Images

Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/168—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
  • A61M5/172—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body electrical or electronic
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/14244—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body
  • A61M5/14248—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body of the skin patch type
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/1452—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/14566—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/162—Needle sets, i.e. connections by puncture between reservoir and tube ; Connections between reservoir and tube
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M2005/1401—Functional features
  • A61M2005/1402—Priming
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M2005/14208—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps with a programmable infusion control system, characterised by the infusion program
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/14244—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body
  • A61M5/14248—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body of the skin patch type
  • A61M2005/14252—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body of the skin patch type with needle insertion means
  • A61M2005/14256—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body of the skin patch type with needle insertion means with means for preventing access to the needle after use
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/158—Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body
  • A61M2005/1581—Right-angle needle-type devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/178—Syringes
  • A61M5/24—Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic
  • A61M5/2455—Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic with sealing means to be broken or opened
  • A61M5/2466—Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic with sealing means to be broken or opened by piercing without internal pressure increase
  • A61M2005/247—Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic with sealing means to be broken or opened by piercing without internal pressure increase with fixed or steady piercing means, e.g. piercing under movement of ampoule

Definitions

• the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to an apparatus wearable by a recipient and method for delivering a substance to a recipient, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus with a mechanical drive train for priming the apparatus, for example by unsealing a reservoir containing a drug and/or by locking a door and subsequently delivering the drug to a recipient.
• a vial contains the substance and a stopper is disposed within the vial and is slidably coupled to the vial.
• a first threaded element is (a) rotatable with respect to the vial and (b) substantially immobile proximally with respect to the vial during rotation of the first threaded element.
• a second threaded element is threadably coupled to the first threaded element. At least a distal end of the second threaded element is substantially non-rotatable with respect to the vial, and the distal end of the second threaded element defines a coupling portion that couples the second threaded element to the stopper.
• the first threaded element by rotating, linearly advances the stopper and at least the distal end of the second threaded element toward a distal end of the vial.
• a vial piercing mechanism is movably (e.g., rotatably) coupled to a housing base. As part of the insertion of vial into the housing base, a seal at distal end of the vial is pierced by pressing the seal against the piercing mechanism.
• the substance is configured to subsequently flow through a tube toward an activation mechanism, which is typically coupled to the housing base, and is configured to insert a cannula and/or a needle through the subject's skin and to deliver the substance via the cannula and/or the needle.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,001 to Tsals discloses a liquid drug delivery device adapted to be adhered to the skin of a subject by a base member defining a skin-contacting surface having an adhesive coating.
• a columnar cartridge serves as reservoir for the drug and is incorporated in a housing, which is connected to the base member such that in use the longitudinal axis of the cartridge is disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface.
• a delivery needle communicating in use with the interior of the cartridge penetrates the skin of the subject when the housing snaps downward relative to the base member. This action also causes the actuation of a citric acid/sodium bicarbonate gas generator which generates a gas to move a piston within the cartridge, compressing the drug compartment. This compression causes a stopper to be penetrated by a conduit in communication with the delivery needle, allowing the drug to be ejected from the compartment through the needle and into the subcutaneous tissue of the subject.
• US published patent application 2006/0173408 to Wyrick discloses a reloadable medicine injector and methods in which a barrel with a receiving cavity is adapted to slidably to receive a syringe subassembly for axial movement therein. Upon removal of a safety and release of a syringe driver, the syringe driver moves forward and injects the syringe needle. A plurality of penetration controls are shown for controlling injection needle penetration depth.
• the injector makes use of a double needle assembly in which a double needle hub mounts a seal penetration needle that projects rearwardly toward a penetrable seal on the associated ampule. A flesh penetration needle projects forwardly. In practice, both needles can be made integral.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,501 to Gross discloses an intradermal drug delivery device comprising a housing having a drug reservoir therewithin.
• a microprocessor-controlled electrolytic cell provides gas to expand a gas generation chamber and thereby contract the reservoir.
• a hollow needle communicating at an inner end thereof with the reservoir, extends from a lower surface of the housing such that contraction of the reservoir forces drug to escape therefrom via the needle.
• the device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular weights at slow rates.
• US published patent application 2011/0178472 and PCT application WO 2011/090955 to the present author disclose a needle assembly adapted for fluid communication with a cartridge containing a substance to be delivered to a subject.
• the needle assembly characterized by a biasing device arranged to apply a biasing force on a needle to cause the needle to protrude outwards of a housing to pierce the subject, and biasing device release apparatus including a biasing device arrestor that initially blocks movement of the biasing device. After finishing the drug administration, the needle release apparatus lifted off the patient's body, which causes the safety latch to move back to the down position and the needle to be retracted back into the housing.
• a safety latch position sensor is provided for sensing when safety latch moves to an up position indicating that the device has been attached to a patient.
• a controller initiates operation of an actuator after a predetermined time delay (e.g., 5-15 seconds) to ensure that the drug delivery apparatus was indeed placed on purpose on the patient for delivering the drug.
• a predetermined time delay e.g., 5-15 seconds
• the actuator rotates a shaft causing the biasing device arrestor to move linearly out of an aperture. As soon as the biasing device arrestor has moved out of the aperture, the biasing device is no longer blocked and it now pushes down on a needle piercing the patient's skin.
• an apparatus wearable by a recipient having a single motion drive train for sequentially unsealing a reservoir and delivering a drug to the recipient may include a seal of the reservoir.
• the apparatus may also include a controlled rate power source.
• the apparatus may also include a plunger driven by the controlled rate power source.
• the apparatus may also include a hollow needle. An initial movement of the plunger may drive the hollow needle through the seal and subsequent movement of the plunger may discharge the drug from the reservoir.
• the controlled rate power source may include a direct current motor, a stepper motor and/or a linear actuator.
• the apparatus may further include a surface configured for attaching to a skin of the recipient.
• the apparatus may further include a pathway for movement of the reservoir.
• the initial movement of the plunger may impel the reservoir along the pathway.
• the pathway may be substantially parallel to the surface.
• the plunger may be configured for discharging a liquid having a viscosity of at least 10 centipoise.
• the plunger may be configured for discharging at a substantially constant rate for at least 1 minute.
• the reservoir may be configured for long term storage of the drug inside of the apparatus.
• the apparatus may further include a hypodermic needle and a needle release for inserting the hypodermic needle into the recipient.
• the needle release may be synchronized to the plunger.
