Microprojection applicators and methods of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An applicator, comprising:
- a rigid planar plate member with an upper surface on a first side of the plate member and a lower surface on a second side of the plate member, the plate member having at least one opening therethrough;
a blocking element in contact with the upper surface of the plate member and being capable of moving between a first position and a second position;
a plunger having a proximal end, a distal end on which at least one microprojection is retained, and a shaft extending therebetween, at least a portion of the proximal end rests directly on and is at least partially retained by the blocking element in its first position;
wherein, the plunger is slidably accommodated within the opening of the plate member;
an energy-storing element positioned between the lower surface of the plate member and the distal end of the plunger; and
an actuating member having an external surface for application of a force, and having at least one surface in mechanical communication with the blocking element, wherein the actuating member moves the blocking element from its first position to its second position when a force is applied to the external surface of the actuating member, thereby to effect release of the plunger and the energy-storing element.
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Abstract
Applicators for a microprojection array and methods of using the applicators are described.
408 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An applicator, comprising:
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a rigid planar plate member with an upper surface on a first side of the plate member and a lower surface on a second side of the plate member, the plate member having at least one opening therethrough; a blocking element in contact with the upper surface of the plate member and being capable of moving between a first position and a second position; a plunger having a proximal end, a distal end on which at least one microprojection is retained, and a shaft extending therebetween, at least a portion of the proximal end rests directly on and is at least partially retained by the blocking element in its first position;
wherein, the plunger is slidably accommodated within the opening of the plate member;an energy-storing element positioned between the lower surface of the plate member and the distal end of the plunger; and an actuating member having an external surface for application of a force, and having at least one surface in mechanical communication with the blocking element, wherein the actuating member moves the blocking element from its first position to its second position when a force is applied to the external surface of the actuating member, thereby to effect release of the plunger and the energy-storing element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification