Front load pressure jacket system with pivotal locking members

• US 20040122370A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC (Bayer AG)
• Original Assignee: Medrad Incorporated (Bayer AG)
• Inventors: Spohn, Michael A., Schriver, Ralph H., Joyce, Thomas P., Dedola, Salvatore J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,361,156 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/152
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14546 Front-loading type injectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14566 with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump

Abstract

The fluid injection apparatus for use with the syringe includes an injector and a pressure jacket assembly associated with the injector. The injector includes a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe. The pressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jacket and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket. The at least one locking member is movable between an engaged position preventing removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe into the pressure jacket.

Claims

1. A fluid injection apparatus for use with a syringe, comprising:

a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe; and

a pressure jacket assembly associated with the housing for securing the syringe during an injection procedure, the pressure jacket assembly comprising a pressure jacket associated with the housing and aligned with the central opening, and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket for cooperating with the syringe, the at least one locking member configured to engage a distal end of the syringe and movable between an engaged position cooperating with the syringe and preventing removal thereof from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe.

2. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket and configured to move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

3. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

4. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member defines at least one groove configured to engage at least one ridge formed on the syringe, and wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

5. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 4, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining the at least one groove.

6. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 5, wherein the syringe engaging surface defines a curved shape for cooperating with a cylindrically shaped syringe.

7. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cylindrical syringe comprises an injection section having a conical portion, and wherein with the at least one locking member in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surface cooperates with the conical portion to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

8. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring comprises at least one tab member formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first end for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

9. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first end comprises a radially outward extending projection and the at least one tab member comprises a pair of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projection such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projection and move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

10. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 2, wherein a distal end wall of the actuation ring tapers inward toward a central axis of the pressure jacket for guiding the syringe during insertion thereof into the pressure jacket.

11. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members, the actuation ring configured to move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

12. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the pressure jacket.

13. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

14. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 13, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining at least one groove for engaging at least one ridge formed on the syringe.

15. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 14, wherein the syringe engaging surface of each of the locking members defines a curved shape for engaging a cylindrically shaped syringe.

16. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cylindrical syringe comprises an injection section having a conical portion, and wherein with each of the locking members in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surfaces of the locking members cooperate with the conical portion to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

17. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring comprises a plurality of tab members formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first ends of the locking members, respectively, for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

18. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first end of each of the locking members comprises a radially outward extending projection and the plurality of tab members are arranged in pairs, the pairs of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projections, respectively, such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projections and move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

19. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 18, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the pressure jacket.

20. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure jacket has a distal end defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe and a proximal end removably associated with the housing.

21. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure jacket is made of substantially clear plastic.

22. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members each defining at least one groove configured to engage at least one ridge formed on the syringe, and wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

23. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 22, wherein the syringe engaging surface of each of the locking members defines a curved shape for engaging a cylindrically shaped syringe.

24. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 23, wherein the cylindrical syringe comprises an injection section having a conical portion formed with the at least one ridge, and wherein with each of the locking members in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surfaces of the locking members cooperate with the conical portion to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

25. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is pivotal in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket.

26. A fluid injection apparatus, comprising:

a syringe, comprising;

a cylindrical body comprising an injection section having a conical portion, the conical portion defining at least one ridge; and

a plunger movably received in the body; and

an injector, comprising;

a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to the plunger disposed within the body; and

a pressure jacket assembly associated with the housing for securing the syringe during an injection procedure, the pressure jacket assembly comprising a pressure jacket associated with the housing and aligned with the central opening, and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket for cooperating with the syringe, the at least one locking member defining at least one groove configured to engage the at least one ridge formed on the conical portion, the at least one locking member movable between an engaged position cooperating with the conical portion and preventing removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe, wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

27. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 26, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket and configured to move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

28. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 27, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

29. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining the at least one groove.

30. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 29, wherein the syringe engaging surface defines a curved shape for engaging the conical portion of the syringe.

31. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring comprises at least one tab member formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first end for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

32. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 31, wherein the first end comprises a radially outward extending projection and the at least one tab member comprises a pair of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projection such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projection and move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

33. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 27, wherein a distal end wall of the actuation ring tapers inward toward a central axis of the pressure jacket for guiding the syringe during insertion thereof into the pressure jacket.

34. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 26, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members, the actuation ring configured to move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

35. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 34, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the pressure jacket.

36. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 34, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

37. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 36, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining the at least one groove.

38. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 37, wherein the syringe engaging surface of each of the locking members defines a curved shape for engaging the conical portion such that with the locking members in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surfaces of the locking members cooperate with the conical portion to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

39. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 34, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring further comprises a plurality of tab members formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first ends of the locking members, respectively, for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

40. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 39, wherein the first end of each of the locking members comprises a radially outward extending projection and the plurality of tab members are arranged in pairs, the pairs of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projections, respectively, such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projections and move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

41. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 40, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the pressure jacket.

42. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 26, wherein the pressure jacket has a distal end defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe and a proximal end removably associated with the housing.

43. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 26, wherein the pressure jacket is made of substantially clear plastic.

44. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one locking member is pivotal in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket.

45. A pressure jacket for receiving a syringe used in a fluid injection procedure, comprising:

an elongated body having a proximal end configured to be removably associated with a fluid injection apparatus; and

at least one locking member pivotally associated with the body for engaging the syringe, the at least one locking member movable between an engaged position cooperating with the syringe and preventing removal thereof from the body and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe.

46. The pressure jacket of claim 45, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the body and configured to move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

47. The pressure jacket of claim 46, wherein the distal end of the body comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

48. The pressure jacket of claim 45, wherein the at least one locking member defines at least one groove configured to engage at least one ridge formed on the syringe, and wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

49. The pressure jacket of claim 48, wherein the distal end of the body comprises a radially outward extending flange, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining the at least one groove.

50. The pressure jacket of claim 49, wherein the syringe engaging surface defines a curved shape for engaging a cylindrically shaped syringe such that with the at least one locking member in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surface cooperates with the cylindrical shaped syringe to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

51. The pressure jacket of claim 46, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the body, and wherein the actuation ring comprises at least one tab member formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first end for moving the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

52. The pressure jacket of claim 51, wherein the first end comprises a radially outward extending projection and the at least one tab member comprises a pair of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projection such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projection and move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

53. The pressure jacket of claim 46, wherein a distal end wall of the actuation ring tapers inward toward a central axis of the body for guiding the syringe during insertion thereof into the body.

54. The pressure jacket of claim 45, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the body, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members, the actuation ring configured to move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

55. The pressure jacket of claim 54, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the body.

56. The pressure jacket of claim 54, wherein the distal end of the body comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

57. The pressure jacket of claim 56, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the flange and a second end having a syringe engaging surface defining the at least one groove for engaging at least one ridge formed on the syringe.

58. The pressure jacket of claim 57, wherein the syringe engaging surface of each of the locking members defines a curved shape for engaging a cylindrically shaped syringe.

59. The pressure jacket of claim 54, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the body, and wherein the actuation ring further comprises a plurality of tab members formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first ends of the locking members for moving the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

60. The pressure jacket of claim 59, wherein the first end of each of the locking members comprises a radially outward extending projection and the plurality of tab members are arranged in pairs, the pairs of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projections, respectively, such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projections and move the locking members between the engaged and disengaged positions.

61. The pressure jacket of claim 60, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the body.

62. The pressure jacket of claim 45, wherein the distal end of the body defines a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe and the proximal end of the body is configured for removable association with the fluid injection apparatus.

63. The pressure jacket of claim 45, wherein the body is made of substantially clear plastic.

64. The pressure jacket of claim 45, the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members each defining at least one groove configured to engage at least one ridge formed on the syringe, and wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

65. The pressure jacket of claim 64, wherein the syringe engaging surface of each of the locking members defines a curved shape for engaging a cylindrically shaped syringe.

66. The pressure jacket of claim 65, wherein the cylindrical syringe comprises an injection section having a conical portion formed with the at least one ridge, and wherein with each of the locking members in the engaged position, the curved syringe engaging surfaces of the locking members cooperate with the conical portion to secure the syringe during the injection procedure.

67. The pressure jacket of claim 45, wherein the at least one locking member is pivotal in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket.

68. A syringe, comprising:

a body comprising a cylindrical main body,

a conical portion connected to the main body, and

a discharge outlet connected to the conical portion, the conical portion defining at least one ridge extending at least partially around the circumference of the conical portion.

69. The syringe of claim 68, wherein the at least one ridge comprises three ridges extending circumferentially around the conical portion.

70. The syringe of claim 68, wherein the at least one ridge extends around the entire circumference of the conical portion.

71. A fluid injection apparatus for use with a syringe, comprising:

a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe; and

a pressure jacket assembly associated with the housing for securing the syringe during an injection procedure, the pressure jacket assembly comprising a pressure jacket associated with the housing and aligned with the central opening, the pressure jacket defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe, and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket, the at least one locking member movable between a disengaged position allowing the syringe to be inserted into the pressure jacket and removed therefrom through the syringe receiving opening and an engaged position wherein the at least one locking member defines a reduced diameter opening in the syringe receiving opening preventing insertion into and removal of the syringe through the syringe receiving opening.

72. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 71, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket and configured to move the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

73. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 72, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

74. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 72, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring comprises at least one tab member formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first end for moving the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

75. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 74, wherein the first end comprises a radially outward extending projection and the at least one tab member comprises a pair of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projection such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projection and move the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

76. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 72, wherein a distal end wall of the actuation ring tapers inward toward a central axis of the pressure jacket for guiding the syringe during insertion thereof into the pressure jacket.

77. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 71, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members, the actuation ring configured to move the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

78. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 77, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the pressure jacket.

79. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 77, wherein the distal end of the pressure jacket comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

80. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 77, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the pressure jacket, and wherein the actuation ring comprises a plurality of tab members formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first ends of the locking members, respectively, for moving the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

81. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 80, wherein the first end of each of the locking members comprises a radially outward extending projection and the plurality of tab members are arranged in pairs, the pairs of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projections, respectively, such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projections and move the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

82. The fluid injection apparatus of claim 71, wherein the at least one locking member is pivotal in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket.

83. A pressure jacket for receiving a syringe used in a fluid injection procedure, comprising:

an elongated body having a proximal end configured to be removably associated with a fluid injection apparatus and a distal end defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe; and

at least one locking member pivotally associated with the body, the at least one locking member movable between a disengaged position allowing the syringe to be inserted into the body and removed therefrom through the syringe receiving opening and an engaged position wherein the at least one locking member defines a reduced diameter opening in the syringe receiving opening preventing insertion into and removal of the syringe through the syringe receiving opening.

84. The pressure jacket of claim 83, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the body, the actuation ring configured to move the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

85. The pressure jacket of claim 84, wherein the distal end of the body comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

86. The pressure jacket of claim 84, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the body, and wherein the actuation ring comprises at least one tab member formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first end for moving the at least one locking member between the disengaged and engaged positions.

87. The pressure jacket of claim 86, wherein the first end comprises a radially outward extending projection and the at least one tab member comprises a pair of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projection such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projection and move the at least one locking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.

88. The pressure jacket of claim 84, wherein a distal end wall of the actuation ring tapers inward toward a central axis of the pressure jacket for guiding the syringe during insertion thereof into the pressure jacket.

89. The pressure jacket of claim 83, further comprising an actuation ring rotationally associated with a distal end of the body, and wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of locking members, the actuation ring configured to move the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

90. The pressure jacket of claim 89, wherein the locking members are regularly spaced around the distal end of the body.

91. The pressure jacket of claim 89, wherein the distal end of the body comprises a radially outward extending flange and the actuation ring is rotationally associated with the flange for moving the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

92. The pressure jacket of claim 89, wherein the locking members each comprise a first end pivotally associated with the distal end of the body, and wherein the actuation ring further comprises a plurality of tab members formed on an inner surface thereof and configured to coact with the first ends of the locking members, respectively, for moving the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

93. The pressure jacket of claim 92, wherein the first end of each of the locking members comprises a radially outward extending projection and the plurality of tab members are arranged in pairs, the pairs of tab members positioned on opposite sides of the projections, respectively, such that rotational movement of the actuation ring causes the tab members to coact with the projections and move the locking members between the disengaged and engaged positions.

94. The pressure jacket of claim 83, wherein the at least one locking member is pivotal in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket.

95. A method of loading a syringe comprising a body comprising a cylindrical main body, a conical portion at a distal end of the syringe and connected to the main body, and a discharge outlet connected to the conical portion, and a plunger movably disposed within at least a portion of the main body, to an injector comprising a pressure jacket assembly comprising a pressure jacket associated with the injector, the pressure jacket comprising at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket for engaging the syringe and an actuation ring rotationally associated with the pressure jacket for moving the at least one locking member between an engaged position cooperating with the conical portion and preventing removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe, comprising:

inserting a proximal end of the syringe into the pressure jacket; and

rotating the actuation ring to move the at least one locking member to the engaged position cooperating with the conical portion of the syringe.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising:

rotating the actuation ring in the opposite direction to move the at least one locking member to the disengaged position; and

removing the syringe from the pressure jacket.

97. The method of claim 95, further comprising:

connecting the plunger to a drive piston of the injector; and

advancing the drive piston to move the plunger within the main body of the syringe.

98. The method of claim 95, wherein the at least one locking member defines at least one groove and the conical portion of the syringe defines at least one ridge, and wherein in the engaged position the at least one ridge engages with the at least one groove.

99. The method of claim 98, further comprising rotating the actuation ring in the opposite direction to move the at least one locking member to the disengaged position such that the at least one ridge disengages from the at least one groove.

100. A syringe, comprising:

a body comprising a cylindrical main body, and

a discharge outlet formed at one end of the main body, the one end of the main body defining a concave shoulder extending around the discharge outlet.

101. A method of loading a syringe comprising a body comprising a cylindrical main body and a discharge outlet formed at one end of the main body, the one end of the main body defining a concave shoulder extending around the discharge outlet, and a plunger movably disposed within at least a portion of the main body, to an injector comprising a pressure jacket assembly comprising a pressure jacket associated with the injector and defining a syringe receiving opening for receiving the syringe, the pressure jacket comprising at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket, and an actuation ring rotationally associated with the pressure jacket for moving the at least one locking member between a disengaged position allowing the syringe to be inserted into the pressure jacket and removed therefrom through the syringe receiving opening and an engaged position wherein the at least one locking member defines a reduced diameter opening in the syringe receiving opening having a smaller diameter than the concave shoulder, comprising:

inserting the syringe into the syringe receiving opening in the pressure jacket with the discharge outlet substantially extending outward from the pressure jacket; and

rotating the actuation ring to move the at least one locking member to the engaged position defining the reduced diameter opening, preventing passage of the concave shoulder through the syringe receiving opening and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket.

102. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

rotating the actuation ring in the opposite direction to move the at least one locking member to the disengaged position; and

removing the syringe from the pressure jacket.

103. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

connecting the plunger to a drive piston of the injector; and

advancing the drive piston to move the plunger within the main body of the syringe.