Patent ID: 8043300

Claim:
A surgical handpiece, comprising: a liquefaction handpiece body, comprising a fitting for connection to a source of aspiration; a phacoemulsification tip received in a hollow hub sized and shaped to telescopically receive the phacoemulsification tip, the hub being connected to the body; a flange located on the hub, wherein the flange is configured to retain an infusion sleeve; and a tip protector integrally molded with and connected to the hub by at least one frangible connector, wherein the at least one frangible connector is attached to the hub between where the hub connects to the needle and where the hub is connected to the liquefaction body; wherein the attached tip protector projects away from the hub, over the flange, and around the tip so as to protect the tip from damage during shipment and handling; wherein the tip protector is configured to be removed prior to using the tip as the tip is configured to be used with the tip protector removed from the tip; wherein the tip protector contains a flattened grasping portion; wherein the flange is a first flange, and wherein the hub further comprises a second flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange are configured to retain an infusion sleeve and wherein the at least one frangible connector is attached to the hub between the liquefaction body and the flange closest to the liquefaction body.