Apparatuses and methods for injecting medicaments
Inventors
Hoffer, Joseph B. • Pursel, Mark W. • O'Connor, Kevin C. • Contreras, Andrew D. • McCans, James P.
Assignees
Action Medical Technologies LLC
Publication Number
US-11065392-B1
Publication Date
2021-07-20
Expiration Date
2041-03-25
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to injectors that are configured to inject and deliver medicaments and other fluids from a syringe into a target site.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an injector apparatus for delivering medicaments or other fluids from a syringe into a target site. The injector features an outer tubular sleeve, an inner sleeve, a cam mechanism, and a syringe assembly with a needle, barrel, plunger, and a seal. The plunger is fixed relative to the outer sleeve, allowing both to translate together during operation. The system enables the inner sleeve to move axially relative to the outer sleeve through multiple configurations, with the cam controlling transitions and ultimately locking the inner sleeve to cover the needle after use.
The problem addressed by this invention is the complexity, high part count, and risk of failure found in prior injectors, which can include over twenty-six parts and may incorporate electronics. Existing devices are often challenging to assemble and costly for end users, with a higher risk of component failure. The present injector aims to reduce the number of parts, simplify assembly, lower costs, and increase reliability, while incorporating safety features such as needle shielding and feedback mechanisms.
The injector system described can be adapted for various delivery modes by utilizing different adapters, such as a Luer adapter for intravenous administration or a nasal spray adapter for intranasal delivery. The mechanism provides a controlled sequence: covering the needle before use, providing audible or tactile feedback when the injection is complete, and then securely covering and locking the needle post-injection to prevent inadvertent needle stick injuries. The adaptable components support use with different syringe and needle sizes for varied injection needs.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent: one directed to an injector apparatus and one directed to a medicament delivery system. The claims highlight several inventive features.
Multi-configuration injector with cam-actuated sleeve locking
An injector includes: - An outer tubular sleeve defining a longitudinal axis. - A cam disposed within the outer tubular sleeve. - An inner sleeve partially within the outer sleeve with a first end engaging the cam. - A syringe with barrel, needle, plunger, and seal; the plunger is fixed to the outer sleeve for unified translation. The outer sleeve is configured for axial translation relative to the inner sleeve, moving from a first configuration. The inner sleeve can extend different distances (first, second, and third configurations) from the outer sleeve, with the cam rotating between positions. In the third configuration, the cam's rotation restricts further axial translation of the inner sleeve, locking it and preventing needle exposure.
Medicament delivery system with adapter coupling to inner sleeve
A medicament delivery system comprising: - The injector as described above. - An adapter configured to couple to the second end of the inner sleeve. The adapter can have a threaded cavity wall engaging a ridge on the inner sleeve. The system covers different delivery forms through use of specific adapters, such as a luer adapter for intravenous or a nasal spray adapter for intranasal delivery. The adapter engagement and ability to customize delivery route is central to the system claim.
The claims focus on a cam-actuated, multi-configuration injector with mechanisms for needle shielding and locking, and a system encompassing adapter interoperability. This enables multiple safe and adaptable medicament delivery options.
Stated Advantages
Provides easy use by medical professionals, caregivers, and patients, including for self-administration.
Configured for reliable performance after long periods of storage due to the biasing member being in an unloaded state during storage.
Utilizes a low number of parts, making it inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Reduces the risk of inadvertent needle stick injuries by covering and locking the needle after use.
Allows audible or tactile feedback (e.g., a click) to indicate completion of injection.
Supports customization for different syringe and needle sizes and delivery depths.
Enables flexible delivery via multiple adapters, including intravenous and intranasal routes, giving users or patients choice at the time of delivery.
Reduces tooling costs and inventory requirements for manufacturers due to component standardization.
Documented Applications
Delivery of medicaments such as epinephrine, ketamine, atropine, diazepam, or naloxone.
Injecting medicaments intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraosseously, intravenously, or at other body depths.
Intravenous administration using the luer adapter connected to a tubing set.
Intranasal delivery of medicament using the nasal spray adapter, particularly for treatments such as opioid overdose.
At-home use by patients for emergencies or other self-administration scenarios.
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