Syringe, Hypodermic Or Catheter Patents (Class 206/571)
  • Patent number: 5186900
    Abstract: An assembly for collecting and transporting fluid biological samples such as blood including an impact resistant outer container having a soft foam cushioning pad disposed across the bottom and top thereof, a protective wrap of plastic bubble packaging material surrounding a pair of blood sampling tubes and a multi-sample syringe assembly disposed between the cushioning pads, a sealable evidence bag, tamper evidencing tapes, an instruction manual, a non-alcoholic swab, and an liquid absorbent packet contained therein. The outer container and its contents are initially enclosed and sealed in a tamper evidencing wrapper. The assembly may be subjected to extraordinarily rough handling with the contents of the blood sampling tubes remaining intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Forensic Applications Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Jensen, Donald H. Nichols, D. Gary Hemphill
  • Patent number: 5184721
    Abstract: A hypodermic needle/syringe receptacle to support and retain a plurality of hypodermic needle/syringe combinations to prevent the accidental pricking of the care giver or patient after use comprising an outer receptacle support including a substantially cylindrical body having a centrally disposed substantially cylindrical canister recess and a plurality of peripherally disposed substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tube recesses formed therein to selectively receive and support an inner disinfectant canister and a plurality of substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tubes respectively wherein the inner disinfectant retaining canister includes a substantially cylindrical tube to operatively house a disinfectant therein and a penetrable membrane to receive the used hypodermic needle/syringe combinations therethrough to support and retain the used hypodermic needles in the disinfectant for subsequent disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: Mark D. Wengyn, Charles F. Brown
  • Patent number: 5173217
    Abstract: Wastes are placed in a container, and the container is closed by a lid having a port sealed by a disc. A cutting tool having a hollow drive stem pierces the disc. A grout slurry is fed through the stem so as to discharge into the container and embed the wastes in the grout when set. The wastes may be contained in a crate in the container, and may also take the form of a glove box which itself contains waste objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventor: John Buckle
  • Patent number: 5163557
    Abstract: A unitary tray base (10) includes a first region (20) and a second region (22) which are separated by a demarcation zone (16). Medical products (30) are received in pockets (32) of the first tray region. An ethylene oxide permeable lid portion (40) seals the first tray portion from the second tray portion and the ambient atmosphere. The tray and received medical products are sterilized with ethylene oxide or other sterilizing procedures. After the sterilization, a vial (50) of contrast agent, which cannot be present during the sterilizing, is placed in a pocket (50a) of the second tray portion. A second lid portion (52) seals the vial in the second tray portion. The lid portions are marked (60-68) to indicate that the contents of the first region are sterile and the contents of the second region are not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Picker International, Inc.
    Inventor: Theresa A. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 5098391
    Abstract: A preformed one-piece plastic dispensing tray includes a storage compartment for retaining an elongated, flexible pacing lead therein. A series of spaced apart dividers extend upward from the storage compartment to engage successive serpentine loops of the pacing lead retained in the storage compartment. The construction of the storage compartment permits the pacing lead to be withdrawn therefrom with negligible resistance, and with no twisting, binding, or interference as the lead is inserted into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Anthony J. Pantages, Darrell H. Ogi
  • Patent number: 5078267
    Abstract: The invention is a syringe carrying case which securely stabilizes the syringe while permitting the plunger to be withdrawn to specific pre-selected lengths to accommodate various size doses. The case holds a syringe with needle and dose therein. The case is attractively packaged to give the appearance of a pen which can be stuck in a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: LLW Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5039004
    Abstract: A discarded medical material container comprises a body of sheet material having laminated layers of compact fibrous material and material that is effectively impervious to the passage of fluid. The sheet material is formed into foldable panels that are joined together to define a bottom, sidewalls and a top of the body. The top has a closeable opening for the insertion of discarded material into the container and a closure tab. The top is formed of a first, interior panel of the sheet material having a region that is sectioned to define a plurality of flaps extending inwardly from the contour of the region, so as to define an opening in the first panel of sheet material, and a second, outer panel of sheet material, disposed atop the first panel. The second panel has a cut to define an aperture in the shape of a generally flexible tab overlying the region in the first panel and sized to close the aperture. A slit-score causes each flap to assume a generally downwardly bent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Hemox Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5038938
