The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 11, 1994
Filed:
Oct. 06, 1992
Terrence R Langford, Tucson, AZ (US);
Other;
Abstract
A simple to use, single quantity, syringe sterilization and destruction device is disclosed. A syringe is inserted into the device needle first by the operator. The device grips the syringe and holds it in place. The device heats the steel needle portion of a syringe to sterilize the needle portion. The heat also melts the steel-to-plastic fitting between the steel needle portion and the plastic barrel portion of the syringe. The plastic barrel portion separates from the heated needle portion of the syringe by force of gravity or by a light pulling force exerted by a pulling mechanism. The hole in the fitting is sealed by the molten plastic. Sealing the hole maintains the integrity of the plastic barrel/plunger container and prevents spillage of contaminated waste. The heated needle is bent into a spiral bundle so that no sharp portions protrude from the spiral bundle. The spiral bundle is deposited into a container for recycling or waste disposal. The plastic barrel/plunger portion is placed into a microwave oven and heated until sterile. In an alternate embodiment the barrel/plunger portion is heated in the microwave oven until the plastic barrel/plunger portion is melted. The needles and plastic barrel/plungers are now sterile and safe. Both the needle and barrel/plunger waste can be disposed of safely or recycled.