Abstract: A device and two-step sequential method for providing medication for injection and infusion by a jet injector includes a cassette which connects an injector system to a reservoir. The cassette forms a fluid pathway at an interface of a cassette lower body and a cassette upper body. The cassette also forms an impulse chamber with a nozzle leading therefrom. The fluid pathway interconnects the reservoir with the impulse chamber. The medication flows from the reservoir along the fluid pathway and into the impulse chamber. Force from an impulse generator drives the fluid medicament from the impulse chamber through the nozzle, out an orifice in a tip of the nozzle, and into the skin of a patient. To prevent the pressure waves generated by the jet injector from damaging a glass reservoir, the fluid pathway is formed with pressure attenuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle-less injection device, comprising a cannula (5) which can be inserted in a housing (3), can be filled with a predetermined active substance (11) for injection, and comprises a piston (9) movable in a cannula housing for ejecting the active substance (11) from an outlet opening (53) in the cannula housing, and a propellant charge cartridge (7) insertable into the housing (3) and comprising a housing containing a propellant charge (19) and a device (23) for igniting the propellant charge, and a propelling surface (15) movable in a part (3a) of the housing of the injection device (1) or in the housing of the cannula (5) or in the cartridge housing and movable by the gas pressure, after ignition of the propellant charge (19), out of a starting position into an end position, the outer periphery of the propelling surface being sealed from the inner periphery of each housing during the entire displacement travel also, wherein the propelling surface (15) acts upon the piston (9) mova

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device used to prevent the cross-contamination of patients or injectors in which various components placed on the injector minimize or eliminate back splash contamination of the injector.

Abstract: A needleless syringe for injecting a liquid active principle. The syringe improves bioavailability by providing injection at two speed levels. The syringe includes a reservoir contained between an injector and push means subjected to the action of a gas generator. The push means including an end, directed towards the active principle, which forms a delivery head whereof the cross-section is smaller than the powering head cross-section, and the powering travel in the power cylinder is less than the height of the active principle reservoir.

Abstract: A process and device for single use, needle-free hypodermic, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of medicament with manually or pneumatic operated injector device using vacuum to stretch and properly hold the skin for horizontally to perpendicularly delivering to a human or animal a premeasured dose of medicament or vaccine by means of a thin high pressure liquid jet stream of sufficient velocity to penetrate the epidermis of the subject and depositing the medicament in the desired depths of tissue. Utilizing disposable single use, filled or pre-filled medicament ampules, the manually operated injector device provides the interface features for mounting the ampule, and the features for supplying the impulse force required to inject the medicament upon activation and safety interlock features to prevent inadvertent activation until the ampule is properly interfaced with the epidermis.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device used to prevent the cross contamination of patients or injectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering and injecting an agent into a target site within the body without penetrating the tissue of the target site with anything other than the agent. The system comprises a nozzle assembly and a propulsion mechanism. The nozzle assembly comprises an ampule with a reservoir, having a reservoir orifice, for containing the agent; a dispersion fixture that has a dispersion orifice; and a channel in fluid communication between the reservoir orifice and the dispersion orifice. The propulsion mechanism is operatively coupled to the reservoir for propelling the agent from within the reservoir, through the reservoir orifice and the channel and the dispersion orifice, at a pressure sufficient to cause the agent to penetrate the target site without penetration of the target site with the dispersion fixture. Methods of using and making the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle-less injection device, comprising a cannula (5) which can be inserted in a housing (3), can be filled with a predetermined active substance (11) for injection, and comprises a piston (9) movable in a cannula housing for ejecting the active substance (11) from an outlet opening (53) in the cannula housing, and a propellant charge cartridge (7) insertable into the housing (3) and comprising a housing containing a propellant charge (19) and a device (23) for igniting the propellant charge, and a propelling surface (15) movable in a part (3a) of the housing of the injection device (1) or in the housing of the cannula (5) or in the cartridge housing and movable by the gas pressure, after ignition of the propellant charge (19), out of a starting position into an end position, the outer periphery of the propelling surface being sealed from the inner periphery of each housing during the entire displacement travel also, wherein the propelling surface (15) acts upon the piston (9) mova

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical injector and medicament loading system for use therewith. The medicament loading system includes cap for a medicament cartridge. The cap has a post for causing movement of the cartridge stopper toward the seal when the cap engages the medicament cartridge to thereby eliminate adhesion between the medicament chamber and the stopper. The medical injector according to the present invention includes the medicament loading system, i.e. a cartridge assembly, a needle free syringe assembly, and a power pack assembly.

Abstract: A device for providing medication for injection by a jet injector includes a cassette which connects an injector system to a reservoir. The cassette forms a fluid pathway at an interface of a cassette lower body and a cassette upper body. The cassette also forms an impulse chamber with a nozzle leading therefrom. The fluid pathway interconnects the reservoir with the impulse chamber. The medication flows from the reservoir along the fluid pathway and into the impulse chamber. Force from an impulse generator drives the fluid medicament from the impulse chamber through the nozzle, out an orifice in a tip of the nozzle, and into the skin of a patient. To prevent the pressure waves generated by the jet injector from breaking a glass cartridge in the reservoir, the fluid pathway is blocked, using a series of right angles or valves.

Abstract: Multi-component ampules for use with re-useable and disposable jet injectors are described which have primary and secondary packaging components. The primary packaging component includes an inner glass cylinder, an elastomeric diaphragm, and an elastomeric plunger. The secondary packaging components include a plastic outer shell and a plastic adapter. The primary packaging components allow medications and injectable suspensions to be stored for prolonged periods while the secondary packaging components provide structural integrity and adaptability for the ampule. Optionally, thermoplastics having long term storage capability may also be used for the primary packaging components. Exemplary methods for using the jet syringe assembly and of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-component ampules for use with re-useable and disposable jet injectors are described which have primary and secondary packaging components. The primary packaging component includes an inner glass cylinder, an elastomeric diaphragm, and an elastomeric plunger. The secondary packaging components include a plastic outer shell and a plastic adapter. The primary packaging components allow medications and injectable suspensions to be stored for prolonged periods while the secondary packaging components provide structural integrity and adaptability for the ampule. Exemplary methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-operated injector device for injecting parenteral medications consisting of a cap, a plunger, a base, and a snap means. The cap contains a hollow central finger which upon proper hand force, moves toward a narrow plunger with an ability to slide into an annular wide plunger within an self-contained injection capsule. The movement of the cap drives the narrow plunger toward a narrow injection orifice at the bottom the capsule containing liquid medicament through which, the medicament under high pressure, forms a liquid jet through subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The injector may contain an external spring assisted holder or an internal spring assisted holder where the central finger is modified so as to be spring loaded. Finally, the spring injector may contain a cocking tab and a reusable power case. The injector device requires little training to use, reduces pain, improves injection safety and eliminates the need for a check valve.

Abstract: A method and a needleless injection system for administering a medication. In order to simplify as far as possible the handling necessary for loading the injector with medication and thereby eliminate risks caused by a complex handling the method and system according to the invention provide loading of medication into a needleless injector device by means of a syringe prefilled with a medication, this loading step preferably including connecting the syringe to the injector device by means of a suitable coupling member or adapter and operating the syringe for transferring medication prefilled therein into the injector device. After this transfer the syringe and/or the coupling member or adapter are detached from the injector device, which is then ready to be operated for ejecting the loaded dosage of said medication from the injector device and thereby pass the selected dosage through the skin of an injection receiver.

Abstract: A needleless drug particle delivery device, of the kind in which firing of the drug particles is caused by a sudden gas flow, characterised in that the device comprises a container (14) of compressed gas and a mechanism for releasing the gas from the container to create the gas flow, the mechanism comprising a rupture (20) element for breaching the container and a manually manipulable actuator (27) for moving the element and the container relatively to one another to provide an initial breach whereby gas is released to act on a piston portion (21) to provide a servo action which causes the rupture element and container to move further suddenly relatively to one another to complete the breaching of the container and establish a maximum gas flow from the container.

Abstract: A needleless injector drug capsule assembly comprising a container, a housing therefor, a piston, and resilient seals to permit filling and sealing thereafter to maintain sterility of the contents. A seal carrier holds a seal through which filling of the capsule is carried out via its outlet orifice, and after filling the seal carrier is closed off, for example by a plug or by heat sealing.

Abstract: A needle-less injector suitable for injecting fluid through a skin surface of a patient includes a housing, a driver, an intruding gas chamber activating mechanism and a trigger. The housing containing the fluid and a sealed gas storage chamber containing a gas. The driver forces the fluid out of the housing at a sufficient speed to pierce the skin surface of the patient. The intruding gas chamber activating mechanism is mounted in the housing to intrude through the sealed gas chamber to release gas seal into the housing. The trigger is operatively coupled to the intruding gas chamber activating mechanism to release the gas from the gas chamber into the housing to activate the driver to force the fluid out of the housing. The trigger is activated by moving the trigger towards and orifice in the housing and/or upon application of a predetermined amount of pressure to the trigger that is opposed by a predetermined amount of resistance from the skin surface of the patient.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use.