    Abstract: A disposable tray assembly forming a housing for an aspiration kit is disclosed. The tray assembly includes a base and an upper tray member sealingly connected to the base to define a sealed internal chamber or reservoir for extracted fluids. Access to the reservoir is provided by an elastomeric plug through which a needle may be inserted. A soluble capsule filled with disinfectant is in registry with the plug so that fluids discharged by the neeedle are subjected to the disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: DDJ Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter R. Berndt
  • Patent number: 5031775
    Abstract: A medical instrument holder, also referred to as a packaging clip, for supporting disposable medical instruments for cardiology and cardiovascular procedures. The medical instrument holder is a one-piece polymer molded member, including a frictionally engaged tube, in the holder for supporting a guidewire. The holder also includes at least one slot for a medical instrument in the form of a partial circle to prevent axial movement, and preferably two slots for frictionally engaging a dilator and a hemostasis valve introducer, or a needle and a tear-away sheath/dilator assembly. The holder can also include at least one hole for receiving a medical instrument. The one-piece molded member, including the frictionally engaged guidewire tube, provides for disposable packaging in a Tyvek/Mylar pouch which lends itself conveniently to ETO sterilization. The holder, along with its instruments, is compact and minimal in length because the guidewire is looped about itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Angeion Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Kane
  • Patent number: 5031768
    Abstract: A hinged instrument tray and disposable receptacle for contaminated waste. The tray is formed in two halves which are joined by a hinge so that the two halves of the tray can be opened and laid side-by-side thereby permitting access to the instruments contained within the tray. Contaminated materials or instruments can be collected in one or both halves of the tray so that when use of the instruments or materials is completed, the two tray halves can then be folded one on top of the other and the two tray halves can then be permanently locked together so as to enclose the contaminated instruments or materials therewithin, thereby forming a secure, tamper-proof disposable receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4980129
    Abstract: A kit of collection vessels is disclosed. Each vessel in the kit has the same overall length and outside diameter to allow interface with a single other device. However, a partition used to close off one part of the tube is positioned in some of the tubes to create volumes less than the total possible volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Columbus
  • Patent number: 4954239
    Abstract: A device for use as a single use, disposable, sterile irrigation kit for catheter irrigation, comprising a prefilled sterile piston syringe containing from about 45 to about 75 cc of a fluid selected from sterile water, saline solution and dilute aqueous acetic acid solutions, said syringe including a catheter tip sized to operably connect to a conventional catheter tube, a cap on said tip removably mounted to selectively prevent escape of said fluid from said syringe and prevent movement of said piston while said cap is on said tip, said kit further including a disposable pouch for enclosing said filled syringe, said pouch and said filled syringe being sterilized after enclosure of said syringe in said pouch, said device further including a container having a tear-off top labeled with the specific solution in said syringe and a color code system marking at least a portion of said device with a color identifying the particular solution, said container enclosing said pouch containing said filled syringe and fu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Louis H. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4936314
    Abstract: An evacuated blood collecting device for collecting a blood sample of predetermined volume comprises: a cylindrical member having one open end and one closed end; a puncturable stopper member closing tightly the open end of the cylindrical member so as to seal the space within said cylindrical member; and a gas sealed in the space within the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member and the stopper member are made of materials having a characteristic such that the permeation coefficient of the gas sealed inside the space to at least one of the cylindrical member and stopper member is higher than that of the gas around the outside of the blood collecting device, whereby the interior of the space is retained under reduced pressure relative to the gas around the outside of the blood collecting device in proportion to the blood sampling volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Kasai, Yoshimitsu Asada, Kenji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 4928830
    Abstract: A kit for use in performing one or more suctioning procedures. The kit includes a tray for holding suctioning supplies, and one or more supply units contained within the tray. Each supply unit includes the following suctioning supplies: a pair of surgical gloves, an ampule containing a saline solution, a suction catheter, a lubricating gel, and a disposable bottle containing water. The suctioning supplies are removably disposed within the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Cecil C. Brewer
  • Patent number: 4927076
