Abstract: A system is provided for providing syringes filled with pharmaceuticals whose components must be stored separately, using an active ingredient in a pharmaceutical vial, a diluent in a protosyringe such as a bottomless vial or a cartridge, and a combiner assembly which enables the content of the pharmaceutical vial to be transferred into the protosyringe and converts it into a ready-to-use syringe on activation. The combined assembly included a tubular body having recesses at opposite ends for receiving capped ends of the vial and the protosyringe, and a hub and needle assembly between penetrable sheaths or shields which acts on activation of the assembly to enable the transfer and conversion referred to above. Components of the system may also be used to convert protosyringes and pharmaceutical vials containing pharmaceuticals into delivery systems.

Abstract: A dental cartridge or capsule for dispensing a dental material, such as an amalgam, cement, or glass ionomer. A body portion has a reduced diameter end. A frangible seal is placed adjacent or within the reduced diameter end. A delivery portion or cap has a metal cannula extending there through. The delivery portion or cap is snap fit onto the reduced diameter end. The metal cannula is positioned within the delivery portion or cap so as to rupture the frangible seal in the reduced diameter end of the body portion when the delivery portion or cap is snap fit onto the reduced diameter end. A material placed within the body portion of the dental cartridge is sealed within the body portion, and prevented from entering and thereby possibly clogging the delivery portion of the dental cartridge having a relatively small diameter bore or lumen prior to placement of the delivery portion or cap. In another embodiment the frangible seal is formed by a twist-off tab at the end of the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: A pre-filled injection device having a retractable needle with a sharpened tip for penetrating the skin of a patient for administering medicinal fluids is provided. The pre-filled injection device of the present invention allows the needle to be manually retracted, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of various pathogens, most notably human immune virus (HIV), to infected personnel, due to an inadvertent needle stick. The present pre-filled injection device has a hollow housing which receives a pre-filled cartridge containing medicinal fluids. A needle retainer initially holds a needle projecting forwardly from the hollow housing. The rear end of the needle pierces the pre-filled cartridge when sufficient pressure is applied to the end of the pre-filled cartridge to advance it in the forward direction. A plunger is slidably displaceable within the housing. A latch member is operable in a latched position to prevent forward movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A connecting device (1) between a first receptacle (2) and a second receptacle (4) comprising a muff joint (4a), the device comprising an apparatus (5) for perforating a stopper, including a faucet (6) and a filtering chamber (7) isolated from outside by a filter (8), two independent channels (9, 10) being provided in the perforating apparatus (5) for communicating the inside of the first receptacle (2) with the faucet (6) and the filtering chamber (7) respectively, the device further comprising an element (11) for displacing with guidance the perforating apparatus (5), an element for fastening (13) the skirt (12) on the neck (2a), a plunger (15) mounted in the internal bore (12a) on which the perforating apparatus (5) are fixed, for sliding by simple pressure, and an element (16) for definitively stopping the plunger (15).

Abstract: The present invention provides in part an improved drug injection system, comprising novel self-aspirating syringes, drug cartridge and novel needle assemblies. It is primarily intended for administering of local anesthetic by dentists, but it can be used equally well in medical and veterinary applications. In one aspect, the novel syringe is made lightweight, comfortable to hold and corrosion resistant. In another aspect, some novel changes in the design of the syringe reduce the possibility of transmitting an infection from the blood of one patient into the blood of another. Additionally, innovation in the design of needle assembly makes the syringe safe to use even without prior sterilization and at the same time eliminating the possibility of transmitting infection as the result of human error.

Abstract: Testicular prosthesis and method of manufacturing wherein the testicular prosthesis has a saline or other biologically safe fluid filled silicone elastomer shell which includes a self-sealing injection site for filling the prosthesis and a tab for suturing the testicular prosthesis into position in the scrotum. A method of filling and a method of identifying and serialization is also provided.

Abstract: A needle-bearing device for injecting medicinal fluid from a pre-filled cartridge is provided. After use, the needle is retracted into the body of the device to prevent inadvertent contact with the sharpened end of the needle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a manually actuable button that effectuates retraction of the needle after use. In another embodiment, retraction is effectuated automatically after the injection is complete.

