Portable device for electrically destroying needles

• US 6,169,259 B1
• Filed: 04/07/1997
• Issued: 01/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Elton Clark, Robert M. Hall
• Original Assignee: Elton Clark, Robert M. Hall
• Inventors: Hall, Robert M., Clark, Elton
• Primary Examiner(s): Evans, Geoffrey S.
• Application Number:
  US08/834,561
• Time in Patent Office: 1,366 Days
• Field of Search: 219/68
• US Class Current: 219/68
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/3283 using electric current between electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3278 Apparatus for destroying used needles or syringes needle resheathing means destroying the needle A61M5/321

Abstract

An improved device for efficiently and safely destroying used hypodermic needles is disclosed. The needle destroying device is portable, operating from a battery power pack, and makes use of a capacitor that discharges current into any needle inserted into the device for destruction. The strong discharge of current completely destroys small needles and substantially speeds up destruction of medium or large needles. An apparatus for adjusting the device to accept different sized needles is also provided. The adjusting apparatus ensures that small needles adequately contact the electrodes located within the device and that large needles do not wear down or separate the electrodes. A motor may also be provided and coupled between the battery and a fan. The motor drives the fan to pull air into the device and thereby circulate it through a filter, located in a removable tray within a cartridge, that prevents vapors or particles from exiting the device. The filter is infused with disinfectant that kills any airborne pathogens. Also, the motor may couple to one of the electrodes in order to move the electrode and propel from the electrode slag formed during the destruction process. A converter that changes direct current from a battery or other portable power supply to alternating current may be provided. Alternating current more efficiently destroys the needles while extending battery charge and life.

Claims

1. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles of varying sizes, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case at least partially surrounding a power supply coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode by a gap located substantially adjacent the opening; and

(b) means, accessible at least partially from the exterior of the case, for adjusting the vertical height of the gap between the first and second electrodes in order to accommodate needles of varying sizes so that, upon insertion of a needle into the opening, the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon an electric current discharges, converting at least a portion of the needle into slag.

2. Portable apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first electrode is coupled to and moved by the adjusting means and the second electrode is a plate and further comprising means for moving the plate in order to remove a substantial portion of the slag.

3. Portable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a filter, infused with disinfectant and located within the case, for deodorizing vapors released on destruction of the needle.

4. Portable apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising an aperture within the case for removably accepting the filter.

5. Portable apparatus according to claim 4 in which the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.

6. Portable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a capacitor coupled to the power supply and the first and second electrodes.

7. Apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case defining a first opening into which a needle may be inserted and a second opening for accepting a cartridge;

(b) a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a gap;

(c) a means, accessible at least partially from the exterior of the case, for vertically adjusting the first electrode relative to the second electrode in order to vary the gap to accept the selected needle;

(d) a filter, removably inserted into the cartridge, infused with disinfectant;

(e) a battery for supplying power to a motor coupled to a fan and the first electrode; and

(f) a capacitor comprising a first and second terminal with;

i) the first terminal coupled to the battery; and

ii) the second terminal coupled to the second electrode that is sufficiently close to the first electrode that insertion of a needle into the first opening causes the capacitor to discharge current through the first and second electrodes into the needle.

8. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles of varying sizes, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case surrounding a power supply coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode by a gap located substantially adjacent the opening;

(b) a charge storing circuit coupled to the power supply and the first and second electrodes;

(c) means operable via a dial associated with the case for adjusting the vertical height of the gap between the first and second electrodes in order to accommodate needles of varying sizes so that, upon insertion of a needle into the opening, the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon the charge storing circuit discharges an electric current that converts at least a portion of the needle into slag and in which the first electrode is coupled to and moved by the adjusting means and the second electrode is a plate;

(d) a filter, infused with disinfectant and located within the case, for deodorizing vapors released on destruction of the needle; and

(e) means for moving the plate in order to remove a substantial portion of the slag.

9. Apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case defining a first opening into which a needle may be inserted and a second opening for accepting a cartridge;

(b) a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the second electrode comprises a substantially flat, beveled surface;

(c) a means for adjusting the first electrode in relation to the second electrode in order to more efficiently discharge current into the needle;

(d) a filter, removably inserted into the cartridge, infused with disinfectant;

(e) a battery for supplying power to a motor coupled to a fan and the first electrode;

(f) a capacitor comprising a first and second terminal with;

i) the first terminal coupled to the battery; and

ii) the second terminal coupled to the second electrode that is sufficiently close to the first electrode that insertion of a needle into the first opening causes the capacitor to discharge current through the first and second electrodes into the needle; and

(g) a means for vibrating the second electrode.

10. Apparatus comprising:

(a) a case, defining a hole through which a used hypodermic needle is inserted in order to destroy the needle;

(b) a power supply;

(c) a first electrode and a second electrode, each connected to the power supply, positioned substantially adjacent to the hole and located substantially close to one another to define a gap for accepting a selected needle;

(d) means, coupled to the first electrode and operable from the exterior of the case, for vertically adjusting the first electrode relative to the second electrode in order to vary the gap to accept the selected needle, whereby insertion of the needle into the hole causes the release of a charge through the first and second electrodes and into the selected needle to thereby destroy at least a portion of the needle; and

(e) means, coupled to the second electrode, for moving the second electrode to clean from the second electrode a substantial portion of any residue produced from the at least partial destruction of the needle.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising means for controlling the operation of the moving means.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a filter impregnated with disinfectant and deodorizer and an aperture within the case for removably accepting the filter.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising means for initially adjusting the gap between the first and second electrodes.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising a fan, powered by a motor coupled to the power supply, for pulling air through the hole in the case, into the filter and out of an exhaust.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a timer for operating the motor for a predetermined period in order to ensure that the air surrounding the hole has been pulled into the case and filtered.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles of varying sizes, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case, defining a hole through which a used hypodermic needle is inserted in order to destroy the needle;

(b) a rechargeable battery;

(c) an adjustable electrode and a movable electrode positioned substantially adjacent to the hole and located substantially close to one another to define a gap for accepting a selected needle;

(d) means, coupled to the adjustable electrode and operable from the exterior of the case, for vertically repositioning the adjustable electrode relative to the movable electrode in order to vary the gap to accept the selected needle, whereby insertion of the needle into the hole causes release of a charge through the movable and adjustable electrodes and into the selected needle to thereby destroy at least a portion of the needle;

(e) means, coupled to the movable electrode, for reciprocating the movable electrode to remove a substantial portion of residue produced from the at least partial destruction of the needle;

(f) a filter, removably inserted into the case, infused with disinfectant; and

(g) a motor coupled to the battery and a means for circulating air surrounding the case into the filter.

18. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case surrounding a rechargeable battery coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode by a gap located substantially adjacent the opening;

(b) a gap adjuster, located so as to be operable without accessing the interior of the case, for vertically moving at least one of the first or second electrodes relative to the other to thereby accommodate needles of varying sizes so that, upon insertion of a needle into the opening, the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon an electric current passes through at least one of the first or second electrodes into the needle and converts at least a portion of the needle into slag; and

(c) a filter, infused with disinfectant and located within the case, for deodorizing vapors released on destruction of the needle.

19. Portable apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising a charge storing circuit coupled to the battery and the first and second electrodes, whereby the charge storing circuit discharges stored energy into the needle when the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes.

20. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case surrounding a rechargeable battery coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode by a gap located substantially adjacent the opening;

(b) a gap adjuster for moving at least one of the first or second electrodes relative to the other to thereby accommodate needles of varying sizes so that, upon insertion of a needle into the opening, the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon an electric current passes through at least one of the first or second electrodes into the needle and converts at least a portion of the needle into slag;

(c) a filter, infused with disinfectant and located within the case, for deodorizing vapors released on destruction of the needle; and

(d) a direct current to alternating current converter coupled to the battery and at least one of the first or second electrodes for discharging alternating current into the needle when the needle electrically contacts the first or second electrodes.

21. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles of varying sizes, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case at least partially surrounding a power supply coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode by a gap located substantially adjacent the opening;

(b) means for adjusting the gap between the first and second electrodes in order to accommodate needles of varying sizes so that, upon insertion of a needle into the opening, the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon an electric current discharges, converting at least a portion of the needle into slag, wherein the first electrode is coupled to and moved by the adjusting means; and

(c) means for vibrating the second electrode, wherein the second electrode comprises a substantially flat, beveled surface and is coupled to the vibrating means.

22. Portable apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles comprising:

(a) a case, defining an opening into which a needle may be inserted, the case surrounding a rechargeable power supply coupled to a first and a second electrode, with the first electrode separated from the second electrode; and

(b) a direct current to alternating current converter coupled to the power supply for discharging alternating current into the needle when the needle electrically contacts the first and second electrodes, whereupon an electric current passes through at least one of the first or second electrodes into the needle and destroys at least a portion of the needle.

23. Portable apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising a charge storing circuit coupled between the power supply and a control circuit that automatically activates a motor for operating a fan for pulling air into a filter associated with the case.

24. Portable apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising:

(a) a gap adjustor for moving at least one of the first or second electrodes relative to the other to thereby accommodate needles of varying sizes; and

(b) means for moving at least one of the first or second electrodes.

25. A method for destroying needles of varying sizes using an apparatus with at least two electrodes, the method comprising:

(a) vertically adjusting the relative positions of the at least two electrodes in order to vary the gap to accept a selected needle;

(b) inserting the selected needle into the apparatus so as to contact both electrodes;

(c) destroying at least a substantial portion of the needle by discharging energy from a power supply through the electrodes and into the needle; and

(d) moving at least one electrode in order to remove a substantial portion of slag resulting from needle destruction.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the adjusting step further comprises the step of vertically repositioning the first electrode relative to the second electrode utilizing a gap adjuster to vary the distance between the two electrodes to thereby accommodate needles of various sizes.

27. A method for destroying needles of varying sizes using an apparatus with at least two electrodes, the method comprising:

(a) adjusting the relative positions of the at least two electrodes in order to vary the gap to accept a selected needle;

(b) inserting the selected needle into the apparatus so as to contact both electrodes;

(c) destroying at least a substantial portion of the needle by discharging current from a battery through the electrodes and into the needle, wherein a converter switches the battery current from direct to alternating current; and

(d) moving at least one electrode in order to remove a substantial portion of slag resulting from needle destruction.