    Abstract: A medical waste disposal container has a unitary body structure formed of a substantially flat sheet having a plurality of laminated layers of compact fiberboard, and one or more thin pliable layers of absorbtion resistant plastic material. The laminated sheet material contains a plurality of foldable sheet portions that are scored, wrapped at corners and adhesively joined together to define a bottom, sidewalls and a top of the body structure. The top has an opening, that is closeable by way of a flap formed in the sheet material, for insertion of discarded medical waste. The interior of the container is preferably coated with an absorbtion resistant material to effectively provide a leakproof seal at the intersections of its sidewalls and bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Hemox, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4920977
    Abstract: A combined throw-away lancet and blood microcollection tube assembly is provided with a housing having outer dimensions for the assembly the size of a standard test tube for ease of handling and labeling, which housing incorporates a built-in lancet and blood microcollection tube. The housing includes one or more snap-open hinged covers which may be opened and closed with one hand. A further feature of the invention is provision for incorporating the used lancet in the housing for subsequent disposal to reduce contamination potential. The entire assembly may be disposed of as a single unit after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: John L. Haynes
  • Patent number: 4915233
    Abstract: An organizer, particulary useful in a dental clinic practicing operative dentistry, comprises a portable tray having compartments defined thereon to retain at least one syringe, a needle encased within a protective sheath, and a hermetically sealed cartridge containing a liquid anesthetic or other liquid drug or medication adapted to be administered to a patient. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, one of the needles encased within an opened protective sheath is mounted in the same compartment as the syringe and aligned therewith whereby the syringe can be readily attached to the needle. A reciprocal finger button is mounted on the tray and has a detent engageable with the protective sheath to facilitate removal of the syringe and the attached needle from the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4850484
    Abstract: An accessory for a livestock injection operation includes a multiplicity of tubular members of increasing size for temporarily holding a multiplicity of syringes during periods of nonuse. The accessory is desirably provided with a coolant to prevent overheating of the vaccines or medications. The accessory minimizes needle contamination, sunlight damage to the vaccine, injury to the operator or helper and is easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Dennis L. Denman
  • Patent number: 4848587
    Abstract: An improved container for storing medical supplies most commonly used by diabetics is described. Five compartments are provided arranged within an openable rectangular box with substantially no waste space. A first longitudinal compartment runs the entire length of the box for receiving packaged sterile syringes. A second longitudinal compartment parallel to the first runs part way down the length of the box for storing sterilizing swabs or wipes in sealed packages. Between this second compartment and the far end of the box is a third smaller longitudinal compartment for holding glucose test tapes, and in the remaining space are two serially arranged square or round compartments for receiving upright insulin bottles or the like. The rear wall of the box and the partitions separating the compartments are lower than the other sides of the box to make removal of the contents easier. An optional clip is provided inside the lid for retaining a prefilled syringe for emergency use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth Nipp
  • Patent number: 4823167
    Abstract: A calibration device to be used in calibrating a separate catheter of the type having a catheter tube through which light can be propagated to an end portion of the catheter tube, includes a calibration element defining a cavity extending along a cavity axis to an open end that has a size and shape adapted to receive the end portion of the catheter tube for calibration purposes. A body of resiliently deformable material with which to hold the catheter tube and thereby retain the end portion within the cavity is retained in generally fixed proximity with the open end of the cavity by a retainer member, and a channel-defining portion of the body of resiliently deformable material defines a longitudinally-opening channel generally aligned with the cavity axis that has a size and shape adapted to receive the catheter tube in an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Manska, Roger G. Bickelhaupt
  • Patent number: 4811847
    Abstract: A package for an urinary catheter consists of a generally rectangular tray with an open top, to which a peel-back cover is bonded, containing a catheter assembly, a syringe prefilled with bacteriostatic water, and two gloves. The catheter assembly is designed such that a urinary catheter may be simply and efficiently placed into the bladder under sterile conditions. The catheter assembly consists of a heat shrunk seal to hold the end cap, three intermediate caps with antiseptic soaked sponge tips bonded to the ends, and the tube-like guide in proximity therewith. The catheter passes through the guide after removal of the heat shrunk seal and the systematic removal and utilization of the end cap and the three intermediate caps. A protective shroud encloses the distal end of the catheter, as it is bonded to the guide. A biocompatible lubricant is contained between the third intermediate cap and the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventors: Thomas H. Reif, Louis E. Warnken, Roy A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4806430