• a direction of the needle release may be non-parallel to a direction of the movement of the plunger.
• a direction of the needle release may be substantially orthogonal to a direction of the movement of the plunger.
• the apparatus may further include a processor for controlling the controlled rate power source.
• the apparatus may further include a septum located in a needle opening of the apparatus. Upon release of a hypodermic needle, the hypodermic needle may puncture the septum before being inserted into the recipient.
• the apparatus may further include a rotation sensor.
• the controlling may be according to an output of the rotation sensor.
• the apparatus may further include a rotation sensor.
• the processor may sense the puncturing of the seal based on an output of the rotation sensor.
• the hollow needle may be initially in fluid communication with the reservoir.
• the seal may be configured for sealing the hollow needle.
• the reservoir may include a cartridge insertable into the apparatus.
• a method for delivering a drug to a recipient with a delivery apparatus The drug may be contained in a reservoir initially sealed by a seal for long term aseptic storage.
• the delivery apparatus may include a hollow needle and a plunger.
• the method may include attaching a surface of the delivery apparatus to the recipient.
• the method may also include applying a force with the plunger to contents of the reservoir.
• the method may also include puncturing the seal with the hollow needle by the force.
• the method may also include discharging the drug from the reservoir by the force subsequent to the puncturing.
• the method may also include detecting a rate of the discharging, and the method may also include adjusting the rate of the discharging based on a result of the detecting.
• the applying of the force may be in a direction substantially parallel to the surface.
• the method may further include supplying a torque, and converting the torque into the force.
• the detecting may be by measuring a rotation driven by the torque.
• the discharging may be at a substantially constant rate for at least 1 minute.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle into the recipient by the apparatus subsequent to the puncturing.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle by the apparatus into the recipient in a direction non-parallel to the applying of the force.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle by the apparatus into the recipient in a direction substantially orthogonal to the applying of the force.
• the method may further include sensing by the delivery apparatus of a puncturing of the seal.
• a method for delivering a drug to a recipient with a delivery apparatus may include an internal space initially sealed by a septum for long term aseptic storage.
• the delivery apparatus may also include a needle and a processor.
• the method may include attaching a surface of the delivery apparatus to the recipient.
• the method may also include puncturing the septum with the needle in response to a command of the processor.
• the method may also include discharging the drug subsequent to puncturing the septum.
• the method may also include, detecting a rate of the discharging and adjusting by the processor of the rate of the discharging based on a result of the detecting.
• the discharging may be driven by an actuator.
• the puncturing may be triggered by the actuator.
• the actuator may include a motor.
• the method may further include transforming a rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion.
• the discharging may be driven by the linear motion.
• the septum may seal a needle opening in a housing of the apparatus.
• the needle may include a hypodermic needle.
• the method may further include inserting the hypodermic needle into the recipient subsequent to the puncturing and prior to the discharging.
• an apparatus wearable by a recipient for delivering a drug to the recipient may include an initially aseptic internal space.
• the apparatus may also include a septum initially sealing the internal space.
• the apparatus may also include a controlled rate power source.
• the apparatus may also include a plunger driven by the controlled rate power source, and a hollow needle. The controlled rate power source may trigger puncturing the septum by the hollow needle, and subsequently, the power source may drive movement of the plunger, discharging the drug from the reservoir.
• the drug delivery device may include an attaching base and a mechanical drive train and a reservoir containing the drug.
• the method may include attaching the base to the recipient; driving a mechanical element with a motion of the mechanical drive train to prime the delivery device while attached to the recipient, and subsequently impelling a plunger into the reservoir by continued motion of the drive train, the plunger discharging the drug from the reservoir.
• the priming is irreversible.
• the priming includes unsealing the reservoir.
• the unsealing includes puncturing a septum with a hollow needle and the discharging is through the hollow needle.
• the priming includes locking a door closed at least partially blocking an opening for accessing the reservoir.
• the reservoir is contained in a cartridge and the method may further include inserting the cartridge through the opening into the apparatus prior to the locking.
• the method may further include sensing a rate of the discharging and adjusting the motion according to a result of the sensing.
• the motion is substantially parallel to the base.
• the discharging is at a substantially constant rate for at least 1 minute.
• the method may further include inserting a hypodermic needle into the recipient.
• a direction of the needle release is non-parallel to the path of motion.
• the releasing is in a direction substantially orthogonal to the path of motion.
• the method may further include rotating a gear and the rotating may power the motion.
• an apparatus for delivering a drug to a recipient may include an attaching base for attachment to the recipient; a mechanical drive train; a reservoir containing the drug; a priming mechanism driven by the motion, and a plunger configured to be impelled into the reservoir by the drive train subsequent to the priming thereby discharging the drug from the reservoir.
• the priming is irreversible.
• the apparatus may further include a seal initially sealing the reservoir preventing the discharging and a puncturing mechanism configured for being driven through the seal by an initial movement of the drive train.
• the puncturing mechanism includes a hollow needle and the discharging is through the hollow needle.
• the apparatus may further include an opening for accessing the reservoir; a door having a closed position at least partially blocking the opening, and a locking mechanism driven by the motion to lock the door in the closed position.
• the reservoir is included in a cartridge and the cartridge is configured for insertion through the opening into the apparatus.
• the apparatus may further include a controlled rate power source driving the drive train.
• the controlled rate power source includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of a direct current motor, a stepper motor, and a linear actuator.
• the motion is substantially parallel to the base.
• the plunger is configured for discharging a liquid having a viscosity of at least 10 centipoise.
• plunger is configured for discharging at a substantially constant rate for at least 1 minute.
• reservoir is configured for long term storage of the drug inside of the apparatus.
• the apparatus may further include a hypodermic needle, and a needle release for inserting the hypodermic needle into the recipient.
• the needle release is activated by the motion.
• a direction of the needle release is non-parallel path of motion.
• a direction of the needle release is substantially orthogonal path of motion.
• the apparatus may further include a temporary latch, the temporary latch holding the door in a closed position prior to the locking.
• the locking is irreversible.
• the locking occurs after a time delay.
• the apparatus may further include a septum located in a needle opening of the apparatus such that upon release the hypodermic needle punctures the septum before being inserted into the recipient.
• the apparatus may further include a processor for controlling the controlled rate power source.
• the apparatus may further include an injection rate sensor and wherein the controlling is according to an output of the injection rate sensor.
• the processor is configured for further sensing progress of at least one action selected from the group of the priming and the discharging.
• the injection rate sensor includes a rotation sensor.
• the hollow needle is initially in fluid communication with the reservoir, and the seal is configured for sealing the hollow needle.
• the apparatus may further include a cartridge insertable into the apparatus, the reservoir being included in the cartridge.
• the apparatus may further include a lock activated by the drive train.
• the base may include an adhesive for the attachment.
• the lock includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of a bolt and a pressure activated latch.
• the door has a slack and the driving of the locking mechanism includes restraining the slack.
• a method for delivering a drug to a recipient with a delivery apparatus the drug contained in a reservoir initially sealed by a seal for long term aseptic storage, the delivery apparatus including a hollow needle and a plunger.
• the method may include impelling the plunger into the reservoir via motion of a mechanical drive train; puncturing the seal by driving the hollow needle through the seal via the motion; discharging the drug from the reservoir by via the motion subsequent to the puncturing; detecting a rate of the discharging, and adjusting a rate of the motion based on a result of the detecting.
• the method may further include attaching the delivery apparatus to the recipient.
• the method may further include delivering the drug into the recipient at an injection site.
• the motion may be in a direction substantially parallel to a skin surface of the recipient at the injection site.
• the method may further include supplying a rotating actuator and converting the rotating into the motion.
• the detecting is by measuring the rotation.
• the discharging is at a substantially constant rate for at least 1 minute.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle by the delivery apparatus into the recipient subsequent to the puncturing.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle by the delivery apparatus into the recipient in a direction non-parallel to the motion.
• the method may further include releasing a hypodermic needle by the delivery apparatus into the recipient in a direction substantially orthogonal to the motion.
• the method may further include sensing by the delivery apparatus of the puncturing.
• the method may further include activating a locking mechanism of the apparatus by means of the motion.
• a method for delivering a drug to a recipient with a delivery apparatus may include an internal space initially sealed by a septum for long term aseptic storage, a needle and a processor.
• the method may include puncturing the septum with the needle in response to a command of the processor; discharging the drug subsequent to the puncturing; detecting a rate of the discharging, and adjusting by the processor the rate of the discharging based on a result of the detecting.
• the discharging is driven by an actuator.
• the puncturing is triggered by the actuator.
• actuator may further include a motor and the method may further include transforming a rotational motion of the motor into a translational motion, and the discharging may be driven by the translational motion.
• the septum seals a needle opening in a housing of the delivery apparatus.
• the needle may include a hypodermic needle
• the method may further include inserting the needle into the recipient subsequent to the puncturing and prior to the discharging.
• Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.
• a data processor such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
• the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data.
• a network connection is provided as well.
• a display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.
• FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for unsealing a reservoir and delivering a drug
• FIG. 2 a is a perspective external view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for puncturing a septum and delivering a drug
• FIG. 2 b is a simplified cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for puncturing a septum and delivering a drug prior to puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 2 c is a simplified cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 b after puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 2 d is a simplified cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 b while delivering the drug
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mechanism of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for delivering a drug wherein a septum seals a needle prior to puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 3 ′ is a close perspective view of the septum of the embodiment of FIG. 3 prior to puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanism the embodiment of FIG. 3 after puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 4 ′ is a close perspective view of the septum of the embodiment of FIG. 3 after puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a further exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for delivering a drug wherein a septum seals a vial prior to puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 after puncturing the septum;
• FIG. 7 a illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a needle insertion mechanism with a septum, prior to releasing the needle;
• FIG. 7 b illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a needle insertion mechanism with a septum after releasing of the needle
• FIG. 7 c illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection apparatus with a septum and a needle release, previous to releasing the needle;
• FIG. 7 d illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a injection apparatus with a septum and a needle release, after releasing the needle, and
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for delivering a drug to a recipient with an initially sealed injector
• FIGS. 9A ,B illustrate an exemplary pressure activated door latch locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
• FIGS. 10A ,B,B′,C,D,D′,D′′ illustrate an alternative exemplary pressure activated door latch locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
• FIGS. 11A ,B illustrate door locking bolt activated by a medicine discharge mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 12A-C illustrate a schematic embodiment of an infuser having a septum puncturing mechanism and a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to an apparatus wearable by a recipient and method for delivering a substance to a recipient, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus with a mechanical drive train for priming the apparatus, for example by unsealing a reservoir containing a drug and/or by locking a door and subsequently delivering the drug to a recipient.
• an unsealing mechanism and/or a locking mechanism may use the existing drive train of the drug discharge device.
• the drive train may include a controlled rate power source for example a motor driving a mechanical drive train.
• the drive train may include a screw assembly that transforms the revolving motion of the motor into a linear motion.
• the drive train may include a telescoping assembly.
• drive train may be unidirectional and/or irreversible, for example, a telescoping assembly may be designed to expand, but not to retract.
• the drive train may drive a series of mechanisms.
• the mechanisms may optionally be coupled to the drive in series without sliding or and/or without disengaging.
• a mechanism may be driven until a stop and then further movement may push the next mechanism in series.
• the drive train may optionally impel a plunger.
• the plunger may drive the reservoir along a direction of motion of the drive train toward an unsealing mechanism.
• the reservoir may, for example, collide with the unsealing mechanism and be unsealed. After unsealing, the reservoir optionally reaches a stop and ceases moving.
• further motion of the plunger may drive discharging of the drug.
• one or more mechanisms may be including in the path of the drive train.
• motion of the drive train may activate one or all of the mechanism in its path.
• the mechanisms may be activated sequentially and/or simultaneously.
• a first mechanism may be activated until a stopping point at which point further motion of the drive train may activate a second mechanism.
• a locking mechanism may be located in the path of the drive train.
• a part of the drive train and/or of the plunger and/or of the reservoir may be driven into a locking mechanism, thereby locking a door.
• subsequent motion of the plunger may drive discharging of the drug.
• motion of the drive train may activate release of a hypodermic needle.
• the needle may be released in a direction non-parallel to the motion.
• the direction of needle release may range between 10° and 90° to the motion.
• the direction of release of the needle may optionally be substantially parallel to the motion.
• motion of the drive may discharge a flushing fluid before and/or after the medicine.
• the drive train may induce linear movement.
• a drive train may impel a plunger, which may optionally cause discharging of the drug.
• the linear movement may additionally or alternatively drive a door locking mechanism.
• the linear movement may cause additionally or alternatively unsealing of a reservoir.
• the reservoir may be initially sealed with a septum.
• motion of the drive may drive a needle through the septum, unsealing the reservoir. Subsequently to unsealing the reservoir, motion of the drive may cause discharging of the medicine.
• the door may be locked when a drive train of the injector contacts a locking mechanism.
• the drive train may expand, filling a space between a door locking mechanism and a plunger.
• the drive train may optionally expand backwards towards the locking mechanism.
• the drive train may eventually contact for example, the locking mechanism causing it to lock.
• the locking mechanism may, optionally, prevent further backwards motion of the drive train. Further expansion of the drive train may then push the plunger forward into the reservoir.
• the time delay may range between five seconds and two minutes.
• the time delay may be the time necessary for a telescoping assembly to fill and empty space.
• the length of the empty space may for example be less than 3 mm.
• the drive train may impart of force ranging for example between 1.0 and 4.0 kg.
• the length of movement of the drive for priming the pump may range, for example, between 0.4 and 8 mm.
• a door lock door may resist an opening force of between 2-8 kg
• the apparatus may be worn by the recipient. Wearing the apparatus may include, for example, attaching a base of the apparatus to the recipient and/or carrying the apparatus attached to clothing of the recipient and/or strapping the apparatus to the recipient.
• the base of the apparatus may stick to the skin of the recipient (for example via an adhesive).
• the motion of the drive train may be substantially parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the path of motion of the drive train may make an angle between ⁇ 10° to 10° with an attaching surface of the base.
• the rate of delivery may be controlled.
• a drug may be discharged as a bolus injection and/or continuously and/or at a slow rate and/or at a fast rate.
• the rate of discharge may be adjustable.
• a sensor may be used to indicate progress of an infusion process.
• a sensor may measure motion of the drive train.
• processor may user sensor measurement to indicate and/or adjust progress of discharge.
• the processor may compute a rate of drug discharge.
• the processor may estimate whether a septum has been punctured and/or whether a door has been locked.
• the rate of motion of the drive train may be adjusted according to results of the measurements.
• the maximum rate of delivery may optionally be between 10 ml/hr and 100 ml/hr.
• the total delivered volume may be between 0.5 ml and 20 ml.
• the total time of delivery may be between 5 seconds and 20 minutes.
• the total time of delivery may be measured from the beginning of delivery until the end of delivery.
• the beginning of deliver may be measured from the time of activation of the apparatus and/or alternatively from the time of attachment of the apparatus and/or alternatively from the time that delivery of the substance begins.
• the end of delivery may be measured at deactivation of the apparatus and/or alternatively at the earliest time after which no more of the substance is delivered and/or alternatively when the apparatus is removed from the recipient.
• the drug may be delivered in a single dose and/or at a constant rate.
• a drug pump may be a programmable device.
• the pump may be capable of controlled delivery of a substance according a preprogrammed schedule and/or rate.
• the pump may be a smart device capable of changing a delivery schedule according to commands and/or in reaction to changing conditions.
• the device may be capable of stopping and restarting delivery.
• a drug may require strictly prescribed packaging.
• Legal, health and safety requirements may include very stringent packaging standards.
• Packages may need to be aseptic, packaging materials may be strictly limited and package geometry may be very precisely stipulated. For example, when a drug is to be stored for a significant period of time (for example more than 24 hours and/or more than a month) standards may be particularly stringent.
• the recipient may prepare a drug for delivery and/or to produce a coordinated force to activate a mechanical trigger.
• the recipient may include a child and/or the medical procedures may induce fatigue or confusion in the recipient (for example chemotherapy).
• the recipient may have a condition that makes it difficult to perform precise tasks (for example rheumatism and/or Parkinson's disease, and/or partial paralysis of the fingers). More generally, opening packaging and then loading the delivery device may be inconvenient and may increase the probability of exposure to contamination or of error or loss of the drug.
• a recipient It is sometimes desirable to supply a recipient with a delivery device that can be stored. It may also be desirable to supply the delivery device ready to use to deliver a medicine. For example, at a certain time following an outpatient hospital procedure, it may be desirable to deliver a drug to the patient (for example an antidote to chemotherapy agent). Sometimes before a hospital procedure, it may be desirable to deliver a drug to a patient (for example a dye before a radiological diagnostic procedure). A recipient may prefer to receive these drugs from a portable drug pump rather than traveling to a clinic.
• the apparatus may be supplied with a sealed reservoir having an internal space containing a drug.
• the apparatus may deliver the drug automatically with minimum involvement of the recipient.
• the delivery apparatus may function independently requiring minimal or no cooperation and/or awareness and/or activity of the recipient. For example, a doctor may attach the device to the recipient and the device may take care of delivery of the drug at the proper time without involvement of the recipient.
• a recipient may be given a single packaged device and the recipient may be able to take the drug at the required by merely attaching and activating the device.
• a drug reservoir may be sealed by a septum.
• unsealing the reservoir may be by puncturing the septum.
• a drug may be packaged in a vial sealed by a septum.
• the septum may be punctured by inserting a hollow needle through the septum into the vial.
• the drug may be packaged in a syringe.
• a needle of the syringe may be sealed by an insertion into a septum.
• unsealing may be achieved by pushing the needle of the syringe through the septum.
• unsealing a package includes piercing a septum.
• the septum may include, for example, many kinds of seals including caps, stoppers, plugs, diaphragms and/or partitions of various thicknesses.
• a septum or a seal may be made from plastic, rubber, silicone, a gel, a metal foil, a polymer and/or a combination thereof.
• the apparatus may not require conscious carrying by the recipient.
• the apparatus may minimally disturb the recipient.
• a pump may be small and/or have a low profile.
• some embodiments of a drug pump may be worn inconspicuously under a recipient's clothing.
• the height of the apparatus may be less than the square root of the area of the base.
• the base of the apparatus may be less than 5 cm long and/or less than 5 cm wide.
• the height of the apparatus may be less than 3 cm.
• the total volume of the apparatus may be less than 100-200 ml.
• the mass of the entire apparatus with the substance may be less than 100-200 g.
• the capacity of the reservoir for the substance in the apparatus may be between 5-30 ml).
• the apparatus may be shock proof and/or waterproof.
• reservoir throughout the specification and claims encompasses any container for a drug, such as but not limited to, a cartridge, vial, syringe, bottle, ampoule and many more, and is not limited to any size or shape.
• the reservoir may be packed and/or stored in the injector.
• the reservoir may include a cartridge that is stored separately from the delivery device and inserted into the delivery device at a convenient time.
• the apparatus may be easily disposable (for example in municipal garbage).
• the apparatus is a medicine pump.
• the invention is some embodiments thereof is not limited to a drug pump, and may be used for any kind of suitable discharge apparatus, not just by needle piercing the patient, but also transdermally (wherein the substance is metered by the apparatus to a transdermal patch), by spray (wherein the substance is metered by apparatus to a spray nozzle), micro needles array and others.
• FIG. 1 a is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of delivering a drug.
• a patient take a drug injection at home and not remain in a medical institution waiting for a nurse to administer the injection.
• the institution is supplied with a portable preloaded automatic apparatus that can be stored until the recipient needs the drug.
• the apparatus is optionally attached to the recipient and/or activated.
• the apparatus takes care of preliminary activities (for example locking a reservoir access door and/or unsealing the drug reservoir and/or inserting a needle into the recipient).
• the pump then makes the injection and optionally takes care of preparing itself for disposal.
• the apparatus is optionally supplied 100 to a medical institution.
• the injector may be preloaded with the drug and/or preprogrammed.
• the substance to be injected may be an antidote to a chemotherapy agent to be injected twelve hours after the therapy.
• the antidote is packaged inside the apparatus in a sealed vial.
• the preloaded apparatus may be stored 102 in a medical institution for a time ranging from a few days to a few months before actually being used.
• the apparatus may be supplied to the recipient by, for example, a pharmacy and stored by the recipient for a time ranging from a day to a few months until needed.
• the sealed vial may be stored separately from the apparatus.
• vial may be loaded into the apparatus by the distributor and/or by a pharmacist and/or by a medical professional (for example a nurse or a doctor) and/or by the recipient himself.
• the apparatus is programmed to deliver the entire contents of the reservoir 12 hours after activation in a constant rate injection.
• the apparatus may be programmed to deliver a portion of the medicine in a single dose.
• the apparatus may be programmed to administer a second dose.
• the second dose may be delivered after a fixed time delay and/or the second dose may be delivered on demand of the recipient and/or upon a combination of time delay and command and/or in reaction to some other stimulus.
• preliminary steps may be preprogrammed into the apparatus logic to be carried out before delivering the medicine.
• the drive train may drive a post injection activity such as injecting a flushing fluid after the medicine.
• a cartridge containing the drug may be stored outside of the injector (for example for an injector that is not preloaded).
• the cartridge may be inserted into a reservoir channel and/or a door to the channel may be closed 103 before use.
• the apparatus when the apparatus is needed, the apparatus is optionally attached 104 to a recipient. Attachment may be, for example by an adhesive pad on a base surface of the housing of the apparatus. After attachment, the apparatus is activated 106 . Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be activated first and then attached to the recipient.
• priming may include locking 107 a door.
• the door may be locked when a drive train contacts a locking mechanism.
• the drive train may expand, filling a space between a door locking mechanism and a plunger.
• the drive train may optionally expand backwards towards the locking mechanism.
• the drive train may eventually contact, for example, the locking mechanism causing it to lock.
• the locking mechanism may, optionally, prevent further backwards motion of the drive train. Further expansion of the drive train may then push the plunger into the reservoir.
• priming 109 may include inserting 108 a needle into the recipient.
• the apparatus may insert 108 a needle into the recipient.
• the needle may be inserted 108 into the recipient when the injector is activated.
• the needle may be inserted 108 into the recipient before locking 107 the door.
• Priming 109 may optionally include unsealing 110 the reservoir.
• the reservoir may include a vial sealed by a septum and the unsealing 110 include puncturing the septum.
• inserting the needle into the recipient may follow and/or precede unsealing the reservoir.
• inserting 108 a needle into the recipient and unsealing 110 the reservoir may open a fluid path between the reservoir and the recipient. Once the fluid path is open, the drug may optionally be discharged 112 into the recipient at a dosage and rate that is optionally controlled by a controller of the injection apparatus.
• discharge 112 of the drug will start quickly after unsealing 110 the reservoir and/or inserting 108 the needle.
• discharging 112 will start less than 5 minutes after inserting 108 and/or unsealing 110 .
• discharging 112 will start less than one minute after inserting 108 and/or unsealing 110 .
• the delay may range between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.
• the apparatus may perform post injection tasks. For example, after the drug has been fully or partially discharged 112 , an optional chaser of for example saline solution may be injected.
• the apparatus may optionally be automatically permanently deactivated 114 .
• deactivation may include retracting the needle. Once the apparatus is deactivated, it may be removed 116 from the recipient and discarded 118 . Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may be removed from the recipient and then disabled. For example, upon removal of an injection apparatus, the needle may be retracted and/or a cover may be deployed to protect the needle.
• insertion 108 of the needle and/or unsealing 110 of the reservoir and/or discharging 112 and/or deactivation 114 of the apparatus may be triggered and/or driven by a single motion drive train.
• the drive train may include an electric motor and/or a screw and/or a piston.
• the motion may optionally be continuous.
• the injector may be programmed by the distributor and/or medical personnel (for example a nurse, a doctor or a pharmacist) and/or by the recipient.
• FIG. 2 a illustrates an external view of an exemplary embodiment 210 of a drug delivery apparatus (a subcutaneous injector apparatus).
• a base surface 220 is stuck to the recipient's skin with an adhesive.
• a needle 222 extends out a needle opening 229 into a recipient.
• the drug is discharged via needle 222 into the recipient.
• embodiment 210 is has a large base 220 (for example, the length and width of base 220 is 4 cm by 6 cm) and a low profile (for example, the height 224 of the apparatus is 2 cm).
• height 224 of the apparatus is less than half the square root of the surface area of base 220 . In some embodiments, the height may be less the 1.4 times the square root of the surface area of the base.
• Embodiment 210 may be stabile when stuck to the recipient's skin.
• Embodiment 210 may be inconspicuous when worn under clothing.
• a locking door 226 may optionally be provided. In a closed position, door 226 may for example, block a reservoir channel. For example, door 226 may prevent tampering with the drugs inside the injector. It is noted that although embodiment 210 is typically a one-use item, the electronics, batteries and motor and other elements of the system can be used more than once if desired. Locking may occur immediately upon closing door 226 and/or door 226 may be locked after activation of the injector.
• FIGS. 2 b - d are schematic cutaway side views illustrating exemplary embodiment 210 of a drug delivery apparatus puncturing a septum and delivering a drug.
• FIG. 2 b illustrates exemplary embodiment 210 in an initial state.
• base 220 of the apparatus is attached to the flesh 211 of a recipient.
• Hypodermic needle 222 protrudes from base 220 of the apparatus into the flesh 211 of the recipient.
• hypodermic needle 222 may be inserted into the recipient by a release mechanism.
• needle 222 protrudes perpendicular to base 220 .
• a reservoir 234 is in fluid contact with a hollow needle 232 .
• reservoir 234 and consequently needle 232 are held in place, using low friction pads 246 and 246 ′.
• reservoir 234 in the initial state, reservoir 234 is placed towards the rear (left side) of the apparatus so that there is a gap 244 between a flange 248 of reservoir 234 and pad 246 .
• needle 232 and consequently reservoir 234 are sealed by a septum 236 .
• Some embodiments may include a drive train 256 that translates circular motion of a gear 242 into translational motion.
• drive train 256 may include a mechanical actuator, which causes backward and/or forward motion along a single path, for example a straight line.
• drive train 256 may include a telescoping assembly.
• activating a motor supplies a torque to turn gear 242 and screw 243 .
• the housing of the apparatus prevents translation motion of gear 242 and screw 243 .
• rotation of screw 243 causes drive train 256 to telescope. While reservoir 234 is sealed, drive train 256 pushes reservoir 234 along a linear path of motion parallel to base 220 of the apparatus. Needle 232 may optionally be located along the path of motion of drive train 256 . Needle 232 may be directed along the path of motion of drive train 256 . Needle 232 may optionally be pointed toward septum 236 . Expansion of drive train 256 advances needle 232 through septum 236 . Eventually, needle 232 pierces septum 236 , unsealing reservoir 234 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2 c.
• the motion of drive train 256 and/or reservoir 234 may be parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the path of motion of a plunger 258 is parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the long axis of reservoir 234 is parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the Length of base 220 of exemplary embodiment 210 is longer than the height 224 of the apparatus.
• the long axis of and/or the pathway followed by reservoir 234 may be directed non-parallel to and/or orthogonal to hypodermic needle 222 .
• FIG. 2 c the exemplary embodiment is shown with needle 232 puncturing septum 236 .
• flange 248 is in contact with pad 246 stopping further forward movement of reservoir 234 .
• puncturing septum 236 creates a fluid pathway from reservoir 234 through hollow needle 232 and through a canal 250 and through hypodermic needle 222 to flesh 211 of the recipient.
• drive train 256 advances a plunger 258 inside of reservoir 234 as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2 d .
• Advancement of plunger 258 discharges the drug out of needle 232 , canal 250 and needle 222 into flesh 211 of the recipient.
• FIGS. 3, 3 ′, 4 and 4 ′ illustrate another exemplary embodiment 310 of a drug delivery apparatus.
• a syringe needle 332 is mounted to a reservoir 334 .
• needle 332 is shown sealed by an optional septum 336 .
• needle 332 is shown puncturing septum 336 to unseal reservoir 334 .
• FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an optional programmable controller 328 capable of directing an optional actuator 330 for powering discharging of a substance.
• FIGS. 3, 3 ′, 4 and 4 ′ illustrate how actuator 330 may optionally drive puncturing of septum 336 and/or trigger insertion of a needle into the recipient.
• controller 328 may be a programmable electronic processor. Controller 328 may optionally include a memory.
• actuator 330 may include a direct current (DC) electric motor. Power for controller 328 and actuator 330 may be supplied by a power supply 338 (for example batteries). Controller 328 may optionally direct actuator 330 by pulse width modulation (PWM). Alternatively or additionally, actuator 330 may include a brushless DC servo (for example a stepper motor) directed by controller 328 . In some embodiments, the rate of rotation of actuator 330 may be adjustable. The rate of discharge of the drug may correspond to the rate of rotation of the actuator 330 . Optionally, rate of rotation of the actuator 330 may be adjusted by programming controller 328 and/or by a user interface (for example a dial and/or button) on the apparatus.
• a user interface for example a dial and/or button
• Embodiment 310 includes an optimal rotation sensor 340 .
• rotation sensor 340 may include an optical sensor that detects movements of a paddle.
• rotation sensor may include a Hall Effect sensor or the like.
• controller 328 may notify the recipient of a malfunction.
• Other malfunctions that may be detected include not enough voltage, not enough current, too much current, and/or too fast rotation.
• a drug reservoir 334 is shown in a sealed configuration. Reservoir 334 is held in place for example by low friction pads 346 and 346 ′. In the sealed configuration, needle 332 is optionally sealed by septum 336 , for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 ′.
• a gap 344 exists between a flange 348 of reservoir 334 and friction pad 346 .
• a transmission including gears 342 which connect actuator 330 to a telescoping drive train (for example see drive train 456 FIG. 4 ) located inside reservoir 334 .
• a drive train 556 may include a telescoping assembly.
• the telescoping assembly may include one or more concentric screw threads and/or a gear.
• the telescoping assembly may convert rotational motion into linear expansion and/or contraction of the assembly.
• a drive train may include a linear actuator.
• the transmission includes a gear, but alternatively or additionally, it could include another coupling element for transmitting rotary motion, such as a friction wheel.
• rotation of actuator 330 drives expansion of telescoping drive train 456 .
• the drive mechanism may include an expanding gas chamber.
• expanding gas may be produced by an electrolytic cell and/or by a chemical reaction.
• the reservoir may have flexible walls.
• discharge may include deforming and/or squeezing the reservoir.
• forward movement of reservoir 334 pushes needle 332 through septum 336 putting the apparatus into the discharge configuration, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
• a gap 444 has formed behind flange 348 .
• the rear end of telescoping drive train 456 can be seen in gap 444 .
• needle 332 has fully punctured septum 336 , unsealing reservoir 334 .
• the path of motion of reservoir 334 is parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the path of motion of drive train 456 is parallel to the base of the apparatus.
• the long axis of reservoir 334 is parallel to the base of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus is longer than the height of the apparatus.
• Embodiment 310 includes an optional trigger arm 352 for triggering a needle release 354 .
• a needle release 354 As reservoir 334 moves forward it displaces arm 352 causing needle release 354 to insert a hypodermic needle (not shown) into the recipient.
• a tube (not shown) supplies a fluid pathway from canal 350 to the hypodermic needle.
