Fluid transfer device

Abstract

A fluid transfer device (410) comprises: a housing (412) having an outer wall (422), a plurality of pairs of grooves (428, 430) formed in the outer wall, each pair of the plurality of pairs of grooves being diametrically opposed to each other; a needle interface (414) having an outer wall (56, 58) and an inner wall (472) extending internally across the outer wall (456, 458) to form an upper compartment and a lower compartment (492, 494), a first needle (474) extending upward from the inner wall (472) into the upper compartment (492), a second needle (476) extending downward from the inner wall into the lower compartment (494), the inner wall (472) having an opening to allow the needle to pass through the inner wall (472) and to pass through the inner wall (472). A fluid channel (478) is formed; a first filling bottle (416) having a plunger and a pierceable cover (490); a second filling bottle (480) having a plunger and a pierceable cover (484); a base member (418) having a base bottom wall (446) and a plunger wall (440) extending upward from the base bottom wall; and the arrangement is such that the first filling bottle (416) is inserted into the base member (418) so that the plunger is seated on the plunger rod (450), and the second filling bottle (480) is in the housing (412), wherein the pierceable cover (484) of the second filling bottle (480) faces the first needle (474).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid transfer, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for transferring a fluid from a first container to a second container filled with the fluid. Background Art

[0002] In the art, it is well known to transfer a liquid or fluid from one container to another, and many devices are used to facilitate this transfer. However, in the medical field, it is necessary to be very careful when doing so, while meeting all requirements such as aseptic. When it is necessary to transfer a liquid from a first container to a second container, and wherein the second container already contains liquid, a specific problem will occur. The second container is already full of liquid, and such a container will generally include a syringe body, which is a glass cylinder with a plunger at one end and a stopper or sealing member at the second end. Alternatively, a needle can be connected. Usually, the body has been sterilized together with the plunger, and because if more fluid is placed in the container, it will occur that it is unacceptable to allow the plunger to move into a non-sterile area. As used herein, the term "vial" refers to a glass container with a pierceable stopper, and a filling bottle is a glass container with a pierceable stopper and a plunger.

[0003] In some cases it is necessary to transfer such fluids between containers. An example of this is in the case of using liquids to freeze flesh (to make the flesh insensitive to pain). Typical injections for freezing require that the liquid to be injected is acidic. The acidic nature of the liquid subsequently causes pain to the patient. Therefore, it is desirable to use a compound such as sodium bicarbonate to neutralize or buffer the liquid. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a device and method for combining two liquids, thereby allowing a portion of a first liquid to be discharged into a storage portion of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a transfer device according to the present invention;

[0007] Figure 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a vial containing a medication;

[0008] Figure 3 is a side view of the syringe and plunger rod;

[0009] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer device before use;

[0010] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the device placed on a vial;

[0011] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the piercing of the vial;

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cover removed;

[0013] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a syringe being connected to a transfer device;

[0014] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a syringe ready to be placed on a vial;

[0015] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing the syringe connected to the vial;

[0016] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing the mixed components;

[0017] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view showing the aspiration of the mixture into the syringe;

[0018] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing placement of the transfer assembly onto a vial;

[0019] Fig.14 is an exploded view showing the transfer assembly and vial prior to insertion of the vial;

[0020] Fig.15A is a bottom perspective view of a transfer assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Fig. 15B is a bottom plan view of the transfer assembly;

[0022] Fig.16A is a perspective view of a transfer assembly according to another embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 16B is a bottom plan view of the transfer assembly;

[0024] Fig.17A is an exploded view of the transfer assembly;

[0025] Fig. 17B is a bottom perspective view of the transfer assembly;

[0026] FIG. 17C to FIG. 17E The sequence for placing the transfer assembly on the vial is shown;

[0027] FIG. 17F to FIG. 17H Another embodiment of the transfer assembly is shown placed on a vial;

[0028] Fig.18 is an exploded view of the transfer assembly;

[0029] FIG. 19A to FIG. 19D is a perspective view showing placement of the transfer assembly on a vial and removal thereof;

[0030] Fig. 20A is a side view of the transfer assembly after packaging;

[0031] Fig. 20B is an exploded view thereof; and

[0032] Fig.21 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly of the transfer assembly;

[0033] Fig. 22 is an exploded view of a syringe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 The housing and base member of the syringe;

[0035] Fig.24 is a side view of the base member;

[0036] Fig.25 is along Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0037] Fig.26 is a side view of a second filling bottle and a housing;

[0038] Fig.27A is a side view of a base member and a filling bottle inserted therein;

[0039] Fig.27B is along Fig.27A A cross-sectional view taken along line BB;

[0040] Fig.28A is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the syringe into which the filling bottle is inserted;

[0041] Fig.28B yes Fig.28A An enlarged view of the section line shown by the dashed line;

[0042] Fig.29 is a cross-sectional view showing advancement of the filling bottle into the syringe;

[0043] Fig. 30A is a cross-sectional view showing the piercing of the filling bottle;

[0044] Fig. 30B yes Fig. 30A An enlarged view of the portion indicated by the middle dotted line;

[0045] Fig.31A The final step of piercing and removing the filling bottle is shown;

[0046] Fig.31B yes Fig.31A An enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dotted line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Referring to the drawings in more detail and by reference numeral, a transfer system is shown generally at 10 and is adapted for use with a vial generally at 12 .

