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-12318595-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
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 describes an injector configured to inject and deliver medicaments and other fluids from a syringe into a target site. The device comprises an outer tubular sleeve, an inner sleeve configured to engage with an internal cam, and a syringe with a plunger and a seal. The system incorporates a cam mechanism that interacts with the sleeves and provides features such as shielding the needle before and after use, delivering tactile or audible feedback, and securely locking the needle after injection to prevent reuse or accidental sticks.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from existing injectors that are complex, utilizing many parts with intricate assemblies, which increases production costs and risk of device failure. Conventional injectors often store springs or biasing members in compressed states, potentially causing deformation and reliability issues over extended storage periods. There is also a need for devices that are simpler, more cost-effective, reliable after long storage, and capable of multiple methods of medicament delivery (including intramuscular, intravenous, and intranasal applications) with enhanced safety features.
The core innovation includes an integrated system where the inner sleeve is extendable to shield the needle, coupled with a cam assembly that controls translation and rotation to lock the inner sleeve and needle after use. This enables the device to provide feedback upon completion of injection and ensure safety by preventing needle exposure post-injection. The injector can also attach to adapters such as a Luer adapter for intravenous delivery or a nasal spray adapter for intranasal administration, offering flexible use scenarios with the same core injector platform.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in the patent that defines the inventive features of the injector apparatus in combination with its key mechanical interactions and operational stages.
Injector with multi-stage cam and sleeve mechanism
An injector - comprising an outer sleeve with first and second sets of ribs protruding radially inward, - a cam for axial translation within the outer sleeve, having alternating first and second sets of recesses between a plurality of protrusions, - an inner sleeve partially disposed within the outer sleeve, with a first end configured to engage the cam such that the first set of ribs engages the first set of recesses for a first operational stage and the second set of ribs engages the second set of recesses for a second operational stage, - a syringe that has a first end coupled to the first end of the outer sleeve and a second end disposed opposite. This combination enables sequential operational staging, engagement, and restriction of needle movement in relation to the inner and outer sleeves with respect to the cam’s position.
The claims cover an injector apparatus with a specific mechanical configuration involving an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, a cam, and a syringe, designed to provide controlled sequential operational stages for needle deployment and retraction, including engagement and restriction actions via cam-sleeve interactions.
Stated Advantages
The injector provides easy use for medical professionals, caregivers, or self-administration by patients, and is configured for reliable operation after long-term storage.
The device utilizes a low number of parts, making it inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and reducing the risk of component failure.
A biasing member that is not loaded during storage avoids potential deformation of components, increasing long-term reliability.
The system provides visual shielding of the needle before and after use to benefit patients who have a fear of needles and helps prevent inadvertent needle stick injuries.
Adapters enable flexible delivery of medicaments intramuscularly, intravenously, or intranasally using the same injector platform.
Documented Applications
Delivery of medicaments such as epinephrine, ketamine, atropine, diazepam, or naloxone to a target site by injection.
Intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraosseous, or other depth-specific injections using the injector.
Intravenous delivery of medicaments via a Luer adapter connected to tubing sets.
Intranasal administration of medicaments by attaching a nasal spray adapter to the injector.
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