Conduit Forced Into Body By Self-acting Fluid Pressure, Motor-driven, Or Mechanical Energy Storing Means Patents (Class 604/156)
  • Patent number: 6837876
    Abstract: A device for administering an injectable product in doses, wherein the device includes a casing, a reservoir for the product, a piston, an advancing element which moves the piston a selected path length, and a dosing mechanism including a number of dosing bodies and a dosing element operable to move the dosing bodies, wherein the path length is selected by the dosing element moving at least one dosing body between the piston and the advancing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: TecPharma Licensing AG
    Inventors: Christoph A. Bally, Stefan Jost
  • Patent number: 6827708
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for administering an injectable product in doses, wherein the device has a casing with a reservoir for the product, a piston which forces product out of the reservoir when moved in a feed direction towards an outlet of the reservoir, a driven rod which moves the piston in the feed direction, a drive member which may be moved in and counter to the feed direction and which slaves the driven rod when moved in the feed direction, and at least one blocking means for creating friction between said blocking means and one of the driven rod and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Disetronic Services AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Kirchhofer
  • Patent number: 6789467
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems for the injection delivery of at least two fluid doses to a small bird by penetrating the skin of the recipient bird with at least two injection needles. It is then possible to simultaneously inject drugs, or other fluid vaccines that do not mix well or whose mixture would be detrimental to the stability or efficacy of the active ingredients therein. The present invention provides a novel injection needle support for connecting the injection needles to dose distributors and fluid supply containers while maintaining the injection ends of the injection needles in a substantially parallel arrangement. The injection needle support typically is attached to a carrier connected to an actuator, an actuator power source and a switch mechanism wherein the actuator, when activated, can reciprocally move the carrier and injection support toward and away from an injection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Merial Limited
    Inventors: Joseph H. Johnston, Jr., Roger Luke, Robert Pruitt, Eric Lust, David C. McHenry, Charles O. Phillipi
  • Patent number: 6731216
    Abstract: A tubing installation checking device is provided for determining proper installation of a tubing along a tube receiving channel in a peristaltic pump of the type having a tube receiving channel and a door for holding a tubing therein. The tubing installation checking device includes a pressure sensor held in the peristaltic pump positioned along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pumping mechanism for sensing pressure in the tubing and for providing a signal representing the sensed pressure. A valve is provided held in the peristaltic pump along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pressure sensor for closing the tubing when it is installed in the tube receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Ho, Thinh Vo, Roger J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20040006309
    Abstract: An automatic repeater vaccinator apparatus (10) for dispensing a predetermined volume of a fluid into an animal, particularly a fluid which is a vaccine, and reloading after each volume of fluid is dispensed. The apparatus (10) comprises a handheld syringe (100) for dispensing the fluid, a flexible conduit (12) for transferring the fluid from a dispensing means to the syringe (100), and a reservoir (48) for providing the fluid to the dispensing means. The dispensing means is electrically activated by a magnetically closeable switch (preferably a reed switch (142)) in the syringe (100), which enables a predetermined volume of the fluid to be dispensed from the syringe (100) when the dispensing means is activated and reloading fluid from the reservoir (48) to replace the volume of fluid which has been dispensed from the syringe (100) when the dispensing means is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: IDEAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Rusnak
  • Patent number: 6595957
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the volume of surgical fluid present in a cavity of the body during surgery includes a fluid pump for pumping surgical fluid to the cavity via a conduit. A dampener is disposed between the pump and the cavity, with the dampener receiving the fluid output of the pump and having a pressure sensitive volumetric capacity, therefor such that variations in output volume of the pump are diminished by the dampener, the output of which is directed to the cavity. The dampener may be in the form of a hollow chamber into which surgical fluid flows trapping a selected quantity of gas thereabove with the gas quantity being determined by a vent valve. A hydrophobic filter or a float valve may be employed as the vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Griffiths, Christopher R. Clare
  • Patent number: 6565533
    Abstract: An inoculation device and method are provided. The device includes a hypodermic syringe with a hollow needle that is positioned to inject a small animal in its abdominal area with an inoculant. A work platform supports the animal during inoculation in a back down, face up orientation. Air flow sensing activation mechanism is positioned adjacent a portion of the animal. When the animal is moved into contact with the activation mechanism, drive connected to the hypodermic syringe moves the needle forward to penetrate the animal after which the inoculant is injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Novus International, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Smith, Jackie Green, James Paul Thaxton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030093033
    Abstract: A power injector 10 that includes a solenoid 23 that moves a piston to cause a liquid to be injected via the needle 13. A shroud 27 engages a switch 28 to cause electric energy to be delivered to the solenoid 24 to cause actuation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Glenn Walter Bunyan
  • Patent number: 6554822
    Abstract: An implantable microbolus infusion pump is disclosed which includes an elastically deformable reservoir, an electrically activated microvalve, and a remotely activated control system. The control system includes a sensor that can be remotely activate, for example, magnetically or by infrared light. The pump can provide bolus infusion of pharmacologic agents. The pump is also capable of providing sequential release of a plurality of drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Daniel P. Holschneider, Oscar U. Scremin
  • Patent number: 6551278
    Abstract: An x-ray catheter has an x-ray tube having an x-ray source therein and an x-ray transparent window through which x-rays may pass is positioned with retractable needles or suction. The needles, if present, are retractably attached to a hinge which is operatively connected to a control that extends or retracts the needles from the device, the needles positioned adjacent the x-ray transparent window so as not to impede the flow of x-rays. Alternatively, suction opening operatively connected to a vacuum source positions the x-ray source at the desired site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Alfred Edward Geitz
  • Patent number: 6512456
    Abstract: A mobile monitoring device provides for measurement of a bodily function of a mobile monitored person while the mobile monitored person moves about during their daily activities. Various methods are explained to measure various bodily functions which may be employed with the mobile monitoring device. Means are provided for determining the onset of a medical crisis in the health of the mobile monitored person. A medical intervention may be employed in response to the detection of the onset of the medical crisis. A notification of an oversight authority may be employed in response to the detection of the onset of the medical crisis. Locational tracking provides for the oversight authority to quickly and efficiently dispatch medical assistance in response to the onset of the medical crisis. Historic preservation of the measurements of the bodily functions allow medical personnel to better prescribe a course of treatment to medical problems including following onset of the medical crisis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: John E Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6383158
    Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing also connects in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: DSU Medical Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell
  • Patent number: 6371939
    Abstract: An autoinjector for replaceable containers of syringe type, comprising a barrel of axially roughly constant cross-section, a front opening with or for an injection needle and at least one movable rear piston, optionally with a plunger connected thereto, inserted in the barrel for the displacement of a container content, the autoinjector comprising a) a housing, b) a container carrier, arranged for reception of the container and arranged movably in relation to the housing in container axial direction between a rear, needle-covering, position and a forward, needle-exposing, position, c) an autopenetration mechanism, comprising at least a penetration head and a penetration drive, the penetration head being arranged for movement of the barrel or carrier in the forward direction and the penetration drive being operable to apply force between the housing and the penetration head, d) an autoinjection mechanism, comprising at least an injection head and an injection drive, the injection head being arranged for moveme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Thomas Bergens, Mikael Amark
  • Publication number: 20010053888
    Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Kyriacos A. Athanasiou, George Constantinides, Dan R. Lanctot
  • Publication number: 20010049608
    Abstract: An automated drug administering system such an injection device or infusion pump is provided with means for reading information from a container holding the drug. The information is then checked for accuracy before the administration of the drug. Optionally, an ID tag on the patient and/or the health care professional providing the drug may also be scanned and checked. The information thus gathered is sent to another station where it is logged for future use and analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mark N. Hochman
  • Publication number: 20010023331
    Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, includes: an irrigation fluid supplying unit, which supplies irrigation fluid into a patient eye; an aspiration unit provided with a hand piece having an aspiration hole, which aspirates through the aspiration hole a removed tissue along with the irrigation fluid supplied into the patient eye; a pressure sensor which detects vacuum pressure caused by the aspiration unit; and a control unit connected to the irrigation fluid supplying unit and the pressure sensor, which varies at least one of irrigation rate and irrigation pressure by controlling the irrigation fluid supplying unit based on the detected vacuum pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hidenori Kanda, Hideyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6273861
    Abstract: A novel instrument for automatic sampling or removal of tissue percutaneously from a patient. In a disclosed embodiment the instrument comprises a housing, a means for excising tissue from a target site within a patient's body extending from the housing, a means for impelling the excising means into a target tissue site in response to an impelling force, and a rotatable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Bates, John Haaga, Srinivas Nishtala, Keith E. Hoffman, Harold G. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6270479
    Abstract: An autoinjector for replaceable containers of syringe type, comprising a barrel of axially roughly constant cross-section, a front opening with or for an injection needle and at least one movable rear piston, optionally with a plunger connected thereto, inserted in the barrel for the displacement of a container content, the autoinjector comprising a) a housing, b) a container carrier, arranged for reception of the container and arranged movably in relation to the housing in container axial direction between a rear, needle-covering, position and a forward, needle-exposing, position, c) an autopenetration mechanism, comprising at least a penetration head and a penetration drive, the penetration head being arranged for movement of the barrel or carrier in the forward direction and the penetration drive being operable to apply force between the housing and the penetration head, d) an autoinjection mechanism, comprising at least an injection head and an injection drive, the injection head being arranged for moveme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Thomas Bergens, Mikael Åmark
  • Publication number: 20010005781
    Abstract: An autoinjector for replaceable containers of syringe type, comprising a barrel of axially roughly constant cross-section, a front opening with or for an injection needle and at least one movable rear piston, optionally with a plunger connected thereto, inserted in the barrel for the displacement of a container content, the autoinjector comprising a) a housing, b) a container carrier, arranged for reception of the container and arranged movably in relation to the housing in container axial direction between a rear, needle-covering, position and a forward, needle-exposing, position, c) an autopenetration mechanism, comprising at least a penetration head and a penetration drive, the penetration head being arranged for movement of the barrel or carrier in the forward direction and the penetration drive being operable to apply force between the housing and the penetration head, d) an autoinjection mechanism, comprising at least an injection head and an injection drive, the injection head being arranged for moveme
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Bergens, Mikael Amark
  • Patent number: 6165155
    Abstract: A low-profile multipathway automatic drug delivery system utilizing a battery powered control pad coupled to a disposable drug storage and delivery system and strapped to a patient's limb or torso. A preprogrammed or on-demand drug administration sequence is input to the control pad. When a drug is to be administered, the control pad ignites a high energy density propellant charge in the drug delivery system. Expanding propellant gas exerts pressure on a drug in a second chamber and forces it from the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sarcos, LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Roland Wyatt, Stephen C. Peterson, Tomasz J. Petelenz
  • Patent number: 6086562
    Abstract: An automatic injection device includes a drug-filled vessel having a flexible membrane over a first opening thereof and a puncturable seal in a wall thereof, a hollow needle attached at a first end to the flexible membrane and having a sharp end positioned proximate the puncturable seal housing. A pressure source such as a combustible propellant provides a compressed gas above the flexible membrane to force the membrane into the drug-filled vessel, forcing the hollow needle through the puncturable seal and the drug contained in the vessel through the hollow needle. After the drug has been substantially evacuated from the vessel, the membrane is allowed to return to its pre-expanded state thus retracting the hollow needle into the vessel. Preferably, the flexible membrane is an elastomeric material having a plurality of concentrically configured corrugations to allow expansion of the membrane into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Aaron M. Best, Tomasz J. Petelenz
  • Patent number: 6077247
    Abstract: An injection device has a two part barrel. The forward part (10) telescopes into the rear part (3) and within the barrel a capsule (1) with a needle (2) at its forward end is initially held by a trigger (11) formed integrally with the forward part (10) so that the needle (2) does not project. The trigger (11) is inoperable at this stage, being inaccessible because of the telescopic overlap. A spring (20) acts on a plunger at the rear of the capsule. When the overlap is increased, the trigger (11) becomes accessible through a slot (7), and when it is operated the capsule (1) is released for the spring (20) to shoot it forwards and eject the dose through the now projecting needle (2). The capsule (1) may have a two part dose and its mixing may then be effected by the spring (20), fully compressed after the overlap increase, urging the plunger forwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Owen Mumford Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Marshall, David Danvers Crossman
