Abstract:
A needle assembly for a hypodermic syringe is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the needle assembly includes a hub and a needle. A bond secures the needle to the hub, and the bond is configured to break allowing the needle to be withdrawn entirely from the hub upon application of a selected axial force to the needle, in various aspects. The axial force may be less than the tensile strength of the needle. Related methods of use of the needle assembly apparatus are disclosed herein. 
     This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and the related methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/608,815 filed 9 Mar. 2012 and entitled “HYPODERMIC NEEDLE ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHODS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and, more particularly, needle assemblies as generally used in conjunction with syringes, various holders, and other such devices. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    The use and disposal of needle cannula either separate from syringes and various holders or in conjunction with syringes and holders may present a hazard to both the user of the needle cannula as well as to the public at large. For example, needle sticks including various other injuries that may occur during the use or disposal of the needle cannula may transmit various infectious diseases. Personnel involved in collection and disposal of the needle cannula may sustain a needle stick, for example, as a result of handling the needle cannula prior to placement of the needle cannula into a container, failure of the container, or inadvertent exposure to other needle cannulae within the container during deposit of the needle cannula into the container. After disposal, the needle cannula may still present a hazard either in a landfill should portions of the landfill become exposed. In the case of needle cannula disposed of at sea, the needle cannula may, for example, wash up on beaches or pose a hazard to fishermen. 
         [0006]    The breaking of the needle cannula from a hub to which the needle cannula is secured leaves a portion of the needle cannula embedded within the hub. The hub with this portion of needle cannula embedded therein may be considered a bio-hazardous material that needs special handling and disposal. Furthermore, the hub with this portion of the needle cannula embedded therein as well as any syringe or holder to which the hub may be attached may not be recycled. As a result, plastic that may form the hub and associated devices may not be recovered for further use, but, rather, must be permanently disposed of. 
         [0007]    Various manufacturers have developed safety devices for use in conjunction with needle cannula that may prevent needle sticks. However, these safety devices may require specialized training, may be clumsy to use, and may add cost to the needle cannula and associated syringe or holder. The variety of such safety devices may cause the user to become confused, which may result in a needle stick. Furthermore, when such safety devices are employed, the needle cannula remains secured to the hub so that the needle cannula—hub combination must be disposed of as bio-hazardous waste. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus as well as related methods that assist the user thereof in the management of needle cannula including other sharps. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    These and other needs and disadvantages cited above are overcome by the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. Additional improvements and advantages may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of the present disclosure. 
         [0010]    A needle assembly for a hypodermic syringe is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the needle assembly includes a hub and a needle. A bond secures the needle to the hub, and the bond is configured to break allowing the needle to be withdrawn entirely from the hub upon application of a selected axial force to the needle, in various aspects. The axial force may be less than the tensile strength of the needle. Related methods of use of the needle assembly apparatus are disclosed herein. 
         [0011]    This summary is presented to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the methods disclosed herein as a prelude to the detailed description that follows below. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to identify key elements of the methods, systems, and compositions of matter disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  illustrates by side view an exemplary implementation of a needle assembly in a first stage of operation; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  illustrates by side view the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  in a second stage of operation; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  illustrates by side view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  including needle grippers in an engaged position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1D  illustrates by side view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  including needle grippers in a disengaged position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1E  illustrates by side view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  including grippers in an engaged position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1F  illustrates by side view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  including grippers in a disengaged position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1G  illustrates by exploded side view portion of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1H  illustrates by side view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A  including the needle cannula following withdrawal of the needle cannula from the hub; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  illustrates by perspective view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  illustrates by perspective view portions of an exemplary implementation of a needle assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2C  illustrates by perspective view portions of another exemplary implementation of a needle assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2D  illustrates by side cut-away view portions of yet another exemplary implementation of a needle assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates by side cut-away view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4A  illustrates by side cut-away view portions of another exemplary implementation of a needle assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4B  illustrates by cross-sectional view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  illustrates by side cut-away view portions of another exemplary implementation of a needle assembly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  illustrates by cross-sectional view portions of the exemplary implementation of the needle assembly of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6A  illustrates by perspective view portions of an exemplary needle cannula of an exemplary needle assembly; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6B  illustrates by Cartesian plot an exemplary relationship between axial stress and axial strain for the exemplary needle cannula of  FIG. 6A ; and, 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates by side cut-away view portions of another exemplary implementation of a needle assembly. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    The Figures are exemplary only, and the implementations illustrated therein are selected to facilitate explanation. The number, position, relationship and dimensions of the elements shown in the Figures to form the various implementations described herein, as well as dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, flow and similar requirements are explained herein will be understandable to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Where used in the various Figures, the same numerals designate the same or similar elements. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the orientation of the implementations shown in the drawings and are utilized to facilitate description thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    A needle assembly is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the needle assembly includes a hub with a needle cannula secured therein. The hub may be attachable to a syringe barrel, or to a holder for the collection of blood or other bodily fluids, or may be formed as a part of such, in various aspects. The needle cannula may be secured within the hub such that the needle cannula may be withdrawn from the hub by an application of an axial force in the direction defined by an axis of a lumen of the needle cannula. The axial force is less than a critical force with the critical force defined as a force that may cause failure of the needle cannula, in various implementations. The needle cannula may be entire withdrawn from the hub so that no portion of the needle cannula remains in the hub, which may allow for recycling or other disposal of the hub that is devoid of the needle cannula. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1A  illustrates needle assembly  10  in a first stage of operation  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , needle assembly  10  includes hub  30  with needle cannula  40  secured therein. Needle cannula  40  has an open proximal end  42  and an open distal end  44  with lumen  47  passing therethrough between the open proximal end  42  and the open distal end  44 , in this implementation. Lumen  47  defines axis  49  that passes axially through lumen  47 , as illustrated. 
         [0035]    Hub  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , includes an open proximal end  32  with cavity  33  therein, distal end  34 , and passageway  35  passing between proximal end  32  and the proximal end  42  of the needle cannula  40 . Cavity  33  forms a portion of passageway  35 , in this implementation (see  FIG. 3 ). The proximal end  42  of the needle cannula  40  is joined to the hub  30  such that the needle cannula  40  extends forth from the distal end  34  of the hub  30 , and the lumen  47  of the needle cannula  40  is in fluid communication with the passageway  35  of the hub  30 . 
         [0036]    Needle cannula  40  may be made of metal such as stainless steel. Hub  30  may be made of injection moldable plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof, in various implementations. Needle cannula  40  may be secured to hub  30  using various manufacturing methods. For example, hub  30  may be made of thermoplastic material integrally formed about the proximal end  42  of needle cannula  40  such that needle cannula  40  is secured to hub  30 . As another example, proximal end  42  of needle cannula  40  may be secured within hub  30 , at least in part, using epoxy or various other adhesives. In other implementations, needle cannula  40  may be secured within a metal hub by press fit. 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , syringe  20  includes syringe barrel  25  having an outside surface  27 , an inside surface  29  that defines chamber  23 , an open proximal end  22 , and a distal end  24 . Proximal end  32  of hub  30  is disposed about distal end  24  of syringe barrel  25  such that chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25 , passageway  35  including cavity  33  of hub  30 , and lumen  47  of needle cannula  40  are in fluid communication with one another. Accordingly, fluid may pass between lumen  47  of needle cannula  40  and chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25  through passageway  35  of hub  30 . Hub  30 , in this implementation, is formed integrally with syringe barrel  25  so that hub  30  and syringe barrel  25  constitute a unitary structure. In other implementations (see  FIGS. 2B ,  2 C, and  2 D), the hub, such as hub  130 ,  230 ,  330 , may be removably received about the syringe barrel, such as syringe barrels  125 ,  225 . For example, hub  130 ,  230  may be removably received about the distal ends  124 ,  224  of the syringe barrels  125 ,  225 , respectively, by threaded engagement or by frictional engagement, respectively. 
         [0038]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , with needle cannula  40  secured within hub  30 , syringe  20  is gripped between grippers  91 ,  93  of needle extractor  90 , and needle cannula  40  is gripped between needle grippers  81 ,  83  of needle extractor  90 . Grippers  91 ,  93  of needle extractor  90  generally engage syringe  20  about hub  30 , which is secured to syringe barrel  25  as hub  30  is formed of a piece with syringe barrel  25 , in this implementation. With grippers  91 ,  93  gripping hub  30  and with needle grippers  81 ,  83  gripping needle cannula  40 , grippers  91 ,  93  may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  49  in the axial direction indicated by arrow  95 , needle grippers  81 ,  83  may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  49  in the axial direction indicated by arrow  85 , or both grippers  91 ,  93  and needle grippers  81 ,  83  may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  49  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  95 ,  85 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  40  entirely from hub  30 . Needle extractor  90  may include various mechanisms such as electric motors, guide-ways, gearing, and so forth, in various implementations, to traverse grippers  91 ,  93 , to traverse needle grippers  81 ,  83 , or to traverse both grippers  91 ,  93  and needle grippers  81 ,  83 , for example, as generally disclosed in application Ser. No. 12/470,866 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,201,323) filed on 22 May 2009 by Miller et al. and entitled HYPODERMIC NEEDLE EXTRACTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND DEVICE, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1B  illustrates needle assembly  10  in a second stage of operation  14  following withdrawal of needle cannula  40  from hub  30  by the traversal of grippers  91 ,  93 , by the traversal of needle grippers  81 ,  83 , or by the traversal of both grippers  91 ,  93  and needle grippers  81 ,  83 , axially along axis  49 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , proximal end  42  of needle cannula  40  is now exposed, as needle cannula  40  has been extracted from hub  30  leaving substantially no portion of needle cannula  40  remains embedded within hub  30 . Needle cannula  40 , as illustrated, remains gripped by needle grippers  81 ,  83 , and hub  30  with syringe barrel  25  secured thereto remains gripped by grippers  91 ,  93   
         [0040]      FIG. 1C  illustrates needle grippers  81 ,  83  of needle extractor  90  positioned at position  84  wherein needle grippers  81 ,  83  are engaged with needle cannula  40  such that needle cannula  40  is held securely between needle grippers  81 ,  83 .  FIG. 1D  illustrates needle grippers  81 ,  83  positioned at position  86  wherein needle grippers  81 ,  83  are set apart from needle cannula  40  such that needle cannula  40  is not engaged with needle grippers  81 ,  83 . Accordingly, needle grippers  81 ,  83  are positionable between at least position  84  and position  86 , in this implementation. Needle grippers  81 ,  83  may be placed in position  86  as the needle cannula  40  is positioned to be grasped by needle grippers  81 ,  83 . With needle cannula  40  so positioned, needle grippers  81 ,  83  may be positioned from position  86  into position  84  to secure needle cannula  40  between needle grippers  81 ,  83 . Following withdrawal of the needle cannula  40  from hub  30 , needle grippers  81 ,  83  may be positioned from position  84  to position  86  to release the needle cannula  40 . Needle grippers  81 ,  83  and associated mechanisms (not shown) may be configured to deposit needle cannula  40  into a needle container (not shown) when needle grippers  81 ,  83  are released from engagement with needle cannula  40  by being positioned from position  84  to position  86 . The needle container with needle cannula  40  deposited therein may be disposed of in a suitable manner. 
         [0041]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1E and 1F , grippers  91 ,  93  of needle extractor  90  are positionable between at least position  94  in which position grippers  91 ,  93  are engaged with hub  30  or other portions of syringe  20  such as syringe barrel  25 , and position  96 , in which position grippers  91 ,  93  are disengaged from hub  30  or other portions of syringe  20 .  FIG. 1E  illustrates grippers  91 ,  93  positioned at position  94  wherein grippers  91 ,  93  are engaged with hub  30  such that hub  30  is held securely between grippers  91 ,  93 .  FIG. 1F  illustrates grippers positioned at position  96  wherein needle grippers  91 ,  93  are set apart from hub  30  such that hub  30  is not engaged with grippers  91 ,  93 . Grippers  91 ,  93  may be placed in position  96  as the hub  30  is positioned for grasping by grippers  91 ,  93 . With hub  30  so positioned, grippers  91 ,  93  may be positioned from position  96  into position  94  to secure hub  30  within the grasp of grippers  91 ,  93 . Following withdrawal of the needle cannula  40  from hub  30 , grippers  91 ,  93  may be positioned from position  94  to position  96  to release the syringe barrel  25 . Grippers  91 ,  93  may be configured to deposit hub  30  with syringe barrel  25  attached thereto into a container (not shown) upon release from engagement with hub  30 . The container with the combination hub  30  and syringe barrel  25  deposited therein may be recycled or otherwise disposed of. The ability to recycle the syringe barrel  25  and hub  30  may be enhanced, as no metal from the needle cannula  40  remains within hub  30  following extraction of needle cannula  40  from hub  30 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 1G  illustrates portions of needle assembly  10  including hub  30  and needle cannula  40 . As illustrated, needle cannula  40  includes outer surface  43  and inner surface  45 . Inner surface  45  of needle cannula  40  defines lumen  47  in this implementation. 
         [0043]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1G , identification tags, such as identification tags  61 ,  63 , may be placed about needle assembly  10 , in various implementations. Identification tags  61 ,  63  may be formed as, for example, laser etched tags, barcodes, various identifying marks, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips that include a unique identifier that uniquely identifies at least the portion of needle assembly  10  to which the identification tags  61 ,  63  are affixed. Identification tags  61 ,  63  may be read only, in some implementations, or may have a read/write capability, in other implementations. The read/write capability may allow for multiple read/write cycles. 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1G , identification tag  61  is affixed to hub  30  and identification tag  63  is affixed to outer surface  43  near the proximal end  42  of needle cannula  40 . In other implementations, tag  61  may be affixed to syringe body  20  at various locations, and tag  61  may be variously positioned about needle cannula  40 . Identification tags, such as identification tags  61 ,  63 , may be employed to track needle assembly  10  or portions thereof such as the syringe body  20 , the hub,  30 , or the needle cannula  40 , in various implementations, and various numbers of identification tags may be placed about the needle assembly  10 . 
         [0045]    Identification tags, such as identification tags  61 ,  63 , may be used to track a needle assembly, such as needle assembly  10 , from the point of manufacture, through distribution to a medical facility, within an inventory of the medical facility, during dispensation within the medical facility, and at disposal. Identification tag(s) may be used to associate a drug delivered using the needle assembly with the needle assembly. Identification tag(s) may be used to associate the needle assembly with patient records. Identification tag(s) may be used for time stamping of the needle withdrawal from the hub during disposal of the needle assembly. Accordingly, the entire lifespan of the needle assembly from manufacture to use to disposal may be tracked using the identification tag(s). All medical personnel, the drug(s) used with the needle assembly, and the patient may be associated with the needle assembly through use of the identification tag(s). 
         [0046]    For example, identification tags  61 ,  63 , may be read in conjunction with the extraction of needle cannula  40  from hub  30  to identify the needle assembly  10  being disposed of, the time of disposal (i.e. the time of extraction of needle cannula  40  from hub  30 ), and the location of disposal. The needle extractor  90  may include mechanisms that read and/or write to the identification tag(s). The needle extractor  90  may include memory for the storage of information associated with the identification tag(s) such as, for example, the identity of medical personnel operating the needle extractor, the identity of the patient, the drug being delivered to the patient, the time of disposal, or the location of disposal. The needle extractor  90  may be networked to communicate information to or from the identification tag(s) or to communicate information associated with the identification tag(s). 
         [0047]      FIG. 1H  illustrates needle cannula  40  following extraction of needle cannula  40  from hub  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1H , needle cannula  40  is separated entirely from hub  30  following withdrawal of needle cannula  40  from hub  30 , although some debris of hub  30  may cling to needle cannula  40 . In implementations that use an adhesive to secure the needle cannula  40  to hub  30  (see, for example,  FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B ), some adhesive may cling to the needle cannula  40  following extraction of the needle cannula  40  from the hub  30 . The needle is separated entirely from the hub  30 . Hub  30 , as illustrated, may be recycled as hub  30  contains no portion of needle cannula  40  following extraction of needle cannula  40  from hub  30 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 2A  illustrates syringe  20  including chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25 . Hub  30 , as illustrated, is formed integrally with syringe barrel  25  so that hub  30  and syringe barrel  25  constitute a unitary structure. Chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25 , as illustrated, may be accessed through open proximal end  22  of syringe barrel  25 . In this implementation, plunger  50  is slidably received within chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25 . Proximal end  52  of plunger  50  extends forth from the open proximal end  22  of syringe barrel  25 , and proximal end  52  of plunger  50  is formed as circular handle  51  to allow the user to manipulate the position of plunger  50  with respect to syringe barrel  25 . Flanges  26 ,  28  are provided about proximal end  22  of syringe barrel  25  that may enhance the ability of the user to grip the syringe barrel  25  using the fingers. 
         [0049]    The distal end  54  of plunger  50  is formed as piston  57 . Piston  57  is slidably biased against inside surface  29  of syringe barrel  25  to provide a fluid tight seal between piston  57  and inside surface  29 . Accordingly, fluid may be passed between lumen  47  of needle cannula  40  and chamber  23  of syringe barrel  25  through passageway  35  of hub  30  by manipulation of plunger  50 , and a user may manipulate plunger  50  generally with handle  51 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2B  illustrates needle assembly  100  including hub  130  and needle cannula  140 . As illustrated, proximal end  142  of needle cannula  140  is received in hub  130  generally at distal end  134  of hub  130 . Hub  130 , in this implementation defines internal chamber  133  accessible through open proximal end  132  of hub  130 , and passageway  135 , which includes chamber  133 , communicates fluidly between open proximal end  132  of hub  130  and proximal end  142  of needle cannula  140  into lumen  147 . Lumen  147  passes between proximal end  142  and distal end  144 , and lumen  147  defines axis  149 , as illustrated. 