Patents by Inventor Richard Caizza

Richard Caizza has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7972304
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies having a passive disabling system to prevent reuse are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the syringe assembly comprises a barrel, plunger rod and stopper wherein the plunger rod further comprises a flexible protrusion that locks the plunger rod within the barrel. Certain embodiments further include a frangible portion on the plunger rod that breaks when reuse is attempted. One or more embodiments include a plunger rod and stopper attachment that prevents disassembly of the syringe assembly prior to use. Syringe assemblies of one or more embodiments also include visual indicators or markers indicating whether a syringe assembly is used or the plunger rod is locked within the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Robert B. Odell, Brian H. Wayman
  • Publication number: 20110092903
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies having a passive disabling system to prevent reuse are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the syringe assembly comprises a barrel, plunger rod and stopper wherein the plunger rod further comprises a flexible protrusion that locks the plunger rod within the barrel. Certain embodiments further include a frangible portion on the plunger rod that breaks when reuse is attempted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Robert B. Odell, Brian H. Wayman
  • Patent number: 7717881
    Abstract: A medical device for use with a fluid transfer device includes a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically-shaped cavity therein, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The cavity is part of the passageway. A release element in the passageway of the hub is positioned to block fluid-tight engagement of the frusto-conically-shaped tip with the cavity of the hub. Structure is provided to release at least part of the release element, upon application of a proximally directed force on the hub, to allow the abrupt fluid-tight engagement of the tip and the cavity in the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, William N. Grady
  • Publication number: 20090131869
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies having a passive disabling system to prevent reuse are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the syringe assembly comprises a barrel, plunger rod and stopper wherein the plunger rod further comprises a flexible protrusion that locks the plunger rod within the barrel. Certain embodiments further include a frangible portion on the plunger rod that breaks when reuse is attempted. One or more embodiments include a plunger rod and stopper attachment that prevents disassembly of the syringe assembly prior to use. Syringe assemblies of one or more embodiments also include visual indicators or markers indicating whether a syringe assembly is used or the plunger rod is locked within the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Robert B. Odell, Brian H. Wayman
  • Publication number: 20090076450
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies having a passive disabling system to prevent reuse are provided. In one embodiment, the passive disabling system activates after completion of an injection cycle. An exemplary syringe assembly incorporates a stopper and plunger rod attached in a manner to prevent users from disassembling the syringe prior to completion of the injection cycle. The barrel may also include an annular extension or collar that extends from the proximal end of the barrel. In a specific configuration, the annular extension at least partially envelopes a portion of the thumb press to prevent the user from accessing the thumb press and moving the plunger rod in a proximal direction Syringe assemblies of one or more embodiments also include visual indicators or markers indicating whether a syringe assembly is used or the plunger rod is locked within the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Robert B. Odell, Brian H. Wayman
  • Publication number: 20080188807
    Abstract: Medical devices and syringes having reuse prevention features and methods of use thereof are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the syringe includes a barrel and a plunger rod including a stopper and an end wall with at least one portion that is removably engaged with the plunger rod, which prevents the creation of a vacuum between the stopper and barrel. One or more embodiments pertain to a single-use syringe which has a means for separating the plunger rod to prevent disassembly of the syringe prior to use. Methods of using a syringe according to embodiments of the present invention include an aspirating and expelling cycle followed by applying a force to the plunger rod in the distal direction to disable the stopper and prevent the creation of a vacuum between the stopper and syringe barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Robert B. Odell
  • Patent number: 7399293
    Abstract: A syringe assembly having passive disabling structure includes a barrel and a plunger rod assembly. The plunger rod assembly includes a plunger rod and a stopper connected by an indexing locking element. The number of strokes of the syringe plunger before the stopper is locked into the barrel rendering the syringe assembly unusable is determined by the number of detents on the plunger rod and stopper which engage the locking mechanism. Upon completion of the final delivery stroke, any attempt to withdraw the plunger rod from the barrel will cause the locking element to engage the barrel and trap the stopper in the barrel preventing further use of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Lola Oyibo, Robert Cipoletti, Aaron Barere, Richard Caizza
  • Publication number: 20080009796
    Abstract: A syringe assembly having passive disabling structure includes a barrel and a plunger rod assembly. The plunger rod assembly includes a plunger rod and a stopper connected by an indexing locking element. The number of strokes of the syringe plunger before the stopper is locked into the barrel rendering the syringe assembly unusable is determined by the number of detents on the plunger rod and stopper which engage the locking mechanism. Upon completion of the final delivery stroke, any attempt to withdraw the plunger rod from the barrel will cause the locking element to engage the barrel and trap the stopper in the barrel preventing further use of the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Lola Oyibo, Robert Cipoletti, Aaron Barere, Richard Caizza
  • Publication number: 20070260191
    Abstract: A shieldable unit dose needle assembly including a needle holding member, a unit dose needle, a shield in pivotal engagement with respect to the needle, and a collar providing pivotal engagement between the needle and the shield. The shield is pivotally movable between a retracted position and a shielded position in which a portion of the shield encompasses the unit dose needle for safety purposes. The needle holding member includes a distal end having a male tapering surface. The collar further includes a proximal end having a female tapering surface in engagement with the male tapering surface of the needle holding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Alfred Prais, Richard Caizza, Gary Henniger, Espen Karteraas
  • Publication number: 20070185461
    Abstract: A medical device for use with a fluid transfer device includes a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically-shaped cavity therein, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The cavity is part of the passageway. A release element in the passageway of the hub is positioned to block fluid-tight engagement of the frusto-conically-shaped tip with the cavity of the hub. Structure is provided to release at least part of the release element, upon application of a proximally directed force on the hub, to allow the abrupt fluid-tight engagement of the tip and the cavity in the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, William Grady
  • Publication number: 20070173776
    Abstract: A medical device for use with a fluid transfer device includes a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically-shaped cavity therein, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The cavity is part of the passageway. A release element in the passageway of the hub is positioned to block fluid-tight engagement of the frusto-conically-shaped tip with the cavity of the hub. Structure is provided to release at least part of the release element, upon application of a proximally directed force on the hub, to allow the abrupt fluid-tight engagement of the tip and the cavity in the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: RICHARD CAIZZA, William Grady
  • Publication number: 20060224126
    Abstract: A medical device having a releasable retaining includes needle cannula connected to a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically shaped cavity therein. The cavity is part of a passageway through the hub which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the needle cannula. A retaining element is releasably connected to the hub. The hub includes an aperture and at least one protuberance projecting into the aperture for engaging the frusto-conically shaped tip of a fluid delivery device. The protuberance is shaped to offer less resistance to hub movement in a direction of engagement than in a direction of disengagement with the tip. The retaining element is connected to the hub so that when the hub is engaged to the tip, the force required to disengage the retaining element from the tip is greater than the force required to disengage the retaining element from the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Richard Caizza
  • Publication number: 20060184135
    Abstract: A shieldable unit dose assembly includes a needle holding member, a safety shield member disposed around the needle holding member, and a unit dose needle including a hub which is connected to the needle holding member. The needle holder member includes a male tapering surface and the hub of the unit dose needle includes a female tapering surface for connection therebetween. The unit dose needle includes a solid elongated unit dose needle having a patient end for containing and administering a unit dose of a vaccine. The telescoping safety shield member is disposed around the needle holding member, and is axially movable from a non-shielding position surrounding at least a portion of the needle holding member to a telescoped shielding position encompassing the patient end of the unit dose needle. The safety shield member may be locked into the shielding position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Alfred Prais, Richard Caizza, Gary Henniger, Espen Karteraas
  • Publication number: 20050027250
    Abstract: A syringe assembly having passive disabling structure includes a barrel and a plunger rod assembly. The plunger rod assembly includes a plunger rod and a stopper connected by an indexing locking element. The number of strokes of the syringe plunger before the stopper is locked into the barrel rendering the syringe assembly unusable is determined by the number of detents on the plunger rod and stopper which engage the locking mechanism. Upon completion of the final delivery stroke, any attempt to withdraw the plunger rod from the barrel will cause the locking element to engage the barrel and trap the stopper in the barrel preventing further use of the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Samuel Suresh, Chad Smith, Richard Caizza
  • Patent number: 6840291
