U.S. patent application number 10/507816 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for recovering implement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Koyama, Shingo, Okabe, Hiromitsu, Tachikawa, Kouichi.
Application Number | 20050126653 10/507816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27800347 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050126653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tachikawa, Kouichi ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Recovering implement
Abstract
A sanitary recovering instrument capable of positively
recovering, when excessive chemical liquid and interfusing gas are
to be discarded from a liquid filled container pre-filled with a
liquid and sealed, them into a closed space. The recovering
instrument (1) in a preferable embodiment comprises a container
body (2), a hollow needle tube (3), a gasket (4), an enclosing
member (5), a cap (6), and a holder (7). When the needle tube (3)
is allowed to puncture the elastic membrane (94) of the
liquid-filled container (pre-filled syringe (8)), excessive
chemical liquid and interfusing air are introduced into the storing
space (20) in the container body (2) via the inner cavity (31) of
the needle tube (3) to thereby move the gasket (4) slidingly and
increase the volume of the space (20) according to the amount
introduced.
Inventors: |
Tachikawa, Kouichi;
(Yamanashi, JP) ; Koyama, Shingo; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Okabe, Hiromitsu; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
44-1, Hatagaya 2-chome, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo
JP
151-0072
|
Family ID: |
27800347 |
Appl. No.: |
10/507816 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 13, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/03010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/201 20150501;
A61J 1/2089 20130101; A61J 1/2096 20130101; A61M 2005/3123
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/018 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 14, 2002 |
JP |
2002-70734 |
Claims
1. A recovering instrument for recovering excessive liquid and
interfusing gas from a liquid-filled container sealed with a
sealing member and pre-filled with a liquid comprising: a hard
container body provided therein with a storing space for storing
said excessive liquid and interfusing gas, and a needle tube
connected on the base end side thereof to said container body,
provided at the tip end thereof with a needle point capable of
puncturing said sealing member, and having an inner cavity
communicated with said storing space, wherein when said excessive
liquid and interfusing gas are introduced into said storing space
in the condition where said needle tube has punctured said sealing
member and the inside of said liquid-filled container and said
storing space are communicated with each other via said inner
cavity of said needle tube, the volume of said storing space 20
inside said container body is varied according to the amount
introduced.
2. A recovering instrument for recovering excessive liquid and
interfusing gas from a liquid-filled container sealed with a
sealing member and pre-filled with a liquid, comprising: a hard
container body provided therein with a storing space for storing
said excessive liquid and interfusing gas, a needle tube connected
on the base end side thereof to said container body, provided at
the tip end thereof with a needle point capable of puncturing said
sealing member, and having an inner cavity communicated with said
storing space, and a gasket slidably disposed inside said container
body, wherein when said excessive liquid and interfusing gas are
introduced into said storing space in the condition where said
needle tube has punctured said sealing member and the inside of
said liquid-filled container and said storing space are
communicated with each other via said inner cavity of said needle
tube, said gasket is moved slidingly, to thereby vary the volume of
said storing space 20 inside said container body, according to the
amount introduced.
3. A recovering instrument as set forth in claim 2, comprising
means for inhibiting said gasket from being released from said
container body.
4. A recovering instrument as set forth in claim 1, comprising a
holder portion disposed so as to cover the periphery of said needle
tube and capable of being mounted to said liquid-filled
container.
5. A recovering instrument as set forth in claim 1, comprising
outflow preventive means for preventing said liquid recovered into
said storing space from flowing out.
6. A recovering instrument as set forth in claim 5, wherein said
outflow preventive means is an enclosing member which is formed of
an elastic material and which encloses said needle tube.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a recovering instrument,
and particularly to a recovering instrument for recovering
excessive chemical liquid and interfusing gas from a liquid-filled
container such as, for example, a pre-filled syringe.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Hitherto, as a form for containing a chemical or chemical
liquid, there has been known a pre-filled syringe previously
storing a chemical in a syringe.
[0003] The pre-filled syringe generally has a structure in which a
syringe comprises an outer tube having a mouth portion wherein its
diameter is reduced on the tip end side thereof, a gasket inserted
in the outer tube via the base end opening of the outer tube, and a
pusher (plunger rod) connected to the gasket, and a powdery
chemical or chemical liquid is stored in a sealed condition in the
space surrounded by the outer tube of the syringe and the tip end
surface of the gasket of the syringe. The mouth portion is sealed
with a sealing member such as an elastic membrane, and, when
needed, the elastic membrane is punctured by a needle tube and the
pusher is operated, whereby an infusion is introduced into the
outer tube via the needle tube or a chemical liquid in the outer
tube is discharged.
[0004] The pre-filled syringe is excellent in safety and
simplicity, in view of that there is no need for an operation to
transfer the chemical or chemical liquid stored therein into the
syringe. Therefore, a shift to the pre-filled syringe, as a
chemical storing form for replacing vial or ampule, has been
contrived widely. In recent years, a shift to storage of a
carcinostatic agent or the like in a pre-filled syringe has been
desired and has come to be put to practical use.
[0005] Meanwhile, prior to the feeding of a chemical liquid in such
a pre-filled syringe into an infusion bag or the dosage of the
chemical liquid to the patient, a needle tube is attached to the
pre-filled syringe, and air (bubbles) interfusing into the
pre-filled syringe and excessive chemical liquid in the pre-filled
syringe are discharged.
[0006] Conventionally, the chemical liquid and the like thus
discharged are received by a tray or the like, and are not
recovered into a closed space. However, where a chemical liquid not
suited to jetting into the air, such as a carcinostatic agent, is
contained in the pre-filled syringe, such a discharging operation
is unsuitable for the operator.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
recovering instrument capable of recovering, when excessive liquid
or interfusing gas is to be discharged from a container pre-filled
with a liquid, them into a closed space.
[0008] The above object can be attained by the present invention as
characterized by the following paragraphs (1) to (10).
[0009] (1) A recovering instrument for recovering excessive liquid
and interfusing gas from a liquid-filled container sealed with a
sealing member and pre-filled with a liquid, including: a hard
container body provided therein with a storing space for storing
the excessive liquid and interfusing gas, and a needle tube
connected on the base end side thereof to the container body,
provided at the tip end thereof with a needle point capable of
puncturing the sealing member, and having an inner cavity
communicated with the storing space, wherein when the excessive
liquid and interfusing gas are introduced into the storing space in
the condition where the needle tube has punctured the sealing
member and the inside of the liquid-filled container and the
storing space are communicated with each other via the inner cavity
of the needle tube, the volume of the storing space inside the
container body is varied according to the amount introduced.
[0010] (2) A recovering instrument for recovering excessive liquid
and interfusing gas from a liquid-filled container sealed with a
sealing member and pre-filled with a liquid, including: a hard
container body provided therein with a storing space for storing
the excessive liquid and interfusing gas, a needle tube connected
on the base end side thereof to the container body, provided at the
tip end thereof with a needle point capable of puncturing the
sealing member, and having an inner cavity communicated with the
storing space, and a gasket slidably disposed inside the container
body, wherein when the excessive liquid and interfusing gas are
introduced into the storing space in the condition where the needle
tube has punctured the sealing member and the inside of the
liquid-filled container and the storing space are communicated with
each other via the inner cavity of the needle tube, the gasket is
moved slidingly, to thereby vary the volume of the storing space
inside the container body, according to the amount introduced.
[0011] (3) A recovering instrument as set forth in the above
paragraph (2), including a means for inhibiting the gasket from
being released from the container body.
[0012] (4) A recovering instrument as set forth in the above
paragraph (3), wherein the means is disposed at an end portion, on
the opposite side of the needle tube, of the container body, and
the means is either a cap provided with a vent hole through which
the gasket cannot pass or a gas-permeable film.
[0013] (5) A recovering instrument as set forth in the above
paragraph (3), wherein the means is a projection formed on the
inside surface of an end portion, on the opposite side of the
needle tube, of the container body.
[0014] (6) A recovering instrument as set forth in any of the above
paragraphs (1) to (5), including a holder portion which is disposed
so as to cover the periphery of the needle tube and which is
capable of being mounted to or brought into contact with the
liquid-filled container (particularly, capable of fitting or freely
fitting of a liquid discharge portion of the liquid-filled
container thereto).