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , syringe body  125  includes collar  160  disposed about distal end  124  with an elongate frusto-conically shaped tip  170  having a conduit  175  therethrough, and tip  170  is centered within collar. Conduit  175  communicates fluidly between distal end  174  of tip  170  and chamber  123  of syringe barrel  125 . Threads  163  (threads as used herein includes both helical raised structures and helical grooves configured to receive such helical raised structures) are formed internally about collar  160 , and tip  170  protrudes distally, as illustrated. Tip  170  may be received within chamber  133  of hub  130  through the open proximal end  132 , and chamber  133  may be shaped to conform to the shape of the frusto-conically shaped tip  170 . Hub  130  includes radial projections  136 ,  138  at proximal end  132  that engage threads  163  to secure hub  130  to tip  170 , and, thus, secure hub  130  to syringe barrel  125 , in this implementation. In other implementations (not shown), threads may be provided internally within chamber  133  that engage corresponding threads formed on the surface of tip  170 . With hub  130  secured to syringe barrel  125  by being received over distal end  174  of tip  170  and having radial projections  136 ,  138  engaged with threads  163 , lumen  147  of needle cannula  140  is in fluid communication with chamber  123  of syringe barrel  125  through passageway  135  of hub  130  and through conduit  175  of tip  170 , in this implementation. 
         [0052]    In some implementations, with hub  130  of needle assembly  100  secured to syringe body  125 , gripers, such as gripers  91 ,  93 , may grip hub  130 , various portions of syringe body  125  including collar  160 , or combinations thereof such that hub  130  is generally secured by the grippers. Needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , may grip needle cannula  140  such that needle cannula  140  is secured by the needle grippers. With the hub  130  generally secured to the grippers and the needle grippers gripping needle cannula  140 , the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial direction defined by axis  149  as indicated by arrow  195 , the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial direction defined by axis  149  as indicated by arrow  185 , or both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  195 ,  185 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  140  entirely from hub  130 . 
         [0053]    In other implementations, hub  130  of needle assembly  100  may be detached from syringe body  125 , and gripers, such as gripers  91 ,  93 , may grip hub  130  such that the grippers secure hub  130 . Needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , may grip needle cannula  140  such that the needle grippers secure needle cannula  140 . With the grippers generally gripping hub  130 , which is detached from syringe body  125 , and the needle grippers gripping needle cannula  140 , the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial direction defined by axis  149  as indicated by arrow  195 , the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial direction defined by axis  149  as indicated by arrow  85 , or both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  195 ,  185 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  140  entirely from hub  130 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2C  illustrates needle assembly  200  including hub  230  and needle cannula  240 . As illustrated, proximal end  242  of needle cannula  240  is received in hub  230  generally at distal end  234  of hub  230 . Hub  230 , in this implementation defines internal chamber  233  accessible through open proximal end  232  of hub  230 , and passageway  235 , which includes chamber  233  communicates fluidly between open proximal end  232  of hub  230  and proximal end  242  of needle cannula  240  into lumen  247 . Lumen  247  passes through needle cannula  240  between proximal end  242 , and lumen  247  distal end  244 , and defines axis  249 . 
         [0055]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , an elongate frusto-conically shaped tip  270  having a conduit  275  therethrough forms the distal end  224  of syringe barrel  225 . Conduit  275  communicates fluidly between distal end  274  of tip  270  and chamber  223  of syringe barrel  225 . Tip  270  may be received within chamber  233  of hub  230  through the open proximal end  232  by insertion of distal end  274  into chamber  233  through the open proximal end  232  of hub  230 . In this implementation, chamber  233  of hub  230  is shaped to conform to the shape of the frusto-conically shaped tip  270  to secure the hub  230  to tip  270  by frictional engagement. Accordingly, in this implementation, hub  230  is secured to syringe barrel  225  of syringe  220  by frictional engagement with tip  270 . With hub  230  secured to syringe barrel  225  of syringe  220  by being frictionally engaged with tip  270 , lumen  247  of needle cannula  240  is in fluid communication with chamber  223  of syringe barrel  225  through passageway  235  of hub  230  and through conduit  275  of tip  270 , in this implementation. 
         [0056]    In some implementations, with hub  230  secured to syringe body  225  and needle cannula  240  received within hub  230 , gripers, such as gripers  91 ,  93 , may grip hub  230 , various portions of syringe body  225 , or combinations thereof such that hub  230  is generally secured by the grippers. Needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , may grip needle cannula  240  such that the needle grippers secure needle cannula  240 . With hub  230  generally secured to the grippers and the needle grippers gripping needle cannula  240 , the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  249  in the axial direction defined by axis  249  as indicated by arrow  295 , the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  149  in the axial direction defined by axis  249  as indicated by arrow  285 , or both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  249  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  295 ,  285 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  240  entirely from hub  230 . 
         [0057]    In other implementations, hub  230  of needle assembly  200  with needle cannula  240  received therein may be detached from syringe body  225 , and gripers, such as gripers  91 ,  93 , may grip the detached hub  230  such that the grippers secure hub  230 . Needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , may grip needle cannula  240  such that the needle grippers secure needle cannula  240 . With the grippers generally gripping hub  230 , which is detached from syringe body  225 , and the needle grippers gripping needle cannula  240 , the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  249  in the axial direction defined by axis  249  as indicated by arrow  295 , the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  249  in the axial direction defined by axis  249  as indicated by arrow  85 , or both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  249  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  295 ,  285 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  240  entirely from hub  230 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 2D  illustrates needle assembly  300 , which includes needle cannula  340  and hub  330 . In this implementation, hub  330  is formed about needle cannula  340  such that needle cannula  340  passes through hub  330 . The proximal end  342  of needle cannula  340  extends forth from the proximal end  332  of hub  330  and the distal end  344  of needle cannula  340  extends forth from the distal end  334  of hub  330 . Lumen  347  extends the length of needle cannula  340  between proximal end  342  and distal end  344  to communicate fluid between the open proximal end  342  and the open distal end  344 . Distal end  344  may be, for example, inserted into the vein or artery of a patient to collect a specimen therefrom. Proximal end  342 , for example, may be inserted into various specimen containers (not shown) to allow the collection of the specimen including blood and other fluids and tissues into the specimen container through lumen  347 . As a further example, proximal end  342  may be inserted into a container of medicament to deliver the medicament from the container vial lumen  347  to the patient through distal end  344 , which is inserted into the patient. 
