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WO1995028972A1 - Dispositif d'elimination de lames - Google Patents

Dispositif d'elimination de lames Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995028972A1
WO1995028972A1 PCT/AU1995/000246 AU9500246W WO9528972A1 WO 1995028972 A1 WO1995028972 A1 WO 1995028972A1 AU 9500246 W AU9500246 W AU 9500246W WO 9528972 A1 WO9528972 A1 WO 9528972A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blade
electrodes
electrode
pair
edge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU1995/000246
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ivars Zalstrovs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU22992/95A priority Critical patent/AU2299295A/en
Publication of WO1995028972A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995028972A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
    • A61B17/3209—Incision instruments
    • A61B17/3211—Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
    • A61B17/3217—Devices for removing or collecting used scalpel blades
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L11/00—Methods specially adapted for refuse
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B21/00—Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
    • B26B21/40—Details or accessories

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the disposal of blades.
  • blades would include razor blades, scalpel blades and the like.
  • Razor blades and scalpel blades are generally used for the shaving and cutting of skin and body tissue. It is generally preferred that blades are only used once before being discarded. Used blades may contain or have been in close contact with highly infectious bacteria and viruses or other substances that can be considered harmful. Further, the presence of biological media can provide an environment for the growth and multiplication of other harmful agents which could potentially be transmitted to those handling the blades, particularly, if the blades are re-used or where the blade accidentally cuts or punctures the skin. It is thus desirable to ensure that blades cannot be re-used and that an effective means of destruction is employed.
  • Blades which mechanically destroy blades have been proposed in the past to prevent the re-use of the blade, whilst these devices are certainly effective in preventing a second use of the blades they have no sterilising effect and any infectious or harmful material may remain on the blade edge. Moreover, the blades are still sharp and those handling the blades are still exposed to the possibility of accidental injury through the blade cutting or puncturing the skin. Blades generally have a high surface area and a relatively low volume. It is known that the application of current to a resistive object will generate heat in that object. Similarly, if current is passed through a blade in that manner, heat will be generated in the blade. Devices which operate on the electrical resistance principle have to overcome a number of difficulties. In particular, problems of even heating along the length of the blade, creating a consistent blunt edge and ease of operation. The apparatus of the present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the abovementioned problems associated with the prior art.
  • an apparatus for the disposal of blades including an arrangement of at least three electrodes, the arrangement being such that a blade may be inserted between a pair of electrodes which are substantially in-plane and spaced from one another by a gap, at least one of the pair of electrodes being flexibly biased with respect to the other, and a third electrode is then able to be contacted by the blade so allowing the electrodes to complete an electrical circuit and allowing the blade to be rendered safe.
  • the blade may be a razor blade, a scalpel blade or the like.
  • At least one of the electrodes is resiliently biased into position.
  • a blade inserted between the pair of substantially in-plane or spaced electrodes may cause narrowing of the gap therebetween through pressure from a handle or safety edge of the blade, for example a scalpel blade or a razor blade, on the or each electrode thereby allowing an edge of the blade close to the handle or safety edge to be rendered blunt and safe through facilitation of electrical contact.
  • a method for the disposal of a blade including the insertion of the blade between a pair of substantially in-plane spaced electrodes, at least one of which is flexibly biased with respect to the other, by a user, and then contacting the blade with a third electrode to complete an electrical circuit thereby heating and softening an edge of the blade allowing pressure applied on a handle of the blade by the user to distort the blade edge and render it blunt.
  • the arrangement of the pair of electrodes and the third electrode is such that any blade edge close to the handle of the blade will be blunted in addition to any blade edge close to a tip of the blade.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional end view of an apparatus for the disposal of blades in accordance with one aspect of the present invention shown having a blade partially inserted therein;
  • Figure 2 is a further sectional end view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the blade handle contacting an upper electrode;
  • FIG. 3(a),(b),(c) and (d) show schematic side views of electrodes of the apparatus of
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portable unit comprising the apparatus of Figure 1 fitted to a housing containing a power source and refuse bin. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIGs 1 to 3 there is shown an apparatus for the disposal of blades 10 comprising two substantially in-plane spaced upper electrodes 12 and 14 and two spaced lower electrodes 16 and 17.
  • the upper electrode 12 is fixed in position by two electrically conductive posts 18.
  • Each upper electrode 12 and 14 has a downwardly orientated inner edge in the form of a bevelled inner edge, 20 and 22 respectively.
  • the edges 20 and 22 define therebetween a slot 24 through which a blade 26 may be inserted.
  • the upper electrode 14 is electrically connected to the upper electrode 12 and is consequentially of the same electrical potential.
  • the upper electrode 14 is flexibly biased through a plate or strip 28 on which it is located.
  • both the upper electrodes 12 and 14 are positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane, as can be seen in Figure 1.
  • Figure 2 when a handle 30 attached to the blade 26 abuts the inner edge 22 the electrode 14 is able to move in a downward and inward direction.
  • the strip 28 has a first end 32 and second end 34.
  • the upper electrode 14 is attached at the second end 34 whilst the first end 32 of the strip 28 forms an electrical contact 36.
  • the lower electrodes 16 and 17 are located directly below the slot 24.
  • Each electrode 16 and 17 has an inclined inner face 38.
  • the lower electrodes 16 and 17 are positioned such that the inner faces 38 thereof are located directly below the slot 24. This ensures that a blade 26 inserted through the slot 24 will contact the inner faces 38. It should be noted that in Figures 1 and 2 only the lower electrode 16 is visible and the lower electrode 17 is positioned directly behind and spaced apart therefrom, as can be seen in Figures 3(a),(b),(c) and (d).
  • the lower electrodes 16 and 17 together with the posts 18 and the strip 28 are located on a mounting board 40.
  • the board 40 in turn is provided within a housing 42.
  • the board 40 has an elongate aperture 44 provided therein.
  • the aperture 44 is positioned such that the inner edges 20 and 22 of the upper electrodes 12 and 14 and the inner faces 38 of the lower electrodes 16 and 17 project over the aperture 44.
  • An elongate aperture 46 is provided in an upper face 48 of the housing 42. The aperture 46 is located directly over the slot 24 formed by the inner edges 20 and 22 of the upper electrodes 12 and 14 respectively.
  • FIG 3 there is shown the upper electrode 12 supported on posts 18 which are in turn supported on the board 40. Also, the lower electrodes 16 and 17 are shown supported on the board 40 with their inner faces 38 visible. Each electrode 16 and 17 has a rounded upper leading lateral edge 49.
  • the blade 26 is shown in Figures 3(a) and (b) having a sharp edge 50. As the edge 50 contacts either or both of the lower electrodes 16 and 17 together with one or both of the upper electrodes 12 and 14 the sharp edge 50 is blunted to form a blunt edge 52.
  • An arrow 54 shows the typical direction of passing of a blade 26 through the slot 24.
  • the portable unit 60 comprising the apparatus 10 for the disposal of blades 10 fitted to an upper face 62 of a housing 64.
  • the upper face 62 having an aperture 66 provided therein aligned with the aperture 44 in the board 40 of the apparatus 10.
  • a removable refuse bin 68 is provided within the housing 64.
  • a bulkhead 70 separates the refuse bin 68 from a battery means 72, a switch means 74 and a circuit means 76.
  • a series of light emitting diodes (LED's) 78 are provided electronically linked to the circuit means 76.
  • a handle 80 is provided on the upper face 62 of the housing 64 for ease of transport. In use, the blade 26 to be disposed of is inserted through the aperture 46 in the housing 48 and in turn through the slot 24 formed between the upper electrodes 12 and 14, as can be seen in Figure 1.
  • a user (not shown) holding the blade 26 either directly or through the handle 30 will pull or push the blade 26 along the slot 24 in the direction of arrow 54 as shown progressively in Figure 3(a),(b),(c) and (d).
  • the sharp edge 50 of the blade 26 will contact firstly the lower electrode 17 at its rounded lateral edge 49.
  • the rounded edge 49 encourages a smoother passage of the edge 50 of the blade 26 across lower electrode 17. Such a position can be seen in Figure 3(b).
  • the user will then continue to drag the blade 26 through the slot 24 such that contact of the blade 26 is achieved with the lower electrode 16 as well as the lower electrode 17 thereby ensuring complete blunting of the sharp edge 50 to form the blunt edge 52 as can be seen in Figure 3(c) and (d).
  • the blunting and sterilising effect of the apparatus 10 is achieved through the completion of a circuit when the blade 26 touches one or both of the upper electrodes 12 and 14 whilst also touching one or both of the lower electrodes 16 and 17. This completion of the circuit causes the blade 26 to be heated by the current passing therethrough.
  • the blade 26 is then able to be bent and blunted forming the blunt edge 52 of the blade 26.
  • the handle 30 of a blade 26 can contact the bevelled inner edge 22 of the upper electrode 14 causing the same to flex and be pushed in a downward and inward direction, as can be seen in Figure 2. Such an action ensures that contact is made between the blade 26 and upper electrode 14 through narrowing of the slot 24. Such an effect is particularly useful for blades 26 in which the sharp edge 50 is close to the handle 30. Any fused material that may leave the blade 26 during the above detailed process will fall past the lower electrodes 16 and 17 through the aperture 44 and in turn through the aperture 66 in the housing 64. Still further, such fused material will fall into the removable refuse bin 68.
  • the inclined inner faces 38 of the electrodes 16 and 17 facilitate passage of the fused material through the aperture 44. It is envisaged that the apparatus 10 of the present invention may be provided with a single lower electrode only and still perform the required function as described hereinabove.
  • the power supplied to the electrodes 12,14,16 and 17 is typically high frequency AC power.
  • DC power may be supplied from the battery means 72 provided in the housing 64.
  • the portable unit 60 may additionally comprise an air filtering device or a timer circuit to operate a fume extraction device.
  • electronic circuit interruption is to switch off the apparatus if the upper electrodes 12 and 14 and the lower electrodes 16 and 17 were to touch.
  • thermistors may also be provided in the unit 60 to determine overheating.
  • the LED's 78 may be used to indicate: 1 The battery charge level;
  • LED's 78 may all or partially be replaced by Liquid Crystal
  • LCD Displays
  • the apparatus 10 of the present invention may be provided with a blade detection means (not shown).
  • the blade detection means could operate on either optical, magnetic, electrical or capacitive means. Such a blade detection means would be used to ensure that the apparatus 10 is only operational when a blade to be destroyed is present.
  • the apparatus and method of the present invention for the disposal of blades may substantially overcome the problems of accidental skin puncture, cross-contamination and blade re-use. It is envisaged that such an apparatus of the present invention could be placed at each location at which such blades are used and, after use, the used blades could immediately be blunted, sterilised at their edge and disposed of.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil (10), qui permet d'éliminer des lames, comprend une paire d'électrodes (12, 14) qui sont sensiblement dans le même plan et séparées par un espace. Une des deux électrodes au moins peut s'incliner souplement par rapport à l'autre et les deux électrodes (12, 14) sont conçues pour recevoir entre elles une lame qui peut alors entrer en contact avec une troisième électrode (16, 17) pour fermer un circuit électrique, ce qui permet de rendre cette lame inoffensive.
PCT/AU1995/000246 1994-04-27 1995-04-27 Dispositif d'elimination de lames Ceased WO1995028972A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU22992/95A AU2299295A (en) 1994-04-27 1995-04-27 Apparatus for the disposal of blades

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPM5301A AUPM530194A0 (en) 1994-04-27 1994-04-27 Apparatus for the disposal of blades
AUPM5301 1994-04-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995028972A1 true WO1995028972A1 (fr) 1995-11-02

Family

ID=3779878

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1995/000246 Ceased WO1995028972A1 (fr) 1994-04-27 1995-04-27 Dispositif d'elimination de lames

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH07290028A (fr)
AU (1) AUPM530194A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1995028972A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001095961A1 (fr) * 2000-06-16 2001-12-20 Javier Ortega Nieto Incinerateur pour bistouris chirurgicaux
US6466786B1 (en) 1996-12-04 2002-10-15 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Call set-up in mobile communications system

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0262686A2 (fr) * 1986-10-02 1988-04-06 BRANDENSTEIN, Erwin Installation pour désinfecter ou chauffer au rouge des aiguilles d'injection
JPH01181866A (ja) * 1988-01-14 1989-07-19 Yoshio Shigeno 注射針の処理装置
JPH01204671A (ja) * 1988-02-09 1989-08-17 Masayuki Koseki 注射針の処理方法
JPH01223964A (ja) * 1988-03-02 1989-09-07 Seibu Eng Kk 使用済注射針の安全化処理装置
JPH03261475A (ja) * 1990-03-12 1991-11-21 Akuson Data Mach Kk 使用済注射針の処理方法と、その装置
AU1742792A (en) * 1991-05-07 1992-12-21 Malcolm Campbell McIntyre Apparatus and method for the destruction of sharps
AU4296593A (en) * 1992-06-11 1994-01-04 Mclernon Group Limited Apparatus for the disposal of sharps
AU4501493A (en) * 1992-07-01 1994-01-31 Maria Teresa Piva Apparatus for destroying surgical instruments, particularly hypodermic needles and scalpels
US5329087A (en) * 1993-06-07 1994-07-12 Brad A. Kohl Syringe needle destruction method and apparatus
JPH06205808A (ja) * 1993-01-12 1994-07-26 Toyo Technical:Kk 使用済注射針の処理装置
JPH06245987A (ja) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-06 Jiyooshin Tekunika:Kk 注射針の処理方法および注射針処理装置
JPH06254144A (ja) * 1993-03-04 1994-09-13 Chikuma Kogyo Kk 注射針処理装置
US5365029A (en) * 1993-07-15 1994-11-15 Esu Makku Co., Ltd. Device for disposing injection needles

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0262686A2 (fr) * 1986-10-02 1988-04-06 BRANDENSTEIN, Erwin Installation pour désinfecter ou chauffer au rouge des aiguilles d'injection
JPH01181866A (ja) * 1988-01-14 1989-07-19 Yoshio Shigeno 注射針の処理装置
JPH01204671A (ja) * 1988-02-09 1989-08-17 Masayuki Koseki 注射針の処理方法
JPH01223964A (ja) * 1988-03-02 1989-09-07 Seibu Eng Kk 使用済注射針の安全化処理装置
JPH03261475A (ja) * 1990-03-12 1991-11-21 Akuson Data Mach Kk 使用済注射針の処理方法と、その装置
AU1742792A (en) * 1991-05-07 1992-12-21 Malcolm Campbell McIntyre Apparatus and method for the destruction of sharps
AU4296593A (en) * 1992-06-11 1994-01-04 Mclernon Group Limited Apparatus for the disposal of sharps
AU4501493A (en) * 1992-07-01 1994-01-31 Maria Teresa Piva Apparatus for destroying surgical instruments, particularly hypodermic needles and scalpels
JPH06205808A (ja) * 1993-01-12 1994-07-26 Toyo Technical:Kk 使用済注射針の処理装置
JPH06245987A (ja) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-06 Jiyooshin Tekunika:Kk 注射針の処理方法および注射針処理装置
JPH06254144A (ja) * 1993-03-04 1994-09-13 Chikuma Kogyo Kk 注射針処理装置
US5329087A (en) * 1993-06-07 1994-07-12 Brad A. Kohl Syringe needle destruction method and apparatus
US5365029A (en) * 1993-07-15 1994-11-15 Esu Makku Co., Ltd. Device for disposing injection needles

Non-Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-1265, page 141; & JP,A,06 205 808 (TOYO TECHNICAL K.K.) 26 July 1994. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-1281, page 83; & JP,A,06 245 987 (JIYOOSHIN TEKUNIKA K.K.) 6 September 1994. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-1284, page 132; & JP,A,06 254 144 (CHIKUMU KOGYO K.K.) 13 September 1994. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-646, page 90; & JP,A,01 181 866 (YOSHIO SHIGENO) 19 July 1989. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-654, page 76; & JP,A,01 204 671 (MASAYUKI KOSEKI) 17 August 1989. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-661, page 99; & JP,A,01 223 964 (SEIBU ENG K.K.) 7 September 1989. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, C-911, page 165; & JP,A,03 261 475 (AKUSON DATA MACH K.K.) 21 November 1991. *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6466786B1 (en) 1996-12-04 2002-10-15 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Call set-up in mobile communications system
WO2001095961A1 (fr) * 2000-06-16 2001-12-20 Javier Ortega Nieto Incinerateur pour bistouris chirurgicaux
US6759619B2 (en) 2000-06-16 2004-07-06 Javier Ortega Nieto Surgical scalpel electrical incinerating device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH07290028A (ja) 1995-11-07
AUPM530194A0 (en) 1994-05-19

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