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Publication Number
US-10463795-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods of operating needle-free injection device having an outer housing and an inner housing is disclosed. The inner housing is configured to receive a needle-free syringe in one end. In addition, the inner housing is movable within the outer housing between a syringe loading position and a firing position. The device may include an activation button operatively associated with the inner and outer housings and a housing lock engaged by the activation button to prohibit movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position when the activation button is activated with the inner housing in the syringe loading position.
Core Innovation
The disclosed needle-free injector includes an outer housing and an inner housing moveable within the outer housing between a syringe loading position and a firing position. An activation button is operatively associated with the inner and outer housing and engages a housing lock, and when the activation button is activated while the inner housing is in the syringe loading position, the inner housing is locked in the syringe loading position.
The document also describes preventing inner housing movement to a firing position unless the needle-free syringe is properly loaded, using interlocking structures associated with a syringe mount. A syringe mount structure allows syringe engagement only when the inner housing is in the syringe loading position and blocks improper syringe removal and transition to firing when improperly loaded.
To manage syringe ejection and injection consistency, the document describes a skin tensioning spring and a controlled syringe ejection arrangement. Inner/outer housing-driven skin tensioning is described to control injection consistency, and an eject button shielding extension on the outer housing prevents inadvertent ejection during movement from loading toward firing, with an optional syringe eject spring configured to provide for complete syringe ejection away from contact with the injector.
Claims Coverage
The identified independent claims cover methods of operating a needle-free injector, with inventive features centered on position-validated activation and interlocks that prevent unsafe or improper transitions between syringe loading and firing, and on controlled syringe ejection using an eject button and its shielding and/or eject spring.
Activation button locks inner housing in syringe loading position
Activating the activation button when the inner housing is in the syringe loading position to lock the inner housing in the syringe loading position, and loading a needle-free syringe into the needle-free injector.
Syringe mount prevents engagement unless inner housing is in loading position
Loading a needle-free syringe into the syringe mount, wherein the syringe mount prevents the placement of the needle-free syringe into engagement with the syringe mount unless the inner housing is in the syringe loading position.
Ejecting the needle-free syringe with an eject button
Loading a needle-free syringe into the syringe mount, and ejecting the needle-free syringe from the syringe mount by activating the eject button.
Across the independent claims, the main claim coverage is directed to operating a needle-free injector by locking or constraining inner housing movement based on the inner housing being in the syringe loading position, using a syringe mount that restricts engagement to the syringe loading position, and ejecting a needle-free syringe from the syringe mount by activating a separate eject button.
Stated Advantages
Enables safety and controlled operation by locking the inner housing in the syringe loading position when the activation button is activated during loading.
Improves protection against improper operation by preventing placement of the needle-free syringe into engagement with the syringe mount unless the inner housing is in the syringe loading position.
Helps prevent inadvertent ejection during movement toward firing by shielding the eject button with an extension.
Supports reliable syringe removal and ejection by providing an eject spring configured to completely eject the needle-free syringe away from contact with the injector.
Documented Applications
Operating a needle-free injector with a needle-free syringe, including loading a needle-free syringe into the injector, controlling transitions between a syringe loading position and a firing position, and ejecting the needle-free syringe from the syringe mount.
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