    Abstract: A film-forming siloxane composition having excellent adherent and lubricating properties comprising a reactive component having a combination of three siloxane polymers chemically crosslinked, and a non-reactive component dispersed therein. Substrates are dipped or otherwise coated with the compositions, at which time they are cured quickly under heat to a durable, adherent lubricating surface which is dry to the touch. Of particular advantage is the use of these films on hypodermic needles, razor blades, catheters and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: David E. Spielvogel, Richard J. Zdrahala
  • Patent number: 4664259
    Abstract: A package is described for use with hypodermic needles that assures sterility of the needle prior to use and prevents inadvertent access to the needle after use. In a preferred embodiment a needle housing is hingedly attached to a base so that the housing may be moved from a first position covering the sterile needle to a second position exposing the needle for use to a third position covering the used needle. A hook like protrusion projects from the inside wall of the housing and is biased, in a non-engaging relationship, against the needle prior to use of the needle. When the housing is moved from the second to the third housing position the hook like protrusion engages the needle to prevent movement of the housing and further use of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Robert Landis
  • Patent number: 4657138
    Abstract: A carrying case for carrying a plurality of disposable insulin syringes is constructed in a fashion such that syringes may be carried in the case either in a plunger-extended, filled condition or with the syringe empty and the plunger fully seated in the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Frank K. Watson
  • Patent number: 4573973
    Abstract: The case is constituted by a hollow tubular member which fits tightly on the outer face of the body. One end of this member is closed off by a solid wall. The length of the case is such that when the body is introduced into the latter, the tip for fixing the syringe on a gripping tool remains exposed. The needle which project outside the body is protected in an air tight manner inside the case, without contact with the inner faces of the latter. The case is provided internally with an abutment which limits the penetration of the syringe body into the case so that the needle does not reach the closing wall. Parts in relief of identical thickness distributed on the outer periphery of the case and on the open end of the cap ensure the locking of the cap on the case in an air-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Laboratoire Spad
    Inventor: Michel A. Mezi
  • Patent number: 4573576
    Abstract: A percutaneous gastrostomy kit includes a mushroom catheter having a closed proximal end with a transverse bore through said end and an enlarged washer on the distal end adjacent the mushroom head, a length of approximately five feet of number 2 suture thread, a small packet of surgical lubricant, and a medicut catheter of about 16 gauge all sterilized and enclosed within a sealed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas C. Krol
  • Patent number: 4522302
    Abstract: This invention provides medical procedure packages comprising a pre-sterilized kit within an outer package wrap, the package being so designed that all components of the package are sterilized using sterilization methods which are compatible with the chemical compositions of the components and their stability to such sterilization methods, and wherein the internal sterility of the package is maintained from final package sealing until the package is delivered to a sterile operating room environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Sterling Drug Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Paikoff
  • Patent number: 4446970
    Abstract: An improved diabetic set in the form of a pressure resistant case for containing at least one insulin bottle, a syringe and, optionally, a supply of alcohol cloths or similar accessories for sterilization. The case includes a container and a lid that preferably telescopically encloses the container in the manner of a cap. The container includes means for releasably securing the insulin bottle and syringe in such a manner as to facilitate hygienic administration of insulin under all conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventor: Gunter Further
  • Patent number: 4429793
    Abstract: A diabetic traveling case is compact enough to be pocket-sized. The pocket-sized case is equipped to carry at least one bottle of insulin, as well as a refrigerant which maintains the insulin at a suitably low temperature to avoid spoiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Ehmann Corporation
    Inventor: Emil G. Ehmann
  • Patent number: 4420085
    Abstract: An organizer for a medical procedure comprising, a syringe having a hollow barrel, and an elongated cap releasably attached to a distal portion of the syringe. The organizer has a tray having an upper wall, and a syringe recess in the upper wall shaped to releasably receive a distal end of the cap with the syringe in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventors: Earl D. Wilson, Martin J. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4250998