  • Patent number: 6045534
    Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Aaron M. Best, Tomasz J. Petelenz, M. Mary Sinnott
  • Patent number: 5860957
    Abstract: A low-profile multipathway automatic drug delivery system utilizing a battery powered control pad coupled to a disposable drug storage and delivery system and strapped to a patient's limb or torso. A preprogrammed or on-demand drug administration sequence is input to the control pad. When a drug is to be administered, the control pad ignites a high energy density propellant charge in the drug delivery system. Expanding propellant gas exerts pressure on a drug in a second chamber and forces it from the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Roland Wyatt, Stephen C. Peterson, Tomasz J. Petelenz
  • Patent number: 5833661
    Abstract: The device includes a handpiece 1, its handle-shaped portion constituting an under pressure air receptacle 2. The handpiece 1 contains a pneumatic jack 15 fed by means of a pressure reducing valve 11 with constant air under pressure derived from the receptacle 2. The jack 15 pushes against a recall spring a catapult 16 bearing an injection needle 21. The piece 1 also bears a movable syringe 23 containing the liquid and connected to the needle 21 by a flexible pipe 22. A piston 29 moving in the syringe 23 is propelled by the air of a pressure chamber 35 fed from the receptacle 2 through a second pressure reducing valve 30. A squeezing piece 25 brings about a flattening of the pipe 22 by prohibiting the flowing of the liquid and it is pushed back at the outlet end of travel of the jack 15 so as to free the pipe 22 from squeezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: MATEF
    Inventors: Claude Trapp, Jean-Pierre Charton
  • Patent number: 5820602
    Abstract: A medication injection mechanism, for delivering a dosage of medication from a medication cartridge having a piston, includes a two-piece drive shaft, a rachet mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The two-piece drive shaft includes a plunger portion and a drive portion. The plunger portion has an end that contacts the piston of the medication cartridge, ratchet teeth disposed on the sides of the plunger portion that define a thickness of the plunger portion, and an opening to provide a passage through the plunger portion of the two-piece drive shaft. The drive portion is formed by rails that are coupled together by a connector that passes through the opening in the plunger portion so that the drive portion is coupled to the plunger portion, and can move relative to the plunger portion. Each of the rails forming the drive portion has threads on a surface that extend beyond the defined thickness of the plunger portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Visionary Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kovelman, Thomas P. Castellano
  • Patent number: 5813842
    Abstract: The specification describes several uses for pressure sensitive valves during extracorporeal pumping in one embodiment, an improved pumping loop for a roller pump is used in an extracorporeal circuit with a pressure relief valve and pump tubing. The inlet and outlet of the tubing are connected respectively to the outlet and inlet of said valve via two 3 way connections, across the outlet of the pump. The pumping loop allows recirculation of pumped liquid between the inlet and outlet of the pump when the outlet pressure generated by said pump exceeds a set value thereby limiting the pump outlet pressure to the set pressure. The pressure relief valve can also be placed at the inlet if the pump to protect the circuit from excess negative pressure that the pump can generate. The pressure relief valve in combination with the pump loop provides an accurate means to dynamically set the occlusion of the tubing within the roller pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Yehuda Tamari
  • Patent number: 5800397
    Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Invasatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Patent number: 5681291
    Abstract: An auto-injector for a medicament prefilled syringe, having a head at one end and fitted with a needle at the other end, the auto-injector incorporating a first device D1 which makes automatic the needle penetration into the user's body and controls a second device D2 which performs the medicament injection. The first device includes: a cylindrical body (1) formed for receiving a syringe (4) and provided at its upper end with a collar forming a seat suitable to bear the head of the syringe, and a sliding tubular element or slider (5) concentric to the body and adapted to slide on a cylindrical surface of the body. One of the body (1) and slider (5) is formed with a bevelled projection and the other of the body (1) and slider (5) is formed with a shoulder (11). A resilient ring (9) is arranged in such a way that ring (9) prevents the reciprocal movement of body (1) and slider (5) thus maintaining the latter in such a position to cover the entire needle (10) of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Tebro S.A.
    Inventor: Rosaria Galli
  • Patent number: 5611779
    Abstract: An electrochemical fluid delivery device of the present invention includes a case, pressure generating part and fluid reservoir part. The case has a cover capable of being opened and closed. When the cover is closed after the fluid reservoir part is accommodated in the case, the inside of the case can be maintained in an airtight condition. The pressure generating part includes a power supply part and electrochemical cell part. When a direct current flows in the electrochemical cell part, gas is generated and accumulates in the airtight case. By the pressure of gas, the fluid reservoir part is pressurized so that the fluid can be delivered. The amount of gas generated at constant pressure by the electrochemical cell part is determined by a quantity of electricity (current.times.time). Since the amount of fluid to be delivered is proportional to the amount of generated gas, the amount of fluid to be delivered in a unit time can be determined by the intensity of a current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Saito, Yuko Fujita, Akio Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 5593390
    Abstract: A medication delivery device, such as a pen-type injector, jet injector, medication pump, inhaler, spray or the like has a microprocessor coupled to the device that records the date, the time, and the amount of each medication administration. The microprocessor may also be coupled to a display to indicate the amount of medication to be administered. The medication delivery device can also be coupled with a blood characteristic monitor to analyze characteristics of the blood. This provides a single, all-in-one device that performs a variety of functions, and requires only a minimum of space. The medication delivery device may also use a disposable needle that substantially eliminates or reduces bleeding from an opening in the skin at the injection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Visionary Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Castellano, Robert Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5527287
    Abstract: The invention is a pre-charged, disposable syringe capable of use by patients. The syringe has a housing with a cover having a central aperture which receives an actuator button. The actuator button extends to an internal piston which is mounted over a medication ampoule. The ampoule has a dependent hypodermic needle which is slidably received in the housing and moves between recessed and projected positions. In its recessed position, the ampoule is totally contained within the housing, and in its projected position, the hypodermic needle projects from the housing. The housing contains an actuator spring, which is compressed and biased to move the piston and the ampoule into its projected position. The medication is discharged from the ampoule by the mechanically coupled piston, or by the release of air from an internal air pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Shir A. Miskinyar
  • Patent number: 5480387
    Abstract: An injection device (10) is adapted to receive a cartridge (11) holding injection fluid (12). This cartridge (11) is displaceable in the proximal direction in the injection device counter to the force of a resetting spring (157). An adjustable-length tappet (80) is biased in the proximal direction by a spring (53), is displaceable in the injection device between a proximal end position and a distal end position, and has a threaded spindle (19) which is guided in the thread (17) of an adjusting member (15), serves to act upon a plunger (23) provided in the cartridge (11), and has a guide member (67) associated with it; the guide member is connected to it in a manner fixed against relative rotation but axially freely displaceably. This guide member (67) is rotatable relative to the housing (100) of the injection device (10) in the distal end position of the tappet (80), but not in the proximal end position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Medico Development Investment Company
    Inventors: Jochen Gabriel, Herbert Bechtold
  • Patent number: 5468227
    Abstract: Poultry inoculation apparatus includes a solenoid-driven hypodermic needle which pierces the web of the constrained wing of a bird. A positive displacement pump delivers vaccine or other treating liquid to the needle for administration while the needle is in extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ora Haskell
  • Patent number: 5429607
    Abstract: An elastomerically-actuated syringe actuation device comprises a grommet that fits around the outlet tip of a syringe; an end cap, having a finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger of the syringe; and an elastomeric element that connects the grommet and the end cap. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is engaged against the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, between the grommet and the end cap, thereby biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it provides a driving force against the plunger to push the plunger into the barrel of the syringe, thereby expressing the fluid contained in the barrel out of the outlet tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 5352194
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for performing suction lipectomy or liposuction in which the reciprocal motion required during the liposuction procedure is automated. This automation greatly reduces the physical exertion required of the operating surgeon. The present invention also allows the use of smaller cannulae to achieve an improved aesthetic result. Use of such smaller cannulae with the manual liposuction procedures currently in use would be extremely taxing if not impossible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Richard J. Greco, Mark B. Freidman, J. William Futrell
  • Patent number: 5312353
    Abstract: A modular poultry automatic injection and spraying apparatus (10) featuring a dual-sensor switch means (41) and a dual-action, fluid-actuated drive means (101) is disclosed. The apparatus has a casing construction (11) including an upper housing (12) mounted on a lower housing (13) such that the lower housing (13), which contains water-sensitive pneumatic logic circuitry (261), can be easily removed prior to cleaning. The casing construction (11) has the additional advantage of allowing substitute upper and lower housings (12, 13) to be interchanged during maintenance and repair. The dual sensor switch means (41) ensures that the injections are performed accurately and consistently. The dual-action, fluid-actuated drive means (101) allows for the simultaneous injection and spraying functions of the apparatus (10) obviating the need for an additional apparatus or separate compressed air signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventors: Gregory D. Boggess, Joseph H. Johnson, Richard M. Kight, John D. Mason, Roger D. Luke
  • Patent number: 5312354
    Abstract: A safety trocar instrument, for piercing the wall of an anatomical cavity to provide communication with the inside of the cavity, includes a tubular cannula and an elongate trocar having a sharp piercing point. The trocar is mounted for axial reciprocal movement within the cannula between a withdrawn rest position in which the point is received within and shielded by the distal end of the cannula and a projecting position in which said point is exposed beyond the distal end of the cannula. A retraction spring biases the trocar to its withdrawn position. A latch latches the trocar in the projecting position in opposition to the retraction spring, and a trip member can trip the latch to unlatch the trocar and thereby permit the trocar to be moved to its withdrawn rest position by the retraction spring. A mechanical trigger in the form of a trigger sleeve is mounted within the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventors: William J. Allen, Jeffrey A. Stein
  • Patent number: 5304143
    Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of an elongated object into a patient's body having a first valve formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture for reception of the object, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the object into the aperture will cause the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently engage the outer surface of the object in a fluid tight manner. A second valve is positioned adjacent and distal of the first valve in general alignment therewith, whereby the second valve defines an aperture in general alignment with the aperture of the first valve, and is formed of a flexible material at least in the region defining the aperture. A pair of manually operable clamps are provided to selectively permit the aperture of the second valve to be opened or closed so as to permit entry of the object such that the object first passes through the first valve and then the second valve prior to entry into the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Green, Henry Bolanos
  • Patent number: 5300030
    Abstract: An injection device has a needle (22) which, when the device is operated, is first caused to project, then liquid is forced out through it, and finally the needle is automatically retracted. The needle (22) extends forwardly from a capsule (18) that can slide longitudinally within a barrel-like body (1), a relatively weak spring (19) normally maintaining the capsule and needle retracted. A more powerful spring (14) acts oppositely on a plunger (26) which, when released, shoots the capsule forward by acting on the liquid therein, and then forces the liquid out through the projecting needle (22). At the end of the forward stroke the plunger (26) and capsule (18) are decoupled and the weak spring (14) returns the exhausted capsule and its needle to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Owen Mumford Limited
    Inventors: David D. Crossman, Jeremy Marshall, Ernest J. Mumford
  • Patent number: 5224930
    Abstract: Devices and a system for passing instruments into a body cavity and/or for containing, manipulating, treating and removing matter from the body cavity, through a minimal access incision typically no greater than 1 cm in length. In one embodiment, the device of the invention includes an upper valving member with a plurality of interchangeable lower trocar members such as a) a short trocar member of 0.5-0.3 inches in length, b) a long trocar member greater than 3.0 inches in length and/or c) a trocar member having a protective cage disposed about its distal end attachable thereto. The lower trocar members are insertable into the body cavity. Further, in accordance with the system of the present invention, various instruments are independently insertable through the upper valving member and lower trocar portions of the device to perform various functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: EndoMedix Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund E. Spaeth, Alexander S. Borsanyi, Alex Bowie, John T. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5199952
    Abstract: Bird's neck vaccine injector has fixed tubular guard around an injection needle. The guard is adapted to have a bird's neck pulled against it by pulling loose skin from the neck, and to have the pulled skin drawn over the projecting end of the guard and pressed against the guard so that the needle may be advanced to pierce the skin next to the projecting end of the guard and then inject vaccine into the cavity resulting from pull on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Morf, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Marshall, Sr., Gordon J. Lancaster, Jr., Richard L. Booker
  • Patent number: 5114406
    Abstract: To permit accuracy presetting of a dose for an injection to be ejected from an ampule (12) containing more fluid medication than the dose requires, a plunger (18) which is telescopically received within a tubular element (77) is movable against the customary piston (17) in the ampule for a distance which depends on the extent of telescopic insertion of the plunger stem (18") within the tubular element (77). This extent can be set by a rotary knob or sleeve (56, 65) which rotates the tubular element with respect to the plunger (18); the plunger and tubular element are coupled together by a steeply pitched spiral thread (76), thereby controlling the extent of projection of the combined injection dosing arrangement of plunger (18) and plunger length setting mechanism (77), and hence controlling the amount of medicinal fluid expelled through an injection needle (16) coupled to the ampule (12) at the end of the injection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Wilhelm Haselmeier GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jochen Gabriel, Herbert Bechtold, Gerhard Hambrecht, Klaus Nothdurft
  • Patent number: 5045065
    Abstract: A catheter introduction syringe for the introduction of a catheter or catheter guide wire into a patient's body, the catheter introduction syringe comprises a hollow syringe barrel including a fluid chamber, a plunger movable between an advanced and retracted position slidably disposed within the fluid chamber, a guide passage formed longitudinally through the hollow syringe barrel and the plunger, the guide passage including an aperture disposed within the fluid chamber and a valve assembly disposed in operative relationship relative to the guide passage to prevent passage of fluid through the guide passage during flushing or aspirating of the catheter introduction syringe or during the introduction or withdrawal of a catheter or catheter guide wire through the guide passage and to permit fluid to flow from the patient's body into the fluid chamber through the aperture the guide passage being configured to maintain the catheter or catheter guide wire in a substantially straight configuration while the cathet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: J. Daniel Raulerson
  • Patent number: 4863443
    Abstract: Apparatus for typically delivering a measured quantity of liquid to a small animal comprising:a spray nozzle for producing an atomized stream of liquid;a syringe in fluid communication with the spray nozzle for delivering a measured quantity of the liquid from a liquid source to the spray nozzle;means for actuating the syringe to deliver the measured quantity of liquid activated by a compressed air signal from a compressed air source;means for regulating the compressed air signal to deliver to the spray nozzle a portion of the compressed air signal for atomizing the measured quantity of liquid; andmeans for transmitting the compressed air signal simultaneously to the actuating means and to the regulating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Sterwin Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Hornung
  • Patent number: 4813938
    Abstract: A catheter introduction syringe for the introduction of a catheter or catheter guide wire into a patient's body, the catheter introduction syringe comprises a hollow substantially cylindrical syringe barrel to support a needle thereon having a substantially cylindrical plunger slidably disposed therein, the substantially cylindrical plunger includes a centrally disposed channel formed longitudinally therethrough having a valve assembly disposed in operative relationship relative to the centrally disposed channel to prevent passage of air or liquid therethrough during flushing or aspirating of the catheter introduction syringe and permit the introduction of a catheter or catheter guide wire through the centrally disposed channel, hollow substantially cylindrical syringe barrel and needle for introduction into the patient's body without the flow of air or liquid through the centrally disposed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: J. Daniel Raulerson
  • Patent number: 4758227
    Abstract: A bird is positively positioned in a fixed cradle and a motor drives injection needles at convergent angles into the bird's breast muscle tissue on opposite sides of the keel bone, actuates injection, and retracts the needles. Starting is initiated by the operator's hand which grasps the bird's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Morf Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon J. Lancaster, Jr., Joey T. Stump, William M. Marshall, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4681565
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically treating animals such as birds at a high speed. The apparatus includes a frame, a spindle mounted on the frame, drive means for rotating the spindle, and a table mounted on the spindle and provided with a plurality of spaced-apart bird supports capable of supporting birds immobilized in the neck area. A syringe and a suction device are supported on a support means that is freely mounted on the spindle and adapted to move with respect to the frame from a non-operative position to an operative position. The suction device has a nozzle provided with a perforated surface surrounding and extending vertically along the bird's neck area. The suction device serves to draw back an area of the neck skin before an injection is made with the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Albert J. A. Gourlandt
  • Patent number: 4613328
    Abstract: A bio-medical injector apparatus comprising a base unit having a skin engaging portion disposed at an angular orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base unit for supporting and maintaining a hypodermic needle at an optimum angular orientation for effecting an injection procedure, a carriage assembly reciprocally mounted on the base unit and carrying the hypodermic needle simultaneously therewith, a motor drive unit operably connected with the hypodermic needle for the preloading thereof with a suitable medication, a solenoid secured to the base unit and operably connected with the carriage assembly for a controlled reciprocation thereof for effecting the injection operation of the needle, and an electronic circuitry operably connected between a power supply and the motor drive and the solenoid for creating the logic necessary to perform the functions of the injector apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: Cecil Boyd
  • Patent number: 4515590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic injection apparatus for animals, in particular for chicks, which comprises a housing, a syringe with an injection needle giving the injection through an aperture on the front wall of said housing, a two-way air double action piston being connected to said syringe and to a source of air, activating means for said piston and means for connecting the syringe to a liquid container. Said apparatus has optionally additional parts, e.g. a timer fixing the length of the period of the injection; an air regulator; means for cleaning the air; counters measuring the numbers of animals being injected and/or pre-setting the number of animals to be injected; and a disinfecting device for the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Abic Ltd.
    Inventor: Nisim Daniel