         [0059]    Flange  338  of hub  330  may be engaged with threads  367  of holder  360  to secure hub  330  to the holder  360  generally at the distal end  364  of holder  360  such that the portions of needle cannula  340  that extends forth from proximal end  332  of hub  330  is disposed within chamber  363  of holder  360 . Portions of holder  360  proximate distal end  364  in cut-away view are included in this illustration. Holder  360  may be, for example, configured to receive the specimen container within chamber  363  such that the specimen container receives proximal end  342  of needle cannula  340  therein, or holder  360  may be otherwise configured to facilitate the collection of the specimen from the patient, in various implementations. 
         [0060]    With needle cannula  340  received within hub  330 , gripers, such as gripers  91 ,  93 , may grip hub  230 , various portions of holder  360 , or combinations thereof such that hub  230  is generally secured by the grippers. Note that the hub  330  may be secured to holder  360 , in some implementations, or the hub  330  may be separated from holder  360 , in other implementations. Needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , may grip needle cannula  340  such that the needle grippers secure needle cannula  340 . With hub  330  generally secured to the grippers and the needle grippers gripping needle cannula  340 , the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  349  in the axial direction defined by axis  349  as indicated by arrow  395 , the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  349  in the axial direction defined by axis  349  as indicated by arrow  385 , or both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to axis  349  in the axial directions indicated by arrows  395 ,  385 , respectively, to withdraw needle cannula  340  entirely from hub  330 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  illustrates needle assembly  100  including hub  130  and needle cannula  140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , proximal end  142  of needle cannula  140  is received in hub  130  generally at distal end  134  of hub  130 . Hub  130 , in this implementation defines internal chamber  133  accessible through open proximal end  132  of hub  130 . Passageway  135 , which includes chamber  133 , communicates fluidly between open proximal end  132  of hub  130  and proximal end  142  of needle cannula  140  into lumen  147 , as illustrated. 
         [0062]    Tip  170  may be received within chamber  133  of hub  130  through the open proximal end  132 , and chamber  133  is shaped to conform to the shape of the frusto-conically shaped tip  170 , as illustrated. Radial projections  136 ,  138  may engage threads  163  to secure hub  130  to tip  170 , and, thus, secure hub  130  to syringe barrel  125 . With hub  130  secured to syringe barrel  125  by being received over distal end  174  of tip  170  and having radial projections  136 ,  138  engaged with threads  163 , lumen  147  of needle cannula  140  is in fluid communication with chamber  123  of syringe barrel  125  through passageway  135  of hub  130  and through conduit  175  of tip  170 , in this implementation. 
         [0063]      FIG. 4A  illustrates needle assembly  400  including needle cannula  440  and hub  430 . Lumen  447  passes between open proximal end  442  and open distal end  444  of needle cannula  440 , and lumen  447  defines axis  449 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , proximal end  442  of needle cannula  440  is received within hub  430  generally at the distal end  434  of hub  430  such that lumen  447  may fluidly communicate with passageway  435  of hub  430  through the open proximal end  442  of needle cannula  440 . Accordingly, fluid may pass between passageway  435 , open proximal end  442  of needle cannula  440 , through lumen  447 , and through open distal end  444  of needle cannula  440 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4A  portions of outer surface  441  of needle cannula  440  generally at the proximal end  442  of needle cannula  440  are bonded to hub  430  by bond  480 . Bond  480 , in this implementation, secures needle cannula  440  to hub  430 . As illustrated, bond  480  is interposed between outer surface  441  of needle cannula  440  and hub material  436  of hub  430 . The bond material  486  that forms bond  480  may be any of various adhesives including other materials that may differ either mechanically or in composition from the hub material  436  that generally forms hub  430 . Bond material  486  may be degraded, for example, by the application of heat, ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields. Accordingly, the application of heat, ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields may be applied to the bond between the hub and the needle cannula to reduce the strength of the bond so the bond fails when selected tension force F t  is applied to needle cannula  440 . 
         [0065]    The needle cannula  440  is embedded within hub  430  to a length  481 , as illustrated, such that bond  480  extends along a portion of needle cannula  440  having length  481 . In some implementations, length  481  is chosen so bond  480  fails when tension force F t  is applied to needle cannula  440 . Accordingly, needle cannula  440  may be withdrawn from hub  430  upon application of tension force F t  in the axial direction defined by axis  449 . Tension force F t  is less than a critical force F c , with critical force F c  being a tensional force that may cause the needle cannula  440  to fail in tension, in various implementations. In some implementations, the bond material  486  that forms bond  480  may be chosen such that bond  480  fails under application of a tension force F t  to needle cannula  440  in the axial direction defined by axis  449  where tension force F t  is less than critical force F c . Bond material  486  may be, for example, heat softenable such that bond  480  looses integrity upon being heated to allow needle cannula  40  to be withdrawn from hub  430  by tension force F t . Bond material  486  may, for example, degrade under application of ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields, and other such stimuli to allow needle cannula  40  to be withdrawn from hub  430  by tension force F t . 
         [0066]    Various other combinations of bond material  486  that forms bond  480  and the length  481  to which needle cannula  40  is embedded within hub  430  may be chosen to allow withdrawal of needle cannula  440  from hub  430  when tension force F t  is applied to needle cannula  440  in the axial direction defined by axis  449 , where tension force F t  is less than critical force F c , in various implementations. 
         [0067]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , portions of outer surface  441  of needle cannula  440  are bonded to hub  430  by bond  480  to secure needle cannula  440  to hub  430 . As illustrated, bond  480  is interposed between outer surface  441  of needle cannula  440  and hub material  436  of hub  430 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 5A  illustrates needle assembly  500  including needle cannula  540  and hub  530 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , proximal end  542  of needle cannula  540  is received within hub  530  generally at the distal end  534  of hub  530  such that lumen  547  may fluidly communicate with passageway  535  of hub  530  through the open proximal end  542  of needle cannula  540 . Lumen  547  passes through needle cannula  540  between open proximal end  542  and open distal end  544 , and lumen  547  defines axis  549 , as illustrated. Accordingly, fluid may pass between passageway  535 , open proximal end  542  of needle cannula  540 , through lumen  547 , and through open distal end  544  of needle cannula  540 . 
         [0069]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , portions of outer surface  541  of needle cannula  540  generally at the proximal end  542  of needle cannula  540  are bonded to hub  530  by bond  580 . Bond  580  is formed by direct engagement between hub material  536  of hub  530  and outer surface  541  of needle cannula  540 , in this implementation. The direct engagement between hub material  536  and outer surface  541  of needle cannula  540 , in this implementation, secures needle cannula  540  to hub  530 . Hub  530  may be molded or otherwise formed about needle cannula  540  thereby directly engaging the hub material  536  with needle cannula  540  per this implementation. 