    Abstract: A diabetic travel kit is formed by an insulated container having a cavity in which is received a cooling medium container having an annular cooling medium chamber surrounding a top opening compartment. An insulated lid closes the cavity. Preferably top opening pockets are formed in the peripheral walls of the insulated container, and the lid is provided with means to close the pockets when the lid is in place closing the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Frank Taylor
    Inventor: Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 4226328
    Abstract: A single-use disposable catheterization package containing the components required for accomplishing a catheterization procedure includes an outer tray and an inner tray. During storage the inner tray is nested within the outer tray and the components required for the catheterization procedure are organized within respective recesses provided on the inner tray. Upon use, the trays are separated and liquid collected as a result of the procedure is received in the outer tray. To prevent spillage, the inner tray is inverted and attached to the outer tray to provide a closed compartment. Rim portions on the inner and outer trays provide a locking leak-resistant engagement between the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: David V. Beddow
  • Patent number: 4212392
    Abstract: A portable medical kit is provided which maintains medicines, instruments and equipment secure when the kit is closed, presents all of the contained items in a readily visible and easily accessible manner when the kit is open, and provides unambiguous interrelation between specific medicines and instruments to aid the user. The kit can be wall-mounted, as when used in a hospital emergency room; is easily portable, and can be used free-standing on any suitable support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Company
    Inventor: Robert T. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 4160505
    Abstract: A urethral catheterization tray providing a sterile, self-contained catherization package and work area is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1979
    Assignee: Will Ross Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Rauschenberger
  • Patent number: 4149635
    Abstract: A strip tray for holding medical instruments during shipment, storage and use. The tray includes a strip of flexible material with receptacles on the strip for positioning medical instruments in a predetermined arranged pattern. The strip is adapted to be closed with the medical instruments contained therein protective position for shipment and storage. Furthermore, the strip is adapted to be opened and permit ready access to the medical instruments for use. Finally, the strip is adapted to be mounted to a protective covering which operates in cooperation with the strip when the strip is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Frank W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4122556
    Abstract: The invention contemplates improved techniques for making lens implants for use in ophthalmological surgery, the lens being a replacement for a cataract-clouded natural lens, and the replacement being installed in the pupil at the iris as the operative step following removal of the cataracted lens. The lens produced by the inventive method features adapter structure assembled to an intra-ocular lens element and having first and second pluralities of radially outward stabilizing feet, the feet of one plurality being in angularly spaced and interlaced relation with the feet of the other plurality; and the respective pluralities of stabilizing feet are on opposite sides of the iris, enabling the iris to retain and position the implanted lens. At least two diametrically opposed feet are resiliently compliant and have openings for removable engagement with a manipulative tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Inventor: Stanley Poler
  • Patent number: 4113090
    Abstract: A package for medical needle assemblies and the like including a shield, a cap, and a closure. The shield encloses the needle and a portion of the hub. The cap is mounted on the shield so that it is shiftable between two positions. In the first position it protects the exposed portion of the hub extending from the shield and in the second position it is slidable along the shield to expose the portion of the hub projecting from the shield to facilitate grasping and removal of the needle assembly from the package. The closure covers the opening in the cap and is removable when the package is opened. The closure in working cooperation with a sealing engagement between the cap and the shield seals the needle assembly in the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Dennis L. Carstens
  • Patent number: RE29678
    Abstract: A disposable cauterizing (electro-surgical) instrument (pencil) is packaged in sterile condition in a sealed envelope. The instrument has a reversible electrode having a narrow needle at one end and a broad flat blade at the other. The handle has an electrical connector consisting of two flat leaves which will accept either end of the electrode and establish electrical contact therewith, the opposite end extending out of the handle in working position. The holder has a sheath which receives the electrode and handle and has a flange which has two slits for attachment of the instrument cord to the holder, a hole to hang, clamp or pin the tab to drape or other available support and electrode cleaners of two types. One type cleaner is an upstanding boss formed with a V-shaped notch. The other cleaner is a broad tab surface hinged to the flange formed with serrations or abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Inventors: Frank P. Antonini, Julien I. Schwalbe