• the hypodermic needle may be inserted into the recipient either before or after completing puncturing of septum 336 .
• controller 328 may directly control needle release 354 .
• the direction of release of the needle may be non-parallel and/or orthogonal to the direction of movement of drive train 456 .
• telescoping drive train 456 includes a threaded member to convert rotational motion of actuator 330 into expansion and translational motion of the drive train 456 .
• rotation of sensor 340 may be directly proportional translational movement.
• measurements of rotation can be used to sense the position of the translational mechanism.
• controller 328 optionally tracks the location of telescoping drive train 456 and/or of reservoir 334 and/or of needle 332 .
• the rate of discharge of the drug may be detected by measuring a rate of rotation of sensor 340 .
• the state of the septum 336 (for example whether drive train 456 has advanced far enough to puncture septum 336 ) and/or the cumulative volume of medicine discharged may be sensed based on the cumulative number of revolutions of rotation sensor 340 .
• friction pad 346 prevents further forward motion of reservoir 334 .
• FIG. 5 is a cutaway illustration of an exemplary embodiment 510 of a drug delivery apparatus.
• a reservoir is sealed by a septum.
• the septum is punctured by driving the reservoir toward a hollow needle until the point of the needle punctures the septum. Upon puncturing the septum, the point of the needle enters the reservoir. Subsequently, the hollow of the needle provides for fluid communication between the reservoir and the external environment.
• Embodiment 510 includes a reservoir 534 sealed by a septum 536 .
• reservoir 534 may be placed a bit away from a hollow needle 532 in a sealed configuration (For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 ).
• Reservoir 534 may be held in place, for example, using low friction pads 546 , with needle 532 against and/or partially inserted into and/or adjacent to septum 536 .
• activating a motor 530 may cause a drive train 556 to telescope. Rearward movement of drive train 556 may optionally be restrained by a hub 557 mounted on a door 526 . Telescoping drive train 556 may push a plunger 558 into reservoir 534 .
• Telescoping drive train 556 includes concentrically mounted threaded members to convert rotational motion of an actuator, motor 530 , into expansion of drive train 556 and translation of plunger 558 . Because reservoir 534 is sealed, translation of plunger 558 advances reservoir 534 against needle 532 , puncturing septum 536 (as shown, for example, if FIG. 6 ). Optionally, reservoir 534 translates forward until a cap 548 of reservoir 534 crosses a gap 544 and contacts a stop 549 .
• Puncturing septum 536 creates a fluid flow path between reservoir 534 and the recipient's body. The flow path allows further translation of plunger 558 to produce fluid flow out needle 532 and through a tube (not shown) into a hypodermic needle (not shown) and into the recipient.
• Embodiment 510 includes further optional components, for example, batteries 538 , and a needle release 554 , and a rotation sensor 540 , and a controller 528 , and a transmission 542 .
• FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a needle insertion mechanism 754 with a needle opening septum 764 .
• Needle opening septum 764 seals a needle opening, preserving aseptic conditions inside an injector (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7 c ).
• needle 722 when the apparatus is attached to a recipient, when needle 722 is released, it may optionally pass through needle opening septum 764 (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7 b ) and be inserted into the flesh of the recipient.
• needle 722 may be partially inserted into needle opening septum 764 (for example as illustrated in FIG. 7 a ). While partially inserted, the opening at the tip of needle 722 may be sealed by needle opening septum 764 . Needle 722 may be in fluid communication with a drug reservoir. Sealing needle 722 may seal the reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, prior to release, a hypodermic needle 722 ′ may be held clear of a needle opening septum 764 ′, as illustrated, for example in FIG. 7 c ).
• a motor 730 rotates a shaft 760 .
• Rotation of shaft 760 optionally causes a threaded arrester 762 to slide out of an opening in insertion mechanism 754 releasing needle 722 .
• motor 730 may also trigger unsealing a reservoir and discharging of a drug (as illustrated, for example, above).
• An optional rotation sensor includes sensors 741 , which sense revolutions of a paddle 740 .
• needle opening septum 764 ′ may be fixed to the housing of the injection apparatus.
• FIGS. 7 c and 7 d are cutaway perspective illustrations of an exemplary embodiment where needle opening septum 764 ′ is connected to a base 720 of the housing of the injection apparatus.
• FIG. 7 c illustrates the exemplary embodiment prior to release of a needle 722 ′ by a release 754 ′.
• needle opening 729 ′ is sealed by needle opening septum 764 ′.
• FIG. 7 d illustrates the exemplary embodiment after release of needle 722 ′ and after needle 722 ′ punctures needle opening septum 764 ′.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for delivering a drug to a recipient.
• an injector apparatus may be supplied 870 in a sealed state.
• an internal space of the injector may be preserved 872 in an aseptic state by a septum and/or by a sealed door.
• a hypodermic needle may be stored in the aseptic internal space of the injector.
• an injector and/or the cartridge may be supplied in a sealed aseptic blister. In the blister, the injector may optionally be supplied in an open and/or closed state.
• the apparatus may be attached 874 to the recipient while still in the sealed state.
• a base of the apparatus may be stuck to the recipient using an adhesive.
• the mechanism may release 876 the needle.
• the needle may be released 876 after attachment 874 of the apparatus to the recipient.
• the needle may puncture 878 the septum.
• the needle may continue through the septum, through a needle opening in the base of the apparatus and be inserted 880 into the recipient.
• a drug may optionally be delivered 882 through the needle into the recipient.
• FIGS. 9A and 9A illustrate respective wide and close up cutaway views of an exemplary embodiment of a mechanism locking a door of an infuser.
• a door may include a latch that may engage catch in the housing of the infuser, locking the door closed.
• the door and/or the latch may be biased away from the catch and/or play in the door may allow the latch to be disengaged from the catch.
• activation of the drive train may drive the latch into engagement with the catch, locking the door.
• the drive train may include a telescoping assembly.
• the telescoping assembly may optionally be attached at its front end to a plunger in a medicine reservoir. Behind the telescoping assembly, there may optionally be some free space and/or a door. As the telescoping assembly expands, it may fill the free space and then optionally push backwards against the door and forward against the reservoir. In some embodiments, pushing the door backwards may cause engagement of the latch and the catch. Further rearward movement may optionally be restrained by the door and/or the latch. In some embodiments, pushing forward against the reservoir may cause unsealing of the reservoir.
• Forward movement of the reservoir may optionally be restrained by contact between a flange and/or a front end of the reservoir with the housing. Further, expansion of the telescoping assembly may, in some embodiments, force the plunger into the reservoir, discharging the medicine.
• a latching mechanism may include, a hub 957 and/or a latch 986 and/or a catch 984 .
• Latch 986 may optionally be configured to engage catch 984 holding door 986 immobile with respect to the housing of the infuser.
• Door 926 may optionally be configured to swing upward and/or downward around a pivot. Closing the door may, for example, block access to a reservoir channel. The mounting of door 926 may leave slack allowing forward and backward movement of the door engaging and/or disengaging latch 986 with catch 984 .
• activating the apparatus may drive a rear end of a drive train 956 into hub 957 .
• This may, optionally, drive door 926 backwards taking up the slack in its movement.
• Driving door 926 backwards may, for example, force latch 986 into engagement with catch 984 thereby preventing door 926 from swinging upward. This may, optionally, permanently lock door 926 .
• the slack in the door may range between, for example, 0.1 and 3 mm.
• FIGS. 10A-D illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism for an infuser.
• the locking mechanism of FIGS. 10A-D may optionally include a temporary latch and/or a permanent latch.
• the temporary latch may optionally hold the door closed.
• a user may be able to disengage the temporary latch. For example by pushing sideways on a tab, may release the temporary latch and open the door.
• a drive train may optionally drive engagement of a permanent locking mechanism.
• the permanent locking mechanism may prevent disengagement of the latch.
• FIGS. 10A ,B,B′ illustrate a cutaway side view of an exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism.
• FIG. 10B shows a close-up cutaway view of the exemplary locking mechanism in a permanently locked state.
• FIG. 10B ′ shows a close-up cutaway view of the exemplary locking mechanism in a temporarily locked state.
• FIG. 10C illustrates an overhead view of the exemplary infuser.
• FIG. 10D shows a cutaway overhead view of the infuser in a temporarily locked state.
• FIG. 10D ′ shows a cutaway overhead view of the infuser in a released state.
• FIG. 10D ′′ shows a cutaway overhead view of the infuser in a permanently locked state.
• the locking mechanism may include a door 1026 and/or a permanent latch 1086 and/or a temporary latch 1088 and/or a catch 1084 a for temporary latch 1088 and/or a catch 1084 b for permanent latch 1086 .
• door 1026 opens by swinging upward.
• the locked state (for example as illustrated in FIGS. 10A ,B,B′ and D) catches 1084 a and/or 1084 b block respective latches 1088 and/or 1086 from moving upward, thereby preventing opening of door 1026 .
• a user may a temporary latch from its latched state (for example the latched state of FIGS. 10B ′,D).
• temporary latch 1088 may be released by pushing inward on a tab on the side of door 1026 (for example as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 10D ′). Pushing the side inward may, for example, move latches 1086 and/or 1088 inward away from catches 1084 a,b freeing door 1026 to swing upward.
• activating a drive train 1056 causes drive train 1056 to push backwards against door 1026 (for example as illustrated by the arrow of FIG. 10A ,B,D′′).
• Backwards motion of door 1026 may (as illustrated by the arrows in FIGS. 10B and 10D ′′) drive backwards, permanent latch 1086 .
• latch 1086 In the backwards position latch 1086 is trapped by a block 1090 .
• Block 1090 prevents latches 1086 and 1088 from moving sidewardly inward, preventing release of door 1026 .
• FIGS. 11A ,B illustrate another alternate exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism in an unlocked and locked position respectively.
• a bolt 1192 may optionally be located along the path of motion of a drive train (not shown). Bolt 1192 may be pushed by the drive train into a hole 1194 . Once inside hole 1194 bolt 1192 prevents a door 1126 from moving with respect to a hole 1194 thereby locking door 1126 in a closed state.
• FIG. 12A-C illustrate an exemplary schematic embodiment of an infuser having a preliminary door lock and a preliminary unsealing mechanism.
• the infuser includes a reservoir in a chamber. Access to the chamber is controlled by a door.
• the cartridge optionally includes a mechanical drive train, which can expand linearly.
• the door and/or the locking mechanism and/or the reservoir and/or a plunger and/or a seal and/or an unsealing mechanism may optionally be lined up along a path of motion of the drive train. Preliminary expansion of the drive train may prime the apparatus.
• expansion of the drive train may drive the cartridge against the door locking mechanism thereby locking the door and/or expansion of the drive train may drive the cartridge against a seal breaking mechanism thereby unsealing the reservoir. After unsealing the reservoir and/or locking the door, further movement of the drive train may optionally drive the plunger into the reservoir dispensing the medicine.
• FIG. 12A shows the exemplary embodiment of an infuser in an unprimed configuration.
• a telescoping drive train 1256 is in a collapsed state. The user closes an access door 1226 and activates drive train 1256 .
• Drive train 1256 As drive train 1256 expands, it optionally pushes a rear end of drive train 1256 .
• Drive train 1256 may, for example expand rearward.
• a locking mechanism including a rotating bolt 1292 is optionally situated along the path of motion of the drive train 1256 .
• door 1226 is open a warning may be issued and/or the infuser may not function.
• drive train 1256 continues to expand pushing the rear end of drive train 1256 backwards until it optionally contacts the locked door 1226 .
• Door 1226 may optionally stop rearward progress.
• a plunger 1258 is optionally situated along the path of motion of drive train 1256 . As long as reservoir 1234 is sealed, plunger 1258 does not enter reservoir 1234 . As long as reservoir 1234 is sealed, plunger 1258 pushes reservoir 1234 forward. A seal 1236 of reservoir 1234 is optionally pushed forward along a path of motion or drive train 1256 until it contacts an unsealing mechanism 1232 Unsealing mechanism, 1232 may optionally be situated along the line of motion of drive train 1256 .
• seal 1236 may include a septum and unsealing mechanism 1232 may include a hollow needle directed along the path of motion and pointed toward the septum.
• drive train 1256 may drive the needle through the septum breaking the seal and/or creating a path for discharging the medicine (for example through the hollow of the needle). Locking the door and/or breaking the seal may optionally place the infuser into a primed state (for example as illustrated in FIG. 12B ).
• drive train 1256 may drive plunger 1258 into reservoir 1234 , discharging the medicine.
• compositions, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
• a compound or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
• range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
• a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.
• the phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

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Abstract

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