Abstract: A device for providing medication for injection by a jet injector includes a cassette which connects an injector system to a reservoir. The cassette forms a fluid pathway at an interface of a cassette lower body and a cassette upper body. The cassette also forms an impulse chamber with a nozzle leading therefrom. The fluid pathway interconnects the reservoir with the impulse chamber. The medication flows from the reservoir along the fluid pathway and into the impulse chamber. Force from an impulse generator drives the fluid medicament from the impulse chamber through the nozzle, out an orifice in a tip of the nozzle, and into the skin of a patient. To prevent the pressure waves generated by the jet injector from breaking a glass cartridge in the reservoir, the fluid pathway is blocked, using a series of right angles or valves.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.

Abstract: A needle-less injector comprises a cartridge (3) prefilled with liquid ((9), which cartridge contains a free sliding piston (32) and an injection orifice (10). A ram (22) is urged by a pre-loaded spring (24) for striking the said piston to cause the injections. Adjusting means (6) can be provided to vary the volume injected. A trigger device (26, 30) initiates injection only when the optimum contact pressure is reached between the discharge orifice (1) and epidermis of the subject. The initial loading of the power spring (24) is sufficient to dispense all of the contents of the medicament cartridge in one dose or multiple sequential doses. Disposable and reusable embodiments are described.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.

Abstract: A needleless injector drug capsule assembly comprising a container, housing therefor, a piston, and resilient seals to permit filling and sealing thereafter to maintain sterility of the contents.

Abstract: A needleless injector capsule for a liquid medicament has a filling adaptor removably, and preferably frangibly, attached thereto. The capsule has a chamber for receiving injectate, the chamber being provided with an injection orifice, and having a piston located for movement therein. The adaptor has a bore which communicates with the capsule chamber via the injection orifice. The capsule is filled by introducing injectate into the capsule chamber through the injection orifice and excess injectate into bore of the adaptor, and closing the bore of the adaptor to the exterior by a sealing means, leaving the bore partly filled with excess injectate.

Abstract: A transparent needleless injector drug capsule suitable for prefilling with a liquid drug comprises a first inner layer of drug compatible transparent plastics defining a chamber for receiving a liquid drug and a second outer layer of transparent plastics forming a supporting sleeve around the first layer of plastics. Each of the first and second layers of transparent plastics is resistant to discoloration when irradiated by high energy radiation. Thus, a low cost, transparent, needleless injector drug capsule is provided which is capable of being sterilized by high energy irradiation. The capsule may define a body having a main chamber for receiving a liquid drug and for retaining a free piston in a sealing fit for subsequent use in the discharge of a drug, the body also having an extension chamber having an opening for receiving the free piston in a loose fit.

Abstract: A needleless injector capsule for a liquid medicament has a filling adapter removably, and preferably frangibly, attached thereto. The capsule has a chamber for receiving injectate, the chamber being provided with an injection orifice, and having a piston located for movement therein. The adapter has a bore which communicates with the capsule chamber via the injection orifice. The capsule is filled by introducing injectate into the capsule chamber through the injection orifice and excess injectate into the bore of the adapter, and closing the bore of the adapter to the exterior by a sealing means, leaving the bore partly filled with excess injectate.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains about 20% to about 40%, by weight, of the basic resin, based on the total weight of the acidic resin and basic resin present in the particle. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention typically is in the form of a needleless injector which includes the following components: (1) a needleless syringe installed in the injector for holding medication prior to injection, the syringe including an injection aperture at the forward end thereof; (2) a syringe plunger slidably mounted to the rear end of the syringe for forcing medication out the syringe aperture; (3) a syringe plunger drive mechanism providing power to drive the syringe plunger and thereby force medication out of the syringe; and (4) a syringe drive control mechanism for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism, the drive control mechanism including a warning system which warns the user if a pre-injection condition is not met, an interlock system which prevents injection from taking place if the pre-injection condition is not met, and a sensing system which senses whether the pre-injection condition is not met and conveys a signal to the warning and interlock systems informing as to whether the pre-inje

Abstract: A disposable medicine delivery unit for use in a needleless hypodermic injector is configured to allow economical replacement, after each injection, of a patient contact surface and the entire injection flow-path of the medicament, to thereby ensure sterility with less need for repeated equipment cleaning and sterilization procedures. The delivery unit includes a piston seal configured to prevent improper reuse. The piston seal deforms and sticks in a conical end of the medicine delivery chamber at the end of its injection stroke. A push-only connection between the piston seal and a piston drive rod of the injector ensures that the latter cannot be used to retract the former. Preferably, the piston seal also includes a protruding nipple which enters and destroys the injection orifice following an injection, to further disable the delivery unit.

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

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

Abstract: A multiple use needle-less hypodermic injection device for individual users comprising of a light weight, pocket sized, spring powered unit, and a multiple use, low cost, easily replaceable thermoplastic injection head. The present invention targets the single-patient-self-injection applications, such as insulin users, when risks of cross contamination between different patients are not present, therefore not requiring the parts containing the medicament dose, or the parts in contact with the delivery of the medicament dose, to be necessarily disposed and replaced after each injection.

Abstract: A needleless, low pressure, air powered medicine injector with a quick disconnect medicine delivery assembly removably connected to the injector housing. Low pressure air drives a biased piston through a discharge stroke, beginning from the retracted position into the medicine chamber, thereby forcing medicine through a one-piece nozzle. A removable chamber filling mechanism connected to the housing is coupled to the medicine chamber through fill ports, such that the medicine chamber is filled utilizing a positive pressure medicine distributor. A movable spacer collar positioned in front of the nozzle provides an air gap between a patient's skin and the one-piece nozzle. A safety interlock coupled to an activating mechanism and the chamber filling mechanism prevents unwanted discharge of the injection.

Abstract: A system is provided that is useful for a hypodermic jet injection of medication without piercing the skin with a needle. The system includes a spring actuated needleless hypodermic injector device for injecting medication through the skin. The injector device includes an ampule assembly having a chamber for holding liquid medication and an injector for receiving and mounting the ampule assembly. A plunger assembly, movable within the ampule chamber is used for drawing liquid medication into the ampule chamber and for ejecting liquid medication out from a chamber. The injector includes a spring actuated piston which provides a force to move the ampule assembly plunger and thereby force liquid medication to leave the chamber at such velocity that it can be hypodermically injected at an injection site. The system also includes a coupler for use on a medication vial for transferring medication to the ampule assembly.

Abstract: A system is provided that is useful for a hypodermic jet injection of medication without piercing the skin with a needle. The system includes a spring actuated needleless hypodermic injector device for injecting medication through the skin. The injector device includes an ampule assembly having a chamber for holding liquid medication and an injector for receiving and mounting the ampule assembly. A plunger assembly, movable within the ampule chamber is used for drawing liquid medication into the ampule chamber and for ejecting liquid medication out from a chamber. The injector includes a spring actuated piston which provides a force to move the ampule assembly plunger and thereby force liquid medication to leave the chamber at such velocity that it can be hypodermically injected at an injection site. The system also includes a coupler for use on a medication vial for transferring medication to the ampule assembly.

Abstract: A hypodermic fluid dispenser and a collapsible body for the hypodermic fluid, with a hypodermic needle injecting the fluid once sufficient pressure is applied to collapse the body. There is also disclosed an electrical hypodermic fluid dispenser having a reusable, rechargeable power source, and a reservoir from which hypodermic fluid can be withdrawn for injection through a single injection orifice.

Abstract: A needleless injection device includes an initiator valve controlling flow of compressed gas into a reservoir. A poppet valve connecting to the reservoir has a gas pressure regulation end to regulate flow from the initiator valve into the reservoir. A clamp piston is driven forward by gas pressure from the reservoir and causes jaws to clamp onto a plunger extending into an ampule. The poppet valve opens when reservoir pressure reaches the cracking pressure of the poppet valve. Gas from the reservoir rushes through the poppet valve into a drive chamber and forces a drive piston, containing the clamp piston and jaws, forward causing the plunger to slide into the ampule. A jet of injectant is discharged from the nozzle of the ampule and penetrates through the patient's skin. An improved method of needleless injection uses a specific pressure profile, ampule nozzle diameter, patient, injection site, and injectant parameters.

Abstract: A hypodermic jet injector employing self-contained, patient fillable, thin-walled disposable ampules. Each ampule includes an elongate plastic body with an injection orifice at a first end, an internal propellant at a closed second end, and a double piston slidably and sealingly mounted within the body entirely between the orifice and the internal propellant, and also includes an auxiliary access opening in the ampule side wall. An ampule chamber with a corresponding access opening in its side wall is provided to receive and support the thin-walled ampule. The main body of the ampule is molded with draft angles, and the double piston construction includes a soft rubber plunger and a relatively hard plunger to the front and rear, respectively, of the auxiliary access opening in the ampule, with the two plungers interconnected by a connecting rod spanning the central section of the ampule.

Abstract: A needleless injection device has a housing containing a pilot valve connectable to a compressed gas source. A two stage power amplifying valve includes a main valve operatively connected to the pilot valve. The pilot valve and main valve form a two-stage valve with the pilot valve activatable to open the main valve utilizing gas pressure. Compressed gas in a reservoir flows through the open main valve to drive a plunger into an ampule to inject an injectant through a patient's skin. Interlocks are provided to resist inadvertent actuation of the device and a indicator indicates whether there is sufficient gas pressure in the device for another injection.

Abstract: An ampule containing a liquid, e.g., a dose of medicine, connects to a hand-held portable power unit containing an energy accumulator which can be charged and then discharged by manual actuation of a trigger. Preferably the energy accumulator is a compressible spring which is charged by compressing it and discharged by releasing it. The discharging accumulator powers a thruster, preferably a rod, driving it against a plunger in the ampule. The driven plunger applies pressure to the liquid in the ampule and drives the liquid through a small tapered orifice having an open mouth. During an injection, the open mouth of the orifice is pressed against an injection site so that the liquid being forced through the orifice can hypodermically penetrate the injection site. The preferred compressible spring can be charged by forcing the thruster backward against the spring, compressing it to a point where a latching device catches it and holds it compressed.

Abstract: A needleless injection device includes an initiator valve controlling flow of compressed gas into a reservoir. A poppet valve connecting to the reservoir has a gas pressure regulation end to regulate flow from the initiator valve into the reservoir. A clamp piston is driven forward by gas pressure from the reservoir and causes jaws to clamp onto a plunger extending into an ampule. The poppet valve opens when reservoir pressure reaches the cracking pressure of the poppet valve. Gas from the reservoir rushes through the poppet valve into a drive chamber and forces a drive piston, containing the clamp piston and jaws, forward causing the plunger to slide into the ampule. A jet of injectant is discharged from the nozzle of the ampule and penetrates through the patient's skin. An improved method of needleless injection uses a specific pressure profile, ampule nozzle diameter, patient, injection site, and injectant parameters.

Abstract: A hypodermic fluid dispenser and collapsible cartridges having fluid-holding chambers therefor includes an insertor device for moving the cartridges into the dispenser, a resilient device for collapsing the cartridges, a motor energizing the resilient device and a source of electrical energy for the motor.

Abstract: A needleless injection device has a housing containing a pilot valve connectable to a compressed gas source. A two stage power amplifying valve includes a main valve operatively connected to the pilot valve. The pilot valve and main valve form a two-stage valve with the pilot valve activatable to open the main valve utilizing gas pressure. Compressed gas in a reservoir flows through the open main valve to drive a plunger into an ampule to inject an injectant through a patient's skin. Interlocks are provided to resist inadvertent actuation of the device and a indicator indicates whether there is sufficient gas pressure in the device for another injection. An ampule for needleless injection has a nozzle length to nozzle diameter ratio of from 2.0 to 5.0 and a throat cone flair angle of from 10-14 degrees.

Abstract: In general, syringes for needleless injectors must be resonably accurately dimensioned, and the barrel of the injector must be formed of metal in order to prevent expansion of the syringe under pressure. A simple alternative is a syringe including an elongated tubular body with one open end and a closed end containing an injection orifice, and a plug slidable in the body with a prong at one end of the plug extending towards the orifice end of the body, the prong carrying an O-ring and an annular seal which prevents squeezing of the O-ring between the body of the syringe and the plug under injection pressures. An alternative form of syringe includes a pair of valves, one of which normally closes the injection orifice, and the other of which is mounted on the plug.

Abstract: Needle and high velocity jet hypodermic injectors employ a tubular liquid chamber, a suitable output port i.e., a needle or a jet port, and corresponding means for applying pressure to collapse the liquid chamber.The needle injector includes a needle sheath which automatically covers the needle after use and inhibits reuse of the needle. The jet injector electronically controls and monitors the system parameters of operation to assure successful injection results.

Abstract: A disposable unitary jet injector cartridge, filled with a medicament to be injected, includes an interrupted flange and collar adapted to releaseably affix the cartridge to a jet injector gun. When the gun is fired, a predetermined amount of medicament is injected from the sterile end of the cartridge without the need to sterilize either the gun or other portions of the cartridge. The cartridge is particularly useful for the self-administration of drugs and medicines by a patient.

Abstract: A needleless injection device has a housing containing a pilot valve connectable to a compressed gas source. A main valve is operatively connected to the pilot valve. The pilot valve and main valve form a two-stage valve with the pilot valve activatable to open the main valve utilizing gas pressure. Compressed gas in a reservoir flows through the open main valve to driven a plunger into an ampule to inject an injectant through a patient's skin.