Apparatuses and method for injecting medicaments
Inventors
Assignees
Action Medical Technologies LLC
Publication Number
US-11224696-B2
Publication Date
2022-01-18
Expiration Date
2039-07-10
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Abstract
An injector for delivering medicament includes a first sleeve defining a longitudinal axis, a medicament container, and a locking tab. The medicament container is at least partially disposed within the first sleeve and configured for axial translation with respect to the first sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The medicament container includes a barrel, a needle mounted to a distal end of the barrel, a seal slidably mounted in the barrel, and a plunger rod. The locking tab extends through an aperture in the first sleeve and is in contact with or adjacent to a portion of the medicament container such that the locking tab restricts translation of the barrel with respect to the first sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The locking tab is configured to be movable to a second position in which the locking tab does not restrict translation of the barrel.
Core Innovation
The invention provides injectors for delivering medicament, specifically designed to inject a medicament from a syringe. The core system comprises a first sleeve defining a longitudinal axis, a medicament container configured for axial translation within this sleeve, and a locking tab. The medicament container consists of a barrel, needle, slidable seal, and plunger rod, and can be pre-filled or used with lyophilized medicaments requiring reconstitution by mixing with a diluent.
A key feature of the injector is the locking tab, which extends through an aperture in the first sleeve and is in contact with or adjacent to a portion of the medicament container. This locking tab restricts translation of the barrel with respect to the first sleeve along the longitudinal axis, thus preventing premature activation or movement before use. The locking tab is movable to a second position where it does not restrict translation of the barrel, thereby enabling the delivery operation after intentional user action.
In applications involving reconstitution, the method involves depressing the plunger rod to mix the diluent with the lyophilized medicament inside the barrel while the locking tab keeps the injector in a locked state. Once mixing is complete, disengaging and removing the locking tab allows for the subsequent operation, which includes placing the injector against the target site and depressing the plunger rod to deliver the reconstituted medicament. The system is configured for safe, reliable operation with reduced risk of user errors and simplified device assembly.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims that focus on inventive features related to the injector apparatus, a method of injection, and specific configurations for medicament containment and delivery.
Injector with a locking tab extending through a sleeve aperture
An injector for delivering medicament features a first sleeve defining a longitudinal axis, a medicament container (comprising a barrel, needle, seal, and plunger rod) configured for axial translation within the sleeve, and a locking tab that extends through an aperture in the first sleeve and restricts translation of the barrel. The locking tab is movable to a second position where it no longer restricts barrel movement. The barrel includes a main body, a flange, and a neck of reduced diameter between them, with the locking tab positioned between the main body and flange.
Injector with second sleeve, pull tab, and locking tab coupled for removal
An injector includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve extending from and translatable with respect to the first sleeve, a medicament container configured for axial translation, a locking tab restricting translation of the barrel, and a pull tab covering a distal aperture of the second sleeve. The locking tab is coupled to the pull tab for removal using the pull tab, enabling activation of the device.
Method for injecting by mixing diluent and lyophilized substance with locking tab
A method of injecting medicament involves providing an injector with a first sleeve, medicament container, and locking tab restricting barrel translation. The method includes: depressing the plunger rod to mix diluent with a lyophilized substance within the barrel, disengaging the locking tab, placing the injector's distal end against a target site, and depressing the plunger rod to deliver the reconstituted medicament.
Injector with locking tab and plunger head engagement to restrict translation
An injector features a first sleeve, medicament container, and a locking tab extending through a sleeve aperture restricting barrel translation. The plunger rod includes a plunger head and the first sleeve includes a locking groove/ring to engage the plunger head, thereby restricting translation of the plunger rod relative to the sleeve after engagement.
Injector with seal creating two chambers for lyophilized substance and diluent
An injector comprising a first sleeve, medicament container, and locking tab, where the seal inside the barrel divides it into a first chamber containing a lyophilized substance and a second chamber with a diluent. This enables mixing for reconstitution prior to delivery.
Injector with shuttle and needle seal for controlled needle penetration
An injector that includes a medicament container with a shuttle fixedly coupled to the needle and translatably coupled to the barrel, and a needle seal inside the barrel. During operation, the needle and shuttle translate relative to the barrel, allowing the needle to pierce the needle seal for fluid passage.
The claims collectively cover an injector system with a uniquely integrated locking mechanism, methods for reconstitution and delivery of medicament, and features ensuring secure and sequential operation. These inventive features provide controlled translation, security during storage, and flexibility for injection or mixing procedures.
Stated Advantages
The injector utilizes a low number of parts, making it inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
The device is designed for easy use by patients or caregivers and is configured for reliable use after extended storage.
The locking tab prevents inadvertent activation and increases safety by restricting movement before use.
Covering the needle before and after use protects against needle-stick injuries and reduces needle sight for needle-phobic patients.
A pull tab covering the distal aperture aids in maintaining sterility or aseptic condition of the needle.
The use of low-stiffness biasing members reduces the cost of components and lessens required structural strength for other parts.
Adjustable components, such as the length of the raised curb, allow control over injected volume and reduce manufacturing costs.
The design assists in minimizing user error, especially during the reconstitution process for lyophilized drugs.
Documented Applications
Delivery of biologics, epinephrine, ketamine, moxifloxacin, ertapenem, atropine, diazepam, or naloxone.
Use for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraosseous, or intranasal administration of medicaments.
Delivery of reconstituted lyophilized medicaments requiring mixing with a diluent prior to injection.
Usage in at-home scenarios for patients or caregivers, including for conditions requiring rapid medicament delivery such as anaphylaxis.
Use in harsh or damp conditions, such as by troops in combat situations, facilitated by an easy-to-grip outer sleeve.
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