosed which provide examples of passively operated, protected access to membrane pierceable fluid sources such as a “Y” connection site of an IV set line, a drug vial, a vacuum sample tube, an umbilical cord holder and a hypodermic site.

Abstract: A safety device for a phlebotomy needle having two sharpened tips, a forward or distal tip which is used for percutaneous sampling and a rear or proximal tip which is used to penetrate vacuum sampling tube stoppers. The phlebotomy needle safety device has a needle shield disposed about the rear or proximal needle, which is displaced only by the standard action of threadably connecting the device to a phlebotomy barrel, to permit penetration of vacuum sampling tube stoppers. The device also has a retractable and extendable, protective medical needle shield which provides opportunity for accessing and reaccessing a forward or distal needle and associated sharpened needle tip and recovering the needle and tip for safety between accesses. The shield includes a needle guide which assures the forward needle tip is untouched by any part of the shield as the shield is displaced to cover and uncover the needle.

Abstract: An invention which provides for making low cost apparatus and one-hand activation methods for shielding a syringe needle as a safety precaution after each needle use. A shield, which may be used as a protective cover for the needle during initial transport to site of use, is linearly actuated to three distinct stops by action of a single hand, thereby leaving the second hand of a user free for patient care. The shield is releasible from two of the three stops to make possible uncovering of the needle preparatory to use and temporary needle protection between needle uses. The shield has an elongated hollow barrel shape which is sized to fit snugly about, yet slide smoothly over a body of a syringe associated with the needle. The barrel shape of the shield is longitudinally interrupted by a scissure in which an arm which is hingeably affixed to the shield resides.

Abstract: A practical, low cost safety device for phlebotomy. Preparation for operation of the device involves elongating an otherwise shortened-for-transport apparatus to extend a medical assembly and needle from a housing for use in a medical procedure. The act of elongating energizes an energy storing component and cocks a releasable latch. The energy storing component is preferably a vacuum drawing plunger and tube combination. When the medical procedure is complete, distortion of a portion of the housing causes powered retraction of the needle. After retraction, the needle is fully contained, permitting the device to be laid aside without fear of an inadvertent needle stick. The housing comprises a proximal barrel and a distal needle containment section. The barrel comprises a sampling tube stopper piercing cannula.

Abstract: Disclosure of methods and apparatus providing bases for design of compact catheter insertion needle retraction safety devices wherein actuators are displaced away from slender needle sheathing bodies to initiate a needle retraction cycle for safely containing a catheter insertion needle after use. Such actuation guards against inadvertent acts, such as depression of an actuator, which may result in untimely needle retraction. Four embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, needle retracting energy is stored as a catheter insertion needle is extended for use and is expended to retract the needle into safe containment. Other embodiments comprise power assist mechanisms which store energy during an initial phase of needle retraction to be used to enhance and assist needle retraction during a needle retraction completing phase.

Abstract: A low cost safety sterile cartridge injector apparatus comprising an injector and a safety needle sheath having elements which promote facile assembly and disassembly. An embodiment is disclosed which incorporates an integral needle hub and safety sheath which is displaced to protectively cover a medical needle after use. The sheath also incorporates patterns of rachet teeth which cooperate with a holder portion of the injector to lock a sterile cartridge in place for use in a medical procedure and to release the cartridge for facile disposal when the sheath is displaced to cover and protectively shroud the needle after use. Through this process, need for rotary collars to capture and hold the cartridge in place during use is eliminated, reducing injector cost and apparatus assembly steps and time.

Abstract: Parts which may be integrally molded with a phlebotomy barrel or with a Luer fitting to provide, in a single molded part, an extendable safety enclosure for a medical cannula in phlebotomy, syringe and other general medical needle applications. Integrally molded part phlebotomy safety devices are disclosed which require only the integrally-molded part, a medical needle, a label and a transport needle cover to form a ready-to-use phlebotomy device. Upon removal of the label and needle cover, the device is ready for use in a medical procedure. The enclosure comprises a plurality of rigid segments serially connected by a plurality of intersegment hinges, which are preferably living hinges. The segments are disposed about a medical needle, folded upon each other during the medical procedure and extended at the end of the procedure to form a secure, substantially rigid safety shroud. During the procedure, the enclosure is folded and conveniently disposed about a proximal portion of the needle.

Abstract: Parts integrally associated with a shortened I.V. insertion needle handle to provide, in as few as one molded part, an extendable safety guard for a catheter insertion needle and its sharpened tip. The safety guard comprises a plurality of rigid segments serially connected by a plurality of living hinges. The segments are disposed about the insertion needle, folded upon each other during the medical procedure and extended at the end of the procedure to form a secure, substantially fixed length safety sheath which conforms to the long axis of the needle. During the procedure, the safety guard is folded and conveniently disposed about a proximal portion of the needle. At the end of the procedure, the safety guard is extended by a relatively short motion associated with an arc distance of a proximal segment of the enclosure to protectively guard and secure the needle. The needle becomes a part of a structure which is cooperatively formed by both needle and enclosure.

Abstract: A one-time-use, self-powered, restricted entry lancet apparatus which provides a smaller incision in a surface or epidermal layers of a lancing site than in subsurface or dermal layers. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Generally, each embodiment includes a housing, a blade component, a rotary spring and an actuator. The blade generally has a proximal portion and a distal section. The proximal portion is disposed within the housing and is displaced laterally in a first direction during a lancing procedure. During the lancing procedure, the distal section is extended from the housing through an open exit slot and is rotated about an abutment member of the exit slot to be laterally displaced in a direction opposite the first direction. This rotation about the abutment results in an incision pattern which has a smaller cut in the epidermis than in the dermis. Thus, surface trauma is reduced while a broad cut is made in capillary rich regions of the dermal layers.

Abstract: A safety medical needle device comprising a mechanism for releasing a latch which holds the needle in place and manually retracting the needle and its sharpened tip into safe containment in one continuous operation. The device may be made from but a single molded part. In the case of a single molded part, the device may consist of a molded body, a medical needle and a protective tube for the needle. The device preferably comprises a pair of winged attachments for use as a medical butterfly apparatus.