[0048] The vial 12 has a body 14, the neck of which is sealed by a septum 16, over which is a cap 18. A medication 20 is contained within the body 14 and typically comprises a dry ingredient, although a fluid may also be used.

[0049] The transfer system 10 comprises a housing 24 and a circular side wall 26. A projection 28 is provided on the circular side wall 26 near its bottom. A Luer connector 30 is provided at its upper end. An inner wall 32 is mounted with a needle 34 which is essentially hollow and has a piercing end 36. As previously mentioned, the needle 34 can be a long lancet.

[0050] Mounted inside the housing 24 is a movable member 40 having a top wall 42 with a hole 44 in the center of the top wall to allow the needle 34 to pass through. Extending downward from the top wall 42 are a first leg 46 and a second leg 48. The first leg 46 has an outwardly extending flange 50 at its bottom, while the second leg 48 also has an outwardly extending flange 52.

[0051] A cover 56 is provided to house the transfer system 10. The cover 56 has a side wall 57 with a groove 58 adapted to engage with the protrusion 28 to hold the transfer system 10 in place. The side wall 57 is provided at its bottom with an outwardly extending flange 60. The flange 60 is designed to receive a peelable sealing strip 62 to provide an airtight sealed package.

[0052] The delivery system of the present invention is preferably used with a filling bottle having a syringe body 66 and a plunger 68 mounted therein. A plunger rod 70 is designed to threadably engage the plunger 68. The syringe body 66 includes a stopper 72 so that the user can hold it properly with his hand. At its front end, the syringe body 66 includes a Luer connector 74. Although any desired fluid can be used, the syringe body 66 is generally filled with a diluent 76.

[0053] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the plunger rod 70 is connected to the plunger 68, and then forces the diluent 76 into the vial body 14, as shown in FIG. Fig.10The drug and diluent can then be mixed and Fig.11 As shown, the assembly is turned over. Then, the mixture 80 is aspirated back into the syringe body 66. Then when the needle assembly is connected to the Luer connector 74, the mixture 80 is ready for injection.

[0054] exist FIG. 17A to FIG. 17H In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , it should be noted that the housing 24 is provided with a pair of holes 86 on the side wall 26. In this embodiment, an additional pair of legs 87 are provided, each leg having a button 88 formed on its outer surface. In this embodiment, when the movable member 40 moves upward, the button 88 engages in the hole 86.

[0055] A rib 90 is provided on the inner surface of the wall 26, the rib having a groove 92 formed therein. Thus, when pressure is applied to the button 86 as the vial 12 is withdrawn, the movable member 40 will move downwardly until the top wall 42 engages the groove 92. This holds the movable member 40 in place for further use.

[0056] exist Figures 18 to 19D In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , it can be noted that the top wall 42 is provided with a projection 96 and a locking latch 98. A rib 100 and an inclined side wall portion 102 are provided on the interior. This arrangement is such that when the movable member 40 is moved upward, the projection 96 engages with the inclined side wall 102 to rotate the movable member 40. When withdrawn, the locking latch 98 engages with the rib 100 to prevent further use of the transfer member.

[0057] like Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B As shown, the transfer assembly will include a transfer device 202 as previously described herein. A cap 204 is mounted on the transfer device 202 and a removable seal 206 is applied.

[0058] The transfer device includes a needle assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 208, and is thus Fig.21 . The main body 210 has a needle 212 extending therethrough. The needle 212 is of metal material and is overmolded by the main body 210. The needle 212 includes a puncture tip 214 and a needle channel 216 extending therethrough. A plastic lancet 218 is formed as a portion of the needle 212. The plastic lancet has a puncture tip 220 having a lancet discharge channel 222 formed therein. As shown in the figure, the needle channel 216 and the lancet discharge channel 222 are arranged side by side, and a portion of the needle 212 forms a wall of the lancet discharge channel 222. Both the needle puncture tip 214 and the lancet puncture tip 220 are tilted to provide optimal puncture capability. As is known in the art, both tips are sharp.

[0059] It should be noted that the needle channel 216 extends slightly downward than the opening to the lancet discharge channel 222. In use, the lancet channel 216 is used to transfer medication or liquid to another container, while the lancet discharge channel 222 allows gas or liquid to flow out of it. When transferring from one container to another, the liquid in the second container will be discharged through the lancet discharge channel 222 to allow pressure to equalize and allow the liquid transferred through the needle channel 216 to flow smoothly into the second container.

[0060] Now refer to Figures 22 to 31B In the illustrated embodiment, a syringe, generally indicated by the reference numeral 410, is shown.

[0061] The fluid transfer device 410 includes a housing, generally indicated by the reference numeral 412 , a lancet interface, generally indicated by the reference numeral 414 , a filling bottle, generally indicated by the reference numeral 416 , and a base member, generally indicated by the reference numeral 418 .

[0062] The housing 412 is defined by a slightly oblong wall 422. The housing 412 has an open top 424 and an open bottom 426. A pair of lower grooves 428 are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. A pair of diametrically opposite upper grooves 430 and a pair of diametrically opposite middle grooves 432 are located at the upper portion of the wall 422. The wall 422 also has a pair of circular holes 438 formed in a diametrically opposite manner. Inside the wall 422, diametrically opposite lower ribs 436 are provided.

[0063] The base member 418 also has an overall oval configuration with side walls 440 and side pieces 442, which are diametrically opposed. On each side piece 442, there is a protrusion 444 extending outward. The base member 418 also includes a bottom wall 446. Inside the side wall 440, there are angle ribs 448, wherein the angle ribs are located near the corners of the base member 418.

[0064] The plunger rod 50 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 446. A pair of guide members 452 are provided, one on each side of the plunger rod 450.

[0065] The needle interface 414 includes a first side wall 456 and a second side wall 458. Each side wall 456, 458 includes a relatively flat outer edge and an arcuate interior between the flat portions. An upper tab 460 extends upward from the side wall 456, while an upper tab 462 extends from the side wall 58. A protrusion 464 is provided on the upper tab 460, while a protrusion 466 is provided on the upper tab 462. The needle interface 414 also includes opposite end walls 468, 470. An intermediate wall 472 is provided. The intermediate wall 472 does not completely extend across between the end walls 468, 470 and the side walls 456, 458, thereby leaving a passage 478 therein. An upper needle 474 is mounted on one side of the intermediate wall 472, while a lower needle 476 is mounted on the other side of the intermediate wall 472.

[0066] As shown in the drawings, the first filling bottle 416 is placed in the base member 418 so that the plunger 488 is seated on the plunger rod 450, while the pierceable cover 490 faces upward. Subsequently, the housing 412 has the first filling bottle 416 placed therein and the needle interface 414 inserted so that the protrusions 464, 466 of the upper tabs 460, 462 limit movement to prevent excessive movement. The downward pressure on the housing 412 and the first filling bottle 416 causes the pierceable covers 484 and 490 to be pierced, as shown in FIG. Fig.29 , 30A This will result in the transfer of liquid from the first filling bottle 416 to the second filling bottle 480. As previously described, due to the discharge needle, excess liquid is allowed to flow through the channel 478.

[0067] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer device (410), comprising: a housing (412) having an outer wall, a plurality of pairs of grooves (428, 430) formed in the outer wall of the housing, each pair of the plurality of pairs of grooves being diametrically opposed to each other; a needle interface (414) having an outer wall and an inner wall (472) extending internally across the outer wall of the needle interface, thereby forming an upper compartment (492) and a lower compartment (494), a first needle (474) extending upwardly from the inner wall (472) into the upper compartment (492), a second needle (476) extending downwardly from the inner wall into the lower compartment (494), the inner wall (472) having an opening therein to form a fluid passage (478); a first filling bottle (416) having a plunger and a pierceable cap (490); a second filling bottle (480) having a plunger and a pierceable cap (484); a base member (418) having a base bottom wall (446), a plunger rod (450) fixedly secured to and extending upwardly from the base bottom wall; as well as The arrangement is such that the first filling bottle (416) is inserted into the base member (418) such that the plunger is seated on the plunger rod (450), and the second filling bottle (480) is in the housing (412), wherein the pierceable cap (484) of the second filling bottle (480) faces the first needle (474).

2. The fluid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The needle interface (414) includes a first upper tab (460) and a second upper tab (462), each of the upper tabs having a projection extending outwardly therefrom, the projection being arranged to engage one of the plurality of pairs of slots (428, 430) formed in the housing.

3. The fluid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The first needle-shaped object has a piercing needle (218) adjacent thereto, and the piercing needle (218) and the first needle-shaped object have a common wall therebetween.

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