Abstract: A delivery device includes first and second housing portions that selectively engage and disengage. A reservoir on one housing portion operatively engages a drive device and/or a needle inserting device on the other housing portion. Upon proper engagement of the housing portions, the reservoir operatively couples to the drive device and/or the needle inserting device. A first magnet on the first housing portion and a second magnet (or a magnetically-attractive material) on the second housing portion are positioned to magnetically interact with each other, upon operative engagement of the housing portions. A third magnet on the second housing portion may be opposed to the first magnet to help align the housing portions for connection. A magnet-responsive device may be on one or both housing portions to detect alignment and/or connection of the housing portions.

Abstract: A medical instrument for fluid injection includes a tubular member and a plurality of hollow needle elements connected to one end of the tubular member. Generally, the tubular member has a lumen and all the needle elements communicate with the lumen to enable a distribution of a diagnostic or therapeutic fluid to various points in a predetermined region. The tubular member is provided with a fluid introduction port at an end of the tubular member opposite the needle elements, the fluid introduction port communicating with the lumen. The needle elements are disposed in a predetermined configuration adapted to carry out a desired function. The needle elements are at least partially made of resilient material with a memory so that the needle elements are biased by their internal stresses towards a predetermined rest configuration and are alternately disposable in the rest configuration and at least one stressed or loaded configuration.

Abstract: Syringes are disclosed herein incorporating a variety of safety mechanisms for protecting the users from accidental needle stick. In certain embodiments, the syringes incorporate retractable carriages that can be retracted into the syringe barrels by engaging with the plungers. The carriages are configured to receive different needle hubs having any number of needle sizes. In certain other embodiments, the carriages are spring loaded so that as the plungers disengage the carriages from the syringe barrels, the springs automatically retract the needles into the barrels. Still in certain other embodiments, needle hubs with spring loaded needles are used with the syringes. The needles are retracted into the barrels when the plungers activate certain mechanisms incorporated into the hubs to thereby release the needles. Still yet in certain other embodiments, sheaths are used to cover needle tips.