Disposable cartridge for holding compressed medical gas

Abstract

A disposable cartridge for holding compressed medical gas includes a substantially cylindrical canister. The canister is delivered by an elongate cylindrical body that is tapered to a reduced diameter end portion having a discharge port or opening formed therein. The discharge port is covered by a pierceable tip that seals the canister to hold compressed medical gas with an interior chamber of the canister. The tip is selectively punctured to discharge the medical gas through the opening for use in a medical procedure.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A disposable cartridge filled with medical gas for use in medical applications where the medical gas must exhibit a high degree of purity, the disposable cartridge filled with medical gas prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
 providing an elongate, generally cylindrical body having an interior chamber shaped and dimensioned to accommodating a compressed and sterile medical grade gas therein;   maintaining the medical gas in a sterile and extremely pure condition for medical use, the step of maintaining comprising:
 sterilizing the cylindrical body, the step of sterilizing includes washing the cylindrical body in a manner maintaining sterility and purity of medical gases contained in the cylindrical body; 
 filling the interior chamber of the cylindrical body with the medical grade gas under pressure; 
 sealing the opening with a pierceable tip, the tip being selectively punctured to open the disposable cartridge such that the compressed medical gas contained within the interior chamber of the disposable cartridge is deliverable through the tip for use in a medical procedure, the disposable cartridge having a weight with the medical grade gas sealed therein of at least twelve grams and not greater than fifty grams. 
   
     
     
         8 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 7 , wherein the body being inwardly tapered proximate one end thereof and joined to a reduced diameter and generally cylindrical leading end portion, the leading end portion including an opening communicably connected to the interior chamber of the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         9 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 8 , further including die step of encircling the end portion of the disposable cartridge with a thread for attaching the disposable cartridge to a medical apparatus requiring compressed medical gas. 
     
     
         10 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 9 , wherein the thread is at least ¼″ (6.35 mm) and not greater than 1″ (25.4 mm). 
     
     
         11 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 7 , wherein the cylindrical body is of a triple washed aluminum construction resisting formation of mold and rust within the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 7 , wherein the medical gas is carbon dioxide, oxygen, or nitrous oxide. 
     
     
         13 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 7 , wherein the medical gas is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         14 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 7 , wherein the tip is a thin and foil securely sealed over an opening of the disposable cartridge. 
     
     
         15 . A method for manufacturing a disposable cartridge filled with medical gas for use in medical applications where the medical gas must exhibit a high degree of purity, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an elongate, generally cylindrical body having an interior chamber shaped and dimensioned to accommodating a compressed and sterile medical grade gas therein;   maintaining the medical gas in a sterile and extremely pure condition for medical use, the step of maintaining comprising:
 sterilizing the cylindrical body, the step of sterilizing includes washing the cylindrical body in a manner maintaining sterility and purity of medical gases contained in the cylindrical body; 
 filling the interior chamber of the cylindrical body with the medical grade gas under pressure; 
 sealing the opening with a pierceable tip, the tip being selectively punctured to open the disposable cartridge such that the compressed medical gas contained within the interior chamber of the disposable cartridge is deliverable through the tip for use in a medical procedure, the disposable cartridge having a weight with the medical grade gas sealed therein of at least twelve grams and not greater than fifty grams. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the body is inwardly tapered proximate one end thereof and joined to a reduced diameter and generally cylindrical leading end portion, the leading end portion including an opening communicably connected to the interior chamber of the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further including encircling the end portion of the canister with a thread for attaching the disposable cartridge to a medical apparatus requiring the medical gas. 
     
     
         18 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 17 , wherein the thread is at least ¼″ (6.35 mm) and not greater than 1″ (25.4 mm). 
     
     
         19 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 15 , wherein the step of sterilizing includes providing the cylindrical body with a triple washed construction resisting formation of mold and rust within the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         20 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 15 , wherein the medical gas is carbon dioxide, oxygen, or nitrous oxide. 
     
     
         21 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 15 , wherein the medical gas is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         22 . The disposable cartridge filled with medical gas according to  claim 15 , wherein the step of sealing includes securing the tip composed of a thin and foil over an opening of the disposable cartridge.