Abstract:
An incising and medicating syringe is described which is configured to form raised skin areas of effected skin and lance the skin to extract subdermal fluid and distribute medical ointment. The device is employed by placement of an aperture over the effective area whereafter translation of a plunger extends a lance which subsequently withdraws to absorb and contain the excreted fluid.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/295952, filed on Feb. 16, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto. 
         [0002]    The present device relates to personal hygiene devices and medical equipment. More particularly, the disclosed device relates to a portable device that is configured to effectively and safely extract pus or other fluids from beneath the skin through incision and medication. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the field of dermatology, humans and animals often exhibit sub-skin cavities of blood, pus or other fluids, which form abscesses, blisters, carbuncles, pustules, or pimples. Such wounds or inflictions, if not remedied over time by the natural defenses of the body, are treated and generally cured only through lancing, which is generally accomplished using a medical instrument capable of incision or puncture of the skin and any underlying cyst, to provide draining and release the fluid within. 
         [0004]    Many such skin lesions and infections, for example pimples, may be self-treated by pinching the effected skin surrounding the infection. While not recommended by some medical professionals, due to the potential for spreading an infection, this pinching action imparts pressure to the underlying skin area. In many instances, this underlying area becomes fluid-filled from a natural body defensive reaction caused by blood ceils of the body attacking bacteria or a pathogen. 
         [0005]    By communicating pressure to the skin area, a sealed pore or formed cyst, which may have formed to surround the fluid build up, can be forced to release the fluid. However, imparting pressure in this manner, in addition to the potential of spreading the infection by forcing fluid out of the area, can also injure cells of the skin and underlying tissue. Further, a bursting pore or cyst can eject infected fluid which may spread to other areas of the skin. 
         [0006]    Still further, many self-treating patients forget that their hands are home to bacteria and other pathogens and attempt this pressure exertion with unsanitary skin and fingers. Such contact can communicate this bacteria from the fingers to the skin which can cause increased infection. Additionally, imparting pressure to extract infection fluid can injure connective tissues in the areas being pressured and cause swelling, itchiness, pain and subsequent sensitivity. 
         [0007]    Scalpels and needles, which can provide means for lancing the infected area can effectively provide a means for extraction and fluid release to treat such ailments. However, such medical instruments in the wrong hands, can cause injury. This is because the untrained user can easily make too large an incision or pierce the flesh to a level deeper than necessary with a needle syringe. Such can carry the infection into the muscles and connective tissues under the skin. Further, the risk of infection from multiple sequential uses of the same needle or the like can cause serious infection. Thus, such devices are not recommended for home treatment. 
         [0008]    As such, there is a current unmet need for a device to safely treat pimples, and the like, by effectively puncturing the skin at the specific effected area to form a path for release of infectious fluid. Such a device should be capable of sequential use in single or subsequent treatments but in a manner without the risk of communicating infection from one puncture to subsequent needle punctures. Such a device should contain a sealed retracting and extending lance such as a scalpel or hollow needle, which may be safely employed by non medical professionals to lance an extremely short distance into the skin. Further such a device should include and be adapted to dispense sanitizing and healing medical ointment or fluid. 
         [0009]    The forgoing examples of related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings. 
       OBJECTS OF TIE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a device capable of cleanly and effectively piercing the skin to thereby form a path for the exit of infectious fluids. 
         [0011]    It is an additional object of this invention to provide a device with a reusable actuator body, which is easily coupled with a disposable component having a lance or syringe thereby reducing cost and enhancing treatment, while guarantying ongoing sterility. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of this invention for the device to be capable of containing and dosing medicated ointment or fluid. 
         [0013]    It is yet an additional object of this invention for the device to absorb excreted fluid within a disposable cavity housing the lance or needle. 
         [0014]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a device configured in a particularly preferred mode, as an incising and medicating syringe or lance. The device includes a syringe type barrel which houses internal treatment actuation mechanisms. The device includes means for coupling and decoupling a removably engageable disposable treatment tool, and acts as a grip during use. 
         [0016]    In all modes of the device, the barrel should have a diameter and length which are sufficient to house the components housed therein and form a comfortable grip for the human hand. 
         [0017]    The barrel should also contain two or more perpendicular flanges at its upper end as finger holds for leverage and stability during treatment. The bottom end of the barrel should additionally contain one or a combination of temporary and lightly sealing means to securely engage the exterior faces of the cap including but not limited to: threads, press fits, or snaps. 
         [0018]    The cap includes upper and outer faces and is adapted to removably engage with the barrel through the aforementioned mating and temporary sealing means. The cap is configured to protect the contents of the barrel therein during transportation and storage. One or a combination of relatively air tight but impermanent affixation means including but not limited to: press fits or snaps, should also be employed within the interior surface of the cap to adhere to the outer face or hub. 
         [0019]    The fastening means, described above, to connect the hub to the cap and the cap to the barrel should be configured such that each pre-conjoined hub and cap will securely couple to the barrel to perform a single treatment. Thereafter, the cap may be decoupled to be discarded. 
         [0020]    The barrel is configured with fastening means capable of enduring multiple coupling and decoupling repetitions of the removably engageable caps. Such will insure device longevity. 
         [0021]    The hub includes a radial array of two or more small vent holes to permit airflow through the cap. This cap may optionally include a volume of medical ointment or cream to be dispensed from the device by the plunger during treatment, although the device performs in excellent fashion without this option. 
         [0022]    A disposable micro lance, embedded within an axial cavity within the cap, is adapted during activation to extend into the cavity within the cap, or slightly below a lower face of the cap when actuated. The micro lance is sized and sharpened to properly pierce the skin of a user during treatment and minimize any damage. 
         [0023]    For increased treatment efficacy and range of uses, the lower face of the cap may contain an angled aperture with a diameter and chamfer capable of effectively surrounding an area or pinching the akin area of the incision area. The aperture may be sized to encourage skin to raise into the cavity of the aperture, in which case, the translation of the micro lance does not need to extend out of the cap. 
         [0024]    A containment film, which is shielded by a removable upper sanitary film, maintains sterility of the micro lance during transport and should cover the upper edge of the cap to retain the medical ointment within prior to being pierced by the plunger. 
         [0025]    Additionally, the angled aperture of the cap is covered by a removable lower sanitary film to maintain sterility and safety. A push knob contains a female threaded hole on its lower face to fasten to the corresponding mating threads upon the plunger and is constrained to slide axially within the barrel. 
         [0026]    The push knob can alternatively fasten to the plunger through one or more of the following rigid and permanent means including but not limited to: magnets, press fit, adhesive, or a flexible coupling, or the push knob and plunger can potentially be combined into a singular component. 
         [0027]    The plunger additionally contains one or more O-rings around its outer face, which are sized and assembled to maintain an airtight seal within the barrel, and exhibits a beveled lower face capable of mating with the interior face of the hub. 
         [0028]    A captive washer is permanently affixed within the barrel through one or a combination of means including but not limited to: snaps, threads, epoxy, overmo456ulding or press fit. Employing a captive washer increases device durability and reliability by distributing the force of the upper compression spring against the thumb knob as it repeatedly contracts and expands. 
         [0029]    Additionally, a lower compression spring, provides a constant force between the lower edge of the cap and the flange on the hub. Both the upper and lower compression springs should preferably have closed and grounded ends to reduce wear against its mating components. The cap, hub, washer, and barrel may also contain proper spring interfaces to prevent rotation of the upper and lower compression springs and reduce wear. 
         [0030]    The upper and lower springs can alternatively be replaced by one or a combination of flexing or biasing mechanisms including but not limited to: air springs, leaf springs, disk springs or flexures. 
         [0031]    Employing the device described herein, the user removes the upper sanitary film from the cap, affixes the adjoined cap and hub to the bottom opening of the barrel, and removes the lower sanitary film. 
         [0032]    The user then firmly grabs the outer cylindrical face of the barrel with one hand and presses the lower angled aperture of the cap firmly against the skin. If the aperture is formed in a diameter of substantially 4 mm, it has been found to allow the skin being contacted by the cap to rise into the axial cavity with which the aperture communicates. This is especially preferred in that it allows the micro lance to be maintained within the cap during use. 
         [0033]    The lance, such as a micro scalpel or hollow needle positioned within the cap, may then be actuated by the syringe to translate and lance or pierce the skin in the effected area. This translation of the lance as noted, may be entirely inside the cap, where the aperture is formed with a diameter which allows skin to rise into the axial cavity adjacent the aperture. 
         [0034]    Actuation is accomplished when the user presses one finger of his or her other hand against the bottom face of each of the perpendicular flanges on the barrel for leverage, and then depresses the thumb knob. Depressing the thumb knob collapses the upper compression spring and drives the plunger down through the barrel to pierce the containment film and expel any ointment through the air vents of the hub. 
         [0035]    The bevel of the plunger then couples with and unseats the hub from its temporary connection to the cap, collapses the lower compression spring, and translates the hub to the bottom of the cap. This translates the micro lance toward the aperture in the lower end of the cap and either pierces the skin drawn into the cavity behind the aperture, or the micro lance may translate to slightly protrude from the aperture in the cap to pierce the effected skin. It is preferred that the micro lance contact the skin within the axial cavity adjacent the aperture. 
         [0036]    Once user pressure is removed from the thumb knob, the upper and lower compression springs expand to bias the thumb knob and plunger and thereby translate them within the barrel in a direction toward the plunger. 
         [0037]    As an air tight interface exists between the inner wall of the barrel and the O-ring of the plunger, the post-incision vertical translation of the plunger may be configured to communication suction to the incision site, and draw extra ointment, pus, blood or other fluid from the effected area into the cap for easy disposal. 
         [0038]    In order to maintain sterility with each successive use, the user discards each used cap after a single use. For a subsequent use, a new sealed cap is engaged. It is recommended that the patient clean the affected area before and after treatment with an antibacterial or alcohol to prevent infection. 
         [0039]    In another mode of the device, the hub may be rigidly and temporarily coupled directly to the plunger, eliminating the requirement for a lower compression spring and any films. This mode, however, does not allow the device to contain and emit any ointment or to hold any post-incision fluid. The hub should preferably affix to the plunger through matching threads, but can alternatively employ one or a combination of rigid and temporary fastening means including but not limited to: snaps, press fits or keyed grooves. 
         [0040]    The cap, which as noted, is configured to protect the user from the micro lance during transport, and in the preferred mode maintain the micro lance within an axial cavity during use, maintains product sterility as per the first preferred mode of the device. The cap and hub may also couple through an air tight press fit, whereas three to ten mating faces, with a convex polygenic cross section, allows a user to rotate the hub within the barrel. 
         [0041]    The hub and cap can alternatively engage through one or a combination of air tight reversible means including but not limited to: threads, snaps or keyed grooves. The cap, in this second preferred mode of the device, should extend through and past the bottom aperture in the barrel to allow the user to engage the hub to the plunger via the cap while the device remains in its expanded configuration. 
         [0042]    Employing the device herein per its second configuration, the user inserts the preassembled and sealed hub and cap assembly through the lower aperture in the barrel, affixes the hub to the plunger via the cap, and removes the cap. 
         [0043]    After proceeding with treatment as described above in the first preferred mode of the device, the user employs the cap to decouple the hub from the plunger and can then discard the cap and hub. 
         [0044]    The barrel, thumb knob, plunger, cap, and hub can be composed of one or a combination of medical grade and preferably transparent materials including but not limited to: 
         [0000]    polycarbonate, acrylic, plastic or glass. 
         [0045]    One or a combination of non-reactive, medical grade and plastically deforming materials can be used to construct the upper and lower springs including but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or wood. 
         [0046]    The containment film, upper sanitary film, and lower sanitary film can be composed of any materials which are typically used as thin covering materials, and may contain medical grade adhesive backing for adhesion to their respective components. 
         [0047]    The captive washer can be made of one or a combination of durable medical grade materials including but not limited to: plastic, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate, or fiberglass. 
         [0048]    The o-rings can be composed of any non-reactive medical grade materials commonly used to make o-rings including but not limited to: silicone or rubber. 
         [0049]    With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. 
         [0050]    The device herein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any such alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0051]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other powder and pill storage and dispensing products for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0052]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. 
           [0053]    In the drawings: 
           [0054]      FIG. 1  depicts a front crossed section view of the device actuator engaged with a cap in the primed or retracted configuration in one preferred mode of the device. 
           [0055]      FIG. 2  displays a second front crossed section view of the device showing it in the extended or treatment configuration of preferred mode of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the device of  FIGS. 1-2  showing the components thereof. 
           [0057]      FIG. 4  depicts a front crossed section view of the retracted position of another preferred mode of the device engaged with an elongated cap. 
           [0058]      FIG. 5  displays a front crossed, section view of the extended or treatment position of the device of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 6  shows an expanded front view of the device of  FIGS. 4-5 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 7  depicts another mode of the device having an actuator within the axial passage of the barrel in the retracted position and shows the removably engageable cap having a lance biased and translated away from the aperture. 
           [0061]      FIG. 8  shows the device of  FIG. 7  moved to the extended position with the plunger of the actuator translated toward the removable cap a distance to move the lance engaged with the hub toward but not extending from the aperture. 
           [0062]      FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of the device of  FIGS. 7-8 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 10  depicts the removably engageable cap housing the biased lance within, having a film seal located on both ends to maintain sterility within the interior chamber of the cap. 
           [0064]      FIG. 11  shows a first side of the hub which is slidably engaged within the cap, where the first side is adapted for centered engagement in contact with the distal end of the plunger to thereby translate the scalpel within the interior of the cap. 
           [0065]      FIG. 12  shows a side perspective enlarged view of the translating hub of  FIG. 11  having a lance such as a needle or the depicted scalpel engaged thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0066]    Now referring to drawings in  FIGS. 1-12 , wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , the device  10  configured in one preferred mode adapted to operate as a sterile incising and medicating syringe. 
         [0067]    The device includes an actuator  11  configured on a second end to removably engage a cap  22  holding a translatable lance such as a needle or the depicted lance  26 . The barrel  12  houses the internal treatment actuation mechanisms, includes cooperative connectors for coupling and decoupling the cap  22  providing the disposable treatment tool. 
         [0068]    In preferred modes of the device  10 , the barrel  12  should have an axial passage  13  having a diameter and length which are sufficient to operatively house the components housed therein. The actuator  11  at a first end, should form a comfortable grip for the human hand. Such may be for instance two or more perpendicular flanges  15  projecting in opposite directions at the first end of the actuator  11  barrel  12 , which define finger holds for leverage and stability during treatment. 
         [0069]    The second end of the barrel  12  of the actuator  11 , should be configured with a complimentary fastener  23  to that of a fastener located at a first end of the removable cap  22 , to securely engage first end of the cap  22  in operative sealed engagement with the second end of the barrel  12  of the actuator  11 . Such complimentary fasteners  23  located on both the barrel  12  and cap  22  may be any which would occur to those skilled in the art for such operative engagement. For example such complimentary fasteners  23  can be any from a group of complimentary fasteners including threads, fractional engagements of the first end of the cap  22  with the second end of the barrel  12 , bayonet engagements, snaps, or other complimentary fasteners as would occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0070]    The cap  22 , preferably configured with upper and outer faces to fasten to the second end of the barrel  12  using complimentary fasteners  23 , is sealed prior to this removable engagement to protect the contents housed within an interior chamber  25  of the cap  22  of the device  10  during transportation and storage prior to use. 
         [0071]    The hub  24  is slidingly engaged within the interior chamber  25  of the cap  22  on a circumferential edge  43  communicating between a first side of the hub and second side. Preferably, the cap  22  is configured such that a pre-conjoined hub  24  and cap  22  can securely removably engage with the second end of barrel  12  in a manner to perform a single treatment, and then decoupled to be discarded. 
         [0072]    As noted the complimentary connectors  23  on the second end of barrel  12  are capable of enduring multiple coupling and decoupling repetitions with successive caps  22  to insurer device  10  longevity. The hub  24  may contain one or an array of small vent holes to permit airflow through the cap  22 , during use. As noted above, the interior chamber  25  of the cap  22  can include a reservoir of medical ointment or cream (not shown) to be dispensed from the device  10  through the aperture  33  during treatment, or to just coat and surround a lance  26 . 
         [0073]    The disposable lance  26  is connected to a center area of the hub  24  which is slidingly engaged within the cap  22  which aligns with the area within the aperture  33  at the second end of the cap  22 . When actuated by translation of the plunger  16 , the lance  27  engaged with the hub  24  both translate toward the aperture  33  positioned at the second end of the cap  22 . 
         [0074]    In the favored mode of the device  10 , the diameter and edge surface of the aperture  33  is configured to cause a raised portion  27  of the skin to rise into the interior cavity  25  behind the aperture  33 . Because of this configuration of aperture  33  causing this raised portion  27  when the cap is compressed against the skin, the lance  26  need not extend out of the aperture  33  in the second end of the cap  22 , but need only extend into the interior chamber  25  behind the aperture  33  to contact the raised portion  27  of skin of the user which is drawn therein by pressing the device  10  against the skin. 
         [0075]    In another mode of the device  10 , where skin might not rise into the aperture  33  and the interior chamber  25  behind it, the lance  26  may be sized to translate to extend slightly from the aperture  33  in and beyond the surface fo the second end of the cap  22 . The lance  26  should be sized and sharpened to properly pierce the user&#39;s skin during treatment and ideally be limited in total distance of translation. After much experimentation this total translation distance out of the aperture  33  and past the second end of the cap  22  should be less than 2 mm as such as been found to be sufficient to pierce most skin lesions and pustules, but not too long to reach underlying connective tissues and muscles. This distance can be limited by limiting the translation distance of the plunger  16  by having it bottom out on a ledge or washer within the axial passage  13  of the barrel  12 . 
         [0076]    For increased treatment efficacy and range of uses, the lower face of the cap  22  is configured with a bevel  37  forming an angled circumference of the aperture  33  with a diameter and chamfer sized to effectively draw in an form a raised portion  27  of effected skin area, slightly smaller than the diameter of the aperture. The aperture  33  configuration thus forms the raised portion  27  which extends into the interior chamber  25  slightly, during a compressive engagement of the aperture  33  at the second end of the cap, with the shin or the user. The bevel  37  is preferred as it forms the diameter of the aperture  33  wider as it communicates with the second end of the cap  22 , and narrower as it communicates through the endwall  43  at the second end with the interior chamber  25 . 
         [0077]    After much experimenting with aperture sizes, an aperture between 3 mm to 6 mm has been found to achieve the desired raised portion  27  of skin. A particularly favored diameter of the aperture  33  at its intersection with the second end of the cap exterior surface of the endwall, is 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm in diameter of the aperture  33  has shown to provide an optimal configuration and allow translation of the micro lance  26  to remain within the confines of the cap  22  and still pierce the raised portion  27  of skin. 
         [0078]    A first film layer  32  is engaged over the opening  21  on the first end of the cap  22  to maintain sterility during transport. This film layer  32  is formed of material which is pierced by the distal end  17  of the plunger when translated toward the cap  22  when positioned to cover the opening  21  on the first end of the cap  22 . Additionally, the angled aperture  33  of the cap  22  should be covered by a removable second film layer  34  to maintain sterility and safety. This second film layer  34  is removed prior to use. 
         [0079]    A push knob  14  is positioned at a first end of the plunger  16  and projects from the axial passage  13  of the actuator  11 . The plunger  16  in all modes is constrained to slide axially within the axial passage  13  of the barrel  12 . The push knob  14  can alternatively fasten to the plunger  16  through one or more of the following rigid and permanent means including but not limited to: magnets, press fit, adhesive, or a flexible coupling, or the push knob  14  and plunger  16  can potentially be combined into a singular component. 
         [0080]    The plunger  16 , in some modes additionally contains one or more O-rings  18  around its outer face, which are sized and assembled to maintain an airtight seal within the barrel  12 , and exhibits a beveled lower face capable of mating with the interior face of the hub  24 . 
         [0081]    In some modes of the device  10 , a captive washer  20  is permanently affixed within the barrel  12 . Employing a captive washer  20  increases device  10  durability and reliability by distributing the upper constant force of the compression spring  28  against the thumb knob  14  as it repeatedly contracts and expands. Additionally, in all modes of the device  10 , the cap  22  is provided with the hub  24  biased toward the first end of the cap  22  by default. Any biasing component may be employed as would occur to those in the art. Currently a lower compression spring  30 , provides a constant biasing force from the second end of the cap  22  toward the first end of the cap  22  which engages the second end of the barrel  12 . 
         [0082]    Both the upper and lower compression springs  28 , and  30 , should preferably have closed and grounded ends to reduce wear against its mating components. The cap  22 , hub  24 , washer  20  and barrel  12  may also contain proper spring interfaces to prevent rotation of the upper and lower compression springs  28   30  and reduce wear. 
         [0083]    The biasing components provided by the depicted upper and lower springs  28 ,  30  can alternatively foe replaced by one or a combination of flexing or biasing mechanisms including but not limited to: air springs, leaf springs, disk springs or flexures. 
         [0084]    Employing the device  10  described herein, the user may remove the first film layer  32  from the opening  21  at the first end of the cap  22 , or they may keep it in place and allow the distal end  17  of the plunger to simply pierce it during use. The user then removably engages the complimentary fasteners  23  at the first end of the cap  22  and second end of the barrel  12  and thereby removably engages the cap with the barrel  12 . Prior to engaging the second end of the cap  22  with the skin, the user removes the second film layer  34  covering the aperture  33 . 
         [0085]    The user then firmly grabs the outer cylindrical face of the barrel  12  with one hand and presses the beveled or angled edged aperture  33  at the second end of the cap  22  firmly against the skin. This causes the formation of the raised portion  27  which is drawn into the interior chamber  25  through the aperture  33  and positions the lance  26  having a tip thereof, aligned with and adjacent the effected area. As noted this positioning and the shape and size of the aperture  33  is adapted to draw a section of skin to a raised portion  27  projecting into the aperture  33  at the second end of the cap  22 . Such was found to eliminate the need to translate the tip of the lance  26  out of the lower end of the cap  22  where it might injure the user or be able to project too far into the skin. This is a preferred mode of the device  10 . Further, it would be preferable to render each cap  22  incapable of a second use once the user actuates the plunger to lance a skin area. 
         [0086]    Once the device  10  is centered upon the skin area of choice, and preferably the skin is draw into the aperture  33 , the user then presses one finger of his or her other hand against the bottom face of each of the perpendicular flanges on the barrel  12 , for leverage, and then depresses the thumb knob  14 . 
         [0087]    Per  FIGS. 2, 5, and 8 , depressing the thumb knob  14  collapses the upper compression spring  28 , and drives the distal end of the plunger  16  down through the axial passage  13  of the barrel  12  to pierce the first film layer  32  if engaged. As noted this action provides the actuation to translate the lance  26 , and if located in the cap, expel any ointment through the aperture  33 . 
         [0088]    During actuation of a cap  22  to translate the lance  26 , the plunger then couples with, and translates the hub  24  which collapses the lower compression spring  30 , and translates the hub  24  toward the bottom of the cap  22 . This action concurrently translates the lance  26  and the tip thereof. As noted if the skin is drawn into the aperture  33  at the second end of the cap, and the interior chamber  25  adjacent it, the tip  49  of the lance  26  need not translate outside the cap  22 . 
         [0089]    Once user pressure is removed from the thumb knob  14 , the upper and lower compression springs  28 ,  30  expand to bias against the plunger  16  and hub  24  respectively and bias them in a direction away from the second end of the cap  22 , to translate to their starting positions. 
         [0090]    As an air tight interface preferably exists between the inner wall defining the axial passage  13  of the barrel  12  and the o-ring  18  on the plunger  16 . As such suction is generated from the post-incision vertical translation of the plunger  16 , and this suction is communicated to the interior chamber  25  and may be employed to draw extra ointment, pus, blood or fluid from the effected area and into the cap  22  for easy disposal. The user can then discard the cap  22  and engage a new one for a subsequent single use. It is recommended that the patient clean the effected area before and after treatment with an antibacterial or alcohol to prevent infection. 
         [0091]    In another preferred node of the device  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the hub  24  may be temporarily coupled directly to the plunger  16 , eliminating the requirement for a lower compression spring  30  and any films  32  and  34 . The hub  24  and cap  22  may engage with the plunger  16  through matching threads, but can alternatively employ one or a combination of rigid and temporary fastening means including but not limited to: snaps, press fits or keyed grooves. 
         [0092]    The cap  22 , which protects the user from the lance  26  during transport and use, maintains product sterility as per the first preferred mode of the device  10 , also acts as a tool to position the hub  24  for communication with the plunger  16 . 
         [0093]    The cap  22  and hub  24  should preferably couple through an air tight press fit, whereas three to ten mating faces, with a regular convex polygonic cross section, allows a user to rotate the hub  24  within the barrel  12 . The hub  24  and cap  22  can alternatively engage through one or a combination of air tight reversible means including but not limited to: threads, snaps or keyed grooves. 
         [0094]    The cap  22 , in this second preferred mode of the device  10 , should extend through and past the bottom aperture of the barrel  12  to allow the user to engage the hub  24  to the plunger  16  via the cap  22  while the device  10  remains in its expanded configuration. 
         [0095]    Additionally, the barrel  12  can be configured in the second preferred mode of the device  10  with a chamfered bottom face to replicate the pinching and skin drawing capabilities of the angled aperture  33  in the cap  22  in the first preferred mode described above. Employing the device  10  herein per its second configuration, the user inserts the preassembled and sealed hub  24  and cap  22  assembly through the lower aperture in the barrel  12 , affixes the hub  24  to the plunger  16  via the cap  22 , and removes the cap  22 . 
         [0096]    After proceeding with treatment as described above in the first preferred mode of the device, the user employs the cap  22  to decouple the hub  24  from the plunger  16  and can then discard the cap  22  and hub  24 . 
         [0097]    The barrel  12 , thumb knob  14 , plunger, cap  22  and hub  24  can be composed of one or a combination of medical grade and preferably transparent materials including but not limited to: polycarbonate, acrylic, plastic or glass. 
         [0098]    One or a combination of non-reactive, medical grade and plastically deforming materials can be used to construct the upper and lower springs  28 ,  30  including but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber or wood. The containment film  32   a,  upper sanitary film  32   b,  and lower sanitary film  34  can be composed of any materials which are typically used as thin covering materials, and may contain medical grade adhesive backing for adhesion to their respective components. 
         [0099]    The captive washer  20  can be made of one or a combination of durable medical grade materials including but not limited to: plastic, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate or fiberglass. The o-rings  18  can be composed of any non-reactive medical grade materials commonly used to make in o-rings including but not limited to: silicone or rubber. 
         [0100]    As noted  FIGS. 7-12  depict another particularly preferred mode of the device  10  herein. In  FIG. 7  is seen the device  10  having an actuator  11  having the plunger  16  within the axial passage  13  of the barrel  12  in the default retracted position, biased thereto by spring  28 . Also shown is the removably engageable cap  22  having a lance  26  biased and translated away from the second end of the cap wherein the aperture  33  communicating with the interior chamber  25  is located. As noted this aperture  33  is covered by the second film layer  34  prior to use to maintain sterility. 
         [0101]    In the mode of  FIGS. 7-12  the distal end  17  of the plunger  16  is formed to a smaller diameter than that of the rest of the plunger  16 . This decreased diameter forms a point that easily pierces the first film layer  32  covering the opening  21  of the cap  22  shown in  FIG. 10  for example. Additionally, this distal end  17  is preferably formed in shape and size which is complimentary to a recess  29  ( FIG. 11 ) formed on a first side surface of the hub  24 . This allows the distal end  17  of the plunger  16  to form an engagement with the recess  29  when translated, which has been found to help maintain the hub  24  centered during travel within the interior chamber  25 . 
         [0102]    This engagement of distal end  17  and recess  29  is also preferred as it prevents the hub  24  from tilting during travel and maintains the axis of the lance  41 , aligned with the axis  31  of the interior chamber  25  and the axis  19  of the axial passage  13 , during translation in the interior chamber  25 . This is most important to maintain the tip of the lance  26  projecting straight and continuously aligned with the aperture  33  during translation. 
         [0103]    Still further, the length of translation of the hub  24  and thus the lance  26 , can be adjusted during manufacture, by forming the recess  29  deeper into the first side of the hub  24  or shallower. This causes contact with the distal end  17  of the plunger  16  with the bottom wall of the recess  29 , to change and thus the travel of the hub  24  to increase or decrease depending on the depth of the recess  29 . This preferred travel distance is noted above. 
         [0104]      FIG. 8  shows the device of  FIG. 7  moved to the extended position, by translation of the plunger  16  of the actuator  11  in a direction toward the second end of the barrel  12  to which the cap  22  is removably engaged. The distance of translation is preferably such that the lance  26  engaged with the hub  24  does not extend from the aperture  33 . 
         [0105]    As noted  FIG. 9 , shows an exploded view of the device  10  depleted in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
         [0106]    Shown in  FIG. 10 , is the removably engageable cap  22  in which the hub  24  is translatably engaged within. At the first end of the cap  22  is located the complementary fasteners  23  which engage with complimentary fasteners  23  at the second end of the barrel  23 . Threads are shown as the complementary fasteners  23  but others may be employed. A sealed removable engagement can thereby be achieved between the cap  22  and the barrel  12 . A first film layer  32  is positioned to seal the opening  21  located on the first end of the cap  22 . 
         [0107]    In  FIG. 11  is shown a first side surface of the hub  24  which is slidably engaged within the interior chamber  25  of the cap  22 . The circumferential edge of the hub  24  is sized to slidably engage the wall surface forming the interior chamber  25  of the cap  22 . 
         [0108]    Finally,  FIG. 12 , shows a side perspective enlarged view of the translating hub  24  of  FIG. 11 . The lance  26  is located at the second end of the hub  24  and projects along the axis  41  of the hub  24 . Currently a scalpel is shown as the lance  26  however other sharp pointed projections may be employed such as needles or the like. 
         [0109]    As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims. 
         [0110]    Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.