Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber, said generating means comprising a handle mechanically secured to a portion of the chamber defining means to allow manual positioning of said portion with respect to the remainder of the chamber defining means by manipulation of the handle; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the chamber; and means for mechanically locking the portion of the chamber defining means in place with respect to the remainder of the chamber defining means to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber, said generating means comprising a handle mechanically secured to a portion of the chamber defining means to allow manual positioning of said portion with respect to the remainder of the chamber defining means by manipulation of the handle; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the chamber; and means for mechanically locking the portion of the chamber defining means in place with respect to the remainder of the chamber defining means to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the chamber defining means comprises a barrel and a piston slidingly mounted in the barrel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein the locking means comprises means for mechanically locking the handle to the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the barrel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the diaphragm defines a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
105 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume, means, mechanically connected to the piston and comprising a handle which extends out of the bore, for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means, secured to the barrel, for mechanically locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume, means, mechanically connected to the piston and comprising a handle which extends out of the bore, for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means, secured to the barrel, for mechanically locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the moving means comprises a rod attached to the piston such that the rod extends outside of the barrel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein the locking means comprises at least one projection secured to the rod and a locking member secured to the barrel and positioned to engage the projection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the moving means comprises a flexible cord attached to the piston to extend out of the barrel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein the locking means comprises at least one enlarged portion included in the cord and a receiving recess included in the barrel and sized to receive and retain the enlarged portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the diaphragm defines a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
81 words
A self-sealing conduit assembly comprising: a conduit having at least one sharpened end; a pierceable member positioned in a first position to contact the sharpened end of the conduit to block the flow of fluid therefrom; means for resiliently biasing the member into the first position, said member movable to a second position, in which the sharpened end of the conduit is positioned out of the member and fluids are free to pass out of the sharpened end of the conduit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
81 words
A self-sealing conduit assembly comprising: a conduit having at least one sharpened end; a pierceable member positioned in a first position to contact the sharpened end of the conduit to block the flow of fluid therefrom; means for resiliently biasing the member into the first position, said member movable to a second position, in which the sharpened end of the conduit is positioned out of the member and fluids are free to pass out of the sharpened end of the conduit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 11 wherein the conduit is a needle having two sharpened ends.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 11 wherein the biasing means comprises: a positioning member secured to the conduit; and a resilient sleeve secured at one end to the positioning member and at the other end to the pierceable member such that the sleeve extends around and seals a portion of the conduit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 11 wherein the pierceable member is translucent such that the conduit is visible within the pierceable member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 11 wherein the pierceable member defines a convex outer surface over the sharpened end of the conduit and a resilient lip positioned around the convex outer surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
102 words
A self-sealing conduit assembly comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is positioned to contact and seal one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug being moveable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug; said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
102 words
A self-sealing conduit assembly comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is positioned to contact and seal one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug being moveable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug; said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 16 wherein the plug defines a convex outer surface over the sharpened end of the conduit and a resilient lip positioned around the convex outer surface.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
257 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a conduit having at least one sharpened end; a pierceable member positioned around the sharpened end of the conduit; means for resiliently biasing the member into a first position, in which the member serves to block the passage of fluids out of the sharpened end of the conduit, such that the member is movable to a second position, in which the sharpened end of the conduit is positioned out of the member and fluids are free to pass out of the sharpened end of the conduit; a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain the subatmospheric pressure in the region; the pierceable member shaped to fit against the pierceable diaphragm such that pressure on the barrel acts to move the pierceable member to the second position and to push the sharpened end of the conduit through both the pierceable member and the pierceable diaphragm into the interior of the bore; means, included in the barrel, for retaining the pierceable member against the diaphragm; the biasing means acting to bias the pierceable member to the first position after the pierceable diaphragm has been removed from the conduit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
257 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a conduit having at least one sharpened end; a pierceable member positioned around the sharpened end of the conduit; means for resiliently biasing the member into a first position, in which the member serves to block the passage of fluids out of the sharpened end of the conduit, such that the member is movable to a second position, in which the sharpened end of the conduit is positioned out of the member and fluids are free to pass out of the sharpened end of the conduit; a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain the subatmospheric pressure in the region; the pierceable member shaped to fit against the pierceable diaphragm such that pressure on the barrel acts to move the pierceable member to the second position and to push the sharpened end of the conduit through both the pierceable member and the pierceable diaphragm into the interior of the bore; means, included in the barrel, for retaining the pierceable member against the diaphragm; the biasing means acting to bias the pierceable member to the first position after the pierceable diaphragm has been removed from the conduit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
284 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient elastomeric sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is situated around and in contact with one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug having a convex outer surface adjacent the one end of the needle and a resilient lip positioned around the convex outer surface, said plug being movable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug, said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position; a barrel defining a bore; a piston slidingly and sealingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm secured to the barrel to seal an interior volume of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm, said diaphragm defining a recess shaped to receive and position the outer surface of the plug such that, when the plug is positioned in the recess and the barrel is urged toward the disc, the one end of the needle passes through the plug and the diaphragm into the interior volume of the barrel; means, mounted adjacent the diaphragm, for interlocking with the lip on the plug to provide a holding force tending to secure the plug adjacent the diaphragm; means for manually moving the piston in the barrel away from the diaphragm to reduce the pressure in the interior volume; and means for locking the piston in a selected position to maintain a reduced pressure in the interior volume.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
284 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient elastomeric sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is situated around and in contact with one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug having a convex outer surface adjacent the one end of the needle and a resilient lip positioned around the convex outer surface, said plug being movable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug, said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position; a barrel defining a bore; a piston slidingly and sealingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm secured to the barrel to seal an interior volume of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm, said diaphragm defining a recess shaped to receive and position the outer surface of the plug such that, when the plug is positioned in the recess and the barrel is urged toward the disc, the one end of the needle passes through the plug and the diaphragm into the interior volume of the barrel; means, mounted adjacent the diaphragm, for interlocking with the lip on the plug to provide a holding force tending to secure the plug adjacent the diaphragm; means for manually moving the piston in the barrel away from the diaphragm to reduce the pressure in the interior volume; and means for locking the piston in a selected position to maintain a reduced pressure in the interior volume.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 18 or 19 wherein the moving means comprises a rod attached to the piston such that the rod extends outside of the barrel.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 26 wherein the locking means comprises at least one projection secured to the rod and a locking member secured to the barrel and positioned to engage the projection.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 18 or 19 wherein the moving means comprises a flexible cord attached to the piston to extend out of the barrel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 22 wherein the locking means comprises at least one enlarged portion included in the cord and a receiving recess included in the barrel and sized to receive and retain the enlarged portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the interlocking means comprises a resilient, annular ring positioned to overhang partially the recess to engage the lip.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising means, mounted adjacent a second side of the pierceable diaphragm, for releasably retaining a double ended needle in place with respect to the diaphragm.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 5 further comprising means, mounted adjacent a second side of the pierceable diaphragm, for releasably retaining a double ended needle in place with respect to the diaphragm.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
286 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient elastomeric sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is situated around and in contact with one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug having a substantially spherical outer surface adjacent the one end of the needle and a resilient lip positioned around said outer surface, said plug being movable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug, said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position; a barrel defining a bore; a piston slidingly and sealingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm secured to the barrel to seal an interior volume of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm, said diaphragm defining a substantially concave recess shaped to receive and position the outer surface of the plug such that, when the plug is positioned in the recess and the barrel is urged toward the disc, the one end of the needle passes through the plug and the diaphragm into the interior volume of the barrel; means mounted adjacent the diaphragm, for interlocking with the lip on the plug to provide a holding force tending to secure the plug adjacent the diaphragm; means for manually moving the piston in the barrel away from the diaphragm to reduce the pressure in the interior volume; and means for locking the piston in a selected position to maintain a reduced pressure in the interior volume.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
286 words
A medical fluid collection system comprising: a double ended needle; a disc secured to an intermediate portion of the needle; a resilient elastomeric sleeve secured to the disc to extend around a portion of the needle; a pierceable, translucent plug secured to the sleeve such that the plug is situated around and in contact with one end of the needle in an extended position to prevent fluids from leaking therefrom, said plug having a substantially spherical outer surface adjacent the one end of the needle and a resilient lip positioned around said outer surface, said plug being movable along the needle to a retracted position in which the one end of the needle extends out of the plug, said sleeve acting to bias the plug into the extended position; a barrel defining a bore; a piston slidingly and sealingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm secured to the barrel to seal an interior volume of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm, said diaphragm defining a substantially concave recess shaped to receive and position the outer surface of the plug such that, when the plug is positioned in the recess and the barrel is urged toward the disc, the one end of the needle passes through the plug and the diaphragm into the interior volume of the barrel; means mounted adjacent the diaphragm, for interlocking with the lip on the plug to provide a holding force tending to secure the plug adjacent the diaphragm; means for manually moving the piston in the barrel away from the diaphragm to reduce the pressure in the interior volume; and means for locking the piston in a selected position to maintain a reduced pressure in the interior volume.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
75 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm forms a side of the chamber; and means for locking the generating means in place at different, selectable locations to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the chamber and to provide different volumes in said collection chamber.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
75 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm forms a side of the chamber; and means for locking the generating means in place at different, selectable locations to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the chamber and to provide different volumes in said collection chamber.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 28 wherein the chamber defining means comprises a barrel and a piston slidingly mounted in the barrel.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 29 wherein the means for generating a subatmospheric pressure comprises a handle secured to the piston and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 28 wherein the diaphragm defines a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 28, further comprising means, mounted adjacent a second side of the pierceable diaphragm, for releasably retaining a double-ended needle in place with respect to the diaphragm.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
100 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel at different selectable locations to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region and to provide different capacities of sealed volume in the bore.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
100 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel at different selectable locations to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region and to provide different capacities of sealed volume in the bore.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 33 wherein the moving means comprises a rod attached to the piston such that the rod extends outside the barrel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 34 wherein the locking means comprises at least one projection secured to the rod and a locking member secured to the barrel and positioned to engage the projection.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 33, further comprising means, mounted adjacent to a second side of the pierceable diaphragm, for releasably retaining a double-ended needle in place with respect to the diaphragm.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
64 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber; and a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the chamber; said diaphragm defining a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
64 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: means for defining a fluid collection chamber; means for manually generating a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber; and a pierceable diaphragm mounted to the chamber defining means such that a first side of the diaphragm is in fluid communication with the chamber; said diaphragm defining a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
102 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region; said moving means comprising a flexible cord attached to the piston to extend out of the barrel.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
102 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region; said moving means comprising a flexible cord attached to the piston to extend out of the barrel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 38 wherein the locking means comprises at least one enlarged portion included in the cord and a receiving recess included in the barrel and sized to receive and retain the enlarged portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
101 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region; said diaphragm defining a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
101 words
A medical fluid collection device comprising: a barrel defining a bore; a piston sealingly and slidingly positioned in the bore; a pierceable diaphragm mounted to seal the barrel adjacent the bore such that the interior of the bore between the piston and the diaphragm is a sealed volume; means for manually moving the piston in the bore to create a region of subatmospheric pressure in the barrel; and means for locking the piston in position in the barrel to maintain subatmospheric pressure in the region; said diaphragm defining a recess and a resilient, annular ring positioned partially to overhang the recess.