Intra-mold sterilization of plastic-embedded needle
AssigneeFacet Technologies, LLC
InventorKevin J. SEIFERT
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.
Claims15
A system for forming a sterilized medical device, the system comprising:
- a mold comprising a chamber defining a shape of a lancet body;
- an external heating element;
- and
- a metal component disposed within the chamber;
- where the chamber is configured to receive injectable plastic to form the lancet body,
- where the injectable plastic is uncontacted by the external heating element during a molding process, and
- where the external heating element is configured to heat the injectable plastic to a temperature sufficient to sterilize the metal component during the molding process.
A medical device comprising:
- a body formed from injectable plastic;
- and
- a metal component substantially encapsulated by the plastic, wherein the metal-component is pre-sterilized within the plastic.
A mold for a lancet having a needle and a body portion, the mold comprising:
- a first mold part having a first mold cavity configured for receiving plastic for forming the body portion, and
- a heating element embedded within the first mold part to maintain a specified minimum mold temperature for a specified minimum cycle time to sterilize the needle,
- wherein the heating element is embedded within the first mold part adjacent to the first mold cavity such that the plastic does not come into direct contact with the heating element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.