Reloadable automatic or manual emergency injection system

• US 5,540,664 A
• Filed: 05/16/1994
• Issued: 07/30/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Shionogi Inc. (Shionogi & Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Washington Biotech Corporation
• Inventors: Wyrick, Ronald E.
• Primary Examiner(s): WEISS, JOHN
• Application Number:
  US08/243,641
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 604/136, 604/135, 604/134, 604/208, 604/211
• US Class Current: 604/136
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/206 With automatic needle insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2073 preventing premature release, e.g. by making use of a safety lock
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/3139 Finger grips not integrally formed with the syringe barrel, e.g. using adapter with finger grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/002 Packages specially adapted therefor, e.g. for syringes or needles, kits for diabetics needle protection, e.g. caps, A61M5/3202; for sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/003 Kits for diabetics
• 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 5/24 Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic ampoules or carpules A61J1/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31511 Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod A61M5/5066 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31551 including axial movement of dose setting member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31563 interacting with a displaceable stop member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31595 Pre-defined multi-dose administration by repeated overcoming of means blocking the free advancing movement of piston rod, e.g. by tearing or de-blocking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/326 Fully automatic sleeve extension, i.e. in which triggering of the sleeve does not require a deliberate action by the user

Abstract

A reloadable automatic or manually usable medicine injection apparatus having a barrel which receives a syringe subassembly. The syringe subassembly includes an ampule for housing fluid medication, a needle, a plunger stopper, and plunger shaft which allow removal and manual use. The injection apparatus includes a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication. The injection apparatus preferably includes a trigger handle, sheath remover, and removable stop system for delivery of multiple doses.

Claims

1. A fluid medication injection apparatus comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein;

the barrel also having a muzzle end through which the needle passes during injection;

a removable cap detachably connected to the muzzle end of the barrel, the removable cap having a needle passageway through which the needle can extend;

a syringe subassembly within the barrel and sized to slide within the cavity, the syringe subassembly having an ampule for housing fluid medication, a needle, and a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

a protective sheath provided on the needle;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position; and

a sheath remover detachably connected to the removable cap for engaging and removing the protective sheath from the needle.

2. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 wherein

the sheath remover is frictionally mounted to slide onto the removable cap.

3. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 wherein

the sheath remover has an aperture formed therein which receives and grips the protective sheath for removal.

4. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended-position.

5. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position, the removable stop being positioned at least partially around the plunger of the syringe subassembly to limit discharge movement of the plunger.

6. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position.

7. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver.

8. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver;

at least one of said stops being a removable stop.

9. A fluid medication injection apparatus comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein, the barrel having a muzzle end and a proximal end;

a syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and mounted to allow relative slidable motion of the syringe subassembly within the cavity;

the syringe subassembly having an ampule for housing fluid medication, a needle, and a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position; and

a trigger handle connected to activate the driver release, said trigger handle having a sleeve portion which extends along and over substantial portions of the barrel to form a handle which is grasped by a user'"'"'s hand;

said sleeve portion extending 75% of the barrel length and being slidable relative to said barrel;

said trigger handle being connected so as to release the driver release when the trigger handle is moved upon the barrel toward the muzzle end.

10. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a sheath remover for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle.

11. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a sheath remover for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle;

and wherein said trigger handle extends along the barrel to abut the sheath remover when the sheath remover is installed upon said muzzle end.

12. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits longitudinal motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

13. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits rotational motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

14. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits both longitudinal and rotational motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

15. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the trigger handle includes at least one receiving slot which receives at least one dog which extends from said barrel.

16. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position.

17. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position, the removable stop being positioned at least partially around the plunger.

18. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising at least one stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position.

19. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver.

20. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver;

at least one of said stops being a removable stop.

21. A dual use fluid medication injection apparatus capable of both mechanically powered administration and manual administration of a fluid medication, comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein;

a manually usable syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and sized to slide within the cavity, the syringe subassembly having;

an ampule for housing fluid medication;

a needle in fluid communication with said ampule;

a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

said plunger including a plunger shaft and a plunger portion which extends from the ampule to allow manual depression of the plunger to dispense fluid from the ampule;

said barrel including at least a first part and a second part which are manually detachable to allow removal and installation of the syringe subassembly;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

said plunger being unattached to said driver to allow removal of said syringe subassembly from the barrel while in cocked or extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position;

a sheath remover detachably connected to a muzzle end of the barrel for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle;

a removable cap detachably connected to the muzzle end of the barrel, the removable cap having a needle passageway through which the needle can extend; and

the sheath remover is frictionally mounted to slide onto the removable cap.

22. A dual use fluid medication injection apparatus capable of both mechanically powered administration and manual administration of a fluid medication, comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein;

a manually usable syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and sized to slide within the cavity, the syringe subassembly having;

an ampule for housing fluid medication;

a needle in fluid communication with said ampule;

a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

said plunger including a plunger shaft and a plunger portion which extends from the ampule to allow manual depression of the plunger to dispense fluid from the ampule;

said barrel including at least a first part and a second part which are manually detachable to allow removal and installation of the syringe subassembly;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

said plunger being unattached to said driver to allow removal of said syringe subassembly from the barrel while in cocked or extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position;

a sheath remover detachably connected to a muzzle end of the barrel for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle;

a removable cap detachably connected to the muzzle end of the barrel; and

the sheath remover is detachably connected to the removable cap, the sheath remover having an aperture formed therein which receives and grips the protective sheath for removal.

23. A dual use fluid medication injection apparatus capable of both mechanically powered administration and manual administration of a fluid medication, comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein;

a manually usable syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and sized to slide within the cavity, the syringe subassembly having;

an ampule for housing fluid medication;

a needle in fluid communication with said ampule;

a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

said plunger including a plunger shaft and a plunger portion which extends from the ampule to allow manual depression of the plunger to dispense fluid from the ampule;

said barrel including at least a first part and a second part which are manually detachable to allow removal and installation of the syringe subassembly;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

said plunger being unattached to said driver to allow removal of said syringe subassembly from the barrel while in cocked or extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position;

a trigger handle connected to activate the driver release, said trigger handle having a sleeve portion which extends along and over substantial portions of the barrel to form a handle which is grasped by a user'"'"'s hand;

said sleeve portion extending 75% of the barrel length and being slidable relative to said barrel;

said trigger handle being connected so as to release the driver release when the trigger handle is moved upon the barrel toward the muzzle end.

24. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising a sheath remover for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle.

25. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising a sheath remover for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle;

and wherein said trigger handle extends along the barrel to abut the sheath remover when the sheath remover is installed upon said muzzle end.

26. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits longitudinal motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

27. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits rotational motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

28. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the trigger handle and barrel are constructed to provide mechanical interengagement which limits both longitudinal and rotational motion of the trigger handle relative to said barrel.

29. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the trigger handle includes at least one receiving slot which receives at least one dog which extends from said barrel.

30. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position.

31. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 further comprising a removable stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position, the removable stop being positioned at least partially around the plunger.

32. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising at least one stop within the barrel for halting movement of the driver at an extended position.

33. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver.

34. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 23 and further comprising a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver;

at least one of said stops being a removable stop.

35. A dual use fluid medication injection apparatus capable of both mechanically powered administration and manual administration of a fluid medication, comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein;

a manually usable syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and sized to slide within the cavity, the syringe subassembly having;

an ampule for housing fluid medication;

a needle in fluid communication with said ampule;

a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

said plunger including a plunger shaft and a plunger portion which extends from the ampule to allow manual depression of the plunger to dispense fluid from the ampule;

said barrel including at least a first part and a second part which are manually detachable to allow removal and installation of the syringe subassembly;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

said plunger being unattached to said driver to allow removal of said syringe subassembly from the barrel while in cocked or extended positions;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position;

a sheath remover detachably connected to a muzzle end of the barrel for engaging and removing a protective sheath from the needle;

a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver.

36. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 35 wherein at least one of said stops being a removable stop.

37. A fluid medication injection apparatus comprising:

a barrel having a cavity therein, the barrel having a muzzle end and a proximal end;

a syringe subassembly positioned within the barrel and mounted to allow relative slidable motion of the syringe subassembly within the cavity;

the syringe subassembly having;

an ampule for housing fluid medication;

a needle;

a plunger for forcing the fluid medication from the ampule through the needle;

a plunger shaft connected to said plunger;

an adjustable plunger shaft head threadably connected to the plunger shaft for adjustment relative thereto to allow adjustment of the overall length of the ampule;

a driver for forcing the syringe subassembly to inject the needle and displace fluid medication through the needle, the driver being movable between a cocked position and extended positions;

said driver contacting the adjustable plunger shaft head;

a driver release for controllably releasing the driver from the cocked position into an extended position;

a plurality of stops within the barrel for halting movement of the driver.

38. A fluid medication injection apparatus according to claim 37 wherein;

at least one of said stops is a removable stop.