Reciprocating procedure syringes
Inventors
Sibbitt, Jr., Wilmer L. • Sibbitt, Randy R.
Assignees
AVANCA MEDICAL DEVICES Inc • Avance Medical Devices Inc • UNM Rainforest Innovations
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Publication Number
US-7967793-B2
Publication Date
2011-06-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A reciprocating syringe that can be used in connection with existing syringe barrels and fittings. Some embodiments comprise a frame, adapted to retain two existing syringe barrels. The frame can accommodate fittings on one or both barrels. The invention also provides a plunger complex, comprising two plungers, each adapted for use with one of the syringe barrels. The two plungers are coupled such that pushing of each plunger into its barrel causes the other plunger to pull outwards relative to its barrel. The two plungers can be coupled by a flexible line attached to one plunger, routed from the plunger out of the corresponding barrel into the other barrel, and attached to the other plunger. The invention contemplates various frame configurations to accommodate desired line and pulley performance characteristics. Other embodiments comprise a frame adapted to retain an existing syringe barrel, and an auxiliary actuator mounted with the frame. Such an actuator can provide a syringe-like plunger operation, or can comprise other manipulable structures. The auxiliary actuator can be coupled to a plunger adapted for use with the syringe barrel, such that pushing the plunger into the barrel causes the actuator to move in a reversible manner, and moving the actuator in the reverse manner causes the plunger to pull outwards relative to its barrel. The invention also comprises various materials, methods of making, geometries and arrangements of parts, and accommodation of various specific existing syringe designs and applications.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a reciprocating syringe having an external frame that defines a first receptacle for retaining a first insertable syringe barrel and discouraging translation of the barrel relative to the frame. A first plunger is provided for use with the barrel retained in the first receptacle, and an auxiliary actuator is slidably mounted with the frame and suitable for manual actuation by a human hand.
The auxiliary actuator is coupled with the first plunger such that motion of the first plunger in a direction into the retained barrel causes motion of the auxiliary actuator along an actuation axis in an actuation direction. Motion of the auxiliary actuator along the actuation axis opposite the actuation direction causes motion of the first plunger in a direction out of the retained barrel, so manual actuation is translated into reciprocation of the plunger.
Related configurations use an external frame with a first receptacle and a second receptacle retaining first and second insertable syringe barrels, and a plunger complex with first and second plungers coupled such that motion of one plunger into its retained barrel causes motion of the other plunger out of its retained barrel, and vice versa. In the disclosed configurations, the frame and the plunger complex do not form a sealed syringe when there is not a syringe barrel retained in the receptacles.
Claims Coverage
The partial claim set includes four independent claims and refinements in their dependent claim families. Across these claims, the inventive features focus on an external frame with receptacles for discouraging barrel translation, coupled plunger motion producing reciprocation, configuration so the device does not form a sealed syringe when no barrel is retained, and additional coupling geometry features.
Auxiliary actuator coupled to plunger reciprocation
An auxiliary actuator is slidably mounted with the frame and suitable for manual actuation by a human hand, and is coupled with the first plunger such that motion of the first plunger into a syringe barrel retained in the first receptacle causes motion of the auxiliary actuator along an actuation axis, and motion of the auxiliary actuator opposite the actuation direction causes motion of the first plunger out of a syringe barrel retained in the first receptacle.
Frame receptacle discouraging barrel translation
An external frame defines a first receptacle suitable for retaining a first insertable syringe barrel in a relationship with the frame that discourages translation of the first insertable syringe barrel relative to the frame.
No sealed syringe without retained barrel
The frame and the first plunger do not form a syringe when there is not a syringe barrel retained in the first receptacle.
Two receptacles with coupled reciprocating plungers
An external frame defines a first receptacle and a second receptacle suitable for retaining a first insertable syringe barrel and a second insertable syringe barrel, respectively, and a plunger complex with first and second plungers coupled such that motion of the first plunger into a syringe barrel retained in the first receptacle causes motion of the second plunger out of a syringe barrel retained in the second receptacle, and vice versa.
Plunger complex and frame do not form sealed syringe when no barrel is present
The plunger complex and the external frame do not form a sealed syringe when there is no syringe barrel in either of the first and second receptacles.
Line passing over pulley with groove allowing slidable engagement
The first and second plungers are connected by a line, and the frame defines a pulley situated such that the line passes over the pulley when the first plunger engages the retained first insertable syringe barrel and the second plunger engages the retained second insertable syringe barrel, wherein the pulley comprises a surface over which the line passes and a groove in the surface adapted to allow slidable engagement with the line when either plunger is moved into the corresponding retained insertable syringe barrel.
Non-parallel barrel motion axes
A syringe barrel retained in the first receptacle defines a first axis along the direction of motion of the first plunger when engaged, and a syringe barrel retained in the second receptacle defines a second axis along the direction of motion of the second plunger when engaged, wherein the first axis is not parallel to the second axis.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage centers on a reciprocating syringe architecture that retains insertable syringe barrels in frame receptacles that discourage barrel translation, couples plunger motion so that reciprocation is produced between plungers or via an auxiliary actuator, and ensures the frame and plunger complex do not form a sealed syringe when no barrel is retained. Additional covered coupling geometry includes a line passing over a pulley with a groove that allows slidable engagement and a non-parallel relationship between first and second barrel motion axes.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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