Scalpel Blade Container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scalpel blade container for containing removed scalpel blades. The container has a hollow body having an interior space with a first portion in which a scalpel blade remover can be placed and a second portion in which a removed scalpel blade can be placed. A backflow preventer is provided separating the first and second portions and allowing the removed scalpel blade to pass from the first portion to the second portion but preventing the removed scalpel blade from returning from the second portion to the first portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to scalpel blade containers, and more particularly to scalpel blade containers associated with scalpel blade removers, and will be described in this context. [Background technology]

[0002] Scalpels are used for a variety of medical and non-medical procedures throughout the world. Scalpels usually have a scalpel handle with a removable scalpel blade attached to it. After using the scalpel, the scalpel blade is removed from the scalpel handle, the scalpel handle is cleaned, and a new scalpel blade is placed into the scalpel handle. Scalpel blades are usually supplied sterile, and scalpel handles can be used in either sterile or non-sterile areas. Both the process of removing and replacing scalpel blades in the hand is not without risk. In the past fingers, tweezers or needle holders are usually used for this process, and the user can easily cut himself. This is especially dangerous when the scalpel blade is used and is covered in the patient's blood or other bodily fluids. Furthermore, once the scalpel blade is removed, there is a risk of injury to downstream workers such as wards, porters, laundry staff, etc., if the scalpel blade is not immediately reinserted.

[0003] Scalpel blade removers are commonly used in hospitals and several other medical settings, as well as in non-medical industries, to safely remove scalpel blades from scalpel handles. Such scalpel blade removers may perform a specific action or sequence of actions to remove the scalpel blade, or may be automatically operated, where the user more simply inserts the scalpel blade into the remover and then removes the blade. Some scalpel blade removers have a scalpel blade container that can capture the removed scalpel blade and safely and securely encase it to avoid injury. The scalpel container and its contents can then be safely disposed of, for example, by a designated sharps waste management company.

[0004] Automated scalpel blade removers can be mechanically operated or powered. Such scalpel blade removers typically include a mechanism configured to remove the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle in a single user step (e.g., insertion of the scalpel blade portion into the remover). They are designed for precision movements that can be repeated to reliably and safely remove the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle. Any interference with the scalpel blade remover mechanism can impair the operation of the remover and can cause ineffective operation. In a worst case scenario, the remover becomes ineffective if blocked, preventing the scalpel blade from being removed from the scalpel handle. This also exposes the user to a risk of injury.

[0005] Known scalpel blade removers associated with containers are susceptible to removed blades being jostled during shipping, distribution, use, handling, or repositioning. This can cause the removed blade to become stuck and impede operation of the scalpel blade remover mechanism. It is also possible for a deployed blade to exit the remover, posing a risk of serious injury or contamination. If the mechanism fails, this typically leads to premature disposal of the scalpel blade remover along with the associated scalpel blade container. Attempting to remove a stuck scalpel blade from a scalpel blade container can be difficult and dangerous, posing a risk of injury to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and / or alleviate the above-mentioned problems and / or provide a useful or commercial choice to consumers.

[0007] In one form, but not necessarily the only or broadest form, the present invention comprises a scalpel blade housing comprising: 1. A scalpel blade container for containing scalpel blades to be removed, said scalpel blade container comprising: a hollow body having an interior space; a first portion of the interior space of the hollow body in which an automatically operated scalpel blade remover can be disposed; a second portion of the interior space of the hollow body capable of receiving a removed scalpel blade; a backflow preventer attached to the hollow body separating the first portion of the interior space of the body from the second portion of the interior space of the body; The backflow preventer allows a scalpel blade to be removed by the automatically operated scalpel blade remover to pass from the first portion of the interior space to the second portion of the interior space, but prevents a scalpel blade to be removed from passing from the second portion of the interior space to the first portion of the interior space, thereby preventing a scalpel blade to be removed from interfering with the automatically operated scalpel blade remover, and includes ancillary features of the automatically operated scalpel blade remover, such as a counting device and / or a shutoff mechanism.

[0008] The body can be of any desired shape. Typically, the body is made of at least one plastic material. The plastic material can be constructed of a hospital grade plastic. Preferably, the body is manufactured from polypropylene and / or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0009] The shape of the body can vary depending on the method of use. For example, the exterior shape of the body can include a handle for carrying the scalpel blade container and can also include an attachment area at the base or side of the body.

[0010] Automatically operated scalpel blade removers may be equipped with a counter and / or cut-off mechanism.

[0011] The scalpel blade remover can be attached to the body. The scalpel blade remover can be removably attached to the body. Generally, however, the scalpel blade remover is usually fixed to the body.

[0012] Preferably, the scalpel blade remover is disposed in an upper portion of the interior space of the body. The upper portion of the interior space of the body may be the first portion of the interior space.

[0013] The lower portion of the interior space of the body may be used to hold a removed scalpel blade, and the lower portion of the interior space of the body may be the second portion of the interior space.

[0014] The backflow preventer may include a backflow septum. The backflow septum may be movable between an open position, in which the blade can pass through the backflow septum, and a closed position, in which the blade cannot pass through the backflow septum. Movement of the backflow septum between the open and closed positions may depend on actuation of a scalpel blade remover. Alternatively, movement of the backflow septum between the open and closed positions may depend on contact with a removed scalpel blade. The weight of the scalpel blade may cause the scalpel blade to pass through the backflow septum.

[0015] Typically, the flashback septum is stationary once placed in the hollow body. The flashback septum may be integrally formed or may be separately fitted. The flashback septum may be formed from a flexible material. However, typically the flashback septum is made from a rigid material. The flashback septum may be formed from a different material than that of the body.

[0016] The reflux partition may extend between at least two walls of the body. Typically, the reflux partition extends between four walls of the body.

[0017] Alternatively, the reflux partition extends between at least one side wall and the base of the body. Typically, the reflux partition extends between three side walls and the base of the body.

[0018] Typically, the backflow preventer includes one or more openings to allow a detached scalpel blade to pass from a first side or portion of the backflow preventer to a second side or portion of the backflow preventer.

[0019] The backflow preventer may include an orienting device that can direct the removed scalpel blade in a desired orientation through one or more openings in the backflow preventer.

[0020] The backflow preventer may be in the form of a funnel, i.e., the backflow preventer may be in the form of a tube or pipe that includes an opening that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The funnel may be a round, rectangular or square funnel.

[0021] Alternatively, the backflow preventer may be the formation of a labyrinth, tortuous path or maze. In such a configuration, the scalpel blade can navigate the labyrinth, tortuous path or maze from the first portion to the second portion under the force of gravity. The labyrinth, tortuous path or maze is preferably shaped and configured such that the scalpel blade cannot easily enter and / or pass through the labyrinth, tortuous path or maze in a reverse direction.

[0022] The backflow preventer can at least partially surround the scalpel blade remover.The backflow preventer can surround the scalpel blade remover.

[0023] Additionally, a backflow preventer on the scalpel container can aid in positioning and stabilizing the scalpel blade remover and accessories.

[0024] In another aspect, although not necessarily in its only or broadest form, the present invention provides A scalpel blade remover can be disposed in the scalpel blade removal container, the scalpel blade remover comprising: A mechanism for automatically removing the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle; a backflow preventer attached to the mechanism. The backflow preventer is configured to separate the internal space of the scalpel blade removal container into a first portion in which the scalpel blade remover can be placed and a second portion in which a scalpel blade to be removed can be captured, allowing the scalpel blade to pass from the first side of the backflow preventer to the second side of the backflow preventer but preventing the removed scalpel blade from passing from the second side of the backflow preventer to the first side of the backflow preventer, thereby preventing the removed scalpel blade from interfering with the mechanism, and including additional functions such as a counting device and / or a blocking mechanism.

[0025] The backflow preventer may comprise a backflow barrier. A first side of the backflow barrier may be a first portion of the interior space of the container.

[0026] The second side of the reflux barrier may be a second portion of the interior space of the vessel.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a method for treating a cancer, comprising the steps of: 1. A method for preventing a scalpel blade to be removed from interfering with a mechanism of an automated scalpel remover, the method comprising: Insert the scalpel blade into the automatic scalpel blade remover in the scalpel blade container; removing the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle using said automatic scalpel blade remover mechanism; passing a scalpel blade from the mechanism of the automated scalpel blade remover through a backflow preventer; The method includes a mechanism for preventing the removed scalpel blade from passing from a first side of the backflow preventer to a second side of the backflow preventer, but preventing the removed scalpel blade from passing from the second side of the backflow preventer to the first side of the backflow preventer, thereby preventing the removed scalpel blade from interfering with the mechanism of the automatic scalpel blade remover, and wherein the automatic scalpel blade remover and / or the scalpel blade container include associated features of the automatic scalpel blade remover and / or the scalpel blade container, such as a counting device and / or a shutoff mechanism.

[0028] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a scalpel blade container without a scalpel blade remover according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]2 is a cross-sectional top view of the scalpel blade container without the scalpel blade remover according to FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the scalpel blade container without the scalpel blade remover according to FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional front view of the scalpel blade container without the scalpel blade remover according to FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional top view of a scalpel blade container according to FIG. 1 including a scalpel blade remover. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional front view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a scalpel blade container including a scalpel blade remover according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional front view of a scalpel blade container without a scalpel blade remover in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional front view of the scalpel blade container of FIG. 12 with a scalpel blade remover. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional front view of a scalpel blade container without a scalpel blade remover in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional front view of the scalpel blade container of FIG. 14 with a scalpel blade remover. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional front view of a scalpel blade container with a scalpel blade remover according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a scalpel blade container with a scalpel blade remover according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top view of a backflow preventer in a closed position according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a top view of a backflow preventer in an open position according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] 1-7 show a first embodiment of a scalpel blade container 10 used to remove and contain a scalpel blade (not shown) that has been removed from a scalpel handle (not shown). Scalpel blade container 10 includes a scalpel blade remover 20 (in FIGS. 5-7), a body 30 and a backflow preventer in the form of a backflow septum 40.

[0032] The scalpel blade remover 20 includes a mechanism 21 for automatically removing the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle. The scalpel blade remover 20 in this embodiment is the same as the scalpel blade remover 20 disclosed in International Patent Publication No. 2013 / 142897, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of different scalpel blade removers 20 may be substituted. For example, another scalpel blade remover 20 is disclosed and available in International Patent Publication No. WO / 1996 / 007363, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] The body 30 of the scalpel blade container 10 has an interior space 31 that is used both to house the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20 and to house the removed scalpel blades. The body 30 is box-shaped in this embodiment. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the shape of the body can vary depending on the application. The body 30 is preferably manufactured from a hospital grade plastic such as polypropylene and / or polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0034] The reflux septum 40 divides the interior space 31 of the body 30 of the scalpel blade container 10 into a first portion 32 in which the scalpel blade remover is attached and a second portion 33 in which the removed scalpel blade is placed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sizes of the first portion 32 and the second portion 33 may vary depending on a number of variables including the shape and size of the container, the size of the scalpel blade remover, and the characteristics of the interior space.

[0035] The backflow septum 40 is used to allow limited movement of a removed scalpel blade from the scalpel blade remover 20. The backflow septum 40 allows the removed scalpel blade to pass from the first portion 32 (or first side) of the backflow septum to the second portion 33 (or second side) of the backflow septum 40. However, the backflow septum 40 blocks the removed scalpel blade from passing from the second portion 33 (or second side) of the backflow septum 40 to the first portion 32 (or first side) of the backflow septum 40. Thus, the backflow septum 40 prevents the scalpel blade from interfering with the operation of the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20 and / or from exiting the container 10.

[0036] The reflux barrier 40 is formed from a rectangular shaped funnel 41 formed from a series of angled walls 42. The series of angled walls 42 define an opening 43 that is wider at its top and narrower at its bottom. The wider top of the opening 43 is located adjacent the base of the scalpel blade remover 20. The top of the opening 43 spans the width and breadth of the interior space of the body 30. That is, the funnel 41 is attached to the four side walls 34 of the body 30.

[0037] In use, a scalpel is inserted into scalpel blade remover 20 through opening 22. The scalpel blade is removed from the scalpel handle by mechanism 21 of scalpel blade remover 20 and falls from mechanism 21 of scalpel blade remover 20. The removed scalpel blade falls into opening 43 formed by funnel 41. Funnel-shaped walls 42 orient the removed scalpel blade as it travels through funnel 41 such that as the scalpel blade passes the narrow end of opening 43, it passes first through the narrow end of the distal tip of scalpel blade opening 43.

[0038] Once the scalpel blade has passed through the funnel 41, it is difficult for the removed scalpel blade to pass back through the funnel 41. This is primarily due to the configuration of the walls 42 and opening 43 through which the removed scalpel blade must pass in order to pass back through the funnel 41. When passing from the first portion 32 to the second portion 33, the walls 42 of the funnel 41 guide the scalpel blade towards the opening so that it can pass therethrough. However, as the blade enters the second portion 33, the walls 42 have the opposite effect, directing the blade away from the opening 43. The lateral portion 42A of the walls 42 is provided to further inhibit the blade from entering the opening 43 from the second portion 33. The lateral portion 42A preferably extends around the periphery of the opening 43 as shown. In such a configuration, the removed scalpel blade must be in a specific position and orientation for the scalpel blade to pass through the narrow opening 43, which is very unlikely to occur when attempting to return from the second portion 33 to the first portion 32.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of scalpel blade container 10. In this embodiment, flashback septum 40 surrounds scalpel blade remover 20. Flashback septum 40 is attached to scalpel blade remover 20 before the flashback septum is located on body 30. Flashback septum 40 is coupled to body 30 and extends into interior space 31 of body 30. Flashback septum 40 divides interior space 31 into a first portion 32 in which scalpel blade remover 20 is located and a second portion 33 in which removed scalpel blades are captured. An opening 43 extends through flashback septum 40 adjacent to the location where the scalpel blade is removed by mechanism 21 of scalpel blade remover 20. Flashback septum 40 is rigid and is preferably formed from a rigid plastic material.

[0040] In use, a scalpel is inserted into the scalpel blade remover 20. The scalpel blade is removed from the scalpel handle by the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20 and falls from the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20. The removed scalpel blade falls from the first portion 32 of the reflux septum 40, through the opening 43 of the reflux septum 40, to the second side 33 of the reflux septum, which becomes the second portion 33 of the interior space 31. The removed scalpel blade falls in a specific orientation, and the size of the opening 43 corresponds to this orientation. Thus, the removed scalpel blade is unlikely to pass back through the opening 43 and interfere with the operation of the scalpel blade remover 20. Similarly, when the reflux septum 40 covers the scalpel blade remover 20, the only way that the removed scalpel blade can alter the operation of the mechanism 21 is through the opening 43 of the reflux septum 40.

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates a third embodiment of scalpel blade container 10 utilizing a flashback septum 40 similar to that shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the rigid plastic of flashback septum 40 has been replaced with a more flexible material. The use of flashback septum 40 is the same as that described in Figure 8.

[0042] Figure 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of scalpel blade container 10. The flashback barrier 40 in this embodiment is located in a position similar to that of the flashback barriers described in Figures 1 to 7. That is, the flashback barrier 40 separates the interior space 31 of the body 30 into a first portion 32 in which the scalpel blade remover 20 is located and a second portion 33 that captures the removed scalpel blade.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flashback septum 40 may be formed from a material such as cardboard, thereby reducing the cost of the flashback septum 40. However, it will be appreciated that other suitable materials, such as plastic materials, may also be utilized. The flashback septum 40 is secured to the body 30 via tabs 36 with the flashback septum extending between the three side walls 34 and the base 35 of the body 30. An opening 43 is disposed in the flashback septum and positioned below the scalpel blade remover 20 to allow a removed scalpel blade to fall from the first portion 32 of the body 30 through the flashback septum 40 and into the second portion 33 of the body. Similarly, it is difficult for the scalpel blade to pass back through the flashback septum 40 through the opening 43 due to the size of the opening and the required orientation of the removed scalpel blade.

[0044] 11 shows a flashback septum 40 similar to that shown in FIG 10, except that the material is a mesh, as opposed to a solid material such as cardboard. Also, the flashback septum 40 in this embodiment is shaped differently to allow for different insertion of the flashback septum into the interior space 31 of the body 30.

[0045] 12 and 13 show a scalpel blade container 10 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-7, in which the scalpel blade remover 20 (shown in FIG. 13) is identical. However, the backflow preventer 40 differs in that the rectangular funnel 41 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 is replaced with a maze 44. The maze 44 is formed from a series of screens 45 extending from the side walls of the body 30 of the scalpel blade container 10. Each of the screens 45 angles downwardly from the respective side walls toward the base of the scalpel blade container. The screens 45 are layered in such a way that each alternate screen extending from the opposing side walls allows the screens to overlap. An opening 43 in the form of a tortuous path is formed between the screens 45.

[0046] In use, the scalpel is removed from the scalpel handle by the scalpel blade remover 20. The removed scalpel blade contacts the screen 45 and then slides along the screen 45 that falls through the openings 43 between each screen located directly below the opening 43. The scalpel then slides along the screen 45 that falls through the openings between each screen 45 of the next screen 45 located directly below the opening. This process is repeated until the removed scalpel blade falls from the last opening 43 into the second portion 33 of the interior space 31. The scalpel blade is included here because it would be difficult for the scalpel blade to pass back through the maze 44.

[0047] 14 and 5 show a scalpel blade container 10 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-7, in which the scalpel blade remover 20 (shown in FIG. 15) is identical. However, the backflow preventer 40 differs in that the opening 43 in the rectangular funnel 41 is replaced with a differently shaped opening 43. In this embodiment, the opening is zigzag shaped when viewed in cross section. The zigzag shaped opening 43 allows the removed scalpel blade to pass through the opening in the second portion 33 of the interior space 31. However, the shape of the opening reduces the chance of the removed scalpel blade form passing back through the opening 43 once housed in the second portion 33.

[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates a scalpel blade container 10 having a backflow preventer in the form of a rocker 46 located directly beneath the scalpel blade remover 20. The rocker 46 is connected to the scalpel blade remover 20 and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The rocker 46 includes a pivot arm 47 that is pivotally attached via a pivot 47A located directly beneath the scalpel blade remover 20. The pivot arm 47 includes a weight portion 48 and a closure portion 49. The pivot arm 47 is biased toward the closed position by the weight portion 48. In the closed position, the closure portion 49 covers the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20 and is located directly beneath where the removed scalpel blade 11 is ejected from the scalpel blade remover 20. The rocker is of sufficient size to allow for the passage of scalpel blades of various lengths and sizes. It is understood that the components can be sized to accommodate scalpel blades of various lengths.

[0049] In use, when the scalpel blade 11 is removed from the scalpel handle 12 by the scalpel blade remover 20, the removed scalpel blade contacts the closure portion 49 of the pivot arm 47. The weight of the scalpel blade causes the pivot arm 47 to pivot and pass the removed scalpel blade through the second portion 33 of the interior space 31. The weight portion 48 of the pivot arm 47 then moves the pivot arm 47 from the open position to the closed position such that the closure portion 49 again covers the scalpel blade remover mechanism 21.

[0050] 17-19 show a further embodiment of the backflow preventer 40. In this embodiment, the backflow preventer 40 is actuated by a scalpel blade whose handle is inserted into the scalpel blade remover 20. The backflow preventer 40 in this embodiment is located just below the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20. The backflow preventer 40 is formed of two jaws 50 that are pivotally connected by a pivot 51. The jaws 50 are movable between an open position and a closed position. A biasing member 52, shown in the form of an elastic band, is attached to two mounting teeth 53 located on each jaw 50. The biasing member 52 is used to bias the jaws 50 towards the closed position. A cam 54 is located on each of the jaws 50. Of course, the biasing member can take other suitable forms, such as, for example, a spring.

[0051] In use, insertion of the scalpel handle 12 having the scalpel blade 11 attached thereto drives the slide 60 inwardly, such that the slide 60 engages the cam 54 which spreads the jaws 50 to an open position. The scalpel blade 11 is then removed by the mechanism 21 of the scalpel blade remover 20 and falls between the opening created by the open jaws 50 into the second portion 33 of the interior space 31. As the slide 60 retracts, the biasing member 52 pulls the jaws 50 back together as the slide 60 disengages from the cam 54, moving the jaws 50 to a closed position and preventing backflow of the removed scalpel blade 11.

[0052] Advantageously, having a backflow preventer 40 located in the interior space 31 of the body 30 of scalpel blade container 10 provides operational protection for the mechanism 21 of the automated scalpel blade remover 20. This reduces the possibility of a user injuring themselves, for example, through attempting to use a jammed mechanism, reduces unnecessary waste, and improves the lifespan of the scalpel blade container 10 ensuring that the user gets value for their money. The backflow barrier 40 can be easily implemented into scalpel blade container 10 with minimal cost and minimal design modifications.

[0053] The backflow preventer 40 also prevents the scalpel of a removed blade from escaping the container 10 through the opening through which the scalpel was originally inserted. This important safety feature can be provided in a number of different ways, including, but not limited to, a fixed or loose closure device for the opening, or a mechanism used to contain the scalpel blade in a subcompartment of the scalpel container.

[0054] Another function of the backflow preventer feature of the scalpel container is to prevent the removed scalpel blade from interfering with any of the associated functions of the automatic scalpel blade remover, such as the counting device and / or shutoff mechanism.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may fully include other elements that are not listed.

[0056] In this specification, terms such as upward, downward, horizontal, and vertical, and their grammatical derivatives are used to describe the invention in its conventional orientation, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to any particular orientation.

[0057] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0058] It should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A scalpel blade container for storing scalpel blades to be removed, the scalpel blade container comprising: a hollow body having an internal space; a first portion of the interior space of the hollow body in which an automatically operated scalpel blade remover can be disposed; a second portion of the interior space of the hollow body capable of receiving a removed scalpel blade; a backflow preventer attached to the hollow body, separating the first portion of the interior space of the body from the second portion of the interior space of the body; The backflow preventer allows a scalpel blade to be removed by the automatically operated scalpel blade remover to pass from the first portion of the internal space to the second portion of the internal space, but prevents the scalpel blade to be removed from the second portion of the internal space to the first portion of the internal space, thereby preventing the scalpel blade to be removed from interfering with the automatically operated scalpel blade remover, and includes an accessory function of the automatically operated scalpel blade remover.

2. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 , wherein the scalpel blade remover is mounted in the first portion of the interior space.

3. 3. The scalpel blade container according to claim 1, wherein the scalpel blade remover is detachably attached to the main body.

4. The scalpel blade container of claim 2 , wherein the scalpel blade remover is secured to the body.

5. The scalpel blade container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the scalpel blade remover is located in an upper portion of the internal space of the body, and the upper portion of the internal space of the body is also a first portion of the internal space.

6. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer at least partially surrounds the scalpel blade remover.

7. 3. The scalpel blade container of claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the internal space of the body is used to hold a scalpel blade to be removed, and the lower portion of the internal space of the body is also a second portion of the internal space.

8. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer comprises at least one backflow septum.

9. 9. The scalpel blade container of claim 8, wherein the flashback septum is stationary once positioned in the hollow body.

10. The scalpel blade container of claim 8 , wherein the flashback septum is integrally formed with the body.

11. 9. The scalpel blade container of claim 8, wherein the reflux septum is fitted separately from the body.

12. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer is formed from a material different from that of the body.

13. 9. The scalpel blade container of claim 8, wherein the backflow preventer includes one or more openings to allow a removed scalpel blade to pass from the first portion of the backflow septum to the second portion of the backflow septum.

14. 14. The scalpel blade container of claim 13, wherein the backflow preventer includes an orientation device for orienting the removed scalpel blade in a desired orientation to pass through the one or more openings in the backflow preventer.

15. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer comprises a funnel.

16. 3. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer comprises at least one of a labyrinth, a tortuous path, and a maze.

17. The scalpel blade container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow preventer is used to stabilize the scalpel blade remover.

18. a scalpel blade remover that can be disposed in the scalpel blade removal container, the scalpel blade remover comprising: A mechanism that automatically removes the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle. a backflow preventer attached to the mechanism. The backflow preventer is configured to separate the internal space of the scalpel blade removal container into a first portion that can be placed in the scalpel blade remover and a second portion that can capture a scalpel blade to be removed, allowing the scalpel blade to pass from the first side of the backflow preventer to the second side of the backflow preventer but preventing the removed scalpel blade from passing from the second side of the backflow preventer to the first side of the backflow preventer, thereby preventing the scalpel blade to be removed from interfering with the mechanism, and including an accessory function.

19. 20. The scalpel blade remover of claim 18, wherein the backflow preventer comprises a septum.

20. 20. The scalpel blade remover of claim 19, wherein the first side of the septum is a first portion of the interior space of the container and the second side of the septum is a second portion of the interior space of the container.

21. 21. The scalpel blade remover of claim 19 or 20, wherein the septum at least partially surrounds the scalpel blade remover.

22. 1. A method for preventing a scalpel blade from interfering with a mechanism of an automated scalpel remover, the method comprising: Insert the scalpel blade into the automatic scalpel blade remover in the scalpel blade container. removing the scalpel blade from the scalpel handle using the automatic scalpel blade remover mechanism; passing the scalpel blade from the mechanism of the automatic scalpel blade remover through a backflow preventer; A method in which the removed scalpel blade allows the removed scalpel blade to pass from the mechanism of the backflow preventer from a first side of the backflow preventer to a second side of the backflow preventer, but prevents the removed scalpel blade from passing from the second side of the backflow preventer to the first side of the backflow preventer, thereby preventing the removed scalpel blade from interfering with the mechanism of the automatic scalpel blade remover, and the automatic scalpel blade remover and / or the scalpel blade container include accessory functions of the automatic scalpel blade remover and / or the scalpel blade container.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the backflow preventer comprises a funnel.

24. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the backflow preventer comprises at least one of a labyrinth, a tortuous path, and a maze.

25. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the backflow preventer comprises a backflow diaphragm.

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