[0015] (7) A recovering instrument as set forth in any of the above
paragraphs (1) to (6), including an outflow preventive means for
preventing the liquid recovered into the storing space from flowing
out.
[0016] (8) A recovering instrument as set forth in the above
paragraph (7), wherein the outflow preventive means is an enclosing
member which is formed of an elastic material and which encloses
the needle tube.
[0017] (9) A recovering instrument as set forth in any of the above
paragraphs (1) to (8), including a contamination preventive
means.
[0018] (10) A recovering instrument as set forth in any of the
above paragraphs (1) to (9), wherein the liquid-filled container is
a pre-filled syringe or a soft (flexible) container (e.g.,
bags).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partly sectional plan view showing one
embodiment (in a disassembled state) of the recovering instrument
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partly sectional plan view showing the
embodiment (in an assembled state) of the recovering instrument
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing an operating
condition in use of the recovering instrument shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing an operating
condition in use of the recovering instrument shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0023] Now, the recovering instrument according to the present
invention will be described in detail below, based on a preferred
embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 are partly sectional plan views showing one
embodiment of the recovering instrument according to the present
invention, in the disassembled state and in the assembled state,
respectively, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are vertical sectional views
showing an operation in use of the recovering instrument shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Incidentally, for convenience of
description, the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be referred to as
"the base end", and the lower side as "the tip end".
[0025] The recovering instrument 1 according to the present
invention is an instrument for recovering excessive liquid and
interfusing gas (liquid and gas recovering instrument) from a
liquid-filled container not including a needle tube in itself, for
example, a syringe (pre-filled syringe) 8 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The recovering instrument 1 in this embodiment is composed of a
hard container body 2, a needle tube 3 disposed at the tip end of
the container body 2, a gasket 4 disposed slidably in the container
body 2, an enclosing member 5 for enclosing the needle tube 3, a
cap 6 mounted to a base end portion of the container body 2, and a
holder 7 mounted to a tip end portion of the container body 2.
[0026] The container body 2 is in a bottomed tubular shape a base
end portion 25 of which is open whereas the tip end side of which
is closed with a bottom plate 23 having an opening 24 in its
central portion. Examples of the material constituting the
container body 2 include comparatively hard resin materials such as
polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclic
polyolefins, polystyrene, poly-(4-methylpentene-1), polycarbonate,
acrylic resin, polysulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyether sulfone,
polyarylate resins, polymethyl methacrylate,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyesters such as
polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate,
butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyamides (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 6-6,
nylon 6-10, nylon 12), etc., and various glass materials. Among the
above materials, preferable are such resins as polycarbonate,
polyesters, and cyclic polyolefins, in view of their easy
moldability, high transparency, and high strength.
[0027] The container body 2 is provided, at the outer circumference
of a base end portion thereof, with a ring-like projected portion
21 for fitting to the cap 6, over the entire circumference
thereof.
[0028] In addition, the container body 2 is provided, at the outer
circumference of a tip end portion thereof, with a male screw 22
for mounting the holder 7 thereto by screw engagement.
Incidentally, a projected portion for fitting of the holder 7 may
be provided on the circular circumference.
[0029] The needle tube (hollow needle) 3 is erected on a central
portion of a bottom plate 23 of the container body 2, substantially
perpendicular to the bottom plate 23. An inner cavity 31 of the
needle tube 3 is communicated with a storing space 20 via the
opening 24.
[0030] Incidentally, while the needle tube 3 is formed of the same
resin material as that for the container body 2 integrally with the
container body 2 in this embodiment, the needle tube 3 is not
limited to such one but may be a needle tube which is formed of a
metal, for example, stainless steel, and which is attached to the
container body 2.
[0031] A needle point 32 of the needle tube 3 is provided with a
side hole 33. The side hole 33 is communicated with the inner
cavity 31 of the needle tube 3.
[0032] The needle tube 3 is provided, on the outer circumference of
the base end portion thereof, with a shade-like shaped barb 34 for
preventing the enclosing member 5 from slipping off from the needle
tube 3.
[0033] The gasket 4 formed of an elastic material is stored in the
container body 2. The tip end surface 43 of the gasket 4 and the
bottom plate 23 define the storing space 20, for a liquid and the
like, in the container body 2.
[0034] The gasket 4 is moved slidingly in the container body 2
along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2 by the
liquid pressure (or gas pressure) of a liquid (and gas) 82
introduced from the syringe 8 via the inner cavity 31 of the needle
tube 3. Therefore, the volume of the storing space 20 surrounded by
the container body 2 and the tip end surface 43 of the gasket 4 is
varied according to the amount of the liquid (and gas)
introduced.
[0035] The gasket 4 is provided at an outer circumferential portion
thereof with a plurality of ring-like projected portions 41, 42
along the entire circumference. The projected portions 41, 42 are
moved slidingly while keeping close contact with the inner
circumferential surface of the container body 2, whereby the
liquid-tightness of the storing space 20 is securely maintained,
and the sliding performance of the gasket 4 can be enhanced.
[0036] In this embodiment, two projected portions 41, 42 are formed
along the longitudinal direction of the gasket 4. Specifically, the
projected portions 41, 42 are formed respectively at the base end
portion and tip end portion of the gasket 4. Incidentally, the
locations, the number, the sectional shape and the like of the
projected portions 41, 42 are not limited to those shown in the
figures.
[0037] The material constituting the gasket 4 is not particularly
limited, as long as the material permits the gasket 4 to be moved
slidingly in the container body 2. Examples of the material include
elastic materials such as various rubber materials such as natural
rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber,
styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubbers, etc., various
thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane-based,
polyester-based, polyamide-based, olefin-based, and styrene-based
ones, mixtures of the above-mentioned materials, etc. In addition,
laminated materials produced by laminating a film, such as a
fluorocarbon resin film, on these elastic materials may also be
used as the material for constituting the gasket 4.
[0038] Incidentally, it suffices that at least an outer
circumferential portion of the gasket 4 is formed of one of the
above-mentioned elastic materials. For example, a structure may be
adopted in which the gasket 4 has a core portion (not shown)
constituted of a resin material, and the elastic material is so
arranged as to cover the outer circumference of the core
portion.
[0039] The enclosing member 5 for enclosing the needle tube 3 is
disposed in the surroundings of the needle tube 3. The enclosing
member 5 has the function of preventing pollution of the needle
tube 3 in no-use time (storage time) (the prevention of pollution
of the needle tube 3 leads to the prevention of pollution of a
chemical liquid 81) and the function of preventing the excessive
liquid and the like recovered into the storing space 20 from
leaking out through the side hole 33 of the needle point 32 to be
scattered into the exterior. In this meaning, the enclosing member
5 is a pollution preventing means for preventing pollution of the
needle tube 3 and is also an outflow preventive means for
preventing the liquid and the like from flowing out.
[0040] In this embodiment, the enclosing member 5 functions as both
the pollution preventive mans and the outflow preventive means.
This results in that the prevention of pollution and the prevention
of the outflow of the liquid can be effectively achieved with a
small-sized lightweight simple structure (a reduced number of
component parts).
[0041] As the enclosing member 5, preferably used are enclosing
members which are composed of a membrane formed of any of various
rubber materials (elastic materials) such as natural rubber, butyl
rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene
rubber, silicone rubbers, latex rubber, and mixtures thereof, and
which can be easily punctured by the needle point 32.
[0042] The base end portion of the enclosing member 5 extends
beyond the barb 34 formed on the outer circumference of the needle
tube 3 to the vicinity of the bottom plate 23. In this case, the
base end portion of the enclosing member 5 may be simply fitted to
(in close contact with) the needle tube 3, but it is preferable
that the base end portion is attached to the needle tube 3 by
adhesion with an adhesive, fusing or the like method.
[0043] Incidentally, another example of the pollution preventive
means may be, for example, of a configuration in which the needle
tube 3 is covered with a film, and the film is unsealed at the time
of use of the needle tube 3. In addition, another example of the
outflow preventive means may be, for example, of a configuration in
which a check valve (one-way valve) is disposed in the vicinity of
the opening 24.
