Abstract: A cap for a storage jar or the like for hospital use in storing syringe needles preparatory to disposal, in the construction of which alternating discs of steam permeable construction material and non-needle puncturable construction material, the latter with steam passageway openings, are embodied in the cap so that the syringe needles can be steam autoclaved through the cap, moving through the steam permeable discs and the steam passageway openings of the other discs, so as to sterilize the stored syringe needles, and the steam passageway openings are held out of register or alignment with each other so as to prevent projection of any stored syringe needle out of the jar and coming into contact with a hospital employee or other individual.

Abstract: Devices for manually removing and disposing of blood sampling needles after use, with a minimum of manipulation and without manual contact with any contaminated part. The manual needle removal devices disclosed are incorporated into the lids of needle disposal containers. After insertion of the used needle assembly into the device, only rotary motion is needed to unscrew it to allow it to fall into the container, even if it is of standard construction having a hub with a large obstructing flange.

Abstract: A syringe case includes, a) a plurality of longitudinally elongated individual syringe retaining compartments having respective lengths which are greater than the length of a syringe for which the respective compartments are adapted; b) a separately openable and closable associated with the compartments, the lids include respective pairs of recesses provided in their opposing longitudinal edges, one longitudinal edge recess of one of the lids being longitudinally positioned to align with one longitudinal recess of the other lid to provide a finger space between the two juxtaposed lids, the finger space having a size sufficiently great to receive a human finger therewithin; c) at least one longitudinal hinge associated with the respective lids and compartments to support the respective lids for longitudinal swinging movement between open and closed positions relative to their respective compartments, the lid when closed defines a compartment volume which is sufficiently great to receive a syringe for which the

Abstract: A container for disposing of hazardous wastes including an inner receptacle adapted to receive and contain the hazardous wastes or etiological agents and an impact resistent outer container with the inner receptacle disposed within the outer container. The container further includes a fluid barrier located between the inner receptacle and the outer container. The fluid barrier acts as an intermediate containment to minimize fluid from passing from the inner receptacle to the outer container in the event the inner receptacle is ruptured.

Abstract: A disposal container including a lid having an access aperture, and a closure which is shaped to overlay and seal the access aperture. The closure is slidable in an operative position at a first elevation from a temporarily closed orientation over the access aperture to an opened orientation where at least a portion of the aperture is exposed. The closure can be locked in place over the access aperture by rotating the closure to align tabs on the closure with recesses in the lid, and then pushing the closure downwardly to a second elevation to lock it in place.

Abstract: A closed automatic system for removing (for facilitating the removal) and safely storing potentially contaminated medical (or other) needles in which the operator only uses one hand to operate the system. The system has a counter which counts the number of actuations of the needle sensor. When a predetermined limit is reached the device signals the operator that the safe is nearly full. A further fixed number of needles can then be removed, when that limit is reached, a fuse on the safe is blown causing the system to be inoperative until a new box is installed. Removal of the box also causes the fuse to be blown and the circuit is disabled until a new box is inserted. The safe storage box contains a tab which when fixed in the locked position can not be opened except upon the application of substantial force with a tool. The system uses a Motorola 705 EPROM or similar microcontroller. (Motorola product literature is incorporated by reference herein.

Abstract: A reusable dual compartment sterilizable waste containment unit has a rigid walled container divided into a large soft waste cavity and a smaller sharp waste compartment in a single unitary container. The mouths of the cavity and the compartment are located at and circumscribed by a rim of the walled container which supports a removable closure and cover. The closure has a large opening leading to the mouth of the cavity and a smaller opening leading to the mouth of the compartment to facilitate use of the same waste containment unit for both kinds of infectious waste which are collected and stored separately. The cover has a port leading to the interior which permits access to the soft waste cavity when the lid is unlifted. The port is useful to introduce water and/or steam into the interior. The waste containment unit is molded from plastic which can withstand repeated exposure to steam produced from water in the unit by high energy microwave radiation.

Abstract: A terrestrial wall mounted medical waste disposal container having a flexibly pivoted top closure lid is shown. The container includes a lid mount which is fitted in a sealing manner upon the top of the container, and a flexible lid which is attached to the lid mount. The lid mount has a recessed top face which abuts and slopes toward an entrance aperture in the top face of the mount. The flexible lid is divided into two portions by a living hinge. The larger and outer portion of the lid is pivotable along the hinge. In the lid's extreme opened position it lies flat on the recessed top face of the lid mount and so also slopes toward the entrance aperture; in this maximally extended position the lid's outer edge comes sufficiently close to the wall that it is impossible to deposit a waste item accidentally behind the lid or the container.

Abstract: A box for shipping unused syringes after syringe manufacture to the point of syringe usage (whereat all unused syringes are removed from said box), said box then being usable for the safe storage of used syringes. The box has an open-topped container having a bottom and a plurality of sides, a cover for closing off said container during said shipment and being selectably movable with respect to said container so as to permit the bulk removal of all unused syringes, therein, means for reclosing said container including said cover and means locking said cover means to said container.

Abstract: A waste collection system for receiving contaminated fluids in a manner which helps to prevent splashing of fluids or spilling them while they are being collected, thereby increasing protection to personnel, and which also keeps the fluids safely contained until ready for permanent disposal. In one presently preferred embodiment, the waste collection system includes a receptacle in which an absorbent pad is placed. The top of the receptacle is then sealed with a lid in an essentially fluid-tight fit. The surface of the lid is concave and slopes inwardly to a point at which an opening is formed, and a circular foam disc is placed at the opening. The foam material is provided with slits so that fluid can be introduced to the interior of the receptacle by either injecting a device such as a syringe through the slits or by permitting fluid to directly contact the foam material of the disc, which provides absorption and wicking action so that fluids will readily pass through the disc.

Abstract: A closed automatic system for removing (for facilitating the removal) and safely storing potentially contaminated medical (or other) needles in which the operator only uses one hand to operate the system. The user simply inserts a syringe with needle attached in the opening provided in the top of the device and resists the rotation of the needle hub after the hub is engaged by the motor driven cams. Sensors detect the presence of the needle and cause the motor to start driving a chuck mechanism (through a shaft to which gears are attached) which engages the needle and rotates it a predetermined, but changeable, number of times sufficient to disengage the needle from the syringe. The operator then removes the syringe and the needle drops or has dropped into the safe. The system has a counter which counts the number of actuations of the needle sensor. When a predetermined limit is reached the device signals the operator that the safe is nearly full.

Abstract: A container assembly for transport and disposal of medical instruments is disclosed and claimed. The container assembly preferably has a container body and a lid for use with multiple-sized container bodies. The lid includes a self-closing biased flap and a cradle member for insertion of sharp medical instruments and other medical waste without contact by medical personnel during insertion into the container.

Abstract: A geared slot needle remover for engaging and rotatably removing a needle from a holder, comprises a support member having an elongated slot for receiving a disposable hypodermic needle, a plurality of gear teeth along one side of the slot for engaging splines on a needle hub for rotating the needle hub and unthreading it from a holder when the gear teeth and the axis of the needle hub are moved transverse to one another, and an elongated lip overlying a substantial length of the slot for engaging and holding the needle hub against removal from the slot. In an alternate embodiment the gear slot is formed in a flexible arm having an inner end secured to the support member, and a needle hub guide for guiding the needle hub along the gear teeth upon movement of the needle holder along the axis of the needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection and treatment of contaminated medical waste, including solid and non-solid, potentially infectious materials, permits the collection of such medical waste at the point and at the time of its generation in a solid container. The contained medical waste can be subsequently transported for pulverization, disinfection and safe disposal. A separate portable processing chamber to treat medical waste, can be used at locations remote from its power unit for the collection of medical waste and then moved to the location of the power unit to drive the waste-treatment apparatus within the chamber. In addition, a medical waste collection station can provide single and multiple containers, which may be sequentially used, for the collection of medical waste and whose use may be combined with a processing chamber to treat collected medical waste before its disposal.

Abstract: The system (10) for collecting and disposing of contaminated waste products such as medical sharps and other medical wastes includes a housing (11) and its telescopic cover (9) which are fabricated of biodegradable and combustible material such as natural cellulose and non-natural cellulose. An absorbent biodegradable and combustible absorption package (30) or insert (35) can be placed in the bottom of the holding chamber (12) for absorbing any liquids emitted from the sharps and other wastes, and for enhancing the combustion of the medical sharps and other wastes when the housing is placed in a furnace. When the housing is burned it evolves no more than trace levels of sulfur or chlorine and yields substantially only biodegradable ash.

