Title of Invention

SINGLE-USE SYRINGE

Abstract A syringe (620) includes a barrel (621) having a fluid chamber (623), a proximal end (625), a distal end (627) and an elongated tip (628) extending from the distal end and having a passageway (629) therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber(623). A plunger (659) is provided for drawing fluid into and out of the barrel (621). The plunger(659) includes an elongated plunger rod (661) having a proximal portion (663) and a distal portion (664) connected by a breakable connection (668). The breakable connection (668) is strong enough to hold the proximal portion (663) and distal portion (664) together during normal use of the syringe (620) and breakable upon application of additional force to the proximal portion (663).
Full Text FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a single-use syringe having a breakable
plunger rod to prevent further use of the syringe after fluid delivery or injection.
The present invention also relates to fluid transfer devices having improved
needle attaching features and in particular, structure to help prevent the removal
of a hypodermic needle assembly from a fluid transfer device such as a
hypodermic syringe.
PRIOR ART
Throughout the world the re-use of hypodermic syringe products which
are intended for single-use only is instrumental in drug abuse and in the transfer
of contagious diseases. Intravenous drug users who routinely share and re-use
syringes are a high-risk group with respect to the AIDS virus. Also, the effects of
multiple use are a major concern in some countries where the repeated use of
syringe products during mass inoculation programs may be responsible for the
spread of many diseases. Syringes are often recycled in developing countries
without proper sterilization.
Many attempts have been made to remedy this problem. Some designs
involve the inclusion of structure which will allow the destruction or defeating of
the syringe function through a conscious act by the user, such as breaking a
syringe or one of its components. In addition, there are single-use hypodermic
syringes which become incapable of further use automatically upon delivery of
the medication without any additional act on the part of the user. Such syringes
are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,728.
With single-use syringes using needle assemblies having a hub attached
to a needle cannula there is a need to prevent the removal of the needle
assembly after the use of the single-use syringe so that the needle assembly
cannot be used again with other syringes. In addition to preventing the removal
of the needle assembly, there is also a need for structure which will allow the
easy attachment of the needle assembly to the syringe so that the needle
assembly may be attached at the time of use and an appropriately sized needle
may be used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A fluid transfer device comprises a barrel having a fluid chamber, a
proximal end, a distal end and an elongated tip extending from the distal end
having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A
collar surrounds the tip. For the purposes of the present invention collar is
intended to include not only continuous structures but also discontinuous
structures such as a wall with gaps in its structure. At least one deflectable
locking tab projects radially inwardly from the collar and is adapted to engage
the hub of a needle assembly to prevent the removal of the needle assembly
away from the tip. The locking tab is configured to allow assembly of the needle
assembly to the barrel through axial motion of the hub toward the barrel.
Another embodiment of the present fluid transfer device includes a needle
assembly having a cannula with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen
therethrough. A hub includes an open proximal end with a cavity therein and a
distal end is joined to the proximal end of the cannula so that the lumen is in
fluid communication with the cavity. The hub includes an outside surface. A
barrel having a fluid chamber includes an open proximal end, a distal end and an
elongated frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end having a
passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A collar
surrounding the tip includes a plurality of deflectable locking tabs projecting
radially and proximally inwardly from the collar defining an inner aperture
surrounding the tip. The tip extends distally beyond the aperture defined by the
locking tabs. The needle assembly is connected to the barrel so that the
elongated tip of the barrel is in the cavity of the hub and the outside surface of
the hub is adjacent to the inner aperture defined by the locking tabs so that the
locking tabs prevent removal of the needle assembly from the barrel through
contact between the locking tabs and the outside surface of the hub.
Another embodiment of the present fluid transfer device includes
means on the hub between the distal end of the hub and the proximal end of the
hub for allowing the hub to break upon application of a bending force to the hub.
Such means includes a fracturable section between the proximal end and the
distal end of the hub such as an annular discontinuity on the outside surface of
the hub or an annular discontinuity in the cavity of the hub. The fracturable
section is provided to prevent removal of the needle assembly from the fluid
transfer device by allowing the hub to break if an excessive bending force is
applied to the hub.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a plunger having
an elongated plunger rod, a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal
portion includes a stopper slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with an
inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the barrel by
movement of the plunger relative to the barrel. The plunger further includes
means for allowing the connection between the proximal portion of the plunger
rod and the distal portion of the plunger rod to break upon application of
additional force to the proximal portion. The means for allowing the connection
between the proximal portion of the plunger and the distal portion to break can
include an axial projection on one of the proximal portion and the distal portion
having at least one transverse protuberance projecting therefrom. The
protuberance is connected to the other of the proximal portion and the distal
portion and the breakable connection is on the protuberance. Preferably, there
a plurality of protuberances and more preferably, there are four protuberances
with two protuberances projecting from one side of the axial projection and two
protuberances projecting from another side of the axial projection, preferably in
substantially opposite directions.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a plunger having a
distally directed extension on the distal portion of the plunger rod shaped to fit
within the passageway of the tip of the syringe barrel when the plunger is
positioned distally with respect to the barrel. The purpose of the distally directed
extension is to drive as much medication out of the syringe barrel as possible
and therefore reduce wasted medication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated with accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid transfer device of the present invention
with a needle assembly attached;
FIG. 2 is an exploded prospective view of the fluid transfer device and needle
assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid transfer device of FIG. 2
taken along line 3-3;
FIG. 4 is a side-elevationai view of the left side of the fluid transfer device of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the needle assembly and
fluid transfer device of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an alternative needle assembly, similar to the needle assembly of FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an alternative fluid transfer
device of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged side-elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention including a flexible tube;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid transfer device of FIG.
10 taken along line 11-11;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the barrel of the fluid
transfer device of FIG. 2 during the manufacturing process;
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid
transfer device of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid transfer device of FIG. 13
taken along line 14--14;
FIG. 15 is a side-elevational view of the fluid transfer device of FIG. 13
illustrating the hub breaking upon application of a bending force;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another alternative fluid transfer
device;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the plunger of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention having a distal portion and a proximal portion connected by a
breakable connection;
FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a syringe assembly using the plunger of FIG.
17;
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the syringe of FIG. 18 illustrated with a
force being applied to break the connection to the proximal and distal ends of
the plunger rod;
FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the syringe of FIG. 19 illustrating the
separated proximal and distal ends of the plunger rod;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the plunger of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 22 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the plunger of FIG. 21
taken along lines 22-22;
FIG. 23 is a partially cross-sectional side elevational view of a syringe assembly
using the plunger of FIG. 21;
FIG. 24 is a partially cross-sectional side elevational view of an alternative
syringe assembly embodiment of the present invention having a cannula
attached directly to the syringe barrel.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the plunger of the
present invention;
FIG. 26 is a partially cross-sectional side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 27 is an enlarged partially cross-sectional view of an alternative plunger of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION w.r.t. DRAWINGS
While this invention is satisfied by embodiments in many different forms,
there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred
embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present: disclosure
is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. The scope of the
invention will be measured by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Adverting to FIGS. 1-7 a fluid transfer device such as syringe 2.0 includes
a barrel 21 having a barrel inside surface 22, a fluid chamber 23, a proximal end
25, a distal end 27 and an elongated tip 28 extending from the distal end having
a passageway 29 therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. In this
embodiment the elongated tip is preferably frusto-conically shaped.
Barrel 21 further includes a collar 31 having an inside surface 32 and at
least one deflectable locking tab projecting radially inwardly from the collar. The
collar preferably but not necessarily surrounds the tip. In this preferred
embodiment, there are a plurality of locking tabs 34 projecting radially and
proximally inwardly from the inside surface. In this preferred embodiment a
distal end 30 of elongated tip 28 extends distally beyond distal end 33 of the
collar. It is preferable that the collar and the locking tabs are integrally formed of
a single material preferably a metal such as stainless steel or a plastic material
such as polypropylene. Also, the collar can be made of thermoplastic material
and the locking tabs of metal, such as stainless steel attached to the collar.
The fluid transfer device of the present invention is intended to be used
with a needle assembly 40 including a cannula 41 having a proximal end 43 a
distal end 44 and a lumen 45 therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a
hub 47 having an open proximal end 49 with a cavity 50 therein, and a distal end
51 joined to proximal end 43 of cannula 41 so that lumen 45 is in fluid
communication with cavity 50. Hub 47 also includes outside surface 52. The hub
in this embodiment preferably, but not necessarily, includes at least one
projection extending radially outwardly from outside surface 52 of the hub. This
embodiment includes two projections 53. It is within the purview of the present
invention to include needle assemblies having one-piece construction wherein
the cannula and the hub are formed of one piece.
Some prior art syringe barrels include a collar around the distal tip having
a thread on the inside surface of the collar. This configuration is often referred to
as a locking luer collar. A needle assembly having a hub with outwardly
extending projections is placed on the distal end of the syringe by aligning the
distal tip of the syringe with a cavity in the hub and moving the needle assembly
toward the syringe so that the outward projections of the hub engage the
thread. The needle assembly is then rotated or screwed into the locking luer
collar so that the needle assembly is held tightly on the distal tip of the syringe
barrel through interaction of the locking luer collar thread and the projections on
the hub. This is an excellent structure for most applications since it allows for
applying the appropriate sized needle assembly at the time of use and for
changing needle assemblies during a procedure which may require two or more
different sizes. However, for many applications it is not desirable to have
structure which provides for the easy removal of the needle assembly. For
example, in mass inoculation programs using single-use syringes, a needle
assembly which is not removable compliments the syringe assembly which is not
reusable. Although most healthcare institutions have procedures for disposal of
used fluid transfer devices, an unscrupulous healthcare worker can, if the
structure allows, remove the relatively small hypodermic needle assembly before
disposing of the larger syringe assembly catheter or I.V. set.
The present invention provides structure to prevent removal of the needle
assembly during normal use of the fluid transfer device. In particular, the locking
tab projecting radially inwardly from the inside surface of the collar is adapted to
engage the outside surface of the hub of the needle assembly to prevent
removal of the needle assembly away from the tip of the barrel. The locking tab
is configured to allow assembly of needle assembly to the syringe barrel through
axial motion of the hub toward the barrel. In use, the needle assembly is
connected to the barrel by moving the needle assembly toward the barrel so that
elongated tip 28 of the barrel is in cavity 50 of the hub and outside surface 52 of
the hub is adjacent to locking tabs 34 so that the locking tab prevents removal of
the needle assembly from the barrel through contact of the locking tabs with the
outside surface of the hub. Accordingly, the force for removal of the needle
assembly from the syringe is much higher than the force for installation of the
needle assembly to the barrel. This is an important feature of the present
invention.
Although only one locking tab is required for the present invention, the
preferred embodiment illustrated herein includes a plurality of locking tabs 34
which are deflected by the proximal end and/or the outside surface of the hub
when the needle assembly is installed onto the barrel. Tabs 34 are separated by
gaps 35 to allow them to flex more freely and provide for lower forces when
attaching the needle assembly to the barrel. The locking tabs include distal ends
37 which in this preferred embodiment describe a opening 39 which is preferably
circularly shaped and smaller than the outside surface of the hub and/or the
width described by projections 53 so that the locking tabs deflect when the
needle assembly is installed onto the barrel. Because the locking tabs are facing
radially and proximally inwardly after needle attachment they are very resistant
to flexing outwardly to allow the removal of the needle assembly, as best
illustrated in FIG. 5. Some portion of the outside surface of the hub preferably
describes a dimension which is larger than the opening 39 described by the distal
ends 37 of the locking tabs so that an attempt to remove the needle assembly
there will not be enough space for the tabs to move towards a position which is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.
In this preferred embodiment, the needle assembly includes projections
53 projecting outwardly from the outside surface of the hub to help prevent
removal of the needle assembly from the barrel through contact between the
locking tabs and the projections. The present invention can accomplish its
purpose without the radial projection or projections on the hub however the
projection or projections provide a stronger attachment of the needle assembly
to the barrel and allow for more liberal tolerances for the locking tab dimensions.
An alternate needle assembly 140 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This needle
assembly is similar to the needle assembly 40 and includes cannula 141 and hub
147. Hub 147 includes one projection 153 extending 360.degree. around the
hub. This structure is especially desirable if only one or two locking tabs are used
so that it is not necessary to align the projection on the needle hub with the
locking tabs since the projection on the hub will always be positioned so that it
can contact a locking tab.
The syringe of the present embodiment further comprises a plunger 59
including a plunger rod 61 having an elongated body portion 62 having a
proximal end 63, a distal end 64 and a stopper 65 at the distal end. The stopper
is slidably positioned in fluid-tjght engagement with the barrel inside surface. The
plunger rod extends outwardly from proximal end 25 of the barrel. The plunger
rod is accessible outside of proximal end 25 of the barrel and is provided to
move the stopper along the barrel to force fluid into and out of chamber 23
through passageway 29. Disc-shaped plunger rod flange 67 is provided as a
convenient structure for applying forces to move the plunger rod with respect to
barrel 21. A flange 26 is also provided at the proximal end of the barrel to
facilitate handling and for maintaining the relative position of the barrel with
respect to the plunger rod during fluid transfer using known procedures.
It is within the purview of the present invention to include plunger rods
and stoppers which are separately formed or integrally formed of the same
material or different materials such as in two-color molding, or separately formed
of the same or different materials and joined together by mechanical means,
adhesives, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or other suitable means. It is
understood that the plunger of the present embodiment merely illustrates these
many possibilities.
FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the embodiment of FIGS.
1-7. In this embodiment, barrel 121 having a chamber 123, a distal end 127 and
an elongated frusto-conically shaped tip 128 extending from the distal end and
having a passageway 129 in fluid communication with the chamber. A collar 131
preferably surrounds the tip. A plurality of deflectable locking tabs 134 project
radially and proximally inward from the collar and toward the tip. Distal ends 137
of the locking tabs define an opening for allowing attachment of a needle
assembly to the barrel. In this embodiment, distal end 130 of tip 128 does not
extend beyond distal end 133 of the collar as it does in the preferred
embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. Having the distal end of the tip extend beyond the
distal end of the collar is preferred because it is easier to see the tip of the barrel
and to align the barrel tip with the hub cavity for attachment of the needle
assembly to the barrel. However, this structure is preferred and not necessary to
carry out the present invention. A shorter tip may be desired for various reasons
including reducing the amount of material in the barrel.
FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. In this alternative
embodiment, barrel 221 includes an elongated tip 228 extending from distal end
227 of the barrel and having a passageway 229 therethrough in fluid
communication with a chamber 223. A collar 231 surrounds the tip. A mounting
element 224 is attached to the collar. The mounting element includes at least
one locking tab, and in this embodiment, a plurality of locking tabs 234. In this
embodiment it is preferred that mounting element 224 and locking tabs 234 are
integrally formed of the same material selected form the group of plastic and
metal with stainless steel being preferred. The mounting element allows for
molding the barrel with a straight collar after which the mounting element can be
attached to the distal end of the collar. In this embodiment, deflectable locking
tabs are projecting radially inwardly. They are configured so that when the
needle assembly is attached to the barrel the hub will force the locking tabs to
project radially inwardly and proximally inwardly in an orientation similar to the
locking tabs of FIGS. 3 and 8 to prevent the removal of the needle assembly
away from the tip after attachment. In this embodiment the locking tabs can also
be positioned to project radially inwardly and proximally before the installation of
the needle assembly as with the locking tabs of FIGS. 3 and 8. The mounting
element can be attached to the collar through various means such as adhesive,
welding and/or mechanical means such as press fitting or having locking tabs in
the mounting element which allow it to be pressed onto the collar but not
removed.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment is illustrated with needle assembly 40 which is
identical to the needle assembly of FIG. 6. In this embodiment, fluid transfer
device 320 includes a barrel 321 having a chamber 323 and an elongated tip 328
extending from distal end 327 of the barrel and having a passageway 329
therethough in fluid communication with the chamber. A collar 331 preferably
surrounds the tip and includes a plurality of deflectable locking tabs 334
projecting radially and proximally inwardly from said collar. A flexible tube 370
having a proximal end, a distal end 371 and a bore 373 therethrough. The distal
end of flexible tube 370 is connected to barrel 321 so that bore 373 is in fluid
communication with said passageway. Tube 370 can be a catheter or it can be
part of an I.V. fluid administration set or various other fluid transfer devices.
One method of manufacturing barrel 21 of the present invention is to
injection mold the barrel out of thermoplastic material so that deflectable locking
tabs 34 are projecting radially and distally inwardly from collar 31 as illustrated in
FIG. 12. This configuration allows for easy removal of the barrel from the
injection mold. After molding, locking tabs 34 are bent inwardly using force or
heat or a combination thereof so that the locking tabs assume a radially and
proximally inwardly directed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the fluid transfer
device of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-7. In this embodiment, fluid transfer device 420 includes a barrel 421
having an elongated tip 428 extending from distal end 427 of the barrel and
having a passageway 429 therethrough. A collar 431 preferably surrounds the tip
and includes a plurality of deflectable locking tabs 434 projecting radially and
proximally inwardly from the collar.
A needle assembly 440 includes a cannula 441 having a proximal end 443,
a distal end 444 and a lumen therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a
hub 447 having an open proximal end 449 with a cavity 450 therein, and a distal
end 451 joined to the proximal end 443 of the cannula so that the lumen is in
fluid communication with the cavity. Hub 447 also includes outside surface 452.
The hub in this embodiment preferably, but not necessarily, includes projections
453 extending radially outwardly from the outside surface of the hub.
A needle shield 480 includes an open proximal end 481, a distal end 482
and a side wall 483 therebetween defining a cavity 484 in the shield. The cavity
includes inside surface 485. The shield is removably connected to hub 447 so
that distal end 444 of the cannula is contained within cavity 484 of the shield.
The removable connection between the shield and the hub is preferably achieved
by frictional engagement between inside surface 485 of the shield and outside
surface 452 of the hub. There are numerous ways for removably connecting a
shield to a hub including a snap-fit arrangement or threaded engagement with
the frictional engagement described herein being merely representative of these
many possibilities, all of which are within the purview of the present invention.
The needle shield is provided to protect the cannula from damage or
contamination.
In this embodiment, hub 447 further includes means on the hub between
the distal end and the proximal end of the hub for allowing the hub to break
upon application of bending force to the hub. In this embodiment, the means for
allowing the hub to break includes a fracturable section in the form of annular
discontinuity 454 on outside surface 452 of the hub which creates a fracturable
section which will cause the hub to break upon application of force F illustrated
in FIG. 15. As indicated hereinabove, the fluid transfer device of the present
invention provides structure to prevent removal of the needle assembly in the
form of one or more locking tabs projecting radially inwardly from the inside
surface of the collar which are adapted to engage the outside surface of the hub
of the needle assembly. This structure is provided to prevent the improper and
undesirable removal of the needle assembly from the barrel. However, an
unscrupulous healthcare worker may attempt to apply excessive force to remove
the needle assembly by grasping the needle shield and applying a bending force
which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula in an
attempt to cause the hub to overcome the resisting force of the deflectable
locking tabs. Since substantial force can be applied it is desirable to have a
means on the hub for allowing the hub to break upon the application of a force
to the hub which is in excess of the hub forces normally encountered during the
known and proper use of the fluid transfer device. In this embodiment, a
fracturable section is provided in the form of annular discontinuity 454 on the
outside surface of the hub. When force F, illustrated in FIG. 15 is applied the hub
will break, preferably in the area of annular discontinuity 454. The discontinuity
can, as does in this case, produce an area of reduced cross section in the hub so
that this area is the weakest portion of the hub. The discontinuity can also be in
the shape of a sharp edge or edges which produce a stress concentration when
the hub is subject to bending. In this situation, the result may be obtained
without reducing the cross-sectional area significantly or at all. The design would
rely on the stress concentration to promote breaking just as scoring of a
medication tablet will allow the tablet to break in half along the score line. In this
embodiment, sharp annular edge 455 is also provided to promote a stress
concentration in the area where the hub is intended to break. Breaking in the
area of the fracturable section will cause the cannula to be safely trapped within
the needle shield and the needle assembly to be rendered non-reusable. Also,
the presence of the proximal end of the hub on the fluid transfer device prevents
the addition of a new needle assembly to the device which could allow the
undesirable second use of the fluid transfer device. The discontinuity may be on
the outside surface of the hub or in the cavity of the hub.
Also, means for allowing the hub to break can be achieved through the
use of a brittle material in the entire hub or in the desired breaking area so that
bending force will fracture the hub in the area of the brittle material. This result
can be achieved using two-part or multi-part molding wherein, for example, the
proximal end of the hub is molded of a resilient plastic and the breaking area and
the distal end of the hub is molded of a brittle plastic so that the hub will tend to
break close to the intersection of the two difference plastics where the largest
bending moment on the brittle plastic would be experienced. Since many plastics
can be formulated to exhibit a wide variety of properties from very ductile to
very brittle, the choice of a hub material is quite broad. When using two-part
molding, the plastics should be chosen for their properties and for their
compatibility with each other at the intersection of the two plastic materials in
the hub. Polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene and polycarbonate are preferred
plastic materials for the hub. Styrene and polycarbonate can be formulated to be
very brittle and/or sensitive to surface discontinuities and can be used for the
entire hub for the part of the hub where the fracture is desired. All of the above-
described materials and structures are within the purview of the present
invention.
It is an important feature of the present embodiment that it provides two
means for preventing the unwanted removal of the needle assembly from the
fluid transfer device. The first is the resisting action of the deflectable locking tab
or tabs against the outside surface of the hub and the second is the fracturable
section of the hub which will cause the hub to break upon the application of
excessive force used in an attempt to overcome the action of the deflectable
locking tabs.
FIG. 16 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the fluid delivery
device of the present invention. In this embodiment, needle assembly 540
includes a cannula 541 and a hub 547. The hub includes open proximal end 549
with a cavity 550 therein and a distal end 551. Needle assembly 540 further
includes a fracturable section between the proximal end and the distal end of the
hub for allowing the hub to break upon application of a bending force to the hub.
In this embodiment, the fracturable section includes an annular discontinuity 554
in cavity 550. Annular discontinuity 554 also preferably includes sharp annular
stress concentrating edge 555 to help promote breakage in the area of the
discontinuity. This embodiment, like the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15 provides
two-step protection against the undesirable removal of the needle assembly from
the fluid transfer device. The first protection is offered by the interaction of
flexible locking tabs 534 to hold the hub in its position on projection 553. The
second protection is the fracturable section for allowing the hub to break upon
the application of bending forces on the hub in excess of those experienced
during normal proper use of the fluid transfer device.
FIGS. 17-20 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the fluid delivery device is syringe 620 comprising
barrel 621 having a fluid chamber 623, a proximal end 625, a distal end 627 and
an elongated tip 628 extending from the distal end and having a passageway
629 therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A collar 631
surrounds the tip. At least one deflectable locking tab projects radially inwardly
from the collar. In this embodiment, there are a preferably a plurality of locking
tabs 634.
A needle assembly 640 includes a cannula 641 having a proximal end 643,
a distal end 644 and a lumen therethrough. A hub 647 includes an open proximal
end 649 with a cavity therein, and a distal end 651 joined to the proximal end of
the cannula so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the cavity of the
hub. The hub further includes an outside surface 652. The needle assembly is
connected to the barrel so that the elongated tip of the barrel is in the cavity of
the hub and the outside surface of the hub is adjacent to the one or more
locking tabs so that the locking tabs prevent removal of the needle assembly
from the barrel through contact between the locking tab and the outside surface
of the hub. Locking tabs are configured to allow the assembly of the needle
assembly to the barrel through axial motion of the hub toward the barrel.
A plunger 659 includes an elongated plunger rod 661 having a longitudinal
axis 662, a proximal portion 663 and a distal portion 664 connected by a
breakable connection 668. Distal portion 664 includes a stopper 665 slidably
positioned in fluid-tight engagement with an inside surface 622 of the chamber
for drawing fluid in and out of the chamber by movement of the plunger relative
to the barrel. Stopper 665 may be a separate element connected to distal portion
664 or it may be integrally molded with the distal portiorwn a one-piece plastic
construction. Separate stoppers are preferably made of elastomeric material such
as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers and combinations
thereof. Breakable connection 668 is strong enough to hold proximal portion 663
and distal portion 664 together during normal use of the syringe and is breakable
upon application of additional force to the proximal portion.
Proximal end 663 further includes a flange 667 for applying forces to
move the plunger rod with respect to the barrel and for breaking the breakable
connection. A flange 626 is also provided at the proximal end of the barrel to
facilitate handling of the syringe and for applying forces to the plunger using a
one-handed procedure as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
In this embodiment, there are a plurality of breakable connections
connecting proximal portion 663 and distal portion 664. Specifically, proximal
portion 663 includes a distal projection 669 having at least one transverse
protuberance projecting therefrom. In this preferred embodiment, there are four
transverse protuberances 670. The protuberances are connected to distal portion
664 and the breakable connection is on the protuberance. In this preferred
embodiment breakable connection 671 is on the distal end of the protuberance.
The distal projection may be circularly shaped and fit into a cylindrically shaped
recess in the distal portion. With this structure a single protuberance extending
up to 360 degrees may be used. The structure may also be reversed so that the
projection extends proximally from the distal portion toward the proximal
portion.
In this preferred embodiment, proximal portion 663 and distal portion 664
and the breakable connections are integrally molded of plastic material. A wide
variety of plastic materials are suitable for molding the plunger with polystyrene,
polypropylene and polyethylene being preferred. It is important to control the
modulus of elasticity of material selected for the transverse protuberances which
are part of the breakable connection between the proximal portion and the distal
portion of the plunger rod. The breakable connection must break or fail before
the proximal portion of the plunger bottoms out or makes contact with the distal
portion of the plunger. If the modulus is too high the break will occur too easily,
causing premature breakage. If the modulus is too low the breakable connection
may not break before the proximal portion and the distal portion contact each
other. Also, careful controlling of the modulus will allow use of materials such as
polypropylene which would not normally be used to form a breakable connection.
It is preferred to have a modulus of elasticity be within the range of about 800
MPa to 4000 MPa.
The breakable connections can be anywhere along the protuberance, at
its proximal end, its distal end, or in between, depending on, among other
things, the geometry of the protuberance. A breakable connection can also be
made by connecting the protuberance to the distal end or to the proximal end
using a frangible adhesive. The protuberance may be very short and made
entirely of adhesive or frangible material. The connection can also be made using
a shear pin passing through the distal projection 669 and distal portion 664. The
shear pin may be made of plastic with one or more notches or stress risers
suitably placed to cause breaking at the desired force levels. The breakable
connection between the proximal portion and the distal portion may also be
accomplished by using a snap-fit arrangement a portion of which is damaged or
broken when the desired force is applied. In this latter situation, the distal
portion and the proximal portion can be individually molded and snapped
together during the assembly process.
In use, the syringe of this embodiment can be filled from a vial, ampoule
or other suitable container using known safe procedures. An important
advantage of the present embodiment is that the plunger can be moved back
and forth along the barrel as many times as necessary to properly fill the syringe
barrel. For example, the syringe barrel may be filled with sterile water and then
the sterile water can be injected into a vial containing a lyophilized medication
which is then drawn back into the syringe barrel. Many single-use syringes in the
prior art only allow one proximal motion of the plunger with respect to the
barrel. With these single-use syringes, once the plunger is moved in a distal
direction with respect to the barrel it can no longer be withdrawn. Therefore,
mixing sterile water and a lyophilized medication as described above is not
possible.
Another advantage of the present embodiment is that the plunger can be
moved to its distal-most position with respect to the barrel and then moved
proximally. Some prior art single use syringes automatically lock the plunger to
the barrel when the plunger is moved to its distal-most position. These prior art
designs can lead to unintentional locking of the plunger before use and can
compromise filling and mixing procedures.
The liquid in the barrel can now be injected into a patient or delivered in
another suitable manner such as through the pierceable septum of a catheter
connector. Upon completion of the injection the user can apply an additional
force indicated as A in FIG. 19, to the proximal portion. In this embodiment the
breakable connections are broken by the application of a distally directed force A
applied to the proximal end of the proximal portion along longitudinal axis 662.
Force A is sufficient to break the breakable connections which causes the plunger
rod to separate into two or more unusable pieces. In this enablement the
proximal portion and the distal portion are separated as illustrated in FIG. 20.
An important advantage of the present invention is that the breakable
connection can be broken using any one-handed technique, for example,
pressing on plunger rod flange 667 in direction A with the thumb of one hand
while holding the syringe barrel and/or the syringe barrel flange with some or all
of the remaining fingers. This is desirable over a two-handed technique wherein
the barrel must be held by one hand and the plunger by another to carry out a
breaking manipulation such as bending or twisting.
The embodiment of FIGS. 17-20 is a significant advance over single-use
syringes of the prior art. In particular, it allows multiple strokes of the plunger
with respect to the barrel without automatically locking and rendering the
syringe unusable. This design also allows the plunger to move to its distal-most
position inside the barrel without automatically locking the plunger to the barrel.
It also provides two mechanisms to prevent or discourage re-use. First, the
needle assembly is securely locked in place so that it cannot be removed from
the barrel for improper re-use. Second, the plunger is breakable so that its
proximal and distal ends are separated and the syringe, with the needle locked in
place, can no longer be used to inject medication. Further, the plunger breaking
feature is accomplished by a simple onehanded procedure.
FIGS. 21-23 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the fluid delivery device is a syringe 720
comprising a barrel 721 having a fluid chamber 723, a proximal end 725, a distal
end 727 and an elongated tip 728 extending from the distal end and having a
passageway 729 therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber,,
A plunger 759 includes an elongated plunger rod 761 having a longitudinal
axis 762, a proximal portion 763 and a distal portion 764 connected by a
breakable connection 768. It is preferred that either proximal portion 763 or
distal portion 764 include an axial projection. In this embodiment an axial
projection 769 is on proximal portion 763. Axial projection 769 includes at least
one transverse protuberance projecting therefrom. In this preferred
embodiment, there are four transverse protuberances 770. The protuberances
are connected to distal portion 764 and the breakable connection is on the
protuberances. The transverse protuberances project from opposite sides of the
axial projection. Also, in this embodiment, two of transverse protuberances 770
project in substantially the opposite direction than the other two transverse
protuberances 770. It is preferable that proximal portion 763 and distal portion
764 and the transverse protuberances 770 which include breakable connections
are integrally molded of plastic material.
Plunger 759 in this embodiment functions similarly to plunger 659 in the
embodiments of FIGS. 17-20.
Distal portion 764 includes a stopper 765 slidably positioned in fluid-tight
engagement with an inside surface of chamber 723 for drawing fluid into and out
of the chamber by movement of plunger 759 relative to barrel 721. The
breakable connection is strong enough to hold the proximal portion and the
distal portion together during normal use of the syringe and breakable upon
application of an additional force applied to the proximal portion along the
longitudinal axis such as distally directed force A in FIG. 23. It is preferred that
the additional distally directed force required to break the breakable connection
be within the range of about 2.2 kg to 6.8 kg (5 lbs. to 15 lbs.). The proper force
depends on various dimensions of the syringe barrel and plunger, the viscosity of
the liquid being delivered and the mechanical and hydraulic forces encountered
by the filling and delivery process. If the breakable connection is too weak the
proximal and distal portions will separate during normal use of the syringe and if
the force required to break the breakable connection is too high the user may
not be able to easily break the breakable connection as intended. In this
embodiment axial projection 769 is planar shaped having two opposed side walls
774 and 775 with at least one transverse protuberance projecting from each of
the side walls. In this embodiment, there are two transverse protuberances
projecting from each side wall. This structure because of the planar axial
projection and the diagonal positioning of the transverse protuberances is
preferred because it creates a secure linkage between the proximal portion and
the distal portion and it is strong with respect to rotational movement or
rotational forces applied to the plunger and weaker with respect to axial forces
applied to the plunger so that rotational forces should not break the breakable
connection.
This embodiment further includes distally directed projection 776 on the
distal portion for displacing fluid in passageway 729 when the plunger is
positioned distally with respect to the barrel. This is an important feature of this
embodiment because it saves medication that might otherwise remain in the
passageway after the injection process was completed. In an immunization
program involving millions of syringes, the amount of medication saved by the
cooperative relationship between the distally directed projection and the
passageway can be substantial. Even a four percent improvement can result in a
free dose for every twenty-five syringes used.
FIG. 2.4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the fluid delivery device is a syringe 820 which
functions similarly to the syringe of the embodiment of FIGS. 17-20. The syringe
includes a barrel 821 having a fluid chamber 823, a proximal end 825,a distal
end 827 and an elongated tip 828 extending from the distal end and having a
passageway 829 therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The
syringe further includes a cannula 841 having a proximal end 843, a distal end
844 and a lumen therethrough. The proximal end of the cannula is joined to
elongated tip 828 so that the lumen is in fluid communication with passageway
829. A plunger 859 having an elongated plunger rod 861, a proximal portion 863
and a distal portion 864 connected by a breakable connection 868.
Cannula 841 is preferably permanently connected to the barrel so that it is
not replaceable or removable during normal use. There are many ways to
connect the cannula to a barrel including adhesives, such as epoxy. An
advantage of this embodiment is that it can be configured to save medication
from being wasted and, more importantly, when the breakable connection is
broken the plunger is no longer usable and the needle cannot be removed from
the syringe to be used again in an undesirable manner.
FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative plunger 959 including an elongated
plunger rod 961, having a longitudinal axis 962, a proximal portion 963 and a
distal portion 964 connected by a breakable connection 968. Either the proximal
portion or the distal portion includes an axial projection 969 having at least one
traverse protuberance 970 projecting therefrom. In this embodiment, the axial
projection is part of distal portion 964 and the protuberance is connected to the
proximal portion. The breakable connection is on the protuberance and in this
embodiment it is generally in the area where the transverse protuberance joins
the proximal portion. Although the plunger in the embodiment of FIG. 25
functions similarly to the plunger in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-23, the axial
projection in this embodiment is on the distal portion while the axial projection in
the embodiment of FIGS. 21-23 is on the proximal portion. Accordingly, either
the proximal portion or the distal portion may include the axial projection having
at least one transverse protuberance. In this embodiment there are four
transverse protuberances, two of which project from one side of the axial
projection and the other two transverse protuberances project from the other
side of the axial projection.
FIG. 26 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the fluid delivery device is a syringe 1020 which
functions similarly to the syringe of FIGS. 17-20. This syringe includes a barrel
1021 and a plunger 1059. The plunger includes a plunger rod 1061 having a
longitudinal axis 1062, a proximal portion 1063 and a distal portion 1064
connected by a breakable connection. The proximal portion includes an axial
projection 1069 having at least one transverse protuberance projecting
therefrom. In this embodiment there are four transverse protuberances 1070
connected to the axial projection. The breakable connection is strong enough to
hold the proximal portion and the distal portion together during normal use of
the syringe and breakable upon application of an additional force applied to the
proximal portion along the longitudinal axis. The breakable connection is on the
protuberance. In this embodiment transverse protuberances 1070 project from
the axial projection and they are inclined at an angle of approximately 45
degrees from longitudinal axis 1062. This configuration makes the breakable
connection stronger and more able to resist an axial force applied to the
proximal portion in a proximal direction than when an additional force is applied
in a distal direction along the longitudinal axis. It is preferred that the additional
force necessary to break the breakable connection be lower when applied in a
distal direction than when applied in a proximal direction.
Syringe 1020 further includes means for holding proximal portion 1063 of
the plunger rod in barrel 1021 after the breakable connection has been broken.
This is an important feature of the present invention because after the breakable
connection is broken it is possible for the proximal portion of the plunger rod to
fall out of the barrel. It is preferred that the proximal portion of the plunger stay
within the barrel so that the used syringe can be disposed of in its entirety. In
this embodiment means for holding the proximal portion in the barrel includes an
inwardly directed projection in the barrel and an outwardly projection on the
proximal portion of the plunger rod. The inwardly directed projection on the
barrel in this embodiment is annular ring 1088 at the proximal end of the barrel
and the outward directed projection on the plunger rod comprises projections
1089. The projection on the plunger rod can be a continuous annular ring or one
or more individual projections. Likewise, the inwardly directed projection in the
syringe barrel can be an annular ring or one or more radially inwardly directed
projections. The inside diameter described by annular ring 1088 is smaller than
the outside diameter described by radial projections 1089 so an additional force
is required to push the plunger past annular ring 1088 during assembly of the
syringe. In this embodiment outwardly directed projection 1089 is saw-toothed
or cam-shaped so that the force required to insert the plunger rod into the barrel
through the interference provided by annular ring 1088 is less in the proximal
direction than in the distal direction.
FIG. 27 is another alternative embodiment of the plunger of the present
invention. In this embodiment plunger 1159 includes elongated plunger rod 1161
having a proximal portion 1163 and a distal portion 1164. The plunger of this
embodiment functions similarly to the plunger of the embodiment of FIGS. 17-
20. Proximal portion 1163 of the plunger rod includes axial projection 1169 at its
distal end having at least one transverse protuberance projecting therefrom. In
this embodiment the axial projection is planar-shaped and has four transverse
protuberances 1170 projecting from it and connected to the distal portion. In this
embodiment, the transverse protuberances are planar-shaped and aligned
substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis 1162 of the plunger rod. A
breakable connection is contained on the transverse protuberances. The
breakable connection is strong enough to hold the proximal portion and distal
portion together during normal use of the syringe and breakable upon the
application of an additional force applied to the proximal portion along the
longitudinal axis. This configuration of the proximal protuberances is desirable
because the protuberances are easier to manufacture when the proximal portion,
the distal portion and the protuberances are injection molded in a one-piece
structure.
We claim:
1. A single-use syringe comprising:
a barrel having a fluid chamber, a proximal end, a distal end and an
elongated tip extending from said distal end having a passageway
therethrough in fluid communication with said chamber; and
a plunger including an elongated plunger rod having a longitudinal
axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a breakable
connection, one of said proximal portion and said distal portion including an
axial projection having a plurality of transverse protuberances projecting
therefrom, said protuberances being connected to the other of said proximal
portion and said distal portion, said breakable connection being on said
protuberances, said distal portion including a stopper slidably positioned in
fluid-tight engagement with an inside surface of said chamber for drawing
fluid into and out of said chamber by movement of said plunger relative to
said barrel, said breakable connection being strong enough to hold said
proximal portion and said distal portion together during normal use of said
syringe and breakable upon application of an additional force applied to said
proximal portion along said longitudinal axis.
2. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transverse protuberances
project from opposite sides of said axial projection.
3. A syringe as claimed in claim 2 wherein said axial projection includes
four transverse protuberances.
4. A syringe as claimed in claim 3 wherein two of said transverse
protuberances project in substantially the opposite direction from the
other two of said transverse protuberances.
5. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said axial projection is planar
shaped having two opposed side walls and at least one transverse
protuberance projecting from each of said two side walls.
6. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 further including a distally directed
extension shaped to fit within said passageway for displacing fluid
from said passageway said plunger is positioned distally with respect
to said barrel.
7. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said proximal portion, said
distal portion and said breakable connection are integrally molded of
plastic material.
8. A syringe as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plastic material has a
modulus of elasticity within the range of about 800 MPa to 4000 MPa.
9. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said breakable connection is
made of material selected from the group of polyethylene,
polystyrene, polypropylene and adhesives.
10. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said stopper and said distal
portion are integrally molded of plastic material.
11. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said additional force is a
distally directed within the range of about 2.2 kg to 6.8 kg (5 pounds
to 15 pounds).
12. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 further including a needle assembly
including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen
therethrough, a hub having an open proximal end with a cavity
therein, and a distal end joined to said proximal end of said cannula
so that said lumen is in fluid communication with said cavity, said
needle assembly being connected to said barrel so that said elongated
tip of said barrel is in said cavity of said hub.
13. A syringe as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cannula and said hub
are integrally molded of plastic material.
14. A syringe as claimed in claim 12 further including a needle shield
having an open proximal end, a distal end and a side wall defining a
cavity, said shield being removably connected to said hub so that said
distal end of cannula is contained within said cavity.
15. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 further including a cannula having a
proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therethrough, said proximal
end of said cannula being joined to elongated tip so that said lumen is
in fluid communication with said passageway.
16. A syringe as claimed in claim 1 further including means for holding
said proximal portion of said plunger in said barrel after said
breakable connection is broken including an inwardly directed
projection in said barrel and an outwardly directed projection on said
proximal portion.
17. A single-use syringe comprising:
a barrel having a fluid chamber, a proximal end, a distal end and
an elongated tip extending from said distal end having a
passageway therethrough in fluid communication with said
chamber; and
a plunger including an elongated plunger rod having a longitudinal
axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a
breakable connection, one of said proximal portion and said distal
portion including an axial projection having four transverse
protuberances projecting therefrom, said protuberances being
connected to the other of said proximal portion and said distal
portion, said breakable connection being on said protuberances,
two of said transverse protuberances projecting in substantially the
opposite direction from the other two of said transverse
protuberances, said proximal portion, said distal portion and said
breakable connection being integrally molded of plastic material,
said distal portion including a stopper slidably positioned in fluid-
tight engagement with an inside surface of said chamber for
drawing fluid into and out of said chamber by movement of said
plunger relative to said barrel, said breakable connection being
strong enough to hold said proximal portion and said distal portion
together during normal use of said syringe and breakable upon
application of an additional distally directed force applied to a
proximal end of said proximal portion along said longitudinal axis.
18. A syringe as claimed in claim 17 further including a distally directed
extension shaped to fit within said passageway for displacing fluid
from said passageway said plunger is positioned distally with respect
to said barrel.
19. A syringe as claimed in claim 17 further including a needle assembly
including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen
therethrough, a hub having an open proximal end with a cavity
therein and a distal end joined to said proximal end of said cannula so
that said lumen is in fluid communication with said cavity, said needle
assembly being connected to said barrel so that said elongated tip of
said barrel is in said cavity of said hub.
20. A syringe as claimed in claim 19 further including a needle shield
having an open proximal end, a distal end and a side wall defining a
cavity, said shield being removably connected to said hub so that said
distal end of cannula is contained within said cavity.
21. A syringe as claimed in claim 17 wherein said additional distally
directed force is within the range of about 2.2 kg to 6.8 kg (5 pounds
to 15 pounds).
22. A plunger for use in a syringe barrel having a fluid chamber, a
proximal end, a distal end and an elongated tip extending from the
distal end having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication
with the chamber comprising:
an elongated plunger rod having a longitudinal axis, a proximal
portion and a distal portion connected by a breakable connection,
one of said proximal portion and said distal portion including an
axial projection having four transverse protuberances projecting
therefrom, said protuberances being connected to the other of said
proximal portion and said distal portion, said breakable connection
being on said protuberances, two of said transverse protuberances
projecting in substantially the opposite direction from the other two
of said transverse protuberances, said proximal portion, said distal
portion and said breakable connection being integrally molded of
plastic material, said distal portion including a stopper for slidable
positioning in fluid-tight engagement with an inside surface of a
syringe barrel chamber for drawing fluid into and out of said
chamber by movement of said plunger relative to said barrel, said
breakable connection being strong enough to hold said proximal
portion and said distal portion together during normal use of said
syringe and breakable upon application of an additional force
applied to a proximal end of said proximal portion along said
longitudinal axis.
23. A plunger as claimed in claim 22 further including a distally directed
extension shaped to fit within the passageway of an elongated tip of a
syringe barrel for displacing fluid from said passageway when said
plunger is positioned distally with respect to said barrel.


A syringe (620) includes a barrel (621) having a fluid chamber (623), a proximal
end (625), a distal end (627) and an elongated tip (628) extending from the
distal end and having a passageway (629) therethrough in fluid communication
with the chamber(623). A plunger (659) is provided for drawing fluid into and
out of the barrel (621). The plunger(659) includes an elongated plunger rod
(661) having a proximal portion (663) and a distal portion (664) connected by a
breakable connection (668). The breakable connection (668) is strong enough to
hold the proximal portion (663) and distal portion (664) together during normal
use of the syringe (620) and breakable upon application of additional force to the
proximal portion (663).

Documents:

IN-PCT-1999-112-KOL-(30-03-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

IN-PCT-1999-112-KOL-(30-03-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-abstract.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-claims.pdf

IN-PCT-1999-112-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-description (complete).pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-drawings.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-form 1.pdf

IN-PCT-1999-112-KOL-FORM 27.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-abstract.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-claims.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-correspondence.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-description (complete).pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-drawings.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-examination report.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 1.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 13.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 18.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 2.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 26.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 3.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-form 5.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-pa.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-granted-specification.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-international publication.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-international search report.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-pa.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-receipt copy.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-reply to examination report.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-specification.pdf

in-pct-1999-112-kol-translated copy of priority document.pdf


Patent Number 239176
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/1999/112/KOL
PG Journal Number 11/2010
Publication Date 12-Mar-2010
Grant Date 09-Mar-2010
Date of Filing 29-Nov-1999
Name of Patentee BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
Applicant Address 1 BECTON DRIVE, FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CALUCHO VILLAS, MARCOS URBANIZACION LA PINADA, CALLE RIO CINCA, 11, E-22520 FRAGA-HUESCA
2 CAPES, DAVID, FRANCIS 137 SUNSET WAY #10-12, SINGAPORE 597159
3 CLAPES PONS, MARTIN CALLE ZARZAMORA, 10, ALCOBENDAS, E-28100 SOTO DE LA MORALEJA
PCT International Classification Number A61M 5/50, 5/34
PCT International Application Number PCT/US1999/16841
PCT International Filing date 1999-07-23
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/249,431 1999-02-12 U.S.A.
2 09/124,447 1998-07-29 U.S.A.
3 09/274,117 1999-03-23 U.S.A.
4 09/338,235 1999-06-22 U.S.A.