Cylinder ampoule

• US 6,312,413 B1
• Filed: 10/21/1998
• Issued: 11/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
• Original Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
• Inventors: Buch-Rasmussen, Thomas, Poulsen, Jens Ulrik, Jensen, Jens Møller
• Primary Examiner(s): Kennedy, Sharon
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, CATHERINE SERKE
• Application Number:
  US09/176,581
• Time in Patent Office: 1,112 Days
• Field of Search: 604/232, 604/89, 604/187, 604/218, 604/228, 604/207, 604/208, 604/211
• US Class Current: 604/232
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/3103 Leak prevention means for distal end of syringes, i.e. syringe end for mounting a needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/284 comprising means for injection of two or more media, e.g. by mixing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/288 by piercing without internal pressure increase A61M5/283 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3129 Syringe barrels A61M5/3205 and A61M5/50 take precedence
• 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 5/31561 using freely adjustable volume steps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31563 interacting with a displaceable stop member

Abstract

A cylinder ampoule (1) having a first end sealed by a closure through which an injection unit can communicate with a medicament in the ampoule and a second end closed by a piston (3) which can be forced into the ampoule (1) to press out a dose of a medicament stored in the ampoule between the closure and the piston (3) through said injection unit, which cylinder ampoule (1) has a non-circular inner cross section and which piston (3) has a non-circular cross section corresponding to the inner cross section of the ampoule (1). A piston rod (4) has a pressure foot (5) which has a cross section corresponding to the inner cross section of the ampoule (1) and is non-rotatably connected to the piston rod (4).

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a medicament comprising:

a cylinder ampoule having first and second ends, wherein the first end is sealed by a closure through which an injection unit can communicate with a medicament contained in the ampoule, wherein at least a portion of the ampoule has an interior with a non-circular cross section, wherein the ampoule includes a piston having a non-circular cross section, corresponding to the non-circular interior portion of the ampoule, which is disposed in the non-circular interior portion, between the first and second ends to form a seal, and wherein the piston can be forced into the ampoule to press out a dose of a medicament, stored between the closure and the piston, through such an injection unit;

a threaded piston rod coupled non-rotatably to an element which has a cross section corresponding to, and which is disposed in, the non-circular interior portion of the ampoule so as to be guided non-rotatably in such interior portion;

a nut having an inner thread engaging the thread of the piston rod; and

a stop against which the nut abuts prior to setting a dose to prevent movement of the piston rod toward the first end of the ampoule, wherein the nut may be rotated about the piston rod, to move away from the stop, in order to set a dose, and wherein, after setting a dose, the piston rod may be moved toward the ampoule'"'"'s first end to force the piston into the ampoule.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the stop is formed by the second end of the ampoule, and wherein the nut has a diameter enabling it to abut against the second end of the ampoule.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said element is a pressure foot which acts on the piston.

4. A cylinder ampoule according to claim 1, wherein said element is the piston itself.

5. A cylinder ampoule according to claim 1, wherein the ampoule forms a syringe housing.