Abstract: A fluid syringe of the type used with fluid infusion devices is presented here. The fluid syringe generally includes a barrel, a piston, and a check valve seal. The barrel has an interior wall and a sealed main fluid chamber. The piston is slidably coupled within the barrel, and the piston has a piston seal forming an interference fluid seal against the interior wall. The check valve seal is coupled to the piston, and it is located between the piston seal and the main fluid chamber. The check valve seal forms an interference fluid seal against the interior wall when the piston is unloaded, and it disengages the interior wall to allow gas flow from the main fluid chamber toward the piston seal when the piston is loaded.

Abstract: An application device with a cylindrical basic body for storing a squeezable dental material having a piston positioned inside the basic body and axially displaceable towards the basic body. A piston rod serves to displace the piston in the squeezing direction, which piston rod partially reaches into the piston and is axially displaceable towards the latter. The piston is provided with an elastic resetting device at its front end area positioned in the direction towards the dental material. The elastic resetting device can be biased in the squeezing direction, and returns back to its relaxed position after the end of each axial movement of the piston in the squeezing direction and release of the pressure exerted on the piston rod for this purpose. Dripping of excess dental material is prevented from the application device by creating a partial vacuum inside the basic body, with the elastic resetting device pressing the piston rod in a direction opposite the squeezing direction.

Abstract: A syringe plunger/jacket assembly may comprise a flexible jacket attached to a rigid plunger. The jacket may comprise at least two sealing rings (front and rear) that prevent fluid from leaking out of the rear of the barrel during injection of fluid from the syringe. The rear sealing ring may not contact or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel in an unloaded state. In the loaded state, when force is applied in the direction of the forward discharge end of the syringe, pressure is created on the jacket. This condition causes the rear seal to expand and contact and/or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A multi-chamber syringe 10 which can be manufactured at a low-cost and high-productivity is provided. The syringe 10 includes a generally cylindrical barrel 12, a push member 14 and a plug 16, both of which are disposed to fit the inner side surface 12a of the barrel 12 and slidably on the inner side surface 12a. The plug 16 has a main surface 16a provided with a projection 34 having a top 34a which is eccentric to the main surface 16a. When the push member 14 slides in the direction indicated by Arrow A, the plug 16 comes under pressure from the side on the open end 18. When the projection 34 of the projection 16 makes contact with the choked end 20, the pressure from the side on the open end 18 acts to turn the plug 16 in the direction indicated by Arrow B. This causes a bending deformation in a main body 30 and flanges 32a, 32b of the plug 16, to form a first gap 38 and a second gap 40 between the inner side surface 12a of the barrel 12 and the plug 16.

Abstract: A syringe assembly may include a syringe barrel, a plunger rod to cooperate with the syringe barrel, a deformable seal member having a deformable depression and a lobe member to cooperate with the syringe barrel. The lobe member may be a corner lobe member, and the syringe assembly may be a cone shaped tip to cooperate with the seal member. The cone shaped tip may cooperate with the depression, and the depression may be a distal depression.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a gasket which is able to be mounted on a plunger with a loosening preventing mechanism and, more specifically, a gasket including loosening preventing means provided for the plunger having a mechanism configured to prevent a joint portion between the plunger and the gasket from loosening, and a prefilled syringe preparation utilizing this gasket. The gasket is mountable on the plunger having a projecting portion in a groove of a screw portion for screwing the gasket thereon including a depressed portion with which the projecting portion is engageable when being screwed on the plunger provided on an inner periphery of the gasket.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A gasket for use in a syringe so formed as to liquid-tightly and slidably contact an inner surface of an outer cylinder of the syringe, the gasket including a gasket body made of an elastic body and a coating layer formed in a portion thereof which contacts at least the syringe, wherein the coating layer includes a composition containing silicone resin which comprises a condensate of reactive silicone resin having a terminal silanol group and which has a siloxane bond derived from the silanol group, and does not contain solid fine particles.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are effective in treating snoring behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed treatment apparatus include a mouthpiece, a first chamber in communication with the mouthpiece, and a displaceable member mounted with respect to the first chamber for applying a resistive force as gas is withdrawn from the first chamber. A second, substantially airtight chamber is generally defined on the opposite side of the displaceable member. The evacuation force required to deflect, deform or otherwise is increased due to the force required to displace the displaceable member positioned within the disclosed treatment apparatus. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, the displaceable member may take the form of a flexible membrane, piston or diaphragm that is mounted with respect to the inner wall of the first chamber or the second chamber. Use of the treatment apparatus is effective in reducing and/or eliminating snoring behavior for extended periods.

Abstract: A medical container including a gasket. Before liquid is injected and discharged (first state), sufficient air-tightness and liquid-tightness are maintained by strong force of fitting of an elastic ring member, fitted on a large diameter part of a gasket body member, relative to a circular tube body. When liquid is injected and discharged (second state), which is a state in which the elastic ring member has been slid from the large diameter part of the gasket body member to a position where the elastic ring member is fitted on the small diameter part of the gasket body member, the fitting force of the elastic ring member, fitted on the small diameter part of the gasket body member, relative to the circular tube body is smaller than the fitting force before liquid is injected and discharged (first state). The construction reduces sliding resistance of the gasket against the circular tube body.

Abstract: A plunger tip for being located on a distal end of a syringe plunger and for sliding sealed engagement with an interior surface of a syringe barrel includes a core constructed of a generally rigid material. The core has a first end for being secured to the plunger, a second end and an endless sidewall between the first and second ends. An elastomeric sleeve at least partially surrounds the endless sidewall of the core.

Abstract: A piston stopper for a medicine injector, wherein the stopper has a stopper body with a mesh section and at least one sealing element positioned at least partly around the circumference of the stopper body, wherein at least one of the sealing element and mesh section is connected to the stopper body in a material bond. A method for manufacturing such a piston stopper is encompassed.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A plunger for a syringe, comprising a cylindrical hollow body having a closed base and an opening located at the opposite base of said hollow body, wherein a seat accessible through said opening is provided to receive the head of a rod or a pusher, said seat being equipped with engagement means for retaining said head inside the seat at the end of an axial translational or an axial translational and rotary coupling movement. The invention further concerns the rod intended to be associated with said plunger and a syringe or a phial using the plunger.

Abstract: A medication cartridge piston of a cartridge for an injection device. In one form, the piston includes a body (32) formed of a first material and including an interior hollow with a rearward facing mouth allowing for insertion of a drive member of the injection device. The body includes a first portion and a second portion disposed rearwared of the first portion, a sealing gland (34) secured to the body and formed of a material that is less rigid than the first material, the sealing gland ringing at least an axial segment of the second portion and having at least one exterior periphery region for sealingly engaging an interior surface of the cartridge barrel, and the body first portion including a thrust surface (4S) within the interior hollow for direct abutment by the drive member, at least a portion of the thrust surface disposed forward of a forward edge of a forwardmost sealing gland exterior periphery region of the at least one exterior periphery region.

Abstract: The prefilled syringe filled with a drug in advance, leaking of liquid from the cap is prevented, gas barrier properties are given to the whole of the barrel filled with the drug and the shoulder section so that degradation of the drug is prevented, permeation of microbial contaminants is prevented to a high extent, and efficiency of packing as a compact container can be increased. The prefilled syringe includes a guard-shaped extension projecting from the outer periphery of a shoulder section of the syringe barrel on the nozzle side, and a range from a part where a gasket of the plunger is positioned on the outer surface of the syringe barrel filled with the drug to the guard-shaped extension is covered with barrier packaging.

Abstract: A pressure injection syringe with an actuator that includes a plunger for pressurizing viscous fluid material within a chamber. The plunger distal tip includes a high pressure seal defined by a seal member within a seal seat. The high pressure seal is viscoselective to permit air passage therepast for aspiration, and to prohibit viscous material passage therepast during actuation of the actuator wherein high pressure is applied to the material within the chamber. The viscoselective seal may be defined for example by small axial openings in the seal seat that permit aspiration of air therepast during initial plunger insertion into the chamber, but fluid escape is prohibited by the seal member when the seal member is pressed firmly against a collar of the plunger proximally adjacent the seal seat by initial engagement of the seal member with the viscous material, thus completely sealing the chamber at the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A plunger activated capping system is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a fluid reservoir, a plunger assembly including a plunger rod and a sealing member supported on the plunger rod, and a luer cap releasably secured to a distal end of the syringe body. The luer cap includes a luer-type connector member and a fluid outlet. A luer cap plug is releasably supported on a distal end of the plunger rod at a location distally of the sealing member. The luer cap plug is movable into engagement with the luer cap to seal the fluid outlet of the luer cap upon advancement of the plunger assembly from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger assembly is configured to effect disengagement of the luer cap from the distal end of the syringe body when the plunger assembly is moved to the advanced position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a syringe comprising: a body including a cylindrical side wall having an open upstream end with an inner annular rim and a downstream end closed by a transverse wall provided with an orifice; a shaft equipped with a plunger having at least two annular sealing lips between which is defined at least one annular chamber. The shaft, which can slide inside the body, defines inside the body an inner chamber designed to be at least partly filled with a content. Delivery passages provided inside the body are configured to communication said annular chamber of the plunger with the outside of the body or with the inner chamber of the body, when the plunger is abutting against the annular rim.

Abstract: A stopper adapted for attachment with a plunger rod for use within a syringe barrel is disclosed. The stopper includes a main body defining an open rearward end and a closed front end. The open rearward end is adapted to receive a front forward end attachment portion of the plunger rod. The stopper also includes a core member integrally formed with said main body adjacent the closed front end. The core member includes a nose portion having a profile adapted to create a positive seal with an outlet opening of such syringe barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder/piston unit having a cylinder and a piston which is guided therein, wherein the cylinder and the piston enclose a chamber which can be filled at least for a time with an additive, and the cylinder has at least one exit element at its front end. Here, the cross section of the chamber or the cross section of the cylinder inner wall is increased at least in regions of the cylinder from the front to the back, wherein the cylinder end having the exit element is at the front. The piston has an elastic skirt at least in the front region, the front outer edge of said elastic skirt defining a cross-sectional area in the case of an unloaded piston, which is greater than an area which is defined by a contour line. The present invention develops a cylinder/piston unit which ensures simple and reliable handling and can be stored for a long time in the filled state, in a manner which is impervious to gas and moisture.

Abstract: A disposable syringe includes a barrel, a needle assembly, a plunger, and a spacer. A tubular catch extends rearwardly of the barrel to terminate at a peripheral edge. The needle assembly includes a needle cannula and a needle seat for securing the needle cannula. The plunger is movable in the barrel to a retraction initiating position, where a front open plunger end is coupled with the needle seat for withdrawal of the needle seat and the needle cannula into the plunger. An endcap is disposed to cover a rear open plunger end, and has a ring wall fittable in the catch. The spacer has front and rear abutment surfaces that detachably and respectively abut against the peripheral edge and a rim of the ring wall in a pre-use position to thereby prevent movement of the plunger to the retraction initiating position.

Abstract: A syringe configured with a limited maximum usable capacity. The syringe of the invention desirably has a retractable needle to prevent reuse. In the preferred embodiment, a dose-limiting structure includes a stop-ring member on the head of the plunger that abuts a constriction in the housing when the plunger is moved away from the needle to prevent the further rearward movement of the plunger. Preferably, the syringe of the invention is configured such that a user is tactilely signaled when the plunger has reached a position corresponding to a nominal fixed-dose. If the user attempts to force the stop-ring member beyond the constriction, the plunger seal is stripped off or removed from the plunger head and the syringe rendered inoperable. The features of the invention can also be applied to a nonretracting syringe.

Abstract: A dosage device has a hollow barrel and a plunger slidable within the barrel, and a plurality of formations provided on the barrel and plunger and cooperating with one another to produce a sound signal, which corresponds to a predetermined dosage of fluid drawn into or displaced from the barrel. At least one of the barrel and plunger formations is configured to have a plurality of spaced-apart segments shaped and dimensioned to improve the quality of the sound signal.

Abstract: A single-use syringe includes a barrel having front and rear passageways and a shoulder disposed there between, a plunger movable in the rear passageway, a carrier having a tail portion extending from a front end wall of the plunger, and pushing and retained regions formed forwardly of the tail portion, and a deformable sealing member in fluid-tight and slidable engagement with the barrel. The sealing member includes an inner surrounding wall surface with a yielding segment engaging the pushing region, and a retaining segment in frictional engagement with the retained region by a frictional force so as to confine a fluid-tight surrounding area. The frictional force is diminished when the yielding segment is depressed by the pushing region so as to facilitate release of the retained region from the retaining segment, thereby disrupting the fluid-tightness of the surrounding area and rendering the syringe unreusable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston stopper for an injection device, for injecting a medical or therapeutic product by axially advancing a piston stopper into a product container, wherein the piston stopper includes a stopper body and a stopper body holder detachably connected to it, and wherein a membrane body is placed like a cap onto the stopper body and connected to it, the membrane body being formed from an elastic material, while the stopper body and the stopper body holder are manufactured from an inflexible material. The invention encompasses an embodiment wherein the stopper body holder supports a sensor which measures the pressure acting on the membrane body to enable the pressure to be monitored precisely, in order to detect leaks and blockages in injection devices.

Abstract: A plunger of a syringe includes a shank partially movably received in a barrel of the syringe. The shank includes a first end having a thumb rest radially extending therefrom and a second end having a stub longitudinally extending from the shank. The stub includes a stopper radially extending therefrom and a mushroom-shaped connector formed on a distal end of the stub. At least one annular flange radially extends from the stub between the stopper and the mushroom-shaped connector. A rubber bulb is securely longitudinally mounted to the stub, abuts the stopper and fully contains the at least one annular flange and the mushroom-shaped connector. The rubber bulb is previously formed and connected with the shank when inject molding the shank.

Abstract: A metering receptacle has an elongate hollow body which at one end has a closable exit opening, and which at the other end is closable by way of a plastic plunger stopper. The plunger stopper is at the same time longitudinally displaceable in the hollow body by way of a plunger rod. The metering receptacle is configured such that the plunger stopper is formed of two parts, with a sealing stopper part of plastic which is rigidly positionable in the elongate hollow body and has a centric bore for the passage of the plunger rod, and with a longitudinally displaceable plunger part of lubricious plastic which is connected to the plunger rod.

Abstract: A needle-less injection system that uses an ampule with an elongated hollow body. The elongated hollow body including a nozzle and an aperture for accepting a plunger, the aperture for accepting a plunger extends from the second end towards the first end and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The ampule cooperates with a generally cylindrical plunger. The plunger includes a first end and a second end, and a concave rib. The concave rib is extends about the perimeter of the plunger and extends towards the first end of the plunger.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A single use syringe and a plunger rod locking device for such a syringe are provided. The locking device and plunger rod include features that cause the plunger rod to be locked with respect to the syringe barrel upon completion of an injection stroke. A cutting member is provided at the distal end of the locking device. The cutting member will penetrate, and thereby disable the stopper affixed to the plunger rod in an attempt to retract the plunger rod following the injection stroke. The locking device includes barbs for engaging the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A syringe including a barrel for retaining fluid and having a dispensing port for permitting fluid flow therethrough. A plunger is received within the barrel and is axially moveable relative thereto for controlling fluid flow through the dispensing port. A dosing indicator is carried by the plunger and includes indicia thereon collectively representing a dosing range of the fluid based upon a correlation between the indicia and a therapeutic treatment variable for a preselected group of patients. The indicia cooperate with the plunger and barrel for measuring a medically correct dose of the fluid to be administered to a patient from the group.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprises a barrel, which has a body forming a receiving hole, a stop portion in the receiving hole. A needle holder has a hole therein, an elastic lock piece formed a claw at distal end, and a dragged portion. The needle holder is received in the receiving hole of the barrel for the claw can lock with the stop portion of the barrel. A supporter, which is slidable received in the hole of the needle holder for supporting the elastic lock pieces to make the needle holder fixed secured in the barrel. And a plunger set has a bumper to move away said supporter and withdraw said needle holder.

Abstract: An apparatus delivers an agent to a treatment region, the apparatus having an outer cannula or lumen that has an internal surface and an external surface, the external surface being substantially smooth to penetrate tissue whereas the distal end is tapered; an inner cannula, or lumen coaxial to the outer cannula, providing a common fluid path (that is the same fluid passes through both the inner cannula and outer cannula) at the distal end with the inner surface of the outer cannula; a source of fluid to be passed through the common fluid path, the source of fluid comprising at least a reservoir of nutrients and/or gases for maintaining cells contained in a lumen coaxial and internal to the inner cannula; a semipermeable membrane comprises the surface of the lumen, thus allowing controlled material transport across the lumen surface; a source of cells or other biologically active material mass flow connected to the proximal lumen so that the cells or other biologically active material can exit the distal port

Abstract: An anti-reflux syringe includes a syringe barrel defining a chamber for retaining fluid that has an open proximal end, a distal portion, and a barrel extension tip having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger stem operative of a piston and elastomeric stopper assembly controls the flow of fluid within the chamber. The piston includes a distal piston extension member located distal of the stopper having a male retention body on its outer periphery capable of being retained within a cooperative female retention element in the interior surface of the barrel extension tip. This retention at a point distal of the stopper establishes a predetermined limit to the distal extension of the elastomeric stopper to avoid an undue compression of the same that upon release or withdrawal of the stopper may cause reflux.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a sealing member and a medicament chamber in a drug delivery device includes providing lubricating silicone on the surface of the stopper and within the plastic material of the chamber. The stopper preferably is first washed and rinsed in hot deionized water followed by drying. The dried sealing member is then tumbled with polymeric silicone and then irradiated at a target dose between 2.5 to 4.0 Mrads to cause the silicone molecules to bond with the elastomeric material of the stopper. The irradiated sealing members are then loaded in any of a series of chambers including syringes, pre-filled syringes, drug cartridges, and needleless injector ampules. The chamber preferably is made from a plastic material that has been mixed with a lubricating solution such as silicone when the plastic is compounded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston stopper for an injection device, for injecting a medical or therapeutic product by axially advancing a piston stopper into a product container, wherein the piston stopper includes a stopper body and a stopper body holder detachably connected to it, and wherein a membrane body is placed like a cap onto the stopper body and connected to it, the membrane body being formed from an elastic material, while the stopper body and the stopper body holder are manufactured from an inflexible material. The invention encompasses an embodiment wherein the stopper body holder supports a sensor which measures the pressure acting on the membrane body to enable the pressure to be monitored precisely, in order to detect leaks and blockages in injection devices.

Abstract: A filler instrument comprises a first chamber section having a first cross sectional area and a second chamber section having a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. The second chamber section communicates with the first chamber section. The first chamber section includes an inlet for receiving a material into the filler instrument, and the second chamber section includes an outlet for discharging the material from the filler instrument. A first plunger is sized to pass through the first chamber section and not the second chamber section. A second plunger is sized to pass through an interior bore of the first plunger and into the second chamber section. In use, the first plunger displaces material residing in the first chamber section through the second chamber section toward the outlet, and the second plunger displaces material residing in the second chamber section through the outlet.

Abstract: An automatically retractable needle safety syringe apparatus having an integral safety feature that automatically and immediately retracts the piercing tip end of the needle body after a single use, due to a punch which frictionally engages the foundation of the ferrule and a vacuum created within the syringe body during the process of injecting fluid therefore causing the piercing tip end of the needle body to permanently reside enclosed within the syringe body protectively pressed against the inner surface of the tube thus alleviating needle reuse and accidental needle prickings with contaminated syringe needles and therefore ultimately preventing the transmission of blood-borne pathogens and other diseases by contaminated syringe needles. The method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metering receptacle has an elongate hollow body which at one end has a closable exit opening, and which at the other end is closable by way of a plastic plunger stopper. The plunger stopper is at the same time longitudinally displaceable in the hollow body by way of a plunger rod. The metering receptacle is configured such that the plunger stopper is formed of two parts, with a sealing stopper part of plastic which is rigidly positionable in the elongate hollow body and has a centric bore for the passage of the plunger rod, and with a longitudinally displaceable plunger part of lubricious plastic which is connected to the plunger rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plunger for use in a syringe and a syringe comprising such a plunger. The plunger includes a pressure member extending around the circumference of a generally cylindrical body of the plunger. The pressure member is in substantially sealing contact with the plunger body. The pressure member is sufficiently flexible to be forced radially outwardly to exert force upon the inner wall of the syringe as a result of increased fluid pressure upon forward motion of the plunger. The pressure member thereby forms a substantially sealing engagement with the inner wall of the syringe. In one embodiment, the pressure member comprises a flange attached at a rearward portion of the flange to a body of the plunger. The flange extends forward and radially outward to form a circumferential channel between the flange and the body of the plunger. In another embodiment, the pressure member comprises a resilient O-ring seated in a seating formed around the circumference of the body of the plunger.

Abstract: A liquid medicine injection apparatus which is capable of injecting a liquid medicine at an accurate flow rate and which does not require an excessively strong force for filling the apparatus with the liquid medicine. The apparatus includes a barrel 1 provided with a port 11 at the distal end thereof and a shaft 12 extending along the longitudinal axis thereof, a hollow plunger 2 provided at its distal end with a first gasket 3 inserted into the barrel 1 while allowing the shaft 12 of the barrel to pass therethrough, and also provided at the proximal end thereof with a closing member 4 having a vent hole 41; a second gasket 5 connected to the proximal end of the shaft 12; and outside air releasing means 6 for allowing the space between the first and second gaskets to communicate with the outside air.

