Abstract:
An assembly for coupling a drug delivery device to a cartridge is disclosed. Optionally the assembly includes a coupling, for example a cannula, having one end extending toward the cartridge. The cartridge is optionally aligned by a guide. Optionally the cartridge has a limited freedom of movement. The coupling is optionally supported by a mount. In some embodiments, the mount is compliant enough that the end of the coupling that extends toward may move to said limited freedom of movement under a force less than a leak threshold of the connection between the coupler and the cartridge.
Abstract:
Apparatus is described for administering a substance to a subject. A vial contains the substance and a stopper is disposed within the vial and is slidably coupled to the vial. A first threaded element is (a) rotatable with respect to the vial and (b) substantially immobile proximally with respect to the vial during rotation of the first threaded element. A second threaded element is threadedly coupled to the first threaded element. At least a distal end of the second threaded element is substantially non-rotatable with respect to the vial, and the distal end of the second threaded element defines a coupling portion that couples the second threaded element to the stopper. The first threaded element, by rotating, linearly advances the stopper and at least the distal end of the second threaded element toward a distal end of the vial. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for state sensing and controlling of a multi-state drug delivery device. In some embodiments a power switch is reused as a state sensor. Optionally the state sensor may be toggled by user actions and/or the movements of parts of the device, for example needle and/or a protective element. Optionally, drug discharge and/or status indication is controlled in accordance with sensor output. In some embodiments control is by means of a processor. Alternatively or additionally, control is by means of simple physical circuits.
Abstract:
A cartridge insertion assembly including apparatus with a pathway formed therein, a cartridge including a cartridge coupling element connectable to an activation mechanism disposed in the apparatus operative to cause a substance contained in the cartridge to be metered out of the cartridge, and a door pivoted to the apparatus that includes a door coupling element arranged with respect to the cartridge such that when the door is in a fully closed position, the door coupling element couples the cartridge coupling element with a coupling element of the activation mechanism.
Abstract:
A method and device are disclosed for preventing a needle stick hazard in the event of a collapse of a protective needle flap of a portable drug pump. The device may include a needle guide, a secure space and/or a shield. A point of a needle is optionally deflected into a secure space upon collapse of the protective flap. The space may optionally be shielded. Optionally, the support linking the needle to the pump may pivot and/or translate. Optionally, there may be an exposing position wherein the needle protrudes through an opening in the flap. Optionally, the opening may be non-circular.
Abstract:
An alignment assembly for a cartridge interface of a drug delivery device is disclosed. The assembly optionally includes a coupling for opening fluid communication between the cartridge and the delivery device. For example, the coupling optionally includes a cannula insertable through a septum of the cartridge. The assembly may include a guide for positioning the cartridge and/or an access channel thereof within a first precision of a loaded position. The assembly optionally includes a cartridge engagement fitting (for example a gripping expander sleeve collar) attached to the coupling. Optionally when the cartridge is engaged to the fitting, the coupling is retained in connection with the access channel to within a second precision. The second precision is optionally higher than the first precision. In some embodiments one or more compliant supports movably retain the fitting oriented to engage the cartridge when the access channel is in the loaded position.
Abstract:
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing a compound device for use. The device may include a sealed component and an active outer surface. The outer surface may be protected by a surface cover. Preparing the device may include activating the active outer surface by removing the surface cover and exposing an internal portion of the sealed component to the exterior of the device by unsealing the sealed component and synchronizing the activating and said unsealing using a coupler attached to the surface cover and the sealed component.
Abstract:
An apparatus (110) includes an activation mechanism (20) and a safety latch (122). The activation mechanism is operative to deploy a needle (116) to protrude out of a housing (112), the needle (116) having a longitudinal axis. The safety latch (122) is movably mounted on the housing (112) and formed with a needle opening (129) to allow the needle (116) to pass therethrough. The safety latch (122) has a first position wherein the needle (116) is aligned to pass through the needle opening (129) and a second position wherein the safety latch (122) is moved with respect to the housing (112) such that the needle (116) is blocked from movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof by a portion of the safety latch (122) distanced from the needle opening (129).
Abstract:
Apparatus is described for administering a substance to a subject. A vial contains the substance and a stopper is disposed within the vial and is slidably coupled to the vial. A first threaded element is (a) rotatable with respect to the vial and (b) substantially immobile proximally with respect to the vial during rotation of the first threaded element. A second threaded element is threadedly coupled to the first threaded element. At least a distal end of the second threaded element is substantially non-rotatable with respect to the vial, and the distal end of the second threaded element defines a coupling portion that couples the second threaded element to the stopper. The first threaded element, by rotating, linearly advances the stopper and at least the distal end of the second threaded element toward a distal end of the vial. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Liquid drug transfer devices employing manual rotation of a drug vial adapter with respect to a liquid container adapter for dual flow communication step actuation for establishing flow communication between a liquid container containing liquid contents and an initially intact, namely, non-punctured, drug vial. Manual rotation compacts a liquid drug transfer device along a longitudinal device axis for urging a puncturing tip through a drug vial stopper during a drug vial flow communication step for flow communication with a drug vial interior. Manual rotation also executes a liquid container flow communication step for flow communication with a liquid container, therefore establishing flow communication between a drug vial and a liquid container.