Denver Dynamics, Inc.

Zirco, Inc.

National Syringe Disposal, Inc.

Philip E Clements

Thomas Pearce

Jack R Sorwick

Arthur W Wallace

David E Wood

A support assembly for a metal detection device is disclosed. The detection device includes a housing with a central orifice, an induction member surrounding the orifice for generating an output voltage when a metal object is passed nearby, and a mechanism which includes pulse emitting and pulse receiving members for selectively sensing an object passing through the orifice. The support assembly includes a base member having front, rear and opposed side portions sized and shaped for positioning beneath the housing. The base member has a central aperture adapted for substantial alignment with the housing orifice when the base member is positioned beneath the housing. A mechanism secures the base member to the housing, and a plurality of mounting posts are disposed along the base member front, rear and side portions for positioning a metal detection device induction member about the central aperture. A mounting mechanism is provided for the pulse emitting and pulse-receiving members on opposite sides of the central aperture. Finally, a plurality of pulse regulating elements are provided for eliminating ambient light interference and cross-pulse sensing.

Metal detection device having improved support assembly

A metal detection device is disclosed and includes a housing defining a central aperture. An induction member is mounted to the housing and surrounds the aperture for generating an output voltage in response to the presence of a metal object near the induction member. A mechanism is provided for calibrating the induction member by comparing the output voltage to a reference voltage to establish a threshold voltage which is unaffected by transient fluctuations in the output voltage. A mechanism is also provided in the housing and spaced about the aperture for selectively sensing an object passing through the aperture. The sensing mechanism generates a detection signal in response to passage of an object through the aperture only upon activation of the sensing mechanism. A mechanism activates the sensing mechanism upon generation of an inductive member output voltage above the threshold voltage. Finally, a device is provided for triggering an alarm in response to the generation of the detection signal.

Device for detecting metal objects passing through an opening

A metal detector especially adapted to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized deposit of metal objects into receptacles includes a housing provided with a central opening surrounded by a funnel-like surface for directing articles into a receptacle such as a medical waste disposal bag, a trash can, or a laundry hamper. For use in the medical field to prevent the inadvertent disposal of surgical instruments, the metal detector housing may be pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism to a medical waste bag disposal bag holding cart to allow convenient removal and replacement of disposal bags. Battery powered detection circuitry includes a detector coil surrounding the central opening and operative to trigger visual and audible alarms for signalling the passage of a metal article through the housing opening if the output voltage in the detector circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The detection circuitry includes an auto calibration feature which compares the output voltage of the detection coil with a reference voltage and integrates the results of the comparison over time to stabilize the sensitivity of the metal detector, while ignoring transient voltage fluctuations. A bar graph signal strength display in conjunction with a peak hold circuit allows an operator to evaluate the size of a metal article triggering an alarm.

Hinged metal detection cover for a receptacle

Metal detector

A syringe disposal apparatus has a portable collection unit (1) and a processing unit (2'). The collection unit (1) has an in-feed mechanism (11) to allow syringes to be introduced into the collection unit (1); and an interlock mechanism (12) suitable for removably securing the collection unit (1) to the processing unit (2') and emptying the syringes from the collection unit (1) into the processing unit (2'). The processing unit (2') contains an interlock mechanism (20) suitable to activating the collection unit interlock mechanism (11); a hammer mill (43) for initially breaking up the syringes (45) into discrete pieces (45'); a paddle wheel (44) to regulate the passage of the broken syringe pieces to a grinder (21) suitable for grinding the syringes into particles of metal and plastic; a crucible assembly (22) suitable for heating these particles above the melting point of plastic, and then cooling to produce a solid puck of plastic in which the metal particles are suspended and encapsulated; and a controlling means (50) to coordinate the efficient operation of the members of the processing unit (2').

Syringe disposal apparatus and method

An inverter circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding with a first end adapted to be connected to a d.c. source, a switch connecting the other end of the primary winding to a reference potential, a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, a rectifier for rectifying the output of the secondary winding, and a bridge switch circuit connected to invert the rectified secondary winding voltage to produce an a.c. output voltage. The inverter circuit further includes a first control circuit for producing a first pulse train of pulses having a first given frequency and a pulse width responsive to the rectified output voltage of the secondary winding, and a circuit for applying the pulse train to the switch for controlling the switch to open and close at the given frequency. The inverter circuit further includes a second control circuit for producing a second pulse train or pulses of a second given frequency and constant pulse width, and a control arrangement for controlling the bridge switch circuit with the second pulse train of pulses.

Growing community of inventors

Littleton, CO, United States of America

Philip E Clements