Abstract: A kit assembly for use during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The kit assembly may have a plurality of cannula or a plurality of trocar assemblies. The kit assembly affords the convenient use of different types of trocar or cannula assemblies during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: A mailer for sharp medical waste is comprised of a three-part system. A first part comprises a primary container for receiving the sharps and is puncture resistant and leak-proof. A second part comprises a secondary containment system in which the primary container is received and which prevents breakage of the primary container and also provides a water-tight seal. The third part comprises an outer shipping container which is constructed of a high-strength material and is similar in size and dimension to the secondary containment system, such that the latter fits securely therein. An absorbent material within the secondary containment system is capable of absorbing three times the liquid allowed within the primary container.

Abstract: A secure disposable container (10) and mounting bracket (48) comprises a generally box-like enclosed container having a top shell (22) with a limited access opening (24) with a closure (26) for receiving medical sharps and inhibiting human hand access, the container having a back wall (14) with a downwardly extending slot (30) at an upper edge, and a latching tab (44) at a lower edge thereof, a rectangular panel (50) having a back surface and holes (78, 80) for mounting it to a vertical surface, and mounting tabs (92, 94 and 96) for mounting the panel to another mounting bracket (82) mounted on a vertical supporting surface, an upper edge for receiving the downwardly extending slot (30) on the container and lever operated finger (70) for engaging an opening (45) in the tab (44) on the lower edge of the container and engagement with a transverse ledge.

Abstract: A sharps disposal system providing a frame and a container having an opening and being selectively mountable to the frame. A lid is pivotally attached to the frame and is selectively movable into engagement with the container when the container is mounted to the frame. Engaging the container with the lid closes the opening except for an aperture through which sharps can be inserted into the container but which impedes insertion of human hands. Engaging the container with the lid also impedes removal of the container from the frame. The system employs a means for selectively locking the lid into engagement with the container. The system further provides a cover for selectively sealing said opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument sharp end foil for receiving and trapping the free end of a surgical instruments sharp such as a syringe needle, said sharp having a restrained end opposite said free end and a longitudinal axis extending between said restrained and free ends, said foil comprising a housing having a sharps receiving portion, a gripping element for engaging the free end of the chosen sharp, a wedging element for engaging the gripping element, and a biasing element for urging the wedging element and the gripping element into engagement.

Abstract: A container lid for a medical storage-disposal container including a slide closure resistant to inadvertent movement from an open position into a fully closed and locked position. The container lid includes a top cover defining a disposal aperture and a laterally oriented depression. The slide closure contains a descending flange configured to engage the top cover depression and lock the slide closure in a fully closed position. An obstructing tab is pivotally coupled to the top cover and projects into the disposal aperture. The slide closure can only be moved into a fully closed and locked position if the obstructing tab is rotated into a non-obstructing orientation. The slide closure further includes protrusions on opposing lateral sides to require application of an affirmative force in order to displace the slide closure from a fully opened position.

Abstract: A sharps container apparatus comprising a container including a door manually movable between a closed position and an open position, and a rubber band for biasing the door toward the closed position, the container being completely closed when the door is in the closed position, a bracket adapted to be securely mounted on a wall, and interengaging projections and slots on the bracket and on the container for securing the container to the bracket.

Abstract: A portable device (10) for containment of contaminated medical objects (18, 19) during a medical procedure includes a container (12) for receiving the contaminated medical objects (18,19) and having an opening (21) through which the contaminated medical objects (18, 19) are placed by the medical practitioner, and a valve (14) in operative association with the opening (21) in the container for precluding egress of the contaminated medical objects (18,19) placed in the container (12). The container (12) is configured to mount on the medical practitioner during the medical procedure, and further includes an apron (25) with a scalloped interior surface (31) for guiding contaminated medical objects (18, 19) through the valve (14) and into the container (12). A holder (16) includes a clamp (40) for grasping the container (12) and further includes a clip (41) to mount the container on an article of the medical practitioner's clothing during the medical procedure.

