Syringe (e.g., Enema Or Catheter, Per Se) Patents (Class 206/364)
  • Publication number: 20080255523
    Abstract: A medical syringe apparatus includes a syringe unit, a hypodermic needle attached to the syringe unit and at least one interfacing member for mating a labeled medication container to the syringe unit. A filling needle is attached to the syringe unit for drawing fluid from a container. A movable needle sheath protects the hypodermic needle when not in use and may be moved out of the way when administering an injection. The medication label is visible. The container remains mated to the syringe when the syringe is in use. Risk of mislabeling the syringe may therefore be substantially reduced or eliminated and patient safety may accordingly be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Yair Grinberg
  • Patent number: 7434686
    Abstract: A surface-mountable storage system for an auto-injection device. The storage system includes a base and a cover. The base has a back surface adapted to be mounted to a generally vertical surface. A support structure secured to the base releasably holds an auto-injection device on end and adjacent the front surface. The cover has a free edge adapted to be substantially continuously adjacent the base. This allows the cover and base to substantially enclose the auto-injection device when the cover is in a closed position with respect to the base. The storage system also has a latch for securing the cover to the base to allow the cover to move between the closed position and an open position that presents the auto-injection device for removal from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Prindle
  • Patent number: 7425207
    Abstract: A vial for dispensing a liquid into a syringe is described which comprises a body section for holding the liquid, the body section having a top and a bottom; a port having a removable seal, where the port is adapted for a syringe connection and where the port is interconnected with the body section at a point near the top of the body section by a passageway which for at least a portion of its length extends above the level of the liquid in the body section when the vial is inverted, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid from the body section when the seal of the port is removed. A method of making the vial is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Holopack International Corp.
    Inventors: Shawn W. Miller, David Rocheleau, Mohammad R. Sadeghi, Walter Zahn, Bernd Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080202961
    Abstract: A syringe assembly (or other medical device) includes a single syringe entirely enclosed and sealed within a shrink-wrap film package, with one of the syringe or package formed so as to facilitate removal of at least a portion of the shrink wrap package. A related method of packaging, using and disposing of a syringe includes enclosing and sealing a single syringe assembly within a shrink wrap package, the syringe assembly including a barrel, a plunger slidable within the barrel, a thumb press at one end of the plunger projecting rearwardly of the barrel, and a needle at an opposite end of the barrel; removing a portion of the shrink wrap package enclosing the needle; using the syringe in a liquid injection or removal mode while leaving a remaining portion of the shrink wrap package on the syringe assembly; and disposing the used syringe assembly with the remaining portion of the shrink wrap package in place on the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Inviro Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Fraser R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20080179208
    Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: HOLLISTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Thomas H. Gilman, Sean Sweeney, Martin P. Creaven
  • Patent number: 7380658
    Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Thomas H. Gilman, Sean Sweeney, Martin P. Creaven
  • Patent number: 7370759
    Abstract: A device and method for removing and replacing a needle-protecting cover associated with an injection apparatus, the device comprising a housing, a receptacle in the housing for accommodating the injection apparatus, and a holding mechanism, wherein the receptacle is movable in the housing and, in a first position of the receptacle, the holding mechanism is in a releasing position and, in a second position of the receptacle, the holding mechanism is in a holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: TecPharma Licensing AG
    Inventor: Edgar Hommann
  • Patent number: 7353946
    Abstract: A protective packaging system for a medical device includes a housing and an end cap. The housing surrounds the distal portion of a catheter bearing a medical device so that the device is suspended in a protective chamber. The end cap holds the housing closed. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for removing a catheter and medical device from the packaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin J. Cervantes
  • Patent number: 7341147
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7334679
    Abstract: A tear open package for a catheter having an insertion end and a funnel end includes a pair of thin elongated sheets of gas impermeable material joined about their edges by a perimeter heat seal. The elongated sheets of material form a catheter-receiving cavity in which the catheter insertion end is near one end of the cavity and the funnel end is near the other end of the cavity. The perimeter heat seal includes at least an insertion end heat seal, a funnel end heat seal, and a pair of side heat seals which extend along each side of the package from the insertion end heat seal to the funnel end heat seal. The elongated sheets of material each include a tear line extending at least from one side of the package toward the other side of the package through at least one of the side heat seals. The tear lines extend between the catheter insertion end and the insertion end heat seal for opening at least the insertion end of the package by controlled tearing for removal and use of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventor: William L. Givens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7334678
    Abstract: A device comprising an elongated tubular member having a first open end, a second open end and a lumen therebetween, the first end and the second end facing in the same direction and positioned so that a first end of a guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the first open end and a second end of the guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the second open end and parallel to the first end of the guidewire and a method of manufacturing and packaging a guidewire comprising the steps of providing a dual distal tip guidewire having a first tip and a second tip, providing a coiled elongated tubular device having a first open end positioned proximate and facing in the same direction as a second open end, and positioning the guidewire in the tubular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Kesler, Yudit Candocia, Otto E. Anderhub
  • Patent number: 7328792
    Abstract: A toilet plunger cabinet system for conveniently storing and transporting a plunger in a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing manner. The toilet plunger cabinet system includes a base for receiving a lower segment of a plunger and a cover removably connected to the base. The base has a lower plate with an extended portion extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof defining an upper opening. A support portion extends upwardly from the upper surface of the lower plate thereby allowing liquids to be removed from the inner portion of the suction cup of the plunger. The cover preferable includes a handle member for grasping by the user, wherein the cover removably fits about the extended portion. A strap member or a transporting handle may be attached to the base for allowing convenient transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Mary J. Benson
  • Patent number: 7328794
    Abstract: Packaging units for use with elongate medical devices such as catheters. An example packaging unit includes a mounting card into which a number of tabs are cut at predetermined angles and shapes. At least some of the tabs are provided in large tab/small tab pairs. The angle and size combination provides for securing the elongate medical device to the card, while reducing trauma experienced by the device during removal from the card. Also, a double tab system is provided in the packaging unit for receiving a hub and strain relief to hold those parts securely. The card may be scored along at least a first side such that, prior to placing a sterile barrier, such as a plastic wrapping or envelope, around the mounting card to sterilely seal a device therein, the card may be bent along the scoring line to lift the sterile barrier off of a surface of the mounting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Lubs, Benjamin Prusi, Jeff Velander
  • Publication number: 20070289887
    Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Kai Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7261205
    Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Cervantes
  • Patent number: 7234597
    Abstract: A package for an elongate surgical device, such as a catheter, includes an elongate tube formed into a coil configuration with a first coil portion disposed adjacent to a second coil portion. A thermal weld bonds the coil portions in a fixed relationship and with a strength sufficient to prevent peeling the first coil portion from the second coil portion. The surgical device can then be loaded into the tube, pouched and sterilized for ultimate distribution. In an associated method, the tube is coiled on a turntable and moved relative to heating stations where the thermal bonds can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Clean Cut Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Howard V. Rowe, Timothy C. Bell, Larry Bonzomet, William L. Patton
  • Patent number: 7198150
    Abstract: A vacuum package system for hydrating and/or rehydrating orthopedic graft materials, such as allograft materials, xenograft materials, and synthetic materials, is described. The system primarily includes a container, which includes a dividing device for dividing the container into first and second compartments and for isolating the compartments from one another, the first compartment containing a liquid component and the second compartment containing either dry porous and/or dehydrated orthopedic graft material under vacuum with a tubular member. The elongated tubular member extends from, and is in communication with, the second compartment. The tubular portion defines vacuum reservoir device is disposed within the first compartment and is in communication with the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: R. Craig Blaschke, Daniel B Smith, Gene H Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7191900
    Abstract: The invention is a medical guide wire containment and dispensing device. The device is of unitary construction and defines a single, generally annular opening that receives the guide wire. Preferably, the device includes a mount for retaining a guide-wire torque device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: JS Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Opie, Stephen J. Joyce, Thomas Izdebski
  • Patent number: 7165672