Abstract: A medication cartridge for use with a medication delivery pen having a cartridge body with threads at its distal end for receiving a pen-needle. The threads are either integrally molded in the cartridge or on the outer surface of a cap used to retain a septum on the distal end of the cartridge body. The cartridge body of the medication cartridge also includes threads or a snap-ring at its proximal end for attaching the medication cartridge directly to a pen body housing of the medication delivery pen without the need for a medication cartridge holder.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable, self-sealing element having a continuous wall, including an inner surface defining a chamber. The adjustable element expands or contracts due to fluid volume introduced into the chamber for restricting a body lumen. After being implanted into a patient, the size of the adjustable element is altered by first locating the adjustable element implanted adjacent the body lumen, and then establishing fluid communication with the adjustable element. The volume of the adjustable element is then adjusted by either introducing or removing volume from the chamber of the adjustable element.

Abstract: A connecting system is provided with a connector adapted to be mounted to the end of a conduit for removably engaging a blunt cannula to establish fluid communication between the conduit and cannula. The connector has a housing which defines a passage for communicating with the conduit and which defines an opening to the passage. The housing also defines a generally frustoconical seating surface which decreases in diameter in the direction toward the opening. A generally fluid-impervious, resilient seal is retained within the housing passage against the seating surface. The seal defines a slit which can accommodate penetration by the blunt cannula and which can reseal upon withdrawal of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: A radial guiding catheter comprising a first straight leg connected to a first curve. The first curve has an angle such that the first curve can be disposed just proximal to the coronary ostium. The first curve is connected to a second straight leg. The second straight leg is connected to a second curve such that the second curve can be disposed within the aortic valve. The second curve has a direction opposite the first curve. The second curve is connected to a third straight leg. The distance between the second straight leg and the third straight leg is sufficient to cause the distal end of the first straight leg to engage the left coronary artery. The third straight leg is connected to a third curve, the third curve having a direction opposite the second curve such that the third curve is disposed along the ridge of the brachial artery.

Abstract: An injection device for administration of fluid medication is provided with a retraction mechanism for safety retracting the injection needle after administration of the injection. The device comprises a barrel for receiving a pre-filled medication cartridge containing a supply of fluid medication and sealed by a slidable plug. A plunger is positioned in the barrel. The plunger includes a rear portion for engaging and puncturing the plug, and for holding the plug at a stationary position as the cartridge is merged into the barrel to administer the injection. The player further includes a formal end for releasing the needle for the needle retraction mechanism when the cartridge has been urged into the barrel after the and of an injection stroke.

Abstract: An aspiration needle apparatus for collecting cell samples from tissue comprising a vacuum container having an enclosed evacuated space evacuated to a subambient pressure and sealed by a penetrable diaphragm. An adapter is provided having a recess which is adapted to receive the vacuum container. A needle assembly is carried by the adapter and has a distal extremity serving as an aspiration needle to collect the cell sample. The proximal extremity of the needle assembly is disposed in said recess and is capable of penetrating the diaphragm of the vacuum container to couple the evacuated space to the flow passage of the needle assembly to supply a subambient pressure to the distal extremity of the needle assembly. An on-off mechanism is carried by the adapter and includes a member engaged by the vacuum container and mounted in the recess for axial movement in the recess.

Abstract: Small compression type injection site in the form of a self-sealing septum-like member that is self-sealing for hypodermic needle punctures and the like and a method of manufacture. Compressive stresses are introduced into a stretched elastomeric rod, whereby the decreased diameter cross section is maintained by placing a wrapping around and about the stretched rod and adhesively sealing it thereto. Sliced cross-sectional pieces of the rod then provide injection sites to be incorporated into the wall of an implantable prosthesis as by bonding or the like.

Abstract: A system is provided for accommodating the use of a syringe pump to inject a liquid agent into a patient from a vial having an internal chamber occluded at one end by a stopper located in the chamber to sealingly engage the vial and slide within the chamber. The system includes a plunger having a bearing end to be engaged by a movable pushing member of the syringe pump and having a drive end adapted to engage the stopper. A hollow piercing needle is mounted to the plunger to be connected in fluid communication with the patient and has a piercing end to penetrate the stopper. The needle moves with the plunger and stopper relative to the chamber as the liquid is discharged from the vial.