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 disposal container for automatic release of cannulas from a holder and for disposal of the cannulas, and a system for hands-free release of a cannula from a holder. Included is a disposal container having a release aperture formed in the top, the aperture including opposite tapered sides extending into the container. A cannula is mounted in a cannula holder, the holder having at least one depressible lock element extending from the holder. The holder is inserted in the release aperture with the lock element engaging the tapered side, and the holder is then depressed to automatically eject the cannula from the holder. If the cannula is installed in a removable adaptor inserted in the holder, both the adaptor and the cannula are ejected when the holder is depressed in the aperture.

Abstract: A disposable container closure assembly includes a needle removal slot having gear teeth along one side thereof for engaging flutes on a needle hub for rotating the needle relative to a non-rotatable holder passed therealong.

Abstract: A dipwell tray for a variety of liquids to be selectively applied by sharp pointed needles to a person's skin. For example, the liquids may be antigens used in skin testing for allergies. The tray has a number of so-called dipwells with co-planar mouths or top openings. In use, the liquids are introduced into the dipwells and the needles are then inserted into the dipwells, making the set-up loaded and ready for the needles to be removed one-by-one with liquid adhering to their sharp points. In order to facilitate the removal of the needles the top openings of the dipwells are provided with oriented needle-receiving pockets whereby the needles in the dipwells will be inclined in a desired oriented direction.

Abstract: A sharps container apparatus comprising a container including a door manually movable between a closed position and an open position, and a rubber band for biasing the door toward the closed position, the container being completely closed when the door is in the closed position, a bracket adapted to be securely mounted on a wall, and interengaging projections and slots on the bracket and on the container for securing the container to the bracket.

Abstract: The container is optionally useful for transport of new sharp medical instruments, and for disposal of used sharp medical instruments. The container includes a pair of top flaps, a first of which pivots relative to the other. The second flap is selectively fixed to the body of the container to limit the opening to the interior of the body when the container is to be utilized for disposal of used sharp medical instruments. The second flap is typically not secured during transport such that it may be moved to provide a relatively large area or opening for insertion or removal of the new medical instruments. Several embodiments of the invention provide closure tabs at the ends of the second flap which are engageable with closure elements carried by the end walls of the container body to fix the second flap and to permit only a restricted opening into the interior of the container for the insertion of used sharp medical instruments.

Abstract: A surgical instrument sharp end foil for receiving and trapping the free end of a surgical instruments sharp such as a syringe needle, said sharp having a restrained end opposite said free end and a longitudinal axis extending between said restrained and free ends, said foil comprising a housing having a sharps receiving portion, a gripping element for engaging the free end of the chosen sharp, a wedging element for engaging the gripping element, and a biasing element for urging the wedging element and the gripping element into engagement.

Abstract: A disposal container and a disposal system employing the disposal container. The container comprises a hollow container body having an opening at the top to permit access to the interior of the container body and having a barrier disposed adjacent the opening for restricting access to the interior of the container body. The barrier at least in part comprises a first cowl extending over the opening and a complementary second cowl extending beneath the opening, with the second cowl being offset relative to the first. The container includes a retention for preventing items from being dispensed through the opening from the interior of the container body when the container body is upright. The outer enclosure is shaped to accommodate the inner container, and includes a hood conforming to the first cowl.

Abstract: The system (10) for collecting and disposing of contaminated waste products such as medical sharps and other medical wastes includes a housing (11) and its telescopic cover (9) which are fabricated of biodegradable and combustible material such as natural cellulose and non-natural cellulose. An absorbent biodegradable and combustible absorption package (30) or insert (35) can be placed in the bottom of the holding chamber (12) for absorbing any liquids emitted from the sharps and other wastes, and for enhancing the combustion of the medical sharps and other wastes when the housing is placed in a furnace. When the housing is burned it evolves no more than trace levels of sulfur or chlorine and yields substantially only biodegradable ash.

Abstract: A disposal assembly (10) includes a base (14) and four walls (20) extending perpendicularly out therefrom defining a hollow interior (22) partially filled with a plurality of layers. The bottom-most layer (38) is fabricated of styrofoam which, along with the tapered cylinders (28) and hydrostatic pressure, secures the medical instruments (12) therein. A layer of dry disinfectant (36) covers the styrofoam (38). A layer of sponge (34) directly covers the dry disinfectant (36). When fluid is injected into the dry disinfectant (36) to create a disinfectant solution, the sponge (34) absorbs the solution and distributes it across the entire cross section of the disposal assembly (10). A semi-viscous material (40) seals the disinfectant solution and the infected portions (26) of the medical instruments (12) in an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: A needle safety device is provided which allows a health care professional to dispose of a needle quickly and safely while also only using only one hand. The safety device comprises a housing having an orifice therethrough; a puncture detection system in the housing and comprising a first membrane secured over the orifice, a pH sensitive dye, and a gas for raising the pH above normal atmospheric conditions; and a securing system in the housing and comprising a curable adhesive, a curing agent, and a membrane for temporally separating said adhesive from said curing agent.

Abstract: A disposable safety guard for syringe needles and the like, the safety guard being adapted to receive the tip of a needle in a wedge or V-shaped interior chamber within a body member. The interior encloses a high frictional surfaced gripping device which receives the syringe needle in a lateral direction and prevents the needle from being removed therefrom, after it is secured therein. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping mechanism within the interior of the body member comprises a rectangular shaped plastic component having two planar members joined by a thinned or living hinge permitting the component to be folded in half so that it may conform to the shape of the interior of the body member and close upon the needle. A layer of coarse grain sandpaper is placed on the folded interior surface of the gripper component in order to increase the frictional engagement with the syringe needle.

Abstract: Suture needles used in operations are stored after use on a holder which comprises a card strip having an adhesive layer across a top edge on the undersurface for attachment to a support surface and a foam strip along the top surface spaced from one side edge and spaced from the top edge. The needles are inserted into the foam material parallel to the substrate and a bare edge of the substrate from which the foam is spaced allows the substrate to be handled without contacting the foam and thus without any danger of pricking. The substrate can be cut after inserting a predetermined number of needles for example 5 needles for easy counting of the needles.

Abstract: A removal device for removing a hypodermic needle assembly from a syringe, wherein the removal device comprises a sleeve provided internally with a series of ribs which engage with a series of ribs on the needle assembly, or on an attachment adaptor on the needle assembly, when the sleeve is rotated to unscrew the needle assembly from the syringe, the sleeve having a clear passage therethrough and having an internal diameter such that the needle assembly and adaptor thereon (if present) can pass freely through it in an axial direction. The sleeve is removably engageable in a hollow shaft through which the needle assembly and adaptor (if present) can drop to a "sharps" container below. The shaft is integrally formed and is power-driven through a gear formation on its external surface. A manually-operated device is also described, having a fixed sleeve as described above in which the needle assembly is held while the syringe is unscrewed from it.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe needle sheath holder, designed to prevent accidental pricking by a needle. The device can be operated with one hand and includes a housing with a sheath gripping mechanism mounted under the housing upper wall. The mechanism comprises a plurality of gripper blades pivotally mounted for movement between gripping and release positions, actuating means normally biasing the blades to gripping position, and release means for overcoming the actuating means to permit the insertion and withdrawal of a sheath therefrom.

Abstract: A recapping apparatus includes a generally U-shaped frame member having a plurality of spring biased attachment clips for receiving a syringe with needle cap so that the medical professional can remove the needle with syringe from the cap with one hand and thereafter replace the syringe with needle back into the cap in case it is needed for reuse. At the end of the period of use such as an operation, the syringes with needles inserted into the caps can be removed from the attachment clips and disposed of in a sharps container.

Abstract: This waste container consists of a carton. An internal wrapping is designed to contain the waste and its upper part is held in an opening provided in the one of the upper flaps which is folded down first. At least one of the upper flaps is fitted, at its ends, with a closing and supporting tab designed to operate together with the opposite side of the container. Once filled, internal wrapping is closed by a tie and all upper flaps are folded down. The upper flap which is folded down last is fitted with a tab able to be inserted between flaps already folded down and the opposite side of the carton. This tab is fitted with a slot able to accommodate a safety locking tab which is pulled out of the opposite side of the container.

Abstract: A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto.

Abstract: A drum assembly for the collection and disposal of hazardous waste includes an enclosure with an access hole for collecting the waste. After the waste has been collected, the drum is opened and an insert is positioned to cover the access hole. The drum is then closed to form a sealed container.

Abstract: First and second containers arranged for securement relative to one another about a hinge for the storage of first and second matrix of disposal cylinders is provided, wherein each cylinder includes a frangible interconnection between an adjacent cylinder of an adjacent matrix, wherein each cylinder includes a fluid impermeable rigid side wall and floor having a polymeric top wall arranged to receive and secure a syringe needle therewithin to secure the syringe and needle and permit disposal of individual of said cylinders along with the associated syringe to provide destruction of frangible interconnection between adjacent cylinders.

Abstract: An infectious waste disposal system comprising an outer container assembly comprising a housing unit which comprises a front side wall, a rear side wall and a means for mounting the outer container assembly on a wall or any other such surface, an outer aperture disposed about the top of the housing unit, an access door disposed about the base of the housing unit and a means for locking the access door to the housing unit; and a removable inner container assembly disposed within the outer container assembly, the inner container assembly comprising a receptacle housing, an inner aperture with an inner elongated neck portion and an aperture closure means, the inner aperture being capable of providing access to the interior of the receptacle housing and the aperture closure means having a shape such that it can be removed from the inner container assembly, inverted and inserted into the inner elongated neck portion via the inner aperture such that infectious waste contained within the receptacle housing cannot es

Abstract: The system (10) for collecting and disposing of contaminated waste products such as medical sharps and other medical wastes includes a housing (11) and its telescopic cover (9) which are fabricated of biodegradable and combustible material such as natural cellulose and non-natural cellulose. An absorbent biodegradable and combustible absorption package (30) or insert (35) can be placed in the bottom of the holding chamber (12) for absorbing any liquids emitted from the sharps and other wastes, and for enhancing the combustion of the medical sharps and other wastes when the housing is placed in a furnace. When the housing is burned it evolves no more than trace levels of sulfur or chlorine and yields substantially only biodegradable ash.

Abstract: A safety device for disposing of used hyposyringes employed by home health care professionals is described. A closure assembly permits discarding hyposyringes safely into a container without the danger of hand contact with contaminated surfaces of the safety device, even for objects stuck within the opening to the safety container. A liquid tight seal and liquid absorbent provides additional protection for the home health care professional during the transportation of the safety device after use. The overall design of the assembly permits one hand operation of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing used medical needles includes a storage housing member for storing the used medical needles, the housing member including a flange portion for supporting the housing member on a supporting surface enabling an attendant to insert used needles into the housing member with one hand. There is also disclosed a portable support member for capturing the flange portion to rigidly support the housing member enabling one hand operation for inserting used medical needles into the housing member.

Abstract: A disposal container for automatic release of cannulas from a holder and for disposal of the cannulas, and a system for hands-free release of a cannula from a holder. Included is a disposal container having a release aperture formed in the top, the aperture including opposite tapered sides extending into the container. A cannula is mounted in a cannula holder, the holder having at least one depressible lock element extending from the holder. The holder is inserted in the release aperture with the lock element engaging the tapered side, and the holder is then depressed to automatically eject the cannula from the holder. If the cannula is installed in a removable adaptor inserted in the holder, both the adaptor and the cannula are ejected when the holder is depressed in the aperture.

Abstract: A sharp instrument encasement system is disclosed for encasing the sharp points or edges of medical instruments. The system comprises a container having two fluid-tight compartments separated by a frangible membrane, one compartment containing a hardenable resin and the other containing a filler comprising a particulate material that is substantially incompressible. Upon insertion of a medical instrument through a penetrable top and through the frangible membrane, the contents of the compartments mix, creating a reaction that hardens the resin and particulate material mixture and encases the sharp portions of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method of converting a toxic composition containing an aldehyde to a composition which is substantially non-toxic. The aldehyde is reacted with a compound having protic oxygen or nitrogen atoms and a polyimine or polyimine derivative to absorb or swell the aldehyde-containing composition and preferably to yield a substantially solid reaction product by way of a substantially irreversible reaction.