APPLICATORS FOR MICRONEEDLES
First Claim
1. An applicator for a microprojection array, comprising:
- an energy-storing element having a first stable configuration and second stable configuration, wherein application of force to the energy-storing element causes it to transition from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration, and wherein the force necessary for the energy storing element to transition from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration is lower than the force necessary for the element to transition from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration;
an actuating member that can convey external force to the energy-storing element,a microprojection-holding member connected to the actuating member and which is acted on by the energy-storing element when it transitions from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration,an outer cover with an opening into which the actuating member fits slidably, anda skin-contacting member comprising a portion which can lie flat against skin, wherein the skin-contacting member fits the outer cover and contacts the energy-storing element when it is in its first configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An applicator for a microprojection array is described. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises an energy-storing element. Application of force causes the compressed energy-storing element to extend or transition from first and second configurations, releasing stored energy to deploy a holding member in the application which is configured to hold an array of microprojections. In another embodiment, the applicator comprises an energy storing element with two stable configurations, a first stable configuration and second stable configuration. Application of force causes the energy-storing element to transition from the higher energy first stable configuration to the lower energy second stable configuration, releasing the difference in energies of the two states to deploy a holding member in the application which is configured to hold an array of microprojections.
82 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An applicator for a microprojection array, comprising:
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an energy-storing element having a first stable configuration and second stable configuration, wherein application of force to the energy-storing element causes it to transition from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration, and wherein the force necessary for the energy storing element to transition from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration is lower than the force necessary for the element to transition from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration; an actuating member that can convey external force to the energy-storing element, a microprojection-holding member connected to the actuating member and which is acted on by the energy-storing element when it transitions from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration, an outer cover with an opening into which the actuating member fits slidably, and a skin-contacting member comprising a portion which can lie flat against skin, wherein the skin-contacting member fits the outer cover and contacts the energy-storing element when it is in its first configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23, 24)
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12. An applicator for a microprojection array, comprising:
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(a) a housing having a surface with an elongated opening having platforms on opposite sides of the opening, (b) an actuation member comprising a surface upon which a microprojection array can be attached, a generally washer-shaped surface on which an energy-storage member can be placed, and a surface capable of mating with the platforms on the opening of the housing and capable of fitting through the opening, (c) an energy-storage member situated between the actuation member and the housing, (d) a skin-contacting area which is generally washer-shaped connected to the housing, wherein when the actuation member is mated with the platforms on the opening, the energy-storage member has a first force of stored energy, and wherein when the actuation member is moved within the opening so that it no longer mates with the platforms, the energy-storage member releases its stored energy and in so doing moves the actuation member. - View Dependent Claims (13, 19)
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14. An applicator, comprising:
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(a) a housing having a first member with a central opening and a second member having a skin contacting surface, (b) an actuation member disposed in the central opening and comprising a surface upon which a microprojection array can be attached and a groove extending circumferentially, and (c) an energy-storage member having an inner edge and an outer edge, and situated within the housing initially in a first stable configuration such that the inner edge is disposed in the groove and its outer edge is in contact with the second member, wherein application of force to the actuation member moves the energy-storage member from its first stable configuration to a second stable configuration wherein the outer edge is no longer in contact with the second member. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21)
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25. The method of aim 23, wherein the microprojection array comprises the active agent.
Specification