Abstract: A self packaged medical device, such as a syringe assembly, having a hollow body and an operative element therein for the controlled dispensing or entry of fluid into the body. An extension member operatively connected to the operative element and extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the body. The device further including a proximal barrier between the extension member and the body and a distal barrier to maintain the sterility of the interior of the device prior to use. The medical device is also disclosed in combination with a safety syringe wherein a needle protective shield is movably mounted about the body and is movable between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A blood lancet is disclosed having a lancet needle with a sharpened lancet tip. The lancet tip is covered before use. The lancet tip end of the lancet needle extends through a slidable proximal needle piece while the opposite end of the lancet needle is immovably embedded in a distal needle piece. The distal needle piece is connected to the proximal needle piece through a pair of opposed normally bowed flexible arms. After pricking the user's skin with the lancet tip, the bowed flexible arms are pinched towards each other which pushes the proximal needle piece into a position over and enclosing the lancet tip. The flexible arms each have an arrow shaped protrusion or catch that engages a correspondingly shaped receptacle on the distal needle piece to lock the proximal needle piece in position over the lancet tip. In one embodiment, a removable cap covers the lancet tip. In another embodiment, the proximal needle piece is formed around the lancet tip.

Abstract: A blood lancet is disclosed having a lancet needle with a sharpened lancet tip. The lancet tip is covered before use. The lancet tip end of the lancet needle extends through a slidable proximal needle piece while the opposite end of the lancet needle is immovably embedded in a distal needle piece. The distal needle piece is connected to the proximal needle piece through a pair of opposed normally bowed flexible arms. A rigid sheath surrounds the lancet needle between the distal needle piece and the proximal needle piece. The sheath is rigidly attached to either the distal or proximal needle piece at one end and is frangibly connected to the proximal or distal needle piece, respectively, at its other end. The sheath precisely positions the proximal needle piece relative to the distal needle piece. A removable cap covers the lancet tip. In use, the cap is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for use on a prefilled hypodermic syringe assembly. The shield is intended to be retrofitable over a sheath/needle sub-assembly of the hypodermic syringe assembly in such a manner that insertion of the sheath/needle sub-assembly into the shield can be simply and easily accomplished by a medical worker, and subsequent extraction of the sheath from the shield is prevented by retention members which are formed from the housing of the shield, and which protrude into the chamber to hold the sheath. The retention member are formed so as to allow the sheath to be slidable into the chamber of the shield, yet engage the exterior surface of the sheath to resist extraction thereof once the sheath has engaged the retention members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for use on a prefilled hypodermic syringe assembly. The shield is intended to be retrofitable over a sheath/needle sub-assembly of the hypodermic syringe assembly in such a manner that insertion of the sheath/needle sub-assembly into the shield can be simply and easily accomplished by a medical worker, and subsequent extraction of the sheath from the shield is prevented by retention members which are formed from the housing of the shield, and which protrude into the chamber to hold the sheath. The retention member are formed so as to allow the sheath to be easily slidable into the chamber of the shield, yet engage the exterior surface of the sheath to resist extraction thereof once the sheath has engaged the retention members. Also disclosed are unique method of manufacturing the sheath of the present invention along with preferred methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A needle cover is disclosed which includes an elongate rigid tubular housing having a generally cylindrical central bore. A hollow frusto-conical shaped needle guide, which gradually reduces in diameter toward the distal end of the cover is located within the housing and effectively separates the fore into a proximal chamber and a cylindrical distal chamber. The distal chamber receives and retains a resilient plug which functions as a sealing member to seal the distal lumen opening of a needle cannula. The needle guide includes a distal opening which defines the boundary between the proximal and distal chambers. The guide functions to direct the tip of the needle through the proximal chamber and into the central portion of the resilient plug located in the distal chamber. During manufacture, the resilient plug functions to seal the tip of the needle cannula in a fluid tight seal. The needle cover housing, including the needle guide, is formed as an integral unit.