    Abstract: A fluid transfer adapter for use with a syringe barrel having a collar with adapter engaging structure and a distally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface is disclosed. The adapter includes a hub having a proximally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface for mating with the frusto-conically shaped surface on the barrel, structure for threadably engaging the hub to the collar of the barrel so that the frusto-conically shaped surface of the hub contacts the frusto-conically shaped surface of the barrel to prevent liquid flow between the surfaces and a fluid transfer having a passageway therethrough, connected to the distal end of the hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with a conduit in the hub. The passageway includes a frusto-conically shaped edge that aligns with the frusto-conically shaped edge of the barrel, when the adapter is connected to the barrel, thereby reducing waste space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Chad Smith, John Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6632198
    Abstract: A retracting needle assembly for use with a syringe barrel having a cylindrical collar and a plunger having a release element with a sharp distal end includes an outer hub having a passageway therethrough and an inner hub having a proximal end, a distal end and a conduit therethrough. The proximal end of the inner hub has an inner portion and a dissociable outer portion connected to the inner portion. The dissociable outer portion is further connected to the outer hub. The distal end of the inner hub is smaller than the passageway of the outer hub at the distal end of the outer hub and projects distally outwardly therefrom. A needle cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therethrough is connected to the inner hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the conduit. An energized spring is contained between the inner and outer hub. Structure is provided for connecting the outer hub to the collar of the syringe barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Richard Caizza
  • Patent number: 6517516
    Abstract: A method of making a retracting needle assembly for use with a syringe barrel having a cylindrical collar and a plunger having a release element with a sharp distal end includes an outer hub having a passageway therethrough and an inner hub having a proximal end, a distal end and a conduit therethrough. The proximal end of the inner hub has an inner portion and a dissociable outer portion connected to the inner portion. The dissociable outer portion is further connected to the outer hub. The distal end of the inner hub is smaller than the passageway of the outer hub at the distal end of the outer hub and projects distally outwardly therefrom. A needle cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therethrough is connected to the inner hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the conduit. An energized spring is contained between the inner and outer hub. Structure is provided for connecting the outer hub to the collar of the syringe barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Richard Caizza
  • Publication number: 20020173753
    Abstract: A fluid transfer adapter for use with a syringe barrel having an open proximal end including a collar having adapter engaging structure and a distally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface comprises a hub having a proximally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface for mating with the frusto-conically shaped surface on the barrel, structure for threadably engaging the hub to the collar of the barrel so that the frusto-conically shaped surface of the hub contacts the frusto-conically shaped surface of the barrel to prevent liquid flow between the surfaces and a fluid transfer having a passageway therethrough, connected to the distal end of the hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with a conduit in the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Chad Smith, John Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6413237
    Abstract: A hypodermic syringe with a selectively retractable needle includes an elongate barrel having an open proximal end, an open distal end and a hollow bore. The syringe includes an elongate plunger including a hollow outer housing having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The plunger has a hollow inner sleeve defining a cavity therein. The plunger has releasable engagement elements preventing relative axial movement between the outer housing and the inner sleeve, the elements allowing the relative axial movement when released and a distal stopper. There is an open cutter mounted at a proximal end of the inner sleeve to cut through the stopper to expose the cavity in the inner sleeve when the engagement elements are released and sufficient distal axial force is applied to the plunger. The syringe has a hub housing with an open proximal end having an inwardly projecting shoulder, a hub with a proximal flange and an axial stem, sized to fit within the hub housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Simon Cohn, Jonathan Gabel
  • Patent number: 6409701
    Abstract: A retractable needle syringe includes a barrel defining a receiver. There is a plunger having an inner rod extending distally from the proximal end. The plunger includes a hollow sleeve that is disposed over and extend beyond an inner rod. The plunger includes a hollow cutter extending from the inner rod and a stopper disposed over the end of the sleeve. The plunger has a displaceable collar to prevent movement of the inner rod with respect to the sleeve, that is by distal force to the plunger by engagement with the proximal end of the barrel allowing the cutting surface to cut through the stopper. There is a hub with a stem, a proximal flange and an engagement. A clip having a proximal foot with an opening therethrough and a distal grip is disposed on the stem of the hub. The proximal foot of the clip is disposed at the distal surface of the flange and the grip at the engagement on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Simon Cohn, Roger Hoeck, Richard Caizza, Volker Niermann