Particle cassette, method and kit therefor

Abstract

A particle cassette for a needleless syringe is provided, the manufacture of which avoids the potentially detrimental use of heat when affixing a final membrane to the cassette or otherwise sealing the cassette after a filling procedure has been carried out. The particle cassette is assembled using first and second cassette parts that are attachable together so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between two membranes. A third cassette part may be used to provide for a locking attachment of the first and second parts. A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a particle cassette is also provided, as is a method of assembling a particle cassette. In certain cassette embodiments, one or both of the first and second cassette parts can be annular, tapered and/or have detents or recesses to provide for a snap fit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the retention of particles prior to the needleless injection of those particles in a gas stream. More specifically, the present invention relates to particle cassettes having a pair of membranes which retain the particles in a chamber therebetween.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Needleless syringe devices are known from WO 94/24263. In this document, a needleless syringe is disclosed which entrains particles in a gas stream accelerated through a nozzle so that the particles may be injected into a target, such as human skin or other cells. For many applications, there is a need for the particles to be maintained in a sterile environment prior to actuation of the device. WO 94/24263 discloses for this purpose a particle cassette comprising a central annular ring having rupturable diaphragms sealed to each face so as to form a self contained sealed unit containing the particles to be injected. Upon actuation of the device, the diaphragms rupture allowing the particles initially contained between the diaphragms to be entrained in the gas flow and then delivered into the target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] FIGS. 1a to 1d of the accompanying schematic drawings show steps in the manufacture of the particle cassette disclosed WO 94/24263. A substantially annular ring (10) is shown in axi-symmetric cross-section in FIG. 1a. The ring has an open central section defining a chamber (11). In a first step of the manufacturing process a rupturable diaphragm (12) is sealed to the bottom face of the annular ring (10). This results in the construction shown in FIG. 1b. Then, as shown in FIG. 1c, particles (13) are supplied to the chamber (11). The particles (13) so supplied are those to be injected into the target. The last stage in manufacture comprises sealing a second membrane (14) onto the other face of the annular ring so as to seal the particles (13) within the central chamber (11). The cassette can then be handled while the particles are maintained in a sterile environment. During actuation of the needleless syringe, a gaseous pressure is applied to one of the membranes (12, 14) such that the membrane bursts and the gas entrains the particles. Shortly afterwards, the other membrane bursts so that the gas (with the particles entrained) can be accelerated in a nozzle and thence into a target.

[0004] WO 94/24263 discloses that the diaphragm should preferably be heat sealed to the faces of the annular ring. Heat sealing has been found to be a particularly easy and repeatable method of sealing the diaphragms to the ring of the cassette body.

[0005] It has been found that the above-mentioned configuration has a disadvantage associated with its manufacture, which may become especially deleterious when heat-sensitive powdered drug particles are to be carried by the cassette. After the particles have been supplied to the chamber (11) formed by the annular ring (10) and the bottom membrane (12), the heat sealing of the top membrane (14) onto the ring (10) can sometimes result in a degradation of the particles. This degradation may take the form of melting, causing particle deformation, particle agglomeration and other undesirable physical and chemical changes in the product. Further, the melt may affect the therapeutic effect of the particles.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention therefore seeks to alleviate this problem by providing a particle cassette, a kit of parts and a method for the manufacture therefor in which the possibility of the particles melting during manufacture is much reduced.

[0007] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, said kit comprising:

[0008] a first cassette part having a first rupturable membrane sealed thereto; and

[0009] a second cassette part having a second rupturable membrane sealed thereto; said first and second cassette parts being arranged to be attachable together so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between said first and second membranes.

[0010] Thus, since the membranes are sealed to first and second cassette parts (possibly by heat sealing) before the particles are supplied to either of the cassette parts, there is a much reduced possibility of the membrane heat sealing process influencing the particle condition or composition. Further, the invention provides a quick and easy method of manufacturing a particle cassette and has these advantages over processes which do not involve heat sealing.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second cassette parts are annular such that the second part is attachable concentrically around the first cassette part. This allows the first cassette part to extend substantially along the whole width of the particle cassette making it easier to fill the first part with particles prior to attaching the second part.

[0012] To attach the first and second parts together, a variety of mechanisms may be used, including interference fits, friction fits, detents and recesses, close tolerances, gluing etc. Preferably, however, a snap fit is provided for by arranging corresponding features on each of the first and second parts (for example a detent and a recess).

[0013] In order to ensure a consistent width of particle cassette, it is preferable to provide a seating face on each of the first and second parts, such a seating face providing a minimum possible width of particle cassette when assembled.

[0014] A tapered face on each of the first and second parts allows the parts to be brought together easily during assembly.

[0015] A third cassette part may be used to attach the first and second parts together. In a preferred embodiment, the third cassette part is inserted in an annular apace between the first and second cassette parts, to provide a secure attachment (or “locking”). The third part preferably has a third membrane to ensure sterility and may be provided with one or more protrusions to ensure an interference fit with the second cassette part.

[0016] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a particle cassette for a needleless syringe comprising an assembled kit according to the first aspect and particles provided in the chamber between the first and second membranes.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a needleless syringe including the particle cassette of the second aspect of the invention.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, said method comprising:

[0019] (a) sealing a first rupturable membrane to a first cassette part;

[0020] (b) sealing a second rupturable membrane to a second cassette part;

[0021] (c) applying particles to said first cassette part;

[0022] (d) attaching said first and second cassette parts together so as to create a chamber confining said supplied particles between said first and second membranes.

[0023] The sealing of the membranes to the cassette parts independently from the steps of supplying particles to one of the cassette parts and attaching the cassette parts together ensures that the method used for sealing the membranes to the cassette parts does not unduly influence the quality of the particles in the cassette.

[0024] Preferably, attaching step (d) does not involve the application of any heat at all and it is preferably carried out at the same temperature as supplying step (c) to ensure that the particles are not affected by the step of attaching the first and second cassette parts together.

[0025] It is not essential that supplying step (c) is carried out after sealing step (b) since the second membrane may be sealed to the second cassette part after the particles have been supplied to the first cassette part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0027] FIGS. 1a to 1d are cross-sectional views showing stages in the manufacture of a particle cassette according to the prior art;

[0028] FIGS. 2a and 2b are cross-sectional views showing stages in the manufacture of a particle cassette according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled particle cassette according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled particle cassette according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled particle cassette according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled particle cassette according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second cassette part according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first cassette part according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in FIG. 8;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third cassette part according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled particle cassette according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] FIG. 12 shows two perspective views of a partially cut-away particle cassette according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] In the drawings the components are not drawn to scale. The drawings are schematic for reasons of clarity. In reality the thickness of the rupturable diaphragms may be much less than that shown and/or the volume of particles may be so small as barely to be visible to the naked eye.

[0040] The present invention avoids the possibility of the heat sealing of the membranes affecting the particle quality by ensuring that the particles are confined within the chamber of the cassette by a step other than one involving heat sealing of one of the membranes. Thus, generally speaking, each of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a first cassette part (20) having a first membrane (22) sealed to a face and a second cassette part (21) having a second membrane (23) sealed to a face. Particles (24) are dispensed into the first cassette part and the second cassette part is then attached. The attachment step should not involve the application of an amount of heat such as is likely to damage the particles. However, heat sealing can be used in the attachment step if the heat is used such that the particles are not likely to be damaged.

[0041] FIGS. 2a and 2b show an axi-symmetric cross-section of the particle cassette according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the first cassette part (20) comprises an annular ring having a first face (the upper face in FIG. 2a) for attachment to a second cassette part (21), the other side of the annular ring having had a first membrane (22) sealed thereto. The second cassette part (21) is substantially identical to the first cassette part, having had a second membrane (23) sealed thereto. The first and second cassette parts, having the first and second membranes respectively, form a kit of parts for use in the manufacture of the particle cassette. The membranes are sealed to the external faces of the respective cassette parts. If heat sealing is used to attach the membranes then a recess (30,31) as shown in FIG. 2a is useful because it allows for some plastic deformation as will be caused by heat sealing in general. In particular, the heat causes local expansion of the cassette material and the recesses (30,31) allow the cassette material to expand without affecting the designed gas flow path (eg by restricting the diameter of the flow path).

[0043] In order to manufacture the particle cassette, particles (24) are dispensed to the first cassette part (20) and the first (20) and second (21) cassette parts are attached together so as to create a closed chamber for the confinement of the particles (24) between the first (22) and second (23) membranes. The assembled particle cassette is shown in FIG. 2b.

