Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, into a hub member by roughening a first portion of the cannula while leaving a second portion substantially smooth such that the first portion forms an interference fit and the second portion a line-to-line fit with the hub bore. In the absence of an adhesive, the second portion is passed through the hub bore followed by the first portion. The first portion is forced into the hub bore to provide an adhesive-free interference fit that is capable of resisting puncturing forces during normal use.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula into a hub member. The process uses an interference or frictional fit between the bore of the hub member and the cannula's exterior surface. In this manner, adhesives are not required in the assembly of the two components.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula into a hub member. The process uses an interference or frictional fit between the bore of the hub member and the cannula's exterior surface. In this manner, adhesives are not required in the assembly of the two components.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula into a hub member. The process uses an interference or frictional fit between the bore of the hub member and the cannula's exterior surface. In this manner, adhesives are not required in the assembly of the two components.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The present apparatus insures proper orientation during use of an oral or nasal inhaler, as well as providing an audible rattle to aid in remembering to shake the inhaler prior to use. An indicator ball is confined within a substantially horizontal tube in the inhaler housing. One end of the tube is visually exposed within the user's field of view. The indicator ball remains out of view within the inhaler housing unless the inhaler orientation is held in a substantially vertical orientation. When proper vertical orientation is achieved, the indicator ball rolls to the exposed end of the tube and is visible to the user. Shaking the inhaler prior to use causes the indicator ball to rattle within the tube producing an audible rattle. The event of shaking the inhaler and hearing the rattle provides the user with a reinforced memory to shake the inhaler prior to use.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with tapered medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: A needle disposal system has a blood collection holder with an engaged blood collection needle and a companion biohazard receptacle for disposal of the needle after use. First, the blood collection needle engaged to the holder is irreversibly positively locked upon insertion into respective needle removal device of the biohazard receptacle, thereby preventing withdrawal of the needle from the biohazard receptacle. The needle is then unthreaded from the holder and disposed of inside the biohazard receptacle.

Abstract: A needle disposal system has a blood collection holder with an engaged blood collection needle and a companion biohazard receptacle for disposal of the needle after use. First, the blood collection needle engaged to the holder is irreversibly positively locked upon insertion into respective needle removal device of the biohazard receptacle, thereby preventing withdrawal of the needle from the biohazard receptacle. The needle is then unthreaded from the holder and disposed of inside the biohazard receptacle.

Abstract: An insert (14) for supporting a double ended needle (94, 98) during a blood collection procedure is translatably mounted with a cylinder (12) for retracting the anterior needle (98) into the cylinder (12) on completion of the procedure to prevent needle stick while the posterior needle (94) remains continually shielded against needle stick by the insert (14). An anterior lock position stabilizes the double ended needle (94, 98) during the blood collection procedure and a posterior lock position retains both ends (94, 98) of the needle shielded. Ramps (130, 132) may be associated with the posterior lock position to prevent further translation of the insert (14) and reuse of the holder (10). For a reusable holder embodiment, the used double ended needle (94, 98) is retracted, safely enclosed and locked inside the cylinder (12).

Abstract: A needle guard attached to the barrel of a hypodermic syringe encloses and shields the needle against contamination prior to use and prevents inadvertent direct contact therewith by medical personnel after use. Development of an aperture at the end of the needle shield to accommodate protrusion by the needle is effected by a removable member. Translation of the needle guard along the syringe barrel to uncover and recover the needle is effected by manipulation from a location rearwardly of the needle point to further protect the medical personnel. A double ended needle, usually used with a collection tube holder of a blood evacuation system, includes a needle guard which may interlock with the holder upon translation of the needle guard to expose the anterior needle and to prevent inadvertent disengagement with the holder and resulting exposure of the posterior needle.

Abstract: An insert for supporting a double ended needle during a blood collection procedure is translatably mounted within a cylinder for retracting the anterior needle into the cylinder on completion of the procedure to prevent needle stick while the posterior needle remains continually shielded against needle stick by the insert. An anterior lock position stabilizes the double ended needle during the blood collection procedure and a posterior lock position retains both ends of the needle shielded. A ramp may be associated with the posterior lock position to prevent further translation of the insert and reuse of the holder. For a reusable holder embodiment, the used double ended needle is retracted, safely enclosed and locked inside the cylinder. The anterior end of the cylinder is adapted for receiving the open end of a conventional needle shield to permit gripping of the needle supporting hub and disengagement of the needle from the insert without exposure to needle stick.

Abstract: A receptacle includes a first recess for receiving the anterior end of the barrel of a conventional double ended needle blood collection tube holder to stabilize the holder during threaded disengagement of the needle. A post is disposed within the recess to prevent rotation of the hub while the holder is rotated to unthread the hub. Upon threaded disengagement, the needle drops into the receptacle, which drop may be augmented by a pair of leaf springs. A second recess in the receptacle receives the collar of a guard supporting a translatable blood collection tube holder, which holder threadedly engages the hub of a double ended needle. A post within the recess can extend within the collar to engage a rib of the hub to prevent rotation of the double ended needle upon rotation of the guard to threadedly disengage the hub from the holder. Upon threaded disengagement, the double ended needle drops into the receptacle, which drop may be augmented by a pair of leaf springs.

Abstract: A receptacle includes a first recess for receiving the anterior end of the barrel of a conventional double ended needle blood collection tube holder to stabilize the holder during threaded disengagement of the needle. A post disposed within the recess includes a slot for receiving a rib of the double ended needle hub to prevent rotation of the hub while the holder is rotated to unthread the hub. Upon threaded disengagement, the needle drops into the receptacle, which drop may be augmented by a leaf spring. A second recess in the receptacle receives the collar of a guard supporting a translatable blood collection tube holder, which holder threadedly engages the hub of a double ended needle. A post within the recess can extend within the collar to engage with a slot a rib of the hub to prevent rotation of the double ended needle upon rotation of the guard to threadedly disengage the hub from the holder.

Abstract: A holder includes a double ended needle supporting insert translatable within a cylinder for receiving a blood collection tube during a medical procedure. Upon translation of the insert posteriorly, the double ended needle becomes fully enclosed within the cylinder and the insert is locked in place to shield the double ended needle from contact by medical personnel. An adapter fits within the insert to accommodate pediatric tubes.