Microneedle patch applicator system
First Claim
1. A microneedle patch applicator system, comprising:
- an applicator, comprising;
a housing;
a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface;
a spring mounted in such a way that imparts a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position;
a microneedle patch docking mechanism configured in such a way that the docking mechanism captures and holds a microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; and
a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched releases the applicator plate, enabling the applicator plate to move to the deployed position; and
a microneedle patch support, comprising;
a housing having a perimeter defining an internal area; and
an elevated hub disposed within the internal area;
wherein the microneedle patch support is sized and dimensioned to support a microneedle patch in such a way that the microneedle patch rests on the elevated hub, and any needles extending from the microneedle patch do not make contact with the microneedle patch support;
wherein upon placement of the applicator onto the microneedle patch and the support, application of force to the applicator causes retraction of the applicator plate to the retracted position and capture of the microneedle patch by the docking mechanism.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A microneedle patch applicator system, comprising:
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an applicator, comprising; a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface; a spring mounted in such a way that imparts a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism configured in such a way that the docking mechanism captures and holds a microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; and a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched releases the applicator plate, enabling the applicator plate to move to the deployed position; and a microneedle patch support, comprising; a housing having a perimeter defining an internal area; and an elevated hub disposed within the internal area; wherein the microneedle patch support is sized and dimensioned to support a microneedle patch in such a way that the microneedle patch rests on the elevated hub, and any needles extending from the microneedle patch do not make contact with the microneedle patch support; wherein upon placement of the applicator onto the microneedle patch and the support, application of force to the applicator causes retraction of the applicator plate to the retracted position and capture of the microneedle patch by the docking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A kit, comprising:
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an applicator, comprising; a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface; a spring mounted in such a way that imparts a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism configured in such a way that the docking mechanism captures and holds a microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; and a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched permits releases the applicator plate to move, enabling the applicator plate to move to the deployed position; and a microneedle patch support, comprising; a housing having a perimeter defining an internal area; and an elevated hub disposed within the internal area; wherein the microneedle patch support is sized and dimensioned to support a microneedle patch in such a way that the microneedle patch rests on the elevated hub, and any needles extending from the microneedle patch do not make contact with the microneedle patch support. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification