Syringe needle abstract
A hypodermic syringe needle detector consisting of a normally open
circuit adapted to be closed when a hypodermic syringe needle penetrates
the device and simultaneously makes electrical contact between two
or more elctrically conductive surfaces. Closing the circuit energizes
a sensory alarm such as an audio signal or light.
Syringe needle claims
What I claim is:
1. A hypodermic syringe needle detection device comprising two
layers of permeable electrically conductive material which is susceptible
to puncture by a hypodermic syringe needle separated by permeable
electrically non-conductive material which is susceptible to puncture
by a hypodermic syringe needle, a means to provide electrical connection
from one pole of a two pole direct current power source to pole
one of a two pole alarm; a means to provide electrical connection
from pole two of said two pole alarm to the second layer of said
two layers of electrically conductive material; a means to provide
electrical connection from the first layer of said two layers of
electrically conductive material to a second pole of said two pole
direct current power source; and a means to hold said device together
in a portable case.
2. The alarm of claim 1 where said alarm is a light and sound emitting
device.
3. A hypodermic syringe needle detection alarm device for use in
searching inside cavities for hypodermic syringe needles comprising
a direct current power source with a positive pole and a negative
pole; a means to provide electrical connection from said positive
pole of said power source to a layer of an electrically conductive
material, said layer being the layer of conductive material which
rests closest to the portable case such that it is the innermost
of two conductive layers; a second electrically conductive layer
of material, said second conductive layer being the conductive layer
which rests closest to the external environment such that it is
the outermost of two conductive layers; said two conductive layers
having situated between them an electrically non-conductive layer
of material; said outermost conductive layer having a means to provide
electrical connection to a relay; said relay having a means to provide
electrical connection to the negative pole of said power source;
such that when the above circuit is completed by the insertion of
a hypodermic syringe needle of electrically conductive construction
so that said needle makes electrical contact between said innermost
conductive layer and said outermost conductive layer said relay
is closed; said relay having a means to provide electrical connection
to one terminal of a two terminal lamp; said lamp having a means
to provide electrical connection to said negative pole of said power
source from one said terminal of said lamp; said relay having a
means to provide electrical connection to the positive pole of said
power source so that when said relay is closed the lamp is lit;
and a portable case.
4. The means to provide electrical connection of claim 3 where
said means to provide electrical connection is metal wire.
5. The power source of claim 3 where said power source is dry cell
batteries.
6. The layer of electrically conductive material of claim 3 where
said layer of electrically conductive material is aluminum foil.
7. The layer of electrically non-conductive material of claim 3
where said non-conductive material is plastic stretch wrap.
8. The relay of claim 3 where said relay is a double pole single
throw relay.
9. The lamp of claim 3 where said lamp is a light emitting diode.
10. The lamp of claim 3 where said lamp is an incandescent lamp.
11. The portable case of claim 3 where said portable case is a
plastic portable case.
12. The portable case of claim 3 where said portable case is an
aluminum case.
13. An alarm device for use in searching for hypodermic syringe
needles comprising a unit which is portable, handheld, dry cell
battery powered, and emits an alarm when the device is pierced by
a hypodermic syringe needle; comprising a detection circuit, an
alarm circuit, a two pole power source and a portable case; said
detection circuit comprising external detection layers such that
said external detection layers are situated on the outside of said
case and a means to conduct electricity through the electrically
active parts of said device, more particularly described as comprising
a base layer of material which is bonded to the case, said base
layer being an insulator and being covered by a second layer of
electrically conductive material and having a means to provide electrical
connection to said second layer from one pole of said power source;
said second layer being covered by a third layer of electrically
non-conducting material sufficiently permeable to permit the passage
through it of a hypodermic syringe needle; said third layer being
covered by a fourth layer comprising an electrically conductive
material which is sufficiently permeable to permit the passage through
it of a hypodermic syringe needle while at the same time maintaining
electrical contact with said hypodermic syringe needle which has
passed through said fourth layer sufficiently to also pass through
said third layer and make electrical contact with said second layer;
a means to provide electrical connection from said fourth layer
to one pole of a two pole electromagnet; a fifth layer of material
sufficiently permeable to permit the passage through it of a hypodermic
syringe needle covering said fourth layer; said electromagnet is
connected to a switch in such a manner that when said electromagnet
is supplied with power said electromagnet moves moving poles of
said switch; said electromagnet having a means to provide electrical
connection from the second pole of said electromagnet to the second
pole of said power source; such that said device makes a normally
open circuit where the one and only point of opening lies in the
space between the two said layers of electrically conductive material;
said switch comprising four electrically conductive terminals and
two moving poles arranged in such a manner that one terminal of
said switch is attached to one said moving pole and a second such
terminal is attached to the second said moving pole in such a manner
that such attachment provides a means of electrical connection between
said terminals and said moving poles, said third and fourth terminals
are arranged in such a manner that said third terminal will make
electrical contact with one of the said moving poles and that said
fourth terminal will make electrical contact with the other moving
pole when and only when said moving poles are caused to move by
said electromagnet and where in the absence of electrical power
to said electromagnet there is no electric current passing through
said terminals of said switch but when the electromagnet is activated
by electricity said moving poles move to make electrical contact
between two sets of two terminals on said switch; said circuit which
drives the electromagnet being the detection circuit; the alarm
circuit comprising a warning emit circuit and a warning lock circuit,
the warning emit circuit comprising a means to provide electrical
connection from one pole of said two pole power source to one terminal
of said electromagnetically driven switch, said terminal being electrically
connected to one of said moving poles; said one moving pole being
separated by air space from a third terminal on said switch so situated
that when the abovementioned moving pole moves in response to the
electromagnet being driven said moving pole achieves electrical
contact with said third terminal; a means to provide electrical
connection from said third terminal of said switch to one pole of
a two pole lamp; a means to provide electrical connection from the
second pole of said lamp to the second pole of said power source;
such that this warning emit circuit is normally open with a point
of opening being the airspace between the aforesaid moving pole
and the aforesaid third terminal of said switch and being so situated
that when said electromagnet drives said switch said moving pole
and said third terminal electrically connect and the circuit is
closed and said lamp is lit; the warning lock circuit comprising
a means to provide electrical connection from one pole of said two
pole power source to the second said terminal on said switch which
is electrically connected to the second said moving pole; a means
to provide electrical connection from the said fourth terminal of
said switch to one said terminal of said electromagnet; a means
to provide electrical connection from the second said terminal of
said electromagnet to the second said pole of said power source;
said warning lock circuit being normally open at one and only one
point which is the airspace between said second moving pole and
said fourth terminal of said switch, said pole and said fourth terminal
making electrical contact only when said electromagnet is driven
by electricity, and once said electromagnet is driven said warning
lock will maintain electrical power to said electromagnet; said
portable case comprising a portable unit which holds said device
in such a manner that said detection layers will be exposed for
piercing by a hypodermic syringe needle and where said lamp will
be visible when the detection layers are in use.
14. The base layer of claim 13 where said base layer is a cork
base layer.
15. The electrically conductive material of claim 13 where said
electrically conductive material is aluminum foil.
16. The electrically non-conductive material of claim 13 where
said material is plastic stretch wrap.
17. The electromagnet and switch of claim 13 where said electromagnet
and switch are a double pole single throw relay.
18. The power source of claim 13 where said power source is dry
cell batteries.
19. The external detection layers of claim 13 where said layers
are removable and replaceable.
20. The detection circuit of claim 13 where said detection circuit
includes an on/off switch between one pole of the power source and
the rest of the circuit.
Syringe needle description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to warning alarms and in particular
to warning alarms which detect the presence of hypodermic syringe
needles.
2. Prior Art
Fear of puncture by a contaminated hypodermic syringe needle is
common among health care workers, police officers and others who
may come into contact with contaminated needles. In the past, protection
has relied upon the use of protective clothing. No device is known,
however, which can be used by police officers or others to search
in pockets or similar areas for needles and which will raise an
alarm if a needle is detected. The objective of the present invention
is to provide a warning device which will warn of potential exposure
to contaminated needles so that appropriate measures may be taken
to avoid contamination from needles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As stated above the primary objective of the invention is to warn
of the presence of needles in areas where visual inspection is difficult.
This invention is a device to detect metal needles by using the
ability of the metal needle to conduct electricity and complete
an electric circuit which will then trigger an alarm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cutaway drawing of a needle detection device in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-section of the external
detection layer of said device.
FIG. 4 demonstrates in general terms the circuitry of a needle
detection device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a needle detection device in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in the drawings, the preferred hypodermic syringe needle
detection alarm device in accordance with the present invention
includes a portable case of cylindrical shape which preferably is
of strong molded plastic material. The case is hollow so that it
can contain the power source and other working parts. At the bottom
end of the device attached to the outside of the case is the external
detection layer, more particularly described in FIG. 3.
