Abstract: Impact testing apparatuses are disclosed which simulate and measure various impact-related events associated with the operation of a drug delivery device. The impact testing apparatus may include an impactor configured to simulate a plunger rod of the drug delivery device, and a guide sleeve configured to receive a syringe corresponding to the drug delivery device. The syringe may have a proximal end, a distal end defining an outlet, and an interior chamber extending between the proximal and distal ends and carrying a plunger. Additionally, the impact testing apparatus may include an energy source configured to reduce a distance between the impactor and the plunger so that the impactor strikes the plunger. Various sensors may be included to measure characteristics of one or more impacts caused by the impactor. Methods of impact testing a syringe filled with a fluid and carrying a plunger are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for removing a protective shield such as a needle shield is disclosed. The device includes a cup shaped body with a sidewall, a distal bottom wall and a proximal opening. The protective shield is insertable into the cup shaped body through its proximal opening. Fingers are disposed opposite each other in openings in the sidewall. The fingers are flexibly coupled with the sidewall at a proximal end of the finger and can be resiliently biased inwardly to engage the protective shield. Each finger includes at least one projection for engaging the protective shield. The fingers may also include a distal engagement surface for engaging a lip on the protective shield.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a surgical instrument comprising a hand-piece, an outer tube having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the hand-piece, an inner tube housed within the outer tube and having a distal end coupled to a soft tip and a proximal end coupled to an actuator, and a valve housed inside the hand-piece and coupled to the proximal end of the actuator. Retraction of the actuator is configured to compress the valve and retract the soft tip into a distal end of the outer tube, such that the soft tip at least partially extends beyond the distal end of the outer tube when the valve is in an uncompressed state and at least partially retracts into the distal end of the outer tube when the valve is a compressed state.

Abstract: An active injection guide concurrently monitors surface contact and an instantaneous contact force along an injection axis of an injector in order to ensure that the injector is properly positioned on a patient before an injection can be initiated.

Abstract: A syringe actuating device has a first supporting plate in which an axial guide for a primary rod is defined and a second supporting plate defining at least two engagement seats for bases of corresponding syringes having a barrel and a sliding plunger. A guide for axial sliding of a corresponding secondary rod with a head is associated with each of the engagement seats. The device also includes an electric motor having a driving shaft, an assembly for converting rotary motion of the shaft into translational motion of the primary rod and a pair of connecting arms adapted to transmit sliding motion of the primary rod to a corresponding one of the secondary rods. Rotary movement of the driving shaft causes sliding of the secondary rods and, consequently, sliding of the plungers when the syringes are engaged in corresponding engagement seats and the plungers are in abutment against the heads.

Abstract: A drive and metering apparatus for an injection apparatus for releasing a liquid product, the drive and metering apparatus comprising: a) a housing, b) a dose adjustment member, which is rotatable relative to the housing for adjusting the product dose to be released, c) an actuation member which is displaceable from a non-actuated position, which it assumes while adjusting the product dose to be released, into an actuated position, which it assumes while it releases the product, wherein the displacement of the actuation member into the actuated position triggers a product release and the actuation member comprises an actuation section, which is accessible to a user of the drive and metering apparatus and by means of which the user can displace the actuation member from the non-actuated position into the actuated position, d) wherein the actuation section is arranged distally in relation to the dose adjustment member.

Abstract: A fluid injector including an injector housing with at least one syringe port for receiving a syringe, and a locking mechanism associated with the at least one syringe port for securing the syringe within the at least one syringe port. The locking mechanism is configured for engaging at least one syringe retaining member of the syringe to releasably lock the syringe within the at least one syringe port. The at least one syringe retaining member rotationally guides the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism and is rotated by the locking mechanism into fully locked position after axial installation of the syringe into the at least one syringe port. The locking mechanism also axially ejects the syringe from the locking mechanism upon rotation of the syringe during removal.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of medium injected into a patient includes receiving an injection signal from a sensor associated with an injection syringe. A diversion signal is received from a sensor associated with a diversion reservoir. The amount of medium injected is determined based at least in part on the injection signal and the diversion signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ambulatory therapeutic fluid delivery device. The device includes at least one housing connectable to a cannula, the at least one housing retaining a reservoir to hold the therapeutic fluid. The device also includes a mechanically powered pumping mechanism to cause delivery of at least some of the fluid from the reservoir, and a power-transfer mechanism to transfer manually-delivered power provided by a user to mechanically actuate the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject, and of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration apparatus, are provided. The apparatus may include a reservoir pump configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream source of a first fluid and a downstream pressure-operated valve. The apparatus may also include a port connector configured to operate in fluid communication with at least the pressure-operated valve. The reservoir pump may also be configured to, during operation, automatically refill itself with the first fluid from the first upstream source. The downstream pressure-operated valve may be configured to operate in fluid communication with the reservoir pump and a second fluid source upstream of the pressure-operated valve, and to, during operation, dispense the first fluid to tubing downstream of the pressure-operated valve based on a pressure condition within the pressure-operated valve exceeding a threshold pressure.

Abstract: An independent mounting module is receivable within a housing of an injector configured to dispense a substance from a cartridge insertable into the housing through an injection needle of the injector. The mounting module includes a first mount and a second mount. The first mount is configured to receive a driving assembly engageable with the cartridge to expel the substance therefrom. The first mount is selectively securable to the injector housing and has a cantilevered mounting arm extending therefrom. The second mount is configured to receive an actuator operatively connectable with the driving assembly. The second mount is attached to the cantilevered mounting arm and suspended therefrom, thereby being supported by the cantilevered mounting arm.

Abstract: A system and method can provide for a remote electronic device to be used to remotely initiate delivery of a medicament bolus with a medical device, such as an insulin pump, with the medical device providing audible or tactile confirmation of the programmed bolus. The bolus amount can be calculated by or programmed or otherwise entered into the smartphone, etc., and then transmitted to the medical device. When the pump receives the transmitted bolus amount, it issues one or more indications such as audible sounds and/or vibrations in any number of desired combinations. For instance, each individual sound or vibration may correspond to an increment of the medicament. The user can therefore determine the size of the medicament bolus by the number of sounds or vibrations and can confirm or cancel delivery of the bolus.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are disclosed for administering and tracking medicine to patients and providing health management capabilities for patients and caregivers. In some aspects, an intelligent medicine administering system includes a medicine injection device having a multi-channel encoder that detects fault conditions (e.g., such as open or short circuits) and a patient user's companion device including a software application operable to implement algorithms for detecting faults and communication loss and alerting the patient user for safety and fail-safes of the medicine injection device.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably attaching a syringe to an injector. The adapter comprises a mounting mechanism positioned at a rear end of the adapter to mount the adapter in a desired position relative to a front wall of the injector; and a syringe carrier section adapted to seat at least a portion of the syringe. The syringe carrier section defines a first opening on a top thereof to allow placement of the syringe therein from the top and a second opening in a rear section thereof to allow the drive member of the injector to communicate forward force to the plunger. A cover portion extends over a rearward end of the first opening and has a first end configured to abut the flange of the syringe when the syringe is positioned within the syringe carrier section.

Abstract: An injector system for injecting fluid includes a syringe and an injector. The syringe includes a body and a plunger movably disposed within the body. The plunger has at least one flexible leg extending toward the rearward end of the body. The injector has a housing with a front plate, a drive member at least partially disposed within the housing and operable to engage the plunger, and a syringe release assembly operable to release the syringe. The syringe assembly includes a syringe release gear that forms an enclosure for receiving the syringe when the syringe is fully seated within the housing and a plunger release tube surrounding at least a portion of the drive member. The plunger release tube has a first end rotationally engaged with the syringe release gear. Rotation of the syringe release assembly releases the at least one flexible leg from the drive member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medicament system configured to communicate information about a medicament device or about a use of a medicament device, or a combination thereof, to a user, is provided.

Abstract: A drug delivery system is disclosed that includes a drug delivery device having a reservoir, a delivery cannula having a proximal end in fluid communication with the reservoir and a distal end to be received within a patient, and one or more controllable elements. The drug delivery system may further include one or more sensors coupled to the drug delivery device, and a controller coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more controllable elements. The controller may be configured to use the one or more sensors to determine a condition or an operational state of the drug delivery device. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the controllable element based on the condition or the operational state of the drug delivery device and/or identity information stored in a memory onboard the device. A method for use with a drug delivery device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for rapidly loading and releasing a syringe. A limiting flange and clamping flange are on an outer side wall of an end, connected to the device, of the syringe. The clamping flange is close to a rear end of the syringe. The device includes an injection head. An outer collar, middle plate, and inner collar are sequentially inside the injection head. The outer collar includes an upper and lower part that are disposed up and down. The inner collar includes an upper part of the inner collar and a lower part of the inner collar that are disposed up and down. Elastic structures are between the upper part of the inner collar and injection head and between the lower part of the inner collar and injection head. The injector syringe can be loaded onto the device and taken out rapidly if the syringe is rotated.

Abstract: An auto-injector for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient from a pre-filled syringe requires a disposable cassette that is selectively engageable with the reusable injector. The syringe is latched onto the cassette, and the cassette is then engaged with the injector. Activation of the injector causes a first motor to move the syringe so its needle is extended from a concealed position inside the cassette for injection of the medicament. A second motor on the injector is then activated to expel fluid medicament from the syringe. Then, the first motor is again activated to withdraw the syringe into the cassette for disposal of the cassette/syringe after an injection.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic ejection of a fluid includes a drive train for automatically ejecting the fluid from a fluid reservoir through an ejection channel, and a control unit for controlling the apparatus. The control unit is configured to detect failures of drive train actuation steps, during which the drive train is actuated for priming or fluid dose ejection. The control unit is further configured to control the apparatus as a function of an actuation step failure number. The actuation step failure number is the number of failed drive train actuation steps since the last successful drive train actuation step.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a tube for transporting a material, wherein the tube is arranged linearly along a longitudinal axis. The peristaltic pump further comprises a pump head for causing a squeezing of the tube, wherein the pump head is rotatable about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A system and method can provide for a remote electronic device to be used to remotely initiate delivery of a medicament bolus with a medical device, such as an insulin pump, with the medical device providing audible or tactile confirmation of the programmed bolus. The bolus amount can be calculated by or programmed or otherwise entered into the smartphone, etc., and then transmitted to the medical device. When the pump receives the transmitted bolus amount, it issues one or more indications such as audible sounds and/or vibrations in any number of desired combinations. For instance, each individual sound or vibration may correspond to an increment of the medicament. The user can therefore determine the size of the medicament bolus by the number of sounds or vibrations and can confirm or cancel delivery of the bolus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a supplementary device for attachment to an injection device including an imaging arrangement configured to capture an image of a moveable number sleeve of the injection device, a plurality of light sources, and a processor arrangement configured to control operation of the imaging arrangement and the plurality of light sources and to receive image data from the imaging arrangement. In some instances, the processor arrangement is configured to activate the plurality of light sources sequentially and to combine multiple images captured by the imaging apparatus under different illumination conditions into a single image.

Abstract: Described is a syringe carrier comprising a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. The body includes two sections having distal ends with shoulder sections. The shoulder sections are adapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

Abstract: Described is an autoinjector comprising of a case, a motor adapted to rotate a drive gear, and a curvi-linear plunger adapted to mate with the drive gear. The plunger includes a distal end with a resilient flange, which in a non-deflected state, abuts a proximal collar of a syringe, and, in a deflected state, advances through the proximal collar and engages a stopper in the syringe.

Abstract: Described is an autoinjector comprising a case, a door hingedly coupled to the case and having an open position and a closed position, a plunger slidably disposed in the case, and at least one drive spring applying a biasing force on the plunger relative to the case, wherein the door is operably coupled to the plunger, and wherein rotation of the door from the closed position to the open position moves the plunger from a distal position in the case to a proximal position in the case and compresses the at least one drive spring.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for motor control systems and related medical devices. In one embodiment, a control system includes a motor having a rotor, a sensor to obtain a measured displacement that is influenced by rotation of the rotor, and a control module coupled to the sensor. The control module adjusts a duty cycle for a modulated voltage applied to the motor in response to a difference between an expected displacement and the measured displacement. The expected displacement is influenced by or otherwise corresponds to a commanded rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A therapeutic system in an exemplary embodiment comprises a fluid delivery device having a fluid reservoir, an outlet port with a lumen for outputting fluid from the reservoir, a pump for pumping the fluid through the lumen and a controller for controlling the therapeutic system. The therapeutic system may also comprise an adaptor for an infusion set, the adaptor having a plug operable for attaching to the outlet port, and wherein the adaptor has an adaptor septum operable for being pierced by the lumen when attached to the outlet port. The therapeutic system comprises an infusion set recognition system, wherein the controller is operable to query the infusion set recognition system for infusion set data, wherein the infusion set data comprises an infusion set type, wherein the controller is operable to operate the pump to provide a basal dosage of the fluid if the infusion set type is not recognized.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump assembly may be equipped with one or more components to facilitate wireless operation of an infusion pump via a user-operated mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device and/or the infusion pump may prompt the user to confirm acceptance of a wirelessly communicated command to prevent an operation by the infusion pump (e.g., a dispensation of medicine) that is not desired by the user.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting medication to a patient, comprising a surface (5) having a through hole (3) for passage of a needle, is characterised by further comprising a capacitive proximity sensor (12, 13, 30) for detecting proximity or contact of human skin to/with said surface (5).

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for harvesting biological tissue.

Abstract: Techniques related to a modular computing node are disclosed. The modular computing node includes at least a first unit. The first unit includes a memory and one or more processors that execute instructions stored in the memory. The one or more processors are powered by electricity that is converted from solar energy captured by a tubular solar panel. A first interface of the first unit includes one or more first electrical contacts. The first interface forms a watertight seal with a second interface of a second unit based on a twisting motion. Furthermore, a signal bus is formed based on the twisting motion based on aligning the one or more first electrical contacts with one or more second electrical contacts of the second interface.

Abstract: The invention faces the technical problem of providing a tight connection between a tube and an dispense interface, while at the same time the biocompatibility of the connection can be improved. The technical problem is solved by an apparatus comprising a tube configured to guide a medium and a dispense interface. The tube comprises a first opening and a second opening, while the dispense interface comprises a recess. The recess has a first opening and a second opening and the tube is at least in part inserted into the recess. The tube is permanently affixed to the dispense interface by a combination of an interference fit and an adhesive, such that the interference fit prevents the adhesive from contaminating the medium.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a device for obtaining biological tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include a first row of a plurality of hollow tubes; a second row of a plurality of hollow tubes, adjacent the first row of hollow tubes; a third row of a plurality of hollow tubes, adjacent the second row of hollow tubes, the first, second and third rows forming an array of hollow tubes; wherein each hollow tube can include at least one point at the distal end of the hollow tube, the plurality of rows forming a two dimensional array of hollow tubes; wherein an inner diameter of the at least one tube is less than about 1 mm, the distal end of each of the hollow tubes is configured to be inserted into a biological tissue donor site to remove a portion of tissue therefrom when each of the hollow tubes is withdrawn from the donor site.

Abstract: A system and method can provide for a remote electronic device to be used to remotely initiate delivery of a medicament bolus with a medical device, such as an insulin pump, with the medical device providing audible or tactile confirmation of the programmed bolus. The bolus amount can be calculated by or programmed or otherwise entered into the smartphone, etc., and then transmitted to the medical device. When the pump receives the transmitted bolus amount, it issues one or more indications such as audible sounds and/or vibrations in any number of desired combinations. For instance, each individual sound or vibration may correspond to an increment of the medicament. The user can therefore determine the size of the medicament bolus by the number of sounds or vibrations and can confirm or cancel delivery of the bolus.

Abstract: A reservoir and straight-line, push-on connector assembly is provided for connecting the reservoir and one of a standard Luer line set and a custom Luer line set to any number of infusion pump configurations using a simple straight-line, push-on motion, wherein the push-on connector assembly is provided and configured to secure the line set and reservoir with the infusion pump. One simple straight-line, push-on motion, preferably performed by gripping an expander sleeve, places and secures the reservoir (i.e., locates the reservoir on the x, y, and z axes) in the pump reservoir cavity, and one simple straight-line, pull-off motion releases and removes the reservoir from the pump reservoir cavity. Rotational orientation is not required for connection, pump engagement, or pump function, and any pulling of the tube set will not release the reservoir as the expansion sleeve through which the tube set is routed is not moved from the securing position by tension on the tube set or Luer fitting.

Abstract: A syringe for use with an injector includes a body having a rear end and a front end, a plunger movably disposed within the body, an attachment member associated with the body and adapted to releasably engage a syringe retaining mechanism of the injector regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector, and an encoding device operable to provide syringe information to the injector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device and a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device. More particularly, the present patent application relates to medical devices for delivering at least one, in particular two drug agents from separate reservoirs. The technical problem of preventing after-dripping and at the same time improving the safety and the dose accuracy of a medical device is solved by a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device, wherein the fluid is ejected from a reservoir by an advancing movement of a bung, wherein an electromechanical device is instructed to move the bung via a piston over a predetermined distance and wherein, after a dwell time following the advancing movement of the piston, the piston is retracted by the electromechanical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual injection pen (1) suitable for injecting a liquid medication via a non-electrical drive mechanism (33). The injection pen (1) is provided with a plurality of sensors (50,70,200) that senses when a user is taking a specific action with the device. Further the injection pen (1) is provided with a sound generator (10) that generates a particular sound corresponding to the specific action taken by the user. In this way a characteristic sound signal can be provided for each specific action.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: Drug delivery device with electronically controlled and axially displaceable piston drive member (10) adapted to engage a loaded cartridge piston. The piston drive member is moveable between a proximal loading position in which a cartridge can be received and a distal loaded position in engagement with the piston. A proximity sensor (11,12) provides a varying output indicative of a varying distance between the piston drive member and the piston. A controller (30) coupled to the proximity sensor is configured to control movement of the piston drive member from the loading position to the loaded position and stop movement when the controller based on input from the proximity sensor system determines that the loaded position has just been reached. By this arrangement it is prevented that a drug-filled cartridge is pressurized during the loading and initializing procedure.

Abstract: A method for securing a cartridge (4) in a cartridge holder (3) is provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting the cartridge (4) into the cartridge holder (3), the cartridge holder (3) having a proximal end and a distal end, axially displacing the cartridge (4) in a proximal direction with respect to the cartridge holder (3) from a distal initial position to a proximal end position and securing the cartridge (4) in the end position against displacement in the distal direction with respect to the cartridge holder (3). An assembly for a drug delivery device (1) is provided comprising a cartridge (4), an adjusting member (12, 25, 28, 34) and a cartridge holder (3). The cartridge holder (3) has a distal end and a proximal end. The adjusting member (12, 25, 28, 34) is secured to the cartridge holder (3). The adjusting member (12, 25, 28, 34) holds a distal portion of the cartridge (4) at a distance with respect to a distal portion of the cartridge holder (3).

Abstract: An assembly for use with a syringe having a barrel and a needle includes a sealing element surrounding and positioned over at least a portion of the distal end of the syringe. An adapter at least partially surrounds the sealing element and is positioned over the distal end of the syringe. The adapter has a first skin contacting surface positioned at a distal end thereof. At least a portion of the first skin contacting surface extends generally parallel to at least a terminal end of the needle. The adapter also has a second skin contacting surface positioned proximally relative to the terminal end of the needle and at an angle to the first skin contacting surface. A needle shield at least partially surrounds and is removably positioned over at least one of the adapter, the sealing element and the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to said motor. The sensor senses a rotation of said motor. The controller acts to control operation of said motor and monitor the quantity of said agent delivered to said patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.

Abstract: This pharmaceutical injection device comprises a main body case; a pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion provided inside the main body case; a piston that is provided so as to be movable with respect to a pharmaceutical syringe that is removably attached to the pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion; a drive mechanism for driving the piston; a controller that is electrically connected to the drive mechanism; and an acceleration sensor that is connected to the controller. When a manual mixing mode of the pharmaceutical syringe is selected, the controller changes to the next step (air venting mode) if the inclination angle of the main body case sensed by the acceleration sensor is greater than a specific value.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller in electrical communication with a pump device so as to provide selected dosages of a medicine to a user over a period of time. The infusion pump system can employ a number of power management techniques to reduce the likelihood current drain of a rechargeable battery of the infusion pump system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a syringe mount of the invention may include a plate, an actuator, and one or more movable members located between the plate and the actuator. Each of the plate and the actuator may have an orifice defined therein, and an imaginary reference axis of the syringe mount may extend through one or both of these orifices. The actuator may be movable relative to the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference axis. Further, the moveable member(s) may be designed to move (e.g., pivot) toward the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position and to move (e.g., pivot) away from the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A bellows assembly for a fluid delivery system is a multi-component device that includes a cylindrical pressure jacket and a bellows syringe that is received within the pressure jacket. The bellows syringe includes a cap member and a bellows member. The bellows syringe in one embodiment is adapted to be secured to the pressure jacket by the cap member. The cap member is formed with a discharge port, which may be formed as conventional luer fitting. The discharge port is disposed coaxially within an annular wall on the outward facing side of the cap member and may be recessed within the annular wall. The bellows member is a hollow body that includes a series of bellows sections or rings. A distal end of the bellow member is formed with a discharge neck terminating in a discharge port, and the proximal end is formed with a closed end wall.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a drug delivery device is presented having a housing, an axially displaceable piston rod to act on a piston of a cartridge containing a medicinal product to be dispensed, a drive member threadedly engaged with the piston rod and being slidably disposed relative to the housing between a distal stop position and a proximal stop position. During the setting of a dose the drive member is rotatable with respect to the housing and a dose dial member is operably engaged with the drive member by means of a reduction gear, wherein the drive member at its proximal end section comprises a radially extending receptacle adapted to receive the reduction gear.