[0044] In use, the particle cassette is located in a needleless syringe device which may have the general construction, and method of operation, described in WO 94/24263 or WO 01/05455, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by way of reference. When located in the syringe device the device construction is advantageously such as to prevent the first cassette part (20) coming away from the second cassette part (21). However, in order to mitigate against further such detachment, the second cassette part (21) may be adhered to the first cassette part (20), for example by gluing or by taping around the external circumference of the particle cassette. This provides a sealed unit of particles which can be handled outside of the needleless syringe device with reduced possibility of particles escaping from between the two cassette halves.

[0045] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. The particles (24) are omitted from inside the particle cassette for the sake of clarity. Further, it is to be noted that the particle cassette shown in FIG. 3 (and those shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 as well) will, prior to assembly, make up a kit of parts according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the first cassette part (20) is constituted by a substantially annular member which extends to a height X nearly equal to the height Y of the assembled particle cassette. This greatly facilitates the filling of the first cassette part (21) with particles (24) since a larger receptacle than is provided in the first embodiment can be used to receive particles (24). A further advantage is that the whole internal volume of the cassette can be used to hold particles. In contrast, the first embodiment can only be half filled with particles since the first cassette part (20) has a height equivalent only to approximately half the final height of the cassette.

[0047] The second cassette part (21) also has a substantially annular construction and is arranged to be attachable concentrically around the first cassette part (20). If necessary, adhesive can be used at the interface (25) to ensure that the first and second cassette parts do not detatch easily. More preferred, however, is that the cassette parts are attached by an interference fit, whereby the outer diameter of the engaging region of the first cassette part is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the engaging region of the second cassette part (21). In this way, the parts will naturally lock together due to the elastic strain established in each of the first and second cassette parts when the second part (21) is placed around the first part (20).

[0048] The second embodiment shown above has advantages over the first embodiment because it does not necessarily require an extra adhesive to be used (an interference fit is instead used) and because the first cassette part defines a larger receptacle area for receiving the particles (24). However, the second embodiment has the disadvantage that it may be difficult or fiddly to assemble, even if one or both of the engaging inner face of the second cassette part and the engaging outer face of the first cassette part is provided with a lead in taper to aid assembly. To overcome this problem, a cassette according to the third embodiment of the invention is provided. Such a cassette is shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the outer engaging face of the first cassette part (20) and the inner engaging face of the second cassette part (21) (the interface of which is denoted as (26) in FIG. 4) are tapered so as to allow the second cassette part (21) to be easily placed over the first cassette part (20). Again, although gluing may be used to attach the parts, it is preferable that the first cassette part (20) has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the second cassette part (21) at each point along the height of the cassette. This means that as the parts are brought close to the assembled position shown in FIG. 4, some elastic strain is established in the parts to provide a snug fit. The parts are prevented from coming apart by friction along the tapered interface (26).

[0050] The third embodiment of the invention thus has the advantage that it is easier to assemble the kit of parts than the second embodiment of the invention. However, it has the potential disadvantage that the width of the cassette (ie the vertical dimension in FIG. 4) may not necessarily be predicted before the parts are assembled. Depending on the force used to push the first (20) and second (21) cassette parts together, the width may vary over a certain range. For example, if the parts are pressed together very strongly, the width is likely to be less than if the parts are only lightly pressed together. Furthermore, the leading edge of the first cassette part (20) may damage the seal between the second membrane (23) and the second cassette part (21) if the two parts are pushed together too strongly.

[0051] To overcome this problem, a particle cassette as shown in the fourth embodiment of the invention is provided.

[0052] In this embodiment, a seating face (27) is provided to each of the first (20) and second (21) cassette parts. As is shown in FIG. 5, once the cassette parts have been pushed together a certain amount, the seating face (27) prevents further movement in the cassette height direction (i.e. the vertical direction in FIG. 5). The fourth embodiment of the invention therefore allows the width dimension of the assembled particle cassette to be reliably ensured. The tapered sections (26) perform the same function as in the third embodiment and the outer surfaces of the first cassette part (20) may again be made to have a slightly larger diameter than the inner surfaces of the second cassette part (21) so as to provide an interference fit. The steeper angle of the lower tapered section 26 provides for a better locked fit. The fairly uniform cross-section in the vicinity of the membranes allows for good heat dissipation during the heat sealing process, if used.

[0053] While an interference fit is suitable for a lot of purposes, it is often preferable that no elastic strains are built up in the first and second cassette parts, especially if they are to be re-used a lot of times. The fifth embodiment of the invention addresses this problem. FIG. 6 shows an axi-symmetric cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the invention having parts generally similar to those shown in FIG. 5.

[0054] The main difference is the provision on each of the first (20) and second (21) cassette parts of corresponding features (28, 29) which provide for a snap fit when the first and second cassette parts are brought together. In particular, the first cassette part (20) comprises a detent (28) located on one of external tapered surfaces (26). Correspondingly, the second cassette part (21) comprises a recess (29) on its respective tapered surface (26). Thus, when the first and second cassette parts are brought together, the detent (28) locates in the recess (29) to lock the two pieces together. During this attaching step, both the first and second cassette parts undergo a momentary elastic strain as the detent (28) engages in the recess (29) but, once assembled, the cassette part can be arranged so that there is little residual strain present. This means that there is no requirement to rely on an interference fit alone to maintain the first and second cassette parts in attachment. The provision of corresponding features also makes it more difficult for the first and second parts to be accidentally detached, providing a stronger lock between the first and second cassette parts and thus a more secure sealed environment for the particles. This is particularly useful when the cassette is to be subject to vibrations, such as those experienced during transportation. The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is considered to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

[0055] The fifth embodiment has a further advantage in that it provides an assembly that is tamper evident. Once assembled, it is very difficult to prise the cassette parts apart due to the taper lock and detent arrangement. Thus, the assembly could only be opened by destroying one of the membranes or using a very sharp tool to lever apart the parts, which in practice causes obvious deformation of the cassette parts.

[0056] FIGS. 7 to 12 show a sixth embodiment of the invention. Unlike the previous embodiments, the particle cassette of the sixth embodiment has three main component parts rather than two.

[0057] FIGS. 7 and 8 show in cross-sectional view second and first cassette parts respectively. The second cassette part (30) of FIG. 7 is generally cylindrical in configuration having substantially vertical inside walls (33) and (34). The inside wall (33) has a slightly smaller diameter than inside wall (34) for reasons that will become apparent later. A shoulder portion (31) is provided adjacent a seating face (32). The shoulder portion (31) is designed to interact with the external surface of the first cassette part (40), described hereafter. A recess (35) is provided at the top end of the second cassette part (30) and this recess (35) aids in assembling the cassette.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a first cassette part (40) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The first cassette part (40) comprises a substantially annular member defining within its confines a receptacle for receiving particles. The first cassette part (40) has generally cylindrical outer walls (42) and a slightly tapered seating face (41) at its bottom end. The seating face (41) is intended to rest against the seating face (32) of the second cassette part (30) during use. Furthermore, the shoulder (31) of the second cassette part (30) is intended to abut the outer surface (42) of the first cassette part to provide an interference fit. This configuration is shown in FIG. 11.

[0059] Referring back to FIGS. 8 and 9, there are openings (43) on the inner surface of the first cassette part (40) and openings (44) on the outer surface of the first cassette part (40). These openings are connected by transfer ducts such that gas surrounding the first cassette part (40) may enter the receptacle for receiving particles. The transfer ducts are substantially conical and are angled in three dimensions such that when gas flows therethrough a sonic jet is formed which tends to create a swirling gas movement inside the chamber confining the particles. The transfer ducts are angled such that the gas tends to impinge against the membranes located at either side of the first cassette part (40). Furthermore, the holes (43) are provided at different longitudinal ends of the first cassette part (40) and are directed in different directions such that a clockwise gas flow is established at one end of the particle confinement chamber and an anti-clockwise gas flow is established at the other end of the particle confinement chamber. This is illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein the gas flows are referenced (65) and (66). As is clear from FIG. 9, the transfer ducts are provided on the same lateral side of the first cassette part (i.e. above the centre line shown in FIG. 9), and this has been found to provide for good fluidization of the particles when gas pressure is introduced to the openings (44) and a flow of gas is established through the transfer ducts. However, other configurations of transfer duct in the side walls of the first particle cassette part (40) can provide good results and it is not generally essential for the present invention that the transfer ducts have the specific form shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0060] FIG. 10 shows a third particle cassette part in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The third cassette part (50), in common with the first and second cassette parts, has generally cylindrical inner and outer walls forming an annular-shaped member. One or more protrusions (51) may be formed on the outer walls and these are intended to provide an interference fit against the inner wall (34) of the second cassette part (30), when the particle cassette is assembled. The lower end of the third cassette part (50) has a number of formations (52) around the circumference. The formations (52) are stepped and are designed such that the top part (53) of the formations (52) abuts the top surface of the first cassette part (40) when assembled, as shown in FIG. 11. The formations are spaced apart by vent holes (54) that are formed such that gas may pass through the vent holes (54) when the first and third cassette parts are attached together. The formations (52) are shaped so as to grip, by means of friction, or interference, the top part of the first cassette part (40).

[0062] The particle cassette according to the sixth embodiment of the invention takes the form shown in FIG. 11 when assembled. In this embodiment, there are three membranes (61, 62, 63) of which one membrane (61) is relatively thin with a fairly low bursting pressure and is designed to keep the unit sterile in use.

[0063] To assemble the particle cassette of the sixth embodiment, a first membrane (62) is heat sealed or bonded to the upper edge of the first cassette part (40). Similarly, the second membranes (63) is heat sealed or bonded to the seating face (32) of the second cassette part (30). The third membrane (61) is heat sealed or bonded to the upper face of the third cassette part (50). The first membrane and first cassette part thus define a receptacle in which the particles may be contained. The openings (43) are very small such that it is very difficult for the particles to pass out of the chamber once inside. Once the particles have been supplied to the chamber of the first cassette part (40), the first cassette part (40) is brought together with the second cassette part (30) with the leading edge of the first cassette part engaging the shoulders (31) of the second cassette part. The first cassette part (40) is pushed home until the seating face (41) of the first cassette part abuts the seating face (32) of the second cassette part (with the second membrane (63) between the two seating faces). In this configuration, the particles are trapped between the first and second membranes. The third cassette part (50) having the third membrane (61) thereon is then pushed in so that the formations (52) slide into the annular gap created between the first and second cassette parts. Interference and/or friction ensure that this movement firmly secures the first and second parts together and effectively “locks” the cassette. It will be appreciated that it is quite difficult to remove the third cassette part once it is installed, especially if the top face (55) of the third cassette part is dimensioned so as to be flush with the top face of the second cassette part when assembled (this is not shown in FIG. 11 however).

[0064] The membrane (61) ensures that the particles inside the cassette may not come into contact with any external particles or gases and thus the membrane (61) ensures the sterility of the cassette.

[0065] In use, the cassette is inserted into a needleless syringe and gas pressure is supplied to the third membrane (61). The membrane (61) bursts quite easily and gas enters the internal space defined by the third cassette part. Gas is able to flow through the vents (54) and into the annular space (67) between the first cassette part and the second cassette part. From there, gas may pass through the transfer ducts and out through the openings (43) into the particle containment chamber. The jets of gas so formed cause the particles to be fluidized and mixed. Following that, the upstream membrane (62) bursts and the particles are entrained in the bulk of the gas flow followed by the bursting of the downstream membrane (63) shortly thereafter. In this way, the particle cassette of the sixth embodiment provides for pre-mixing and fluidizing of the particles whilst still overcoming the problem that heat sealing of membranes can damage particles when a single piece cassette is used.

[0066] The concepts described in relation to the first to fifth embodiments may also be applied to the sixth embodiment in the same way. For example, a snap fit may be provided for if detents and corresponding recesses are provided on either the first and second, first and third or second and third cassette parts respectively.

[0067] Heat sealing or adhesive is not necessary in the sixth embodiment and the first and second membranes may be sealed against the first and second cassette parts respectively due to the tight fit between the various cassette parts. For example, the first membrane (62) may be sealed by virtue of being trapped between the first and third cassette parts. Similarly, the second membrane (63) may be trapped between the first and second cassette parts, with no special heat sealing or adhesive step being required.

[0068] For each of the embodiments, the materials used to manufacture the cassette parts and the membranes may be conventional, for example, the membranes may be Mylar as disclosed in WO 94/24263 and the first and second cassette parts are preferably manufactured from a plastics material, using injection moulding for example. Both the membranes and cassette parts may be made from polycarbonate such as Evaxone 260 (EVA) polymer. If heat sealing is used, a temperature of 110° C. and pressure of 760 kPa (110 psi) for 1.5 seconds has been found to be acceptable.

[0069] The cassette is suitable for any type of particle that one intends to deliver, including powdered drugs (therapeutics, medicaments, vaccines, anaesthetics, analgesics, and the like), diagnostic particles (whether inert or comprising an active ingredient), and carrier particles coated with peptides, proteins or genetic material.

Claims

1. A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, said kit comprising:

a first cassette part having a first rupturable membrane sealed thereto; and

a second cassette part having a second rupturable membrane sealed thereto; said first and second cassette parts being arranged to be attachable together so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between said first and second membranes.

2. A kit according to claim 1 wherein said first cassette part is substantially annular and defines a receptacle for receiving particles.

3. A kit according to claim 2, wherein said second cassette part is substantially annular and is attachable concentrically around said first cassette part.

4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cassette parts are arranged to be attached by an interference fit.

5. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise corresponding features which provide for a snap fit when said first and second cassette parts are brought together.

6. A kit according to claim 5, wherein said corresponding features comprise a detent and a recess.

7. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a seating face which ensures the attainment of a predetermined dimension of said cassette in the direction in which said first and second parts are attachable together.

8. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a tapered face which are arranged to contact one another fully when said cassette is properly assembled.

9. A kit according to claim 5, wherein said corresponding features are provided on tapered faces which are arranged to contact one another fully when said cassette is properly assembled.

10. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising a third cassette part for locking together said first and second cassette parts.

11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein said third cassette part has a third membrane sealed thereto.

12. A kit according to claim 10, wherein said third cassette part comprises a protrusion for creating an interference fit with said second cassette part.

13. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cassette parts are shaped so as to be fitted together leaving an annular gap around said first cassette part.

14. A kit according to claim 10, wherein said first and second cassette parts are shaped so as to be fitted together leaving an annular gap around said first cassette part and said third cassette part has a portion which inserts into said annular gap so as to lock said first, second and third cassette parts together.

15. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said first cassette part comprises at least one transfer duct for supplying gas to said particle confinement chamber.

16. A kit according to claim 10, wherein said third cassette part comprises gas ports for supplying gas to an annular space around said third cassette part.

17. A particle cassette for a needleless syringe comprising:

an assembled kit of the parts claimed in claim 1; and

particles provided in said chamber between said first and second membranes.

18. A particle cassette according to claim 17, wherein said particles comprise powdered drug.

19. A needleless syringe including the particle cassette of claim 17.

20. A method of assembling a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, said method comprising:

(a) sealing a first rupturable membrane to a first cassette part;

(b) sealing a second rupturable membrane to a second cassette part;

(c) supplying particles to said first cassette part; and

(d) attaching said first and second cassette parts together so as to create a chamber confining said supplied particles between said first and second membranes.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said sealing steps (a) and (b) comprise heat sealing.

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein attaching step (d) does not involve the application of heat.

23. A method according to claim 20, wherein attaching step (d) is carried out at the same temperature as supplying step (c).

24. A method according to claim 20, wherein said first cassette part is substantially annular and defines a receptacle, said particles being supplied to said receptacle in step (c).

25. A method according to claim 20, wherein said second cassette part is substantially annular and step (d) comprises fitting said second cassette part concentrically around said first cassette part.

26. A method according to claim 20, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise corresponding features which provide for a snap fit when said first and second cassette parts are attached and step (d) comprises associating said corresponding features to snap said second cassette part onto said first cassette part.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein said corresponding features comprise a detent and a recess and step (d) comprises locating said detent in said recess.

28. A method according to claim 20, wherein sealing steps (a) and (b) comprise sealing said first and second membranes around their periphery to substantially annular first and second cassette parts respectively.

29. A method according to claim 20, wherein step (c) is carried out before step (b).

30. A method according to claim 20, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a seating face substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the parts are moved to be attached and step (d) further comprises the contacting of said respective seating faces.

31. A method according to claim 20, wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a tapered face at an acute angle to the direction in which the parts are moved to be attached and step (d) further comprises the contacting of said tapered faces.

32. A method according to claim 20, wherein said attaching step (d) comprises introducing a third cassette part so as to attach said first and second cassette parts together.

33. A method according to claim 32, further comprising sealing a third rupturable membrane to said third cassette part before employing said third cassette part.

34. A particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, produced using the assembly method of claim 20.