[0044] The cup-shaped cap 6 is fitted over the base end portion of
the container body 2. The cap 6 is a means (member) for inhibiting
the gasket 4 from being released from the base end of the container
body 2.
[0045] The cap 6 is provided at its inner circumferential surface
with a ring-like recessed portion 61 for fitting on the projected
portion 21. The cap 6 is mounted to the container body 2 in the
condition where the projected portion 21 and the recessed portion
61 are fitted to each other. In this case, the cap 6 may be simply
fitted to the container body 2; however, for secure prevention of
the release, it is preferable that the container body 2 and the cap
6 are attached to each other by adhesion with an adhesive, fusing
or the like method, after the insertion of the gasket 4 in the
container body 2.
[0046] In addition, the cap 6 is provided, in a central portion of
the base end thereof, with a roughly circular opening (vent hole)
62, to enable ventilation. The inside diameter of the opening 62 is
smaller than the outside diameter of the gasket 4, so that the
gasket 4 cannot pass through the opening 62. Incidentally, the
shape, formation position, number and the like of the opening(s) 62
are naturally not limited to those shown in the figures.
[0047] For example, in another form in which the cap 6 is not used,
a gas-permeable film may be fused to the base end portion 25 of the
container body 2. Besides, a projection or projections may be
formed on the inside surface of the base end portion 25.
[0048] The holder (holder portion) 7 is detachably attached to the
tip end portion of the container body 2. The holder 7 can be
mounted to or brought into contact with the syringe 8 which will be
described later.
[0049] The holder 7 is constituted of a tubular member opened at
both ends thereof, and is provided at its base end portion with a
connection portion 71 for connection to the container body 2. The
inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 71 is
provided with a female screw 72 for screw engagement with the
above-mentioned male screw 22. Incidentally, both of the members
may be fitted to each other; in that case, the recessed portion may
be provided on the circular circumference.
[0050] In addition, a flange 73 is formed on the outer
circumference of the tip end of the holder 7. The flange 73 abuts
on (or approaches) the syringe 8 or an adjunct thereof at the time
of connection with the syringe 8 which will be described later.
[0051] In the condition where the holder 7 has been mounted to the
container body 2, namely, in the condition where the male screw 22
and the female screw 72 are in screw engagement with each other
(see FIG. 2), the holder 7 is so disposed as to cover (surround)
the surroundings of the needle tube 3 and the enclosing member 5 in
a non-contact manner. In this case, the tip end of the enclosing
member 5 (the tip end of the needle tube 3) is not protruding to
the tip end side beyond the tip end of the holder 7, and is located
on the inside of the holder 7. This ensures that the needle point
32 and the tip end portion of the enclosing member 5 are
protected.
[0052] Incidentally, in the present invention, the holder portion
such as the holder 7 may be attached to the container body 2 or may
be integrated with the container body 2. In addition, the shape of
the holder portion is not limited to the tubular shape shown in the
figures; for example, the shape may be a frame-like shape.
[0053] The recovering instrument 1 as above-described is preferably
subjected to a sterilizing treatment over the inside thereof or the
entire part thereof.
[0054] Next, the use method (functions) of the recovering
instrument 1 will be described referring to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0055] The recovering instrument 1 is used for recovering an
excessive portion of a chemical liquid in a liquid-filled container
not including a needle tube in itself, such as, for example, a
syringe (pre-filled syringe) 8 shown in FIG. 3.
[0056] The syringe 8 is a pre-filled syringe with the chemical
liquid 81 previously stored therein, and includes an outer tube
(syringe outer tube) 9, a gasket (not shown) capable of being moved
slidingly in the outer tube 9, and a pusher (not shown) which is
connected to the gasket and which operates the gasket to move.
[0057] A reduced diameter portion 92 reduced in diameter relative
to the trunk portion of the outer tube 9 is formed integrally with
a roughly central portion of a bottom portion (shoulder portion) 91
of the outer tube 9. A membrane (sealing member) 94 formed of an
elastic material is mounted to the base end (the top end in FIG. 3)
of the reduced diameter portion 92, to seal gas-tight the inside
cavity 93 of the reduced diameter portion 92. The membrane 94 can
be punctured by the needle tube 3. It is preferred that the
membrane 94 has the self-closability of the punctured hole. In the
case of the membrane 94 having the self-closability of the
punctured hole, when the puncturing needle tube 3 is drawn out of
the membrane 94, the punctured hole is closed due to the restoring
property of the membrane 94, whereby the chemical liquid 81 is
inhibited from leaking out.
[0058] In addition, a stationary member 95 is fitted over and fixed
to the outside of the reduced diameter portion 92. The stationary
member 95 is provided with an opening 96 in its base end, and an
outer circumferential portion of the membrane 94 is clamped between
an edge portion of the opening 96 and the tip end surface of the
reduced diameter portion 92, whereby the membrane 94 is fixed in a
liquid-tight manner.
[0059] The stationary member 95 can be inserted (fitted or freely
fitted) in the holder 7, and the outside diameter of a principal
portion (body portion) of the stationary member 95 is not more than
the inside diameter of the holder 7.
[0060] Besides, the stationary member 95 is provided, on the outer
circumference of a tip end portion thereof, with a spread portion
(flange) 97 spread in a skirt shape. The spread portion 97 is
joined to the bottom portion 91 of the outer tube 97.
[0061] Incidentally, the membrane 94 may be replaced by a plug body
formed of an elastic material.
[0062] Specific examples of the chemical liquid 81 include vitamin
preparations (general vitamin preparations), various amino acids,
antithrombotic such as heparin, insulin, antibiotic, carcinostatic
agents, antitumor agents, analgesic, cardiac, intravenous
anesthetic, antiparkinsonism agents, antiulcer agents, cortical
hormone agents, antiarrhythmic, correcting electrolytes, etc. In
addition, a chemical in a solid state (e.g., powdery form, tablet
form) may be preserved in the syringe 8 and may be dissolved in a
liquid such as infusion to form the chemical liquid before use.
Incidentally, in the present invention, the chemical liquid 81 is
naturally not limited to the above-mentioned. In addition, the
chemical liquid 81 may be a liquid without drug efficacy, for
example, distilled water.
[0063] In the case of recovering an excessive portion of the
chemical liquid 81 in the syringe 8 as above-mentioned, first, the
holder 7 is mounted to the syringe 8 in the condition where the
holder 7 is in screw engagement with the container body 2 of the
recovering instrument 1. The mounting is conducted by inserting the
stationary member 95 of the syringe 8 into the holder 7 via the tip
end opening of the holder 7.
[0064] As the stationary member 95 and the reduced diameter portion
92 of the syringe 8 are inserted into the holder 7, the tip end of
the enclosing member 5 comes into the opening 96, and makes contact
with the membrane 94. A further insertion permits the needle point
32 of the needle tube 3 to puncture the membrane 94. Prior to the
puncturing, the needle point 32 punctures the enclosing member 5,
and, thereafter, the enclosing member 5 is pushed in the direction
of the base end by receiving a reaction force from the membrane 94,
is put into a bellows-like compressed state, and is maintained in
the compressed state (see FIG. 3).
[0065] When the flange 73 of the holder 7 is brought into contact
with the spread portion 97 of the stationary member 95, the
mounting of the holder 7 to the syringe 8 is completed. In this
condition, the depth of insertion of the needle tube 3 into the
reduced diameter portion 92 is in such an extent that at least the
side hole 33 of the needle tube 3 comes beyond the membrane 94, to
be located in the inner cavity 93 of the reduced diameter portion
92.
[0066] Here, where the length of the needle tube 3 is constant, the
depth of insertion of the needle tube 3 into the syringe 8 is
determined by the length of the holder 7 (precisely, the length of
the portion of the holder 7 exclusive of the connection portion 71
for connection to the container body 2). Therefore, by
appropriately selecting the holders 7 different in length and
mounting the selected holders 7, the holders 7 can be used in
optimum conditions for various syringes, particularly various
syringes different in the length of the reduced diameter portion
92.
[0067] In addition, the needle tube 3, after puncturing the
membrane 94, enters into the inner cavity 93 of the reduced
diameter portion 92, to make contact with the chemical liquid 81.
Since the needle tube 3 is covered with the enclosing member 5
until the time point immediately before the puncturing through the
membrane 94 and pollution of the needle tube 5 is prevented, there
is no possibility that the polluted needle tube makes contact with
the chemical liquid 81 so as to produce bad effects.
[0068] In the condition where the base end of the recovering
instrument 1 is directed vertically upwards, the pusher (not shown)
of the syringe 8 is pushed with a finger, and the gasket (not
shown) in the outer tube 9 is moved in the direction of the base
end. As a result, the chemical liquid 81 in the syringe 8 passes
through the side hole 33 and the inner cavity 31 of the needle tube
3, to be discharged into the storing space 20. Incidentally, where
air (bubbles) is left in the syringe 8, the air is discharged and
fed into the storing space 20 together with the chemical liquid
81.
[0069] Attendant on the discharge of the chemical liquid 81 into
the storing space 20, namely, attendant on the introduction of the
excessive chemical liquid 82 into the storing space 20, the
pressure inside the storing space 20 is increased, and the gasket 4
is pushed and moved (slid) in the direction of the base end. This
causes an increase in the volume of the storing space 20 (see FIG.
4).
[0070] When a desired amount of excessive chemical liquid 82 (and
air) has been recovered into the storing space 20, the operation of
pushing the pusher of the syringe 8 is stopped, and the recovering
instrument 1 is detached from the syringe 8. This causes the needle
tube 3 to be drawn out of the membrane 94.
[0071] When the needle tube 3 is drawn out of the membrane 94, the
bellows-like compressed enclosing member 5 instantaneously restores
its original shape, and again encloses the needle point 32. This
prevents the excessive chemical liquid 82 recovered into the
storing space 20 from leaking out through the side hole 33 to be
scattered to the surroundings.
[0072] In addition, since the hole punctured by the needle tube 3
is automatically closed due to the restoring property of the
membrane 94 (self-closability of the punctured hole) as has been
described above, leaking-out of the chemical liquid 81 is prevented
also on the side of the syringe 8.
[0073] When the operation of recovering the liquid and the like
into the recovering instrument 1 is finished in the above-mentioned
manner, the excessive chemical liquid 82 recovered is discarded
together with the recovering instrument 1. Thus, the excessive
chemical liquid 82 can be discarded sanitarily, without being
scattered to the surroundings or making contact with the
worker.
[0074] Incidentally, at least a part of the excessive chemical
liquid 82 recovered into the recovering instrument 1 may be served
to reutilization, as required.
[0075] In the present invention, the liquid-filled container is not
limited to the syringe previously filled with a liquid (pre-filled
syringe), and other forms may be adopted, for example, soft
containers (infusion bags, etc.).
[0076] Besides, the liquid to be recovered is not limited to the
chemical liquid, and may be any of other liquids such as distilled
water, physiological saline, cleaning liquid, etc.
[0077] While the recovering instrument according to the present
invention has been described above referring to the embodiment
shown in the figures, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiment; the configuration of each component or part may be
replaced by an arbitrary configuration capable of displaying the
same function as above-mentioned, and arbitrary configurations may
be added.
Industrial Applicability
[0078] As has been described above, according to the recovering
instrument of the present invention, a liquid and a gas can be
recovered into a closed space and then discarded, which does not
cause pollution of the surroundings and which is effective
particularly for discarding liquids unsuitable for ejection into
the air, such as carcinostatic agents.
[0079] In addition, where a configuration is adopted in which the
volume of the container is varied by the movement of the gasket,
the introduction resistance of the liquid and the like is constant,
so that the recovering operation can be conducted easily and
securely, without causing a reverse movement of the liquid and the
like recovered, and it is easy to check the amount of the liquid
and the like recovered.
[0080] Besides, with the holder portion provided, recovery of a
liquid and the like can be performed in more suitable conditions,
for example, the depth of insertion of the needle tube into the
liquid-filled container (syringe or the like) can be determined,
and this ensures that the tip end portions of the needle point 32
and the enclosing member 5 are protected.
[0081] In addition, where the outflow preventive means is provided,
the recovered liquid can be more securely prevented from leaking
out.
[0082] Besides, where the pollution preventive means is provided,
pollution of the chemical liquid can be prevented effectively.
* * * * *