In detail the case 1d has at its top a preferably direct current
lamp la and is connected to said lamp at 4a2 and 4a1 by preferably
metal wire 4b & 4c. Continuing down the case is shown on/off
switch 1h, relay 1b, power source 1c, power source terminals 1f
& 1g and external detection circuit 1e.
The circuitry is more particularly described in FIG. 4. Lamp 4a
is connected at terminal 4a2 to preferably wire 4c which in turn
connects to power source terminal 4q. Said lamp is also connected
at terminal 4a1 to preferably wire 4b which in turn connects to
relay terminal 4f. Terminal 4f is connected to terminal 4q by moving
pole 4fg. Space 4gi represents air space which is evident when the
on/off switch 4m is in the off position or when the on/off switch
is in the on position but there is no electrical connection between
the conductive layers shown in FIG. 3 as 3b and 3d (under normal
operating conditions when the power source is fully operable) but
terminals 4g and 4i will be in electrical contact when the electromagnet
portion of the relay 4h is activated. Preferably wire connection
4k extends from relay terminal 4i to power source terminal 4s.
Preferably wire 4t connects terminal 4s to external detection layer
4B, more precisely said wire connects at a point 3b1 as indicated
in FIG. 3. Preferably wire 4v connects at point 3d1 (layer 4D) and
runs to point 4p which is one terminal of the electromagnet portion
of the relay. Terminal 4o is the other terminal of the electromagnet
and connects to power source terminal 4Q by preferably wire connection
4y. Preferably wire connects from point 4p to relay terminal 4w
via said wire 4d. Terminal 4w connects to terminal 4h of the relay
via moving pole 4wh. Space 4hj represents air space which is evident
when the on/off switch is in the off position or when the on/off
switch is in the on position but there is no electrical connection
between said conductive layers (under normal operating conditions)
but under normal operating conditions when the power source is fully
operable terminals 4h & 4j will be in electrical contact when
the electromagnet portion of said relay is activated. Preferably
wire 41 connects terminal 4j with power source terminal 4s. Preferably
wire connection 4t extends from power source terminal 4s to detection
layer terminal 3b1 through point 1h which is an opening in the case
1d. Preferably wire connection 4v extends from detection layer terminal
3d1 through point 1i which is an opening in the case 1d.
Inside the case and inserted in a straight line in the preferred
version lie four AA size flashlight batteries of approximately 1.5
volts DC each which serve as the power source for the device. In
the preferred version all electronic parts operate on six volts
DC, said voltage being approximate.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4 which are overall drawings of
a preferred embodiment of the invention, the figures represent a
portable, handheld, dry cell battery powered device which emits
an alarm in the form of light (alternatively sound also) when in
normal operation the external detection layers are pierced by an
electrically conductive hypodermic syringe needle. A case of molded
plastic serves as the container for the working parts and also as
a base upon which the external detection layers, which comprise
two conductive metal foil layers separated by a non-electrically
conductive insulative material, preferably common plastic stretch
wrap for the insulator between the two conductive layers and common
aluminum foil for the two conductive layers. Attached to the bottom
end of the case by preferably common cyanoacrylate adhesive is the
base layer, which preferably is of cork in a thin layer, an alternative
being rubber in a thin layer, such layer being preferably about
1.5 to 2 millimeters in thickness, covering the bottom preferably
100 approx. millimeters of the cylindrical case. The cylindrical
case should preferably be at least about 15 millimeters in inside
diameter in order to accommodate the AA batteries(alternatively
smaller or larger batteries could be used, with appropriate adjustment
in the inside diameter of the case). The total length of the case
should preferably be about 300 millimeters and approx. 50 millimeters
from the top (the top being where the lamp is located) the outside
diameter should flare to about 40 to 50 millimeters so that said
portion may serve as a convenient object for a handhold on the device
while in use. Regarding the outside diameter of the case below said
top portion such outside diameter should not exceed about 20 millimeters
so that the device will more easily fit inside pockets. Regarding
the second layer which preferably covers about the bottom 100 millimeters
(all external detection layers cover about the bottom 100 millimeters
of the case) and is attached to the base layer preferably by common
cyanoacrylate adhesive, this layer of preferably common aluminum
foil would preferably comprise two layers of said foil and would
total about 0.1 millimeter in width, preferably these two foil layers
which collectively comprise one foil conductive layer of the device
should be held in proximity by friction from the immediately above
and below layers. Alternatively a greater number of individual metal
foil layers could be used to comprise the said conductive layer
(or a single foil layer could be used). Surrounding the foil layer
lies a non-electrically conducting layer comprising preferably about
2 layers of common plastic stretch wrap forming collectively a single
insulative layer between the conductive layer mentioned above and
the conductive layer described below in order that no electrical
contact occurs between said two conductive layers unless an electrically
conductive object pierces the outside conductive layer and continues
on to make electrical contact with the inside conductive layer in
such a fashion that electrical contact is simultaneously made between
both said conductive layers.
