Importance

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Abstract

A disposable medical syringe apparatus with retractable needle is disclosed. The spent needle, or other similar medical sharps device, affixed to a detachable needle hub on the syringe barrel may be safely encapsulated and disposed by a simple, one handed operation, and, both the needle and the syringe apparatus are rendered useless for any subsequent operation. The invention is comprised of two parts, a syringe barrel fitted with a detachable needle hub and an evacuated plunger fitted with a combination catch ring/air release/vacuum seal mechanism that readily permits the introduction of the vacuum into the hollow chamber of the plunger. The syringe apparatus is used in the standard manner for an injection of medicinal liquid or for the collection of blood or other body fluids. When use is complete, continued longitudinal axial force is applied to the distal (thumb) end of the evacuated plunger. The catch ring on the combination part within the proximal end of the evacuated plunger captures the detachable needle hub in the syringe barrel body. Continued longitudinal axial force causes a release ring holding the detachable needle hub within the syringe barrel to advance into an annular channel thereby releasing the detachable needle hub and needle from the syringe barrel. Continued longitudinal axial force releases a retaining ring from the combination part. This allows atmospheric pressure to act on the combination part and to cause the combination part, detachable needle hub and needle to withdraw into the interior of the plunger. The entire device may now be safely disposed.

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First Claim