Patent US4976704A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4976704A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Moisture disabled needle
Assignee: MEDIDEA Inc
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Filing: 1989-07-17
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Granted: 1990-12-11
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Expires: 2009-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A hypodermic needle which is made primarily from a dissolvable material so that after it is used the exposure to moisture causes it to lose its rigid structure and therefore cannot accidentally prick someone and cannot be used again.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald J. McLees
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M5/00; A61M5/50; A61M5/178; A61M5/31; A61M5/32; A61M5/3205; A61M5/321; A61M2005/3212; A61M2005/5093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
34 words
A hollow needle for medical purposes made at least in portion of a metal that loses its rigidity upon exposure to moisture such that after use the needle becomes incapable of re-penetrating the skin.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
34 words
A hollow needle for medical purposes made at least in portion of a metal that loses its rigidity upon exposure to moisture such that after use the needle becomes incapable of re-penetrating the skin.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A needle as in claim 1 wherein the entire needle is made of the rigidity losing metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A needle as in claim 1 wherein the metal is an aluminium alloy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
A hollow needle for medical purposes made at least in portion of a material that loses its rigidity upon exposure to moisture and further comprising inner and outer surfaces which are coated with semi-permeable membranes that allow the passage of moisture but contain the rigidity losing material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A hollow needle for medical purposes made at least in portion of a material that loses its rigidity upon exposure to moisture and further comprising inner and outer surfaces which are coated with semi-permeable membranes that allow the passage of moisture but contain the rigidity losing material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-06-11 | 1994-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-10 | 1998-06-11 | 1998-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-10 | 2002-06-11 | 2002-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |