Syringe Exchange Device

Abstract

A device configured to receive and safely store a plurality of used needle-containing medical apparatus such as syringes, IV catheter introducers, bodily fluid collection devices and blood collection tube holders and to dispense a sterile medical apparatus having the same or a similar shape, size and configuration as that deposited into the device.

Claims

1. A device configured to receive into secure storage a previously used needle-containing medical apparatus and to thereafter dispense an unused apparatus substantially similar to the used apparatus, the device comprising: a first opening providing access to a keyway into which the used apparatus is insertable, the keyway being selectively configured to receive such used apparatus; a first secure storage compartment into which used apparatus is deposited after being received through the keyway, the first secure storage company being configured to store a plurality of such used apparatus; a second secure storage compartment configured to receive a plurality of unused apparatus and to selectively dispense a single unused apparatus in response to the depositing of a single used apparatus into the first storage compartment; and a second opening through which a single unused apparatus is received from the second storage compartment and is then dispensed to a user following the receipt and deposit of the used apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention is further described and explained in relation to the following drawings wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a reading/receiving/sensing mechanism suitable for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown in juxtaposition to a needle-containing syringe prior to depositing the syringe into the template of the drawer or carriage into which the syringe is insertable in exchange for a new, clean and sterile apparatus;

[0010] FIG. 3 is the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 with the syringe inserted into the template portion of the drawer or carriage;

[0011] FIG. 4 is the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with the push handle moved forwardly (as into the device) so that the syringe can be deposited into the secure storage receptacle of the device;

[0012] FIG. 5 is the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with the covering structure removed to reveal a plurality of mechanical latches configured to restrict passage of apparatus not physically conforming to the template for the intended apparatus as needed for the used syringe to pass into the secure storage receptacle; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the reading/receiving/sensing mechanism of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0014] The full contents of the specification and drawings of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/730,817, filed Sep. 13, 2018, are incorporated by reference into this non-provisional application.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, medical apparatus exchange device 30 of the invention comprises in one embodiment suitable for use with needle-containing syringes a cabinet 32 enclosed on all sides and having new product loading door 34, syringe dispensing chute 36, syringe reading/receiving/sensing mechanism 38 and access door 40 providing controlled entry into a secure storage receptacle for used syringes.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, the syringe reading/receiving/sensing mechanism 38 further comprises a drawer or carriage slidable into cabinet 32 of FIG. 1. Carriage 42 comprises a template 48 into which a used syringe 50 is insertable for deposit into device 30. Push handle 46 is provided for use in pushing the used syringe, once inserted into template 48 of carriage 42 as shown in FIG. 3, into position for discharge of the used syringe into the secured storage receptacle disposed below syringe reading/receiving/sensing mechanism 38.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 4, push handle 46 and carriage 42 are shown moved forwardly to move the used syringe into the dispensing position. Referring to FIG. 5, cover 44 shown in FIG. 4 is removed to show the plurality of mechanical latches 56 that are configured to permit discharge of the used syringe 50 into the underlying secure storage receptacle only if syringe 50 is of the proper configuration to be passed through a plurality of restrictions imposed by the shaped latches 56.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 6, a longitudinal cross-section through mechanism 38 is shown to depict the internal structure underlying cover 44.

[0019] It will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification in relation to the accompanying drawings that various other modifications and alterations to the disclosed apparatus and methods can also be made, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.