         [0070]    The needle cannula  540  is embedded within hub  530  to a length  581 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , such that bond  580  extends along a portion of needle cannula  540  having length  581 . In some implementations, length  581  is chosen so bond  580  fails when tension force F t  is applied to needle cannula  540  in the axial direction defined by axis  549 . In some implementations, the hub material  536  may, for example, be heat softenable, degrade under application of ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields, and other forces or stimuli such that bond  580  looses integrity to allow needle cannula  540  to be withdrawn from hub  530  by selected tension force F t . 
         [0071]    Accordingly, needle cannula  540  may be withdrawn from hub  530  upon application of tension force F t  in the axial direction defined by axis  549 . Tension force F t  may be less than a critical force F c  with critical force F c  being a tensional force that may cause failure of the needle cannula  440  or otherwise ought not to be exceeded. For example F c  may be selected to be some fraction of the tensile force that might cause failure of the needle cannula  440 . 
         [0072]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , portions of outer surface  541  of needle cannula  540  are bonded to hub  530  by bond  580 . Bond  580 , in this implementation, is formed by direct engagement between hub material  536  of hub  530  and outer surface  541  of needle cannula  540 . The direct engagement between hub material  536  and outer surface  541  of bond  580 , in this implementation, secures needle cannula  540  to hub  530 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 7  illustrates needle assembly  700  following withdrawal of needle cannula  740  from hub  730 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , slot  735  is formed in distal end  734  of hub  730 . Collar  750 , which is formed about proximal end  742  of needle cannula  740 , is receivable in slot  735  to secure needle cannula  740  to hub  730 . Collar  750  may be secured in slot  735 , for example, frictionally or by adhesive. Thus, the bond between collar  750  and hub  730  may be, for example, a frictional bond or an adhesive bond. With needle cannula  740  bonded to hub  730  by the securement of collar  750  within slot  735 , passageway  733  of hub  730  fluidly communicates with lumen  747  of needle cannula  740  at proximal end  742 . 
         [0074]    Collar  750  may be pulled out of slot  735  to allow for the withdrawal of needle cannula  740  from hub  730 . Upon withdrawal of needle cannula  740  from hub  730 , collar  750  may remain attached to the proximal end  742  of needle cannula  740 , as illustrated. The needle cannula  740  is entirely removed from hub  730 , as illustrated, so that hub  730  is devoid of portions of needle cannula  740  following withdrawal of needle cannula  740  therefrom. An identification tag, such as identification tag  63 , may be placed upon collar  750  or upon needle cannula  740  between needle cannula  740  and collar  750 , in various implementations. 
         [0075]    The bond between collar  750  and hub  730  may be formed such that collar  750  including needle cannula  740  may be withdrawn from hub  730  upon application of tension force F t  in the axial direction defined by axis  749 . Tension force F t  is less than a critical force F c , with critical force F c  being a tensional force that may cause the needle cannula  740  to fail in tension. In various implementations, heat, ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields, and suchlike may be applied to hub  730 , collar  750 , or hub  730  and collar  750  to alter the bond between hub  730  and collar  750  in order to reduce the force F t  required to withdraw the needle cannula  740  from the hub  730  such that F t ≦F c . At least portions of hub  730  or collar  750  may be formed of materials that may be altered by the application of heat, ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields, and suchlike thereto thereby altering the bond between hub  730  and collar  750 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an exemplary stress vs. strain curve for needle cannula  640  of needle assembly  600 . Needle cannula section  640  of needle assembly  600 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , includes lumen  647  which defines axis  649 . Needle cannula section  640  has length L and an annular cross-sectional area A=π(r 2   2 −r 1   2 ) where r 2  is the radius of the outer surface  641  of needle cannula section  640  and r 1  is the radius of wall  643  of lumen  647 , respectively, with respect to axis  649 . Under axial force F, needle cannula section  640  elongates by amount ε, as illustrated. The axial stress σ produced by axial force F may be calculated as σ=F/A, and the corresponding strain ξ=ε/L. A resulting exemplary relationship between stress σ and strain ξ is illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0077]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the relationship between stress σ and strain ξ is linearly elastic with ξ=σ/E over the range 0≦σ≦σ y , where E is Young&#39;s modulus of elasticity. At σ≧σ y , where σ y  is the yield stress, needle cannula section  640  deforms plastically. Needle cannula section  640  fails at σ=σ u , where σ=σ u  is the ultimate stress. Accordingly, the critical force F c  may be defined in terms of the ultimate stress σ u , the yield stress σ y , or an offset stress σ o , which is defined in  FIG. 6B  as the stress that corresponds to strain ξ=0.002. Defining the critical force F c  in terms of σ o  may be useful for certain stainless steel and other metal alloys that may not exhibit a yield point. The offset stress σ o  may be defined in terms of other strain values (e.g. ξ=0.001) in various other implementations. Use of an offset stress may be appropriate in materials such as stainless steel of which the needle cannula is likely composed. 
         [0078]    Thus, the critical force F c  may be defined variously, for example, as F c =σ u  A, or F c =σ y  A, or F c =σ o  A. The tension force F t  applied to the needle cannula, such as needle cannula  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340 ,  440 ,  540 ,  740  to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub, such as hub  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 ,  530 ,  730  is constrained such that F t ≦F c  in various implementations. The needle cannula is retained in the hub in such a way that application of tension force F t  to the needle cannula will withdraw the needle cannula from the hub when F t ≦F c  in various implementations. 
         [0079]    Table I lists values for needle gauge, outside diameter, inside diameter, cross-sectional area A, the force F corresponding to ξ=0.002 (F=σ o  A), the force F at yield (F=σ y  A), and the force F at ultimate stress (F=a u  A). Values for the outside diameter and the inside diameter were provided by Medical Tube Technology, Inc. of 134 Adams Street, Royersford, Pa. 19468. The material properties used were 0.2% yield stress σ o =193 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of σ u =517 MPa, which are values for type 304/304L stainless steel as provided by Carpenter Technology Corp. of 2 Meridian Boulevard, Wyomissing, Pa., 19610-1339. A value of σ y =290 MPa was used for the yield stress. These material properties, as well as the values in Table I, are exemplary only, as there may be variations in the dimensions and material properties between manufacturers, materials, and so forth. Note that values used herein may be generally taken to engineering accuracy, which may be 3-4 decimal places. Physical values may be accurate to within 5% to 10%. When used herein, words such as “approximate” or “about” may reflect this level of accuracy. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Force at 
                 Force at 
               
               
                 Nee- 
                   
                   
                 x-sect 
                 Force at 
                 Yield 
                 Ultimate 
               
               
                 dle 
                 O.D. 
                 I.D. 
                 area 
                 ξ = 0.002 
                 Stress 
                 Stress σ u   
               
               
                 gauge 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm 2 ) 
                 (N) 
                 σ y  (N) 
                 (N) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 7 
                 4.572 
                 3.81 
                 5.02E+00 
                 9.68E+02 
                 1.45E+03 
                 2.59E+03 
               
               
                 8 
                 4.191 
                 3.429 
                 4.56E+00 
                 8.80E+02 
                 1.32E+03 
                 2.36E+03 
               
               
                 9 
                 3.759 
                 2.997 
                 4.04E+00 
                 7.80E+02 
                 1.17E+03 
                 2.09E+03 
               
               
                 10 
                 3.404 
                 2.692 
                 3.41E+00 
                 6.58E+02 
                 9.89E+02 
                 1.76E+03 
               
               
                 11 
                 3.048 
                 2.388 
                 2.82E+00 
                 5.44E+02 
                 8.17E+02 
                 1.46E+03 
               
               
                 12 
                 2.769 
                 2.159 
                 2.36E+00 
                 4.56E+02 
                 2.96E+02 
                 1.22E+03 
               
               
                 13 
                 2.413 
                 1.803 
                 2.02E+00 
                 3.90E+02 
                 2.35E+02 
                 1.04E+03 
               
               
                 14 
                 2.108 
                 1.600 
                 1.48E+00 
                 2.86E+02 
                 2.07E+02 
                 7.65E+02 
               
               
                 15 
                 1.829 
                 1.372 
                 1.15E+00 
                 2.22E+02 
                 1.52E+02 
                 5.94E+02 
               
               
                 16 
                 1.651 
                 1.194 
                 1.02E+00 
                 1.97E+02 
                 1.05E+02 
                 5.28E+02 
               
               
                 17 
                 1.473 
                 1.067 
                 8.10E−01 
                 1.56E+02 
                 9.27E+01 
                 4.19E+02 
               
               
                 18 
                 1.27 
                 0.838 
                 7.15E−01 
                 1.38E+02 
                 7.84E+01 
                 3.70E+02 
               
               
                 19 
                 1.067 
                 0.686 
                 5.25E−01 
                 1.01E+02 
                 1.52E+02 
                 2.71E+02 
               
               
                 20 
                 0.9081 
                 0.603 
                 3.62E−01 
                 6.99E+01 
                 1.05E+02 
                 1.87E+02 
               
               
                 21 
                 0.8192 
                 0.514 
                 3.20E−01 
                 6.17E+01 
                 9.27E+01 
                 1.65E+02 
               
               
                 22 
                 0.7176 
                 0.413 
                 2.70E−01 
                 5.22E+01 
                 7.84E+01 
                 1.40E+02 
               
               
                 23 
                 0.6414 
                 0.337 
                 2.34E−01 
                 4.51E+01 
                 6.78E+01 
                 1.21E+02 
               
               
                 24 
                 0.5652 
                 0.311 
                 1.75E−01 
                 3.38E+01 
                 5.07E+01 
                 9.04E+01 
               
               
                 25 
                 0.5144 
                 0.26 
                 1.55E−01 
                 2.99E+01 
                 4.49E+01 
                 8.00E+01 
               
               
                 26 
                 0.4636 
                 0.26 
                 1.16E−01 
                 2.23E+01 
                 3.36E+01 
                 5.98E+01 
               
               
                 27 
                 0.4128 
                 0.21 
                 9.92E−02 
                 1.91E+01 
                 2.88E+01 
                 5.13E+01 
               
               
                 28 
                 0.362 
                 0.184 
                 7.63E−02 
                 1.47E+01 
                 2.21E+01 
                 3.95E+01 
               
               
                 29 
                 0.3366 
                 0.184 
                 6.24E−02 
                 1.20E+01 
                 1.81E+01 
                 3.23E+01 
               
               
                 30 
                 0.3112 
                 0.159 
                 5.62E−02 
                 1.08E+01 
                 1.63E+01 
                 2.91E+01 
               
               
                 31 
                 0.2604 
                 0.133 
                 3.94E−02 
                 7.60E+00 
                 1.14E+01 
                 2.04E+01 
               
               
                 32 
                 0.235 
                 0.108 
                 3.42E−02 
                 6.60E+00 
                 9.92E+00 
                 1.77E+01 
               
               
                 33 
                 0.2096 
                 0.108 
                 2.53E−02 
                 4.89E+00 
                 7.35E+00 
                 1.31E+01 
               
               
                 34 
                 0.1842 
                 0.0826 
                 2.13E−02 
                 4.11E+00 
                 6.17E+00 
                 1.10E+01 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Sample Calculations For Table I 
       [0080]    For the 31 gauge needle, as calculated in Table I, the cross-sectional area: 
         [0000]        A =π((0.2604 mm) 2 −(0.133 mm) 2 )/4=0.0394 mm 2 =3.94×10 −8  m 2  
 
       Then, 
       [0081]    At the offset strain ξ=0.002, the corresponding force: 
         [0000]        F =(1.93×10 8  N/m 2 )(3.94×10 −8  m 2 )=7.60 N
 
         [0082]    At yield σ=σ y  and the corresponding force: 
         [0000]        F =(2.90×10 8  N/m 2 )(3.94×10 −8  m 2 )=11.4 N
 
         [0083]    At ultimate strength σ=σ u  and the corresponding force: 
         [0000]        F =(5.17×10 8  N/m 2 )(3.94×10 −8  m 2 )=20.4 N
 
         [0084]    In operation, the needle assembly, such as needle assembly  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  may be deployed in a first stage of operation, such as first stage of operation  12 , in which a needle cannula, such as needle cannula  40 ,  140 ,  240 ,  340 ,  440 ,  540 ,  740  is secured within a hub, such as hub  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 ,  530 ,  730 . With the needle assembly in the first stage of operation, the hub may be secured by being grasped by grippers, such as grippers  91 ,  93  including other structures and mechanisms that may secure the hub, of a needle extractor, such as needle extractor  90 . The hub may be secured directly by the grippers, in some implementations. In other implementations, the grippers may secure the hub by, for example, securing the syringe barrel, such as syringe barrel  25 ,  125 ,  225 , or the holder, such as holder  360 , to which the hub is attached. In various implementations, the hub may be removed from the syringe barrel or the holder, and the grippers may secure the hub with the syringe barrel or holder removed therefrom. In some implementations, the syringe barrel or holder may be removed from the hub when the hub is secured by the grippers—i.e. the grippers may hold the hub to allow the user to remove the syringe barrel or holder from the hub. With the needle assembly in the first stage of operation, the needle cannula may be secured by being grasped by needle grippers, such as needle grippers  81 ,  83 , including other structures and mechanisms that may secure the needle cannula, of the needle extractor. Various sheaths, covers, and so forth may be placed between the needle cannula and the needle grippers as the needle grippers grasp the needle cannula. 
         [0085]    With the hub is secured by the grippers and the needle cannula secured by needle grippers, the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to an axis defined by the needle cannula, such as axis  49 ,  149 ,  249 ,  349 ,  449 ,  549 ,  649 ,  749 , to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub. The needle grippers may be traversed in the axial direction, for example, as indicated by arrows  85 ,  185 ,  285 ,  385 . In this exemplary mode of operation, the hub is fixed and the needle grippers are traversed linearly to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub. Thus a linear tensional force is applied along the needle cannula in the axial direction to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub. 
         [0086]    Alternatively, with the hub is secured by the grippers and the needle cannula is secured by the needle grippers, the grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to the axis defined by the needle cannula to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub. The grippers may be traversed in the axial direction, as indicated, for example, by arrows  95 ,  195 ,  295 ,  395 . The needle grippers are fixed and the grippers are traversed to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub, in this exemplary mode of operation. 
         [0087]    In yet another exemplary mode of operation, with the hub is secured by the grippers and the needle cannula is secured by the needle grippers, both the grippers and the needle grippers may be traversed linearly with respect to the axis defined by the needle cannula to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub. 
         [0088]    Withdrawal of the needle cannula from the hub positions the needle assembly from the first stage of operation into a second stage of operation such as second stage of operation  14 . Accordingly, when the needle cannula has been withdrawn from the hub, the needle assembly is placed in the second stage of operation. 
         [0089]    As the needle assembly is positioned from the first stage of operation into the second stage of operation, tension force F t  is applied axially to the needle cannula. The tension force F t  may be selected to be less than critical force F c  with critical force F c  being a tensional force that may cause failure of the needle cannula  440 . F c  may be defined in terms of offset stress F c =σ o  A, yield stress F c =σ y  A, ultimate stress F c =σ u  A, or some fraction thereof, such as F c =0.25 σ u  A (e.g. the critical force F c  is defined as ¼ of the ultimate strength σ u  A). The critical force F c  may be defined, for example, as a fraction (e.g. ¼, ⅕, . . . ) of yield strength σ y  A, ultimate strength σ u  A, offset strength σ o  A, and so forth, so as to include a suitable margin of safety, in various implementations. 
         [0090]    In some implementations, the length of the portion of the needle cannula embedded in the hub, such as length  481 , is chosen such that the bond between the needle cannula and the hub, such as bond  480  fails when the selected tension force F t  is applied to needle cannula  440  with F t ≦F c . In some implementations, the bond material, such as bond material  486 , that forms the bond may be chosen such that the bond fails when tension force F t  is applied to the needle cannula in the axial direction. In various implementations, heat, ultraviolet light, ultrasonic vibrations, electrical fields, and suchlike may be applied to the hub including the bond between the hub and the needle cannula prior to or concurrent with the withdrawal of the needle cannula from the hub in order to reduce the force F t  required to withdraw the needle cannula from the hub such that F t ≦F c . 
         [0091]    Following the withdrawal of the needle cannula from the hub, the needle cannula may be placed in various containers and subsequently disposed of. The hub including any syringe, holder, or other such apparatus attached thereto may be collected and recycled or otherwise disposed of following the withdrawal of the needle cannula from the hub. 
         [0092]    The foregoing discussion along with the Figures discloses and describes various exemplary implementations. These exemplary implementations are not meant to limit the scope of coverage, but, instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language used in this specification and in the claims. Upon study of this disclosure and the exemplary implementations herein, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that various changes, modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims.