Abstract: A probe and nozzle assembly for reducing the pressure at which a needleless injector must deliver medicament for proper delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment of the probe, the probe is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the energy source a portion of the probe extends past the nozzle assembly to deliver the medicament through a discharge channel. After activation the probe retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the probe is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments the ratio of discharge channel length to diameter is greater than 6/1.

Abstract: A loading mechanism for a medical injector assembly is disclosed. The loading mechanism according to the present invention includes a dosing sleeve slidingly joining first and second injector housing portions and having tabs at a first end and fixed to one of the first or second housing portions at a second end; and a sleeve retainer fixed to the other of the first or second housing portions and engageable with the tabs of the dosing sleeve at an engagement point to prevent movement of the dosing sleeve once an injector plunger is at a rear portion of an injector fluid chamber, wherein movement of the first housing portion away from the second housing portion moves the plunger in a second direction to load fluid into the fluid chamber and movement of the first housing portion toward the second housing portion moves the plunger in a first direction to remove the fluid from the fluid chamber. The disclosed loading mechanism facilitates filling the assembly with medicament and priming the assembly for use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a plunger provided for use in a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an internal chamber with an outwardly tapered portion at one end thereof. The plunger includes a plurality of outwardly curved prongs or legs which mate with an inwardly tapered portion of the internal chamber in order to allow the piston of the injector to be released from the plunger. As a result, the plunger may be removed from the injector when the nozzle assembly is removed therefrom. This plunger may include a frangible portion so that, upon firing, a first driving member of the plunger breaks away from a second driving member of the plunger. As a result of this frangible connection, the first driving member remains lodged in a distal portion of the chamber to prevent reuse of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product comprises a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for a hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provide with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product including a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism is disclosed. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provided with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a locking mechanism for aiding in the prevention of accidental or unintentional disengagement of the nozzle assembly from a needleless injection device. In one embodiment of the locking mechanism, a stud positioned on the nozzle assembly engages a recess in the injector to help to deter the nozzle assembly from rotating during firing of the injector. In another embodiment of the locking mechanism, a nib on the nozzle assembly engages a recess in the injector to deter the nozzle assembly from rotating during firing of the injector. A retaining element may be utilized within the injector to provide the recesses for engagement with the locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for aiding in the prevention of accidental or unintentional discharge of a needleless injection device having a power unit, a housing, a plunger disposed within the housing, a trigger assembly, and a nozzle. The safety mechanism includes a locking member which is disposed at least partially on the exterior of the housing. The locking member works in concert with the triggering assembly to the prevent movement thereof, thereby preventing activation of the power unit to eject fluids through the nozzle. The locking member also works in concert with an interlocking sleeve which prevents activation of the injector when the nozzle is removed therefrom. The safety mechanism also includes a feature for automatically returning the locking member to a locked position after activation.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product comprises a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for a hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provide with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly adapted for an injector, includes a guide for proper application of injections. The guide has first and second wings each extending outwardly and away from the chamber at an angle. These wings are preferably symmetrical and form a V-shape to accommodate appendages such as fingers, toes, or penises. The wings may be curved or straight depending upon the curvature of the substrate to be injected. Also, depending upon the angle layout or length of the wings relative to the chamber and the symmetry of the wings, injections can be set to penetrate at almost any desired angle.

Abstract: A plunger/ram assembly adapted for a hypodermic fluid injector having a nozzle body defining a fluid chamber and an orifice communicating with the chamber. The plunger/ram assembly comprises a plunger adapted to be movably positioned in the chamber and a ram assembly. The ram assembly is operatively connected to the plunger for drawing fluid into and expelling fluid out the chamber through the orifice. The ram assembly includes first and second driving members spaced apart by a preselected free travel distance and a resilient biasing member having a preselected preload. The resilient biasing member is operatively disposed for maintaining the free travel distance when the preload is greater than a force applied to the first driving member. The maximum fluid pressure generated by the plunger/ram assembly is controlled by a free travel distance or gap existing between first and second driving members before the injector is fired.

Abstract: An injector nozzle which has a body defining a chamber. A portion of the body has an orifice which communicates with the chamber for allowing fluid to enter into or exit from the chamber. The nozzle body includes at least one depression which is configured and dimensioned to cooperatively engage a tab member of an associated component for coupling thereto. The depression is also configured and dimensioned to positively lock the body to the associated component. The body portion which contains the depression is spaced proximally from the orifice. Also, an adapter for coupling the nozzle to a fluid container. The adapter includes a tubular member having first and second ends and a wall therebetween. The wall includes a passageway therethrough with the first end being dimensioned and configured to cooperatively engage the nozzle. The orifice of the nozzle generally aligns with the wall passageway for fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly adapted for a fluid injector having a ram, includes a plunger assembly having first and second driving members. The first and second driving members are apart according to a predetermined first distance. The second driving member is spaced apart from the ram according to a predetermined second distance. The first and second distances are resiliently maintained by a resilient spring member operatively disposed between the two driving members. One of the first and second distances is selected to be the smallest and thereby controls the maximum pressure at which fluid is expelled from the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly adapted for use with an injector device having an energy generating source and a chamber adapted for holding a fluid and having first and second end portions with an orifice defined at the first end portion for passage of the fluid and being open at the second end portion. The device includes a first driving member movably positioned in the chamber; a second driving member movably positioned in the chamber and spaced apart from the first driving member according to a predetermined travel distance and including an end portion operative for expelling fluid out of or drawing fluid into the chamber via the orifice; and a spacing member disposed between the first and second driving members for maintaining said predetermined travel distance during displacement of the first and second driving members before the energy generating source is activated.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly adapted for an injector, includes a frangible plunger. The plunger has a first driving member and a second driving member connected to the first driving member and spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined gap using a frangible bridge. When a predetermined force is applied to the second driving member, it breaks the frangible bridge and moves the second driving member across the gap. This causes the second driving member to ram into the first driving member driving fluid out of the nozzle. Thereafter, as the second driving member is separated from the first driving member, the first driving member remains stuck in the chamber preventing reuse of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product comprises a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for a hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provide with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.