Abstract: A reusable breach loading target pressure activated lancet firing device for use with a lancet includes a sled which releasably engages the lancet so that the lancet point may extend outwardly from a distal end of the sled. The sled is substantially contained and movably engaged within a housing having a distal aperture at its distal end and a side aperture defining a breach to allow access to the sled for engaging and disengaging the lancet. A spring is provided for biasing the distal end of the sled toward the distal end of the housing. A cocking mechanism positions and releasably holds the sled in a position in a direction toward the proximal end of the housing so that the spring means is partially deflected. A trigger mechanism for releasing the cocking mechanism and allowing the sled to move toward the distal aperture, also allows the lancet, when engaged in the sled, to project outwardly from the distal aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a disposable hypodermic syringe and the method of its manufacture. The syringe comprises a barrel, a piston-plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, a handle and shank connected to the piston-plunger, a needle hub welded to and closing one end of the barrel and supporting a hypodermic needle, a shield for the needle and a cap which closes the other end of the barrel. A novel feature of the syringe of the invention is a weakened zone of the barrel in a line circumscribing the barrel at a point adjacent to the edge of the needle hub. An advantage of the syringe of the invention is its disposability after use. To dispose of the syringe, the operator first replaces the shield over the needle and hub. The hub with the enclosed needle may then be broken off along the weakened zone of the barrel by bending, so that the barrel is destroyed and the needle is enclosed within the shield and hub in such a manner that it may not be re-used or misused without considerable and extraordinary effort.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a novel syringe plunger characterized by a completely immobile piston head. The plunger is advantageously used in syringe assemblies and facilitates the so-called "micrometer" injection.