Abstract: A dual-chamber syringe has a plunger within an inner delivery chamber in fluid communication with an ejection port. The deliver chamber is formed within a tubular element axially slidable within a tubular guide. The tubular guide and the syringe outer barrel form an outer reservoir chamber. The outer reservoir chamber is sealed from the delivery chamber while the tubular element is in a first position within the guide. Upon withdrawal of the plunger, frictional contact imparted by the plunger seal causes the tubular element to slide away from sealing engagement with the barrel into a second position within the guide. In the second position of the tubular element, a fluid passageway is opened from the reservoir to the delivery chamber allowing fluid to be drawn into the delivery chamber. A porous seal between the plunger rod and barrel allows air into the reservoir during transfer of fluid to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: A disposable syringe with an automatically retractable hypodermic needle for use in the injection of medicinal substances and/or the removal or samples of blood and liquids in general in human or veterinary medicine is disclosed. Once the operation of the syringe is performed the application of slight additional pressure to the end of the piston's travel causes the needle to be automatically shot inwards, with it remaining permanently housed in the interior in order to protect the operator from pricks or contact with pathogenic substances, and also making it unusable for subsequent applications.

Abstract: A process for forming a composite piston of at least two materials, preferably a rigid material and an elastic material, the materials being chemically fused in a modular mold, and the plunger formed thereby. The process comprising injection molding one of the rigid material and elastic material in a mold to form a first piston part; forming a cavity in the mold adjacent the first piston part; injection molding the other of the rigid material and plastic material in the cavity to form a second piston part in contact with the first piston part; and removing the piston having a rigid part and an elastic part from said mold. Upon opening of the mold, complete, finished pistons are presented. The material for forming the elastic part preferably includes a lubricant. The process reduces assembly costs, quality control concerns, and contamination due to human contact.

Abstract: A syringe assembly specifically designed to dispense high viscosity material. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel into which the high viscosity material is placed. A piston assembly is introduced into the syringe barrel. The piston assembly creates a seal against the interior of the syringe barrel that is impervious to the high viscosity material but is not impervious to the passage of air. Consequently, as the piston assembly is advanced into the syringe barrel, any trapped air is permitted to exit the syringe barrel without passing through the high viscosity material. The piston assembly also contains a shaped piston head that stresses the high viscosity material as it is displaced through the syringe barrel. By stressing the high viscosity material in the syringe barrel before it is dispensed, air bubbles and gaps contained within the material can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A syringe stopper for use in a syringe barrel having a substantially cylindrical body comprises a piston-like stopper body for slidable fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel of the syringe. The body includes a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis therethrough. A distally directed, conically-shaped projection is positioned on the distal end of the stopper body. At least one elongate discontinuity, running along the conically-shaped projection, is provided. The discontinuity includes a first end on the conically-shaped projection and extends radially outwardly therefrom to a second end, as viewed from the distal end of the stopper. The discontinuity may be in the form of a raised rib or a recessed groove.

Abstract: Novel texaphyrin compounds having improved functionalization are described. Metal complexes of these compounds are active as photosensitizers for the generation of singlet oxygen and thus are potentially useful for treatments performed with singlet oxygen. Several of the metallotexaphyrin complexes absorb light in the physiologically important range of 690-880 nm. The complexes form long-lived triplet states and thus may act as efficient photosensitizers for generation of singlet oxygen.

Abstract: A sealing cap is provided for attachment to the end of a syringe plunger. The sealing cap has an annular sidewall with an annular first sealing wing projecting distally therefrom, an annular second sealing wing positioned proximal of the first sealing wing and projecting proximally, and an annular sealing ridge encircling and radially projecting out from between the first sealing wing and the second sealing wing. The sealing cap further includes an interior cavity having an annular side surface aligned with the annular sidewall. A side groove is recessed within the side surface so as to be aligned slightly proximal of the annular sealing ridge. The distal end of a syringe plunger has a head mounted thereon that is substantially complementary to the configuration of the internal cavity of the sealing cap. More specifically, a tapered ridge is formed on the periphery of the head to complementarily be received within the side groove.

Abstract: The applicator is assembled from an integral injection-molded part which includes an elongated flat strap from which a piston member projects at a right angle to one side and, at some distance therefrom, a cylinder member including a canula molded thereon projects at a right angle to the other side. The strap forms two spring arms of which the one, being bent by 180.degree., is first slid over the piston head with a recess. Subsequently, the cylinder is also fit onto the piston head, with the strap section that connects the piston to the cylinder head being also bent by 180.degree.. The piston head snaps in a rear position into the cylinder. The two biased spring arms always bias the piston in the direction of the rear end position, so that the applicator can be operated with one hand to take, for instance, blood from a container.