Patent ID: 6391004
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An assembly for use with a blood collection tube, said blood collection tube having a closed end and an open end sealed by an elastomeric material, said assembly comprising a tube holder with an outer barrel for slidably receiving the blood collection tube, said outer barrel having a forward end and rearward end, said forward end of said outer barrel having an opening, an inner barrel having a forward end and an open rearward end slidably inserted into the rearward end of said outer barrel, said inner barrel having an expandable collet mounted on said forward end thereof, spring means positioned between said outer barrel and inner barrel so as to bias said inner barrel rearwardly with respect to said outer barrel, said collet extending through said forward end of said outer barrel opening and engaging said opening in said forward end of said outer barrel, said opening constricting said collet as said collet is biased rearwardly through said opening, a needle retractor having a forward end extending through said collet and adapted to receive a needle slidably received in said inner barrel, said needle retractor having a shoulder trap engaging said restricted collet, said needle retractor having a tubular body and a rearward end carrying a puncture end for penetrating the elastomeric seal of said blood collection tube, second spring means for biasing said needle retractor rearwardly positioned between said inner barrel and said needle retractor, and a tubular plunger having an annular forward end and a rearward end, said plunger adapted for insertion into the rearward end of said outer barrel, said annular forward end of said plunger adapted to contact said inner barrel whereby forward movement of said inner barrel with respect to said outer barrel releases said needle retractor rearwardly into said inner barrel.