Abstract: An automatic medicament injector employing a non-coring needle having side port geometry optimized to minimize or eliminate the coring of a rubber seal or septum when impaled by the internal needle tip of the cannula. The geometry avoids direct exposure of the butt end face of the needle to the rubber seal by providing a crimp to the material at the butt end and openings in the side thereof using electro-discharge machining (EDM) processes providing plural openings therein for introduction of medicament or aspiration through the side port geometry. The automatic medicament injector structure facilitates administration of a medicament to a predetermined target tissue avoiding exposure of the medicament or drug to tissues which would undesirably be damaged by such exposure.

Abstract: A hypodermic dosage measuring device to be utilized with a hypodermic syringe and a conventional drug vial, the dosage measuring device including a vial holding portion adapted to hold a head of the drug vial non-slidably therein, a syringe holding portion adapted to hold the syringe in a non-slidable position with a needle of the syringe disposed within the drug vial, and a dose adjustment portion, the dose adjustment portion including an elongate plunger holder and gear element, the plunger holder and gear element each including a plurality of teeth thereon such that movement of the gear element results in an elongate track segment of the plunger holder sliding in a longitudinal direction parallel to a length of the syringe.

Abstract: A cartridge-type syringe in which a cartridge, having liquid medicine or the like sealed therein, is inserted in a holder having a discharge needle at its distal end, and the cartridge is advanced to cause the discharge needle to pierce it, thereby injecting the liquid medicine or the like into an object, and when a piston rod of the cartridge is pushed to cause the discharge needle to pierce, the liquid medicine or the like will not be discharged in error in a large amount. In particular, there is provided a releaseable lock mechanism by which when a piston rod 15 is pushed, the piston rod 15 advances together with a tubular body 11 of a cartridge 10 without moving a piston 14 within the tubular body 11.

Abstract: A fluid delivery set for delivering fluid from a primary container to a patient. The set includes a conduit defining a fluid flow path. A first connector constructed to be fluidly connected to a primary container is mounted on a first end portion of the conduit. A second connector is mounted on a second end portion of the conduit. The second connector includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the second connector being mounted on the second end portion of the conduit. The second connector defines a fluid flow path therethrough. A pierceable seal is disposed in and fluidly seals the fluid flow path defined through the second connector. The second connector further includes a piercing member having a piercing tip. The piercing tip is constructed to pierce the pierceable member when relative movement is effected between the pierceable member and the piercing member, whereupon fluid communication is established through the pierceable seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refillable dispenser for separately dispensing each of two biological fluids contained therein for intermixing at a site outside of the dispenser to produce hemostasis or a tissue adhesive. The dispenser is compact, contains integrally formed internal reservoirs for the two biological fluids, an injection port on each reservoir for refilling the reservoir, and is designed for efficient filling without compromising the integrity of the sterile field. The dispenser is capable of dispensing the biological fluids, such as fibrinogen and thrombin, at either a focused point or in an aerosol mist. In addition, spray elements are disclosed for uniformly distributing the two biological fluids along either the interior surface or the exterior surface of an implantable vascular graft.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling blood which includes a deformable housing defining a chamber that retains liquid. The housing has a pierceable membrane. The apparatus also includes a resilient piercer member that is adjacent the wall of a chamber and adapted to puncture the pierceable membrane. A removable layer that covers at least a portion of the pierceable membrane. Depression of the deformable housing proximate the piercer member urges the piercer member to puncture the pierceable membrane. The piercer member thereby forms an opening, allowing liquid to be drawn through the opening and into the chamber. Thereafter, the piercer member returns into the deformable housing.

Abstract: The exposed surface of the bung closing off the glass vial of medicament is provided with a permanent contact bactericide coating to prevent microbial growth. The coating is applied by a vapor deposition process. Upon removal of a pull tab on a cap securing the bung to the glass vial, the exposed bactericide containing surface of the bung can be pierced by a needle in order to obtain access to the medicament in the vial.