An electrical terminal located on the inside conductive layer provides
electrical connection with the power source via preferably metal
wire as shown in the figures presented. A second electrically conductive
layer constructed preferably identically to the abovementioned conductive
layer rests on the insulative layer, with an electrical terminal
attached preferably as shown in the figures to provide electrical
contact via preferably metal wire with the remainder of the circuitry
of the device. The second conductive layer (outside layer) is covered
by a flexible porous, about 5 millimeters width flexible material,
preferably sponge type plastic, alternatively about four layers
of common plastic stretch wrap may be used for this layer which
is the outside protective layer of the external detection layers.
Preferably all said layers cover about the bottom 100 millimeters
of the case in order to provide sufficient contact area for the
device to contact hypodermic syringe needles when in use.
In the preferred embodiment, the two terminals at either end of
the power source are metal coils which in use will be partially
compressed by the batteries when said batteries are in place in
order to provide good electrical contact between the power source
and said terminals, and suitable terminals will attach to said coils
for attachment of all wires as shown in the figures. The preferable
version will also have an on/off switch which for simplicity was
not included in the FIG. 4 circuit drawings but the preferred version
in use will have one terminal at 4s which will connect electrically
to metal wire, the other end of said wire being connected to one
terminal of the on/off switch (said on/off switch having two terminals)
connected to the second terminal of said on/off switch will be a
metal wire which will electrically contact the positive pole of
the power source at a point between said pole and terminal 4s in
such a fashion that electricity does not flow from the positive
pole of said power source to point 4s unless said on/off switch
is on the "on" position.
In the preferred version the external protective layers will be
removable and replaceable when worn. In use, by way of example and
not limitation, the bottom portion of the device will be inserted
into the pockets of a suspect in police custody who is being searched.
The bottom end of the device would be manipulated around the inside
of the pocket in such a manner that if an exposed hypodermic syringe
needle is in the pocket, said needle will penetrate the outer protective
layer, the outside conductive layer, the insulative layer, and then
make electrical contact with the inside conductive layer which,
by making electrical contact between the two said conductive layers,
complete an electrical circuit and trigger the alarm, the relay
locking in such a manner that the alarm will continue to emit warning
until the on/off switch is turned to the "off" position
even if electrical connection is lost between the two said conductive
layers. The alarm will alert the searching officer.
Alternatives, by way of example and not limitation, can include
a buzzer or other sound device as well as a lamp or light emitting
diode for the alarm warning, different power sources or voltages
could be used, and different types of conductors or insulators could
be used, as well as different materials for the case. Different
types of relays could also be used.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments
are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes
and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended
that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
The base layer of the device is preferably an insulator and is
bonded to the case, then covered by a second layer of electrically
conductive material, which is then covered by an electrically non-conductive
material which is sufficiently permeable to permit the passage through
it of a hypodermic syringe needle, said layer also being covered
by a conductive layer which is also sufficiently permeable to permit
the passage through it of a hypodermic syringe needle. This last
mentioned layer is also covered by another layer which is sufficiently
permeable to permit the passage through it of a hypodermic syringe
needle. Said conductive layers are attached to said power source
and said electromagnet in the manner shown in the drawings and in
such a manner that when there is electrical connection between said
two conductive layers said electromagnet is supplied with power
and said electromagnet moves the moving poles of said switch in
such a manner that said moving poles move to make electrical contact
with those terminals which, in the absence of said power to said
electromagnet, are separated from said moving poles by airspace.
No electrical connection is present between the two conductive layers
unless a conductive material such as a needle simultaneously makes
electrical contact with both such conductive layers, said space
between said two conductive layers being the only point of opening
in said detection circuit which includes as part of said circuit
said external detection layers, as demonstrated in the drawings.
As shown in the drawings, the detection circuit drives an electromagnet
when electrical contact is made with both said conductive layers
at the same time. Said electromagnet is connected to said switch
in such a manner that when said electromagnet is driven the moving
poles make contact with the switch terminals which close the circuits
which drive the alarm and which lock the electromagnet into a driven
state thus locking the alarm on. In the absence of any initial electrical
contact between said conductive layers, the electromagnet will not
be driven, however once the electrical contact between said conductive
layers is made, the switch, which acts as a relay, will lock the
alarm into a warning alert state. |