Apparatuses and method for injecting medicaments
Inventors
Assignees
Action Medical Technologies LLC
Publication Number
US-10232117-B2
Publication Date
2019-03-19
Expiration Date
2037-12-18
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Abstract
An injector for delivering a medicament includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a syringe. The inner sleeve is disposed partially within the outer sleeve. A plunger rod of the syringe is engaged with the outer sleeve in a fixed spatial relationship such that the plunger rod and the outer sleeve translate as a unit. The outer sleeve is configured for axial translation relative to the inner sleeve from a first configuration wherein the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a first distance to a second configuration in which the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a second distance that is less than the first distance. Further, in a third configuration the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a third distance that is greater than the second distance and the inner sleeve is restricted from axially translating with respect to the outer sleeve.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an injector for delivering a medicament that features an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a syringe. The syringe’s plunger rod is engaged with the outer sleeve in a fixed spatial relationship so that both components translate as a unit during operation. The device is configured for axial translation of the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve, shifting between multiple configurations that modify how far the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve. In the first configuration, the inner sleeve extends a first distance; in the second, a reduced distance; and in the third, the extension increases again and the inner sleeve is restricted from further axial movement.
This injector addresses the problem of existing injectors comprising a large number of complex parts, which lead to difficulties in assembly, increased likelihood of failure, and higher cost for users. By reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure, the proposed device aims to improve manufacturability and reliability while maintaining the essential functions of needle shielding and controlled medicament delivery. The described system accomplishes this without requiring the powerful springs used in other injectors, instead utilizing features like low-stiffness biasing members and mechanical engagement designs for operation.
Additionally, the injector incorporates features such as locking mechanisms between the sleeves, engagement members for controlling needle insertion depth, and configurations for expelling medicament with visual or tactile feedback indicating delivery completion. It offers flexibility for different medicament types and delivery methods, including optional attachments like a spray nozzle or luer connector, supporting intramuscular, subcutaneous, intranasal, intravenous, or intraosseous administration. The device is also suitable for both at-home and professional use due to its ease of operation and storage reliability.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims, each specifying inventive features related to injectors for medicament delivery.
Injector with axially translatable outer and inner sleeves and fixed spatial relationship between plunger rod and outer sleeve
An injector comprising: - An outer sleeve with a raised curb extending from an inner wall along a path with both longitudinal and circumferential components. - An inner sleeve disposed partially within the outer sleeve. - A syringe having a barrel, needle, plunger rod, and seal slidably mounted in the barrel, wherein the plunger rod is engaged with the outer sleeve such that both translate as a unit throughout operation. - The outer sleeve is configured for axial translation relative to the inner sleeve through at least three configurations, altering the extension distance of the inner sleeve, with the third configuration restricting axial translation between the sleeves.
Injector with inner sleeve having a chamber and engagement member for controlled syringe engagement
An injector comprising: - An outer sleeve and an inner sleeve partially within it, where the inner sleeve defines a chamber and has an engagement member extending into the chamber between its distal and proximal ends. - A syringe as described above, with the plunger rod engaged to the outer sleeve for unitary translation. - The device is configured such that, starting from a first configuration where the engagement member is spaced from the syringe barrel, translation causes the syringe to contact the engagement member so further axial translation of the outer sleeve translates the plunger rod relative to the barrel to deliver medicament.
Method for operating injector with axial translation causing needle extension and medicament delivery, with post-use needle covering
A method involving: 1. Placing the distal end of the inner sleeve (partially within an outer sleeve) against the target location. 2. Applying force to the outer sleeve so both it and the syringe translate axially relative to the inner sleeve, causing the needle to extend into the target and the syringe to contact an engagement member. 3. Continued force causes the plunger rod and seal to move, effecting medicament delivery. 4. Subsequent removal of the injector causes a biasing member to move the inner sleeve distally, covering the needle and locking the sleeves to prevent further translation.
Injector with engagement member in inner sleeve for controlled insertion depth and locking after use
An injector comprising: - An outer sleeve and an inner sleeve with at least one engagement member extending from the inner sleeve’s inner wall at a position between its distal and proximal ends. - A syringe having a barrel, needle, plunger rod, and seal, with the plunger rod engaged to the outer sleeve for fixed unitary translation. - The structure allows for axial translation of the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve, changing the extension distance in stepwise configurations, with the third configuration locking the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.
The claims focus on an injector design with axially translatable sleeves, a fixed relationship between plunger rod and outer sleeve, engagement features to control needle positioning and medicament delivery, and mechanisms to cover and lock the needle after use. Methods of operating the device to provide safe, effective, and controlled medicament delivery are also claimed.
Stated Advantages
The injector utilizes a low number of parts, making it inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
The device is reliable for use after being stored for long periods of time, as its components are protected from damage during storage.
The system shields the needle before and/or after use, reducing needle-stick injury risk and anxiety for needle-averse patients.
It uses a low stiffness biasing member, reducing component costs and mechanical stress on parts.
The grip design improves the ability to handle the device securely, even in harsh conditions or when wearing gloves.
Documented Applications
Injection of medicaments into various tissue depths, including epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous regions, and muscles (intramuscular).
Delivery of medicaments such as epinephrine, ketamine, moxifloxacin, ertapenem, atropine, diazepam, or naloxone.
At-home use by patients for emergency medications like epinephrine in anaphylaxis.
Intranasal delivery of medicaments using an attachable spray nozzle.
Intravenous or intraosseous delivery of medicaments using a luer connector and tubing set.
Use by military or in field conditions, providing reliable performance in harsh, damp, or glove-wearing environments.
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