Abstract: A hypodermic injection system utilizes disposable medicament ampules having self-contained needles operated by a re-useable actuator to extend the needle from complete enclosure within the ampule out and into the flesh and inject the medicament as it moves, the needle automatically retracting into the disposable ampule after exhausting its contents, completely eliminating any need to handle the exposed needle before or after use. The post-injection needle retraction operation is powered by the reuseable actuator, avoiding the expense of prior devices which incorporate the retraction mechanism in the disposable ampule. The invention is useful to health professionals and also of particular utility to diabetics and others who must regularly self-inject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the preparation of a medicinal solution from two components, one of which is in powder, lyophilisate or liquid form and the other a dilutant or a liquid solvent. These components respectively are charged in a rear container (11) and a front container (13), each of which has an opening closed off by a stopper-piston-dish, which is axially movable. Both these stopper-piston-dishes (19, 24) are connected by a conveyance shaft (15) adapted to ensure a rigid, tight and sterile coupling between the two stopper-piston-dishes (19, 24) when the device (10) is in a charging position, and to define a channel between both these containers (11, 13) when the device is in a position of use.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe for one or two component medicaments is based upon the use of a vial containing a medicament or one component of a medicament, the vial having an open bottom closed by a piston. When a flexible extension of the piston is coupled with a tubular plunger, and an adaptor cap having an internal needle and an external connection for a needle is placed over a cap of the vial, the latter is converted into a prefilled syringe. The open bottom of the vial is configured so as not to interfere with handling of the vials by conventional vial sterilizing, filling and capping machinery, and may be formed so as to provide an internal shoulder which will secure a piston retention member.

Abstract: The connector assembly includes a female luer connector having a hollow needle disposed in recessed position within a rigid tubular portion. A rubber shield having a tubular portion and a septum at one end is positioned over the needle to maintain the needle in a sealed condition. A compression ring is disposed about the rubber septum to hold the septum in compression whereby the punctured area can be punctured many times without leaking when subjected to relatively high pressures. The male connector may be of any suitable type for pushing the rubber septum into the female connector for piercing by the needle of the female connector.

Abstract: A dripless cannula system usable with a syringe or other fluid container in a fluid sampling procedure and operable to minimize retention of residual fluids at a sampling site following the sampling procedure. In the preferred embodiment, a vacuum chamber operatively connected to a blunt cannula of the dripless cannula system is operative upon withdrawal of the cannula from the sampling site to draw residual fluids at the site into the vacuum chamber for subsequent disposal. The dripless cannula system of the present invention is a simple, effective apparatus for minimizing the presence of residual fluids at a sampling site following a sampling procedure.

Abstract: A cartridge-type syringe in which a cartridge, having liquid medicine or the like sealed therein, is inserted in a holder having a discharge needle at its distal end, and the cartridge is advanced to cause the discharge needle to pierce it, thereby injecting the liquid medicine or the like into an object, and when a piston rod of the cartridge is pushed to cause the discharge needle to pierce, the liquid medicine or the like will not be discharged in error in a large amount.In particular there is provided a releaseable lock mechanism by which when a piston rod 15 is pushed, the piston rod 15 advances together with a tubular body 11 of a cartridge 10 without moving a piston 14 within the tubular body 11.

Abstract: An improved drug delivery system and method for reconstituting drugs are provided. The system allows the delivery of a medicament from a drug vial (40) directly into an intravenous line to a patient. The system provides a method and an apparatus that insures that the drug vial (40) is properly pierced and the vial (40) is locked into an activated position when it is desired to use the same. To this end, a vial retaining member (50) for coupling the vial (40) to a cartridge (12) including a cannula (22) is provided. The retaining member (50) includes a cannula centering member extending from an end thereof.

Abstract: A system for the intravenous infusion of pharmaceuticals uses a syringe assembly, and a flexible tube for connection to a Y-connector in an intravenous drip assembly through which tube diluent fluid may flow from the drip assembly through the connector assembly to the syringe body, and through which diluted, dissolved or suspended pharmaceutical may pass from the syringe body to the Y-connector.

Abstract: A pump for discharging the contents of a sealed container, such as a test tube, is connected to a body member which includes an inlet path and a discharge path with a delivery tube in the discharge path. A predetermined clearance is provided between the exterior of the delivery tube and the interior of the discharge path, the clearance providing venting, or blow-by, such that temperature changes do not cause accidental discharge of the contents of the container, while still maintaining sufficient resistance to venting for permitting pressurizing the interior of the test tube with the pump for accurately controlling the discharge of the test tube contents. A second or supplemental vent is provided in the pump.

Abstract: An injector for delivering fluid to a preselected internal target tissue while avoiding fluid exposure to surface tissue. A needle housing assembly is concealed within a cartridge having a puncturable end cap and an ampule is also disposed within the cartridge separate from the needle housing assembly. The cartridge has a cylindrical bore which widens at one end such that the needle housing assembly which has walls while located within the narrower portion of the cylindrical bore prevents the ampule from being punctured by a hollow injection needle supported by the needle housing assembly. When the ampule is propelled toward the needle housing assembly with a plunger, the needle housing assembly enters the widened portion of the cylindrical bore, allowing its walls to be separated such that the hollow injection needle extends into the ampule allowing the fluid to be delivered from the ampule through the hollow injection needle to the internal target tissue.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resealable port (2), or an injection site (24), for use with a syringe cone (16), the port being formed with a housing including a conduit (1) sealed by a resealable diaphragm (7) wherein a sealing annulus (6) is juxtaposed to, and interacts with, the diaphragm (7) to form an annulus and diaphragm assembly whereby the arrangement of the housing and the assembly is such that action of the syringe cone (16) as it passes through the diaphragm generates a cantilever action about a point (12) which serves to seal the diaphragm and the annulus in the housing.

Abstract: An allergy testing method and apparatus for testing a patient for a plurality of allergies at substantially the same time, comprises a carrier for receiving a plurality of allergen applying devices, each allergen applying device including a source of an allergen and a movable pricking needle which is movable from an inactive position out of contact with the skin of a patient to an active position for pricking the skin of a patient and applying its associated allergen to the pricked skin when moved from the inactive position to the active position. The carrier holds and supports the plurality of allergen applying devices with a given spacing between each of the pricking needles, and an actuator is coupled to the carrier for moving the pricking needles from their inactive positions to their active positions to prick or pierce the skin of a patient and to thereby apply a respective allergen to the skin of the patient via the pricking needles.

Abstract: An aspirator receiver forms part of a blood aspiration system for injecting fluid into a patient and withdrawing undiluted blood. The aspirator receiver has a housing with a passage occluded by a septum and in communication with the blood flow channel through the aspirator system. An aspirator comprises a cannula having a blunt tip surrounded by a shroud, the cannula being in communication with a blood receiving receptacle. The aspirator is applied to the housing with the shroud centering the cannula about and for penetration through the septum of the housing whereby undiluted blood may be withdrawn from the flow channel into the receptacle. Upon removal of the aspirator, the septum occluding the end of a standard vacuum-filled container is penetrated by the cannula whereby blood from the receptacle may be transferred into the container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a portion of a biological liquid from a sealed vacuum tube onto a microscopic slide or other suitable application wherein the device is formed from an open-ended elongate housing having a cannula mounted therein so as to extend in a longitudinal direction thereof with a first needle end located in the upper portion to pierce the stopper of a vacuum tube and a second needle end positioned in the lower portion of the housing. A protuberance is provided at the base of the first needle end which serves to act as a pump in conjunction with the stopper of a vacuum tube momentarily pushed thereagainst so as to force a predetermined portion of a biological liquid in the tube through the cannula and out of the lower needle end thereof.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical component-mixing syringe assembly (2) is particularly suited for packaging, reconstituting and dispensing a series of equal doses of a multiple component pharmaceutical, such as human growth hormone reconstituted from a diluent component (128) and a lyophilized component (34). The pharmaceutical components are contained within first and second cartridges (10, 36) of the type having a movable piston (12, 40). The second cartridge is forced into the interior of the first cartridge causing a spike assembly (132) between the two to fluidly couple the two cartridges and drive the piston of the first cartridge into the first cartridge causing the contents of the first cartridge to be driven into the second cartridge, thereby mixing. A reciprocating ratchet plunger (104) is used to drive the second piston. The distance the ratchet plunger moves, and thus the dose, is determined by the position of a user-inaccessible dosing key stop (116) along the length of the ratchet plunger.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe has a syringe barrel with a distal end and a passage therethrough communicating with a fluid-receiving chamber in the syringe barrel. A barrier extends across the passage to isolate the fluid in the chamber. A needle cannula is mounted to a needle hub slidingly engaged at the distal end of the syringe barrel. The needle cannula includes a proximally facing point for piercing the barrier in the passage to the chamber of the syringe barrel. A needle shield is mounted to the distal end of the syringe barrel, and cam means are provided for cam-guided rotational movement between the needle shield and the syringe barrel. The cam shape causes the needle shield and the needle cannula to move proximally for initially piercing the barrier and then to move distally to enable separation of the needle shield.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: An enclosure for use with an injection site in which the penetrating member, such as a needle, is at all times maintained within a protective shroud that protects the user from accidental needle sticks and contamination during use.

Abstract: A radiographically opaque spinal marker needle having a lower portion consisting of a small bore hollow needle and an upper portion having a larger outside diameter. An intermediate penetration restriction member fixed to and surrounding the marker needle at a point proximate the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion limits the depth of penetration of the hollow needle into the patient or tissue, provides stability, and forms a large observable mass on an X-ray. In an alternative embodiment the larger upper bore portion is in the form of a syringe and includes a prefilled ampule of dye within the syringe for injection into the patient by a plunger assembly. The upper portion may be separable from the lower portion at a point above the pentration restriction member.

Abstract: A method of preparing autologous plasma fibrin perioperatively to induce local hemostasis is disclosed. The autologous plasma fibrin is thereafter simultaneously expelled onto a treatment site along with a physiologically acceptable thrombin solution to effect hemostasis at the site. An apparatus for simultaneously expelling the contents of vessels which separately contain the autologous plasma fibrin and thrombin solutions, respectively, is also disclosed. A kit for obtaining a sample of blood, extracting plasma fibrin therefrom, as well as all necessary syringes, needles, reagents, and the inventive apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical injector system includes a hypodermic ampule having a body, a piston sealingly forwardly movable therein for defining a medicament chamber, a pierceable seal closing a front extremity of the ampule, a needle movably axially supported by the piston and biased rearwardly toward a retracted, cocked position. An actuator removably receives the ampule, and has a spring-loaded plunger for advancing the needle, and then the piston, whereby the needle reaches an extended position, medicament being injected from the needle during the forward movement of the piston. When the plunger is released, it retracts from the needle and the piston, the needle automatically retracting into the ampule for preventing accidental injury and contamination that might otherwise result from having the used needle in an exposed position.

Abstract: An allergy testing method and apparatus for testing a patient for a plurality of allergies at substantially the same time, comprises a carrier for receiving a plurality of allergen applying devices, each allergen applying device including a source of an allergen and a movable pricking needle which is movable from an inactive position out of contact with the skin of a patient to an active position for pricking the skin of a patient and applying its associated allergen to the pricked skin when moved from the inactive position to the active position. The carrier holds and supports the plurality of allergen applying devices with a given spacing between each of the pricking needles, and an actuator is coupled to the carrier for moving the pricking needles from their inactive positions to their active positions to prick or pierce the skin of a patient and to thereby apply a respective allergen to the skin of the patient via the pricking needles.

Abstract: A hypodermic-syringe assembly comprises a hard tubular body centered on an axis and having an axial front end formed with a radially inwardly projecting annular ridge and an axial rear end, a piston axially slidable in the body and normally adjacent the rear end, and a soft plug fitted in the front end in tight engagement with the ridge. The plug is formed with an axially rearwardly open blind passage having a front floor, and a front face defining with the passage floor a relatively thin membrane. Thus a needle can be poked through the membrane.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268). A blood sampling system utilizing an in-line pre-slit injetion site (492) and a shielded blunt cannula (512).

Abstract: A component mixing syringe (2) is used to mix a liquid component (94) with a solid component (96) prior to use. The syringe includes a barrel (4) having a bore (10) with a plunger (20) at one end and a needle (54) at the other. A barrier (14) divides the bore into a far region (16) and a near region (18). The far region is divided into variable volume liquid and air compensating regions (88, 90) which contain the liquid and dry components. The plunger is partially withdrawn from the near region to create a partial vacuum. A pathway formed through the barrier is opened to permit the liquid to rush into the near region to create a relatively violent, turbulent mixing action to effectively mix the two components. The mixing can be further enhanced by moving the plunger along the bore forcing the mixture back and forth between the near and far regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging the contents of a sealed container, such as a test tube, includes an inlet path and a discharge path with a delivery tube in the discharge path. A predetermined clearance is provided between the exterior of the delivery tube and the interior of the discharge path, the clearance providing venting, or blow-by, such that temperature changes do not cause accidental discharge of the contents of the container, while still maintaining sufficient resistance to venting for permitting pressurizing the interior of the test tube for accurately controlling the discharge of the test tube contents.