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Matt Bantly, David W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7160590
    Abstract: A multilayer web article, including a first layer of a porous material, e.g., Tyvek® film, and a second layer overlying and sealed to the first layer. The second layer is non-porous to passage of gas therethrough and includes a peelable film, e.g., of polyethylene, in contact with the first layer of porous material. The peelable film permits peeling removal of the second layer from the first layer to expose the first layer of porous material for passage of gas therethrough. In a specific construction, the web article constitutes one of opposedly facing panels of a lay-flat bag article, in which the facing panels are bonded to one another along superposed edges thereof. After pressurization integrity testing of the bag, the peelable film is peeled away to enable steam - and/or ETO-sterilization of the bag and its contents to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Vanhamel, Thomas Claes
  • Patent number: 7104399
    Abstract: An assembly for packaging a catheter having a flexible distal shaft and a proximal fitting coupled thereto comprises a flexible tube capable of being coiled and having a proximal end. A tubular retainer having a passageway extending therethrough has a substantially oval proximal section and a substantially circular distal section, the distal section for fittingly receiving the proximal end of the flexible tube. A resilient member is coupled to a wall of the retainer and projects into the passageway for controllably impeding movement through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, Eddie Coyle, Thomas Farrell
  • Patent number: 7066912
    Abstract: A wetting apparatus (1) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3), comprising: a wetting fluid container (4) containing a wetting fluid and being openable by the application of a pulling force thereto; a wetting receptacle (2); and a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3) to be wetted by said wetting fluid and being arranged within said wetting receptacle (2). The wetting fluid container (4) is arranged within the wetting receptacle (2), and the wetting receptacle is extendable, for opening the wetting container without rupturing a sealed condition of the wetting receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Astra Tech AB
    Inventors: Daniel Nestenborg, Jan Utas, Agneta Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7028837
    Abstract: A radiation-shielding container assembly defines a central axis and includes an elongated body portion having a closed end, an open end, and an outer surface extending between the open and closed ends. An inner surface is spaced radially inwardly from the outer surface, and a frusto-conical body surface extends radially inwardly from the outer surface adjacent the open end. A cap portion of the container is securable to the body portion and includes a closed end and an open end that is spaced from the closed end. The open end includes a frusto-conical cap surface that is matingly engageable with the frusto-conical body surface such that when the cap portion is secured to the body portion, the frusto-conical body surface and the frusto-conical cap surface overlap each other along a plane that is perpendicular to the axis, thereby preventing a straight-line path for radiation to escape from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Vulcan Lead, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Yanke, Brian M. Schaber
  • Patent number: 6994823
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Next Step Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: H. Thomas Hight, III
  • Patent number: 6991096
    Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca Gottlieb, Aaron Swanson, Bahar Reghabi, Kevin Branch
  • Patent number: 6964656
    Abstract: A sachet (11) for packaging animal semen, comprising two thermoplastics material films delimiting a pocket (12) along a closed path of generally rectangular shape defining two shorter sides and two longer sides when the sachet is empty, wherein one of said shorter sides has an interruption extended by a filler conduit (14) and defining a filler area (15) in said thermoplastics material films and the other of said shorter sides has an interruption extended by a drainer conduit and defining a drainer area (17) in said thermoplastics material films, characterized in that said drainer conduit (16) has two different diameters (D1 and D2), of which the smaller diameter (D1) is at the end communicating with the interior of said sachet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: IMV Technologies
    Inventors: Jean-Gérard Saint-Ramon, Francis Lesieur
  • Patent number: 6902057
    Abstract: The present invention protects a catheter during shipment and storage. The device holds a portion of the catheter suspended such that the portion does not contact the device. When the suspended portion includes a stent treated with a therapeutic coating, the coating is protected from physical damage and from the risk that extended contact of the coating with packaging materials may result in the therapeutic agent migrating out of the coating and into the packaging materials or components of the packaging materials migrating into the therapeutic coating, both of which can occur if a therapeutic coating remains in contact with another material for an extended period of time. A catheter bearing an untreated stent, a balloon catheter, and other types of catheter would be similarly protected from physical or chemical damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Niall Duffy
  • Patent number: 6892881
    Abstract: A packaging system for an elongate medical device includes a sheet of material which defines a generally planar surface for receiving the elongated medical device thereon. A plurality of butterfly tabs are adhesively attached to the planar surface at selected locations to retain the medical device in position. The butterfly tabs eliminate weaving of catheters onto mounting cards having tabs punched therethrough. The butterfly tabs preferably include at least two adhesive-coated wing portions connected by a linking portion that overlies the medical device and is preferably free of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn P. Leitch
  • Patent number: 6890310
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided to facilitate delivery of a fluid specimen from a syringe to a point-of-care testing cartridge. The adaptor includes a mounting sleeve for snapped engagement over a portion of the testing cartridge, including the entry port to the testing cartridge. The adaptor further includes a Luer fitting unitarily formed with the mounting sleeve. The Luer fitting has an inlet end configured for mating with the syringe and an outlet end configured for alignment with the entry port of the testing cartridge. The adaptor can be snapped onto the testing cartridge. The Luer tip of the syringe then can be mated with the Luer fitting of the adaptor for safe and convenient delivery of the specimen through the adaptor and into the testing cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Frank Fracavilla, Jamieson William Maclean Crawford
  • Patent number: 6884393
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sterilizing a device in a sterilizer, methods of sterilizing a device in an enclosure in a sterilizer, and enclosures for retaining a device capable of being sterilized in a sterilization process. The sterilization process comprises hydrogen peroxide vapor or gas. The sterilization load may include an enclosure, which can be a tray or a container. The tray or container comprises at least a volume of aluminum oxide. The ratio of the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas or vapor introduced into the sterilizer to the volume of aluminum oxide is at least 24 mg/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry K. Hui, Les A. Feldman, Nancy Chu, Su-Syin Wu
  • Patent number: 6871740
    Abstract: A ventricular catheter of the type having a slit in the distal end to permit the passage of a stylet or endoscope is disclosed. The catheter is packaged with a film tab inserted into the slit to prevent the edges of the slit from knitting or adhering to each other upon sterilization or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc
    Inventor: HongHoa Cao
  • Patent number: 6848574
    Abstract: A storage package (1) contains a medical device (7) having a coated surface (8 ) which exhibits a reduced friction when wetted with a wetting liquid and a supply of the wetting liquid (9). The package is adapted such that the coated surface of the medical device is maintained contact with the supply of wetting liquid during storage. A good shelf-life for the medical device is achieved an where the medical device is a urethral catheter the catheter is immediately “ready-for-use” after the package has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Astra Tech AB
    Inventors: Anette Israelsson, Jan Utas, Agneta Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20040256264
    Abstract: A storage package (1) contains a medical device (7) having a coated surface (8) which exhibits a reduced friction when wetted with a wetting liquid and a supply of the wetting liquid (9). The package is adapted such that the coated surface of the medical device is maintained contact with the supply of wetting liquid during storage. A good shelf-life for the medical device is achieved and where the medical device is a urethral catheter the catheter is immediately “ready-for-use” after the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Anette Israelsson, Jan Utas, Agneta Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20040245134
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for protecting individuals from the sharp ends of medical objects following use on a patient. Such sharp objects include hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, cannulae, trocars, and the like. The invention utilizes a disposable protective cover for the used sharp. The protective cover is designed to surround and embed the sharp in a permanent cover that is blunt and will not permit further puncture or cutting with the sharp. In an embodiment, the protective cover also absorbs any fluids on or in the used sharp. A refillable or replaceable dispenser dispenses the protective covers at points of use. A disposable receptacle receives the used sharp embedded in the protective cover. When the receptacle is full, the entire receptacle may be discarded in a medical waste container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Alcouloumre, Richard E. Reedy, Jay Alan Lenker
  • Patent number: 6822253
    Abstract: Encapsulation of an inner facing surface of a lead shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig. The inner facing surface defines a chamber in which is inserted a radiopharmaceutical syringe. The encapsulation protects the inner facing surface against contamination due to leaks of the contents of the radiopharmaceutical syringe and further obviates the need for a sharps container to enclose the syringe during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Martin, Kenneth A. Paladino
  • Patent number: 6814717
    Abstract: A protecting cap structure for the needle of a syringe, wherein, the structure is provided with a protecting sleeve having a receiving space for receiving a needle. The protecting sleeve is comprised of a foldable cover and a cylindrical extendible member connected with each other; the cylindrical extendible member is a hollow cylinder, the shank of the cylindrical extendible member has a compression portion; a pair of foldable portions are provided in neighboring to the compression portion; the foldable cover is in the shape of a semi-cylinder, one end of the foldable cover is connected with the cylindrical extendible member, in order that when the cover is folded to close, it cooperates with the cylindrical extendible member to envelop and fast envelop the needle to prevent the needle from accident stabbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Future Top Medical Environmental Technic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bih-Chern Lin
  • Publication number: 20040211689
    Abstract: A one piece molded vacuum tube holder is fitted with a one piece molded needle hub assembly. A needle protection device is further rotatably mounted to the neck of the one piece vacuum tube holder. One portion of a locking mechanism is provided at the neck of the one piece vacuum tube holder and a second portion of the locking mechanism is provided at the needle hub of the needle hub assembly, so that when the needle hub assembly is press fit to the vacuum tube holder, the two portions of the locking mechanism will coact to fixedly retain the needle hub assembly within the vacuum tube holder. The one piece vacuum tube holder is configured to have an elongate needle cover integrally extending from its neck. A tamper evident notched joint is provided at the junction where the needle cover is connected to the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: William T. Torris, Glynn Clements, Gregory J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6797973
    Abstract: An apparatus that acts as a shield for radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity includes a first body with a first hollow core, a second body with a second hollow core and a third body with a third hollow core. The first hollow core, second hollow core and third hollow core collectively house an insert. The insert houses a hypodermic syringe. A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with the second body. A second connection means releasably communicates the first body with the third body. The second body comprises a piston actuator. The piston actuator can be operated to depress the piston of the hypodermic syringe while the first body is in communication with the second body, and while the third body is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Albert L. Zens
  • Publication number: 20040163981
    Abstract: In a hazardous waste collection container, particularly for medical waste, comprising a top part with a discard opening and a discard opening lid for opening and closing the discard opening, the discard opening lid comprises a retaining element and a closure element which is releasably engaged within the retaining element and the discard opening includes side walls with a closure collar provided with engagement means, and the closure member includes an engagement structure which is engaged by the engagement means of the closure collar when the closure member is pushed out of the retaining element into the discard opening for irreversibly locking the closure member in the discard opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Joachim Rigling
  • Publication number: 20040159564
    Abstract: A prefilled syringe of cartridge barrel having a tamper evident closure. Tamper evidence is provided by: a frangible tip seal which is integral with the tapered tip of the barrel; a frangible tip cap covering the tip, the tip seal and a portion of the distal end of the barrel; and an overwrap covering the frangible tip cap and the distal end of the barrel sealed to the distal end of the barrel by a tamper evident seal. The tapered tip is optionally equipped with a luer collar to receive an external luer connector. Alternatively, the tapered tip can be provided with a bore therethrough which can be closed with an elastomeric plug and the external connector can be a tubing conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael N. Eakins, Ernest Balestracci, Ernst Schramm, John J. Niedospial
  • Publication number: 20040144668
    Abstract: A syringe holder is designed to be thrown away after a single use with the syringe safely captive within. The holder has a barrel (5) into whose rear end a syringe (1) is entered until the rear flange (2) of the syringe seats in a socket (15). Then a gate (16) is hinged in a radial plane through a slot (14) in a thick flange (12) surrounding the socket (15) and snap fastens in a position obstructing rearward movement of the syringe (1). The syringe needle (3) projects forwardly of the barrel (5) and is shrouded by a sleeve (7) captive to the barrel and urged forwards by a spring (6). The sleeve (7) retracts to expose the needle during injection but afterwards, having moved forwards again, it can be rotated to snap fasten to the barrel (5) and be locked in its needle shrouding position. The sleeve (7) can also be adapted to remove a cap or sheath from the needle (3) when, before injection, it is moved backwards and then forwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jeremy Marshall, Steven Mark Guy Rolfe
  • Publication number: 20040144667
    Abstract: The present invention protects a catheter during shipment and storage. The device holds a portion of the catheter suspended such that the portion does not contact the device. When the suspended portion includes a stent treated with a therapeutic coating, the coating is protected from physical damage and from the risk that extended contact of the coating with packaging materials may result in the therapeutic agent migrating out of the coating and into the packaging materials or components of the packaging materials migrating into the therapeutic coating, both of which can occur if a therapeutic coating remains in contact with another material for an extended period of time. A catheter bearing an untreated stent, a balloon catheter, and other types of catheter would be similarly protected from physical or chemical damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Niall Duffy
  • Patent number: 6736805
    Abstract: A wetting apparatus (110) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (103) comprises a wetting receptacle (101) which defines a wetting fluid receiving area (102) for receiving the hydrophilic urinary catheter and a hydrophilic urinary catheter wetting fluid container (106) having a discharge outlet (126) movable from a closed position to an open position on application of a predetermined condition thereto to enable the wetting fluid to be discharged from the wetting fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventors: Anette Israelsson, Agneta Pettersson, Jan Utas
  • Publication number: 20040074794
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for wetting a catheter. The wetting system can include a catheter container, a fluid packet, and a catheter. The fluid packet and catheter container are adapted and configured to require opening the packet and moving the container to wet the catheter. The method includes opening the packet and moving the container to wet the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony J. Conway, Richard D. Fryar
  • Publication number: 20040069667
    Abstract: Cases are provided for carrying medication delivery devices such as auto-injectors, syringes or vials. The cases include a cradling structure to protect the medication delivery device from jostling and impact encountered during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dalita R. Tomellini, Sherin Lussier, Melinda Penney
  • Patent number: 6719135
    Abstract: A holder for holding and retaining a catheter during storage, shipping, and prior to use in a patient is described. The holder includes a first member and a second member attached to a central hub, the first and second members designed and configured to releasably retain the distal and proximal ends of the catheter. Also attached to the central hub is a plurality of retaining members for receiving and retaining the elongate catheter body in a coiled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Lifesystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian O. Armijo
  • Publication number: 20040055919
    Abstract: A package for an elongate surgical device, such as a catheter, includes an elongate tube formed into a coil configuration with a first coil portion disposed adjacent to a second coil portion. A thermal weld bonds the coil portions in a fixed relationship and with a strength sufficient to prevent peeling the first coil portion from the second coil portion. The surgical device can then be loaded into the tube, pouched and sterilized for ultimate distribution. In an associated method, the tube is coiled on a turntable and moved relative to heating stations where the thermal bonds can be formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Howard V. Rowe, Timothy C. Bell, Larry Bonzomet, William L. Patton
  • Publication number: 20040035743
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided for administering medical liquids to a patient. The invention is particularly apt for use in the intravenous administration of multiple doses of a flush solution over an extended period of therapy. In certain aspects of the invention methods and apparatus are directed to the provision and utilization of a packaged syringe filled with a medical liquid and having a tubing length interconnected thereto, wherein the volume of pre-filled medical liquid is sufficient to allow for multiple administrations to a given patient. By way of primary example, where the syringe is pre-filled with a flush solution, a volume of at least about 40 ml. is preferred. In other aspects, methods and apparatus are directed to the administration of medical liquids from a pre-filled syringe utilizing an apparatus that is particularly adapted for administering a medical liquid in successive increments over a plurality of separated time intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Gerry Tighe, Brian Eugene Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20030213713
    Abstract: A needle extracting and recovering device, the device is provided on the top of a case thereof with a needle insertion hole for insertion of a needle holder of a syringe with a needle to be extracted, an inclined rotation axle mechanism including a rotating knob is provided below the needle insertion hole, the rotation axle mechanism is provided on one lateral side thereof with a slit for inserting of the needle, the needle is extracted from the needle holder by rotating the rotating knob to rotate the rotation axle mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Future Top Medical Environment Technic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bih-Chern Lin
  • Publication number: 20030196921
    Abstract: A set of sterilization bags is provided, each bag being capable of holding a multiplicity of medical instruments, wherein each bag comprises at least two sides affixed together to form a bag with an opening capable of being in an open position to receive medical instruments and a closed position for sterilization, and further wherein at least two bags in the set are differentiated by a feature in at least one side of each bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jane Giordano