Automated injection device for administration of liquid medicament

• US 20030171717A1
• Filed: 12/05/2002
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Curtis E. Quady, Gianrico Farrugia, Jerry Neubauer, Jim Rigotti, Mark H. Ereth, Peter Schuller, Raymond J. Menard, William W. Brooks Jr
• Original Assignee: Curtis E. Quady, Gianrico Farrugia, Jerry Neubauer, Jim Rigotti, Mark H. Ereth, Peter Schuller, Raymond J. Menard, William W. Brooks Jr
• Inventors: Schuller, Peter, Neubauer, Jerry, Rigotti, Jim, Brooks, William W. Jr., Farrugia, Gianrico, Ereth, Mark H., Menard, Raymond J., Quady, Curtis E.
• Application Number:
  US10/310,717
• Publication Number:
  US 20030171717A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2013 triggering of discharging means by contact of injector with patient body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2073 preventing premature release, e.g. by making use of a safety lock
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/2033 Spring-loaded one-shot injectors with or without automatic needle insertion multishot dosing syringes A61M5/31525, needle insertion only A61M5/3287
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3129 Syringe barrels A61M5/3205 and A61M5/50 take precedence

Abstract

An automated injection device for administration of one or more liquid medicaments that is particularly useful for self-administration of liquid medicaments such as those used to treat anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure to toxic agents, or other conditions may include a number of features designed to reduce both the size and complexity of the device. With reduced size, the device may provide greater convenience and portability. Importantly, the reduced size may encourage more users to carry the device, and thereby reduce the risks associated with the conditions mentioned above. With reduced complexity, the device can be constructed at a lower cost. Moreover, the device can be more reliable and simple to operate. In addition, the automated injection device may further include a wireless communication apparatus that may be activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

Claims

1. An automated injection device comprising:

a reservoir;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring adjacent the piston member; and

a loading member that is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permitting the spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding spring drives the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member is oriented to drive the piston member to compress the spring, the loading member permitting movement of the piston member away from the spring after the spring has been compressed to a predetermined degree.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the loading member has a flared lip that flares radially outward and defines an aperture that is initially sized smaller than the piston member such that the flared lip of the loading member bears against the piston member during compression of the spring, the flared lip extending outward as the spring reaches the predetermined degree of compression to thereby expand the aperture and permit receipt within the aperture of a portion of the piston member.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the piston member defines a ramped lip for engagement with the flared lip.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the piston member defines a channel and the reservoir is slidably mounted within the channel, the device further comprising a stop member that limits movement of the reservoir when the expanding spring drives the piston member such that continued movement of the piston member following abutment of the reservoir with the stop member causes the piston face to move through the reservoir and expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the stop member is formed within the aperture defined by the loading member.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the aperture defines an annular recess that circumscribes a raised circular wall, the raised circular wall forming the stop member.

8. The device of claim 3, further comprising a housing defining a channel having a narrowed portion and a widened portion for movement of the loading member, wherein the loading member includes an outer wall with a flared lip that extends radially outward and is generally biased inward by interaction with the narrowed portion of the channel, the flared lip extending outward upon movement of the ramped lip into the widened portion of the channel, thereby locking the loading member against a return into the narrowed portion of the channel after the spring is compressed.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the piston member defines a channel and the reservoir is slidably mounted within the channel, the device further comprising a stop member that limits movement of the reservoir when the expanding spring drives the piston member such that continued movement of the piston member following abutment of the reservoir with the stop member causes the piston face to move through the reservoir and expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the reservoir frictionally engages an inner surface of the channel and, upon abutment of the reservoir with the stop member, the spring force exerted on the piston member overcomes force generated by the frictional engagement of the reservoir and the inner surface of the channel to permit relative movement of the piston member and the reservoir.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the injection needle is oriented to protrude through the loading member, the device further comprising a removable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member is oriented to compress the spring upon application of the loading member to a patient.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the spring is normally in a substantially non-compressed state prior to movement of the loading member.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the loading member extends outward from the device for engagement with the skin of a patient.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir contains epinephrine.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir and the needle are mounted to travel with the piston member to a limited extent.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a protective sheath that covers a portion of the needle, the needle puncturing the protective sheath when the expanding spring drives the piston member.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the spring force generated by the spring is sufficient to drive the needle through the skin of a patient.

19. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member, the spring, the piston member, and the reservoir are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and portions of the loading member, the piston member, and the reservoir longitudinally overlap with one another during expansion of the spring.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is less than approximately three inches in length, and less than approximately two inches in both width and in depth.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading member and the piston member are formed from plastic materials.

24. An automated injection device comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end;

a piston member slidably mounted within the housing;

a reservoir slidably mounted within the piston member;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring that bears against the piston member on a side of the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing; and

a loading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member are configured to permit relative movement of the piston member and the loading member following compression of the spring, and the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber,

whereby the spring drives the piston member relative to the loading member and toward the second end of the housing, and the piston member drives the reservoir against the stop member such that continued movement of the piston member relative to the reservoir drives the piston face through the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member has a flared lip that flares radially outward and defines an aperture that is initially sized smaller than the piston member such that the flared lip of the loading member bears against the piston member during compression of the spring, the flared lip extending radially outward as the spring reaches a predetermined degree of compression to thereby expand the aperture and permit receipt within the aperture of a portion of the piston member.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the piston member defines a ramped lip for engagement with the flared lip.

27. The device of claim 25, wherein the aperture defines an annular recess that circumscribes a raised circular wall, the raised circular wall forming the stop member.

28. The device of claim 24, wherein the housing defines a channel having a narrowed portion and a widened portion for movement of the loading member, wherein the loading member includes an outer wall with a flared lip that extends radially outward and is generally biased inward by interaction with the narrowed portion of the channel, the flared lip extending outward upon movement of the flared lip into the widened portion of the channel, thereby locking the loading member against a return into the narrowed portion of the channel after the spring is compressed.

29. The device of claim 24, wherein the reservoir frictionally engages an inner surface of the channel within the piston member and, upon abutment of the reservoir with the stop member, the spring force exerted on the piston member overcomes force generated by the frictional engagement of the reservoir and the inner surface of the channel to permit relative movement of the piston member and the reservoir.

30. The device of claim 24, wherein the injection needle is oriented to protrude through the loading member, the device further comprising a removable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.

31. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member is oriented to compress the spring upon application of the loading member to a patient.

32. The device of claim 24, wherein the spring is normally in a substantially non-compressed state prior to movement of the loading member.

33. The device of claim 24, wherein a portion of the loading member extends outward from the device for engagement with the skin of a patient.

34. The device of claim 24, wherein the reservoir contains epinephrine.

35. The device of claim 24, further comprising a protective sheath that covers a portion of the needle, the needle puncturing the protective sheath when the expanding spring drives the piston member.

36. The device of claim 24, wherein the spring force generated by the spring is sufficient to drive the needle through the skin of a patient.

37. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member, the spring, the piston member, and the reservoir are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and portions of the loading member, the piston member, and the reservoir longitudinally overlap with one another during expansion of the spring.

38. The device of claim 24, wherein the device is less than approximately 3 inches in length, and less than approximately 2 inches in both width and in depth.

39. The device of claim 24, wherein the loading member and the piston member are formed from plastic materials.

40. The device of claim 24, further comprising a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

42. A method for injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a reservoir, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member to compress the spring, the piston member and the loading member being configured to permit relative movement when the compressed spring reaches a sufficient level of spring force, wherein a portion of the loading member extends outward from the device, the method comprising:

pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading member into the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing the spring,

wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relative to the loading member and extend the needle outward from the device and drive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

43. A method for injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end, a piston member slidably mounted within the housing, a reservoir slidably mounted within the piston member, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member on a side of the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member are configured to permit relative movement when the compressed spring reaches a sufficient level of spring force, the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber, and a portion of the loading member extends outward from the opening, the method comprising:

pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading member into the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing the spring,

wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relative to the loading member and extend the needle outward from the opening and drive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

44. An automated injection device comprising:

a reservoir;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring adjacent the piston member; and

a loading member that is movable to compress the spring and permit the spring to expand following compression, the expanding spring driving the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle,

wherein the piston member and the reservoir partially overlap along a longitudinal extent of the device and are sized such that the device has a length of less than or equal to approximately 3.0 inches and a width of less than or equal to approximately 2.0 inches.

45. The device of claim 44, wherein the device has a length in the range of approximately 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches, and a width in the range of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches.

46. The device of claim 44, wherein the device has a length of approximately 2.75 inches, and a width of approximately 1.25 inches.

47. The device of claim 44, wherein the device is substantially cylindrical and the width corresponds to a diameter of the device.

48. The device of claim 44, further comprising a ring extending from the device for receipt of at least one of a keyring, a key, a necklace, a chain, and a strap.

49. The device of claim 44, further comprising a substantially planar platform coupled to the device, the platform including attachment wings for clipping the platform to another device.

50. The device of claim 49, wherein the other device is one of a PDA and a mobile telephone.

51. The device of claim 49, further comprising a substantially planar platform coupled to the device, the platform including a clip-like member for attachment of the platform to a thin sheet-like member.

52. The device of claim 44, further comprising a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

53. The device of claim 52, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

54. A wireless-enabled injection device comprising:

an automated injection device having a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, and a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir; and

a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein the reservoir contains epinephrine.

56. The device of claim 54, wherein the device is less than approximately three inches in length, and less than approximately two inches in both width and in depth.

57. The device of claim 54, wherein the automated injection device further comprises a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member, and a loading member that is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permitting the spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding spring drives the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein the injection needle is oriented to protrude through the loading member, the device further comprising a removable cap that covers a portion of the loading member.

59. The device of claim 57, wherein the loading member, the spring, the piston member, and the reservoir are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and portions of the loading member, the piston member, and the reservoir longitudinally overlap with one another during expansion of the spring.

60. The device of claim 54, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a transmitter circuit mounted to a flex circuit.

61. The device of claim 60, further comprising a protective film affixed to the flex circuit to shelter the flex circuit from environmental and handling hazards.

62. The device of claim 60, wherein the transmitter circuit is capable of sending a signal that conforms to Bluetooth standards.

63. The device of claim 60, wherein the transmitter circuit, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

64. The device of claim 60, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a GPS circuit that, upon activation, retrieves location information of the device from a global positioning satellite system.

65. The device of claim 60, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a tail that is routed inside the housing and in the path of the needle such that when automated injection device is deployed, the needle is passes through the tail and electrically connects conductive pads of the tail to activate the wireless communication apparatus.

66. A method for injection of a liquid medicament using a wireless-enabled injection device, the method comprising:

providing an automated injection device having a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing;

deploying the automated injection device to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle; and

activating the wireless communication apparatus to transmit a signal when the automated injection device is deployed;

wherein the signal from the wireless communication apparatus is used to call for medical assistance.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a transmitter circuit that transmits the signal to call for medical assistance.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the transmitter circuit of the wireless communication apparatus is capable of transmitting a signal that conforms to Bluetooth standards.

69. The method of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, communicates with a nearby cellular phone and attempts to call an emergency service.

70. The method of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a GPS circuit that, upon activation, retrieves location information of the automated injection device from a global positioning satellite system.

71. The method of claim 66, wherein the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a flexible circuit having a tail that is routed inside the housing and in the path of the needle such that when automated injection device is deployed, the needle is passes through the tail to activate the wireless communication apparatus.

72. An automated injection device comprising:

a reservoir;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring adjacent the piston member;

a loading member that is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permitting the spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding spring drives the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle; and

a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

73. The device of claim 72, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

74. An automated injection device comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end;

a piston member slidably mounted within the housing;

a reservoir slidably mounted within the piston member;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring that bears against the piston member on a side of a piston member adjacent the first end of the housing; and

a loading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member are configured to permit relative movement of the piston member and the loading member following compression of the spring, and the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber,

whereby the spring drives the piston member relative to the loading member and toward the second end of the housing, and the piston member drives the reservoir against the stop member such that continued movement of the piston member relative to the reservoir drives the piston face through the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle; and

a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

75. The device of claim 74, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.

76. An automated injection device comprising:

a reservoir;

a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir;

a spring adjacent the piston member;

a loading member that is movable to compress the spring and permit the spring to expand following compression, the expanding spring driving the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle,

wherein the piston member and the reservoir partially overlap along a longitudinal extent of the device and are sized such that the device has a length of less than or equal to approximately 3.0 inches and a width of less than or equal to approximately 2.0 inches; and

a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

77. The device of claim 76, wherein the wireless communication apparatus, upon activation, is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service.